Station service apparatus, another station entry processing method, and program

Abstract

To charge a correct fare when an IC card ticket is an off-peak commutation ticket.SOLUTION: A station service device includes: a processing unit that reads a record on an IC card ticket; a determination unit that determines whether the IC card ticket is an off-peak commutation ticket to which a commuter fare is applied when used in an off-peak time zone on a weekday based on the record read by the processing unit; and an input unit by which listening content from a user of the IC card ticket can be input. The determination unit determines whether a processing day of another station entrance processing is a Saturday or holiday when the IC card ticket is the off-peak commutation ticket, and when the processing day is not a Saturday or holiday, determines whether an entry time in another station is a peak time zone in the other station based on the listening content input from the input unit. The determination unit determines that a normal fare is applied when the entry time is the peak time zone, and determines that the commuter fare is applied when the entry time is not the peak time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to station service equipment, a method for processing entry to another station, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a station service device that performs a process of entering from another station, which writes the entry record of another station to an IC card ticket that had an incomplete entry record when entering from another station. Some IC card tickets also have an off-peak commuter pass function that applies the commuter fare when used during off-peak hours. In the process of entering from another station, if the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, the commuter fare is applied regardless of whether it is used during off-peak hours, so the correct fare cannot be charged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-203261 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-066852 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-081807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide station service equipment, a method for processing entry to other stations, and a program that can charge the correct fare when an IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A station service device of an embodiment is a station service device that executes other station entry processing to write an entry record of another station onto an IC card ticket that had an entry record written improperly when entering from another station, and is equipped with a processing unit that reads the record of the IC card ticket, a judgment unit that judges, based on the record read by the processing unit, whether the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass to which a commuter fare applies when used during off-peak hours on weekdays, and an input unit that can input interview content from the user of the IC card ticket, and if the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, the judgment unit judges whether the processing date for the other station entry processing is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, and if the processing date is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, based on the interview content input from the input unit, judges whether the entry time at the other station was during a peak time period at the other station, and judges that a normal fare should be applied if the entry time was during a peak time period, and judges that a commuter fare should be applied if the entry time was not during a peak time period. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a station service system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of a counter processing machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a counter processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a peak time slot master stored in the counter processing machine according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the use of an off-peak commuter pass. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of an entrance station input screen displayed on the ticket window processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of an entrance time input screen displayed on the window processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an example of a processing content confirmation screen displayed on the counter processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a processing result confirmation screen displayed on the counter processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for processing entry to another station by the ticket window processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for processing entry to another station by the ticket window processing machine according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] (Example of station service system configuration) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a station service system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the station service system 1 includes a station service server 20 and a plurality of ticket window processing machines 10 (10A to 10E).

[0008] The station service server 20 is a computer equipped with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The station service server 20 may be a collection of multiple computers placed on a cloud.

[0009] The station service server 20 is connected to a plurality of counter processing machines 10 via a network, and performs various controls, setting data management, data collection, etc. for these counter processing machines 10, and manages them in an integrated manner.

[0010] The multiple ticket window processing machines 10A-10E as station service equipment are installed at ticket windows of different stations such as Station A-Station E, and are used for various ticket window services. The various ticket window services include, for example, other station entrance processing. The other station entrance processing is a process of writing the entrance record of the other station when there is an incorrect entry on an IC (Integrated Circuit) card ticket when entering from a station other than the station where the ticket window processing machine 10 performing the processing is installed.

[0011] (Example of counter processing machine configuration) Next, a configuration example of the counter processing machine 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a physical configuration of the counter processing machine 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the counter processing machine 10 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a storage device 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, an external interface (I / F) 17, and a communication I / F 18.

[0013] The CPU 11 is a hardware processor that controls the entire counter processing device 10 .

[0014] The RAM 12 functions as a primary storage device and serves as a working area for the CPU 11. The RAM 12 may be, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory.

[0015] The ROM 13 functions as a storage area in the counter processing machine 10, and stores, for example, a control program 13p executed by the CPU 11. Information stored in the ROM 13 is retained even when the power to the counter processing machine 10 is turned off.

[0016] The CPU 11, for example, loads a control program 13p stored in the ROM 13 into the RAM 12 and executes it to realize various functions of the teller processing machine 10. The various functions realized by the control program 13p include, for example, a function for writing and reading data to an IC card ticket, and a function for executing processes such as charging.

