JP4301764B2 - Information provision device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus that provides a user with various types of information including odds information in horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, race holding information such as odds (estimated dividend rate) information and performance information is provided to users (fans) in races such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and boat racing.
[0003]
As a device for providing such race holding information, a device using a monitor device is conventionally known.
[0004]
Recently, in horse racing, a wide variety of betting methods such as wide have been adopted in addition to the conventional frame number, and the above-mentioned monitor device provides information to many users. When the corresponding odds information is provided, there is a problem that the user cannot easily confirm because the display becomes small.
[0005]
In order to solve such a problem, an odds information output device such as Japanese Patent No. 3212454 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-295305) is known as a device that provides odds information of a desired race for each user.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional odds information output device described above, a predetermined operation procedure is executed by operating a keyboard or a switch while looking at the display screen, so there are many cases in which an erroneous operation is caused. There were aspects that did not meet convenience.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information providing apparatus capable of providing a user with improved operability and easily maintaining the apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tuner that extracts holding information including odds information from a race holding center, a storage device that stores the holding information, a display that displays the holding information, and the In an information providing apparatus including a printer for printing event information, a data extraction unit that stores event information received by the tuner in the storage device, and a race date based on the event information stored in the storage device. As selected by the user, the odds information column that displays a list of the betting ceremonies of the race track, the race number, and the odds information to be acquired for each race number of the corresponding race track, the news column that indicates the news related to the race held in letters Display control means for displaying a print field for instructing printing of the odds information on the display, and the selection according to the instruction in the print field. Printing control means for outputting the odds information of the formula to the printer, charge calculation means for performing payment processing from the inserted card when the odds information is printed by the printing control means, and by the payment processing Means for generating unique first key information each time fee settlement is completed, the storage device in which fixed second key information is stored in advance, the first key information and the second key Means for generating the third key information from the information, and based on the third key information, the identifier of the available service, the card type, the card number, the card amount after the fee settlement, the update use date and the use Means for encrypting various information including a device number; means for writing the various encrypted information into the card; and the first key information and the second information in addition to the various encrypted information. Key feelings FromDifferent from the third key informationMeans for generating fourth key information and writing the obtained fourth key information to the card, and discharging the card upon completion of writing of the various encrypted information and the fourth key information Means for reading out the written key information and the encrypted various information from the card, and the read out fourth key information; Generating the first key information from the second key information in the storage device, and generating the third key information from the first key information and the second key information; And means for decrypting the read-out various encrypted information based on the key information.
[0009]
  According to the present invention, the user can select the odds related to the desired race from the displayed holding information.WhenIn addition, the odds information of the selected race can be printed, so that it is possible to provide an information providing device with improved operability for the user.
In addition, according to the present invention, since the information in the card is encrypted and written, and the encryption key is randomly changed, it is difficult to decrypt the information written on the card. Can be eliminated.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an information providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
In the present embodiment, the race is held by horse racing, and the held information such as odds information is extracted from teletext data distributed from a plurality of centers, and the held information is paid to the horse racing user using a prepaid card. It is an example of the apparatus which provides.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, there are a plurality of centers 100 </ b> A as centers that handle various types of information related to horse racing, and are connected to a racetrack 300 </ b> A and an out-of-field horse ticket sales section 300 </ b> B via a network 200.
[0015]
The race holding information providing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of one or more machines in the racetrack 300A and the out-of-field ticket sales office 300B, and receives text broadcast data distributed from the east center 100A and the west center 100A via the network 200. And extracting the holding information such as odds information (approximate dividend rate), holding place (race ground), race information such as race number, betting type information, race result, horse information such as horse weight, etc. from the received data, Provide information to users who use this device.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 2, the information providing apparatus 400 of this embodiment includes a base 401 and a housing 402.
[0017]
The housing 402 includes an LCD 403 with a touch panel switch that accepts display and selection for selecting odds information to the user, a call button 404 for calling an attendant by a call button 405 when a malfunction occurs in the machine, For example, a card reader / writer (R / W) 406 in which a prepaid card is inserted to pay for the provision of odds information printed by this machine, a door key 407 for opening and closing the door for inspecting the inside of this machine, There are provided a speaker 408 that informs the operation procedure by voice and a caller's call by voice, a printer 409 that outputs the odds information and the like, and an outlet 410 for the user to take out the odds information printed on the paper. Yes.
