JP5007514B2 - Automatic ticketing machine, automatic ticketing system, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic ticketing machine, an automatic ticketing system, and a computer program, and in particular, an automatic ticketing machine and an automatic ticketing system to which a user (customer) selects a seat position when issuing a seat designation ticket. , And computer programs.

  When purchasing reserved seat tickets for trains using a customer-operated automatic ticketing machine, it is possible to specify the train by section, date and time, and also specify the equipment (ordinary car / green car, non-smoking car / smoking car, etc.) (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). However, the seat location could not be specified and reserved. In addition, there is a technology for reserving seats for aircraft by specifying the seat position, but it is difficult to apply this technology to train seat designation. The train has an extraordinary number of seats compared to an aircraft, such as a 16-car train, and has a very elongated shape. In the case of train seat designation, unlike aircraft, the range is wide even if the area is narrowed by rough selection of the front, center, rear, window side, passage side, etc., and the operability of the automatic ticketing machine is very poor. It took a lot of time.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-293796

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of conventional automatic ticketing machines, and the object of the present invention is to issue a train seat reservation ticket having a large number of seats and a specific shape. It is to provide an automatic ticketing machine, an automatic ticketing system, and a computer program that can make a reservation specifying the position of a seat and are excellent in operability.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the automatic ticketing machine (100) for issuing a designated seat ticket, guidance for issuing the designated seat ticket is displayed and an information input operation is performed. A display input unit (120) for receiving is provided. When a user selects a seat position using the display input unit, a train and equipment are specified based on information input to the display input unit, and the display input is performed. For each vehicle of the identified train, information on equipment and information on the number of seats are displayed on the section, and when a vehicle is selected based on the displayed information, a seat is displayed on the selected vehicle. An automatic ticket-issuing machine (100) is provided, characterized in that information on position and information on the number of seats are displayed.

  According to this automatic ticketing machine (100), when issuing a seat reservation ticket for a train having a large total number of seats and a specific shape, a train is selected by referring to information on equipment and information on vacant seats. In addition, it is possible to make reservations that identify vehicles equipped with the desired equipment by simultaneously displaying the equipment information and vacant seat information on the screen for each vehicle of the selected train. The automatic ticketing machine (100) that satisfies the above can be provided. In addition, it is possible to prevent a vehicle that does not include the specified equipment from being selected, and to prevent a mistake that an undesired vehicle is selected by an erroneous operation or the like.

  Information related to facilities and information related to the number of seats may be displayed on the display input unit for all the vehicles of the specified train. This feature relates to the invention described in claim 2. With this configuration, it is possible to refer to the facility information and the vacant seat information for the vehicle having the unspecified facility. As a result, even when the number of vacant seats of the vehicle equipped with the desired equipment is small and a preferred vehicle cannot be extracted, it becomes possible to grasp the vacant seat situation of the vehicle equipped with other equipment. As a result, there is an effect that the range of vehicle information that can be grasped by the user is widened.

  The display input unit further displays information on equipment and information on vacant seats for a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment, and can select a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment. There may be. This feature relates to the invention described in claim 3. With this configuration, even if it is desired to select a vehicle other than a vehicle equipped with the desired equipment, there is no need to return to the previous stage of operation, and the convenience of the user is improved. It becomes easy to select a vehicle freely.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic ticketing machine (100) for issuing a designated seat ticket, a guide for issuing the designated seat ticket is displayed and an information input operation is performed. A display input unit that accepts, when the user selects a seat position by using the display input unit, a train is specified based on information input to the display input unit; For each vehicle of the selected train, information on the facility and information on the number of seats are displayed. When a vehicle is selected based on the displayed information, information on the seat position and the number of seats are selected for the selected vehicle. An automatic ticket-issuing machine (100) is provided, characterized in that information on the information is displayed. This feature relates to the invention described in claim 4.

