Ticket gate, ticket gate system, ticket gate control method, and ticket gate control program

Abstract

To provide a ticket gate that can easily turn on / off a power supply remotely at arbitrary timing by using a radio channel.SOLUTION: A ticket gate includes an internal clock, a power-supply management unit, and a receiver. The internal clock indicates an internal time. The power-supply management unit maintains an automatic power-on time value which turns on the power supply at a preset time according to the internal time, and an automatic power-off time value which turns off the power supply, thereby controlling the power on / off. The receiver accepts a power-off command signal provided from the outside. When acquiring the power-off command signal, the power-supply management unit sets a first time value obtained by adding a first setting value to the internal time when the power-off command signal is acquired as the automatic power-off time value, and sets a second time value obtained by adding a second setting value to the first time value as the automatic power-on time value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, a method for controlling a ticket gate, and a control program for a ticket gate. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ticket gates at train stations and other locations are installed to separate the inner and outer areas of the gates and to check and manage tickets (passenger tickets), collect fees (withdraw electronic money), and perform other tasks. Such ticket gates may need to be restarted during operation. For example, if a momentary power outage causes the gates to become unstable, or if some of their functions stop functioning, or if the program that operates the gates needs to be updated, the gates may need to be powered off and on again to be restarted. In such cases, if the ticket gates are installed at manned stations, they can be restarted by station staff or other personnel. On the other hand, if the ticket gates are installed at unmanned stations, station staff must be dispatched from a nearby manned station or other station to perform the restart, which is inefficient. Therefore, a technology has been proposed that allows ticket gates installed at unmanned stations to be restarted remotely from a manned station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-139483 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When remotely operating a ticket gate, rebooting the gate is sometimes performed via a communication line. While installing a wired line is sufficient, installing a wired line can be difficult due to technical and cost considerations, especially in mountainous areas where unmanned stations are more likely to be used. In such cases, connecting the gates at manned and unmanned stations via an LTE line or over a router is an option. While a known remote startup technique uses Wake-on-LAN (WOL) magic packets, current ticket gates do not support rebooting using magic packets. In other words, when installing a wired line is difficult, it is difficult to remotely turn the gate's power on and off at any time. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a technology that allows for easy remote power-on and rebooting of a ticket gate at any time using a wireless line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the ticket gate comprises an internal clock, a power management unit, and a receiving unit. The internal clock indicates internal time. The power management unit holds an automatic power-on time value for turning the power on at a preset time according to the internal time, and an automatic power-off time value for turning the power off, and controls the power on / off. The receiving unit receives a power-off command signal provided from an external device. When the power management unit acquires the power-off command signal, it sets the automatic power-off time value to a first time value obtained by adding a first set value to the internal time at the time the power-off command signal was acquired, and sets the automatic power-on time value to a second time value obtained by adding a second set value to the first time value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration concept of a ticket gate system including a ticket gate according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing the appearance and installation state of a simplified ticket gate, which is an example of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a simplified ticket gate, which is an example of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring panel included in the ticket gate system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing in detail the functions of the power supply management unit of a simplified ticket gate, which is an example of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart showing the process of restarting a simplified ticket gate, which is an example of the ticket gate according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments described below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by the configurations, are merely examples and are not limited to the following description.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration concept of a ticket gate system 1 including ticket gates (ticket gate 21, simplified ticket gate 30) according to an embodiment.

[0009] 1, the ticket gate system 1 includes a higher-level device 10, a monitoring panel (monitoring device) 20, a ticket gate 21, and a simple ticket gate 30. The ticket gate system 1 is constructed for each operator, such as a railway, and is a system to which station service equipment such as ticket gates (ticket gate 21, simple ticket gate 30) installed at each station is connected.

[0010] The ticket gate system 1 according to the present embodiment, which will be described below, is configured such that the monitoring panel 20 monitors (controls) not only the regular ticket gate 21 but also the simplified ticket gate 30. The ticket gate 21 is installed at a ticket gate (a ticket gate at a station under the jurisdiction of the station) that can be handled by station staff, and is assumed to be a ticket gate device equipped with a door (opening / closing gate) or the like to control passage. The simplified ticket gate 30 is assumed to be a ticket gate device that is not equipped with a door (opening / closing gate) or the like to physically prevent people from passing through. The simplified ticket gate 30 may be installed, for example, at an unmanned station or a sparsely populated station (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an intermediate station) where no station staff is stationed. The simplified ticket gate 30 may also be installed at a ticket gate at a manned station that is located in a location where no station staff is stationed.