[0018]
The housing 402 is equipped with the hardware shown in FIG.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, an LCD (display device) 403 with a touch panel switch, a call button 404, a card R / W 406, a speaker 408, and a printer 409 shown in FIG.
[0020]
Also, the bus 411 is processed and created by a tuner 412 that receives teletext data distributed from the center 100A via the network 200, and each means comprising teletext data received by the tuner 412 and software described later. A storage device 413 for storing each piece of data is connected.
[0021]
The storage device 413 includes the following files.
[0022]
Management file for storing information reception status of event information received from teletext tuner 412, betting type attached to odds information (estimated payout rate) of each race included in holding information, and sales for each betting type Odds summary file that stores the essentials (presence of sale, etc.), horse weight file that stores the horse weight of the horse that runs in the race, odds file that stores the odds information of each race, and the results (competition results) of each race A race result file, a guidance file that stores guidance information indicating an operation procedure of the information providing device, a reception trace file that stores a trace of holding information received from the teletext tuner 412, system information of the information providing device (in the device Date and time, device identification number, operation time, etc.) and device operation management information (information for controlling device operation) are stored. Operation management file, accounting information file for storing accounting information for printing services, statistical information file for storing statistical information such as card usage status, error log file for storing device error log, validity of inserted card A card use history file for storing card history information for confirmation is provided.
[0023]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the software configuration includes a general-purpose OS 20, application software, and middleware 30. The application software and middleware 30 sets operation control information for controlling the operation of the apparatus.Information setting means301 and a function for extracting holding information such as odds information from teletext data from the center received by the tuner 412 shown in FIG.Information setting meansData extraction means having an error control function for teletext data received based on the operation control information set in 301302 andThe read / write function of the card inserted into the card R / W 406 shown in FIG.Information setting meansA card R / W control unit 303 having a monitoring function for monitoring a failure based on the operation control information set in 301, a function for transmitting print data to the printer shown in FIG.Information setting meansPrint control means 304 having a monitoring function for monitoring the printer based on the operation control information set in 301, a function for transmitting display data to an LCD (display) 403 with a touch panel switch shown in FIG. The function of receiving input data fromInformation setting meansA display control unit 305 having a display control function for performing display control based on the operation control information set in 301, a data extraction unit 302, a card R / W control unit 303, a print control unit 304, and a display control unit 305. Alarm notification means 306 for notifying staff members based on monitoring;Information setting meansCharge calculation means 308 for calculating a charge based on the control information set in 301 and the user's instruction content received by the display control means 305;Information setting meansAnd maintenance means 309 for referencing and changing each control information set in 301.
[0024]
still,Information setting means 301,The data extraction unit 302, the card R / W control unit 303, the print control unit 304, and the display control unit 305 also have a function of reading / writing information from / to the storage device 413 shown in FIG.
[0025]
Next, the operation of the information providing apparatus in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a mechanism for providing holding information to a user and a mechanism for providing maintenance information for the information providing apparatus. First, FIG. 5 illustrates operations related to a mechanism for providing holding information to a user. Will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information providing apparatus.
[0026]
First, when the user stands in front of the information providing device, the display control means 305 causes the management file, odds requirement file, horse weight file, race result file, guidance file stored in the storage device 413 from the data extraction means 302. The holding information and the guidance information are read out from, and the reception screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. (Step S1). The reception screen shown in FIG. 6 is a screen for providing holding information to the user. The information displayed in the odds information column 510 and the odds information column 510 provided to the user as information to be printed from this apparatus. Provided information content display column 520 indicating when the information about the race to be held, a switching column 530 for switching provided information to be displayed in the odds information column 510, a guidance column 540 indicating an operation procedure, and the like of the inserted prepaid card A card information column 550A for displaying the balance, a printing fee column 550B for displaying a fee for printing designated by the user, and a status display column 560 for indicating the status of the information providing apparatus are provided.
