Counter processor, counter processing method, and counter processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique for collectively processing a plurality of tickets on which two dimensional codes are printed when performing refund processing of the tickets.SOLUTION: A window processing machine according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires code information from a first two-dimensional code ticket, a communication control unit that transmits a two-dimensional code ticket identifier included in the code information and receives first two-dimensional code ticket information, a display control unit that controls a display to display a screen including the first two-dimensional code ticket information and a button for a second two-dimensional code ticket, and a ticket issuance control unit that controls refund processing of the first two-dimensional code ticket and the second two-dimensional code ticket based on the first two-dimensional code ticket information and the second two-dimensional code ticket information when detecting pressing of the button.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a teller processing machine, a teller processing method, and a teller processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, when refunding 2D code tickets with printed 2D codes, each ticket must be held up to a 2D code reader one by one, and the refund process must be carried out for each ticket.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that can verify the two-dimensional code printed on a two-dimensional code ticket, or that can issue tickets based on the latest situation even on a train. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-196813 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When trying to process refunds for multiple 2D code tickets (for example, tickets for the whole family), there is a problem that it takes time because each 2D code ticket must be processed one by one. Furthermore, even if the total refund amount for multiple 2D code tickets is 1,000 yen or more, each 2D code ticket must be processed one by one. In such cases, if refunds are made one by one, there is a problem that the refund amount may be paid in coins rather than in banknotes, or the station attendant 3 may have to calculate and refund the total amount.

[0006] This invention was made in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that enables the simultaneous processing of refunds for multiple tickets with printed two-dimensional codes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ticket processing machine according to the embodiment comprises an acquisition unit that acquires code information from a first two-dimensional code ticket; a communication control unit that transmits a two-dimensional code ticket identifier contained in the code information and receives first two-dimensional code ticket information for the first two-dimensional code ticket in response to the transmission; a display control unit that controls a screen including the ticket information and a button for selecting whether to process a second two-dimensional code ticket different from the first two-dimensional code ticket on a display; and a ticket issuance control unit that, upon detecting that the button has been pressed, receives second two-dimensional code ticket information for the second two-dimensional code ticket and controls the refund processing for the first two-dimensional code ticket and the second two-dimensional code ticket based on the first two-dimensional code ticket information and the second two-dimensional code ticket information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code-based ticket issuing and refunding system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an upper server according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a counter processing machine according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket issuing process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a refund process for a two-dimensional code ticket according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a task execution screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a fee selection screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the counter processing machine from step ST204 to step ST213. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket refund process according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a task execution screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a fee selection screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the counter processing machine from step ST404 to step ST412. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket issuing process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket refund process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a task execution screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a lump-sum refund screen displayed on the display of the output unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the teller processing machine from step ST704 to step ST713. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes in detail the counter processing machine, the counter processing method, and the counter processing program with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform the same operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common symbol may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, or a subnumber may be used in addition to the common symbol to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0010] [First embodiment] (composition) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code-based ticket issuing and refunding system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the 2D code ticket issuing and refunding system comprises a host server 1, a ticket window processing machine 2, etc. Assume that there is a station attendant 3 who operates the ticket window processing machine 2, and a passenger 4 who wishes to issue, refund, or discard a 2D code ticket.

[0011] The host server 1 is a server that is communicably connected to the ticket counter processing machine 2 and is installed at a predetermined location managed by the railway operator. The host server 1 is a server that manages the issuance status of two-dimensional code tickets, etc. For example, the host server 1 manages the reservation status of reserved seats on limited express trains that require limited express tickets.

[0012] The ticket counter processing machine 2 is a device installed in a predetermined location within the station that can be used by station staff 3. The ticket counter processing machine 2 may be an attendant processing terminal or the like. The ticket counter processing machine 2 may be any device that can be used by station staff 3 to issue, refund, or discard two-dimensional code tickets. For simplicity, only one ticket counter processing machine 2 is shown in FIG. 1, but multiple ticket counter processing machines 2 may be installed within the station.

[0013] Here, refund is a service that is mainly carried out when a passenger 4 wishes to refund a two-dimensional code ticket that has been issued for their own convenience. Generally, a refund fee is charged for a refund. Rejection of a ticket is a service that is carried out when a station attendant 3 issues a two-dimensional code ticket by mistake, for example. Generally, no fee is charged for rejection of a ticket. In one embodiment, refund services include ticket rejection services.

[0014] The station staff 3 is a station staff member 3 who can use the ticket counter processing machine 2, and the passenger 4 is a user who wishes to issue, refund or discard a ticket that is an express ticket.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, when passenger 4 requests station attendant 3 to issue a ticket, station attendant 3 inputs a ticket issuance instruction into ticket counter processing machine 2. Ticket counter processing machine 2 issues the ticket based on the ticket issuance instruction. Passenger 4 then collects the ticket. Alternatively, when passenger 4 requests station attendant 3 to refund the ticket, station attendant 3 inputs a refund instruction into ticket counter processing machine 2. Ticket counter processing machine 2 displays the refund amount based on the refund instruction. Passenger 4 then collects the refunded amount.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the host server 1 according to the first embodiment and the software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the hardware configuration of the upper server 1 will be described in detail. The upper server 1 includes a control unit 11, a program storage unit 12, a data storage unit 13, a communication interface 14, and an input / output interface 15. The control unit 11, the program storage unit 12, the data storage unit 13, the communication interface 14, and the input / output interface 15 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0017] The host server 1 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0018] The control unit 11 controls the host server 1. The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0019] The program storage unit 12 is configured by combining, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a solid state drive (SSD) as a storage medium that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), and stores middleware such as an operating system (OS) as well as application programs required to execute various control processes according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as a program.

[0020] The data storage unit 13 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), as a storage medium.

