JP7494027B2 - Automatic ticket gates - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automated ticket gate.

Traditionally, transportation facilities such as trains and buses have prohibited the carrying of dangerous objects such as knives, firearms, explosives, toxic substances, or flammable materials. At airports and other locations, special inspection areas are set up to inspect passengers' belongings. However, automatic ticket gates installed at train stations and other locations only control the passage of users based on the ticket medium they carry, and do not have the function to detect dangerous objects or prevent the passage of people carrying dangerous objects. At ticket gates at stations where automatic ticket gates are installed, it is difficult to set up special inspection areas to ensure smooth passage of users. For this reason, there is a demand for something that can detect whether people passing through a ticket gate are carrying dangerous objects.

JP 2018-146257 A JP 2018-146250 A JP 2018-146249 A

To solve the above problem, the objective is to provide an automated ticket gate that can check whether a person is carrying dangerous items.

According to an embodiment, an automatic ticket gate includes a housing, a first dangerous object detector, a second dangerous object detector, a camera, a control unit, a reading unit, and a passage control unit. The housing forms a passage. The first dangerous object detector is installed in the housing and detects dangerous objects carried by a person passing through the passage in a detection range from an installation position in the housing toward an entrance side of the passage . The second dangerous object detector is installed in the housing and detects dangerous objects carried by a person passing through the passage in a detection range from an installation position in the housing toward an exit side of the passage. The camera captures an image of the passage including the detection range of the first dangerous object detector and the detection range of the second dangerous object detector. When the control unit detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object by the first or second dangerous object detector, it transmits the image captured by the camera to a monitoring device . The reading unit reads information recorded on a ticket medium presented by a person passing through the passage. The passage control unit allows the person to pass through the passage if the information read by the reading unit indicates that the person can pass through the passage, and prevents the person from passing through the passage if the information read by the reading unit indicates that the person cannot pass through the passage.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the external configuration of an automatic ticket gate according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic ticket gate according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view showing another configuration example of the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of an automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system including an automatic ticket gate according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a side view that shows a schematic external configuration of an automated ticket gate 1 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a top view that shows the external configuration of the automated ticket gate 1 according to an embodiment.
The automatic ticket gate 1 is installed, for example, at the ticket gates of railway stations and performs passage control (ticket gate processing) such as ticket gate (entrance or exit) services for users. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, a pair of automatic ticket gates 1 form one ticket gate (entrance or exit) passage. The automatic ticket gate 1 may be used as an entry-only or exit-only dedicated machine that can pass through the ticket gate passage in only one direction, or may be used as a dual-purpose machine that can pass through the ticket gate passage in both directions. The automatic ticket gate 1 is set in advance as either an entry-only machine, an exit-only machine, or a dual-purpose machine.

The automated ticket gate 1 has the function of processing tickets (ticket media) held by users. The tickets processed by the automated ticket gate 1 are recording media used as tickets such as ordinary tickets, stored fare (SF) cards, commuter passes, express tickets, or coupon tickets. Recording media as tickets processed by the automated ticket gate 1 are, for example, magnetic tickets (magnetic tickets) or electronic devices with contactless communication functions such as contactless IC cards (contactless tickets). A magnetic ticket is a recording medium on which magnetic information is recorded. A contactless ticket is an electronic device from which recorded information can be read without contact. A contactless ticket is a contactless IC card (or an electronic device with the same function as a contactless IC card), or a recording medium on which code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) is printed (hereinafter also referred to as a code ticket).

The IC card as a contactless ticket has a communication function using a contactless IC card communication method (contactless communication method) and stores information including passenger ticket information. When passing through a passageway, the user presents the IC card as a passenger ticket in the presentation area R of the automatic ticket gate 1. For example, the IC card is used as a commuter pass, a stored fare (SF) card for prepaid fares for fare settlement, or a postpaid card for fare settlement.

A code ticket as a contactless ticket has code information such as a two-dimensional barcode (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) printed on its face. The code information printed on the face of a code ticket is, for example, coded information including passenger ticket information. When passing through an aisle, a user presents the face of the code ticket as a passenger ticket in the presentation area R of the automatic ticket gate 1. For example, a code ticket is a recording medium used as a ticket such as a regular passenger ticket, a reserved seat ticket, a commuter pass, a limited express ticket, or a multiple-ride ticket.