[0027]
Specifically, the odds information column 510 displays, for example, three racetracks held on the same day on the vertical axis and, for example, 12 race numbers for each racetrack on the horizontal axis in units of race dates. The betting type information for each race in the field is displayed in the corresponding column. The display contents of the betting type information include, for example, one or more combinations of a single win, a double win, a frame series, a horse series, a wide horse, a single horse, a triple horse, the presence / absence of a horse weight, and odds printing. This is a charge. In addition, the race deadline is displayed in the corresponding column of the race where the sales of the betting ticket has been completed, and the race result is displayed in the corresponding column of the race when the race is completed. Since this display screen is composed of an LCD 403 with a touch panel switch, when the operator touches the corresponding column in which the race number or the like displayed on the screen is displayed with a finger, the content of the instruction is recognized. .
[0028]
The provided information display column 520 indicates when the currently displayed holding information is information regarding the race to be held, and here, it indicates that the information on the race to be held on that day is displayed.
[0029]
The switching field 530 is for changing the information displayed in the odds information field 510. When displaying the information of the race to be held on the next day, the “previous day button” currently displayed is indicated. Then, the event information is switched to the event information related to the race to be held the next day, and similar event information is displayed.
[0030]
The guidance column 540 reads out the guidance file guidance information stored in the storage device 413 by the display control means 305 for the user of the apparatus, and the operation procedure (selection and printing of odds information) of the apparatus. indicate.
[0031]
The card information column 550A reads and displays the remaining amount of the prepaid card inserted by the user into the card R / W 406 by the card R / W control unit 303, and the print fee column 550B displays the fee required for printing. At 305, the accounting information file stored in the storage device 413 is extracted and the charge amount is displayed.
[0032]
The status display field 560 clearly indicates whether the current operation is selection of odds information, handling such as printing, or handling such as maintenance.
[0033]
Subsequently, when the user inserts a prepaid card in which a charge for using the information providing apparatus is set in advance into the card R / W 406 according to the display content of the guidance field 540 (step S2), the card R / W control means 303. The validity of the inserted card is checked (step S3). Specifically, the prepaid card includes an identifier (identification information of an available service (for example, a code indicating which services such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and boat racing can be used), a card type, and a card number (card creation date). (Date, serial number), card amount (initial amount at the time of creation, balance), update use date (last use date), device number used are encrypted and stored. Is stored in the card R / W control means, and similarly, an identifier (identification information of an available service (for example, horse race, Code indicating which services such as bicycle race and boat race can be used), card type, card number (card creation date, serial number), card amount (initial amount at the time of creation, balance), update information (last use year) time, ), The device number used, and the decryption key for decrypting the various information encrypted on the card are stored in the usage history file by the card R / w control means. Read the information, decrypt it using the decryption key, compare the various information written on the card with the information in the usage history file, and if they match, it is determined that the copied card is invalid and cannot be used. The card is ejected from the card R / W 406. When it is determined that the card is legitimate by checking the legitimacy, the remaining amount of the prepaid card is checked, and if it can be used, the operation screen shown in FIG. It should be noted that the information to be compared does not necessarily have to be compared with all the above-mentioned information, and the validity can be judged by comparing at least the device number used, the update information, and the card amount. If the inserted card is not available due to insufficient balance or a card that is not subject to the service of this device (identifier error), etc., the card is ejected and the card is urged to be reinserted. If the card is inserted again,Information setting meansIn 301, an error or the like is determined based on the number of retries set in the operation management file of the storage device 413.
[0034]
The operation screen shown in FIG. 7 displays the selected race fields 570A, 570B, and 570C, the operation content display field 580A, the news field 580B, and the cancel field 590A in addition to the reception screen shown in FIG. The balance of the card is calculated, and the balance is displayed in the card information field 550A as shown in the figure. The selected race column 570 has a display column for displaying the total number of races 570A selected from the odds information 510 displayed on the operation screen by the user, the selected number 570B in the current day race, and the selected number 570C in the previous day race. ing. The operation content display field 580A displays the content actually operated by the user. The news column 580B is extracted by the data extraction means 302 and stored in the storage device 413. The news related to the race, for example, “Kyoto Racecourse 4/6 (Sat.)” R5 has been canceled "and the like are indicated by characters by the display control means 305. By referring to the operation content display column 580A and the news column 580B, the user can immediately grasp the actual operation content and information related to the race holding.
