JPS592178A - Terminal device of voting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable display according to either gamble type fix format or free format detecting mode of input request, by providing controlling function of above-mentioned two formats in the firmware of a CRT display. CONSTITUTION:A voting system 3 is connected to a subscriber 1 through a switchboard 2. The voting system consists of a host CPU 4 and CRT terminals 5A-5N, and operators 7A-7N are provided in each CRT terminal. The CRT terminal consists of CRT5A1, a firmware 5A2 and a check table 5A3. Controlling function of gamble type fix format and free format is stored in the firmware 5A2. Input request from a subscriber is checked by this, and format processing is detected as to which one it belongs. Thus, display according to the format is performed without interrupting the host CPU.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (A) Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terminal device used in a voting system, in particular, to a terminal device used in a voting system, for example, a large number of CIs (such as T terminal devices, etc.) of about 400 to one host computer. Processing such as distinguishing and displaying votes corresponding to formulas within a predetermined range and votes corresponding to formulas outside the predetermined range in terminal devices used in horse racing voting systems such as those that are linked to The present invention relates to a terminal device used in a voting system in which firmware includes the following functions.

(B) Technical Background and Problems For example, in horse racing voting, consideration is given to allowing pre-registered subscribers to cast one vote using their telephones. That is, for example, a host that has account files for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
A voting system is known in which an operator receives a request from a subscriber over the phone and manually inputs the keys to a computer using a CRT terminal device.

In such a system, the number of terminal devices connected to the host 9 computer is approximately 400, and each terminal device interrupts the upper Fti2 host computer one by one. . ! : The processing load on the host computer becomes enormous. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 1, a front end computer is also installed in front of the host computer.
A method is used to reduce the load on the host computer.

In addition, in FIG. 1, l is a subscriber, 2 is a telephone exchange,
3 is the voting system, 4 is the host computer, 5-Q
represents the CI (•T terminal device, 6-L represents the front end computer, and 7-Ltd operator.

The host computer 4 has an account file for each subscriber, and checks the subscriber's balance etc. when receiving a voting request from the subscriber.

FIG. 2 shows a processing mode of voting request processing in the system shown in FIG. That is, (1) When a voting request is received from a subscriber via telephone and an account number is obtained from the subscriber, the operator 7-0 inputs the account number via the CRT terminal device 5-0.

(2) This account number is transferred to the front-end computer 6-0, which interrupts the host computer 4 and transfers it. As a result, the host computer 4
Open the file and check the balance, name, etc. corresponding to the account number on the front end computer 6.
-0.

(8) Front end-computer fj-0
displays this on the CRT terminal device 5-0, and the operator 7-0 confirms this result with the subscriber 1.

(4) Next, subscriber 1 places a BET (vote) over the phone.
1, and Operator 7-0 enters this content as a key person.
The front end computer 6-0 checks whether there are any errors in this content and sends the CRT terminal device 5.
-Notify 0.

(5) When subscriber 1 notifies termination after a plurality of such votes have been conducted and corresponding processing has been performed, operator 7-0 manually terminates the voting.

(6) In this state, the front end computer 6-0 interrupts the host computer 4 and transfers the votes that have been cast up to that point.

('1) Along with this, the host computer 4
updates the contents of the file for the account number and notifies the reception pick-up front end computer 6-0.

(8) The front end computer 6-0 is
The reception number is notified to the CRT terminal device 5-0. As a result, the operator 7-0 notifies the subscriber (2) of the completion of the contract, and manually confirms the contract.

(9) Along with this, the front end computer 6-0 interrupts the host computer 4, and the host computer 4 thereby closes the file of the account number.