[0011] The higher-level device 10 is installed in a center that manages the entire ticket gate system 1. The higher-level device 10 may include an information processing device that manages data for the entire ticket gate system 1. The monitoring panel 20 and ticket gates 21 are installed in a manned station (Station A in the example shown in FIG. 1). The monitoring panel 20 can be operated by station staff working at the station, and can monitor the status of each ticket gate and input operating instructions for specific ticket gates.

[0012] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, Station A is a jurisdictional station that also has jurisdiction over Station B, an intermediate station. A monitoring panel 20 installed at Station A, which is its jurisdictional station, is communicatively connected to ticket gates 21 at Station A as well as to simple ticket gates 30 installed at Station B, which is an intermediate station, via a network N (for example, an LET line connection or a connection across routers). In other words, the monitoring panel 20 is communicatively connected to the ticket gates 21 installed at the stations under its jurisdiction and to the simple ticket gates 30 installed at intermediate stations within the jurisdiction of the station under its jurisdiction. Therefore, the monitoring panel 20 is configured to be able to supply operating instructions not only to the ticket gates 21 at the stations under its jurisdiction, but also to the simple ticket gates 30 at the intermediate stations.

[0013] The simplified ticket gate 30 performs ticket examination processing based on the ticket medium presented by the user. For example, as part of the ticket examination processing, the simplified ticket gate 30 determines whether or not passage is permitted based on information read from the ticket medium, and performs predetermined processing (such as toll settlement processing and passage record writing processing) on ​​the ticket medium of the user who is permitted passage. Note that the simplified ticket gate 30 may be any device that has the function of processing the ticket medium presented by the user as part of the ticket examination processing.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the exterior and installation state of the simplified ticket gate 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the simplified ticket gate 30 is, for example, a box-shaped housing and is installed to form a passage (entrance / exit) for entering or exiting a station. The simplified ticket gate 30 can set the direction of passage depending on its installation state. In addition, a ticket processing unit 36 ​​and a display unit 37 are arranged, for example, on the top surface of the housing constituting the simplified ticket gate 30. When a user passes through the passage (entrance / exit) (when entering or exiting), the user presents a ticket medium to the ticket processing unit 36 ​​of the simplified ticket gate 30. The simplified ticket gate 30 performs entry or exit processing for the ticket medium presented by the user. If the ticket medium is, for example, an IC card or the like, from which a usage fee (such as a fare) can be debited, the amount used, the remaining balance, etc. are displayed on the display unit 37.

[0015] The simplified ticket gate 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2. The simplified ticket gate 30 may be installed at an entrance / exit (ticket gate) and have the function of processing tickets presented by users. For example, the simplified ticket gate 30 does not have to have a housing that forms an entrance / exit passageway, and may have a stand-type housing that has a ticket processing unit that processes ticket media and a display unit on the front.

[0016] As mentioned above, the simple ticket gates 30 installed at intermediate stations (unmanned stations (e.g., Station B)) are connected via the network N to the monitoring panel 20 installed at the station under their jurisdiction. Therefore, the simple ticket gates 30 installed at Station B can notify the monitoring panel 20 installed at Station A of their operating status. This allows the monitoring panel 20 at Station A to monitor the operating status of the simple ticket gates 30 at Station B.

[0017] The simplified ticket gate 30 also has the function of changing the operating mode (passage setting) in response to instructions from the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10, saving updated data from the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10, and operating in response to instructions from the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10. The simplified ticket gate 30 of this embodiment also has the function of turning the power OFF / ON, i.e., restarting, at any timing by operation from the monitoring panel 20 (at a manned station) or the higher-level device 10 when the operation of the simplified ticket gate 30 becomes unstable or when control based on updated data is to be enabled.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the monitoring panel 20 is connected to ticket gates 21 installed at the ticket gates of stations under its jurisdiction and to simple ticket gates 30 installed at intermediate stations. The monitoring panel 20 is also connected to a higher-level device 10. For example, the monitoring panel 20 relays data communication between the higher-level device 10 and each simple ticket gate 30. The monitoring panel 20 monitors the operating status of the ticket gates 21 and simple ticket gates 30 connected to it, and can provide operating instructions to each ticket gate 21 and simple ticket gate 30 remotely.

