JP6359282B2 - Automatic ticket gate - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic ticket gate.

  Conventionally, automatic ticket gates perform ticket gate processing based on tickets possessed by users. Some automatic ticket gates support the combined use of a plurality of tickets. Multi-ticket automatic ticket gates take in multiple tickets entered by the user, sequentially read the magnetic information recorded on each loaded ticket, and combine the information read from each ticket to determine whether it can pass Judgment is performed, and processing such as information recording is performed on each ticket according to the determination result.

JP-A-10-105745

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ticket gate capable of efficiently processing a plurality of tickets.

  According to the embodiment, the automatic ticket gate includes an accepting means, a transport means, a reading means, a temporary holding means, a judging means, a judging means, a first processing means, a second processing means, Have The receiving means accepts a plurality of tickets. The conveying means conveys the plurality of tickets received by the receiving means one by one. The reading means reads information from the ticket conveyed by the conveying means. The temporary holding means temporarily holds the ticket whose information is read by the reading means. Whether or not the ticket determination means is the target of the overtaking process in which the last ticket read by the reading means last among the plurality of tickets received by the receiving means is processed before the ticket held in the temporary holding means. Determine. When the ticket determination unit determines that the final ticket is the target of the overtaking process, the determination unit determines whether the final ticket can be actually overtaken. The first processing means processes the final ticket without holding it in the temporary holding means when the determining means determines that the overtaking process is possible. When it is determined by the determining means that the overtaking process is impossible, the second processing means holds the final ticket in the temporary holding means and processes the ticket already held in the temporary holding means first.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an external configuration of an automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a magnetic ticket processing unit in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external view showing a configuration example of a control system of the magnetic ticket processing unit in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIGS. 5A to 5E are diagrams illustrating processing when the overtaking process is not in time in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first processing example in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence for explaining a specific example of the first processing example in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a second processing example in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment.

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

  The automatic ticket gate 1 has a function of processing a ticket (ticket) possessed by a user. The automatic ticket gate 1 processes a magnetic ticket (magnetic ticket) on which magnetic information is recorded or a non-contact IC card as a recording medium possessed by the user as a ticket. In this embodiment, the automatic ticket gate 1 has a function of performing ticket determination by combining a plurality of magnetic tickets inserted by one user and processing each magnetic ticket.

  The magnetic ticket processed by the automatic ticket checker 1 is assumed to be used as a ticket such as a commuter pass, an ordinary ticket, an express ticket, or a coupon ticket, for example. The automatic ticket gate 1 opens the magnetic ticket slot 5 in the normal operation mode (operation mode), takes the ticket inserted into the slot 5, reads the magnetic information as the ticket information, and reads the read Ticket gate processing is performed based on the ticket information.

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

  Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, an insertion slot 5 into which a magnetic ticket used as a ticket is inserted is provided at one end of the upper surface of the casing forming the automatic ticket gate 1. A magnetic ticket is a recording medium having a magnetic recording layer for storing magnetic information. For example, the magnetic ticket is a commuter pass, a regular ticket, a limited express ticket, a coupon ticket, etc. in which ticket information such as a valid period and a use section is magnetically encoded and recorded on a magnetic recording layer.

  The automatic ticket gate 1 has a magnetic ticket processing unit (described later) for processing a magnetic ticket. The magnetic ticket processing unit includes a transport mechanism that transports the magnetic ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5 and a processing mechanism that reads and writes magnetic information on the magnetic ticket transported by the transport mechanism. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the automatic ticket gate 1 is provided with a slot 5 into which a magnetic ticket is inserted at one end of the upper surface (end on the entrance side of the passage), and before the other end of the upper surface ( A guidance display unit 8 is provided in front of the end portion on the exit side of the passage, and a discharge port 6 for discharging the magnetic ticket processed by the magnetic ticket processing unit is provided in front of the guidance display unit 8.

  In addition, a shutter 5 a is provided at the insertion port 5. The shutter 5a prevents the ticket from being inserted into the insertion slot 5. The shutter 5a is closed when the automatic ticket checker 1 is in an unacceptable state, and the shutter 5a is opened when the ticket is in an acceptable state. Also, the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5 is taken into the casing of the automatic ticket gate 1, and processing such as reading and writing of information is performed by a reading unit and a writing unit in the casing.

  When the automatic ticket gate 1 is in a state where the ticket gate processing can be executed, the shutter 5a is opened, so that the user can insert a ticket into the insertion slot 5. When the user inserts the magnetic ticket into the insertion slot 5, the automatic ticket gate 1 takes in the magnetic ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5 by the user and reads the information recorded in the imported magnetic ticket. The automatic ticket checker 1 determines whether or not the user can pass based on information read from the magnetic ticket, and controls the user's passage based on the determination result. In this case, the magnetic ticket is written with information indicating the processing result of the ticket gate process and is returned from the outlet 6 or collected.

  Moreover, the automatic ticket gate 1 demonstrated in this Embodiment respond | corresponds to the combined utilization of a some magnetic ticket. The slot 5 of the automatic ticket gate 1 can accept batch loading of a plurality of magnetic tickets. Of course, the slot 5 can also accept the insertion of a single ticket. That is, the automatic ticket gate 1 accepts the insertion of a plurality of tickets from one user, determines whether or not it is possible to pass by a combination of the plurality of accepted tickets, and each ticket inserted based on the determination result. And controls user traffic. Moreover, the discharge port 6 of the automatic ticket gate 1 can discharge a plurality of tickets at once when a plurality of tickets are inserted in a lump. For example, a plurality of tickets are stacked and discharged at the discharge port 6.

  As a combination of a plurality of magnetic tickets inserted into the automatic ticket gate 1, a commuter pass and a commuter pass, a commuter pass and a limited express ticket, or a commuter pass and a regular ticket are conceivable. For example, the automatic ticket gate 1 is installed at a transfer station between a first route (for example, a Shinkansen) and a second route (for example, a conventional line). The automatic ticket gates installed at the transfer station between the Shinkansen and the conventional line consist of a conventional line ticket starting from or at the transfer station, and a Shinkansen ticket and express train from the transfer station as the end or start point. A ticket gate process can be performed by receiving a ticket and processing the plurality of tickets.

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

  A guidance display unit 8 is provided in front of the other end of the upper surface of the casing forming the automatic ticket gate 1 for guiding a user or a staff member. The guidance display unit 8 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The guidance display unit 8 displays a guidance screen for guiding the result of the ticket gate processing for the user who passes through the passage.