[0035]
The cancel column 590A is a button for canceling the current operation. When this button is pressed, the display control unit 305 returns to the reception screen (FIG. 6).
[0036]
Subsequently, when the user instructs a display field in which a race desired to be printed is displayed from the odds information field 510 in accordance with the display contents of the guidance field 540 (step S4), the selected race is shown in FIG. The corresponding column of the displayed odds information column 510 is highlighted (indicated by hatching in the figure), and the selected race columns 570A, 570B, and 570C display the total number of races of the selected odds information, the number of selected races of the day, Each selected number is displayed. Here, as shown by 570A and 570B in the figure, two races are selected as a whole, and the breakdown shows the odds information relating to the current day race. Then, the operation content is displayed in the operation content display field 580A. Then, the usage fee is calculated by the fee calculation means 307, and the fee in the printing fee column 550B is displayed (step S5). In this case, “Kyoto Racecourse 4/6 (Sat) 4R has been selected” is displayed. Further, a print execution field 590B for printing the selected odds information is displayed.
[0037]
Next, when the user operates the touch panel switch of the LCD 403 with the touch panel switch to instruct execution of printing of odds information (step S6), “printing” is displayed as the status in the guidance column 540 as shown in FIG. At the same time, “printing” is also displayed in the operation content display field 580A. Then, the odds information corresponding to the race instructed by the user by the print control means 304 is extracted from the odds file in the storage device 413, and the odds information shown in FIG. 10 is printed and output from the printer 407 (step S7). Then, the printing fee calculated by the fee calculating unit 307 is settled from the inserted prepaid card, and the card R / W control unit 304 updates the card amount, the update use date, the device number used, etc. The written information is written, and the card is ejected from the card R / W 406. On the other hand, when the cancel field 590A is instructed, printing is not performed, the previous operation is canceled, and the display control unit 305 returns to the reception screen (FIG. 6).
[0038]
10 shows a print example 600 of odds information when printing is executed in the print execution field 590B, and FIG. 11 shows a print example 601 of results information.
[0039]
In addition, when the user is determined to be abnormal during the operation of the apparatus, due to the relationship with each setting in the apparatus stored in the operation management file of the storage device 413, the alarm notification means 306 provides a staff member. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, a message such as “Calling a staff member during a call. Please wait for a while” is displayed on the guidance section 305 based on the guidance file. And the status display field 560 is switched to “calling”. If a problem occurs during operation by the user other than an abnormality based on settings in the apparatus, the user is notified to the maintenance center by pressing the call button 405, and the display contents in the guidance column 540 and the like are the same. Switch to
[0040]
Further, the card validity checking process in step 3 is further enhanced in terms of security as follows.
[0041]
  Each information providing apparatus stores unique first key information and fixed second key information generated each time information is written to the prepaid card. Various information (identifier, card type, card number, card amount, date of update use) written to the prepaid card with the third key information generated from the unique first key information and the fixed second key information , Use device number) and write it to the card. In the card, in addition to various encrypted information, fourth key information generated from the first key information and the second key information as key information for writing to the card(Key information different from the third key information)Write. The writing of various information to the prepaid card is performed when printing is completed and fee settlement is completed.
[0042]
In addition, when restoring various information written on the encrypted card, the first key information is generated from the fourth key information read from the card and the second key information stored in the apparatus. Then, the third key information is generated from the generated first key information and the second key information, and various information written on the card is decrypted using the third key information. It is a mechanism for reading.
[0043]
In the present embodiment, the card use history file is stored in the storage device of each information providing device. For example, it is determined how many histories are stored, and the range of the history stored in the storage device is determined. Although it was explained as collating, for example, by using a system configuration that collectively manages the usage history of cards etc. of each information providing device at a centralized center etc., it matches the history information in the storage device of the device where the card is inserted If there is not, it is possible to confirm the correctness more accurately by adopting a mechanism for reading and collating the card usage history of other information providing devices managed by the centralized center.
[0044]
As described above, in the present apparatus, when printing odds information, since the holding information and the holding race are displayed on the matrix on the display screen, the user can select a plurality of holding information to be printed at a time. At the same time, the guidance and the contents of the operation are also displayed, so that the operation can be confirmed. Furthermore, for example, since information related to the holding information such as the cancellation of the holding race is displayed, it is possible to immediately grasp the change in the situation.