[0019] The monitoring panel 20 also has the function of distributing information supplied from the higher-level device 10 to the ticket gates 21 and simplified ticket gates 30. The monitoring panel 20 may also store information received from each ticket gate 21 and simplified ticket gate 30, and transmit the stored information to the higher-level device 10 at a predetermined timing or in response to a request from the higher-level device 10. For example, when the monitoring panel 20 acquires update data (such as an update program or update information on setting contents) for the ticket gates 21 and simplified ticket gates 30 from the higher-level device 10, it can download (distribute) the update data to the ticket gates 21 and simplified ticket gates 30 at any timing.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the simplified ticket barrier 30. As shown in FIG.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the simple ticket gate 30 has a processor 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a memory unit 34, a communication unit 35, a ticket processing unit 36, a display unit 37, an internal clock 38, a power management unit 39, etc.

[0022] The processor 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 function as a main control unit that controls the entire simplified ticket gate 30. The processor 31 reads a control program installed and stored in a non-volatile storage unit such as the ROM 32 or the storage unit 34, and realizes various modules in accordance with the control program.

[0023] The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory that functions as a program memory. The ROM 32 stores programs and control data executed by the processor 3. The ROM 32 can store setting values ​​(such as a first setting value and a second setting value) used when restarting the simplified ticket gate 30, which will be described later.

[0024] The RAM 33 functions as a working memory that temporarily stores data. The RAM 33 loads programs and stores data being processed by the processor 31. The RAM 33 also functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores communication data and the like.

[0025] The storage unit 34 is a memory that stores data. The storage unit 34 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The storage unit 34 stores information such as fare information used for determining passage in ticket gate processing. The storage unit 34 may also store data such as programs that can be executed by the processor 31. The storage unit 34 can also function as a storage unit that temporarily stores preset start and finish time setting values ​​(automatic power-on time value and automatic power-off time value) when a restart request is made (when a power OFF / ON operation is requested) for the simplified ticket gate 30 described below. Details of the storage operation when a restart request is made will be described later.

[0026] The communication unit 35 is a communication interface for performing data communication with the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10 via the monitoring panel 20. For example, the communication unit 35 transmits and receives information on ticket media acquired by the simplified ticket gate 30 (ticket processing unit 36), receives update programs transmitted from the monitoring panel 20 (or the higher-level device 10), and transmits information indicating the status of the simplified ticket gate 30. The communication unit 35 also functions as a receiving unit that receives a power-off command signal from an external device (for example, the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10) that triggers a restart when the simplified ticket gate 30 needs to be powered off / on, i.e., restarted. Details of the power-off / on operation when restarting the simplified ticket gate 30 will be described later.

[0027] The ticket processing unit 36 ​​processes the ticket medium presented by the user. The ticket processing unit 36 ​​reads information from the ticket medium presented by the user and writes information corresponding to the ticket gate processing results based on the read information. The ticket processing unit 36 ​​is a processing unit having a processing mechanism compatible with the ticket medium presented by the user (medium compatible with the simple ticket gate). The ticket processing unit 36 ​​can display the processing results of the ticket medium on the display unit 37 via the processor 31. The ticket processing unit 36 ​​can also provide the processing results of the ticket medium to the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10 via the processor 31 and the communication unit 35.

[0028] The ticket medium usable in the ticket gate system 1 according to the embodiment may be any recording medium that records information such as ticket information that can be read and written by the simplified ticket gate 30. For example, the ticket medium may be a contactless IC card that transmits and receives information through contactless communication, a magnetic recording medium (magnetic ticket) in which information is recorded in a magnetic recording section, a recording medium that records (prints or displays) coded information such as a QR code (registered trademark), a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone that has the same function as a contactless IC card, or a mobile terminal that displays coded information such as a QR code.

[0029] If the ticket medium presented by the user is an IC card, ticket processing unit 36 ​​is configured with a card reader / writer. If the ticket medium presented by the user is a magnetic ticket, ticket processing unit 36 ​​is configured with a processing unit having a mechanism for processing magnetic tickets. Ticket processing unit 36 ​​may also be configured with a processing unit having the function of processing both magnetic tickets and IC cards.

[0030] The card reader / writer (card RW) serving as the ticket processing unit 36 ​​is an interface that communicates data with an IC card held by the user as a ticket medium. The card RW serving as the ticket processing unit 36 ​​is composed of an antenna and a communication processing unit for performing short-range wireless communication as a contactless IC card. For example, the card RW transmits a command to the IC card requesting data reading based on instructions from the processor 31, and receives the read data from the IC card as a response to the command. The card RW also transmits a command to the IC card requesting data writing based on instructions from the processor 31, and receives a response to the command (the write result) from the IC card.