[0021] The communication interface 14 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that connects to an external device, including the counter processing machine 2, by wire or wirelessly, directly or via a network. The communication interface 14 may be any general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices, including the counter processing machine 2, under the control of the control unit 11 and send and receive various information.

[0022] The input / output interface 15 is connected to the input unit 151, the output unit 152, etc. The input / output interface 15 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 and the output unit 152. The input / output interface 15 may be integrated with the communication interface 14. For example, the input / output interface 15 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 or the output unit 152 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0023] The input unit 151 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by an administrator who manages the upper server 1 to input various information to the upper server 1. The input unit 151 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 12 or the data storage unit 13 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0024] The output unit 152 includes a display that displays output data to be presented to the administrator from the upper server 1, a printer that prints it, and the like.

[0025] Next, the software configuration of the upper server 1 will be described in detail. The control unit 11 includes a communication control unit 111, a query control unit 112, a fee control unit 113, etc. The data storage unit 13 includes a ticket issuance information storage unit 131, a fee storage unit 132, etc.

[0026] The communication control unit 111 is a control unit that transmits and receives various information by communicating with the ticket counter processing machine 2. For example, the communication control unit 111 has a function to receive two-dimensional code ticket information about a two-dimensional code ticket issued by the station attendant 3. The two-dimensional code ticket information here includes information that the ticket is a two-dimensional code ticket, a two-dimensional code ticket ID, the date of use of the express ticket, reserved seat information, the section of use, whether or not a discount is applied, etc. The communication control unit 111 also has a function to store the received ticket information in the ticket issuance information storage unit 131, which will be described later.

[0027] The inquiry control unit 112 determines whether the two-dimensional code ticket is valid, i.e., whether it is a refundable ticket, based on the two-dimensional code ticket ID. If it determines that the two-dimensional code ticket is valid, the inquiry control unit 112 generates determined ticket information including the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and the inquiry result, and outputs the determined ticket information to the communication control unit 111.

[0028] The fare control unit 113 determines the refund amount based on the refund information. Then, the fare control unit 113 generates refund amount information including the determined refund amount, and outputs the refund amount information to the communication control unit 111. Here, the refund information includes information about the handling fee and the two-dimensional code ticket information.

[0029] The ticketing information storage unit 131 is a storage unit used to store two-dimensional code ticket information and the like. The ticketing information storage unit 131 may also store information such as whether or not a reserved seat on an express train has been reserved. The fare storage unit 132 is a storage unit that stores various railway fares. For example, the fare storage unit 132 stores the amount to be used to refund a two-dimensional code ticket.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the counter processing machine 2 according to the first embodiment and the software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the details of the hardware configuration of the counter processing machine 2 will be described. The counter processing machine 2 includes a control unit 21, a program storage unit 22, a data storage unit 23, a communication interface 24, and an input / output interface 25. The control unit 21, the program storage unit 22, the data storage unit 23, the communication interface 24, and the input / output interface 25 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0031] The counter processing machine 2 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC.

[0032] The control unit 21 controls the teller machine 2. The control unit 21 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0033] The program storage unit 22 is configured by combining, as a storage medium, a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, and stores the program.

[0034] The data storage unit 23 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a volatile memory such as a RAM, as a storage medium.

[0035] The communication interface 24 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 24 includes a communication module that connects to the upper server 1 by wire or wirelessly, directly or via a network. The communication interface 24 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices, including the upper server 1, under the control of the control unit 21 and send and receive various information.

[0036] The input / output interface 25 is connected to the input unit 251, the output unit 252, the ticket issuing unit 253, the two-dimensional code reading unit 254, etc. The input / output interface 25 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 21 and the input unit 251, the output unit 252, the ticket issuing unit 253, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 254. The input / output interface 25 may be integrated with the communication interface 24. For example, the input / output interface 25 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 21 and at least one of the input unit 251, the output unit 252, the ticket issuing unit 253, and the two-dimensional code reading unit 254 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0037] The input unit 251 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by the user or station staff 3 to input various information to the ticket window processing machine 2. The input unit 251 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 22 or the data storage unit 23 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0038] The output unit 252 includes a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display device displays various information received from the upper server 1 to the station staff 3.

[0039] The ticket issuing unit 253 includes, for example, a printer for issuing tickets such as express tickets. Furthermore, the ticket issuing unit 253 may be provided with a reader / writer capable of writing various information such as express ticket information to an IC card. The reader / writer may include a reader / writer compatible with any or all of NFC (Near Field Communication) Type A, Type B, and Type F.

[0040] The two-dimensional code reader 254 reads code information from a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or the like) printed on the ticket. The two-dimensional code reader 254 outputs the read code information to the control unit 21.

[0041] Next, the software configuration of the counter processing machine 2 will be described in detail. The control unit 21 includes a display control unit 211, an input information acquisition unit 212, a ticket issuance control unit 213, a communication control unit 214, and the like.

[0042] The display control unit 211 is a control unit that controls the display of various screens on the display of the output unit 252. The screens that are displayed on the display include, for example, a business execution screen, a confirmation screen, a fee selection screen, a continuation medium reading screen, etc. The display control unit 211 may also operate as a detection unit that detects pressing of various buttons displayed on these screens.

[0043] The input information acquisition unit 212 is an acquisition unit that acquires input information input to the input unit 251, etc., and code information acquired by the two-dimensional code reading unit 254. For example, the input information includes information such as the date of use of a limited express ticket, which is a train ticket, reserved seat information, the section of use, whether or not a discount is available, etc. The code information includes a two-dimensional code train ticket ID, etc.