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

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

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

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

Next, the configuration of the control system of the entire automatic ticket gate 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the entire automatic ticket gate 1 according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic ticket gate 1 is entirely controlled by a control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a data memory 24, a transmission control circuit 25, a display control circuit 26, a door opening / closing mechanism 27, a card reader / writer 4, A shutter opening / closing mechanism 28, a magnetic ticket processing unit 29, a human detection sensor S, and the like are connected.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 22. For example, the control unit 21 has a function (first and second processing means) for processing a ticket inserted by the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 when the CPU executes a program, and information read from the inserted magnetic ticket. A function (ticket determination means) that determines the validity of a ticket based on the ticket, determines whether admission or participation is possible with a combination of all the tickets inserted, and controls user traffic based on the traffic determination result A function (determination means) for determining the traffic control process and the timing of the process in the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 is realized.

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

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

  The transmission control circuit 25 is an interface for performing data communication with the monitoring panel 30 for the station staff to monitor the operation status of the automatic ticket gate 1. The transmission control circuit 25 receives a control instruction (for example, a control instruction for designating an operation mode) to the automatic ticket gate 1 from the monitoring panel 30 or information (for example, an operation status of the automatic ticket gate 1). Sensor failure etc.) to the monitoring panel 30. Further, the transmission control circuit 25 may perform data communication with a host computer or the like as a host device that performs data aggregation.

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

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

The shutter opening / closing mechanism 28 is a mechanism for opening / closing a shutter 5 a provided at the insertion port 5. For example, when the shutter opening / closing mechanism 28 is in a state in which a magnetic ticket as a boarding ticket can be processed (an operation mode in which a magnetic ticket can be processed), the shutter opening / closing mechanism 28 opens the shutter 5a under the control of the control unit 21. Accepts the insertion of a magnetic ticket to 5.
The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 processes a magnetic ticket used as a boarding ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5. For example, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 takes in the inserted tickets one by one based on the operation instruction from the control unit 21, controls the transport of the fetched tickets, and reads the magnetic information from the transported tickets. , A pool process before writing to temporarily hold a ticket before writing, a writing process for putting magnetic information on a ticket to be transported, a punching process for a transported ticket, or a printing process for a transported ticket, before discharging Various processes such as a pre-discharge pool process for holding the ticket and a discharge process for discharging the ticket from the discharge port are performed.

Next, the configuration of the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 in the automatic ticket gate 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the internal mechanism of the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 in the automatic ticket gate 1.
A magnetic ticket processing unit 29 is provided in the casing of the automatic ticket gate 1. The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 receives one or more tickets inserted into the insertion slot 5. The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 discharges the processed ticket from the discharge port 6. Between the insertion port 5 and the discharge port 6, a main conveyance path 32 for conveying a ticket inserted from the insertion port 5 to the discharge port 6 is formed. The main conveyance path 32 is driven by a motor 30. On the transport path of the main transport path 32, the separation / alignment section 34, the reading section 36, the pre-writing pool section 38, the writing section 40, the punch section 42, the printing section 44, and the pre-discharge pool section (temporary holding section) 46. , And a bill collection unit 48 are provided.

  Sensors 33a, 33b, 33c,... For detecting a magnetic ticket are provided at a plurality of positions on the main transport path 32. These sensors are conveyance detection sensors for detecting the conveyance state of the ticket. For example, the sensor 33 a is a slot sensor that detects a ticket inserted from the slot 5, and the sensor 33 b is a slot sensor that detects a ticket discharged to the outlet 6. A sensor 33c that detects passage of a ticket is installed at a processable point (described later) on the main transport path 32.

  The separation and alignment unit 34 takes in one or more inserted tickets and supplies them to the main transport path 32. For example, the separation / arrangement unit 34 separates a plurality of tickets inserted into the insertion slot 5 at a time or one by one, and arranges the take-in roller that sends the separated tickets to the main transport path 32 and the tickets that are sent to the main transport path 32. To do. The separation and alignment unit 34 takes in the inserted tickets one by one in accordance with the conveyance instruction from the control unit 21 and supplies it to the main conveyance path 32.

  The reading unit 36 includes reading heads 36 a and 36 b that read information (hereinafter referred to as magnetic information) magnetically recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the ticket conveyed through the main conveyance path 32. The read head 36a is installed so as to read magnetic information from one surface of the ticket conveyed through the main conveyance path 32, and the read head 36b is installed so as to read magnetic information from the surface opposite to the read head 36a. The The pre-writing pool unit 38 temporarily holds (pools) the ticket before the magnetic information is written by the writing unit 40. The writing unit 40 includes write heads 40 a and 40 b that write information to the magnetic recording layer of the ticket transported through the main transport path 32. The write head 40a is installed so as to write magnetic information on one surface of the ticket conveyed through the main conveyance path 32, and the write head 40b is magnetic on the surface opposite to the write head 40a. Installed to write information. Note that a reading unit (confirmation reading unit) for confirming the written information may be provided after the writing unit 40.

  In addition, a processable point for determining whether or not an overtaking process described later may be performed may be set at a stage after the reading unit 36 and before the writing unit 40. The overtaking process is a process of executing a process such as a writing process by overtaking the preceding ticket temporarily held with respect to the ticket being conveyed on the main conveyance path 32. For example, the sensor 33c is installed so as to detect passage of a ticket at a processable point. Note that the overtaking process and the determination of whether or not the overtaking process is possible will be described in detail later.

  In addition, when a plurality of tickets are inserted, in order to make a determination based on a combination of information read from the plurality of tickets (ticket information), the pool unit 38 before writing temporarily stores the tickets from which magnetic information has been read first. Hold (pool). After reading information from all the inserted tickets, the pre-writing pool unit 38 re-supplys the pooled tickets to the main transport path 32 in order. Further, the pre-writing pool unit 38 may pool tickets in order to change the order of subsequent processing for a plurality of magnetic tickets.

  The pre-writing pool unit 38 includes, for example, a sorting gate 38a, a pool transport path, a stopper, and the like. The sorting gate 38a operates according to whether or not the ticket transported through the main transport path 32 is taken into the pool section 38 before writing. For example, in the pool unit 38 before writing, the sorting gate 38a is operated so that a plurality of tickets are not overlapped on the pool conveyance path, that is, the plurality of tickets are separated and pooled one by one. The stopper is provided in the pool conveyance path of the pool section 38 before writing, and the ticket taken into the pool conveyance path of the pool section 38 before writing from the main conveyance path 32 by the sorting gate 38a stops and pools.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 takes the ticket transported through the main transport path 32 once into the pool unit 38 before writing after passing the writing unit 40, and the pool before writing. The tickets pooled in the unit 38 are re-supplied to the preceding stage of the writing unit 40. The pre-writing pool section 38 holds the magnetic ticket before writing by the writing section 40 and supplies the ticket again to a position on the main conveyance path 32 where the writing section 40 can write. That's fine. For example, the writing unit 40 may be provided on the main conveyance path 32 after the branch to the pre-writing pool unit 38.

