JPH09185732A - Automatic ticket examination machine and automatic fare adjustment machine handling train ticket or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly process plural information cards, etc., in a device even when they are fed in one over another by receiving the information media in a stacked state, moving them in array along a conveyance path, and taking the media in, one by one. SOLUTION: At a feed opening 3 for train tickets, etc., rotary rollers 61 and 62 having a driving motor and support members 63 and 64 which support them and include a position sensor are provided. When a passenger feeds plural train tickets, etc., in the feed opening 3, they are inserted between the rotary rollers 61 and 62 and the support members 63 and 64 which include the position sensor supplies their thickness as a signal to a CPU through a detecting circuit. The CPU decides that >=2 train tickets are fed when the thickness is larger than specific thickness, and separates them into two successive tickets in array along the conveyance path through the rotation of the roller couple. In this case, the support members 63 and 64 detect thickness again and when the CPU decides that they are each as thick as one ordinary train ticket, the train tickets, etc., are sent in the conveyance path 11 as usual.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ticket handling system such as an automatic ticket gate and an automatic checkout machine for handling tickets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in railways, a commuter pass or the like (commuter pass) having an effective section (use section) and an effective period (use period, expiration date), or a prepaid card or the like is used. . An automatic ticket gate, an automatic checkout machine, etc. are used as a device for handling such card-like tickets, commuter passes, prepaid cards and the like. By the way, such a device may handle not only one ticket or the like but also both the ticket and the prepaid card at the same time. In such a case, it is necessary to sequentially insert the sheets one by one into the loading slot, which may cause congestion of users.

[0003]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even when a plurality of information cards and the like are stacked and inserted from the insertion port, the processing is properly performed inside the apparatus. It is an object to provide an information medium processing device for performing.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a plurality of card-shaped information media are received in an overlapping state from an opening,
This is moved to a state where it is lined up in the front-rear direction along the transport path of the information medium, and the information of the plurality of information media fetched from the fetching means is read, and predetermined processing is performed based on the information. An information medium processing device comprising:

According to the present invention, even in a congested situation, for example, it is possible to insert the information media in a stacked state instead of inserting the information media one by one as in the conventional case. That is,
By feeding the stacked information media in the opposite direction by, for example, a pair of rotating rollers, the information media are separated back and forth along the transport path of the information media, thereby feeding the information media one by one to the following processing device. You can Therefore, the information medium loading process can be smoothly performed in a congested situation.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of card-shaped information media are received from the opening in a state of being overlapped, and the means for detecting the overlap of the information media from the thickness of the information medium, and the detecting means. Detects that the information mediums are overlapped, the information mediums are moved in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path, and are taken in one by one, and the information of the plurality of information mediums taken in by the taking-in means. And a means for performing a predetermined process based on the information, the information medium processing apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, an opening for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, a pair of rotating rollers each supported by a supporting member, and the rotating roller provided on the supporting member respectively. When the information medium is inserted between a pair, a plurality of position sensors that detect the thickness of the information medium, and when the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount or more, However, it is determined that they are in an overlapping state, one roller of the pair of rotating rollers is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction, so that the information medium is moved forward and backward in a line. Drive means for the rotating roller pair to take in one by one, and means for reading information of the plurality of information media taken from the rotating roller pair and performing a predetermined process based on the information. Is an information medium processing apparatus according to claim Rukoto.

Further, according to the present invention, a pair of first rotating rollers which are provided so as to sandwich the conveying path of the information medium and are supported by a first supporting member respectively, and the pair of conveying rollers are arranged side by side with the first rotating roller pair. A pair of second rotating rollers that are provided so as to sandwich the transport path along a path and are respectively supported by a second support member; and the first and second support members that are respectively provided on the first and second support members. A plurality of position sensors that detect the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of rotating rollers, and the information medium when the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount or more. Is determined to be a state in which there are a plurality of these, and the first and second
By rotating one roller of the pair of rotating rollers in a predetermined direction and rotating the other roller in the predetermined direction, the information medium is moved back and forth in a line along the conveyance path to take in one by one.
And driving means for the second rotating roller pair, and the first and second driving means.
An information medium processing apparatus comprising: a unit for reading information of the plurality of information media read from a pair of rotating rollers and performing a predetermined process based on the information.

Further, the present invention forms a passage for a passerby,
Progression preventing means for preventing the passerby from moving through the passage, and a plurality of card-shaped information media received from the passerby in an overlapping state from the opening, and are received back and forth along the transport path of the information media. Means for moving one by one in a line and reading the information of the plurality of information mediums taken in by the taking means, and based on the information, the progress preventing means enables the passerby to proceed, or An automatic ticket gate device, comprising: a control unit that controls to block the automatic ticket gate.

Also in the present invention, by making use of the above features of the automatic ticket gate apparatus, even if a plurality of tickets, for example, are put in at one time, the inside of the apparatus is rotated in the opposite direction, for example, a pair of rotating rollers. By the function, the sheets are separated one by one, so that smooth processing of tickets and the like becomes possible.