[0044] The ticket issuance control unit 213 is a control unit that issues a ticket based on input information. For example, the ticket issuance control unit 213 has a function of calculating the fare of the ticket based on the route and discount information included in the input information. Furthermore, after the fare payment process is completed, the ticket issuance control unit 213 has a function of controlling the ticket issuing unit 253 to issue the ticket.

[0045] The ticket issuance control unit 213 may also control the refund process for the two-dimensional code ticket. That is, it controls the process when the station attendant 3 pays the confirmed refund amount to the passenger 4.

[0046] The communication control unit 214 is a control unit that communicates with the upper server 1 and transmits and receives various information. For example, the communication control unit 214 has a function of transmitting two-dimensional code ticket information to the upper server 1 after issuing a ticket. The communication control unit 214 also has a function of transmitting a two-dimensional code ticket ID included in the code information to the upper server 1.

[0047] The display information storage unit 231 is a storage unit that includes various information for screens that are displayed on the display of the output unit 252 by the display control unit 211. For example, the display information storage unit 231 stores business execution screen information for displaying a business execution screen, confirmation screen information for displaying a confirmation screen, fee selection screen information for displaying a fee selection screen, and the like.

[0048] (Ticket issuing operation) First, a processing procedure when a station attendant 3 issues a ticket using the ticket counter processing machine 2 in response to a ticket issuance request from a passenger 4 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket issuing process according to the first embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the host server 1 and the control unit 21 of the ticket counter processing machine 2 reading and executing the programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 22, respectively. For example, this sequence is started when a passenger 4 requests the station attendant 3 to issue a ticket.

[0049] In step ST101, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a task execution screen. The display control unit 211 acquires task execution screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231, and controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen based on the task execution screen information.

[0050] In step ST102, the input information acquisition unit 212 acquires input information. The station staff 3 inputs input information corresponding to the ticket issuance request of the passenger 4 to the input unit 251 of the counter processing machine 2. The input information acquisition unit 212 acquires the input information input to the input unit 251. The input information acquisition unit 212 outputs the input information to the display control unit 211.

[0051] In step ST103, the display control unit 211 controls so that a confirmation screen is displayed on the display of the output unit 252. The display control unit 211 acquires confirmation screen information from the display information storage unit 231, and based on the confirmation screen information and the input information, controls so that a confirmation screen incorporating the input information is displayed on the display of the output unit 252. The information displayed on the confirmation screen includes the number of tickets to be issued (for example, how many tickets for adults and children), whether or not there is a discount, the sales price, a confirmation button, a reset button, etc.

[0052] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the ticket fare, which is the sales price, may be calculated by the control unit 11 of the upper server 1. In this case, the communication control unit 214 transmits input information to the upper server 1, and the control unit 11 of the upper server 1 receives fare information calculated based on the information and a response result. Furthermore, the communication control unit 214 may transmit an inquiry together with the input information. The inquiry includes whether or not the reserved seat included in the input information is available. Then, the communication control unit 214 receives a response result to the inquiry from the upper server 1. The response result includes information on whether or not the reserved seat is available. For example, if the response result shows that the reserved seat is available, the display control unit 211 may perform control to display a confirmation screen on the display of the output unit 252. In step ST104, the display control unit 211 detects that the Confirm button has been pressed. The station staff member 3 checks the confirmation screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252, and if there are no problems, presses the Confirm button displayed on the confirmation screen. The display control unit 211, which operates as a detection unit, detects the pressing. Upon detecting the pressing of the Confirm button, the display control unit 211 outputs input information to the ticket issuance control unit.

[0053] In step ST105, the ticket issuance control unit 213 controls the ticket issuing unit 253 to issue a ticket based on the input information. For example, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display information prompting payment of the fare and the amount. Then, after confirming payment of the fare for the ticket from the passenger 4, the ticket issuance control unit 213 controls the ticket issuing unit 253 to issue a limited express ticket, which is a ticket.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the issued ticket is a two-dimensional code ticket that displays a two-dimensional code containing code information about the purchased ticket. The code information includes at least a two-dimensional code ticket ID for identifying the two-dimensional code ticket. The ticket issuance control unit 213 also outputs the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information of the issued ticket to the communication control unit 214.

[0055] In step ST106, the communication control unit 214 transmits the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information to the upper server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0056] In step ST107, the communication control unit 111 stores the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information in the ticket issuance information storage unit 131. The communication control unit 111 receives the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information through the communication interface 14. Then, the communication control unit 111 stores the received two-dimensional code ticket issuance information in the ticket issuance information storage unit 131.

[0057] When a two-dimensional code passenger ticket is issued through the above operations, the ticket issuing information storage unit 131 of the upper server 1 stores two-dimensional code passenger ticket information linked to the two-dimensional code passenger ticket ID.

[0058] (Refund operation) Next, let us assume that a passenger 4 who has been issued the above-mentioned two-dimensional code passenger ticket wishes to refund the two-dimensional code passenger ticket. The processing procedure when a station attendant 3 responds to a refund request from the passenger 4 and uses the ticket counter processing machine 2 to refund the two-dimensional code passenger ticket will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a refund process for a two-dimensional code ticket according to the first embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the host server 1 and the control unit 21 of the ticket window processing machine 2 reading and executing the programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 22, respectively. For example, this sequence is started when a passenger 4 requests a station attendant 3 to refund a two-dimensional code ticket.

[0059] In step ST201, the input information acquisition unit 212 acquires code information. In response to a refund request from a passenger 4, the station staff 3 holds the two-dimensional code printed on the two-dimensional code ticket over the two-dimensional code reading unit 254. The two-dimensional code reading unit 254 detects the two-dimensional code printed on the two-dimensional code ticket and reads the code information. The two-dimensional code reading unit 254 outputs the read code information to the input information acquisition unit 212. As described above, the code information includes at least the two-dimensional code ticket ID. The input information acquisition unit 212 outputs the acquired code information to the communication control unit 214.

