Attendant machine and operation program

Abstract

To enable a business operator to test an attendant's machine, used as station work equipment, by itself in a high-security environment.SOLUTION: An attendant machine is used as station work equipment, and comprises: a storage part which stores an operation program, a host server simulator and station information for test; an input part which receives information input by a user; and a control part which connects with the host server simulator once detecting the station information for test being stored in the storage part when the attendant machine is actuated, and performs simulation processing on the basis of the operation program and the input information that the input part receives.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an attendant machine and an operating program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when an operator of a station service system (such as a railway operator) tests an attendant machine (counter processing machine) (for example, a ticket issuing test), it is often necessary to switch the connection to a host server simulator PC (Personal Computer) or change the test station. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, from a security standpoint, the above-mentioned tasks cannot be performed by the business operators themselves, and they must request a maintenance company or design company to do so, which leaves room for improvement in terms of convenience.

[0004] Therefore, an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an attendant machine and an operating program that enable businesses to perform testing in a high-security environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The attendant machine of the embodiment is an attendant machine used as station service equipment, and is equipped with a memory unit that stores an operating program, a host server simulator, and test station information, an input unit that accepts information input by a user, and a control unit that, when it detects that the test station information is stored in the memory unit when the attendant machine is started, connects to the host server simulator and performs simulation processing based on the operating program and the input information accepted by the input unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a station service system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the attendant machine according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first process performed by the attendant machine of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second process by the attendant machine of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the attendant machine and the operation program of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] First, the configuration of the station service system S will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the station service system S of an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of an attendant machine 1 of the embodiment. The station service system S includes an attendant machine 1 (counter processing machine) used as station service equipment, for example, in a railway business, and an upper server 200.

[0009] Each component of the attendant machine 1 will be described below. The power supply unit 10 receives AC 100V power from the outside, generates the power required by each component (unit) in the attendant machine 1, and outputs it to them.

[0010] The storage unit 20 is composed of, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Solid State Drive (SSD), etc., and stores various information. The storage unit 20 stores, for example, an operation program 21, an upper server simulator 22, and a test environment setting 23.

[0011] The operation program 21 is a program for operating the control unit 30. The host server simulator 22 is a simulator that realizes the functions of the host server 200. The test environment setting 23 is various setting information in the simulation (test). The various setting information is, for example, test station information, station serial number information, corner / unit number information, operation information, etc. The test station information is information on the station where the attendant unit 1 is assumed to be located in the simulation.

[0012] The control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes various information processing. For example, when the control unit 30 detects that test station information is stored as the test environment setting 23 in the storage unit 20 at the start of the attendant machine 1, it connects to the upper server simulator 22 and performs simulation processing (for example, simulation processing related to ticket issuance (issuance of passenger tickets, coupon tickets, commuter passes, etc.) and settlement, etc.) based on the operation program 21 and input information accepted by the attendant operation display unit 50 (input unit).

[0013] In addition, when the attendant machine 1 is started up, the control unit 30 detects that test station information is stored as test environment setting 23 in the memory unit 20, and when it detects that an external information terminal 300 is connected to the connection unit 160, it performs simulation processing based on the test environment setting (test information, etc.) stored in the external information terminal 300.

[0014] The external information terminal 300 is prepared separately for each test station, for example. That is, for example, an external information terminal 300 in which station A is set as the test station, an external information terminal 300 in which station B is set as the test station, etc. are prepared separately. The external information terminal 300 is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory or a Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R).

[0015] Furthermore, when the control unit 30 detects that test station information is stored as the test environment setting 23 in the storage unit 20 when the attendant machine 1 is started, and detects that the external information terminal 300 is not connected to the connection unit 160, the control unit 30 performs a simulation process based on the test environment setting at the previous start. For example, if the external information terminal 300 has never been connected, the test environment setting 23 is used. Also, if the external information terminal 300 has been connected once or more, the test environment setting of the external information terminal 300 that was previously connected is used.

[0016] The proximity sensor 40 detects that an object (such as a person) approaches the attendant machine 1.

[0017] The attendant operation display unit 50 includes an operation unit for the attendant to operate the attendant machine 1, and a display unit that provides operation guidance. A touch panel (an example of an input unit that accepts information input by a user) is arranged on the surface of the display unit.

[0018] The ticket issuing unit 60 issues tickets, such as passenger tickets and commuter passes, with a magnetic material applied to the back side.