  The punch section 42 (42a, 42b) performs a punching process on the ticket conveyed by the main conveyance path 32. For example, the punching unit 42 performs a punching process on the ticket on which information is written by the writing unit 40. The printing unit 44 prints on the ticket conveyed through the main conveyance path 32. For example, the printing unit 44 is configured by a thermal head that performs printing recording by thermally transferring the ink contained in the ink ribbon to a ticket, or a thermal head that performs printing recording by heating the ticket and coloring the heat-sensitive layer. The

  The pre-discharge pool section (discharge ticket holding section) 46 holds tickets for which processing such as writing processing, punching processing, and printing processing has been completed. For example, the pre-discharge pool unit 46 holds (pools) a plurality of tickets at once. The pre-discharge pool section 46 has a function of stacking and holding a plurality of tickets. The pre-discharge pool section 46 may have a mechanism for aligning the order of stacking tickets to be held. For example, the pre-discharge pool unit 46 may hold tickets to be discharged in a lump in order of size. The bill collection unit 48 includes a first bill collection unit 48a and a second bill collection unit 48b. The first bill collection unit 48a and the second bill collection unit 48a accumulate the tickets to be collected among the processed tickets.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system related to the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 of the automatic ticket gate 1.
The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 of the automatic ticket gate 1 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 21. The control unit 21 implements control of the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 by executing a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 22 by the processor. That is, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 operates in response to a control instruction (command) from the control unit 21. A processing (control) function realized by the control unit 21 executing a program is referred to as an application (application), and the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 is referred to as firmware (firm).

  The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 includes a conveyance control unit 60 that drives the motor 30, a reading control unit 62 that controls the reading heads 36a and 36b, a writing control unit 64 that controls the writing heads 40a and 40b, and a sorting gate 38a. It has a distribution control unit 66 for controlling, a punch control unit 68 for controlling the punch unit 42, a print control unit 70 for controlling the printing unit 44, a sensor control unit 72 for processing the detection signal of the sensor 33c, and the like.

  The conveyance control unit 60 controls the conveyance of the ticket in the magnetic ticket processing unit 29. For example, the conveyance control unit 60 controls the driving of the motor 30 and the like, and controls the separation and arranging unit 34. Note that the transport control unit 60 may be responsible for overall control of each unit of the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21. For example, the conveyance control unit 60 may realize control of each unit in the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 by executing a control program stored in a memory by a processor. In this case, the conveyance control unit 60 controls each part of the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21.

  The reading control unit 62 controls the reading heads 36a and 36b. The reading control unit 62 notifies the control unit 21 of reading data read from the ticket by the reading heads 36a and 36b. The write control unit 64 controls the write heads 40a and 40b. The writing control unit 64 writes magnetic information on the ticket using the writing heads 40a and 40b in response to an instruction from the control unit 21. The distribution control unit 66 controls the conveyance direction of the ticket. For example, the distribution control unit 66 controls the distribution gate 38a. The punch control unit 68 controls the punch unit 42. The punch unit 68 performs punch processing on the ticket in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21. The print control unit 70 controls the printing unit 44. The print control unit 70 prints on the ticket in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21. The sensor control unit 72 controls the sensors 33a, 33b, and 33c. The sensor control unit 72 notifies the control unit 21 of a ticket detection signal from the sensors 33a, 33b, and 33c.

  For example, when a plurality of magnetic tickets are inserted, the control unit 21 sequentially transports the plurality of magnetic tickets through the main transport path 32. The control unit 21 acquires information read from the magnetic ticket by the reading head 36 a or 36 b via the reading control unit 62. The control unit 21 performs a ticket determination (passage determination) process based on information read by the reading heads 36a and 36b. Further, the control unit 21 generates information to be recorded on the magnetic ticket according to the ticket determination result, and controls the writing control unit 64 to execute the writing process on the magnetic ticket by the write heads 40a and 40b. .

  Further, the control unit 21 receives a ticket detection signal from the sensor 33 c via the sensor control unit 72, and determines the ticket transport status in the main transport path 32. The control unit 21 controls the sorting gate 38 a by the sorting control unit 66 to selectively take the magnetic ticket transported through the main transport path 32 into the pool unit 38 before writing. The control unit 21 re-supplys the magnetic ticket taken into the pool unit 38 before writing to the main transport path 32 at a desired timing.

Next, the operation when the automatic ticket gate 1 processes a plurality of magnetic tickets will be described.
FIGS. 5A to 5E are diagrams schematically illustrating how the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 of the automatic ticket checker 1 processes two magnetic tickets.
In FIG. 5A, two magnetic tickets T1 and T2 are inserted, the inserted two magnetic tickets T1 and T2 are separated, and the magnetic ticket T1 is first taken out and transported through the main transport path 32. This shows the state. When two magnetic tickets T1 and T2 are inserted, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 of the automatic ticket checker 1 separates the magnetic tickets T1 and T2 by the separation and alignment unit 34, and the magnetic ticket T1 to be read first is processed. The magnetic ticket T1 is taken in and conveyed by the main conveyance path 32. The magnetic ticket T1 transported by the main transport path 32 reaches the reading unit 36. The reading unit 36 reads magnetic information recorded on the magnetic ticket T1 by the reading head 36a or 36b on the side where the magnetic recording layer of the magnetic ticket T1 faces the head.

  FIG. 5B shows a state in which the magnetic ticket T <b> 2 starts to be conveyed after the magnetic ticket T <b> 1 in the magnetic ticket processing unit 29. As shown in FIG. 5B, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 reads the magnetic information from the magnetic ticket T2 conveyed through the main conveyance path 32 after the reading unit 36 reads the magnetic information from the magnetic ticket T1. Execute the process. The magnetic ticket T2 is captured at a predetermined timing after the magnetic ticket T1 is captured. For example, the magnetic ticket T <b> 2 is taken in after reading of magnetic information from the magnetic ticket T <b> 1 and is transported by the main transport path 32. Moreover, you may make it take in the magnetic ticket T2 after a predetermined space | interval from the timing which started conveyance of the magnetic ticket T1.

  FIG. 5C shows a state in which the magnetic ticket T1 is pooled in the pre-writing pool section 38 when the reading process for the magnetic ticket T2 is completed. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 does not write the magnetic ticket T1 transported first until the processing for the magnetic ticket T2 transported later among the two magnetic tickets is completed. The pool unit 38 is temporarily reserved. In other words, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 first transports a ticket until the reading process (reading process for all tickets) for the last transported ticket (hereinafter referred to as the last ticket) among a plurality of inserted tickets is completed. (The previously read-out ticket) is pooled in the pool section 38 before writing.

  When the reading of information from the magnetic ticket (final ticket) T2 is completed, the control unit 21 performs ticket determination (passage determination) based on the information read from each ticket, and executes various processes according to the ticket determination. Instruct. For example, the control unit 21 performs a process such as a writing process based on the determination result before the ticket T1 previously read and processed (the ticket pooled in the pool unit 38 before writing) for the final ticket T2. It is determined whether the overtaking process to be executed is possible.