[0031] The display unit 37 displays information to the user. For example, the display unit 37 displays the result of whether the ticket medium presented by the user is permitted to pass through. Furthermore, if the ticket medium is an IC card or the like, the display unit 37 can display the amount to be deducted (fare, etc.) and the remaining balance on the IC card. Furthermore, when the passage setting of the simplified ticket gate 30 is canceled (ticket gate processing is canceled), the display unit 37 may display a guidance screen informing the user that passage is not permitted (ticket gate processing is canceled).

[0032] The internal clock 38 may be a hardware clock installed in the simplified ticket gate 30, or may be a radio-controlled clock that receives standard radio waves to set the time. It is desirable that the time displayed on the internal clock 38 coincides with the time displayed at the location (such as the station building) where the simplified ticket gate 30 is installed.

[0033] The power supply management unit 39 manages the ON / OFF of the power supply to the simplified ticket gate 30. The power supply management unit 39 has an automatic power ON / OFF setting function that automatically turns ON the power supply to the simplified ticket gate 30 when station operations begin and automatically turns OFF the power supply when station operations end. For example, when the time based on the internal clock 38 reaches a set start time (e.g., one hour before the departure time of the first train, such as 4:00 AM), the power supply management unit 39 automatically turns ON the main power supply circuit connected to a commercial power source to start the simplified ticket gate 30. Furthermore, when the time based on the internal clock 38 reaches a set end time (e.g., one hour after the departure time of the last train, such as 1:00 AM), the power supply management unit 39 automatically turns OFF the main power supply circuit to stop the simplified ticket gate 30. This automatic power ON / OFF setting function can be executed based on the time of the internal clock and can be realized by the simplified ticket gate 30 alone.

[0034] Furthermore, the power management unit 39 of the simplified ticket gate 30 of this embodiment can use the automatic power ON / OFF setting function to turn the power OFF / ON at any timing while the simplified ticket gate 30 is running (power ON), i.e., to execute a restart operation. Details of the restart operation while the simplified ticket gate 30 is running using the automatic power ON / OFF setting function will be described later.

[0035] In addition, the internal clock 38 and power management unit 39 will continue to function even if the main power circuit of the simple ticket gate 30 is turned off, as power will continue to be supplied from the internal battery built into the simple ticket gate 30 or from a commercial power source.

[0036] The ticket gate 21 is equipped with a door (opening / closing door) that blocks the passage when the ticket medium cannot be used, for example, when the ticket medium is outside the usable area or outside the usable period, or when the ticket medium is an IC card or the like and the fare cannot be debited or the IC card cannot be used. The ticket gate 21 is substantially the same in configuration as the simplified ticket gate 30, except that it is equipped with an openable / closable door and a door control unit that controls the opening and closing of the door. Therefore, a description of the ticket gate 21 will be omitted.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the monitoring panel 20 in the ticket gate system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring panel 20 included in the ticket gate system 1.

[0038] The monitoring panel 20 includes a processor 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a storage unit 44, a first communication unit 45, a second communication unit 46, a display unit 47, an operation unit 48, a power supply control unit 49, and the like.

[0039] The processor 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 function as a control unit that controls the entire monitoring panel 20. The processor 41 is, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU. The processor 41 realizes various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 42 or the memory unit 44. The ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory and functions as a program memory. The ROM 42 stores programs executed by the processor 41, control data, etc. The RAM 43 functions as a working memory that temporarily stores data. The RAM 43 loads programs and stores data being processed by the processor 41. The RAM 43 also functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores communication data, etc.

[0040] The storage unit 44 is a memory that stores data. The storage unit 44 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 44 stores data (information) acquired from the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30 or data (information) received from the higher-level device 10.

[0041] The first communication unit 45 is a communication interface for communicating with the higher-level device 10. The first communication unit 45 can transmit information from the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30 acquired via the second communication unit 46 stored in the memory unit 44 to the higher-level device 10. The first communication unit 45 can also receive instructions, information, update programs, etc. from the higher-level device 10 and store them in the memory unit 44.

[0042] The second communication unit 46 is a communication interface for communicating with the ticket gate 21 and the simplified ticket gate 30. The second communication unit 46 can receive information acquired by the ticket gate 21 and the simplified ticket gate 30, and can transmit to the ticket gate 21 and the simplified ticket gate 30 instructions entered using the operation unit 48, information and update programs stored in the memory unit 44, and instructions, information, update programs, etc. from the higher-level device 10 acquired via the first communication unit 45. Furthermore, as described above, the second communication unit 46 also functions as a transmitter that transmits a power-off command signal that triggers a restart when restarting the activated simplified ticket gate 30 using the automatic power-on / off setting function of the simplified ticket gate 30. The second communication unit 46 may be provided with a communication interface for communicating with the ticket gate 21 installed at the station under its jurisdiction and a communication interface for communicating with the simplified ticket gate 30 installed at an intermediate station. The first communication unit 45 and the second communication unit 46 may be configured as a single communication interface.