[0060] In step ST202, the communication control unit 214 transmits the two-dimensional code passenger ticket ID. The communication control unit 214 transmits the two-dimensional code passenger ticket ID included in the acquired code information to the upper server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0061] In step ST203, the communication control unit 111 transmits the determined ticket information. The communication control unit 111 outputs the received two-dimensional code ticket ID to the query control unit 112. The query control unit 112 acquires the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information associated with the two-dimensional code ticket ID from the ticket issuance information storage unit 131. The query control unit 112 then determines whether the two-dimensional code ticket is valid, that is, whether the ticket is refundable. For example, if the current date and time is after the expiration date, the two-dimensional code ticket is determined to be invalid, and if the current date and time is before the expiration date, the two-dimensional code ticket is determined to be valid. Furthermore, the query control unit 112 determines that the two-dimensional code ticket is invalid if a refund has already been made for the two-dimensional code ticket.

[0062] If it is determined that the two-dimensional code ticket is valid, the inquiry control unit 112 generates judged ticket information including the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and the inquiry result, and outputs the judged ticket information to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 transmits the judged ticket information to the ticket counter processing machine 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0063] In step ST204, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the transaction execution screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs the received determined ticket information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the transaction execution screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231, and controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the transaction execution screen based on the transaction execution screen information and the determined ticket information.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a task execution screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the transaction execution screen includes a ticket information display area 51, a fee display area 52, a decision button 53, and a reset button 54. The ticket information display area 51 is an area for displaying various information included in the judged ticket information. The fee display area 52 is an area for displaying the amount of the refund fee. The decision button 53 is a button for proceeding to the next process when the station staff member 3 determines that the current situation is acceptable. The reset button 54 is a button for resetting the current process and proceeding to another process.

[0065] At the stage of step ST204, the fee has not been determined. Therefore, the fee display area 52 may be blank. Here, for example, if the fee for the current two-dimensional code ticket has not been determined, the decision button 53 is set so that it does not respond even when pressed. In other words, the decision button 53 is activated after the fee display area 52, which is the fee button, is pressed and the fee is determined.

[0066] The station attendant 3 presses this fee display area 52, which is the fee button. The display control unit 211 detects that the fee button has been pressed and acquires the fee selection screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231. Then, the display control unit 211 performs control so that the fee selection screen is displayed on the display of the output unit 252 based on the fee selection screen information.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a fee selection screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the fee selection screen includes a fee selection area 55, a fee display area 52, a decision button 53, and a reset button 54. The fee selection area 55 is an area for selecting a fee according to the circumstances of the passenger 4. The fee display area 52 is an area for displaying the fee selected in the fee selection area 55. The station staff 3 selects a fee from the fee selection area 55 based on the circumstances of the passenger 4, and after making the selection, presses the decision button 53. When the display control unit 211 detects that the decision button 53 has been pressed, it controls the display so that the business execution screen is displayed again. At this time, the display control unit 211 controls the display so that the fee selected in the fee selection area 55 is displayed in the fee display area 52 of the business execution screen.

[0068] In step ST205, the communication control unit 214 transmits the refund information. With the handling fee determined, the display control unit 211 activates the decision button 53 on the transaction execution screen. Then, upon detecting that the decision button 53 on the transaction execution screen has been pressed, the display control unit 211 generates refund information including information on the handling fee and two-dimensional code ticket information, and outputs the refund information to the communication control unit 214. The communication control unit 214 transmits the refund information to the upper server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0069] In step ST206, the communication control unit 111 transmits the refund amount information. Having received the refund information, the communication control unit 111 outputs the refund information to the fee control unit 113. The fee control unit 113 references the fees stored in the fee storage unit 132 and determines the refund amount based on the refund information. The fee control unit 113 then generates refund amount information including the determined refund amount, and outputs the refund amount information to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 transmits the refund amount information to the counter processing machine 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0070] In step ST207, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the confirmation screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs the received refund amount information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the confirmation screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231. Then, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the confirmation screen based on the confirmation screen information and the refund amount information.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the confirmation screen includes a refund amount display area 56, a handling fee display area 52, a confirmation button 57, a continue button 58, and a reset button 54. The refund amount display area 56 is an area for displaying the refund amount included in the refund amount information. The confirmation button 57 is a button that the station attendant 3 presses when confirming the refund. The continue button 58 is a button that the station attendant 3 presses when there is a next two-dimensional code ticket to be read. For example, if passenger 4 wishes to refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets, station attendant 3 will press the continue button 58.

[0072] In step ST208, the display control unit 211 detects the pressing of the continue button 58. If the passenger 4 wishes to refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets, the station staff 3 presses the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen.

[0073] In step ST209, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a continuation medium reading screen. The continuation medium reading screen displays, for example, information prompting the user to hold the two-dimensional code of the next two-dimensional code ticket over the two-dimensional code reading unit 254.

[0074] In steps ST210 to ST211, the operations of steps ST201 to ST207 described above are repeated. Here, the operations of steps ST210 to ST211 are performed as long as the station staff 3 presses the continue button 58 on the confirmation screen. In other words, these processes are repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of two-dimensional code tickets for which the passenger 4 wishes to receive a refund. At this time, the refund amount displayed in the refund amount area on the confirmation screen is the total refund amount for all tickets.

