JP4341154B2 - Printing system and printing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a printing system and printing method for performing about a refund according to results of the voting content via the terminal. More specifically, the present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method capable of outputting not only refunds but also information related to voting contents or refund contents.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional voting ticket issuing devices in public competitions such as horse racing and bicycle racing simply issue a voting ticket that describes the type of voting ticket purchased, stadium name, race number, series number and voting amount. It was a thing. In other words, for those who purchased voting tickets, these voting tickets could only confirm the content of the vote. On the other hand, the conventional voting ticket refund device reads the contents of the voting ticket, compares the read contents with the result of the public competition, and calculates the refund amount when the result of the voting ticket is correct, The corresponding amount was refunded to the voter.
[0003]
Here, taking a horse race as an example, consider a case where a person who has purchased a voting ticket watches a game. In general, veteran fans who have a lot of knowledge about horse racing and frequently purchase voting tickets, the color of the jockey's hat corresponding to the frame number, the jockey's clothes, the number of the rider, the riding color of the horse, the color of the horse, He is familiar with horse running forms, etc., and watching the race with reference to these. As a result, it is possible to immediately determine the position of the horse that he voted for and the position at which the horse has finished.
[0004]
On the other hand, beginner fans who are not very familiar with horse racing often do not recognize the characteristics of jockeys and horses, and watch the race while relying on information such as bib numbers that can objectively identify horses. However, since many horses are running in a dumpling state during a race, it is not always easy to check the number of horses that you voted for. For this reason, beginner fans may not be able to fully enjoy watching the race. In addition, when the voting ticket was refunded, there was no memorial because there was simply a refund.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-described conventional voting ticket issuing device and voting ticket refund device. In other words, the issue is that the printing system and printing method can output not only the amount of money voted and the amount corresponding to the result of the race, but also the incidental information according to the needs of the person watching the competition. Is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the printing system of the present invention is based on the results of the voting ticket reading means for the terminal to read the contents of the issued voting ticket and the results of the voting ticket read by the voting ticket reading means. In some cases, there are provided refunding means for performing a refund corresponding to the voting ticket, and accompanying information output means for causing the printing means to output incidental information incidental to the voting contents of the voting ticket.
[0011]
According to this print system, when the voting ticket reading means reads the contents of the issued voting ticket at the terminal, the refunding means determines whether or not the voting ticket results are correct. When the voting ticket has a correct grade, a refund corresponding to the voting ticket is made. At the same time, the incidental information output means causes the printing means to output incidental information regarding the voting content. In this way, the user can obtain the desired information according to his / her level and preference, since the supplementary information can be output by the printing means in addition to simply performing the refund.
[0012]
Further , this printing system has a charging means for collecting a print fee and generating a print permission signal according to the collected print fee, and the printing means is within a range permitted by a print permission signal from the charging means. It intends line the output in. Thereby, it is possible to easily cope with the case where the purchase of the voting ticket or its refund and the printing by the printing means are separate accounts.
[0013]
In addition, the terminal has an identification means for identifying the voting ticket holder, a history reading means for reading past histories regarding voting and refund of the voting ticket holder identified by the identification means, and a voting content and history reading of the voting ticket. The balance calculation means for calculating a new balance of the voting ticket holder based on the history read by the means, and a new balance calculated by the balance calculation means is added to the incidental information that can be printed by the printing means. May be included. As a result, the betting ticket holder can confirm the history of voting results and results so far.
[0014]
In this type of system, there is generally a server that can be accessed by a terminal. Then, the terminal transmits the contents of the voting ticket read by the voting ticket reading means to the server, and the output contents of the incidental information by the printing means to the voting ticket owner when the voting ticket content is transmitted to the server. You may provide the selection means to select. That is, in this case, the refund means performs a refund based on a refund permission signal from the server. In addition, the output of the incidental information by the printing means and the contents thereof are determined by the choice of the voting ticket holder.
[0015]
In these print systems, voting contents include voting ticket type, stadium name, competition number, group number, and voting amount.
[0017]
Further, in the print method of the present invention, it receives the contents of the voting ticket read by the terminal at the server, on the voting card to the terminal by sending a refund authorization signal from the server in response to the contents of the voting ticket received A corresponding refund is made, and a voting ticket holder is prompted to print additional information incidental to the voting contents of the voting ticket, and printing is performed by the printing means in response to the printing request from the voting ticket owner.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment embodies the present invention as a system that is installed in a convenience store or the like and receives a vote for a horse race, that is, sells a betting ticket, or refunds after the race.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, this system is configured by connecting three devices, that is, a multimedia terminal 1, a copying machine 2, and a coin vendor 3. The multimedia terminal 1 includes a touch panel 11 for a user to make various operation requests, a cash slot 12 into which cash is inserted when purchasing a voting ticket, various cards, a user ID card, a voting card, and after a race. It has a card reader 13 that reads voting tickets and the like. The multimedia terminal 1 can access a server that supervises the issuance of voting tickets for horse racing and the exchange of money after the end of the race via the Internet.