[0017] The control program 13p can be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. The control program 13p may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0018] The storage device 14 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like, and functions as an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 11.

[0019] The input device 15 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and is configured to enable station staff or the like performing counter operations to input various instructions and data. The display device 16 includes a display, etc., and displays the processing results of the counter processing machine 10, etc.

[0020] The external I / F 17 is an interface for connecting an external device to the counter processing machine 10. The external device may include, for example, a recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0021] The communication I / F 18 is a communication device having a predetermined communication protocol and is configured to be connectable to a network, for example. The communication I / F 18 enables the counter processing machine 10 to communicate with the station service server 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0022] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the counter processing machine 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the counter processing machine 10 includes, as functional units, a processing unit 101, a determination unit 102, a communication unit 103, an operation unit 104, and a storage unit 105. These functional units are realized by the above-mentioned CPU 11 reading and executing a control program 13p stored in the ROM 13.

[0023] The processing unit 101 writes and reads various data to and from the IC card ticket. More specifically, the processing unit 101 writes various data to a memory built into the IC card ticket, and reads various data from the memory of the IC card ticket.

[0024] The determination unit 102 performs various determinations based on various data of the IC card ticket read by the processing unit 101. For example, the determinations performed by the determination unit 102 include determining whether or not the IC card ticket functions as a commuter pass or an off-peak commuter pass.

[0025] An off-peak commuter pass is a commuter pass for which the commuter fare applies when used during off-peak hours on weekdays and the normal fare applies when used during peak hours. Peak hours are set for each of a number of stations, and whether or not use is during an off-peak hour is determined based on the peak hour set for the station entered using the off-peak commuter pass.

[0026] For off-peak commuter passes on weekends, holidays, and the New Year holidays, regular fares will apply all day.

[0027] The determination unit 102 also performs various determinations based on the contents input from the input unit 141, which will be described later. The determinations made by the determination unit 102 based on the input contents include, for example, a determination as to whether or not the off-peak commuter pass is used during an off-peak time period when processing entry to another station with the off-peak commuter pass.

[0028] The communication unit 103 communicates with the station service server 20 via the network. Through communication with the station service server 20, the communication unit 103 acquires various data and commands from the station service server 20. Also, through communication with the station service server 20, the communication unit 103 transmits various data and the like from the counter processing machine 10 to the station service server 20.

[0029] The operation unit 104 includes an input unit 141 and a display unit 142, and is configured to enable various operations by station staff. In other words, the operation unit 104 functions as an HMI (Human Machine Interface) between the station staff and the ticket window processing machine 10.

[0030] The input unit 141 accepts input of various instructions and various data from station staff. Instructions from station staff include, for example, an instruction to start processing for entering another station, and an instruction to execute processing. Various data input by station staff include, for example, the contents that the station staff hears from the user of the IC card ticket during processing for entering another station. The station staff hears the user's entry station, entry time, etc., and inputs this data into the ticket window processing machine 10 using the input unit 141.

[0031] The display unit 142 displays the results of various processes executed by the ticket window processing machine 10, operation instructions for station staff, etc. The station staff can proceed with, for example, other station entry processing according to the various operation instructions displayed on the display unit 142.

[0032] The storage unit 105 stores a peak time zone master 151 and a Saturday / holiday / holiday master 152. The peak time zone master 151 stores data on peak time zones set for each of a number of stations. The Saturday / holiday / holiday master 152 stores calendar information indicating Saturdays / holidays. When the determination unit 102 determines whether an off-peak commuter pass is being used during an off-peak time zone, the peak time zone master 151 and the Saturday / holiday / holiday master 152 are referenced.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the peak time slot master 151 held by the counter processing machine 10 according to the embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, peak time zone master 151 stores station name information from Station A to Station E, and peak time zone information including peak start times and peak end times set for each of Stations A to E.

[0035] In the example of Figure 4, if you use an off-peak commuter pass to enter from Station B at 9:00 on a weekday, you are using the pass during off-peak hours, and the commuter fare applies. Also, if you use an off-peak commuter pass to enter from Station C at 8:00 on a weekday, you are using the pass during peak hours, and the regular fare applies.

[0036] It is preferable that the peak time slot master 151 has the above information about all neighboring stations that may process entry to other stations at the station where the ticket window processing machine 10 is installed. As an example, the peak time slot master 151 can hold information about all stations in the region to which the station where the ticket window processing machine 10 is installed belongs, such as the Kanto region or the Tokai region.