[0075] In step ST212, the display control unit 211 detects the pressing of the Confirm button 57. For example, when processing has been completed for the number of two-dimensional code tickets for which the passenger 4 wishes to receive a refund, the station attendant 3 presses the Confirm button 57 displayed on the confirmation screen. Upon detecting the pressing of the Confirm button 57, the display control unit 211 outputs ticket information and information on the refund amount to the ticket issuance control unit 213. The ticket issuance control unit 213 controls the ticket issuance unit 253 to output an amount according to the refund amount. In other words, the ticket issuance control unit 213 controls the refund processing for the two-dimensional code ticket. Then, the station attendant 3 pays the refund amount to the passenger 4. The display control unit 211 also generates a refund information registration request including the confirmed refund amount and the two-dimensional code ticket ID used for the refund, and outputs the refund information registration request to the communication control unit 214.

[0076] In step ST213, the communication control unit 214 transmits a refund information registration request to the upper server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0077] In step ST214, the communication control unit 111 stores the refund information in the ticket issuance information storage unit 131. As a result, it becomes impossible to perform a refund using the same two-dimensional code ticket ID.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the counter processing machine 2 from step ST204 to step ST213. In step ST301, the display control unit 211 controls the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen on the display. As described in step ST204, the display control unit 211 controls the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen on the display.

[0079] In step ST302, the display control unit 211 determines whether the fee button has been pressed. The display control unit 211 determines whether the fee display area 52, which is the fee button displayed on the business execution screen, has been pressed. If it is determined that the fee button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fee button has not been pressed and, for example, the decision button 53 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST304.

[0080] In step ST303, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a fee selection screen. For example, the display control unit 211 acquires fee selection screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231. Then, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a fee selection screen based on the fee selection screen information. As described with reference to Fig. 7, the station staff 3 selects a fee on the fee selection screen.

[0081] In step ST304, the communication control section 214 transmits the refund information. As explained in steps ST205 and ST206, the communication control section 214 transmits the refund information and receives refund amount information as a result.

[0082] In step ST305, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the confirmation screen. As described in step ST207, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the confirmation screen.

[0083] In step ST305, the display control unit 211 determines whether the continue button 58 has been pressed. The display control unit 211 determines whether the station staff 3 has pressed the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen. If it is determined that the continue button 58 has been pressed, the processing proceeds to step ST307. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continue button 58 has not been pressed and that, for example, the confirmation button 57 has been pressed, the processing proceeds to step ST308.

[0084] In step ST307, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the continuation medium reading screen. As described in step ST209, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the continuation medium reading screen.

[0085] In step ST308, the communication control section 214 transmits a refund information registration request. In the same manner as described in step ST213, the communication control section 214 transmits the refund information registration request to the upper server 1.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the passenger 4 requests a refund, but the passenger 4 may also request that the ticket be scrapped. If the passenger 4 requests that the ticket be scrapped, the processing of steps ST302 to ST304 in Fig. 10 may be skipped. In other words, part of the processing of step ST204 in Fig. 5, and the processing of steps ST205 and ST206 are skipped.

[0087] (Operation and effect of the first embodiment) According to the first embodiment described above, the station attendant 3 can collectively refund multiple 2D code tickets by pressing the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen. This eliminates the need to pay passengers 4 with extra coins. Furthermore, the station attendant 3 does not need to calculate the total amount to be paid, which reduces the work required of the station attendant 3.

[0088] [Modification of the first embodiment] In the first embodiment, the continue button 58 is displayed on the confirmation screen, but in the modified example of the first embodiment, the continue button 58 is displayed on the transaction execution screen or the fee selection screen.

[0089] (composition) The configurations of the upper server 1 and the ticket counter processing machine 2 of the ticket issuing and refunding system in the modified example of the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted here.

[0090] (Ticket issuing operation) The ticket issuing operation in the modified example of the first embodiment may be the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0091] (Refund operation) FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket refund process according to a modification of the first embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the host server 1 and the control unit 21 of the ticket window processing machine 2 reading and executing the programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 22, respectively. For example, this sequence is started when a passenger 4 requests a station attendant 3 to refund a two-dimensional code ticket.

[0092] Steps ST401 to ST403 may be the same as steps ST201 to ST203 described with reference to Fig. 5. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0093] In step ST404, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the transaction execution screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs the received determined ticket information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the transaction execution screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231, and controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the transaction execution screen based on the transaction execution screen information and the determined ticket information.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a task execution screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to a modification of the first embodiment. 11, the transaction execution screen includes a ticket information display area 51, a handling fee display area 52, a decision button 53, a continue button 58, and a reset button 54. The transaction execution screen in the modified example of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the continue button 58 is displayed.

[0095] The continue button 58 has the same function as the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen described with reference to Fig. 8. In other words, the continue button 58 is a button that the station attendant 3 presses when there is a next two-dimensional code ticket to be read. For example, when the passenger 4 wishes to refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets, the station attendant 3 presses the continue button 58.

[0096] Here, for example, if the fee for the current two-dimensional code ticket has not been determined, the decision button 53 and the continuation button 58 are set so that they do not respond even when pressed. In other words, the decision button 53 and the continuation button 58 are enabled after the fee button is pressed and the fee is determined.

[0097] The station attendant 3 presses the fee display area 52, which is the fee button. The display control unit 211 detects that the fee button has been pressed and acquires the fee selection screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231. Then, the display control unit 211 performs control so that the fee selection screen is displayed on the display of the output unit 252 based on the fee selection screen information.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a fee selection screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to the modification of the first embodiment. 12, the fee selection screen includes a fee selection area 55, a fee display area 52, a decision button 53, a continue button 58, and a reset button 54. The fee selection screen in the modified example of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the continue button 58 is displayed.

[0099] The continue button 58 has the same function as the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen described with reference to Fig. 8. The continue button 58 is enabled after the fee is determined on the fee selection screen.

[0100] Steps ST405 and ST406 may be the same as steps ST205 and ST206 described with reference to Fig. 5. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0101] In step ST407, the display control unit 211 detects the pressing of the continue button 58. If the passenger 4 wishes to refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets, the station attendant 3 presses the continue button 58 displayed on the transaction execution screen or the fee selection screen.