  According to this automatic ticketing machine (100), when issuing a seat reservation ticket for a train having a total number of seats and a specific shape, it is possible to select a train by referring to information on vacant seats. By displaying the equipment information and vacancy information on the screen for each train vehicle at the same time, it is possible to make a reservation that identifies the vehicle equipped with the desired equipment, and it is easy to operate and is an automatic ticketing machine that satisfies the user ( 100) can be provided. In addition, when detailed equipment information is important, the equipment information for each vehicle is displayed together with vacant seat information without selecting a rough equipment as in the automatic ticketing machine (100). This makes it possible to quickly select the desired vehicle.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the third aspect of the present invention, information is sent between an automatic ticketing machine (100) for issuing a reserved seat ticket and information on trains and the automatic ticketing machine (100). In the automatic ticketing system including the host (200) capable of transmitting and receiving, the automatic ticketing machine (100) includes a display input unit for displaying information for issuing the designated seat ticket and receiving an information input operation, When the user uses the display input unit to select a seat position, the automatic ticketing machine (100) transmits information input to the display input unit to the host (200), and the host (200) Identifies trains and facilities based on the information input to the display input unit, and transmits information on vacant seats to the automatic ticket-issuing machine (100) for each vehicle of the specified train, and the display input Part For each vehicle of the identified train, information on facilities and information on the number of seats are displayed, and when a vehicle is selected based on the displayed information, information on the seat position for the selected vehicle An automatic ticketing system is provided, in which information on the number of seats is displayed. This feature relates to the invention described in claim 5.

  According to such an automatic ticketing system, when issuing a seat reservation ticket for a train having a large total number of seats and a specific shape, it is possible to select a train by referring to information on vacant seats. To provide an automatic ticketing system that makes it possible to make reservations that identify vehicles equipped with the desired equipment by displaying equipment information and vacancy information on the screen at the same time. Can do. In addition, it is possible to restrict a vehicle other than a vehicle having the specified equipment from being selected, and it is possible to prevent an error in selecting an undesired vehicle by an erroneous operation.

  The display input unit may display information on equipment and information on the number of vacant seats for all vehicles of the specified train. This feature relates to the invention described in claim 6. With this configuration, it is possible to refer to the facility information and the vacant seat information for the vehicle having the unspecified facility. Therefore, even if the number of vacant seats in the vehicle equipped with the desired equipment is small and the preferred vehicle cannot be found, it becomes possible to grasp the vacant seat situation of the vehicle equipped with other equipment, and the user can select the vehicle. There is an effect of widening the width.

  The display input unit further displays information on equipment and information on vacant seats for a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment, and can select a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment. There may be. This feature relates to the invention described in claim 7. With this configuration, even if it is desired to select a vehicle other than a vehicle equipped with the desired equipment, there is no need to return to the previous stage of operation, and the convenience of the user is improved. It becomes easy to select a vehicle freely.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as the automatic ticketing machine (100) according to the first aspect of the present invention, and a computer readable recording the program. A recording medium is provided. Here, the program may be described in any programming language. In addition, as a recording medium, for example, a recording medium that is currently used as a recording medium capable of recording a program, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a flexible disk, or any recording medium that is used in the future should be adopted. Can do. A computer according to this aspect relates to the invention described in claim 8.

  In the above description, the reference numerals in parentheses attached to the constituent elements are merely shown as examples of corresponding constituent elements in the embodiments and drawings described below for easy understanding. It is not limited to.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when issuing a seat reservation ticket for a train having a large total number of seats and a specific shape, the facility information and the vacant seat information for each vehicle are displayed on the same screen. It is possible to specify and reserve a seat after specifying a vehicle equipped with the desired equipment, and to provide an automatic ticketing machine and a computer program that are excellent in operability and satisfy users. . Other effects of the present invention will be described in the section of the best mode for carrying out the invention below.