Further, the present invention forms a passage for a passerby,
When a plurality of card-shaped information media from the opening are received from the passer-by in a state of being overlapped with each other, the progress preventing means for preventing the passerby from advancing through the passage, and the information medium is confirmed to be overlapped. A means for detecting the thickness of the information medium, and a means for, when the detection means detects that the information mediums are overlapped, moving the information mediums back and forth in a line along the transport path and then taking one by one, Reading information of the plurality of information media captured from the capturing means,
Based on the information, the control means for controlling to prevent or prevent the passage of the passerby by the progress preventing means,
The automatic ticket gate is characterized by comprising:

According to the present invention, there is also provided a passage member that forms a passage for a passerby to pass through, the passage member having a door member that can be opened and closed to prevent passage of the passerby, and the passage member. An opening for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapped state, a pair of rotating rollers provided so as to sandwich a transport path starting from the opening, each of which is supported by a supporting member, A plurality of position sensors, each of which is provided on a support member and detects the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of rotating rollers, and the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount. When it is above, it is determined that there are a plurality of the information media and they are in an overlapping state, and one roller of the rotating roller pair is rotated in a predetermined direction and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction. A drive motor for the pair of rotating rollers that moves the information medium in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one, and the information of the plurality of information mediums taken in from the pair of rotating rollers is read, and the passing member is based on the information And a control circuit for controlling the opening and closing of the door member to enable or prevent the passage of the passerby, and an automatic ticket gate.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a passage member which forms a passage for a passerby to pass through, the passage member having a door member which can be opened and closed and obstructs passage of the passerby, and the passage member. And a first rotating roller that is provided in a shape that sandwiches a transport path that starts from the opening and an opening that is formed in a portion and receives a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, and that is supported by a first support member. Pair, a pair of second rotating rollers that are provided side by side with the pair of first rotating rollers and sandwich the conveying path along the conveying path, and each pair is supported by a second supporting member. A plurality of position sensors that are provided and detect the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of first and second rotating rollers, and the thickness detected by the position sensor are provided. More than a fixed amount , It is determined that there are a plurality of the information media and they are in an overlapping state, and one roller of the first and second rotating roller pairs is rotated in a predetermined direction and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction. A drive motor for the pair of first and second rotating rollers that moves the medium in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one;
A control circuit for reading the information of the plurality of information media taken in from the pair of rotating rollers, and controlling based on the information to enable or prevent the passage of the passerby by opening and closing the door member of the passerby member. This is an automatic ticket gate device.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of card-shaped information media are received in an overlapping state from the openings, and the cards are moved in a line in the front-rear direction along the transport path of the information media, and then one sheet is formed. And a means for reading the information of the plurality of information media fetched from the fetching means and supplying a medium to the outside of the device, which means that the fee has been settled based on the information. It is an automatic settlement device characterized by.

Also in the present invention, by making use of the above features of the automatic settlement apparatus, even if a plurality of prepaid cards, tickets, etc. are put in at one time, for example, a pair of rotating rollers are installed inside the apparatus. By the action of the reverse rotation, the sheets are separated one by one, so that it is possible to smoothly process a ticket even in a congested situation.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of card-shaped information mediums are received from the opening in a state of being overlapped with each other, and means for detecting that the information mediums are overlapped from the thickness of the information medium, and the detecting means. Detects that the information mediums are overlapped, the information mediums are moved in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path, and are taken in one by one, and the information of the plurality of information mediums taken in by the taking-in means. And a means for supplying a medium to the outside of the device, which means that the charge has been settled based on the information, and an automatic settlement device.

Further, according to the present invention, an opening provided in a main body for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, and a pair of rotating rollers each supported by a supporting member arranged in the main body. , A plurality of position sensors that are respectively provided on the support member and detect the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of rotating rollers, and the thickness detected by the position sensor When it is a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that there are a plurality of the information media and these are overlapped, and one roller of the rotating roller pair is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction. A drive motor for the pair of rotating rollers that moves the information medium in a line in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one;
A means for reading the information of the plurality of information mediums taken in from the pair of rotating rollers, performing a calculation based on the information, and supplying the medium to the outside of the apparatus, which means that the charge has been settled. It is an automatic settlement device characterized by.

Further, according to the present invention, an opening provided in a main body for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state and a transport path for the information media are provided so as to sandwich the openings, and each of them is arranged in the main body. A pair of first rotating rollers supported by a first supporting member provided, and a pair of first rotating rollers arranged so as to sandwich the conveying path along the conveying path alongside the first rotating roller pair, and arranged on the main body. A second rotating roller pair supported by a second supporting member that is provided and the first and second supporting members, respectively, and the information medium is inserted between the first and second rotating roller pairs. When a plurality of position sensors that detect the thickness of the information medium and the thickness detected by the position sensor are equal to or more than a predetermined amount, it is determined that there are a plurality of the information media and these are in an overlapping state. Then the first and second rotations One roller in a predetermined direction over roller pair,
On the other hand, by rotating the roller in the predetermined direction, the drive motor of the first and second rotating roller pairs, which moves the information medium in the front-rear direction along the conveyance path to take in one by one,
A means for supplying information to the outside of the apparatus, which means that the information of the plurality of information mediums read from the pair of first and second rotating rollers is read, the calculation is performed on the basis of the information, and the charge is settled. An automatic settlement device characterized by comprising:

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 schematically shows the external structure of the automatic ticket gate 1. In this figure,
That is, it is configured by the main body 1 of the automatic ticket gate that performs entry (boarding) and exiting (egress) operations. This main body 1 is a slot into which a commuter pass T, a train ticket, a stored fair card, a coupon ticket, etc. are inserted when entering the station ticket gate, that is, when entering the station ticket gate or when exiting from the station. 3, outlets 4 for discharging the commuter pass T and the like received at the inlet 3 are provided respectively. A shutter (not shown) is provided near the slot 3 to prevent the commuter pass T or the like from being inserted.