[0037] The peak time zone master 151 is acquired by, for example, downloading the peak time zone master 151 stored on the station service server 20 through communication with the station service server 20 via the communication unit 103. Alternatively, the peak time zone master 151 recorded on various recording media may be acquired from the above-mentioned external I / F 17 (see FIG. 2), or may be directly input by a station staff member via the input unit 141.

[0038] Here, a detailed example of the use of an off-peak commuter pass is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the use of an off-peak commuter pass. The commuter pass section shown in Fig. 5 is assumed to be the section from station B to station D.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, in case 1, the user uses an off-peak commuter pass to enter at station B and exit at station D. In this case, whether or not the use is during the off-peak hours is determined based on whether or not the entry time at station B is within the off-peak hours set for station B.

[0040] In addition, the use of an off-peak commuter pass may include stations outside the commuter pass's designated area.

[0041] In case 2, the user uses an off-peak commuter pass to enter at station A, which is outside the commuter pass's section, and exit at station C, which is within the commuter pass's section. In this case as well, whether the trip occurred during an off-peak period is determined based on whether the time of entry at station A is within the off-peak period set for station A. If the trip occurred during an off-peak period, the commuter pass fare is applied to the fare from station B to station C, which is within the commuter pass's section.

[0042] In case 3, the user uses an off-peak commuter pass to enter at station B within the commuter pass section and exit at station E outside the commuter pass section. In this case as well, whether or not the trip occurred during an off-peak period is determined based on whether or not the time of entry at station B is within the off-peak period set for station B. If the trip occurred during an off-peak period, the commuter pass fare is applied to the fare from station B to station C within the commuter pass section.

[0043] As mentioned above, when using an IC card ticket, improper entry record writing may occur at the entrance station. Improper entry record writing may occur, for example, when passing through an automatic ticket gate and holding the IC card over the automatic ticket gate for too short a time. In this case, the writing on the IC card ticket may be insufficient.

[0044] If the user passes through an automated ticket gate without sufficient information being written on the IC card, an error occurs at the automated ticket gate at the exit station, and the user must enter the name of the entrance station at the station window. In the other station entry process, the user inputs the name of the entrance station heard from the user, and the entrance record for the entrance station is written at the exit station.

[0045] However, in the case of IC cards that also function as off-peak commuter passes, if there is an error in writing the entry record at the entrance station, it becomes difficult to determine whether the pass was used during off-peak hours.

[0046] The ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment is configured to be able to determine whether or not use occurred during off-peak hours even if there is an error in writing the admission record when an off-peak commuter pass is used.

[0047] (Example of counter processing machine operation) Next, an example of the operation of the ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment during entry processing at another station will be described with reference to Figs.

[0048] When starting the other station entry process, the processing unit 101 of the counter processing machine 10 reads the recorded contents of the IC card ticket, and the display unit 142 displays the read contents. When the station staff confirms that there is no writing error in the entry record of the IC card ticket, the other station entry process in the counter processing machine 10 is started.

[0049] The determination unit 102 determines whether or not the IC card ticket has an off-peak commuter pass function added thereto, based on the record of the IC card ticket read by the processing unit 101. If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, the determination unit 102 references the Saturday / Holiday master 152 stored in the memory unit 105 to determine whether or not the processing date for the other station entry processing is a Saturday / Holiday. The processing date for the other station entry processing can be obtained, for example, by reference to the date on a clock built into the counter processing machine 10.

[0050] In addition, regulations regarding railway operations require that users enter and exit within the same day. Here, "within the same day" is set based on the railway's operating hours, and if, for example, the last train leaves after midnight, a regulatory day may span multiple calendar dates.

[0051] If the processing date for the other station entry process is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the display unit 142 displays an input screen for the entry station and entry time. The station staff asks the user of the IC card ticket about this information and inputs it on the input screen.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an example of the entrance station input screen 142a displayed on the ticket window processing machine 10 according to the embodiment.

[0053] 6, the entrance station input screen 142a displays a number of station name buttons such as Station 01, Station 02, Station 03, etc., and the station staff can input the entrance station heard from the user by pressing the button of the relevant station. The entrance station input screen 142a also displays a search button that allows the station staff to input the entrance station from the station name, and the station staff can input the entrance station from the station name as well. The input of the entrance station is accepted by the input unit 141.