[0043] The display unit 47 displays the operating status of the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30, the status of various instructions (operation commands), etc. in a display format that is easy for station staff and the like to see. For example, the display unit 47 can change the display color or lighting mode of the icon representing the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30 depending on the operating status of the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30. For example, if a malfunction occurs, the relevant ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30 can be easily identified and the details of the malfunction can be easily confirmed and provided to station staff and the like. The display unit 47 may also display the response status of the malfunctioning ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30, the details of the response instructions, etc.

[0044] The operation unit 48 may be configured with dedicated input devices such as switches and levers, as well as a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 48 can be used to issue control instructions to the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30, and to process various information acquired from the ticket gate 21 or the simplified ticket gate 30.

[0045] The power supply control unit 49 controls the power supply of the entire monitoring panel 20, and also controls the power supplies of the ticket gates 21 and the simplified ticket gates 30. Furthermore, when the power supply control unit 49 performs a restart operation on an activated simplified ticket gate 30 using the automatic power ON / OFF setting function of the simplified ticket gate 30, for example, the power supply control unit 49 transmits a power OFF command signal that triggers the restart via the second communication unit 46. Note that the power supply control unit 49 may be a function that is realized by the processor 41 executing a program.

[0046] As mentioned above, the simplified ticket gate 30 (ticket gate 21) has an automatic power ON / OFF setting function. That is, the simplified ticket gate 30 (ticket gate 21) automatically turns on the power at a set start time value (automatic power ON time value: for example, 4:00 AM) based on the internal time (current time) of the built-in internal clock, and starts up. Also, the simplified ticket gate 30 (ticket gate 21) automatically turns off the power and goes into hibernation (shutdown) at a set end time value (automatic power OFF time value: for example, 1:00 AM) based on the internal time (current time) of the built-in internal clock.

[0047] The simple ticket gate 30 (ticket gate 21) of this embodiment can use this automatic power ON / OFF setting function to restart at any time other than the start and end of business hours upon request from the monitoring panel 20 (higher-level device 10), i.e., the power can be turned OFF / ON remotely.

[0048] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing in detail the functions of the power supply management unit 39 of the simplified ticket barrier 30 shown in FIG.

[0049] The power management unit 39 includes an acquisition unit 39a, a setting value management unit 39b, a setting execution unit 39c, a power control unit 39d, and the like.

[0050] The acquiring unit 39a acquires the reference time (internal time) indicating the timing to turn on / off the power of the simplified ticket gate 30 from the internal clock 38. Furthermore, when the communication unit 35 receives a signal requesting a restart to remotely turn the power off / on from the monitoring panel 20 (higher-level device 10), that is, a power-off command signal (power-off command), the acquiring unit 39a acquires this power-off command signal.

[0051] The setting value management unit 39b manages a start time value (automatic power-on time value: for example, 4:00 AM) indicating a start time that has been set in advance for each station, and an end time value (automatic power-off time value: for example, 1:00 AM) indicating an end time that has been set in advance for each station.

[0052] Furthermore, when a power-off command signal (power-off command) that requests a restart is acquired, the setting value management unit 39b temporarily stores (backs up) the start time value (automatic power-on time value) and the end time value (automatic power-off time value) in, for example, the memory unit 34. When the restart of the simplified ticket gate 30 is completed, the setting value management unit 39b reads out and resets the start time value (automatic power-on time value) and the end time value (automatic power-off time value) that were stored (backed up) in the memory unit 34. In other words, the automatic power-on / off setting function of the simplified ticket gate 30, which is executed at the start and end times that are set in advance for each station, is restored.

[0053] Furthermore, when a power-off command signal (power-off command) that requests a restart is acquired, the set value management unit 39b sets the power-off timing for restarting the simplified ticket gate 30 and the subsequent power-on timing. Specifically, the set value management unit 39b sets a first time value obtained by adding a first set value to the internal time of the internal clock 38 when the power-off command signal was acquired as the automatic power-off time value. Furthermore, the set value management unit 39b sets a second time value obtained by adding a second set value to the set first time value as the automatic power-on time value.