On the upper surface of the main body 1, there is provided a display section 5 for displaying various operation guides to the user. By closing the side surface of the main body 1, tickets etc. 2-1
A door portion 6 is provided to prevent passage of a user such as 2-2 and the like, and a partition for distinguishing passages corresponding to the main body 1 is provided at an upper portion of the main body 1. A frame 7 is provided, and this frame 7 is provided with a display 8 for informing a child ticket insertion, invalid ticket insertion, or device abnormality, and a side surface portion of the main body 1 and the frame 7,
Human detectors 10 for detecting passage of a user are provided.

The human detectors 10, ... Detect the passage of a user, and as the detector, a transmission type or a reflection type is used. However, in the case of the transmissive type, light from a light emitting unit provided on another opposing main body is guided.

On the surfaces of the above-mentioned ticket 2-1 and 2-2,
The usage section, valid usage period, issuing station name, etc. are printed. Further, a magnetic recording unit (not shown) composed of a magnetic stripe or the like is provided on the back surface of each of the above-mentioned passenger tickets 2-1 and 2-2. The magnetic recording unit has a utilization section, a utilization period, The issuing station name etc. are recorded.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a characteristic part of an information medium processing apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the characteristic part of an information medium processing apparatus of the present invention, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing explaining operation | movement of the characteristic part of this invention.

In FIG. 1, an insertion opening 3 provided in the main body 1 for inserting a ticket or the like is provided with rotating rollers 61 and 62 having a drive motor, and a supporting member for supporting these rotating rollers. Supporting member 63 including a position sensor,
64 are provided.

Further, in FIG. 2 showing a modification of the present invention,
A total of three pairs of rotating rollers 61, 62, 65, 66, 6
9, 70 are supporting members 63, 64, 67, 68, 71,
Together with 72, it is provided along the transport path 11. In this way, by providing a plurality of roller pairs, the processing of the plurality of information media of the present invention can be executed more reliably than in the case of one roller pair.

Next, the schematic structure of the internal mechanism of the main body 1 of the automatic ticket gate will be described with reference to FIG. That is, between the insertion port 3 and the ejection port 4, a main conveyance path 11 for conveying the tickets 2-1 and 2-2 received by the insertion port 3 to the ejection port 4 (direction of arrow a) is formed. ing.

On the transport path of the main transport path 11, along the inlet 3 and the outlet 4, the above-mentioned pair of rotating rollers 61 and 62, the supporting members 63 and 64, and the magnetic information reading section (magnetic head; reading head) 14 are provided. , 15, magnetic information recording unit (magnetic head;
Write heads) 16 and 17, magnetic information reading units (magnetic heads; read heads) 18 and 19, printing units 26 and 27,
A scissor unit 21 and a holding unit 22 are provided in order.

The reading heads 14 and 15 read the encoded magnetic information recorded in the magnetic recording layer on the back surface of a ticket or the like. The read head 14 reads when the magnetic recording layer is conveyed on the lower side, and the read head 15 reads when the magnetic recording layer is conveyed on the upper side.

The write heads 16 and 17 record encoded magnetic information on the magnetic recording layer on the back surface of a ticket or the like. The write head 16 is for recording when the magnetic recording layer is conveyed on the lower side, and the write head 17 is for recording when the magnetic recording layer is conveyed on the upper side.

The read heads 18 and 19 read the encoded magnetic information recorded by the write heads 16 and 17. The read head 18 reads when the magnetic recording layer is conveyed on the lower side, and the read head 19 reads when the magnetic recording layer is conveyed on the upper side.

Further, along the transport path 11, the reading head 1
4, 15, write heads 16, 17, read heads 18, 1
A support member (rotating roller) is provided on the opposite side of the conveyance path 11 of the reference numeral 9.
20 are provided respectively.

The printing units 26 and 27 are composed of, for example, thermal heads, and print on the printing surface of the front surface of a ticket or the like. The printing unit 26 prints when the printing surface is conveyed on the upper side and prints when the printing surface is conveyed on the lower side. For example, although the usage period has passed, a predetermined grace period (4 to 5 days)
If it is within the range, a mark or content indicating it is printed.

The scissors portion 21 is for punching perforations as scissors in a ticket or the like conveyed by the conveying path 11. For example, the holding section 22 for punching a used ticket or the like on an ordinary ticket holds (holds) the ticket or the like when the scissors 21 punches a hole in the ticket or the like.

A distribution unit 23 is provided between the holding unit 22 and the discharge port 4 on the conveyance path of the main conveyance path 11. The sorting unit 23 sorts the tickets in the direction of the outlet 4 when the received ticket is to be discharged, and collects the ticket when the received ticket is to be collected. It is designed to be distributed in the direction of. This distribution unit 23 is used to collect the bills 2
Tickets distributed to the 5 side are collected through the shooter 24 to the bill collecting section 2
It is supposed to be collected in 5.