[0054] FIG. 7 is an example of the entrance time input screen 142b displayed on the counter processing machine 10 according to the embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7, the entrance time input screen 142b displays the name of the entrance station that has already been entered and an entrance time button. When the station staff member presses the entrance time button, a numeric keypad for further entering the entrance time is displayed. The station staff member can use this numeric keypad to enter the entrance time that he / she has heard from the user. The entry time input is accepted by the input unit 141.

[0056] As described above, the date based on the train operation time zone may cross over into the calendar date. The entry time input screen 142b may be capable of inputting the entry date together with the entry time.

[0057] When the entrance station and entrance time obtained from the user of the IC card are inputted from the entrance station input screen 142a and the entrance time input screen 142b, the judgment unit 102 judges whether the IC card with an off-peak commuter pass was used during an off-peak time period based on the inputted contents. That is, the judgment unit 102 refers to the peak time period master 151 in the storage unit 105 and judges whether the inputted entrance time falls within the peak start time and peak end time of the inputted entrance station.

[0058] If the input entry time is between the peak start time and the peak end time of the entry station, the determination unit 102 determines that the IC card with off-peak commuter pass was used during the peak time period and applies the regular fare. If the input entry time is not between the peak start time and the peak end time of the entry station, the determination unit 102 determines that the IC card with off-peak commuter pass was used during the off-peak time period and applies the commuter fare.

[0059] When the determination unit 102 makes the above determination, the display unit 142 displays the processing instructions of the ticket window processing machine 10, including the above determination. The station staff checks the displayed contents, and if there are no problems, issues an instruction to execute the processing.

[0060] FIG. 8 is an example of a processing content confirmation screen 142c displayed on the counter processing machine 10 according to the embodiment.

[0061] 8, the processing content confirmation screen 142c displays the charge balance of the IC card passenger ticket, etc., read from the IC card passenger ticket. The charge balance of the IC card passenger ticket is the unused amount that has been charged to the IC card passenger ticket as transportation fares, etc., and is called SF (Stored Fare), etc.

[0062] The processing content confirmation screen 142c also displays the entrance station name and the entrance date and time entered by the station staff. In the example of Fig. 8, C Station is displayed as the entrance station name, and 7:25 on August 8, 2023 is displayed as the entrance date and time.

[0063] The process content confirmation screen 142c also displays the result of the determination by the determination unit 102, that is, whether the entry is during a peak time period or an off-peak time period, and whether the entry is at regular fare or commuter fare.

[0064] If the judgment unit 102 determines that the entry is during a peak time period, the processing content confirmation screen 142c will display, for example, "Entry during crowded hours," and if the judgment unit 102 determines that the entry is during an off-peak time period, this item on the processing content confirmation screen 142c will, for example, be blank.

[0065] Furthermore, if the determination unit 102 determines that the entry is during a peak time period and that the entry is at the regular fare, then the processing content confirmation screen 142c displays, for example, "SF entry." In the case of SF entry, after the other station entry process at the ticket window processing machine 10, when passing through the automatic ticket gate, the regular fare is deducted from the charge balance (SF) of the IC card ticket. If the determination unit 102 determines that the entry is during an off-peak time period and that the entry is at the commuter fare, then the processing content confirmation screen 142c displays, for example, "Commuter entry."

[0066] In the example of FIG. 8, the determining unit 102 has determined that the entry occurred during a peak time period and that the entry is for a normal fare, and therefore "entry during peak hours" and "entry at SF" are displayed, respectively.

[0067] In this way, among the contents displayed on the processing content confirmation screen 142c, the items of entry station name, entry date and time, whether entry is during peak hours, and whether entry is SF entry or regular entry are the information required for processing entry to other stations with an off-peak commuter pass.

[0068] Also, if it is determined that the customer is entering through the SF, a settlement will be incurred when the customer exits. For this reason, the processing content confirmation screen 142c displays a notice to the station staff, such as "SF entry will be performed because it is during peak hours. Please inform the customer that a SF settlement will be incurred when the customer exits."

[0069] Following this notice, station staff can explain to users that the regular fare will be deducted from the remaining balance on their IC card when they pass through the automated ticket gates. This allows users to receive correct information in advance, even if they mistakenly believe that they will not be charged because they are using the card during off-peak hours.