[0102] Steps ST408 to ST409 may be the same as steps ST209 to ST210 described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0103] In step ST410, the display control unit 211 detects the pressing of the decision button 53. After reading all of the two-dimensional code tickets desired by the passenger 4 and determining the fees, etc., the station staff 3 presses the decision button 53 on the business execution screen.

[0104] In step ST411, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a confirmation screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs all received refund amount information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the confirmation screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231. Then, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a confirmation screen based on the confirmation screen information and the refund amount information. The confirmation screen displayed at this time may be the same as the screen in FIG. 8, but the continue button 58 is not displayed.

[0105] Steps ST412 to ST414 may be the same as steps ST212 to ST214 described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0106] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the counter processing machine 2 from step ST404 to step ST412. In step ST501, the display control unit 211 controls the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen on the display. As described in step ST404, the display control unit 211 controls the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen on the display.

[0107] In step ST502, the display control unit 211 determines whether the fee display area 52, which is the fee button, has been pressed. The display control unit 211 determines whether the station staff 3 has pressed the fee button displayed on the transaction execution screen. If it is determined that the fee button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST503. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fee button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST507.

[0108] Steps ST503 to ST504 may be the same processes as steps ST303 to ST304 described with reference to Fig. 9. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0109] In step ST505, the display control unit 211 determines whether the continue button 58 has been pressed. The display control unit 211 determines whether the station staff 3 has pressed the continue button 58 displayed on the fee selection screen. If it is determined that the continue button 58 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST506. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continue button 58 has not been pressed and that, for example, the decision button 53 has been pressed, the process returns to step ST501.

[0110] In step ST506, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the continuation medium reading screen. As described in step ST408, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the continuation medium reading screen.

[0111] In step ST507, the display control unit 211 determines whether the continue button 58 has been pressed. The display control unit 211 determines whether the station staff 3 has pressed the continue button 58 displayed on the task execution screen. If it is determined that the continue button 58 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST508. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continue button 58 has not been pressed and that, for example, the decision button 53 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST509.

[0112] In step ST508, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the continuation medium reading screen. As described in step ST408, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the continuation medium reading screen.

[0113] In step ST509, the display control section 211 controls the display of the output section 252 to display the confirmation screen. As described in step ST411, the display control section 211 controls the display of the output section 252 to display the confirmation screen.

[0114] In step ST510, the communication control section 214 transmits a refund information registration request. In the same manner as described in step ST413, the communication control section 214 transmits the refund information registration request to the upper server 1.

[0115] (Operations and Effects of the Modification of the First Embodiment) According to the modified example of the first embodiment described above, the station attendant 3 can simultaneously refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets by pressing the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen.

[0116] Furthermore, by displaying a continue button 58 on the transaction execution screen or fee selection screen, the two-dimensional code on the two-dimensional code ticket can be read by the two-dimensional code reading unit 254 without proceeding to the confirmation screen, thereby reducing the workload of the station staff 3.

[0117] [Second embodiment] (composition) The configurations of the upper server 1 and the ticket counter processing machine 2 of the ticket issuing system in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted here.

[0118] (Ticket issuing operation) First, we will explain the processing procedure when a station attendant 3 responding to a ticket issuance request from a passenger 4 issues a two-dimensional code ticket using a ticket counter processing machine 2 in the second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the passenger 4 requests the station attendant 3 to issue multiple two-dimensional code tickets. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket issuing process according to the second embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the host server 1 and the control unit 21 of the ticket counter processing machine 2 reading and executing the programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 22, respectively. For example, this sequence is started when a passenger 4 requests the station attendant 3 to issue a ticket.

[0119] In step ST605, the ticket issuance control unit 213 controls the ticket issuing unit 253 to issue a two-dimensional code ticket based on the input information. For example, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display information prompting payment of the fare and the amount. Then, after confirming payment of the fare for the two-dimensional code ticket from the passenger 4, the ticket issuance control unit 213 controls the ticket issuing unit 253 to issue a limited express ticket, which is a two-dimensional code ticket.

[0120] Furthermore, the ticket issuance control unit 213 generates group numbers associated with the multiple issued two-dimensional code tickets, and outputs the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and group numbers of the issued two-dimensional code tickets to the communication control unit 214.

[0121] In step ST606, the communication control unit 214 transmits the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and the group number to the upper server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0122] In step ST607, the communication control unit 111 stores the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and the group number in the ticket issuance information storage unit 131. The communication control unit 111 receives the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and the group number through the communication interface 14. Then, the communication control unit 111 stores the received two-dimensional code ticket issuance information and the group number in the ticket issuance information storage unit 131.

[0123] Through the above operations, when multiple two-dimensional code tickets are issued, a group number associated with them is generated. This group number allows multiple two-dimensional code tickets to be handled as a single group. For example, the ticket issuance information storage unit 131 of the upper server 1 stores ticket information including the two-dimensional code ticket ID and the group number.

[0124] (Refund operation) Next, let us assume that a passenger 4 who has been issued multiple two-dimensional code tickets wishes to refund the two-dimensional code tickets. The following describes the processing steps that a station attendant 3 takes in response to a refund request from the passenger 4 and uses the ticket counter processing machine 2 to refund the two-dimensional code tickets. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket refund process according to the second embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the host server 1 and the control unit 21 of the ticket window processing machine 2 reading and executing the programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 22, respectively. For example, this sequence is started when a passenger 4 requests a station attendant 3 to refund a two-dimensional code ticket.

[0125] Steps ST701 to ST703 may be the same as steps ST201 to ST203 described with reference to Fig. 5. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here. However, the judged ticket information may include the group number of the two-dimensional code ticket.