  Exemplary embodiments of an automatic ticketing machine and a computer program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic ticketing system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic ticketing system 10 includes an automatic ticketing machine 100 that is operated by a user (a customer who purchases a boarding ticket) and a host 200 that manages train information. The automatic ticketing machine 100 and the host 200 are installed at spatially separated positions, and are configured to be able to communicate in some form and exchange information. These system components are described below.

(Automatic ticketing machine 100)
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic ticketing machine 100 displays a control unit 110 that controls the entire apparatus, a display unit 120 with a touch panel that displays an information input operation and displays guidance for ticketing, In the coin unit 130 and the bill unit 140 for performing ticket purchase price processing, the card processing unit 150 for processing a card for ticket purchase price processing, and information input to the display unit 120 with a touch panel and the host 200 Based on the managed information, the ticket issuing unit 160 records predetermined information on the ticket and issues a ticket, the storage unit 170 that stores various information and processing programs for issuing the ticket, and the host 200 communicate with each other. A communication unit 180 for performing the operation is provided.

(Control unit 110)
The control unit 110 includes a CPU, for example, and executes a ticket issuing process and the like based on a predetermined control program (for example, a program stored in a storage unit 170 described later), and controls the entire automatic ticketing machine 100. It is a functional part to control.

(Display unit 120 with touch panel)
The display unit 120 with a touch panel is an example of the display input unit of the present invention, and is a functional unit that displays information for issuing a ticket and accepts an information input operation. The display unit 120 with a touch panel includes a display unit (CRT display, liquid crystal display, plasma display, or the like) that can switch and display a ticket purchase guide screen. Furthermore, the display unit employs a touch panel system that allows the user to perform various operations by touching the display surface with a finger or the like. On the display unit 120 with a touch panel, for example, a selection screen for selecting the type of a boarding ticket or a designated ticket, or a 50-sound kana input screen for searching for a station name of a boarding station or a boarding station to purchase a designated ticket The user can perform a ticket purchase operation by touching the touch panel of the display unit 120 with a touch panel with a finger or the like.

(Coin part 130, banknote part 140)
The coin part 130 and the banknote part 140 are functional parts for performing a payment process for purchasing a ticket. The coin part 130 handles the deposit and withdrawal of coins, and the banknote part 140 handles the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes. Moreover, you may make it provide the function part which issues various slips, such as a receipt and a card usage statement, as a function part which performs a price process after a price process.

(Card processing unit 150)
The card processing unit 150 is a functional unit that processes a card for processing a purchase ticket. In this embodiment, a credit card, a prepaid card, etc. are assumed as a card for price processing. The information recording means of the card is assumed to be IC or magnetism, and it is assumed that the information in the card can be read / written mechanically or artificially.

(Ticketing section 160)
The ticket issuing unit 160 records predetermined information on a boarding ticket (including reserved seat tickets, limited express tickets, commuter passes, etc.) based on information input to the display unit 120 with a touch panel and information managed by the host 200. It is a functional unit that issues tickets. For example, the ticket issuing unit 160 can issue a magnetic ticket (print on the surface, record on the magnetic surface).

(Storage unit 170)
The storage unit 170 is a functional unit that stores various information and programs for issuing a ticket. The storage unit 170 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, an FD driver to which an FD is mounted, an HD driver to which an HD (hard disk) is mounted, an MO driver to which an MO (magneto-optical) disk is mounted. Further, the storage unit 170 may store and hold various information input from the user temporarily or for a certain period. In addition, the storage unit 170 may temporarily store vacant seat information from the host 200 and periodically update the vacant seat information from the host 200.

(Communication unit 180)
The communication unit 180 is a functional unit that communicates with the host 200. A connection unit between the communication unit 180 and the host 200 is arbitrary. For example, the communication unit 180 and the host 200 may be connected via a dedicated line, or may be connected via the Internet via a public line by applying some security means (for example, SSL).