[0070] In addition, an execute button and a back button are displayed on the process content confirmation screen 142c. By pressing the execute button, the process can be executed according to the process content displayed on the process content confirmation screen 142c. On the other hand, by pressing the back button, it is possible to return to the entrance time input screen 142b and re-enter the entrance time.

[0071] When the execute button is pressed on the processing content confirmation screen 142c and the processing is executed by the counter processor 10, the display unit 142 displays a processing result confirmation screen 142d shown in Fig. 9. The processing result confirmation screen 142d is a screen for confirming the processing content that has been executed.

[0072] 9 is an example of a processing result confirmation screen 142d displayed on the counter processor 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the processing result confirmation screen 142d displays substantially the same content as the above-mentioned processing content confirmation screen 142c showing the processing content.

[0073] That is, the processing result confirmation screen 142d displays the remaining charge on the IC card ticket, the entrance station name, the entrance date and time, whether the entrance is during peak hours, and whether the entrance is SF entry or regular entry. Of these, the entrance station name, the entrance date and time, whether the entrance is during peak hours, and SF entry or regular entry are contents written on the IC card ticket and indicate the processing contents executed by the counter processing machine 10.

[0074] In addition, when SF entry is written on the IC card ticket, the processing result confirmation screen 142d may also display a message such as "SF entry has occurred because you are entering during peak hours. Please inform customers that SF settlement will be required when they exit." in order to remind station staff again.

[0075] In addition to the various displays described above, the processing result confirmation screen 142d displays a confirmation button. After the station staff member confirms the processing contents executed by the counter processing machine 10 on the processing result confirmation screen 142d, the station staff member presses this confirmation button. This allows the station staff member to return to the initial screen, such as the counter operation menu screen.

[0076] This completes the operation of the other station entry processing in the ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment.

[0077] If the IC card ticket is not an off-peak commuter pass, the determination unit 102 determines the contents to be written on the IC card ticket based only on the information of the entrance station, for example. If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass and the processing date is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the determination unit 102 applies the commuter fare regardless of the entrance time.

[0078] (Example of processing at the counter) Next, an example of processing for entering another station by the ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for processing entry to another station by the ticket window processing machine 10 according to the embodiment.

[0080] 10, the processing unit 101 of the ticket window processing machine 10 reads the record of the IC card ticket that is the target of the other station entry process and notifies the determination unit 102 (step S1). The operation unit 104 displays the read contents of the IC card ticket (step S2), and the other station entry process is started by accepting an operation by, for example, a station staff member (step S3).

[0081] The determination unit 102 determines whether the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass based on the contents read from the IC card ticket (step S4). If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, the determination unit 102 refers to the Saturday / Holiday master 152 (see FIG. 3) in the storage unit 105 (step S5) and determines whether the processing date for the other station entry processing is a Saturday / Holiday (step S6).

[0082] If the processing date for the other station entry process is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the operation unit 104 accepts input of the entry station and entry time by the station staff (steps S7 and S8). The determination unit 102 refers to the peak time period master 151 (see FIG. 4) in the storage unit 105 (step S9) and determines whether the use is during a peak time period based on the entry station and entry time input by the station staff (step S10). The determination unit 102 also determines whether the normal fare or the commuter fare should be applied based on the result of the determination of whether the use is during a peak time period (step S11).

[0083] When the determination result of the determination unit 102 is issued, the operation unit 104 displays the processing contents (step S12). When the station staff presses execute processing (step S13), the processing unit 101 writes an admission record according to the determination result of the determination unit 102 to the IC card ticket (step S14). The processing unit 101 also notifies that writing of the admission record to the IC card ticket has been completed (step S15). Upon receiving the processing completion notification, the operation unit 104 displays the processing result (step S16).

[0084] This completes the other station entry process by the ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of a procedure for processing entry to another station by the ticket window processing machine 10 according to the embodiment.

[0086] 11, the processing unit 101 of the ticket window processing machine 10 reads the record on the IC card ticket (step S101), and the display unit 142 displays the read result (step S102). When a station staff member inputs the start of another station entry process from the display screen of the read result, for example, the input unit 141 accepts the input, and the other station entry process is started (step S103).