In the system shown in Figure 1, the front end
A computer 6-L is provided, and as explained in connection with FIG.
, mountains, etc. are provided with functions such as checking on the front end computer 6-L. For this reason, it is possible to limit the number of interrupts to the post computer 4 to three in the case shown in Figure 2 (Magazine FUJ IT8U Vo.
J., 28゜ra3 (1977) pp. 15-4
(See page 4) 0 However, even in the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the following problems still remain. That is,
(1) Front-end computer 6-L has a large cost; (II) Front-end computer 6-LK
ij: tens to hundreds of CIIs (, T terminal device 5-A
Since these are connected, high-speed processing capacity is required because a check is performed for each BET. Then, it becomes necessary to develop software in the assembler language, which increases software development costs.

0ii) It is extremely difficult to change the software when it becomes necessary to introduce new formulas (for example, mold castings adopted in foreign countries such as ALLY DOUBLE). When exporting a system to a foreign country, this flexibility is an absolute requirement.

(0) Purpose and structure of the invention The present invention aims to solve the above points,
The purpose of this invention is to provide a terminal device that can deal with many types of equations as will be described later and is highly flexible for the future. Therefore, the terminal device used in the voting system of the present invention is a host device having subscriber account files.
A plurality of terminal devices are linked to a computer, and in response to an input request from the terminal device by the subscriber or an operator instructed by the subscriber, the host computer refers to the subscriber's account file. In the terminal device used in the voting system that accepts input requests from the above-mentioned subscribers, a fixed format control function corresponding to formulas within a predetermined range and a function compatible with formulas outside the above-determined range are provided. The firmware is configured with a free format control function that detects the input mode of the input request that is input in a form that corresponds to the predetermined range of formulas and converts it into a fixed format. The invention also includes a control function that detects the input mode of an input request that is input in a format that corresponds to a format other than the above predetermined range, and displays the display in accordance with a free format. It is a feature. The drawings will be explained below.

(D) Embodiment of the Invention FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 4 shows a processing mode of voting request processing in the system illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows a fixed format according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display according to the method and the display according to the free format, and FIG. 6 shows the main part of an embodiment of the firmware used in the present invention.

Further, FIG. 7 shows a keyboard in a terminal device used in the present invention.

In Fig. 3, the symbols 1.2.3.4.5.7 correspond to Fig. 1, and 5A1 is CI (・T display, 5A2
5A6 represents the firmware, and 5A6 represents the check apple.

In the case shown in FIG. 3, the front end computer 6 shown in FIG.
．． After the contents of the check table 5A3 are transferred from the host computer 4, the check table 5A3 is
It has a function of checking a predetermined range based on the contents of A3.

Processing for dealing with changes in various formulas is entrusted to the host computer 4, and the terminal device 5L is limited to performing simple mediation processing as shown in the figure [Frey format]. In addition, in response to formulas in a predetermined range, the terminal device 5L is configured to perform predetermined processing, as shown as "FLx format" in the drawing.

Here, various formulas will be briefly explained. Considering overseas formulas, 1) Single win WLN
(hereinafter referred to as W): 1) Multiple wins PLACg (P
)111) Consecutive winning combination QczANgLLA (QI
IV) Mold casting DA,,LY DOUBLE (
DD) Vl Trifecta 'ri(=rgc'rA(T)
((VlJ three mold casting TI(APPLE
)) etc. are known. In the above, for example, the pattern casting (D J) is to guess the first place in each of two races, and the trifecta (T) is to guess the first, second, and third place in one race. They should be placed in the correct order.

If the above equations are considered to be a single type, there are other types called multiple types (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as M). In the case of multiple types, it is best to consider specifying any one of the above single types. That is, for example, a win-win (W) multiple designation, a win-win (DD) multiple designation, etc. are made.

In the case of a single win (W) multiple "W, M 4.5.8 1 (pieces)", if any of Nos. 4, 5, and 8 comes first, it will be a hit, as described above. Even if you apply for 1 ticket, the payment amount is 3
You will have to pay double (3 winnings).

In addition, in the case of "multiple rDM4.5/1,7 2 pieces of double victory (DD)", either No. 4 or 5 will come first in the second race of the two races designated as double victory (DD). , second
If either No. 1 or No. 7 comes first in the race, it will be a hit.