Further, on the transport path of the main transport path 11,
A detector (not shown) for detecting passage of a ticket or the like being conveyed is provided. FIG. 6 schematically shows a control system of the automatic ticket gate constructed as shown in FIG. The control system of the automatic ticket gate includes a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 40 that controls the entire automatic ticket gate, and a read-only memory 41 (hereinafter, referred to as ROM) that stores a control program of the CPU 40. Abbreviated), random access memory 42 (hereinafter abbreviated as RAM) that stores information read from tickets, etc. and information as a buffer for control programs, fare corresponding to the entrance station (from the installation station) A fare memory 43 that stores information, a read circuit 44 that controls the read heads 14 and 15, and a write circuit 4 that controls the write heads 16 and 17.
5, a reading circuit 46 that controls the reading heads 18 and 19, a sorting control circuit 47 that controls the sorting gate 23, and detectors 48, 63, 64 ... Circuits 49, transportation motors 50, 61, 62 for transporting tickets, etc. along the transportation path 11.
The transport control circuit 51 for controlling the human detector 10, the human detector 10, ...
Output, the passage detection circuit 52 that detects the passage of the passenger such as a ticket, the door control circuit 54 that controls the door opening / closing mechanism 53 that drives the door portion 6, the drive circuit 55 that drives the printing portions 26 and 27, Scissors control circuit 5 for controlling the scissors portion 21
6. A transmission control circuit 57 for transmitting information to and from a control panel (not shown) for controlling the automatic ticket gate or the host computer E, the display section 5, the display 8 and the like.

Next, in the configuration of the automatic ticket gate shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a diagram of a boarding ticket (ticket gate) with the main body 1 being used as an automatic ticket gate A for performing admission work is shown. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Now, a plurality of tickets, etc., 2-1 are used by the passenger.
When 2-2 is inserted into the insertion port 3 (S1), as shown in FIG. 3A, the support member including the position sensor, which is inserted between the pair of rotating rollers 61 and 62, has the same thickness. Is supplied as a signal to the CPU 40 via the detection circuit 49. C
The PU 40 determines whether or not the thickness is equal to or larger than a predetermined thickness (S2), and if the thickness is equal to or larger than the predetermined thickness, two or more tickets, etc. are used as a pair of front and rear wheels in the transport path direction by rotation of the roller pair. And arrange them in one row (S3, FIG. 3 (b),
(C), (d)). Here, if the support members 63 and 64 detect the thickness again and the CPU 40 determines that the thickness has reached the thickness of one ticket such as a normal ticket (S4), as usual,
Take in the tickets 2-1 and 2-2 etc. to the transport path 11 (S
4).

At this time, the roller pair rotates in such a manner that the upper rotary roller 61 rotates clockwise and the lower rotary roller 62 also rotates clockwise (normally counterclockwise). By doing so, the upper rotation roller 161 moves the ticket or the like in the transport direction, and the lower rotation roller 62 moves the ticket or the like in the counter-transport direction (S5). However, at this time, the lower rotation roller 62 produces the same card separation effect even if the rotation is simply stopped.

Then, the tickets and the like are transferred one by one to the main transport path 11
It is transported upward in the direction of arrow a. Then, after the tickets and the like are aligned by the alignment unit (not shown), the reading heads 14, 1
Reach 5 At this time, if the back surface of the ticket or the like, that is, the magnetic recording surface is the lower surface, the magnetic recording content is read by the reading head 14 (S6) and stored in the RAM 41. When the back surface of the ticket such as the ticket, that is, the magnetic recording surface is the upper surface, the magnetic recording content is read by the reading head 15 (S6) and stored in the RAM 41.

The CPU 40 analyzes the contents stored in the RAM 41, such as data showing the ticket, such as the ticket, the valid section data, the valid period data, etc., to verify the validity of the ticket. judge.

As a result, the CPU 40 compares the valid section data with the station code where the automatic ticket gate A is installed, and determines whether or not the passenger is boarding in the valid section (S).
7).

At this time, when it is determined that the ticket or the like is not in the valid section, the CPU 40 displays the guide on the display unit 5 (S8). In this case, the CPU 40 closes the gate 6, conveys the ticket, etc. on the main conveyance path 11 and ejects it from the ejection port 4 (S9).

If it is determined in step 7 that the ticket or the like is in the valid section, the CPU 40 compares the valid period data with the current date to determine whether or not it is within the valid period. A determination is made (S10).

When it is determined in step 10 that the ticket or the like is not within the valid period, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the date when the period has passed is within the grace period (4 to 5 days) ( S11).

By this step 11, the grace period (4 to
If it is determined that it is not within 5 days, the CPU 40 displays a guide to the effect that the valid period has expired on the display unit 5 (S1).
2) In this case, the CPU 40 closes the gate 6, conveys the ticket, etc. on the main conveyance path 11 and ejects it from the ejection port 4 (S13).

If it is determined in step 12 that the ticket or the like is within the grace period, the CPU 40 conveys the ticket or the like on the main conveyance path 11 and the writing head 16 or 17 causes the ticket or the like. Data indicating that the validity period has expired, the entrance station code, etc. are recorded on the magnetic recording unit on the back of the car, and the mark indicating that the validity period has expired is printed on the front face of the ticket using the printing unit 26 or 27. Alternatively, after printing the characters, the characters are discharged from the discharge port 4 (S14, S1).
5). As a result, the passenger passes through the passage and receives a ticket or the like.