[0020]
In the present embodiment, not only issuance of voting tickets and cashing after the end of the race, but also incidental information relating to them can be provided at the same time. The incidental information is information such as the state of the horse to vote, the past battle record, and its record, when a voting ticket is newly issued. Furthermore, by identifying the user, it is possible to provide the user's investment history so far. These supplementary information are printed by the copying machine 2 connected to the multimedia terminal 1. Further, the coin vendor 3 is for the user to insert a coin as a print fee when the user desires a print related to the above information. By connecting these three devices, the information provided from the server is output by the copying machine 2 via the multimedia terminal 1 within a range corresponding to the amount of money inserted into the coin vendor 3. .
[0021]
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of this system. The multimedia terminal 1 has a function for issuing a voting ticket and a function for refunding a voting ticket after the race. At this time, the multimedia terminal 1 also has a function of transmitting, to the copying machine 2, information obtained by synthesizing incidental information relating to the contents of the issued voting ticket or refunded voting ticket. In the copying machine 2, the acquired information is printed and provided to the user as desired by the user within the range permitted by the billing information from the coin vendor 3. Note that the money accepted by the coin vendor 3 is a charge for printing by the copying machine 2 to the last. The voting ticket purchase money is received at the cash slot 12 of the multimedia terminal 1.
[0022]
Next, the operation of this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, a user is identified (# 1). This is performed by reading a medium in which personal information such as a user's credit card or member's card is recorded by the card reader 12 of the multimedia terminal 1. Then, the user information is temporarily stored in the multimedia terminal 1. Subsequently, it is selected whether to purchase or refund the voting ticket (# 2). This is done by displaying a menu selection screen on the touch panel 11 of the multimedia terminal 1 and allowing the user to select one. If purchase of a voting ticket is selected, the process proceeds to # 3. If refund is selected, the process proceeds to # 4.
[0023]
In # 3 (purchase of voting ticket), first, the contents of the vote are read. This is done by marking the necessary items such as race type, stadium name, competition number, group number, and voting amount on the voting card (mark sheet) used in conventional general voting ticket sales offices. This is done by reading with the card reader 12. Or you may display the figure of a voting card on the touch panel 11, and make a user point and input. When the content of the vote is read, the multimedia terminal 1 communicates with the server, transmits the content of the vote, and asks for ticketing permission. When the ticket issuing permission signal is received from the server and the user inputs an amount corresponding to the voting content into the cash slot 13, the multimedia terminal 1 issues a voting ticket based on the voting content. When the user is identified (# 1) with a credit card or the like, the amount may be assigned to the card.
[0024]
In # 4 (refund), the voting ticket is first read. This is done by reading the voting ticket after the race with the card reader 12. Or you may search the content of the voting ticket which the user purchased from the user information identified by # 1 instead of reading a voting ticket. When the contents of the voting ticket are read, the multimedia terminal 1 communicates with the server and transmits the read voting contents. Then, the server verifies the received voting content with the race result. If the grade is correct and unpaid, a refund instruction is transmitted to the multimedia terminal 1. Then, the multimedia terminal 1 performs a refund process. That is, the cash corresponding to the grade is withdrawn from the cash slot 13. Or you may transfer to the credit card etc. which performed identification (# 1) of a user.
[0025]
After the voting ticket issuance (# 3) or refund (# 4) processing, the server adds information related to the latest processing to the user-specific history and stores it (# 5). And the total of the user's balance is also updated. User-specific histories are centrally managed in the server. Next, it is determined whether to print out the accompanying information (# 6). That is, for example, a menu selection screen for incidental information as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the touch panel 11 to allow the user to make a decision. Note that the accompanying information in FIG. 4 is merely an example. If the user has not requested to print out the accompanying information, (# 6: No) is determined and the process is terminated.
[0026]
When a user requests a printout of supplementary information: determining the (# 6 Yes). Then, the contents of the incidental information to be printed out are determined (# 7). This determination is based on the user's selection on the menu selection screen illustrated in FIG. Then, specific print data to be printed out is created (# 8). That is, the individual data corresponding to the content determined in # 7 and the predetermined format data used in the graph or table are appropriately combined. Then, the created print data is transmitted from the multimedia terminal 1 to the copying machine 2 (# 9). A specific example of an image printed out of the accompanying information will be described later.