In this case, there will be 4 combinations, so if you buy 2 tickets, you will pay for a total of 8 tickets, and if you win, you will receive double the dividend of the winning combination. Become.

As described above, in the case of multiple designations, you can designate as many horses as you like, not just one horse. The expected hit value will decrease accordingly, but for example, 8LX-+L
In cases where it is extremely difficult to hit the mark, such as a 6-race series known as P, the expected value can be moderately adjusted by specifying multiples, making this formula extremely popular overseas.

Although various formulas have been briefly described, FIG. 4 shows a processing mode when a voting request is received from a subscriber in the configuration shown in FIG. 3.

As will become clear when comparing the processing mode shown in Fig. 4 with that shown in Fig. 2, in the case shown in Fig. 4, BET 1, B
ET2... Do a simple check on terminal device 5.
L executes the process, and the terminal device 5L interrupts the host computer 4 to the minimum necessary extent. In the case shown in FIG. 4, if [content check (NG) J] does not exist, it can be seen that the same number of interruptions as in the case shown in FIG. 2 are required. A more sophisticated check of the content of each BET requested by the subscriber is performed in the host computer 4. However, the processing speed of the host computer 4 is sufficiently high, and as long as the number of interrupts does not increase, the processing load will not increase.

As mentioned above, in a case where a single type has multiple types of formulas and multiple types also exist, one problem is raised when considering the terminal devices 15A..., 5N shown above. Ru.

That is, the specifications of the terminal device 5b vary depending on the range of formulas that the operator allows the subscriber to use, making it difficult to fix the specifications in advance.

As mentioned above, in the case of multiple races, as long as race registrations exist, any number of races can be specified. For this reason, for example, it is necessary to limit the design of the key-in area to a limited amount of dust, but operators dislike the idea of setting and fixing such restrictions in terms of hardware, and are willing to limit future expansion as much as possible. I hope that it will be possible to give sex.

On the other hand, considering future expandability, everything is free, so to speak.
It would be inconvenient in this case as well if the format was to use a key. In other words, the ratio of applications for single type and multiple type differs considerably depending on the country, but the former is about ``5'' and the latter is about rlJ, and even for the single type, which makes up the majority of applications, the terminal equipment Formant checking becomes impossible in 5L, and the display on the display screen also becomes difficult to see.

Therefore, in the present invention, for example, for single-type input, consideration is given to inputting it in a fixed formant so that format checking can be performed.
For multiple types of input, consideration is given to inputting in a free format.

Single type input is made according to a predetermined format, as shown in the upper row of FIG. 5(A), for example, and the key-in area on the display screen is shown in FIG. It will be displayed as shown below (after formatting has been checked). On the other hand, multiple type inputs are input in a free format, as shown in the upper row of Figure 5 (B), for example, and the key-in area on the display screen has a format as shown in the lower row of Figure 5 (B). in,
In other words, it is displayed as it is input (format check is not performed)0 In addition, in Fig. 5 (A), if the BBT type is WlP, specify only the hose number (1) and enter the unit. If the BgT type is Q, 1)D, the unit number (1) is input next to the hose number (1), (2), and the BlCT type is For T, hose number (1) +2> (8)
Next, the number of units (1) is input.

Also, the number of units (11 is specified as a multiple of the basic unit (for example, 1 unit is $0.50). The number of units (2
) is specified when the BET type W and P are specified at the same time, and is used to set the number of units (1) to be the number of units on the W side and the number of units (sniff) to be the number of units on the P side.

Furthermore, in Figure 5 (B), the comma "," hamaina
A slash "/" indicates a lace break, and "//" indicates a transition to the number of units, but the shapes of these symbols may be freely defined by the software. In addition, in the case of a free format as shown in FIG. 5(B), if the input exceeds one line, the terminal device 5L automatically transfers it to the host computer 4 by interrupt. (usually the fourth
(transferred by pressing the "Transfer" key as shown).