  The functional configuration of the automatic ticketing machine 100 operated by the user has been described above. The above configuration is merely an example of the functional configuration of the automatic ticketing machine 100. In addition to this, for example, an intercom device for talking with a station staff may be provided integrally with the automatic ticketing machine 100 or around the automatic ticketing machine 100.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the appearance of the automatic ticketing machine 100. In this example, an clerk call button 190 for calling an clerk when the operation of the automatic ticketing machine 100 is not known is provided on the front of the apparatus. The coin unit 130 includes a coin slot and a coin outlet. The coin insertion slot is for inputting coins, and for example, a plurality of coins can be input together. Moreover, change, coins, etc. are discharged from the coin discharge port. Moreover, the banknote part 140 contains a banknote insertion port and a banknote discharge port. From the bill insertion slot, 10,000 yen bills, 5,000 yen bills, 2000 yen bills and 1000 yen bills are inserted. From the bill outlet, 5,000 yen bills, two thousand yen bills, and one thousand yen bills are discharged. The other components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The automatic ticket issuing machine 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above. The automatic ticketing machine 100 can cause the computer to function as the automatic ticketing machine 100 by incorporating a computer program for realizing the above functions into the computer. Such a computer program can be distributed in the market in a form recorded on a predetermined recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM) or downloaded via an electronic network. The operation of the automatic ticketing machine 100 will be further described later.

(Host 200)
The host 200 is connected to the communication unit 180 of the automatic ticketing machine 100 and manages various kinds of information for ticketing. Information managed by the host 200 includes train seat reservation information and vacant seat information. The host 200 has a function of returning train vacant seat information and a function of reserving a train seat in response to a request from the automatic ticketing machine 100.

The configuration of the automatic ticketing system 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above.
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment. 4-15 is explanatory drawing which shows the information displayed on the display part 120 with a touch panel of the automatic ticketing machine 100. FIG.

<Menu selection (step S102)>
As shown in FIG. 4, a ticket type selection screen is displayed on the display unit 120 with a touch panel. In the case where the automatic ticketing machine 100 is a device that issues a commuter pass in addition to a normal ticket, as shown in FIG. 4, as “designated seat ticket”, “free seat ticket”, “commuter pass” , Ticket types that can be issued are displayed. The user can select the type of boarding ticket by directly touching the “designated seat ticket”, “free seat ticket”, and “commuter pass” areas displayed on the display unit 120 with a touch panel with a finger or the like. (The same applies to the following screens.) To cancel the purchase operation, touch the “Cancel” button at the bottom right of the screen. Hereinafter, a case where the user selects “reserved seat ticket” will be described.

<Ride station name input (step S104)>
When the user selects “reserved seat ticket” on the menu selection screen, the boarding station name input screen is displayed on the display unit 120 with a touch panel, as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the following method is adopted as an example of inputting and selecting a boarding station name. First, kana is displayed on the boarding station name input screen shown in FIG. 5, and the user inputs the boarding station name. If you make a mistake, press the “Correction” key at the top right of the screen. Proceed to the next stage when the number of boarding stations starting with the input Kana is narrowed down to a predetermined number, for example, when the number is narrowed within the number that can be displayed on one screen, or when the “Confirm” key is pressed .

<Ride station name selection (step S104)>
When the boarding station names are narrowed down to a predetermined number or when the “confirm” key is pressed, the boarding station name selection screen is displayed on the display unit 120 with a touch panel as shown in FIG. This example shows a case where the “confirm” key is pressed when “toe” is input on the boarding station name input screen. In this example, the number of boarding station names starting with “Toe” exceeds the number that can be displayed on one screen (20 in this example), so the screen switching keys “Previous” and “Back” are displayed. ing. The user can confirm the remaining boarding station name candidates by pressing the “forward” and “back” keys that are the screen switching keys.