[0054] The first set value corresponds to the time required for the power-off process when the simplified ticket gate 30 is turned off, for example, the first set value X = 2 minutes. The above-mentioned internal time acquisition process, the process of saving the start time value (automatic power-on time value) and the end time value (automatic power-off time value) to the memory unit 34, and the process of setting the second time value are executed within the time of the first set value (for example, 2 minutes). It is desirable to set the first set value with a sufficient margin so that these processes can be executed sufficiently. The second set value corresponds to the time required for the simplified ticket gate 30 to become functional after the power is turned on again after a predetermined period of silence following the power-off of the simplified ticket gate 30, for example, the second set value Y = 3 minutes. The lengths of the first set value and the second set value can be set appropriately according to the specifications of the simplified ticket gate 30.

[0055] The setting execution unit 39c determines whether the power ON / OFF times set by the setting value management unit 39b match the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a.

[0056] The power supply control unit 39d controls the ON / OFF of the main power supply circuit of the simplified ticket barrier 30 according to the determination result of the setting execution unit 39c.

[0057] For example, suppose that the setting value management unit 39b sets the power-on timing of the simplified ticket gate 30 to a start time value (automatic power-on time value: for example, 4:00 AM). In this case, the setting execution unit 39c determines whether the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a is 4:00 AM, and if it is 4:00 AM, outputs a power-on command to the power control unit 39d. As a result, the power control unit 39d turns on the power of the simplified ticket gate 30. Also, suppose that the setting value management unit 39b sets the power-off timing of the simplified ticket gate 30 to an end time value (automatic power-off time value: for example, 1:00 AM). In this case, the setting execution unit 39c determines whether the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a is 1:00 AM, and if it is 1:00 AM, outputs a power-off command to the power control unit 39d. As a result, the power control unit 39d turns off the power of the simplified ticket gate 30.

[0058] On the other hand, suppose that the setting value management unit 39b acquires a power-off command signal (power-off command) requesting a restart of the simplified ticket gate 30, and a first time value is set instead of the automatic power-off time value (e.g., 1:00 AM). In this case, the setting execution unit 39c determines whether the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a is the first time value, and if it is the first time value, outputs a power-off command to the power control unit 39d. As a result, the power control unit 39d turns off the power of the simplified ticket gate 30. Also, suppose that the setting value management unit 39b acquires a power-off command signal (power-off command) requesting a restart of the simplified ticket gate 30, and a second time value is set instead of the automatic power-on time value (e.g., 4:00 AM). In this case, the setting execution unit 39c determines whether the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a is the second time value, and if it is the second time value, outputs a power-on command to the power control unit 39d. As a result, the power supply control unit 39d turns off the power supply to the simplified ticket barrier 30.

[0059] In this way, the simplified ticket gate 30 of this embodiment can be restarted at any timing using the existing automatic power ON / OFF setting function, simply by receiving a power OFF command signal (power OFF command) requesting a restart from an external device, for example, the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10. Therefore, even in situations where restarting using well-known magic packets or the like is difficult, for example, when laying a wired line is difficult and the manned station where the monitoring panel 20 (higher-level device 10) is installed and the unmanned station (intermediate station) where the simplified ticket gate 30 is installed are connected via an LTE line or over a router, the simplified ticket gate 30 can be restarted easily and smoothly.

[0060] An example of the process at the time of restarting the ticket gate system 1 (simplified ticket gate 30) configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0061] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the simplified ticket gate 30 is in a power-on state. It is also assumed that a restart is required for some reason. For example, consider a case where the power to the simplified ticket gate 30 is momentarily interrupted, and then power is resupplied, but the ticket processing unit 36 ​​or the like is experiencing an operational error. In this case, the display unit 47 of the monitoring panel 20 displays information about the simplified ticket gate 30 in which the error occurred. A station attendant or the like checks the display unit 47 and operates the operation unit 48 to transmit a power-off command signal (power-off command) to the power control unit 49 via the second transmission unit 4 to the simplified ticket gate 30 in which the error occurred, requesting a restart.

[0062] The acquisition unit 39a of the power management unit 39 of the simplified ticket gate 30 where the error has occurred checks whether it has received (acquired) a power-off command signal (power-off command) (S100: acquisition step). If the acquisition unit 39a has not received (acquired) a power-off command signal (power-off command) (No in S100), this flow is temporarily terminated.

[0063] In the process of S100, if the acquiring unit 39a receives (acquires) a power-off command signal (power-off command) (Yes in S100), the setting value managing unit 39b saves the work start time value (automatic power-on time value) indicating the work start time and the work end time value (automatic power-off time value) indicating the work end time in the storage unit 34 (S102: saving step). That is, copies of the automatic power-on time value and the automatic power-off time value are stored in the storage unit 34.