When it is determined in step 10 that the ticket or the like is within the valid period, the CPU 40 conveys the ticket or the like on the main conveyance path 11 and the writing head 16 or 17 causes the ticket or the like. After the entrance station code and the like is recorded in the magnetic recording section on the back of the, the discharge is carried out from the discharge port 4 with the gate 6 opened, that is, with the passage of the person who has passed the entrance (S).
15). As a result, the passenger passes through the passage and receives a ticket or the like.

Next, in the configuration of the automatic ticket gate shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 8, with respect to the participation ticket when the main body 1 is used as an automatic ticket gate for performing participation operations. explain.

Now, a plurality of tickets, etc., 2-1 are used by the passenger.
When 2-2 is inserted into the slot 3, it is separated into individual tickets or the like by the above-described procedure (S1 to S5). The ticket or the like is transported on the main transport path 11 in the direction of arrow a. Then, after the tickets etc. are aligned by the alignment unit (not shown),
The read heads 14 and 15 are reached. At this time, when the back surface of the ticket such as the magnetic recording surface is the lower surface, the magnetic recording content is read by the read head 14 (S21), and R is read.
Stored in AM41. When the back surface of the ticket such as the ticket, that is, the magnetic recording surface is the top surface, the magnetic recording content is read by the reading head 15 (S21) and stored in the RAM 41.

The CPU 40 analyzes the recorded contents of the magnetic recording unit such as the ticket, that is, the data indicating the ticket, the valid section data, the valid period data, the entrance station data, the passage permission flag, etc. stored in the RAM 41. , Determine the validity of tickets, etc.

Thus, the CPU 40 compares the valid section data, the entrance station data, and the station code where the automatic ticket gate 1 is installed, and determines whether or not the passenger is getting off in the valid section (S22). ).

At this time, when it is determined that the ticket or the like is not disembarked in the valid section, the CPU 40 displays the guide on the display unit 5 (S23). In this case, the CPU 40 closes the gate 6, conveys the ticket, etc. on the main conveyance path 11 and ejects it from the ejection port 4 (S24).

When it is determined in step 22 that the ticket or the like is alighting within the valid period, the CPU 40 compares the valid period data with the current date to determine whether or not it is within the valid period. Yes (S25).

When it is determined in step 25 that the ticket or the like is not within the valid period, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the passage permission flag is on (S2).
6). When it is determined in step 26 that the passage permission flag is not turned on, the CPU 40 displays a guide to the effect that the valid period has expired on the display unit 5 (S2).
8). In this case, the CPU 40 closes the gate 6, conveys the ticket, etc. on the main conveyance path 11 and ejects it from the ejection port 4 (S29).

If it is determined in step 26 that the passage permission flag is on, and if it is determined in step 25 that the ticket or the like is within the valid period, the CPU 40 checks the ticket or the like. After transporting on the main transport path 11 and erasing the entrance station code and the like of the magnetic recording unit on the back side of the train ticket or the like by the write head 16 or 17, the gate 6 is left open, that is, the passerby is allowed to pass. As it is, it is discharged from the discharge port 4 (S27). As a result, the passenger passes through the passage and receives a ticket or the like.

Further, an embodiment of an automatic settlement machine using the present invention will be described below. 9 is a front view of an automatic payment machine according to the present invention, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic payment machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an operation of the automatic payment machine according to the present invention. Explanatory drawing, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the automatic settlement machine in which this invention is implemented, FIG.
[Fig. 6] is a flowchart of the operation of the automatic settlement machine in which the present invention is implemented.

FIG. 9 shows the customer service side of the automatic payment machine of the present invention. On the customer service side, a display section 101, a staff call button (push button switch) 102, and a cancel button (push button switch) 10 are shown.
3, a card slot 104, a ticket slot 105, a coin slot 106, a banknote slot 107, a settlement ticket issuing slot 108, an outlet 109, a card outlet 110, a ticket outlet 111, and a tray 112. Each is provided.

The display unit 101 displays guidance, settlement amount, and the like. The staff call button 102 is a button for calling a staff. The cancel button 103 is a button that is turned on when canceling the settlement.

A card A, which is a card having a monetary value such as a commuter pass A or a prepaid card, is inserted into the card slot 104. The ticket C is at the ticket slot 5.
Is input. Coins are inserted into the coin slot 106. The card slot 104 and the ticket slot 105 may be configured as a single common slot. A bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 107. This bill slot 107
Banknotes are discharged from the. A participation certificate (payment ticket) is issued from the payment ticket issuing port 108. The change is discharged from the discharge port 109. The commuter pass A and the amount card B are discharged from the card discharge port 110. The ticket C is discharged from the ticket outlet 111. The commuter pass A, the amount card B, the boarding pass C, and the change due to each outlet are discharged to the tray 112.