<Getting off station name input (step S106)>
When the boarding station is confirmed, as shown in FIG. 7, an exit station name input screen is displayed on the display unit 120 with a touch panel. As an example of input and selection of alighting station name, the same system as the above-described input and selection of a boarding station name can be adopted. Therefore, when the number of getting-off stations starting with the input kana is narrowed down to a predetermined number, for example, when it is narrowed within the number that can be displayed on one screen, or when the “Confirm” key is pressed, the next stage Proceed to

<Getting off station name selection (step S106)>
When the getting-off station names are narrowed down to a predetermined number, or when the “confirm” key is pressed, the getting-off station name selection screen is displayed on the display unit 120 with the touch panel as shown in FIG. This example shows a case where the “confirm” key is pressed when “toe” is entered on the exit station name input screen. In this example as well, the number of getting off station names starting with “To” exceeds the number that can be displayed on one screen (20 in this example), so the screen switching keys “Previous” and “Back” are displayed. ing. The user can confirm the remaining station name candidates by pressing the “forward” and “back” keys that are the screen switching keys.

<Entering boarding date / boarding time (steps S108, S110)>
When the boarding station name and the getting-off station name are confirmed, a boarding date / boarding time input screen is displayed as shown in FIG. In this example, the user can input a boarding date and boarding time by pressing a numeric key. Instead of entering the boarding time, the getting-off time may be input together with the boarding time. Further, instead of inputting what time and what time, it may be input after what time. The boarding date input screen and the boarding time input screen may be different screens.

<Passenger number input (step S112)>
When the boarding date and boarding time are determined, a passenger number input screen is displayed as shown in FIG. In this example, the user can input the number of passengers by pressing a numeric key.

<Vacant seat inquiry-Vacant seat answer (steps S114-S118)>
When various types of information (ticket type, boarding station name, getting-off station name, boarding date, boarding time, number of passengers) are input by the user, the automatic ticketing machine 100 transmits the various information to the host 200 and sends it to the host 200. An empty seat inquiry is performed (step S114). The host 200 searches for vacant seats based on various information transmitted from the automatic ticketing machine 100 (step S116), and uses the searched vacant seat information (information for identifying a train, departure and arrival times, number of remaining seats). (Step S118).

<Train / equipment selection (step S120)>
When vacant seat information is returned from the host 200, a train / equipment selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. On the train / equipment selection screen, the departure time, arrival time, and train name of one or more trains are displayed along with the boarding section, and the equipment (non-smoking / smoking, normal car / green car, A sleeper / B sleeper) , General vehicle / private room vehicle, etc.). For example, when the number of vacant seats is less than the number of passengers, “X” is indicated, and when the number of vacant seats is (passenger number + predetermined number) or more, “○” is indicated, and the number of seats is (passenger number + predetermined number). If it is less than (number), it can be indicated by “Δ”. The user can select a train and equipment by pressing the “◯” or “△” part. The “×” button that cannot be pressed may be displayed in a color that can be distinguished from other buttons. It is also possible to limit the information selected at this stage to trains only. In that case, the facility is selected at the subsequent vehicle designation stage.

<Selection of seat position designation (step S122)>
When a train and equipment are selected, a seat position designation presence / absence selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 12, and the user is asked to select whether or not to designate the seat position. In the following description, it is assumed that “seat position designation” is selected.

<Vehicle vacancy information inquiry to vehicle vacant seat answer (steps S124 to S128)>
When the seat position designation is selected, in step S124, the automatic ticketing machine 100 inquires of the host 200 about the vacant seat status and facility information of all vehicles. In step S126, the host 200 retrieves the vacant seat status of all the vehicles, and further returns the extracted vacant seat information to the automatic ticketing machine 100 in step S128. At the same time, the host 200 searches for equipment information for each vehicle and returns the extracted equipment information to the automatic ticketing machine 100. More specifically, the vehicle code of each vehicle, the facility information of each vehicle corresponding to the vehicle code, and the number of vacant seats of each vehicle are extracted and transmitted to the automatic ticket issuing machine 100. Of course, if other information about each vehicle is registered, it can also be extracted.