[0045]
In addition, it is possible to eliminate the use of unauthorized cards by comparing the information written on the card with the card usage history stored in the device, and the information in the card is encrypted and written, and the encryption key is entered. Since the mechanism is changed randomly, it is difficult to decipher the information written on the card, so that the use of an illegal card can be further eliminated.
[0046]
Next, an operation related to a mechanism for providing maintenance information of the information providing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a maintenance operation of the information providing apparatus. When a staff member inserts a maintenance card into the card R / W 406 with the information providing apparatus turned on (step T1), the card R / W control unit 303 determines whether the card is inserted via the display control unit 305. Each information is read from the operation management file of the storage device 413, and the maintenance main screen 700 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed (step T2).
[0047]
The maintenance main screen 700 includes a display guide field 710, a date field 720 indicating the time in the information providing apparatus, and a test print execution field for performing test printing when the printing paper provided in the information providing apparatus is replaced. 730C, a log print execution column 730A for printing an error log related to a device failure recorded in the apparatus, an all log print execution column 730B for printing all the logs recorded in the apparatus, , Prepaid card for payment (sales) and maintenance card used by users, usage number 740A on the day showing statistics of usage status in this device such as cutter for cutting printing paper, usage after this device is in operation Shows the total number 740B, the statistics column 740 composed of the number of uses 740C within the period set in the device, and the maintenance items provided by the device And it includes a maintenance item column 750A~750J, the guidance section 760.
[0048]
Here, the statistics column 740 will be specifically described. The statistics column 740 indicates the usage status of the apparatus, a prepaid card in which a charge for using the apparatus owned by the user is set in advance, or a maintenance card used by an attendant when performing maintenance. Is inserted into the card R / W 406 of this apparatus, the card R / W control unit 303 counts the number of cards used to be recorded in the storage device 413, and the odds information is provided in this apparatus according to the user's operation. This is a column for displaying the statistical value of the number of times the printing paper was cut out when printing and the total number of uses of the apparatus (including the case where the operation of the apparatus was canceled halfway). Each numerical value is recorded in the apparatus when the card is inserted into the card R / W 406 of the apparatus, and the cutter is recorded in the apparatus when the printing paper is cut out via the print control unit 304. Each statistical value is a period set in the apparatus as a daily usage number 740A for the current day, and a cumulative usage count 740B as a usage count from the start of operation of the apparatus to the current day. The number of usages is displayed as a periodic usage number 740C.
[0049]
Next, the maintenance item columns 750A to 750J will be specifically described. The maintenance items are maintenance information indicating the contents of maintenance, and can be broadly divided into log printing, operation control information printing, operation control setting information change, test printing, system storage / restoration (information storage), and trace operation settings.
[0050]
Log printing corresponds to the above-described log printing 730A and all log printing 730B, and operation control information printing corresponds to operation control information printing of the maintenance item 750A. The change in the operation control setting information corresponds to a system information change 750B, an operation management setting change 750C, a statistical information change 750D, and a billing frequency change 750E. System save / restore corresponds to system information save 750F and system restore 750G, and trace operation settings correspond to trace stop 750H and trace save 750I.
[0051]
When a staff member instructs the log print item 730A or 730B from the maintenance items on the maintenance main screen 700 displayed on the screen, in the case of the log print 730A, (step T3) the error log stored in the storage device 413 by the maintenance unit 308 An error log relating to device failure information is read from the file, and the error log is printed from the printer 409 via the print control unit 304. In the case of all log printing 730B, all logs stored in the error log file are read and printed. (Step T4).
[0052]
When the operation control information print 750A is instructed from the maintenance item on the maintenance main screen 700(Step T5), information setting means301, and the statistical information displayed in the statistics column 740 by the maintenance means 308 from the operation management file, billing information file, and statistical information file of the storage device 413, and the date, time, and device of this apparatus to be described later are specified. Device number, system information of work time (usually, extended) such as operating time of this device, system operation management information (for example, if the user does not operate this device for a certain period of time, an error will occur The setting time for returning to the initial screen, the number of times for setting the user's operation mistakes, etc.) and the like, and the print service fee (billing frequency) of the odds information for the user is read out, and the print control means 304 is used. The system information 800 and 801 shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. 16 is printed out from the printer 409 (step T6).