Each commuter pass A, amount card B, boarding pass C
Each has a magnetic recording part on the back side of each card, each card, each card, ticket type, expiration date, usage fee,
Necessary information such as boarding section, entrance station, remaining amount of money, remaining number of times, etc. is magnetically recorded.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the conveyance path from the loading slot into which a ticket or the like is mainly loaded in the above-described automatic settlement machine. The main body 100 has a loading slot 104 and a rotation having a drive motor. Roller pairs 161, 162, support members 163, 1 for this rotating roller pair 161, 162 having position sensors
64, a punch hole detection unit 142, a roller 144, a read magnetic head 146, a write magnetic head 150, a roller 148, a rotary roller 152, a thermal printer 154, a pair of rotary rollers 156, 158, 160, along the conveyance path 111.
It has a first card holding section 162, a second card holding section 164, and a collecting section 166.

FIG. 12 shows the structure of an automatic settlement machine having the above-mentioned customer service surface. That is, the card input port 104 is connected to the card section 120. The ticket slot 105 is connected to the ticket reading unit 121.

In addition, the bill slot 107 is used by the bill inspection unit 12
2 are connected. Further, the coin slot 106 is connected to the money changer 123, and the money changer 124 is connected to the money changer 123.
Is connected. As a result, the coins discriminated by the coin inspection section 123 are stored in the change section 124 as change and can be discharged from the discharge port 109.

The change section 124 is provided at the ticket outlet 111.
In addition to the above, the issuing unit 125 is also connected. This issuer 12
In FIG. 5, a settlement ticket (entry certificate) on which the settlement contents are printed is discharged from the settlement ticket issuing port 8 to the tray 112.

The ticket reading unit 121 and the card unit 1 are also provided.
20, bill inspection unit 122, money inspection unit 123, change unit 12
4, the issuing unit 125, and the display unit 101 are all controlled by the main control unit 126. The main control unit 126 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, and controls the entire automatic checkout machine. The ticket reading unit 121 is provided with a primary holding unit and a boarding unit. After the magnetic information of the settlement original ticket of the ticket C is read, the primary holding unit waits the original ticket and the next original ticket is read. This is to be repeated for the settlement original bills of a plurality of persons.

It should be noted that, although the settlement original tickets are inserted one by one, it is also possible to insert them all at once by widening the insertion port and providing the alignment section. The main control unit 126 calculates the respective settlement amounts according to the read content of the magnetic information of the plurality of settlement original tickets, and also calculates the total settlement amount, and the settlement amount and total settlement amount for each of these settlement original tickets. The amount and the amount are displayed on the display unit 101. .

Next, in the configuration as described above, FIG.
The settlement process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, now, a case will be described in which representatives of a plurality of passengers such as a group or a family unit sequentially insert all the tickets C, ... Into the ticket slot 5.

Now, a plurality of tickets, etc., 2-1 are used by the passenger.
When 2-2 is input into the input port 103 (S1),
As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, a supporting member that is inserted between the pair of rotating rollers 161 and 162 and that includes a position sensor supplies this thickness to the main control unit 126 as a signal. Main control unit 1
At 26, it is determined whether or not this thickness is equal to or larger than a predetermined thickness (S2), and if the thickness is equal to or larger than the predetermined thickness, two or more tickets, etc. are used as a pair of front and rear in the conveying path direction by rotation of the roller pair. And arrange them in one row (S3, FIG. 11 (b), (c),
(D)). Here, if the support members 163 and 164 detect the thickness again and the main control unit 126 determines that the thickness has reached the thickness of one ticket such as a normal ticket (S4), as usual,
Tickets 2-1 and 2-2 etc. are taken into the conveyance path 111 (S4).

At this time, the rotation direction of the roller pair is, for example, the upper rotation roller 161 is clockwise and the lower rotation roller 16 is clockwise.
Also rotate 2 clockwise (normally counterclockwise).
By doing so, the upper rotation roller 161 moves the ticket or the like in the conveying direction, and the lower rotation roller 162 moves the ticket or the like in the opposite conveying direction (S5). However, at this time, the lower rotation roller 162 has the same card separating effect even if the rotation is simply stopped.

The contents of the inserted first ticket C are read by the ticket reading unit 121, and the read result is output to the main control unit 126. The main control unit 126 determines the settlement amount based on the read content of the ticket C. In addition, the main control unit 126 displays on the display unit 101, "The amount to be settled is XX yen, please insert cash or a card, and if there are other settlement tickets, please insert them continuously. To do.

When the second ticket C is inserted into the ticket slot 105 according to this guide, the contents of the inserted second ticket C are read by the ticket reading section 121, and the contents are read. The reading result is output to the main control unit 126. The main control unit 126 determines the settlement amount based on the read content of the ticket C. Further, the main control unit 126 displays on the display unit 101, "The first payment amount is XX yen, the second payment amount is XX yen, the total adjustment amount is XX yen, cash. Or, please insert the card, and if there is another ticket for payment, please insert it continuously. ”Is displayed.

After that, when the third and subsequent tickets C are inserted, the same operation as described above is performed. Then, after the insertion of the boarding ticket C is completed, the customer inserts a bill through the bill insertion slot 107 or a coin through the coin insertion slot 106 in accordance with the guidance. When a bill or a coin is inserted through these insertion ports, the bill discriminating unit 122 and the coin inspection unit 123 detect and discriminate the inserted bill or coin.
The amount of money of these discriminated bills and coins is determined by the main control unit 1.
29 is output. Accordingly, the main control unit 129 calculates the change amount by subtracting the settlement amount from the input amount and displays it on the display unit 101.