[0064] Next, the acquisition unit 39a refers to the internal clock 38 and acquires the internal time (current time) at the time when the power-off instruction signal (power-off command) was acquired (S104). Then, the setting value management unit 39b adds a first setting value (e.g., X=2 minutes) to the acquired internal time and sets the first time value as the automatic power-off time value (S106: first setting step). For example, if the current time is 10:00, 10:02 becomes the first time value and is set as the automatic power-off time value.

[0065] The set value management unit 39b also sets the second time value, which is obtained by adding a second set value (for example, Y=3 minutes) to the set first time value, as the automatic power-on time value (S108: second setting step). For example, the first time value 10:02 is added with the second set value of 3 minutes, resulting in 10:05, which is the second time value, and is set as the automatic power-on time value.

[0066] The setting execution unit 39c then determines whether the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a is a first time value (e.g., 10:02) (whether the first time value has been reached) (S110). If the first time value has not been reached (No in S110), the setting execution unit 39c waits for the first time value to be reached. On the other hand, if the first time value has been reached (Yes in S110), the setting execution unit 39c supplies a command signal to the power supply control unit 39d to start power-off processing, and the power supply control unit 39d executes power-off processing for the simplified ticket barrier 30 (S112). In this case, the power supply control unit 39d turns off the power in accordance with a normal power-off procedure predetermined for the simplified ticket barrier 30. Note that in this case, the internal clock 38 and power supply management unit 39 of the simplified ticket barrier 30 are supplied with driving power from an internal battery or a commercial power source, allowing them to continue functioning.

[0067] Next, the setting execution unit 39c determines whether the internal time of the internal clock 38 acquired by the acquisition unit 39a is a second time value (e.g., 10:05) (whether the second time value has been reached) (S114). If the second time value has not been reached (No in S114), the setting execution unit 39c waits for the second time value to be reached. On the other hand, if the second time value has been reached (Yes in S114), the setting execution unit 39c supplies a command signal to the power supply control unit 39d to start power-on processing, and the power supply control unit 39d executes power-on processing for the simplified ticket barrier 30 (S116). In other words, a reboot is executed. In this case, the power supply control unit 39d turns on the power in accordance with the normal power-on procedure predetermined for the simplified ticket barrier 30.

[0068] The setting value management unit 39b then checks whether the power-on process (restart) after the second time value has been reached is complete (whether the simplified ticket gate 30 is ready to operate) based on, for example, the progress of the operation of the power control unit 39d (S118). If the setting value management unit 39b has not confirmed that the simplified ticket gate 30 has been restarted (No in S118), for example, if the power-on process is in progress, the setting value management unit 39b waits for the restart to be completed. On the other hand, if the setting value management unit 39b has confirmed that the simplified ticket gate 30 has been restarted (Yes in S118), the setting value management unit 39b reads and resets the start time value (automatic power-on time value) and end time value (automatic power-off time value) stored (saved) in the memory unit 34. In other words, the automatic power-on / off setting function of the simplified ticket gate 30, which is executed at the start and end times set in advance for each station, is restored (S120: restoration step), and this flow is temporarily terminated. As a result, even after rebooting, the automatic power ON / OFF setting function based on the start time value (automatic power ON time value) and the end time value (automatic power OFF time value) indicating the end time of work can be used. Note that the automatic power ON / OFF setting function may be restored during the reboot process.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, a power-off command signal (power-off command) transmitted from the monitoring panel 20 or the higher-level device 10 and an automatic power-on / off setting function can be used to remotely restart a simplified ticket gate 30 installed at an unmanned station (intermediate station). This restart operation may cause an error-prone simplified ticket gate 30 to function normally. Therefore, error processing can be handled without requiring a station attendant from a manned station to restart the simplified ticket gate 30, contributing to improved operational efficiency. The status of a remote restart using the power-off command signal (power-off command) can be displayed on the display unit 37 of the monitoring panel 20, and the status of error processing can also be confirmed remotely. Similarly, a restart in the case of transmitting an update program to the simplified ticket gate 30 to enable operation can also be performed without requiring a station attendant from a manned station to restart the simplified ticket gate 30, contributing to improved operational efficiency.

[0070] The restart process that the power management unit 39 of this embodiment performs by using a power-off command signal (power-off command) and an automatic power-on / off setting function can be realized by updating the control program of the power management unit 39. The control program may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or flash memory.