  When it is determined that the overtaking process is possible, the control unit 21 processes the magnetic ticket T2 as the final ticket first as the overtaking process, and then processes the magnetic ticket T1. When determining that the overtaking process is impossible, the control unit 21 gives up the overtaking process, temporarily holds the magnetic ticket T2 in the pool unit 38 before writing, and has already pooled it in the pool unit 38 before writing. Control is performed so that the magnetic ticket T1 is processed first, and the magnetic ticket T2 is processed next to the processing of the magnetic ticket T1. In the overtaking process, the final ticket T2 is not pooled in the pre-writing pool section 38, but is processed before the magnetic ticket T1 (passing the magnetic ticket T1). The determination of whether or not the overtaking process is possible may be made according to the state of conveyance of the final ticket when the overtaking process for the final ticket T2 is instructed (first processing example described later), or after the final ticket reading process is completed. Judgment may be made based on the elapsed time from the time (second processing example described later). In the former case, the control unit 21 may change the instruction of the overtaking process to an instruction to process the magnetic ticket T1 first. Any one of these processes may be indicated.

When the overtaking process is possible, the control unit 21 executes the process for the final ticket T2 in advance, and processes the magnetic ticket T1 pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38 following the process for the final ticket T2. Execute.
Further, when determining that the overtaking process is impossible, the control unit 21 pools the final ticket T2 in the pool unit 38 before writing. In this case, the control unit 21 optimizes the order of processing for each ticket, and performs control so that the process is executed first from the ticket already pooled in the pool unit 38 before writing.

  FIG. 5D shows a state in which the magnetic ticket T2 as the final ticket is pooled in the pool section 38 before writing. That is, when it is determined that the overtaking process for the magnetic ticket T2 as the final ticket is impossible, the control unit 21 (higher-order device) stores the magnetic ticket T2 in the pool unit 38 before writing as shown in FIG. To pool. When the magnetic ticket T2 is pooled in the pool unit 38 before writing, the control unit 21 changes so that the process for the magnetic ticket T1 already pooled in the pool unit 38 before writing is executed first.

  That is, when the process of reading information from the magnetic ticket T2 is completed, the control unit 21 (the host device) performs ticket determination based on a combination of the magnetic ticket T1 and the magnetic ticket T2, and passes the magnetic ticket T2 first. Try. If it is determined that the overtaking process for the magnetic ticket T2 is not in time, the control unit 21 gives up the overtaking process, pools the magnetic ticket T2 in the pool section 38 before writing, and re-starts the pool section 38 before writing. The process for the magnetic ticket T1 to be supplied is executed first.

  FIG. 5E shows a state in which the process for the magnetic ticket T2 is executed after the process for the magnetic ticket T1 is executed. When the overtaking process is impossible, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the writing unit 40 first executes the process (write process) for the magnetic ticket T1, and performs the write process to the magnetic ticket T1. Subsequently, a process (write process) is performed on the magnetic ticket T2 pooled in the pool section 38 before writing.

  According to the processing shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E, the control unit 21 applies the pool before writing to the magnetic ticket T2 (final ticket) fetched later among the two tickets T1 and T2. If the process without pooling to the unit 38 (that is, the overtaking process) is impossible, the process for the magnetic ticket T1 previously pooled in the pre-write pool unit 38 is executed first. As a result, even an automatic ticket gate that performs an overtaking process that executes the process for the last ticket to be transported last is already pooled in the pool section before writing if the overtaking process is impossible. A plurality of tickets can be processed efficiently by executing the writing process to the ticket (preceding ticket) first.

Hereinafter, a first processing example and a second processing example for realizing control according to whether or not the overtaking process as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E will be described.
First, a first processing example will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of control for realizing the first processing example in the automatic ticket gate 1 according to the present embodiment.
The magnetic ticket processing unit 29, which is firmware, detects the insertion of the magnetic ticket by the insertion port sensor 33a. A detection signal indicating the presence / absence of a ticket inserted by the slot sensor 33 a is notified to the control unit 21 as a host device for the magnetic ticket processing unit 29. The control unit 21 detects the insertion of the ticket by a detection signal from the insertion port sensor 33a. When the insertion of the ticket is detected (S11, YES), the control unit 21 separates the tickets inserted by the separation / alignment unit 34 one by one, sequentially takes them one by one, and conveys them by the main conveyance path 32 (S12). .

  In the magnetic ticket processing unit 29, the separation / alignment unit 34 separates a plurality of inserted tickets and takes in a single ticket, and the transport control unit 60 drives the motor 30 to load the captured ticket into the main transport path 32. It is conveyed by. The reading unit 36 reads magnetic information from a ticket conveyed through the main conveyance path 32 and transmits the read data read to the control unit 21.

  The control unit 21 receives the read data read from the ticket by the reading unit 36 via the reading control unit 62 (S13). When the read data read from the ticket is received, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the ticket of the received read data is the last ticket (last ticket) among the inserted tickets (S14).

  When it is determined that the ticket that has received the read data is not the final ticket (S14, NO), the control unit 21 pools the ticket in the pool unit 38 before writing (S15). When receiving a pool instruction to the pool unit 38 before writing, the distribution control unit 66 operates the distribution gate 38a so that the ticket transported through the main transport path 32 is taken into the pool unit 38 before writing. As a result, the ticket determined not to be the final ticket is pooled in the pool section 38 before writing.

  In addition, when it is determined that the ticket that has received the read data is not the final ticket (S14, NO), the control unit 21 sets the next ticket among the tickets inserted by the separation and alignment unit 34 at a predetermined timing (for example, the preceding ticket). At the timing when the ticket read data is received) and transported by the main transport path 32 (S12). The control unit 21 also performs the processes of S13 and S14 for the tickets sequentially taken in by the separation and alignment unit 34. That is, the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the processing of S12-14 for each ticket that is not the final ticket until the reading data of the final ticket is received.

  When it is determined that the ticket that has received the read data is the final ticket (S14, YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the final ticket is a ticket (applicable ticket) to be subjected to the overtaking process ( S16). In the overtaking process, the final ticket is processed in advance of the ticket that has been read first. That is, in the overtaking process, a process such as a writing process is performed on the final ticket before a ticket already pooled in the pool section 38 before writing.

  When it is determined that the final ticket is a conforming ticket (S16, YES), the control unit 21 instructs the start of processing including a writing process for the final ticket as an overtaking process (S17). After instructing the start of processing for the final ticket, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a non-processed signal has been received from the sensor 33c installed at the processable point on the main transport path 32 (S18).

  The unprocessed signal is a signal indicating whether or not the sensor 33c has detected the passage of the final ticket at the processable point. For example, if the sensor 33c has already detected the final ticket when receiving an instruction to start processing on the final ticket, an unprocessed signal is transmitted to the control unit 21. For example, the unprocessed signal is supplied from the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 to the control unit 21 in accordance with an instruction to start processing on the final ticket.