FIG. 6 shows the main part of an example of firmware used in the present invention.

In the form shown in the upper part of Figure 5 (A), for example, "Venue name code DI) 3.5.2", "
``Specify No. 8 and No. 5 for DD single and designate two cards.'' The message is displayed through the following route.

That is, (1) When the venue name code is read, the route α
and then proceed to read the next digit.

(2) Then when DD is read, root b'f:
clear the control information C.

(8) If the race number is then read, - Route C is taken. However, this sequence does not exist in the various formulas DD because the race number is not specified.

(4) Next, when the number “8” corresponding to hose number (1) is input and read using the ten-key key,
Since M=O (Ell, not multiple) and c=0, the number "8" is displayed at the display position of the predetermined hose number (1) through route d. , when the comma "," is read,
Since M=Q, the control information becomes C=l by passing through g) and taking two spaces.

(6) Next, when the number “5” corresponding to hose number (2) is read, M=0 and C=l, DD
Therefore, the number "5" is displayed at the predetermined hose number (2) display position through the route f.

(7) Next, when the comma "," is read,
It passes through route e and becomes c-=2.

(8) Next, enter the number corresponding to the number of units (1)
2" is read, M=0, c=2, and D
I), the number "
2" is displayed at the display position of the predetermined number of units (1).

As described above, display according to the fixed format is performed. For example, in the form shown in the upper row of Figure 5 (B) [venue name code DDM 4.5/1.7//2J
For example, ``For the two race numbers specified in advance in the DD multiple, designate the second race No. 4, No. 5, and the second race No. 1, No. 7 to designate two cards.'' ”, the display is made through the following route. That is, (9) When the venue name code is read, it passes through route α.

00 Next, when the DD is read, it passes through route b and sets the control information C to c=0.

0υ Then when the multiple M is read, the root h
The control code M is set to M,=l to indicate the multiple type.

02 Next, when the race number is read, route c is taken. However, this is not the case with DD.

0:) Next, when the number "4" is read from the numeric keypad, it is displayed through route b.

θ4) Next, when the comma “,” is read, M=
1, it is displayed via route 7.

0$ Next, when the number "5" is read, the route L
displayed through.

(To) Next, when a slash "/" is read, it is displayed through route 4.

a''h Similarly, since M=1, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5(B), the data are displayed in sequence as they are input.

FIG. 7 shows a keyboard on which various formulas, etc. can be entered manually using the keys.

(6) As described in detail, according to the present invention, relatively frequent singles, for example, are processed in a fixed format that performs format checking, and relatively infrequent and flexible The necessary votes will be processed in free format. For this reason, it becomes possible to deal freely with various types of foreign matters.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams explaining a conventional voting system, FIG. 3 is an actual tJfM example system to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is a processing mode of voting request processing in the system shown in FIG. 3. , FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixed format display and free format display according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows a main part of an embodiment of firmware used in the present invention. Further, FIG. 7 shows a keyboard in a terminal device used in the present invention. In the figure, l is the subscriber, 2 is the exchange, 3 is the voting system, and 4
is the host computer, 5 is the CI (, T terminal device, 7
represents an operator. Patent Applicant Fujitsu Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Hiroshi Mori 1) Figure 5 (A)
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Claims (1)

[Claims] A plurality of terminal devices are connected to a host computer having subscriber account files, and the host computer responds to an input request from the terminal device by the subscriber or by an operator instructed by the subscriber. refers to the subscriber's account file, and in a terminal device used in a voting system that accepts input requests from the subscriber, a fixed format control function corresponding to a predetermined range of formulas and the above predetermined The firmware does not include a free format control function that corresponds to formulas outside the predetermined range; It detects the format and displays it according to the fixed format, and also detects the input format of the input request input manually in a form that corresponds to various formulas other than the above predetermined range and converts it into a free format. A terminal device used in a voting system characterized by having a control function for displaying information.