<Vehicle selection (step S130)>
When the facility information and vacant seat information of all the vehicles are answered from the host 200, a vehicle designation screen is displayed on the display means 120 with a touch panel as shown in FIG. On the vehicle designation screen, the car number is displayed for all the vehicles, and the status of the number of vacant seats is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner according to the car number. The equipment of each vehicle is also displayed at the same time. Specifically, the facility information includes distinction between non-smoking vehicles / smoking vehicles, ordinary vehicles / green vehicles / sleepers, A-sleepers / B-sleepers, general vehicles / private-vehicles, etc. Special vehicles with larger windows may be provided to enjoy the scenery, and information about these facilities is displayed. At this stage, more detailed facility information than the facility information displayed in step S120 may be displayed.

  For the display of the number of vacant seats, for example, symbols representing a predetermined number of vacant seats such as “◯”, “Δ”, and “×” are used. Each symbol has the following states: “○: number of vacant seats ≧ specified number of passengers + predetermined number”, “△: number of specified passengers ≦ number of occupant seats <specified number of passengers + predetermined number”, “×: number of vacant seats <specified number of passengers” To express. It should be noted that each symbol may be displayed with an annotation such as “◯: many seats available”, “Δ: few seats available”, “×: no seats available”, etc. Moreover, the vehicle number of the vehicle provided with the equipment not selected in step S120 and the vehicle number of the vehicle provided with the selected equipment may be displayed by a display method that can be easily distinguished. Similarly, a vacant seat symbol of a vehicle having a small number of vacant seats and displayed as “×” may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other vacant seat symbols. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, it may be distinguished by the color in the frame of the car number or vacant seat symbol, or the display / non-display of characters may be switched.

  As described above, it is possible to simultaneously grasp the information about the facilities and the information about the number of vacant seats for all the vehicles, and it is possible to easily select a vehicle that meets the desired conditions. The customer can select a vehicle by pressing a car number displayed on the screen or a vacant seat symbol such as “◯”. Of course, only the equipment information and vacant seat information of the selected vehicle may be displayed in step S120.

<Vacant seat location information search, vacant seat location information answer (steps S132, S134)>
When the vehicle is selected, the automatic ticketing machine 100 makes an vacant seat position information inquiry to the host 200 (step S126). The host 200 performs a vacant seat position search (step S130). In the vacant seat position search, for example, an area having the largest number of vacant seats in the selected vehicle is extracted. Then, the host 200 returns the searched vacant seat position information (information indicating the vacant seat position, for example, information indicating all the vacant seat positions regarding the extracted vehicle) to the automatic ticketing machine 100 (step S134).

<Seat position designation (step S136)>
When vacant seat position information is returned from the host 200, a seat position designation screen is displayed as shown in FIG. On the seat position designation screen, a part (area) of the vehicle having the maximum number of vacant seats is displayed. The display area divides the vehicle equally and displays the area having the maximum number of seats (step S130). The size of the area may be variable depending on the number of passengers. For example, when there are a large number of passengers, it is possible to increase the size of the area and display a large number of seats, thereby improving convenience when selecting seat positions.

  On the left and right of the screen, a “screen left” button and a “screen right” button are displayed as scroll portions for scrolling the screen. The user can check the vacant seat status other than the display part by pressing the “to screen left” button or “to screen right” button. When this button is pressed, the display for a plurality of columns may be switched or one column may be switched. When the number of passengers is one, the entire screen may be switched for each area. In this way, while appropriately switching the screen, the user is allowed to select a seat by pressing the seat portion marked with “◯” (step S136). When the “○” portion is pressed, the display is reversed to indicate that it has been selected. In addition, seats not marked with “○” cannot be selected because they are not vacant seats and already reserved seats.

  At the bottom of the screen, a frame for the number of passengers is displayed as a seat selection result display section. Each time the seat selection is made, the selected seat number is displayed. By displaying the seat position selected by the user as a selection result, the seat position can be confirmed visually and easily, and convenience is improved. Then, when seat selection for the number of people is completed and “OK” is pressed, the next screen is displayed.