[0071] Furthermore, the control program for the rebooting process of this embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the control program for the rebooting process executed in this embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0072] Although the power restart process in the above-described embodiment has been described as being performed in a simple ticket gate 30 installed in an unmanned station, it is not limited to the simple ticket gate 30 and can also be applied to a ticket gate 21 with a door (opening / closing door), and similar effects can be obtained. For example, it may be applied to a ticket gate 21 installed in an unmanned station, or to a ticket gate 21 in a manned station where a monitoring panel 20 is installed, and similar effects can be obtained. In this case, even within the same station building, a station attendant or the like can perform the restart process while remaining at the location where the monitoring panel 20 is installed, without having to go to the site where the ticket gate 21 is installed, which can also contribute to improving work efficiency.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the simplified ticket gate 30 and the ticket gate 21 are installed in railway facilities such as stations, but the present invention can also be applied to ticket gates installed in facilities other than stations, and similar effects can be obtained. Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the power-off command signal (power-off command) is supplied from the monitoring panel 20, but the power-off command signal may be supplied from a mobile terminal device or the like in which dedicated software is installed and carried by station staff or the like.

[0074] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Ticket gate system 10 Upper device 20 Monitor board 21 Ticket gate 30 Simple ticket gate 31 processors 32 ROM 33 RAM 34 Storage section 35 Communications Department 36 Ticket Processing Section 37 Display section 38 Internal Clock 39 Power management section

Claims

1. an internal clock that indicates the internal time; a power management unit that holds an automatic power-on time value for turning on the power at a time preset according to the internal time and an automatic power-off time value for turning off the power, and controls the power to be turned on and off; a receiving unit that receives a power-off command signal provided from an external device; Equipped with When the power management unit acquires the power OFF command signal, it sets a first time value obtained by adding a first set value to the internal time at the time the power OFF command signal was acquired as the automatic power OFF time value, and sets a second time value obtained by adding a second set value to the first time value as the automatic power ON time value.

2. Further, a storage unit is provided, The ticket gate machine described in claim 1, wherein when the power management unit acquires the power OFF command signal, it temporarily stores the pre-set automatic power OFF time value and the automatic power ON time value in the memory unit, and when the power is turned ON based on the second time value, it activates the temporarily stored automatic power OFF time value and the automatic power ON time value in place of the first time value and the second time value.

3. A ticket gate system including a monitoring panel and a ticket gate that can be monitored by the monitoring panel, The monitoring panel is a monitoring unit that monitors the ticket gates installed at stations other than the station where the monitoring panel is installed; a transmitter that transmits a power-off command signal to restart the power supply of the ticket gate; Equipped with The ticket gate is an internal clock that indicates the internal time; a power management unit that holds an automatic power-on time value for turning on the power at a time preset according to the internal time and an automatic power-off time value for turning off the power, and controls the power to be turned on and off; a receiving unit that receives a power OFF command signal provided from the monitoring panel; Equipped with When the power management unit acquires the power OFF command signal, it sets a first time value obtained by adding a first set value to the internal time at the time of acquiring the power OFF command signal as the automatic power OFF time value, and sets a second time value obtained by adding a second set value to the first time value as the automatic power ON time value. Ticket gate system.

4. an internal clock that indicates the internal time; a power management unit that holds an automatic power-on time value for turning on the power at a time preset according to the internal time and an automatic power-off time value for turning off the power, and controls the power to be turned on and off; a receiving unit that receives a power-off command signal provided from an external device; A method for controlling a ticket gate comprising: The power supply management unit an acquisition step of acquiring the power OFF command signal; a first setting step of setting a first time value obtained by adding a first setting value to the internal time at the time when the power-off command signal is acquired as the automatic power-off time value; a second setting step of setting a second time value obtained by adding a second setting value to the first time value as the automatic power-on time value; A method for controlling a ticket gate, including:

5. an internal clock that indicates the internal time; a power management unit that holds an automatic power-on time value for turning on the power at a time preset according to the internal time and an automatic power-off time value for turning off the power, and controls the power to be turned on and off; a receiving unit that receives a power-off command signal provided from an external device; A control program for a ticket gate comprising: The power supply management unit, an acquisition step of acquiring the power OFF command signal; a first setting step of setting a first time value obtained by adding a first setting value to the internal time at the time when the power-off command signal is acquired as the automatic power-off time value; a second setting step of setting a second time value obtained by adding a second setting value to the first time value as the automatic power-on time value; Execute Ticket gate control program.

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