[0027]
From here, the process proceeds to the copying machine 2. When the copying machine 2 receives the print data from the multimedia terminal 1, it determines whether or not the coin vendor 3 has received sufficient payment for printout based on the data (# 10). If a sufficient amount of money has been deposited in the coin vendor 3 (# 10: Yes), the accompanying information relating to the data is printed out (# 11). Then, the process ends. If the payment to the coin vendor 3 is insufficient at # 10 (# 10: No), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time limit has elapsed since the print data was received from the multimedia terminal 1 (# 12). If the time limit has not yet elapsed (# 12: No), the process returns to # 10. That is, it waits until a sufficient amount of money is paid to the coin vendor 3 or the time limit elapses. If the payment is satisfied before the time limit, the printout is made (# 11: Yes) (# 11). If the time limit elapses without payment being satisfied (# 12: Yes), the print data is discarded as a timeout (# 13). Then, the process ends.
[0028]
In this embodiment, the purchase price of the voting ticket is received at the cash slot 13 of the multimedia terminal 1 and the printing fee at the copying machine 2 is received at the coin vendor 3. The reason is that these are generally separate accounts. Of course, if it is the same account, or if the issue of reassignment between the two accounts has been solved even in different accounts, it is also possible to handle all the deposits on either side. Further, the data creation of # 8 may be performed by either the multimedia terminal 1 or the server. Alternatively, the image data processing function of the copying machine 2 may be used. In other words, various format data may be managed by any of the server, the multimedia terminal 1 and the copying machine 2.
[0029]
Next, a specific example of incidental information printed out by the copying machine 2 will be described.
[0030]
As a first example, when purchasing a voting ticket, an example of printing out incidental information according to the content of the vote is shown. FIG. 5 shows an example of the output. The output example of FIG. 5 includes the race name, the formula, the horse name and number, the investment amount and the expected refund amount from the current odds, the pattern of the jockey game, the horse condition, the horse weight, and the main results. It is posted. Of these, the pattern of clothes is useful for identifying horses at a glance at the race track. In this way, we can provide happy information to beginner fans. Each of these additional information can be selected by the user on the menu screen as shown in FIG. 4, and only desired information can be printed. In the output example of FIG. 5, the format data belongs to each character string of “investment amount”, “current odds” and “expected payout amount” immediately below the race name, left and right square frames, and “state” : "," Horse weight: "," main battle record: "and the arrangement of each element. Each element other than them is incidental information corresponding to the contents of the vote.
[0031]
As a second example, when a voting ticket is refunded after a race, an example of printing out incidental information according to the voting ticket is shown. FIG. 6 shows an example of the output. The output example in FIG. 6 includes the race name, expression, horse number, voting ticket grade (the letter “Match” indicates that the grade is correct), photos of the horse and jockey during the race, The official record of the race, investment amount, odds, and refund amount are posted. Among these, the official record results are distinguished from other horses by the underlined horses (which may be colored characters if the copying machine 2 is a color printer). In this example that is in the middle, the first and second place are like that. In other words, when you win, you can respond to the fan psychology that you want to keep such a thing in memory. Of course, the information desired by the user can be individually selected on the menu screen as shown in FIG. It is possible to print such incidental information even if the voting ticket is out of grade and cannot be refunded.
[0032]
As a third example, when purchasing or refunding a voting ticket, an example of printing out the user's past investment information is shown. FIG. 7 shows an example of the output. In the output example of FIG. 7, a list of race names, horse names and numbers, voting classifications, investment amounts, odds, refund amounts, and purchase dates on which the user has previously purchased voting tickets is listed. This includes information on the latest voting tickets that have just been purchased or reimbursed. Looking at such output, if you win, you will be upbeat, and if you lose, you will try your best next time. In the output example of FIG. 7, the table framework and title column belong to the format data. Individual information in each column is incidental information related to the user.
[0033]
As described above in detail, in this embodiment, when the user is identified by the card reader 12 of the multimedia terminal 1 and an input of voting content is received from the touch panel 11 or the card reader 12, the content of the voting is communicated with the server. It is decided to issue voting tickets according to the requirements. At the same time, according to the user's wishes, incidental information related to the contents of the vote is selected by the touch panel 11 and the incidental information is output from the copying machine 2. In this way, the copying machine 2 is attached so that not only the voting ticket itself but also the information attached thereto is output, so that the user can obtain necessary information according to his level and needs. Thereby, the interest of horse racing can be further increased.