  In addition, you may make it notify the process non-signal to the control part 21 at the timing which the sensor 33c detected the last ticket, or the control part 21 monitors the detection state of the sensor 33c, and processes with respect to the last ticket (overtaking process). It is also possible to determine whether or not this is possible. In these cases, the control unit 21 gives an instruction to start processing for a final ticket if no processing signal has been received, and processes for a ticket that has previously received a processing start instruction for the final ticket if a processing non-signal has been received. It may be changed to a start instruction and transmitted to the magnetic ticket processing unit 29.

  When the unprocessed signal is received (S18, YES), the control unit 21 determines that the overtaking process is impossible because the overtaking process such as the writing process by the writing unit 40 for the final ticket is not in time. Further, when the unprocessed signal has not been received (S18, NO), the control unit 21 determines that the overtaking process is possible because the overtaking process such as the writing process for the final ticket is in time.

  Hereinafter, a process when it is determined that an unprocessed signal has not been received, that is, when it is determined that an overtaking process is possible will be described.

  That is, when it is determined that no processing unsignal has been received (S18, NO), the control unit 21 determines that an overtaking process is possible. If it is determined that the overtaking process is possible, the control unit 21 instructs the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the final ticket for which the writing process by the writing unit 40 has been completed (S20). When the final ticket is put on hold in the pre-discharge pool section 46, that is, when the overtaking process can be performed, the control section 21 writes the book for the tickets pooled in the pre-writing pool section 38 following the processing for the final ticket. Instructing the start of the process including the embedded process (S21).

  For example, if two tickets are inserted and the overtaking process is possible, the control unit 21 takes in the first ticket following the last ticket that has been overtaken and pools it in the pool section 38 before writing. Is instructed to start processing including write processing. In addition, when there are three inserted tickets, the control unit 21 causes the first acquired ticket to be processed subsequent to the process for the last ticket that has been overtaken, and for the first acquired ticket. Following the process, the process for the second fetched ticket is executed.

  When the process for the ticket re-supplied from the pool section 38 before writing is completed, the control section 21 instructs the pre-discharge pool section 46 to hold the processed ticket (S22). At this time, when a ticket is already held in the pool unit 46 before discharge, the control unit 21 instructs to hold the processed ticket on top of the previously held ticket. For example, when the overtaking process is performed, the control unit 21 instructs to hold the ticket processed on the last ticket previously held in the pool before discharge 46.

  After instructing the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the processed ticket, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a pooled ticket in the pre-write pool unit 38 (S23). When it is determined that there is a ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing (S23, YES), the control section 21 returns to S21 and continues the processing for the ticket that instructs the pool section 46 before discharge. The start of processing including the writing processing for the next ticket pooled in the pool unit 38 before writing is instructed.

  When it is determined that there is no ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing (S23, YES), the control section 21 discharges all the tickets held in the pool section 46 before discharge from the discharge port 6. (S24), the processing for the inserted ticket is terminated.

  Hereinafter, a process when it is determined that the unprocessed signal has been received, that is, when it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible will be described.

  That is, when it is determined that the unprocessed signal has been received (S18, YES), the control unit 21 determines that the overtaking process is not possible. If it is determined that the overtaking process is not possible, the control unit 21 instructs to pool the final ticket in the pre-writing pool unit 38 without executing the process for the final ticket (overtaking process) (S19). In response to the instruction to hold the final ticket in the pool section 38 before writing, the sorting gate 38a operates to take the final ticket into the pool section 38 before writing.

  Further, when it is determined that the overtaking process of the final ticket is not possible (S18, YES), the control unit 21 starts a process including a writing process for the ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing. (S21). In response to such an instruction, the pre-writing pool unit 38 resupplys the tickets to the main transport path 32 in order from the first pooled ticket, and transports the tickets through the main transport path 32. The writing unit 40 performs processing such as writing processing on the re-supplied ticket in response to an instruction from the control unit 21. When the process such as the writing process for the re-supplied ticket is completed, the control unit 21 instructs the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the completed ticket (S22).

  After instructing the pre-discharge pool section 46 to hold the processed ticket, the control section 21 determines whether or not there is a pooled ticket in the pre-writing pool section 38 (S23). If it is determined that there is a pooled ticket in the pool section 38 before writing (S23, YES), the control section 21 returns to S21 and continues the processing for the ticket instructed to be suspended in the pool section 46 before discharge. The start of processing including the writing processing for the next ticket pooled in the pool unit 38 before writing is instructed. When it is determined that there is no ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing (S23, YES), the control section 21 discharges all the tickets held in the pool section 46 before discharge from the discharge port 6. (S24), the processing for the inserted ticket is terminated.

  For example, when two tickets are inserted, if the overtaking process is impossible, the control unit 21 gives up the overtaking process, pools the final ticket in the pool section before writing, and takes in and writes it first. After instructing the front pool unit 38 to start processing for the tickets pooled, the processing for the final ticket is executed following the processing for the ticket. When three tickets are inserted, the control unit 21 gives up the overtaking process, pools the final ticket in the pool section before writing, and executes the process for the first fetched ticket. Following the processing for the fetched ticket, the processing for the second fetched ticket is executed, and further, the processing for the final ticket is executed following the processing for the second fetched ticket.

Next, a specific example of the first processing example described above will be described.
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 (farm) and the control unit 21 (application) when it is determined that two tickets are inserted and the overtaking process is impossible.
It is assumed that two tickets T1 and T2 are inserted into the insertion slot 5. Then, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 detects the insertion of the ticket by the insertion port sensor 33a. A detection signal indicating that the insertion port sensor 33a has detected the insertion of the ticket is notified to the control unit 21 (S31).

When the insertion of the ticket is notified, the control unit 21 instructs to take in the first one of the two inserted tickets (S51).
In response to the instruction to fetch the first ticket, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 separates and aligns the first ticket T1 from the two tickets T1 and T2 inserted by the separation and alignment unit 34, and the main transport path. 32. Thereby, ticket T1 is conveyed in the main conveyance path 32 in the state separated from ticket T2. The reading unit 36 reads magnetic information from the ticket T1 conveyed through the main conveyance path 32 by the reading head 36a or 36b (S32). The reading unit 36 transmits the read data read from the ticket T1 to the control unit 21 (S33).

  When there is a ticket T2 subsequent to the ticket T1 that has been read by the reading unit 36, the sorting gate 38a operates to take the ticket T1 into the pool section 38 before writing. Here, since there is a ticket T2 subsequent to the ticket T1, the ticket T1 is taken into the pool section 38 before writing by the sorting gate 38a. When there is a subsequent ticket, the process of taking the preceding ticket into the pool section 38 before writing may be executed in accordance with an instruction from the control section 21.