<Reservation details confirmation screen>
When “OK” on the seat position designation screen (FIG. 14) is pressed, as shown in FIG. 15, it has been selected so far, along with characters prompting confirmation such as “Are you sure you want to make a reservation with this content?” , Boarding section, departure time, arrival time, train name, equipment (ordinary car / green car, non-smoking / smoking), number of people, selected seat number (you may display not only the number but also the arrangement), fare, etc. Display a confirmation key and request confirmation.

<Seat reservation registration to reservation registration completion notification (steps S138, S140)>
When the seat position is selected, the automatic ticketing machine 100 transmits information regarding the seat position to the host 200. The host 200 performs seat reservation registration based on the information regarding the seat position transmitted from the automatic ticketing machine 100 (step S138), and notifies the automatic ticketing machine 100 of a reservation registration completion notification (step S140).

  The reservation content confirmation and the seat reservation registration may be reversed in order. That is, after a reservation registration completion notification from the host 200 is notified to the automatic ticketing machine 100, a reservation content confirmation screen (FIG. 15) may be displayed to request confirmation from the user. If the reservation details are confirmed first and then the seat reservation registration is performed, if a reservation is made from another automatic ticketing machine during the time lag between the reservation details confirmation and the seat reservation registration, Regardless, seat reservation registration may not be possible. In this respect, such inconvenience does not occur by performing seat reservation registration first and then confirming reservation contents.

<Ticketing request to ticket surface data transmission (steps S142 to S146)>
When the reservation details confirmation and seat reservation registration are performed, the automatic ticketing machine 100 issues a ticketing request to the host 200 (step S142). The host 200 creates ticket surface data based on the ticketing request transmitted from the automatic ticketing machine 100 (step S144), and transmits the created ticket surface data to the automatic ticketing machine 100 (step S146).

<Clearing / ticketing (steps S148 to S154)>
When the ticket surface data is transmitted from the host 200, a settlement / ticketing screen is displayed as shown in FIG. The payment / ticketing screen prompts the user to insert cash or a card (a prepaid card, a credit card, etc.) and settles the fee (step S148). After accepting the deposit, a reserved seat ticket is issued and urged to be received (step S150). Furthermore, the automatic ticketing machine 100 notifies the host 200 that ticketing has been completed (step S152). Based on the ticketing completion notification from the automatic ticketing machine 100, the host 200 registers that ticketing for the designated seat has been completed (step S154).

  The preferred embodiments of the automatic ticketing machine, the automatic ticketing system, and the computer program according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the area with the maximum number of vacant seats is displayed on the display unit 120 with the touch panel, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an area with the largest number of adjacent vacant seats may be displayed. When there are multiple passengers, it is common to want to take a vacant seat. Therefore, even if the number of vacant seats is not the maximum, if there are a large number of vacant seats, the area can be displayed with priority.

  Further, when there are a plurality of vacant seats, an area with the largest number of vacant seats may be displayed on the display unit with a touch panel. It is possible to widen the choice of seat selection by the user. For example, when the number of passengers is 4, there are various seat designations such as taking 4 seats in a box seat, taking 4 seats in a row, or taking 2 sets of seats for 2 people because they may be separated. Conceivable. It is also possible to reflect more detailed user requests such as the front side, the rear side, the window side, and the aisle side of the vehicle.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the information regarding the number of vacant seats is displayed as symbols by “◯”, “Δ”, and “×”, but a specific number of vacant seats may be displayed as shown in FIG. Such a display allows not only more accurate information to be grasped, but also the user himself / herself can make an appropriate vehicle selection or seat position selection according to the situation in consideration of the number of users. Convenience may be improved. Of course, it is possible to display the symbol using the symbol display when selecting a train, and display the number of seats when selecting a vehicle. As a result, the convenience for the user is improved and a system with higher operability can be constructed.