[0019] The name transcription unit 70 transcribes the name that the purchaser (user) of the commuter pass writes on the purchase application form onto the commuter pass.

[0020] The customer display unit 80 is a display unit for showing the processing results of the staff to the customer (user).

[0021] The journal printer unit 90 prints the usage status of the attendant machine 1 on journal paper.

[0022] The receipt printer unit 100 issues a receipt for the payment of the fare for the ticket purchased by the user.

[0023] An IC (Integrated Circuit) card processing unit 110 reads data from an IC card presented by a user and writes data based on a request from the user. For example, it performs a process of charging the IC card and setting the IC card as a commuter pass.

[0024] The credit card processing unit 120 performs payment processing based on information read from the credit card presented to pay for the fares of tickets, commuter passes, and the like purchased by the user.

[0025] The ticket issuing machine 130 issues a ticket for the section requested by the user.

[0026] The automatic change machine 140 dispenses change when cash is used to purchase a ticket or the like.

[0027] The communication unit 150 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device such as the host server 200 .

[0028] The connection unit 160 is a connection interface for connecting the external information terminal 300 .

[0029] Next, the process by the attendant machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. When the attendant machine 1 is powered on, the first process in Figure 3 (connection to the host server simulator 22 or the host server 200) and the second process in Figure 4 (determination of the installation station, etc.) are executed.

[0030] Furthermore, the attendant machine 1 can be used as a simulation machine and can also be used as an actual operation machine. When the attendant machine 1 is used as a simulation machine, test station information is set in advance as a test environment setting 23 before shipping from the factory, and a host server simulator 22 is built in. When the attendant machine 1 is used as an actual operation machine, test station information is not set, but actual operation station information is set, and the host server simulator 22 is not built in.

[0031] In this embodiment, the "set station" is a station (a test station for simulation or a production station for production) that is preset in the attendant device 1. Also, the "installation station" is a station that is specified when the attendant device 1 is started up and is displayed on the screen and on the form.

[0032] 3 is a flowchart showing a first process by the attendant machine 1 of the embodiment. First, in step S11, the attendant machine 1 is turned on by an operation by the attendant.

[0033] Next, in step S12, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the attendant machine 1 has a built-in upper server simulator 22. If the determination is Yes (if the attendant machine 1 is a simulation machine), the control unit 30 proceeds to step S13; if the determination is No (if the attendant machine 1 is a production operation machine), the control unit 30 proceeds to step S14.

[0034] In step S13, the control unit 30 starts up the upper server simulator 22.

[0035] In step S14, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is test station information in the test environment setting 23, that is, whether or not the set station is a test station, and if Yes (if the attendant machine 1 is a simulation machine), proceeds to step S15, and if No (if the attendant machine 1 is a production operation machine), proceeds to step S16.

[0036] In step S 15 , the control unit 30 connects to the upper server simulator 22 .

[0037] In step S 16 , the control unit 30 connects to the upper server 200 .

[0038] In this way, when the attendant machine 1 is used as a simulation machine, it automatically starts up the built-in upper server simulator 22 and can automatically connect to the upper server simulator 22 because the test station information is set in advance as the test environment setting 23.

[0039] On the other hand, when the attendant machine 1 is used as a machine in actual operation, the test station information is not set, so that the attendant machine 1 automatically connects to the upper server 200.

[0040] 4 is a flow chart showing a second process by the attendant machine 1 of the embodiment. First, in step S21, the attendant machine 1 is turned on by an operation by the attendant.

[0041] Next, in step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is test station information in the test environment setting 23, that is, whether or not the set station is a test station, and if Yes (if the attendant machine 1 is a simulation machine), proceeds to step S23, and if No (if the attendant machine 1 is a production operation machine), proceeds to step S28.

[0042] In step S23, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the external information terminal 300 is connected to the connection unit 160. If Yes, the process proceeds to step S24, and if No, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0043] In step S24, the control unit 30 designates the station data stored in the external information terminal 300 as the installation station. The station data is information on a station used for temporary testing where the attendant device 1 is assumed to be installed in the simulation (the above-mentioned test station information).

[0044] In step S25, the control unit 30 designates the station data (test station data) at the time of the previous startup as the installation station. If the external information terminal 300 has never been connected to the attendant device 1, the control unit 30 designates the station data (test station data) in the test environment setting 23 as the installation station.

[0045] After that, in step S26, the control unit 30 starts up at the specified installation station.