  When the read data read from the ticket T1 is received, the control unit 21 determines whether the received read data ticket is the final ticket. This determination may be made based on whether or not there is an unincorporated ticket among the inserted tickets, or may be determined based on whether or not the reading results of all the inserted tickets have been received. If it is determined that the ticket T1 that has received the read data is not the final ticket, the control unit 21 instructs to take in the remaining inserted ticket T2 (S52).

  In addition, the timing which takes in the 2nd sheet | seat after the ticket inserted into multiple sheets may be for every predetermined time. In this case, the control unit 21 instructs to take in the second sheet after a predetermined time has elapsed since taking in the first sheet.

  In response to the instruction for taking in the second ticket T2, the separation and alignment unit 34 takes in and aligns the second ticket T2 of the inserted tickets and supplies it to the main transport path 32. Thereby, ticket T2 is conveyed by the main conveyance path 32 in the state which opened the space | interval with ticket T1. The reading unit 36 reads the magnetic information from the ticket T2 conveyed through the main conveyance path 32 by the reading head 36a or 36b (S34). The reading unit 36 transmits the read data read from the ticket T2 to the control unit 21 (S35).

  When the read data read from the ticket T2 is received, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the ticket T2 of the received read data is the final ticket. When it is determined that the ticket T2 that has received the read data is the final ticket, the control unit 21 performs comprehensive ticket determination (passage determination based on the read data read from the ticket T1 and the read data read from the ticket T2. ) Is performed (S53). In accordance with the result of the ticket determination, the control unit 21 determines the processing content for each ticket T1, T2. When the content of the writing process to the ticket T2 is determined, the control unit 21 instructs the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 to start processing for the ticket T2 including the magnetic information writing process to the ticket T2 by the writing unit 40 ( S54).

  On the other hand, after performing the reading process of the ticket T2 by the reading unit 36, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 checks whether or not the overtaking process is possible in a state where the sensor 33c can detect the ticket T2. That is, the ticket T2 is a target of the overtaking process because there is no subsequent ticket. In the overtaking process, the ticket T2 is subjected to the writing process by the writing unit 40 prior to the ticket T1 pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38, omitting the pool to the pre-writing pool unit 38. Is.

  In the first processing example, whether or not the overtaking process is possible is checked according to the timing of receiving the processing start instruction for the ticket T2 and the transport state of the ticket T2 (the timing of passing the processable point). That is, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 determines whether or not the overtaking process is possible depending on whether or not the processing start instruction for the ticket T2 is received before the sensor 33c having the processable point as the detection position detects the ticket T2. To check.

  Here, it is assumed that the ticket T2 is detected at the processable point before receiving the processing start instruction for the ticket T2 (that is, the overtaking process is impossible). In this case (when the ticket T2 is detected at the processable point before receiving the processing start instruction), the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 transmits a non-processing signal indicating that the overtaking process is impossible to the control unit 21 (S37).

  When the ticket T2 is detected at a processable point before receiving the processing start instruction for the ticket T2 (when it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible), the distribution gate 38a transfers the ticket T2 to the pool section 38 before writing. Acts to capture. As a result, the ticket T2 determined to be incapable of being overtaken is pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38.

  When the control unit 21 receives an unprocessed signal indicating that the overtaking process is impossible from the magnetic ticket processing unit 29, the control unit 21 changes the processing target from the ticket T2 as the final ticket to the ticket T1. That is, when it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible, the control unit 21 determines that the final ticket cannot be processed first (it is not in time), and the ticket pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38 is first. Process (S55). When changing the processing target to the ticket T1, the control unit 21 instructs the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 to start processing on the ticket T1 (S56).

  In the magnetic ticket processing unit 29, the ticket T1 is re-supplied from the pre-writing pool unit 38 to the main transport path 32 in accordance with the processing start instruction for the ticket T1. When the ticket T1 is re-supplied to the main transport path 32, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 executes processing for the ticket T1 in response to a processing start instruction from the control unit 21 (S39). For example, the writing unit 40 performs a writing process on the ticket T1 transported along the main transport path 32 by the write head 40a or 40b. When the processing for the ticket T1 is completed, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 notifies the control unit 21 of the completion of the processing for the ticket T1 (S40).

  For example, when processing for the ticket T1 is completed, each unit may notify the control unit 21 of processing completion, or the transport control unit 60 may notify the completion of processing according to the transport status of the ticket T1. Also good. In the former case, the writing unit 40, the punch unit 42, and the printing unit 44 may each notify the control unit 21 of the completion of processing for the ticket. Moreover, if it is the latter, the conveyance control part 60 should just detect the completion of a process according to the conveyance position of ticket T1, and should just notify the completion of the process with respect to ticket T1 to the control part 21.

When the notification of processing completion for the ticket T1 is received, the control unit 21 instructs to hold the ticket T1 in the pre-discharge pool unit 46 (S57).
When the hold of the ticket T <b> 1 to the pre-discharge pool unit 46 is instructed, the transport control unit 60 transports the ticket T <b> 1 to the pre-discharge pool unit 46. The main transport path 32 transports the ticket T1 to the pre-discharge pool section 46, and the pre-discharge pool section 46 holds the ticket T1 transported by the main transport path 32 (S41). When the ticket T1 is held, the pre-discharge pool unit 46 notifies the control unit 21 of the completion of holding the ticket T1 (S42).

  Upon receiving notification of the completion of the holding of the ticket T1, the control unit 21 confirms that the holding of the ticket T1 has been completed. The control unit 21 processes the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 so as to process the ticket T2 following the processing of the ticket T1. That is, when the overtaking process is impossible, the control unit 21 instructs the processing start for the ticket T1 again after instructing the processing start for the ticket T1 (S58). That is, when it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible, the control unit 21 stops the process for the later (last) fetched ticket T2, and after the process for the previously fetched ticket T1, Processing for the ticket T2 taken later is executed.

  In the sequence shown in FIG. 7, it is described that the processing start for the ticket T2 is instructed after receiving the notification of the completion of the holding of the ticket T1, but the processing start for the ticket T2 is the processing start for the ticket T1. Anything that is instructed after instructing may be used. For example, the control unit 21 may instruct the start of processing for the ticket T2 when receiving a notification of completion of the writing process by the writing unit 40 for the ticket T1. Further, when the ticket T1 is detected by a sensor provided at a predetermined position of the main transport path 32, the control unit 21 may instruct the start of processing for the next ticket T2 to be processed. Further, the control unit 21 may instruct to start processing for the ticket T2 after receiving a notification of completion of processing by the printing unit for the ticket T1.

  In accordance with the processing start instruction for the ticket T2, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 re-supplys the ticket T2 from the pool section 38 before writing to the main transport path 32. When the ticket T2 is re-supplied to the main transport path 32, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 executes processing for the ticket T1 in response to a processing start instruction from the control unit 21 (S43). For example, the writing unit 40 performs a writing process on the ticket T2 transported along the main transport path 32 by the write head 40a or 40b.