[0053]
When a change of setting information is instructed from a maintenance item on the maintenance main screen 700, that is, when a system information change 750B, an operation management setting change 750C, a statistical information change 750D, or a charge frequency change 750E is instructed (step T7) The screen is displayed (step T8), and the setting value is changed and updated by changing the setting data on each screen (step T9). Specifically, when the system information change field 750B is instructed by selecting the touch panel switch of the LCD 403 with the touch panel switch, the maintenance unit 308 reads the system information from the operation management file of the storage device 413, and displays it via the display control unit 305. A system information change screen 701 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. The system information displayed on the screen 701 can be changed by the maintenance means 308.
[0054]
That is, the race displayed in the news column 580 among the date, time, the device number for identifying the device, the business time (usually, extension) such as the operation time of the device, and the held information provided to the user. Settings such as whether or not to display teletext data such as holding information can be changed.
[0055]
When the operation management setting change field 750C is instructed by selecting the touch panel switch of the LCD 403 with the touch panel switch, the operation management information is read from the operation management file of the storage device 413 by the maintenance means 308 and is displayed in FIG. An operation management setting change screen 702 is displayed. The operation management settings displayed on the screen 702 can be changed by the maintenance unit 308.
[0056]
That is, a data reception interruption time for setting a time-out state when reception of teletext received from the center is interrupted, a customer operation waiting time indicating an operation monitoring time after the user inserts into the card R / W 406, this customer A magnetic card indicating the number of retries for waiting for a customer operation indicating the number of times voice guidance for prompting the user to operate when not operated within the operation waiting time, and the number of retries for reading a card inserted into the card R / W 406 by the user Settings such as the number of error retries and the maximum number of selected races indicating the maximum number of races that can be selected (print designation selection) by a user can be changed.
[0057]
When the statistical information change field 750D is designated by selecting the touch panel switch of the LCD 403 with the touch panel switch, the statistical information is read from the statistical information file of the storage device 413 by the maintenance means 308, and the statistical information shown in FIG. An information change screen 703 is displayed. The statistical information displayed on the screen 703 can be updated by the maintenance means 308.
[0058]
In other words, the number of cards used, the number of times printed paper was cut out, and the total number of use of this device (including the case where the operation of this device was canceled halfway) on the day after the operation of this device. It is possible to change the statistical information of the cumulative number of usages up to and the number of periodic usages within the period set in the apparatus and initialize the period statistical values.
[0059]
When the billing frequency change is instructed by selecting the touch panel switch of the LCD 403 with the touch panel switch, a billing frequency change screen 704 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and the billing frequency displayed on the screen 704 can be changed.
[0060]
When the print paper provided in the information providing apparatus is replaced, if the test print item 730C is instructed from the maintenance items on the maintenance main screen 700 (step T10), the print control means 304 performs test printing (step T11).
[0061]
When the system save / restore, i.e., system save 750F and system restore 750G are instructed from the maintenance items on the maintenance main screen 700 (step T12), the system is saved in the storage device 413 by the maintenance means 308. The system information is read from the stored operation management file and stored in the flexible disk (step T13). In the case of system restoration, the system information is restored by the maintenance means 308 from the flexible disk saved by system saving (step T14).
[0062]
When the trace operation setting, that is, trace stop 750H or trace save 750I is instructed from the maintenance item of the maintenance main screen 700 (step T15), the trace operation is set (step T16). Specifically, when the trace stop 750H is instructed, the maintenance means 308 sets the stop or start of the teletext data trace. Each time the trace stop column 750H is pressed, the trace is switched between start and stop. When the trace save 750I is instructed, the maintenance unit 308 reads the race information from the trace file in the storage device 413, and saves the trace data collected on the day in a preset storage device.
[0063]
When the maintenance end 750J is instructed on the maintenance main screen 700, the maintenance ends and the screen is switched to an information presentation screen to the user (step T17).
[0064]
The initial settings such as the period of the statistical information of the maintenance target information, the presence / absence of recording of log information, system information, operation management, and accounting frequency are set in advance for each information providing apparatus via (information setting means) 301. The maintenance means 308 is configured so that each preset value can be changed on the screen of the device for each device.