[0034]
Further, according to this printing system, the content of the voting ticket issued by the card reader 12 is read by the multimedia terminal 1 and if the voting ticket results are correct, a refund corresponding to the content of the voting ticket is issued. It can also be done. At that time, the copier 2 can also output incidental information regarding the result of the voting ticket. As described above, the copying machine 2 is attached so that the supplementary information is output in addition to the payment, so that the user can obtain necessary information according to the needs. Thereby, the interest of horse racing can be further maintained and raised.
[0035]
The multimedia terminal 1 can also read past histories related to user voting and refunds identified by the card reader 12 and output them to the copying machine 2. The past history also includes a new balance based on the latest vote contents or refund contents. For this reason, users who have voted in the past can check the voting results and results so far.
[0036]
Further, in these print systems, the printing fee is collected by the coin vendor 3, and the copier 2 outputs incidental information within the range of the collected printing fee. Therefore, it is possible to manage the issuance and refund of voting tickets and the printing fee for incidental information in separate accounts. Further, the user only has to pay the coin vendor 3 for print fee and output the accompanying information only when desired, so that no unnecessary fee is paid.
[0037]
Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof.
[0038]
For example, in the present embodiment, horse racing has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to horse racing, but can be applied to bicycle racing, boat racing, auto racing, soccer lottery, and the like. Even if it is a lottery ticket, it can be applied although the incidental information is limited to the history.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the copying machine 2 is provided separately from the multimedia terminal 1 and is separately used for issuing voting tickets and outputting accompanying information. However, this is not essential. A system for printing out incidental information directly from the multimedia terminal 1 can also be considered. Or, conversely, if the copy machine 2 can handle a board for issuing voting tickets and can write the necessary authentication information, it can be considered that the voting ticket is also issued by the copying machine 2. .
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, according to the needs of the person watching the competition, not only the content of the vote and the amount corresponding to the result of the race, but also the accompanying information can be output. Possible printing systems and printing methods are provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram of a print system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a print system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart in the print system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu selection screen displayed on the touch panel.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an output example of incidental information when a voting ticket is purchased.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an output example of incidental information when a voting ticket is refunded.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an output example of past investment history.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Multimedia terminal 2 Copier 3 Coin vendor 11 Touch panel 12 Card reader 13 Cash slot

Claims (5)

In a printing system having a terminal and printing means,
Charging means for collecting a print fee and generating a print permission signal in accordance with the collected print fee;
The terminal is
And voting ticket reading means for reading the contents of the issue already of voting ticket,
Refund means for performing refund corresponding to the voting ticket when the result of the voting ticket read by the voting ticket reading means is correct;
Ancillary information output means for causing the printing means to output incidental information incidental to the voting content of the voting ticket ,
Said print means, print system, characterized in der Rukoto to perform output to the extent allowed by the print permission signal from said charging means. The printing system according to claim 1,
The terminal is
An identification means for identifying the voting ticket holder;
A history reading means for reading a past history related to voting and refund of the betting ticket holder identified by the identifying means;
Based on the voting contents of the voting ticket and the history read by the history reading means, the balance calculating means for calculating a new balance of the voting ticket holder,
In the incidental information that can be printed by the printing means,
A print system including a new balance calculated by the balance calculation means. In the printing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The terminal is
Access the server,
Voting ticket content transmitting means for transmitting the contents of the voting ticket read by the voting ticket reading means to a server;
A selection means for causing the betting ticket holder to select the output content of the incidental information by the print means when the refund is made by the refund means;
The refund means includes:
A printing system characterized in that a refund is made based on a refund permission signal from a server. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The contents of the vote include
A printing system including at least one of a group consisting of a voting ticket type, a stadium name, a competition number, a group number, and a voting amount. The voting information is collected and managed on a server, and a terminal capable of communicating with the server is made to perform refund related to the issued voting ticket, and additional information attached to the voting contents of the voting ticket is attached to the terminal. In the printing method for printing by the printed printing means,
The server receives the contents of the voting ticket read by the terminal,
Depending on the contents of the received voting ticket, a refund permission signal is transmitted from the server to cause the terminal to perform a refund corresponding to the voting ticket,
Encourage voting ticket holders to request additional information on incidental information accompanying the voting contents of the voting ticket,
Collect the print fee with the billing means and generate a print permission signal according to the collected print fee,
A printing method comprising causing a printing means to print within a range permitted by a print permission signal from the billing means in response to a print request from a betting ticket holder.

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