  When the process for the ticket T2 is completed, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 notifies the control unit 21 of the completion of the process for the ticket T2 (S44). Regarding the completion of the processing for the ticket T2, each unit may notify the control unit 21 of the completion of the processing, or the conveyance control unit 60 may notify the completion of the processing according to the conveyance status of the ticket T1. .

  When the notification of the processing completion for the ticket T2 is received, the control unit 21 instructs the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the ticket T2 on top of the ticket T1 previously held (S59).

  When the suspension of the ticket T <b> 2 to the pre-discharge pool unit 46 is instructed, the transport control unit 60 transports the ticket T <b> 2 to the pre-discharge pool unit 46. The main transport path 32 transports the ticket T2 to the pre-discharge pool section 46, and the pre-discharge pool section 46 holds the ticket T2 transported by the main transport path 32 on top of the ticket T1 that has already been retained ( S45). When the ticket T2 is stacked on the ticket T1 and held, the pre-discharge pool unit 46 notifies the control unit 21 of the completion of holding the ticket T2 (S46).

  Receiving the notification that the holding of the ticket T2 is completed, the control unit 21 confirms that the holding in the state where the ticket T2 is stacked on the ticket T1 is completed. When it is confirmed that the holding of the ticket T2 and the ticket T1 is completed, the control unit 21 instructs the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 to discharge the tickets T1 and T2 (S60). That is, the control unit 21 causes all the tickets held in the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to be discharged from the discharge port 6.

  When receiving an instruction to discharge the tickets T1 and T2 from the pre-discharge pool section 46, the magnetic ticket processing section 29 causes the transport control section 60 to discharge the two stacked tickets T1 and T2 from the discharge port 6. (S47). For example, the two tickets T1 and T2 can be discharged from the discharge port 6 while being stacked. However, when collecting one of the tickets, or when collecting two tickets together, the transport control unit 60 separates the ticket to be discharged and the ticket to be collected in the ticket collecting unit 48. Then, it is conveyed to the bill collection unit 48a or 48b. When the ticket discharge is completed, the conveyance control unit 60 notifies the control unit 21 that the ticket discharge is completed.

  According to the first processing example as described above, whether or not the overtaking process in which the process of the final ticket is executed in advance for a plurality of tickets is possible is determined based on the detection status of the final ticket at the processable point. If it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible, the processing order for the last ticket is changed later, and the process is executed first from the ticket previously pooled in the pool section before writing.

  By this, even if it is an automatic ticket gate that adopts an overtaking process that processes the final ticket first, if the final ticket is not in time for the overtaking process, by processing in order from the ticket taken in first, Processing speed and efficiency can be improved. Further, according to the first processing example, whether or not the follow-up process can be performed can be reliably determined based on the detection result of the final ticket by the sensor installed at the processable point on the main transport path.

  According to the first processing example described above, the overtaking process is performed according to the detection result of the final ticket by the sensor installed at the processable point (for example, the front stage of the writing unit 40) for determining whether or not the overtaking process is possible. If it is determined whether or not it is possible, and it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible, the final ticket is pooled in the pool section before writing, and the processing order is changed and pooled first in the pool section before writing. Execute the process first from the ticket you are using.

  As a result, even if the overtaking process is not in time, the processing for a plurality of tickets can be performed in an efficient processing order without causing the first ticket to wait unnecessarily in the pool unit. As a result, even if the overtaking process does not match due to the miniaturization of the ticket gate or the increase in the conveyance speed, it is possible to efficiently process a plurality of tickets. Furthermore, according to the first processing example, it can be reliably determined whether or not the overtaking process is possible based on the detection result of the sensor.

Next, a second processing example will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a second processing example by the automatic ticket gate 1.
The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 detects the insertion of the magnetic ticket by the insertion port sensor 33a. A detection signal indicating whether or not there is a ticket inserted by the slot sensor 33a is notified to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 detects the insertion of the ticket by a detection signal from the insertion port sensor 33a. When the insertion of the ticket is detected (S81, YES), the control unit 21 separates the tickets inserted by the separation / alignment unit 34 one by one and sequentially takes them and conveys them through the main conveyance path 32 (S82).

  In the magnetic ticket processing unit 29, the transport control unit 60 drives the motor 30 to transport the ticket taken in through the main transport path 32. The reading unit 36 reads magnetic information from a ticket conveyed through the main conveyance path 32. The reading control unit 62 transmits the read data read from the ticket by the reading unit 36 to the control unit 21.

  The control unit 21 receives the read data read from the ticket by the reading unit 36 via the reading control unit 62 (S83). When the read data read from the ticket is received, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the ticket of the received read data is the last ticket (final ticket) among the inserted tickets (S84).

  When it is determined that the ticket that has received the read data is not the final ticket (S84, NO), the control unit 21 pools the ticket in the pool unit 38 before writing (S85). When receiving a pool instruction to the pool unit 38 before writing, the distribution control unit 66 operates the distribution gate 38a so that the ticket transported through the main transport path 32 is taken into the pool unit 38 before writing. As a result, the ticket determined not to be the final ticket is pooled in the pool section 38 before writing.

  After fetching the previous ticket, the controller 21 fetches the next ticket at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing when the read data of the preceding magnetic ticket is received), and transports it by the main transport path 32 (S82). The control unit 21 executes the processes of S83 and S84 for the next fetched ticket. Thereby, the control part 21 repeatedly performs the process of said S82-84 until the reading data of the last ticket are received.

  When it is determined that the ticket that has received the read data is the final ticket (S84, YES), the control unit 21 performs ticket determination based on the data read from each ticket, and the final ticket becomes the target of the overtaking process. It is determined whether it is a ticket (applicable ticket) (S86). For example, the control unit 21 counts the elapsed time from when the last ticket read data was received. Thereby, when it is determined that the final ticket is a conforming ticket (S86, YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the reception of the read data of the final ticket is within the time when the overtaking process is possible. (S87).

  When it is determined that the overtaking process is possible (S87, YES), the control unit 21 instructs the start of the process including the writing process for the final ticket as the overtaking process (S89). Upon receiving a notification of processing completion for the final ticket, the control unit 21 instructs the final ticket to be held in the pre-discharge pool unit 46 (S90). When the final ticket is held in the pre-discharge pool unit 46, that is, when the overtaking process can be performed, the control unit 21 processes the ticket pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38 following the process for the final ticket. Is started (S91).

  For example, when two tickets are inserted, if it is determined that the overtaking process is possible, the control unit 21 takes in the next ticket that has been overtaken and pools it in the pool section 38 before writing. Instruct the start of processing. In addition, when there are three inserted tickets, the control unit 21 causes the first acquired ticket to be processed subsequent to the process for the last ticket that has been overtaken, and for the first acquired ticket. Following the process, the process for the second fetched ticket is executed.