[0065]
In addition, regarding user operations based on the screen for providing held information provided to users,Information setting meansBased on the setting value set in 301 and stored in the storage device 413 of each device, the control means (data extraction means 302, card R / W control means 303, print control means 304, display control means 305) operates. Is controlled. For example, regarding the operation for use, if an operation error is set to 3 times, if the input error occurs 3 times, the display control unit 305 controls the operation to be unnecessary, and the user access is When there is no access for one minute, control such as returning to the initial reception screen (FIG. 6) is performed. In this way, when it is determined that there is a failure in relation to the set value, a notification is given from the alarm notification means 306 to the maintenance center where the staff is waiting. Based on this notification, the staff performs maintenance of the corresponding device.
[0066]
Also, for example, when the number of print paper cuts exceeds a set number, the print control unit 304 notifies the maintenance center via the alarm notification unit 307 and, as shown in FIG. The remaining amount of printing paper is displayed as a bar in the printing paper remaining amount display field 550C on the holding information provision screen 700 by the display control means 305. Therefore, the staff can visually grasp the remaining amount on the display screen of the corresponding device.
[0067]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user inserts the prepaid card to be applied to the apparatus into the card R / W 406, and interactively displays the LCD 403 with the touch panel switch and the touch panel switch selecting operation. By sequentially performing the process, desired odds information can be printed on the screens shown in FIGS.
[0068]
Further, according to the present embodiment, a staff member inserts a maintenance card applied to the apparatus into the card R / W 406, and sequentially performs display of the LCD 403 with a touch panel switch and selection operation of the touch panel switch in an interactive manner. Accordingly, it is possible to confirm and change desired maintenance information on the maintenance screens shown in FIGS. 14 and 17 to 20.
[0069]
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, screen generation and display are performed using a general-purpose OS, so the screens related to the odds information shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 and FIG. Even if a new betting system is adopted, it is possible to easily take a response. Similarly, since screen generation and display are performed using a general-purpose OS, the maintenance screens and their respective columns shown in FIGS. 14 and 17 to 20 can be changed as desired.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, the information providing apparatus has been described with respect to a horse racing information providing service as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In particular, regarding a mechanism for providing maintenance information, for example, a station, a public facility, a store, etc. The present invention can also be applied to an information providing apparatus that provides various types of information (event information, restaurant information, map information, vehicles (trains, buses, etc.)) that are provided to users installed in, etc. In this case, the information provided to the user is stored in the storage device 413 in advance, the provided information is extracted from the storage device 413 by the data extraction unit 302, and various information is stored in the display device 403 via the display control unit 305. Is displayed. The maintenance information indicating the contents of maintenance is basically the same as described above, and does not include billing information when providing information free of charge. In the above description, information provision using a card has been described as an example. However, statistical information related to card usage is not included when the card is not used, and statistical information related to printing is not included when the printing function is not provided.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the user can select the odds related to the desired race from the holding information displayed in a list on the information providing device, and print the odds information of the selected race. Therefore, the operability for the user is further improved.
[0072]
In addition, since a maintenance function for information for controlling the operation of the information providing apparatus is provided, maintenance at the time of failure can be easily performed for each apparatus.
Furthermore, since the security of the card used when using the information providing apparatus is enhanced, the use of an unauthorized card can be eliminated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation form of a holding information providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a holding information providing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a holding information providing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a software configuration of a holding information providing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of providing held information by the held information providing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a screen when providing holding information by the apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a screen when providing holding information by the apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a screen when providing holding information by the apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a screen when providing holding information by the apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of printed holding information.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of printed result information.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a screen when providing holding information by the apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of a maintenance function of the holding information providing apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a view showing a screen during maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a print output at the time of maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 16 is a view showing another example of print output during maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 17 is a view showing a screen during maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 18 is a view showing a screen during maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 19 is a view showing a screen during maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 20 is a view showing a screen during maintenance of the apparatus.