A magnetic ticket is a recording medium that has a magnetic recording layer that stores information. The information (magnetic information) recorded on the magnetic ticket includes passenger ticket information. When passing through a passageway, a user inserts the magnetic ticket as a passenger ticket into slot 5. For example, magnetic tickets are used as ordinary passenger tickets, commuter passes, express tickets, or multiple-ride tickets.

The automated ticket gate 1 has a housing 2 that forms an entrance or exit passage. The surface of the housing 2 facing the passage is made of a material that makes it easy to detect dangerous objects from signals detected by a dangerous object detection sensor, which will be described later. For example, if the dangerous object detection sensor is a radar, the surface of the housing 2 facing the passage is made of plastic or the like.

The top and sides of the housing 2 of the automated ticket gate 1 have covers that can be opened and closed to allow staff to perform maintenance work inside the housing. In the normal operating mode (operation mode), the covers are locked by a locking mechanism (not shown), and in an operating mode (maintenance mode) in which maintenance work by staff can be performed, the locking mechanism is released.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, a ticket reader (non-contact reader) 4 that reads information from a contactless ticket used as a passenger ticket medium is provided at one end of the top surface of the housing 2 that forms the automated ticket gate 1. The ticket reader 4 is, for example, an IC card reader/writer that performs wireless communication with an IC card, or a code reader that reads code information on the face of the ticket. The ticket reader 4 may also combine the functions of an IC card reader/writer and a code reader.

The IC card reader/writer serving as the ticket reader 4 is composed of an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and a transmitting/receiving circuit. The IC card reader/writer serving as the ticket reader 4 is installed so that the presentation area R at one end of the top surface of the housing is within the communication range with the IC card. For example, when a user who wishes to pass through a ticket gate presents an IC card in the presentation area R, the automatic ticket gate 1 communicates with the IC card presented by the user and reads the information recorded on the IC card. The automatic ticket gate 1 determines whether or not the user is permitted to pass based on the ticket information contained in the information read from the IC card, and controls the user's passage based on the result of this determination.

The code reader serving as the ticket reader 4 is composed of a scanner and a recognition unit, etc. The code reader serving as the ticket reader 4 is installed so that the presentation area R at one end of the top surface of the housing is the reading range for the face of the code ticket. When a user who wishes to pass through a ticket gate presents a code ticket in the presentation area R with the reading side facing the device, the automatic ticket gate 1 scans the face of the code ticket presented by the user and recognizes the code information printed on the face of the code ticket. The automatic ticket gate 1 determines whether or not the user is allowed to pass based on the ticket information contained in the code information read from the code ticket, and controls the user's passage based on the result of this determination.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, an insertion slot 5 into which a magnetic ticket used as a passenger ticket is inserted is provided at one end of the top surface of the housing forming the automated ticket gate 1. The insertion slot 5 is designed to make it easy for users to insert the magnetic ticket. For example, the insertion slot 5 is installed at a height that makes it easy for the average person among potential users to insert the magnetic ticket.

In addition, a shutter 5a is provided at the slot 5. The shutter 5a prevents a magnetic ticket from being inserted into the slot 5. When the automated ticket gate 1 is in a state in which it cannot accept magnetic tickets, the shutter 5a is closed, and when it is in a state in which it can accept magnetic tickets, the shutter 5a is opened. A magnetic ticket inserted into the slot 5 is taken into the housing of the automated ticket gate 1, where information is read and written by a magnetic ticket processing unit (magnetic reading unit and magnetic writing unit) inside the housing.

The automated ticket gate 1 has a magnetic ticket processing unit (described later) for processing magnetic tickets. The magnetic ticket processing unit is composed of a transport mechanism that transports magnetic tickets inserted into the insertion slot 5, and a processing mechanism that reads and writes magnetic information on magnetic tickets transported by the transport mechanism. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the automated ticket gate 1 is provided with an outlet 6 at the end of the passage on the top surface facing the exit, for discharging magnetic tickets processed by the magnetic ticket processing unit. Magnetic tickets processed by the magnetic ticket processing unit are returned or collected from the outlet 6.