  When the processing such as the writing processing for the ticket re-supplied from the pre-writing pool unit 38 is completed, the control unit 21 instructs the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the processed ticket (S92). . When the ticket is already held in the pre-discharge pool unit 46, the control unit 21 instructs to hold the processed ticket on the previously held ticket. For example, when the overtaking process is performed, the control unit 21 instructs to hold the ticket processed on the last ticket previously held in the pool before discharge 46.

  After instructing the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the processed ticket, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a pooled ticket in the pre-writing pool unit 38 (S93). If it is determined that there is a ticket pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38 (S93, YES), the control unit 21 returns to S91 and continues the process for the ticket instructed to be suspended in the pre-discharge pool unit 46. Instruct the execution of the process including the writing process for the next ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing.

  When it is determined that there is no ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing (S93, YES), the control section 21 discharges all the tickets held in the pool section 46 before discharge from the discharge port 6. (S94), the processing for a plurality of inserted tickets is terminated.

  When it is determined that the final ticket is not a conforming ticket (S86, NO), or when it is determined that the overtaking process is not possible (S87, YES), the control unit 21 starts the process for the final ticket. It is instructed to pool the final ticket in the pre-writing pool unit 38 without instructing (S88). In response to an instruction to hold the final ticket in the pool section 38 before writing, the sorting gate 38a acts to take the final ticket into the pool section 38 before writing.

  If it is determined that it is not within the time for which the overtaking process of the final ticket is possible (S87, NO), the control unit 21 performs a process including a writing process on the tickets pooled in the pool section 38 before writing. The start is instructed (S91). For example, the control unit 21 fetches the tickets pooled in the pre-writing pool unit 38 in the order in which the reading process by the reading unit 36 is executed (the order of taking in), and executes the process.

  That is, the control unit 21 instructs the start of processing for each ticket in the order of pooling in the pool unit 38 before writing. The magnetic ticket processing unit 29 resupplys the ticket instructed to start processing by the control unit 21 from the pre-writing pool unit 38 to the main transport path 32. The re-supplied ticket is transported by the main transport path 32, and the writing process instructed by the writing unit 40 to the control unit 21 is performed. When the processing for the re-supplied ticket is completed, the control unit 21 instructs to transport the processed ticket to the pre-discharge pool unit 46 (S92).

  After instructing the pre-discharge pool unit 46 to hold the processed ticket, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a pooled ticket in the pre-writing pool unit 38 (S93). When it is determined that there is a ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing (step 93, YES), the control section 21 returns to S91, and after the ticket held in the pool section 46 before discharge, before writing The pool unit 38 is instructed to start processing for the next ticket pooled. When it is determined that there is no ticket pooled in the pool section 38 before writing (S93, YES), the control section 21 discharges all the tickets held in the pool section 46 before discharge from the discharge port 6. (S94), the processing for the inserted ticket is terminated.

  According to the second processing example as described above, when the read data of the final ticket is received, it is determined (predicted) whether the overtaking process for the final ticket is possible, and the time when the overtaking process is possible. If it is determined that it is within, the start of processing for the last ticket as an overtaking process is instructed. If it is determined that it is not within the time for which the overtaking process is possible, the overtaking process is given up and the final ticket is not written. Instruct the start of processing for tickets pooled in the pool section and previously pooled in the pool section before writing.

  As a result, when the overtaking process is in time, the processing speed is improved by processing the final ticket first, and when the overtaking process is not in time, processing is performed in order from the first fetched (read processed) ticket. Thus, it is possible to efficiently process a plurality of tickets. As a result, even if a situation in which the overtaking process does not match frequently occurs due to downsizing of the ticket gate or an increase in the conveyance speed, the process can be efficiently performed.

  Furthermore, according to the second processing example, it is not necessary to newly install a sensor or the like for detecting whether or not the overtaking process is possible in the magnetic ticket processing unit, and the above-described processing is performed without significant remodeling of the firmware. Processing can be realized.

  In the automatic ticket checker to which the processing of the first processing example or the second processing example as described above is applied, a processing start instruction (processing for the final ticket) is performed during the overtaking processing while performing the overtaking processing of processing the final ticket first. If the command is not in time for the actual processable time, the processing for the last ticket can be postponed to optimize the order of processing for each of the plurality of tickets, thereby reducing the decrease in processing speed as a whole.

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic ticket gate, 21 ... Control part, 29 ... Magnetic ticket processing part, 33c ... Sensor, 36 ... Reading part, 38 ... Pre-writing pool part, 38a ... Distribution gate, 40 ... Writing part, 42 ... Punch , 44 ... printing unit, 46 ... pre-discharge pool unit, 60 ... transport control unit, 62 ... read control unit, 64 ... write control unit, 66 ... distribution control unit, 72 ... sensor control unit.

Claims (5)

An acceptance means for accepting multiple tickets;
Conveying means for conveying the plurality of tickets received by the receiving means one by one;
Reading means for reading information from the ticket conveyed by the conveying means;
Temporary holding means for temporarily holding the ticket whose information is read by the reading means;
It is determined whether or not the last ticket read by the reading unit last among the plurality of tickets received by the receiving unit is a target of an overtaking process to be processed before a ticket held in the temporary holding unit. Ticket determination means;
When the ticket determination means determines that the final ticket is the target of the overtaking process, the determination means determines whether the overtaking process is actually possible for the final ticket;
A first processing means for processing the final ticket without holding it in the temporary holding means when the determination means determines that the overtaking process is possible;
A second processing means for holding the final ticket in the temporary holding means and processing a ticket already held in the temporary holding means first when it is determined by the determining means that the overtaking process is impossible;
Having automatic ticket gate. The determination means determines that the overtaking process is possible if the final ticket has not reached a predetermined processable point at the timing of starting the overtaking process for the final ticket, and the final ticket has reached the processable point. If it is, it is determined that the overtaking process is not possible.
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1. And detecting means for detecting passage of the ticket at the processable point;
After the ticket determination means determines that the final ticket is the target of overtaking processing, the confirmation means has a confirmation means for confirming whether or not the detection means has detected passage of a processable point of the final ticket,
The determination means determines that the overtaking process is possible when the confirmation means has not confirmed the passage of the final ticket processable point, and the confirmation means determines that the final ticket has passed the processable point. If confirmed, it is determined that the overtaking process is impossible.
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 2. In addition, when the ticket determination unit determines that the final ticket is a target for overtaking processing, an issuing unit that issues an instruction for overtaking processing for the final ticket;
Command change to cancel the overtaking process command issued by the issuing unit and change it to a processing command for a ticket held in the temporary holding unit when it is determined by the determining unit that the overtaking process is impossible Means,
The second processing means holds the final ticket in the temporary holding means according to the instruction changed by the command changing means, and processes the ticket already held in the temporary holding means first,
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1. The determination means determines whether or not the overtaking process is possible depending on whether or not the time from when the reading means reads the information from the final ticket to when the processing for the final ticket is started is within the time in which the overtaking process is possible. To judge,
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1.