[0046] Next, in step S27, the control unit 30 performs a simulation process.

[0047] In step S28, the control unit 30 designates the setting station (the station for actual operation) as the installation station.

[0048] Next, in step S29, the control unit 30 starts up at the designated installation station. After that, the attendant machine 1 is used as a production operation machine.

[0049] In this way, according to the attendant device 1 of this embodiment, when it is started up, if it detects that test station information is stored as the test environment setting 23 in the memory unit 20, it automatically connects to the upper server simulator 22 and performs simulation processing, thereby enabling the operator to carry out testing in a high-security environment.

[0050] Furthermore, when the attendant machine 1 detects that the external information terminal 300 is connected at startup, it performs a simulation process based on the test environment settings (test station data, etc.) stored in the external information terminal 300. This allows the test station to be easily changed while maintaining high security. This point will be compared with the conventional technology.

[0051] In the conventional technology, when changing the test station in the test of the attendant machine (counter processing machine), the operator cannot do it by himself from the viewpoint of security, and needs to request the maintenance company or design company, and there is room for improvement in terms of convenience. According to the attendant machine 1 of the present embodiment, it becomes possible for the operator to change the test station by himself in a high security environment, and convenience is greatly improved.

[0052] In addition, a case where the test station is changed in the simulation process is, for example, a case where a passenger ticket is issued as the attendant machine 1 of station A and the passenger ticket is settled as the attendant machine 1 of station B.

[0053] Furthermore, when the attendant machine 1 detects that the external information terminal 300 is not connected at the time of startup, it performs a simulation process based on the test environment settings at the time of the previous startup. This eliminates the need to connect the external information terminal 300 when a test is to be performed without changing the test station after a new startup, further improving convenience.

[0054] In addition, the attendant machine 1 as a simulation machine and the attendant machine 1 as an actual operation machine have the same hardware, and the only difference in software is the presence or absence of the upper server simulator 22 and the test environment setting 23, so that they can be easily developed in parallel.

[0055] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0056] The program executed by the attendant machine 1 of this embodiment can be provided by recording it in an installable or executable file format on a recording medium readable by a computer device, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The program may also be provided or distributed via a network, such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...attendant machine, 10...power supply unit, 20...memory unit, 21...operation program, 22...host server simulator, 23...test environment setting, 30...control unit, 40...proximity sensor, 50...attendant operation display unit, 60...ticket issuing unit, 70...name transfer unit, 80...customer display unit, 90...journal printer unit, 100...receipt printer unit, 110...IC card processing unit, 120...credit card processing unit, 130...ticket issuing machine, 140...automatic change dispenser, 150...communication unit, 160...connection unit, 200...host server, 300...external information terminal, S...station service system

Claims

1. A station attendant machine used as station service equipment, a storage unit that stores an operating program, a host server simulator that is a simulator that realizes the function of a host server, and test station information that is information on a station where the attendant machine is assumed to be installed in the simulation; an input unit that accepts information input by a user; An attendant machine comprising: a control unit that, when it detects that the test station information is stored in the memory unit when the attendant machine is started, connects to the upper server simulator and performs simulation processing related to at least one of ticket issuance and settlement based on the operating program and the input information received by the input unit, and connects to the upper server when it detects that the test station information is not stored in the memory unit.

2. A connection unit to which an external information terminal is connected is further provided, The control unit of the attendant machine described in claim 1 detects when the attendant machine is started that the test station information is stored in the memory unit and that the external information terminal is connected to the connection unit, and performs the simulation processing based on various setting information for the simulation stored in the external information terminal, which is a test environment setting including at least the test station information.

3. The attendant machine of claim 2, wherein the control unit detects when the attendant machine is started that the test station information is stored in the memory unit and, when it detects that the external information terminal is not connected to the connection unit, performs the simulation processing based on the test environment settings at the time of the previous start-up.

4. An operating program used by an attendant machine used as station service equipment, On the computer, An operating program for, when it is detected that test station information, which is information about the station where the attendant machine is assumed to be located in the simulation, is stored in the memory unit of the attendant machine when the attendant machine is started up, connecting to an upper server simulator, which is a simulator that realizes the functions of an upper server, stored in the memory unit, and executing a simulation process related to at least ticket issuance or settlement based on information input by a user using an input unit, and executing a process to connect to the upper server when it is detected that the test station information is not stored in the memory unit.

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