[0087] The determination unit 102 determines whether the IC card ticket being processed is an off-peak commuter pass or not based on the contents read by the processing unit 101 (step S104). If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass (step S104: Yes), the determination unit 102 refers to the Saturday / Sunday / Holiday master 152 in the storage unit 105 and determines whether the processing date for the other station entry processing falls on a Saturday / Sunday / Holiday based on the time of the clock built into the ticket window processing machine 10 (step S105).

[0088] If the processing day for the other station entry process is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday (step S105: No), the display unit 142 displays the above-mentioned entry station input screen 142a (see FIG. 6), and when the station staff inputs the entry station heard from the user on the entry station input screen 142a, the input unit 141 accepts it (step S106). The display unit 142 also displays the above-mentioned entry time input screen 142b (see FIG. 7), and when the station staff inputs the entry time heard from the user on the entry time input screen 142b, the input unit 141 accepts it (step S107).

[0089] The judgment unit 102 refers to the peak time period master 151 in the memory unit 105 and determines, based on the entry station and entry time accepted by the input unit 141, whether entry to the entry station using the IC card ticket with off-peak commuter pass being processed was made during a peak time period (step S108).

[0090] If the entry was during the peak time period (step S108: Yes), the determination unit 102 performs a determination of SF entry processing to apply the normal fare (step S109). If the entry was not during the peak time period (step S108: No), the determination unit 102 performs a determination of regular entry processing to apply the regular fare for the regular section (step S110).

[0091] On the other hand, if the contents read by the processing unit 101 show that the IC card ticket being processed is not an off-peak commuter pass (step S104: No), the entry time information is not necessary for other station entry processing. Therefore, the display unit 142 displays, for example, only the entry station input screen 142a, and the input unit 141 accepts the entry station input (step S206). The judgment unit 102 judges whether the IC card ticket being processed is a commuter pass or not based on the contents read by the processing unit 101 (step S208).

[0092] If the IC card ticket being processed is not a commuter pass (step S208: No), the determination unit 102 performs a determination of SF entry processing to apply the regular fare (step S209).If the IC card ticket is a commuter pass (step S208: Yes), the determination unit 102 performs a determination of commuter entry processing to apply the commuter fare for the commuter pass section (step S210).

[0093] Also, even if the processing date for the other station entry process falls on a Saturday or holiday as a result of referring to the Saturday / Holiday master 152 (step S105: Yes), information on the entry time is not necessary to perform the other station entry process. Therefore, the display unit 142 displays, for example, only the entry station input screen 142a, and the input unit 141 accepts the input of the entry station (step S106a). The determination unit 102 performs a determination of the commuter entry process to apply the commuter fare to the commuter section (step S110).

[0094] Thereafter, the display unit 142 displays the above-mentioned processing content confirmation screen 142c (see FIG. 8) (step S111). When the station attendant confirms the processing content and then presses the execute button, the processing unit 101 writes an admission record whose contents correspond to the judgment result of the judgment unit 102 onto the IC card ticket, and the display unit 142 displays the processing result confirmation screen 142d indicating that the processing has been executed (step S112).

[0095] This completes the other station entry process by the ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment.

[0096] (Overview) When processing entry to another station, if the IC card ticket in question is an off-peak commuter pass, the current system has no way of determining whether the off-peak commuter pass is used during off-peak hours or not, and until now, the commuter pass fare has been applied regardless of whether it is used during off-peak hours or not.

[0097] According to the embodiment of the ticket window processing machine 10, if the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass and the processing day for the other station entry processing is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the judgment unit 102 judges whether the entry time at the other station was during the peak time period at the other station based on the interview content input from the input unit. This allows the correct fare to be charged if the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass.

[0098] According to the ticket window processing machine 10 of the embodiment, the memory unit 105 stores the peak time zone master 151 that stores data on peak time zones at multiple stations including other stations. This allows the determination unit 102 to refer to the peak time zone master 151 to obtain information on off-peak time zones at other stations and to determine whether the entry time at the other stations was during a peak time zone.

[0099] According to the embodiment of the ticket window processing machine 10, the input unit 141 receives input of the user's entrance station and the entrance time at the entrance station as information to be asked of the user of the IC card ticket. This provides the information necessary for the determination unit 102 to determine whether the off-peak commuter pass was used during the off-peak hours.

[0100] According to the embodiment of the counter processing machine 10, the judgment unit 102 judges that the regular fare should be applied if the processing date is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, and the input unit 141 accepts input of the user's entrance station as information requested by the user of the IC card ticket.