(Industrial applicability)
The present invention can be used for an automatic ticketing machine and a computer program. In particular, when issuing a seat reservation ticket, an automatic ticketing machine to which a user (customer) has a function of selecting a vehicle having a desired facility, It can be used for automatic ticketing systems and computer programs.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of an automatic ticketing system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of an automatic ticketing machine. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an automatic ticketing system. It is explanatory drawing which shows a ticket type selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a boarding station name input screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a boarding station name selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an alighting station name input screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an alighting station name selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a boarding date and boarding time input screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a passenger number input screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a train and equipment selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a seat position designation | designated presence / absence selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a vehicle designation | designated screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a seat position designation | designated screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a reservation content confirmation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a payment / ticketing screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a vehicle designation | designated screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic ticketing system 100 Automatic ticketing machine 110 Control part 120 Display part with a touch panel 130 Coin part (coin slot, coin outlet)
140 banknote part (banknote insertion slot, banknote ejection slot)
150 Card Processing Unit 160 Ticketing Unit 170 Storage Unit 180 Communication Unit 190 Staff Call Button 200 Host

Claims (8)

In an automatic ticketing machine that issues a reserved seat ticket,
In addition to displaying guidance for issuing reserved seat tickets, it has a display input unit that accepts information input operations.
When letting the user select a seat position using the display input unit,
Trains and equipment are identified based on information input to the display input unit,
In the display input unit, information on the facility and information on the number of seats are displayed for each vehicle of the identified train so that a vehicle having the identified facility can be distinguished.
When a vehicle is selected based on the displayed information, information on a seat position and information on the number of vacant seats are displayed for an area having the largest number of vacant seats adjacent to the selected vehicle. Automatic ticketing machine. The automatic ticket-issuing machine according to claim 1, wherein the display input unit displays information on facilities and information on the number of vacant seats for all vehicles of the specified train. The display input unit further displays information on the equipment and information on the number of vacant seats for a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment, and a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment can also be selected. The automatic ticketing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by In an automatic ticketing machine that issues a reserved seat ticket,
In addition to displaying guidance for issuing reserved seat tickets, it has a display input unit that accepts information input operations.
When letting the user select a seat position using the display input unit,
A train is identified based on the information input to the display input unit,
The display input unit displays information about equipment and information about the number of seats for each vehicle of the identified train,
When a vehicle is selected based on the displayed information, information on a seat position and information on the number of vacant seats are displayed for an area having the largest number of vacant seats adjacent to the selected vehicle. Automatic ticketing machine. In an automatic ticketing system including an automatic ticketing machine that issues a reserved seat ticket and a host that manages train information and can send and receive information to and from the automatic ticketing machine,
The automatic ticketing machine includes a display input unit for displaying information for issuing a reserved seat ticket and receiving an information input operation,
When letting the user select a seat position using the display input unit,
The automatic ticketing machine transmits information input to the display input unit to the host,
The host identifies a train and equipment based on information input to the display input unit, and transmits information regarding the number of seats to the automatic ticket issuing machine for each vehicle of the identified train,
In the display input unit, information on the facility and information on the number of seats are displayed for each vehicle of the identified train so that a vehicle having the identified facility can be distinguished.
When a vehicle is selected based on the displayed information, information on a seat position and information on the number of vacant seats are displayed for an area having the largest number of vacant seats adjacent to the selected vehicle. Automatic ticketing system. The automatic ticketing system according to claim 5, wherein information relating to facilities and information relating to the number of seats are displayed for all vehicles of the identified train on the display input unit of the automatic ticketing machine. . The display input unit of the automatic ticketing machine further displays information on the equipment and information on the number of vacant seats for the vehicle that does not have the specified equipment, and also selects a vehicle that does not have the specified equipment. The automatic ticketing system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it is possible.   The computer program for functioning a computer as an automatic ticketing machine in any one of Claims 1-4.

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