FIG. 21 is a view showing a screen when providing holding information by the apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
400 ... Race holding information providing device
401 ... stand
402: Housing
403 ... LCD with touch panel switch
404 ... Call button
406 ... Card R / W
407 ... Opening / closing door key
408 ... Speaker
409 ... Printer
410 ... Take-out
500 ... Held information screen
510 ... Odds information column
520 ... Information provision content display column
530 ... Switching field
540 ... Guidance column
550A ... Card information column
550B ... Printing fee column
560 ... Status display field
570 ... Selected race column
580A ... Operation content display column
580B ... News column
590A ... Cancel column
590B: Print execution column
700 ... Maintenance main screen
710 ... Display guidance column
720 ... Date column
730A, 730B, 730C ... Print execution column
740A, 740B, 740C ... Card statistics column
750A to 750J ... maintenance item column
760 ... Guidance column

Claims (3)

In an information providing apparatus comprising a tuner for extracting holding information including odds information from a race holding center, a storage device for storing the holding information, a display for displaying the holding information, and a printer for printing the holding information.
Data extraction means for storing the holding information received by the tuner in the storage device;
Based on the holding information stored in the storage device, an odds information column for displaying a list of betting ceremonies of the race track, the race number, and the odds information to be acquired for each race number of the corresponding race track in units of the race start date, Display control means for displaying on the display a news column indicating the news related to the character, and a print column for instructing printing of the odds information of the betting type selected by the user;
Print control means for outputting the selected betting-type odds information to the printer in accordance with the print instruction;
When the odds information is printed by the printing control means, a charge calculating means for performing the payment processing from the inserted card,
Means for generating unique first key information each time the charge settlement by the consideration payment process is completed;
The storage device in which fixed second key information is stored in advance;
Means for generating third key information from the first key information and the second key information;
Based on the third key information, means for encrypting various kinds of information including an identifier of an available service, a card type, a card number, a card amount after the fee settlement, an updated use date, and a used device number;
Means for writing the various encrypted information to the card;
In addition to the various encrypted information, fourth key information different from the third key information is generated from the first key information and the second key information, and the obtained fourth key is obtained. Means for writing information to the card;
Means for discharging the card upon completion of writing of the various encrypted information and the fourth key information;
Means for reading out the fourth key information and the various encrypted information from the card when restoring the written various information written;
First key information is generated from the read fourth key information and second key information in the storage device, and third key information is generated from the first key information and the second key information. Means for generating
An information providing apparatus comprising: means for decrypting the read-out various encrypted information based on the third key information. A tuner for extracting event information including odds information from a race center, a storage device for storing the event information, a display for displaying the event information, a card reader / writer for handling the card, and a printer for printing the event information In the information providing device,
Data extraction means for storing the holding information received by the tuner in the storage device;
Based on the holding information stored in the storage device, an odds information column for displaying a list of betting ceremonies of the race track, the race number, and the odds information to be acquired for each race number of the corresponding race track in units of the race start date, Display control means for displaying on the display a news column indicating the news related to the character, and a print column for instructing printing of the odds information of the betting type selected by the user;
Print control means for outputting the selected betting-type odds information to the printer in accordance with the print instruction;
When the odds information is printed by the printing control means, a charge calculating means for performing a payment process from the card inserted into the card reader / writer,
Means for generating unique first key information each time the charge settlement by the consideration payment process is completed;
The storage device in which fixed second key information is stored in advance;
Means for generating third key information from the first key information and the second key information;
Based on the third key information, means for encrypting various kinds of information including an identifier of an available service, a card type, a card number, a card amount after the fee settlement, an updated use date, and a used device number;
Means for writing the various encrypted information to the card by the card reader / writer;
Fourth key information different from the third key information is generated from the first key information and the second key information, and the obtained fourth key information is written to the card by the card reader / writer. Means,
Means for discharging the card from the card reader / writer upon completion of writing of the various encrypted information and the fourth key information;
Means for reading out the fourth key information and the various encrypted information from the card by the card reader / writer when restoring the various encrypted information written in the card;
First key information is generated from the read fourth key information and second key information in the storage device, and third key information is generated from the first key information and the second key information. Means for generating
An information providing apparatus comprising: means for decrypting the read-out various encrypted information based on the third key information.   3. The information providing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising card reader / writer control means for checking the validity of the card, wherein the holding information is displayed on the display when the card is valid.

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