[0126] In step ST704, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the transaction execution screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs the received determined ticket information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the transaction execution screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231, and controls the display of the output unit 252 to display the transaction execution screen based on the transaction execution screen information and the determined ticket information.

[0127] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a task execution screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to the second embodiment. 16, the transaction execution screen includes a ticket information display area 51, a handling fee display area 52, a decision button 53, a lump-sum refund button 59, and a reset button 54. The transaction execution screen in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes the lump-sum refund button 59. The lump-sum refund button 59 is displayed when the determined ticket information includes a group number.

[0128] The lump-sum refund button 59 is a button used when performing lump-sum refund processing for multiple two-dimensional code tickets associated with a group number.

[0129] In step ST705, the display control unit 211 detects the pressing of the lump-sum refund button 59. If the passenger 4 wishes to refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets, the station attendant 3 presses the lump-sum refund button 59 displayed on the transaction execution screen. The display control unit 211 outputs the group number to the communication control unit 214.

[0130] In step ST706, the communication control section 214 transmits the group number to the upper level server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0131] In step ST707, the communication control unit 111 transmits the refundable ticket information. The communication control unit 111 outputs the received group number to the query control unit 112. The query control unit 112 acquires the two-dimensional code ticket issuance information associated with the group number from the ticket issuance information storage unit 131. The query control unit 112 then generates refundable ticket information including the acquired two-dimensional code ticket issuance information, and outputs the refundable ticket information to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 transmits the refundable ticket information to the ticket counter processing machine 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0132] In step ST708, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a lump-sum refund screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs the received refundable ticket information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the lump-sum refund screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231, and controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a lump-sum refund screen based on the lump-sum refund screen information and the refundable ticket information.

[0133] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a lump-sum refund screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the lump-sum refund screen includes a serial number button 61, two-dimensional code ticket information, a fee display area 62, a confirm button 63, a page button 64, and a reset button 65. The serial number button 61 is a button that can be selected by the station attendant 3. When the station attendant 3 presses the serial number button 61, it is selected as the ticket for which a refund is desired. In this case, the display control unit 211 controls the serial number button 61 to change color to indicate that it has been selected. The fee display area 62 is an area where the amount of the refund fee is displayed. The confirm button 63 is a button for proceeding to the next process when the station attendant 3 determines that the current situation is acceptable. The page button 64 is a button for displaying the next or previous page of two-dimensional code ticket information when the two-dimensional code ticket information cannot be displayed on the display. The reset button 54 is a button for resetting the current process and proceeding to another process.

[0134] It is also necessary to determine the fee for each piece of 2D code ticket information for which the serial number button 61 has been pressed. To do this, the station attendant 3 presses the fee display area 62, which functions as a fee button. In this case, a fee selection screen is displayed, similar to step ST204 described with reference to Figure 5, and the fee can be determined.

[0135] In step ST709, the display control unit 211 detects the pressing of the decision button 63. For example, when the selection of the two-dimensional code tickets that require refund is completed, the station staff member 3 presses the decision button 63 displayed on the lump-sum refund screen.

[0136] Steps ST710 and ST711 may be the same as steps ST205 and ST206 described with reference to Fig. 5. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0137] In step ST712, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a confirmation screen. The communication control unit 214 outputs the received refund amount information to the display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 acquires the confirmation screen information stored in the display information storage unit 231. Then, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a confirmation screen based on the confirmation screen information and the refund amount information. Note that the confirmation screen may be the same as the screen shown in FIG. 8, but the continue button 58 is not displayed.

[0138] Steps ST713 to ST715 may be the same as steps ST212 to ST214 described with reference to Fig. 5. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0139] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the counter processing machine 2 from step ST704 to step ST713. In step ST801, the display control section 211 determines whether a group number is included. The display control section 211 determines whether a group number is included in the determined ticket information. If it is determined that a group number is not included, the process proceeds to step ST802. On the other hand, if it is determined that a group number is included, the process proceeds to step ST803.

[0140] The display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a task execution screen. If a group number is not included, the display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a task execution screen similar to that of the first embodiment. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing from step ST302 onwards described with reference to Fig. 9. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0141] In step ST803, the display control unit 211 controls the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen on the display. As described in step ST704, the display control unit 211 controls the output unit 252 to display the task execution screen on the display.

[0142] Steps ST804 to ST806 may be the same as steps ST302 to ST304 described with reference to Fig. 9. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0143] In step ST807, the display control section 211 determines whether or not the lump-sum refund button 59 has been pressed. If it is determined that the lump-sum refund button 59 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST808. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lump-sum refund button 59 has not been pressed, for example, that the decision button 53 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST811.

[0144] In step ST808, the communication control unit 214 transmits the group number. As explained in steps ST706 and ST707, the communication control unit 214 transmits the group number to the upper server 1 and receives refundable ticket information from the upper server 1 in response to the transmission.

[0145] In step ST809, the display control unit 211 controls so as to display the lump-sum refund screen on the display of the output unit 252. In the same manner as described in step ST708, the display control unit 211 controls so as to display the lump-sum refund screen on the display of the output unit 252.

[0146] In step ST810, the display control section 211 determines whether or not the fee button has been pressed. If it is determined that the fee button has been pressed, the process returns to step ST805. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fee button has not been pressed, for example, that the decision button 63 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ST811.

[0147] In step ST811, the display control section 211 controls the display of the output section 252 to display the confirmation screen. In the same manner as described in step ST712, the display control section 211 controls the display of the output section 252 to display the confirmation screen.

[0148] In step ST812, the communication control section 214 transmits a refund information registration request. In the same manner as described in step ST714, the communication control section 214 transmits the refund information registration request to the upper server 1.