[0101] As described above, for off-peak commuter passes, the commuter fare applies all day when used on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Therefore, by asking the user and inputting only the information necessary for the judgment by the judgment unit 102, the work of processing entry to other stations can be simplified and the burden on station staff and users can be reduced.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the peak time period master 151 is stored in advance in the memory unit 105 of the counter processing machine 10, and the determination unit 102 refers to this to determine whether or not the use is during a peak time period. However, the method by which the determination unit 102 acquires the peak time period information for each station required for peak time period determination is not limited to this. For example, when the determination unit 102 determines a peak time period, the above-mentioned communication unit 103 provided in the counter processing machine 10 may access the station service server 20 and appropriately acquire peak time period information for the entrance station obtained from the user.

[0103] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Station service system 10. Counter Processing Machine 13p Control Program 20 Station Administration Server 101 Processing section 102 Judgment section 103 Communications Department 104 Operation section 141 Input section 142 Display section 105 Storage section 151 Peak Time Master 152 Saturday and Holiday Master

Claims

1. A station service device that executes a process of entering from another station by writing an entry record of another station to an IC card ticket that has an entry record that has not been written properly when entering from another station, A processing unit that reads the record of the IC card ticket; a determination unit that determines whether or not the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass to which a commuter fare is applied when used during off-peak hours on weekdays, based on the record read by the processing unit; an input unit capable of inputting the contents of a request from a user of the IC card; The determination unit is If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, a determination is made as to whether the processing day for the other station entry processing is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. If the processing day is not a Saturday or holiday, it is determined whether or not the entry time at the other station is during a peak time period at the other station based on the interview content input from the input unit. If the entry time is during a peak time period, a normal fare is applied. If the entry time is not during a peak time period, it is determined that a regular fare should be applied. Station equipment.

2. A storage unit is further provided for storing a peak time period master in which data on peak time periods at a plurality of stations including the other stations is stored, The determination unit is determining whether the entry time was during a peak time period based on information on peak time periods at the other stations acquired from the peak time period master; Station equipment according to claim 1.

3. A communication unit that holds data on peak time periods at a plurality of stations including the other stations and communicates with a station service server connected to the station service equipment via a network, The determination unit is The communication unit acquires data on peak time periods at the other stations from the station service server, determining whether the entry time was within a peak time period based on the data acquired from the station service server; Station equipment according to claim 1.

4. The input unit includes: Accepting input of the user's entrance station and the entrance time at the entrance station as the content of the hearing; Station equipment according to claim 1.

5. In the off-peak commuter pass, When using on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, regular fares apply all day. The determination unit is If the processing date is a Saturday or holiday, it is determined that the regular fare applies. Station equipment according to claim 1.

6. The input unit includes: Accepting an input of the user's entrance station as the content of the hearing; Station equipment according to claim 5.

7. A method for processing entry to another station by station service equipment, which writes the entry record of another station to an IC card ticket that has an entry record that has been improperly written when entering from another station, comprising: A processing unit of the station service equipment reads the record of the IC card ticket, An input unit of the station service equipment accepts input of questions from a user of the IC card ticket, A determination unit of the station service equipment determines, based on the record read by the processing unit, whether or not the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass to which a commuter fare is applied when used during off-peak hours on weekdays; If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, the determination unit determines whether the processing day for the other station entry processing is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. If the processing day is not a Saturday or holiday, it is determined whether or not the entry time at the other station is during a peak time period at the other station based on the interview content input from the input unit. If the entry time is during a peak time period, the determination unit determines that a normal fare should be applied; If the entry time is not during a peak time period, the determination unit determines that a commuter fare should be applied. How to process entry to other stations.

8. The station service equipment that performs the other station entry process, which writes the entry record of another station onto an IC card ticket that had an incomplete entry record when entering from another station, Reading the record of the IC card ticket, Accepting input of questions from a user of the IC card; Based on the read record, it is determined whether or not the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass to which a commuter fare is applied when used during off-peak hours on weekdays; If the IC card ticket is an off-peak commuter pass, a determination is made as to whether the processing day for the other station entry processing is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. If the processing day is not a Saturday or holiday, a determination is made based on the input contents of the interview as to whether or not the entry time at the other station is during a peak time period at the other station; If the entry time is during a peak time period, a normal fare is applied. If the entry time is not during a peak time period, a determination is made that a regular fare should be applied. program.

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