Then, the main control section 126 instructs the issuing section 125 to issue the number of the adjustment tickets corresponding to the number of the adjustment original tickets. As a result, the issuing unit 125 issues a plurality of checkout tickets and discharges them to the tray 112. At this time, if there is change, the change unit 124 operates and the change coins are discharged from the discharge port 9 to the tray 112. The ticket C is accepted by a collection unit (not shown) inside the checkout machine.

Instead of bills and coins, the amount card B
Is input from the card input port 104. The contents of the amount card B inserted from this card insertion port 104 are the card section 1
The remaining amount of the amount card B read at 20 is the main control unit 126.
Is output to Accordingly, the main control unit 126 compares the balance amount with the settlement amount, and when the balance amount is larger than the settlement amount, calculates the balance amount by subtracting the settlement amount from the balance amount and deducts the settlement amount. The remaining remaining amount is displayed on the display unit 101, and the card unit 120 sends out the amount card B in which the new remaining amount is written to the card insertion port 110.

Then, the main control unit 126 instructs the issuing unit 125 to issue the number of the adjustment tickets corresponding to the number of the adjustment original tickets. As a result, the issuing unit 125 issues a plurality of checkout tickets and discharges them to the tray 112. At this time, if there is a change, the change unit 124 operates and the change coin is discharged from the discharge port 109 to the tray 112.
The ticket C is accepted by a collection unit (not shown) inside the checkout machine.

Also, when a plurality of commuter tickets A are inserted into the card slot 104 as settlement original tickets, they are processed in the same manner as in the case of the boarding ticket C. In this case, the card section 120 is provided with a primary holding section so that the commuter pass A can be discharged from the card discharge port 110 after the settlement.

Further, even when a plurality of commuter tickets A and ticket C are inserted into the card slot 104 and the ticket slot 105 as settlement original tickets, they are processed in the same manner as the above-mentioned ticket C. . Further, when the cancel button is turned on, the settlement string ticket held in the temporary holding unit is returned from the return port.

Although the present invention has been described above using the automatic ticket gate apparatus and the automatic checkout machine, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but any apparatus that takes in a card-shaped medium can be used. It goes without saying that is possible. or,
It is possible to process not only two cards but also three or more cards that are overlapped.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even in a crowded situation, even if multiple tickets, etc., are put into the loading slot in a piled state, it is possible to smoothly insert the tickets, etc. An information medium processing device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a characteristic part of an information medium processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the characterizing portion of the information medium processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the characteristic part of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic ticket gate of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an internal mechanism of the automatic ticket gate of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the automatic ticket gate of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a boarding process using a ticket or the like in the automatic ticket gate of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a settlement process using a ticket or the like in the automatic ticket gate of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an automatic settlement machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an automatic settlement machine in which the present invention is implemented.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the automatic settlement machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an automatic settlement machine in which the present invention is implemented.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the automatic settlement machine according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic ticket gate 11 ... Conveyance path 61, 62 ... Rotation roller 63, 64 ... Position detection sensor 100 ... Automatic settlement machine 161, 162 ... Rotation roller 163, 164 ... Position detection sensor