[0149] In the second embodiment, the passenger 4 requests a refund, but the passenger 4 may also request that the ticket be scrapped. If the passenger 4 requests that the ticket be scrapped, the processes of steps ST804 to ST806 and step ST808 in Fig. 18 may be skipped. In other words, part of the process of step ST704 in Fig. 15, and the processes of steps ST710 and ST711 are skipped.

[0150] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to the first embodiment described above, the station attendant 3 can collectively refund multiple two-dimensional code tickets by pressing the continue button 58 displayed on the confirmation screen.

[0151] Furthermore, by simply reading the code information from a two-dimensional code ticket once, it is possible to process refunds for multiple two-dimensional code tickets linked to that two-dimensional code ticket, thereby reducing the workload of station staff 3.

[0152] [Other embodiments] In the second embodiment, a group number may be stored in the code information. In this case, in step ST702, the communication control unit 214 transmits the group number to the upper server 1 in addition to the two-dimensional code ticket ID. Furthermore, in step ST703, the communication control unit 111 transmits the refundable ticket information to the ticket window processing machine 2 in addition to the determined ticket information. Then, the processing of steps ST706 and ST707 is skipped. By performing the processing as described above, the number of times information is exchanged between the ticket window processing machine 2 and the upper server 1 can be reduced.

[0153] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate as possible, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1...Upstream server 11...Control unit 111...Communication control unit 112...Query control section 113...Charge control unit 12...Program memory section 13...Data storage unit 131...Ticket issuing information storage unit 132...Fee storage unit 14...Communication interface 15...Input / output interface 151...input section 152...Output section 2...Counter processing machine 21...Control unit 211...Display control unit 212...input information acquisition unit 213...Ticket issuing control unit 214...Communication control unit 22...Program memory section 23...Data storage unit 231...Display information storage unit 24...Communication interface 25...Input / output interface 251...input section 252...Output section 253...Ticketing Department 254...2D code reader 3...Station staff 4...Passenger 51...Ticket information display area 52...Commission display area 53...Confirmation button 54...Reset button 55...Commission selection area 56...Refund amount display area 57...Confirm button 58...Continue button 59...lump-sum refund button 61...Serial number button 62...Commission display area 63...Confirmation button 64...Page button 65...Reset button

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires code information from a first two-dimensional code ticket; a communication control unit that transmits a two-dimensional code ticket identifier included in the code information and receives first two-dimensional code ticket information for the first two-dimensional code ticket in response to the transmission; a display control unit that controls the display to display a screen including the ticket information and a button for selecting whether to process a second two-dimensional code ticket different from the two-dimensional code ticket; Here, when the pressing of the button is detected, the communication control unit receives second two-dimensional code ticket information about the second two-dimensional code ticket, a ticket issuing control unit that controls a refund process for the first two-dimensional code ticket and the second two-dimensional code ticket based on the first two-dimensional code ticket information and the second two-dimensional code ticket information; A counter processing machine equipped with:

2. the button is a continuation button, and when the display control unit detects that the continuation button has been pressed, the display control unit controls the display to display a continuation medium reading screen that prompts the user to obtain code information from the second two-dimensional code ticket. The teller processing machine according to claim 1.

3. the acquiring unit acquires second code information from the second two-dimensional code ticket, transmits a second two-dimensional code ticket identifier included in the second code information, and receives second ticket information about the second two-dimensional code ticket in response to the transmission; The teller processing machine according to claim 2.

4. the button is a continue button, the screen is a business execution screen, the business execution screen includes a fee button, and when the fee button is pressed, the display control unit controls to display a fee selection screen on the display, and controls to enable the continue button after a fee is selected on the fee selection screen and the screen returns to the business execution screen. The teller processing machine according to claim 1.

5. the display control unit controls the display to display a fee selection screen including the continue button, and controls the display to enable the continue button on the fee selection screen after a fee is selected on the fee selection screen. The teller processing machine according to claim 4.

6. the button is a lump-sum refund button, and the screen is a transaction execution screen, When the communication control unit detects that the lump-sum refund button has been pressed, it transmits the group number included in the first two-dimensional code ticket information and receives the second two-dimensional code ticket information associated with the group number. The teller processing machine according to claim 1.

7. the display control unit controls the display to display a lump-sum refund screen including the first two-dimensional code ticket information and the second two-dimensional code ticket information. The teller processing machine according to claim 6.

8. A teller processing method executed by a processor of a teller processing machine, comprising: Acquiring code information from a first two-dimensional code ticket; transmitting a two-dimensional code ticket identifier included in the code information; receiving first two-dimensional code ticket information for the first two-dimensional code ticket in response to the transmission; Controlling the display to display a screen including the first two-dimensional code ticket information and a button for selecting whether to process a second two-dimensional code ticket different from the first two-dimensional code ticket; receiving second two-dimensional code ticket information about the second two-dimensional code ticket when detecting the pressing of the button; Controlling a refund process for the first two-dimensional code ticket and the second two-dimensional code ticket based on the first two-dimensional code ticket information and the second two-dimensional code ticket information; A counter processing method comprising:

9. A teller processing program comprising instructions for execution by a processor of a teller processing machine, Acquiring code information from a first two-dimensional code ticket; transmitting a two-dimensional code ticket identifier included in the code information; receiving first two-dimensional code ticket information for the first two-dimensional code ticket in response to the transmission; Controlling the display to display a screen including the first two-dimensional code ticket information and a button for selecting whether to process a second two-dimensional code ticket different from the first two-dimensional code ticket; receiving second two-dimensional code ticket information about the second two-dimensional code ticket when detecting the pressing of the button; Controlling a refund process for the first two-dimensional code ticket and the second two-dimensional code ticket based on the first two-dimensional code ticket information and the second two-dimensional code ticket information; A window processing program comprising:

Images