At both ends of the side of the housing that forms the automated ticket gate 1 facing the passage, there are doors 7, 7 that can be opened and closed to allow or deny passage to pedestrians. In normal operation, the doors 7 are controlled to open and close based on the judgment results of the IC card held by the user, or the detection results of the human detection sensor S or the proximity sensor.

The top surface of the housing forming the automated ticket gate 1 is provided with a guide display unit 8 for providing guidance to users or staff. The guide display unit 8 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal display device. The guide display unit 8 displays a guide screen that informs users passing through the passage of the results of the ticket gate processing. For example, when an IC card with a stored fare (SF) card function is processed, the guide display unit 8 displays the SF balance on the IC card after the ticket gate processing. The guide display unit 8 may be provided in a position where the user can confirm the displayed contents. The guide display unit 8 is not limited to being provided at the end of the exit side of the top surface of the housing, but may be provided, for example, in the center of the top surface of the housing or adjacent to the ticket reader 4 on the top surface of the housing.

A status display unit 9 is provided on the top surface of the housing 2 that forms the automated ticket gate 1 to notify the user of the status or processing status of the automated ticket gate 1. For example, when a contactless child ticket is presented or a magnetic child ticket is inserted, the status display unit 9 displays a message indicating that a child ticket is being processed. When a user without a ticket is detected, the status display unit 9 displays a message indicating that a user without a ticket has entered. When a contactless ticket or magnetic ticket that is an invalid ticket is presented, the status display unit 9 displays a message indicating that the ticket presented by the user is an invalid ticket.

Multiple human detection sensors S are provided inside a sensor cover on the top surface of the housing 2 that forms the automated ticket gate 1 and on the side of the housing 2. The human detection sensors S are composed of reflective or transmissive detection sensors. The output signal from the human detection sensors S is either "light" or "dark." The human detection sensors S detect whether or not a person is present at a specified detection position. The automated ticket gate 1 uses the multiple human detection sensors S to detect the presence or absence of people at various points within the passage. As a result, the automated ticket gate 1 is able to determine the position of a user passing through the passage based on the detection results of the multiple human detection sensors S.

Furthermore, the automated ticket gate 1 may be provided with a passage guidance display unit and a proximity sensor on the side facing the passage entrance direction on the side where the ticket reader 4 and the insertion slot 5 are provided (the entrance side of the passage). The passage guidance display unit displays whether or not a person can enter the passage to the automated ticket gate. The proximity sensor detects a person approaching the automated ticket gate 1. The automated ticket gate 1 detects a person approaching the passage with the proximity sensor, and allows the person to smoothly undergo ticket gate processing. For example, in an operation mode in which a person passes through the passage in both directions, the automated ticket gate 1 controls the passage direction (ticket gate direction) according to the detection result of the proximity sensor. The automated ticket gate may be configured to switch between a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced by turning off the display unit, etc., and a normal operation mode (operation mode in which ticket gate processing is performed) according to the detection result of the proximity sensor.

A dangerous object detector 10 for detecting dangerous objects carried by a person is provided on the side of the housing 2 forming the automatic ticket gate 1. The dangerous object detector 10 is, for example, a radar that measures the distance to an object other than the person. A radar as an example of the dangerous object detector 10 receives millimeter waves that measure the distance to an object other than the person. The millimeter waves detected by the radar can measure the distance between the human body and an object with a different dielectric constant. The radar as the dangerous object detector 10 is configured by combining multiple radars. In addition, it is arranged so that the entire body of a person in the passage is within the detection range. Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the radar as the dangerous object detector 10 is configured so that the entire body of a person is within the detection range by arranging multiple radars vertically on the side of the housing 2 facing the passage.

In the example shown in Fig. 2, the radars as the dangerous object detector 10 are arranged on both sides of the passage formed by the automatic ticket gate 1, one set of radars facing the entrance side and the other set of radars facing the exit side. If the direction of the arrow a shown in Fig. 2 is the direction in which people pass, the radars 10inR and 10inL shown in Fig. 2 have a detection range on the entrance side of the passage. The radars 10inR and 10inL detect millimeter waves from the front side of the whole body of a person entering the passage. The radars 10outR and 10outL shown in Fig. 2 have a detection range on the exit side of the passage. The radars 10outR and 10outL detect millimeter waves from the back side of the whole body of a person trying to exit the passage.
By arranging the radar as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to cover the entire body of a person (front, back, left and right) within the detection range.

A camera 11 is provided on the top surface of the housing 2 forming the automated ticket gate 1. The camera 11 captures an image of an area including the detection range of the hazardous object detector 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a camera 11in and a camera 11out are provided. The camera 11in is installed near the exit on the top surface of the housing 2 facing the entrance side of the passage. The camera 11in is installed facing the entrance side of the passage so as to capture an image of an area including the area that is the detection range of the radar 10inR and the radar 10inL. The camera 11out is installed near the entrance on the top surface of the housing 2 facing the exit side of the passage. The camera 11out is installed facing the exit side of the passage so as to capture an image of an area including the area that is the detection range of the radar 10outR and the radar 10outL.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the radar and the camera 11 as the dangerous object detector 10. In FIG.
In the example shown in Fig. 3, the radars serving as the dangerous object detector 10 are arranged on one side of the passage formed by the automatic ticket gate 1, with one radar facing the entrance side and the other facing the exit side. If the direction of the arrow a shown in Fig. 3 is the direction in which people pass, the radar 10in' shown in Fig. 3 has a detection range on the entrance side of the passage and is arranged so as to detect millimeter waves from the front side of the whole body of a person entering the passage. The radar 10out' shown in Fig. 3 has a detection range on the exit side of the passage and detects millimeter waves from the back side of the whole body of a person exiting the passage.
3, the radar 10in' can detect the front and right side of the person, and the radar 10out' can detect the back and left side of the person. As a result, the entire body of the person (front, back, left and right) can be detected.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a camera 11in' and a camera 11out' are provided. The camera 11in' is installed near the position of the radar 10in on the top surface of the housing 2, facing the entrance side of the passage. The camera 11in' is installed so as to face the entrance side of the passage and capture an image of an area including the area that is the detection range of the radar 10in'. The camera 11out' is installed near the position of the radar 10out on the top surface of the housing 2, facing the entrance side of the passage. The camera 11out' is installed so as to face the exit side of the passage and capture an image of an area including the area that is the detection range of the radar 10out'.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the automated ticket gate 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the automated ticket gate 1 configured as above.
As shown in Fig. 4, the automated ticket gate 1 is entirely controlled by a control unit 21. Connected to the control unit 21 are a ROM (read only memory) 22, a RAM (random access memory) 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, the ticket reader 4, a magnetic ticket processing unit 26, a human detection sensor S, a dangerous object detector 10, a camera 11, a passage control unit 27, a display unit 8, and an audio output unit 28.

The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (processor) and realizes various processing functions by the processor executing programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 22. For example, the control unit 21 realizes a function of determining whether or not a person can pass based on information read from a contactless ticket or a magnetic ticket by the CPU executing a program, a function of detecting the position and movement of a person within the passage of the automated ticket gate 1 from the detection results of the human detection sensor S, and a function of driving and controlling the opening and closing of the door 7 according to the detection results of the human detection sensor S and the result of the determination of whether or not a person can pass.

The control unit 21 also has a function of checking whether a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object based on a signal detected by the dangerous object detector 10. For example, the control unit 21 generates a two-dimensional image (scan image) for detecting dangerous objects from a signal detected by a radar serving as the dangerous object detector 10. The control unit 21 detects whether a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object by performing image recognition on the two-dimensional image (scan image) generated from the signal detected by the radar serving as the dangerous object detector 10. The control unit 21 may also detect dangerous objects such as firearms and knives by performing pattern recognition on the scan image.

The control unit 21 may be configured to issue an alarm when it detects that a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object. Also, when it detects that a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object, the control unit 21 may be configured to close the door 7 to prevent the person from passing through. Also, when it detects that a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object, the control unit 21 may be configured to transmit a two-dimensional image (scanned image) generated from a signal detected by the radar as the dangerous object detector 10 to the monitoring panel 30 (see FIG. 5) or a monitoring device 40 (see FIG. 5) connected via a network. Furthermore, when it detects that a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object, the control unit 21 may be configured to transmit an image of the person captured by the camera 11 to the monitoring panel 30 (see FIG. 5) or a monitoring device 40 (see FIG. 5) connected via a network.

The ROM 22 is made up of a non-volatile memory in which data is stored in advance. For example, the ROM 22 stores control programs and control data executed by the control unit 21. The RAM 23 is made up of a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. For example, the RAM 23 functions as a buffer memory for the control programs and the like executed by the control unit 21.

The memory unit 24 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the memory unit 24 stores freight information and data downloaded from a host computer (not shown) serving as a higher-level device.

The communication unit 25 is an interface for performing data communication with the monitoring panel 30, which allows station staff to monitor the operating status of the automated ticket gate 1. The communication unit 25 receives control instructions from the monitoring panel 30 to the automated ticket gate 1, and transmits information indicating the operating status of the automated ticket gate 1 to the monitoring panel 30. The communication unit 25 may also perform data communication with a monitoring device 40 connected via a network through the monitoring panel 30. For example, when the communication unit 25 detects that a person in the passageway is carrying a dangerous object, it transmits to the monitoring panel 30 or the monitoring device 40 a scanned image generated from a signal detected by the dangerous object detector 10 or an image captured by the camera 11.

The ticket reader 4 reads information from the ticket medium. The ticket reader 4 reads information from the ticket medium in a non-contact manner. For example, the ticket reader 4 may be a card reader/writer that reads information from an electronic device with a non-contact communication function, such as a non-contact IC card, or a code reader that reads code information including ticket information from the face of a code ticket used as a ticket.

The card reader/writer as the ticket reader 4 transmits and receives data to and from an IC card presented in the presentation area (predetermined communication range) R. The card reader/writer as the ticket reader 4 supplies commands to the IC card and receives responses to the supplied commands from the IC card. For example, the card reader/writer writes information (e.g., ticket gate information) to the IC card by sending a write command to the IC card. The card reader/writer also reads information (e.g., ticket information) from the IC card by sending a read command to the IC card.
In addition, the code reader serving as the ticket reader 4 reads an image including the face of the code ticket presented in the presentation area (predetermined reading range) R, extracts an image of the code information from the read image, and recognizes information including the ticket information from the extracted image of the code information.

The magnetic ticket processing unit 26 processes the magnetic ticket used as a passenger ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5. For example, the magnetic ticket processing unit 29 reads information from the magnetic ticket and records ticket gate information on the magnetic ticket based on an operational instruction from the control unit 21.
The human detection sensor S detects the presence or absence of a person. As shown in FIG 1, the human detection sensor S is installed at each predetermined position in the passage and detects the presence or absence of a person at each position.

The dangerous object detector 10 includes a sensor for detecting dangerous objects carried by a person. The dangerous object detector 10 may be any device that acquires a signal for detecting dangerous objects carried by a person. The dangerous object detector 10 may be a radar that detects millimeter waves, a metal detector, an X-ray backscatter or a terahertz wave detection device, etc. In this embodiment, the dangerous object detector 10 will be described as being a radar that uses millimeter waves.

For example, a radar serving as the dangerous object detector 10 is composed of multiple radars and detects millimeter waves within a detection range.
The radar uses millimeter waves to measure the distance between a person and an object with a different dielectric constant. The radar is placed in the passageway so that the entire body of the person is within its detection range, as shown in Fig. 2 or 3. The radar uses millimeter waves to supply a signal indicating the distance between the person and the different object to the control unit 21. This enables the control unit 21 to generate a two-dimensional image (scan image) indicating the person and the object with a different dielectric constant.

The camera 11 captures images of people in the passageway. In the example shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the camera 11 captures an image of an area including the detection range of a radar serving as the hazardous object detector 10. The camera 11 supplies the captured image to the control unit 21. As a result, the control unit 21 obtains a two-dimensional image (scan image) generated from a signal detected by the radar serving as the hazardous object detector 10, and a captured image of the area including the detection range of the hazardous object detector 10 captured by the camera 11.

The passage control unit 27 includes a mechanism for opening and closing the door 7. The passage control unit 27 drives the door 7 to open and close based on the control by the control unit 21.
The display unit 8 displays information in response to an instruction from the control unit 21. For example, in response to an instruction from the control unit 21, the display unit 8 displays a guide to a person in the passage indicating whether or not the person can pass through.
The audio output unit 28 outputs audio. The audio output unit 28 is configured with a speaker or the like. The audio output unit 28 outputs an alarm in response to an instruction from the control unit 21. For example, when the audio output unit 28 detects that a person in the passage is carrying a dangerous object, it outputs an alarm in response to an instruction from the control unit 21.

Next, an example of a monitoring system including the automated ticket gate 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system including the automated ticket gate 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 5, the monitoring system includes an automatic ticket gate 1, a monitoring panel 30, a monitoring device 40, etc. A plurality of automatic ticket gates 1 are connected to the monitoring panel 30. For example, the monitoring panel 20 is installed at each ticket gate in a station, and a plurality of automatic ticket gates installed at the ticket gates are connected to the monitoring panel 30. The monitoring panel 30 monitors the operating status of each automatic ticket gate 1 by an attendant, or issues operating instructions to the automatic ticket gate 1 by the attendant. The monitoring panel 30 according to this embodiment may also function as a device that notifies an attendant that the automatic ticket gate 1 has detected a dangerous object.

The monitoring device 40 has a function of communicating with the automatic ticket gates 1 installed at each station and each ticket gate via a network. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring device 40 is configured to communicate with the automatic ticket gates via the monitoring panel 30. The monitoring device 40 receives a notification indicating that the automatic ticket gate 1 has detected a person carrying a dangerous object, and notifies a supervisor or security guard. The monitoring device 40 also obtains a scanned image of a dangerous object detected (scanned) from the automatic ticket gate 1 using a dangerous object detector, displays the scanned image on a display device, and provides it to the supervisor or security guard. The monitoring device 40 also obtains a photographed image of a person detected to be carrying a dangerous object from the automatic ticket gate 1, displays the photographed image of the person on a display device, and notifies the supervisor or security guard. The monitoring device 40 may also be connected to an image-based person tracking system, and provide a photographed image of the person to the person tracking system to track the person.

Next, the operation of the automated ticket gate 1 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the automated ticket gate 1 according to this embodiment.
The control unit 21 of the automated ticket gate 1 detects whether or not a person is entering the passage when ticket gate processing for a user is available (S11). When a person is detected, the control unit 21 performs a process of detecting a dangerous object using the dangerous object detector 10 (S12). The control unit 21 receives a signal for detecting a dangerous object within the detection range by the dangerous object detector 10. The control unit 21 detects whether or not the person is carrying a dangerous object based on the signal received by the dangerous object detector 10 (S13).

For example, a radar as a dangerous object detector 10 receives millimeter waves as signals from multiple radars indicating the distance to objects other than people in the detection range. The control unit 21 generates a two-dimensional image (scanned image) showing objects other than people in the detection range based on the signals detected by the multiple radars. The control unit 21 determines the presence or absence of dangerous objects (whether a person is carrying a dangerous object) based on the two-dimensional image (scanned image) generated from the signals detected (received) by the dangerous object detector 10. The control unit 21 may also detect dangerous objects such as firearms and knives by pattern recognition of the scanned image.

If no dangerous object is detected (S13, NO), the control unit 21 performs ticket gate processing (passage control) according to the information recorded on the ticket medium presented by the person (S14). The control unit 21 reads the information recorded on the ticket medium presented by the person using the ticket reader 4 or magnetic ticket processing unit 26, and determines whether or not to allow passage through the passage based on the read information. If the control unit 21 allows passage through the passage based on the information recorded on the ticket medium, the control unit 21 opens the door using the passage control unit 27 to allow the person to pass through, and displays a message on the display unit 8 indicating that passage is permitted. If the control unit 21 does not allow passage through the passage based on the information recorded on the ticket medium, the control unit 21 closes the door using the passage control unit 27 to prevent the person from passing through, and displays a message on the display unit 8 indicating that passage is prohibited.

If a dangerous object is detected (S13, YES), the control unit 21 issues an alarm (S15). For example, the control unit 21 outputs an alarm via the audio output unit 28. The control unit 21 may also issue an alarm to the monitoring panel 30 or monitoring device 40, which is capable of communicating via the communication unit 25, to the effect that a dangerous object has been detected. In this case, the control unit 21 can issue an alarm to an attendant via the monitoring panel 30 or monitoring device 40.

If a dangerous object is detected (S13, YES), the control unit 21 transmits a scan image generated from the signal detected by the dangerous object detector 10 to the monitoring device 40 via the monitoring panel 30 and the network using the communication unit 25 (S16). This allows the monitoring device 40 to obtain a scan image from the automated ticket gate 1 that detected the dangerous object, and to display the obtained scan image on a display device or the like. In this case, the automated ticket gate 1 can provide the scan image to the monitoring device 40, and a monitor or the like can check the scan image.

Furthermore, if a dangerous object is detected (S13, YES), the control unit 21 prevents the person from passing through (S17). For example, the control unit 21 closes the door using the passage control unit 27 to prevent the person from passing through, and displays a message on the display unit 8 indicating that passage is not permitted because a dangerous object has been detected. This allows the automated ticket barrier 1 to prevent the passage of people who may be carrying a dangerous object.

Also, if a dangerous object is detected (S13, YES), the control unit 21 transmits the image captured by the camera 11 to the monitoring device 40 via the monitoring panel 30 and the network by the communication unit 25 (S18). For example, the control unit 21 acquires an image of a person detected by the camera 11 to be carrying a dangerous object. The control unit 21 transmits the image of the person to the monitoring device 40 via the monitoring panel 30 and the network by the communication unit 25. This allows the monitoring device 40 to display the image of the person detected to be carrying a dangerous object on a display device, etc., allowing a monitor or the like to check the person. In addition, the monitoring device 40 can identify the person (or an image of the person) detected to be carrying a dangerous object from the image acquired from the automatic ticket gate 1, and can also track the person using a person tracking system or the like.

In addition, in the process of S15, S16, or S18, the control unit 21 may also transmit information such as an ID read from the ticket medium presented by the person to the monitoring device 40. Furthermore, in the process of S15, S16, or S18, the control unit 21 may also transmit information such as a facial image of the person extracted from the image captured by the camera 11 to the monitoring device 40.

Furthermore, the processes of S16 to S18 are not limited to being performed in the sequence shown in FIG. 6. Any of the processes of S16 to S18 may be omitted, or may be performed in a sequence different from that shown in FIG. 6. Even if a dangerous object is detected, the ticket gate process described as S15 may be performed in parallel with the processes of S16 to S18.

The automated ticket gate according to the embodiment described above uses a dangerous goods detector to obtain a signal for detecting dangerous goods from a person passing through the passage, and if it detects that the person is carrying a dangerous goods based on the signal obtained by the dangerous goods detector, it notifies the user of information indicating that a dangerous goods has been detected. This makes it possible to provide an automated ticket gate that can check whether a person attempting to pass through the passage is carrying a dangerous goods and can notify the user that a dangerous goods is being carried.

Furthermore, when the automated ticket gate according to the embodiment detects that a person is carrying a dangerous object, it closes the door to prevent the person from passing through. As a result, the automated ticket gate according to the embodiment can prevent a person carrying a dangerous object from entering the station. Furthermore, when the automated ticket gate according to the embodiment detects that a person is carrying a dangerous object, it transmits a captured image of the person to a monitoring device as an external device. This allows a monitor or security guard to check an image of a person detected by the external monitoring device to be carrying a dangerous object. Furthermore, by providing an image of a person detected by the monitoring device to an external tracking system, it becomes possible to track or continuously monitor the person.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
The following is a summary of the contents of the claims as originally filed.
[1]
A housing forming a passage;
a dangerous object detector that detects dangerous objects carried by a person passing through the passage;
a control unit that, when the dangerous object detector detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object, notifies the user of information indicating that the dangerous object has been detected;
a reading unit that reads information recorded on a ticket medium presented by a person passing through the passage;
a passage control unit that allows the person to pass through the passage when the information read by the reading unit indicates that the person cannot pass through the passage, and that prevents the person from passing through the passage when the information read by the reading unit indicates that the person cannot pass through the passage;
An automatic ticket gate having the above structure.
[2]
the dangerous object detector receives a signal including information indicating an object other than a human body within a detection range including a position where a person passes through the passageway;
The control unit detects whether the person is carrying a dangerous object based on a signal received by the dangerous object detector.
The automatic ticket gate according to [1].
[3]
the hazardous object detector is composed of a plurality of radars that receive signals indicating the distance to an object other than a human body within the detection range,
The control unit generates a scan image of an object other than a human body based on the signals received by each of the radars, and detects whether the person is carrying a dangerous object based on the generated scan image.
The automatic ticket gate according to [2].
[4]
Further, a communication unit that transmits the scanned image to a monitoring device.
The automatic ticket gate according to [3].
[5]
detecting dangerous objects carried by the person by performing a pattern recognition process on the scanned image;
An automatic ticket gate according to any one of [3] and [4].
[6]
When the control unit detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object, the control unit prevents the person from passing by using the passage control unit.
An automatic ticket gate according to any one of [1] to [5].
[7]
A camera for capturing an image of the inside of the passage,
When the control unit detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object by the dangerous object detector, the control unit transmits an image captured by the camera to a monitoring device.
An automatic ticket gate according to any one of [1] to [6].

1...automatic ticket gate, 2...casing, 4...ticket reader, 7...door, 10...hazardous object detector (radar), 11...camera, 21...control unit, 25...communication unit, 26...magnetic ticket processing unit, 27...passage control unit, 30...monitoring panel, 40...monitoring device.

Claims (7)

A housing forming a passage;
a first hazardous object detector that is installed in the housing and detects hazardous objects carried by a person passing through the passage within a detection range extending from an installation position on the housing toward an entrance side of the passage;
a second hazardous object detector that is installed in the housing and detects hazardous objects carried by a person passing through the passage within a detection range extending from an installation position on the housing toward an exit side of the passage;
a camera that captures an image of the passageway including a detection range of the first dangerous object detector and a detection range of the second dangerous object detector;
a control unit that transmits an image captured by the camera to a monitoring device when the first or second dangerous object detector detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object;
a reading unit that reads information recorded on a ticket medium presented by a person passing through the passage;
a passage control unit that allows the person to pass through the passage when the information read by the reading unit indicates that the person cannot pass through the passage, and that prevents the person from passing through the passage when the information read by the reading unit indicates that the person cannot pass through the passage;
An automatic ticket gate having the above structure. the first and second hazardous object detectors each receive a signal including information indicating an object other than a human body within a detection range including a position where a person passes through the passageway;
The control unit detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object based on signals received by the first and second dangerous object detectors.
2. The automated ticket gate according to claim 1. the first and second hazard detectors each include a radar that receives a signal indicating a distance to an object other than a human body within the detection range,
The control unit generates a scan image of an object other than a human body based on the signals received by each of the radars, and detects whether the person is carrying a dangerous object based on the generated scan image.
3. The automated ticket gate according to claim 2. Further, a communication unit that transmits the scanned image to the monitoring device.
The automated ticket gate according to claim 3. detecting dangerous objects carried by the person by performing a pattern recognition process on the scanned image;
5. The automated ticket gate according to claim 3 or 4. When the control unit detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object, the control unit prevents the person from passing by using the passage control unit.
6. An automated ticket gate according to claim 1. When the control unit detects that the person is carrying a dangerous object by the first and second dangerous object detectors, the control unit further transmits information read from the ticket medium presented by the person by the reading unit to the monitoring device.
7. The automated ticket gate according to claim 1.