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A means for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information mediums in an overlapping state from an opening, moving the card-shaped information mediums in a front-rear direction along a transport path of the information mediums, and taking in one by one. An information medium processing apparatus comprising: a means for reading the information of the plurality of information media captured by the capturing means and performing a predetermined process based on the information. 2. A means for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state from an opening, and detecting the overlapping of the information media from the thickness of the information media, and the detection means. When it is detected that the information mediums are overlapped, the information mediums are moved back and forth in a line along the transport path, and the information is read from the plurality of information mediums fetched from the fetching means, An information medium processing device comprising: means for performing a predetermined process based on information. 3. An opening for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, a pair of rotating rollers each supported by a supporting member, and a pair of rotating rollers provided on the supporting member and between the pair of rotating rollers. When the information medium is loaded, a plurality of position sensors that detect the thickness of the information medium, and when the thickness detected by the position sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, there are a plurality of the information media. Is determined to be in an overlapping state, and one roller of the rotating roller pair is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction.
Driving means for the rotating roller pair that moves the information medium in a line in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one, and reads information of the plurality of information mediums taken in from the pair of rotating rollers and performs a predetermined process based on the information. An information medium processing device comprising: 4. An opening for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, and a first rotary roller pair provided so as to sandwich a transport path for the information media, each of which is supported by a first support member. A pair of second rotating rollers that are provided side by side with the pair of first rotating rollers and sandwich the conveying path along the conveying path, each pair being supported by a second support member; and the first and second pairs. A plurality of position sensors that are provided on support members and detect the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of first and second rotating rollers, and the position sensor detects the position of the information medium. When the thickness is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, it is determined that there are a plurality of the information media and these information media are overlapped, and one roller of the first and second rotating roller pairs is in a predetermined direction, and the other roller is the predetermined roller. Rotate in the direction And a driving means for the first and second rotating roller pairs, which moves the information medium in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one, and the plurality of units which are taken in from the first and second rotating roller pairs An information medium processing apparatus comprising: a unit that reads information from an information medium and performs a predetermined process based on the information. 5. A progress preventing means for forming a passage for a passerby and preventing the passerby from proceeding through the passage, and a plurality of card-shaped information media received from the passerby in an overlapping state from an opening. A means for moving the information media in a line along the transport path of the information medium in a front-rear direction, and taking in one by one, and reading the information of the plural information media taken in from the taking-in means, and based on the information, An automatic ticket gate, comprising: a control unit that controls the progress of the passerby by enabling or blocking the progress of the passerby. 6. A passage preventing means for forming a passage for a passerby and preventing the passerby from advancing through the passage, and a plurality of card-shaped information media received from the passerby in an overlapping state from the opening. A means for detecting that the information mediums are overlapped from the thickness of the information mediums; and, when the detection means detects that the information medias are overlapped, the information mediums are moved back and forth along a conveyance path. A means for moving one by one and taking in one by one, and reading the information of the plurality of information media taken in by the taking means, and controlling based on the information to enable or prevent the passage of the passerby by the progress preventing means. An automatic ticket gate device, comprising: 7. A passage member that forms a passage for a passerby to pass, the passage member having a door member that can be opened and closed to prevent passage of the passerby, and is formed in a part of the passage member. An opening for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, a pair of rotating rollers provided so as to sandwich a transport path starting from the opening, each of which is supported by a supporting member, and each of the supporting members. A plurality of position sensors that are provided and detect the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of rotating rollers, and when the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount or more. , It is determined that there are a plurality of the information media and they are in an overlapping state, and one roller of the rotating roller pair is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction,
A drive motor for the pair of rotating rollers that moves the information medium in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one, and reads the information of the plurality of information media that is taken in from the pair of rotating rollers and reads the information based on the information. An automatic ticket gate, comprising: a control circuit that controls to open or close the door member of the member so as to enable or prevent the passage of the passerby. 8. A passage member which forms a passage for a passerby to pass, and which has a door member which can be opened and closed and obstructs passage of the passerby, and which is formed in a part of the passage member. An opening for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, a first rotating roller pair provided so as to sandwich a transport path starting from the opening, each pair being supported by a first supporting member, A pair of second rotating rollers that are arranged side by side with the pair of first rotating rollers so as to sandwich the conveying path along the conveying path, each of which is supported by a second supporting member; A plurality of position sensors that detect the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of first and second rotating rollers, and the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount or more. When said information It is determined that there are a plurality of bodies and they are in an overlapping state, and one roller of the first and second rotating roller pairs is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the other roller is rotated in the predetermined direction to convey the information medium. A drive motor for the first and second rotating roller pairs that moves along the path in the front-rear direction and takes in one by one, and reads information of the plurality of information media taken in from the first and second rotating roller pairs, An automatic ticket gate, comprising: a control circuit that controls the opening and closing of the door member of the passage member to enable or prevent the passage of the passerby based on information. 9. A means for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state from an opening, moving the cards in a front-rear direction along a transport path of the information media, and taking in one by one. A means for reading the information of the plurality of information mediums taken in from the taking-in means and supplying a medium to the outside of the device, which means that the charge has been settled based on the information. Automatic settlement device. 10. A means for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state from an opening, and detecting the overlap of the information media from the thickness of the information media, and the detecting means, When it is detected that the information mediums are overlapped, the information mediums are moved back and forth in a line along the transport path, and the information is read from the plurality of information mediums fetched from the fetching means, An automatic settlement apparatus comprising: a means for supplying a medium to the outside of the apparatus, which means that the fee has been settled based on the information. 11. An opening provided in a main body for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, a pair of rotating rollers each supported by a support member arranged in the main body, and the support member. And a plurality of position sensors for detecting the thickness of the information medium by inserting the information medium between the pair of rotating rollers, and the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount or more. When there is a plurality of the information media, it is determined that they are in an overlapping state, by rotating one roller of the rotating roller pair in a predetermined direction and the other roller in the predetermined direction,
A drive motor for the rotary roller pair that moves the information medium in a row in the front-rear direction along the transport path and takes in the sheets one by one, and reads information of the plurality of information mediums taken in from the pair of rotary rollers and calculates based on the information. An automatic settlement apparatus comprising: a means for supplying a medium, which means that the fee has been settled, to the outside of the apparatus. 12. An opening provided in a main body for receiving a plurality of card-shaped information media in an overlapping state, and an opening provided so as to sandwich a transportation path of the information media, each of which is provided in the main body. A pair of first rotating rollers supported by one supporting member; and a pair of second rotating rollers that are arranged side by side with the pair of first rotating rollers so as to sandwich the conveying path along the conveying path. A second rotating roller pair supported by a supporting member, and the information medium provided between the first and second supporting members, respectively, and by inserting the information medium between the first and second rotating roller pairs, the information A plurality of position sensors for detecting the thickness of the medium, when the thickness detected by the position sensor is a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that there are a plurality of the information medium and these are overlapped, Of the pair of first and second rotating rollers By rotating the one roller in a predetermined direction and the other roller in the predetermined direction, the drive motors of the first and second rotating roller pairs that move the information medium forward and backward in a line along the transport path and take in one by one, Means for supplying information to the outside of the apparatus, which means that the information of the plurality of information mediums read from the pair of first and second rotating rollers is read and calculation is performed based on the information to settle the charge. An automatic settlement device, comprising: