Ticket gate and ticket gate system

Abstract

To provide a ticket machine and a ticket gate system that can contribute to prevention of illegal use of charged trains.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a ticket machine includes a ticket processing unit and a processor. The ticket processing unit reads information from a ticket medium presented by a user. The processor controls passage of a user according to whether the thicket processing unit has read information of a ticket including a specific station in a boarding section and information of a ticket for a charged train when information specified on the basis of charged train data about a charged train which stops at the specific station satisfies a determination execution condition of a ticket for a charged train.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a ticket gate and a ticket gate system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a ticket gate installed at a railway station or the like determines whether a user can exit using the train ticket the user holds in the exit process, and collects the train ticket presented by the user who is determined to be able to exit. However, in a transportation means such as a train, a ticket other than a train ticket may be required. For example, a paid train such as an express train requires tickets such as an express ticket and a reserved seat ticket (hereinafter referred to as a fare ticket) in addition to a train ticket.

[0003] At a station or a ticket gate where trains that can be boarded with only a train ticket and trains that require a fare ticket in addition to a train ticket coexist, it is not easy for the ticket gate to determine whether a fare ticket is required for each user. For this reason, in conventional ticket gates, it is often the case that users do not use fare tickets other than train tickets for the determination of whether they can exit. However, in order to prevent unauthorized boarding of paid trains, it is desirable for the ticket gate to perform an exit determination including not only train tickets but also fare tickets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a ticket gate and a ticket gate system that can contribute to preventing unauthorized use of paid trains.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an embodiment, the ticket gate has a ticket processing unit and a processor. The ticket processing unit reads information from a ticket medium presented by a user. The processor controls the passage of the user depending on whether the ticket processing unit has read the information of the boarding ticket including the station as a boarding section and the information of the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train when the information specified based on the paid train data regarding the paid train stopping at the station satisfies the determination execution conditions for the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a ticket gate system 1 according to the embodiment. The ticket gate system 1 is a system that connects ticket gates 13 installed at the ticket gates of each station. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the ticket gate system 1 includes a server 11, a monitoring panel 12, and ticket gates 13. For example, the server 11 is connected to a monitoring panel 12 installed for each monitoring target such as a ticket gate or a station. A plurality of ticket gates 13 installed at the ticket gates of each station are connected to the monitoring panel 12 of each station.

[0009] The server 11 is connected to each monitoring panel 12 via a network. The server 11 supplies information to be provided to each ticket gate 13 to the monitoring panel 12. In the present embodiment, the server 11 manages toll train data regarding toll trains that require fare tickets, and supplies the toll train data to the monitoring panel 12 of each station.

[0010] The monitoring panel 12 is connected to the server 11 and a plurality of ticket gates 13. The monitoring panel 12 is connected to, for example, a ticket gate 13 installed at a ticket gate to be monitored. The monitoring panel 12 monitors the operating state of each connected ticket gate 13 and supplies an operation instruction remotely to each ticket gate 13. In addition, the monitoring panel 12 has a function of distributing information supplied from the server 11 to each ticket gate 13.

[0011] Each ticket gate 13 is installed at the ticket gate of each station and executes ticket gate processing (entrance processing and exit processing) at the ticket gate. The server 11, the monitoring panel 12, and the ticket gate 13 constitute a ticket gate system that realizes ticket gate processing at the ticket gate. The ticket gate 13 executes ticket gate processing using information from the monitoring panel 12.

[0012] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the ticket gate 13 executes ticket gate processing based on information stored in a ticket medium held by a user. The ticket medium is a boarding ticket required for train travel, a fare ticket required for using a toll train in addition to the boarding ticket, and the like. The storage medium used as the boarding ticket and the fare ticket may be any medium that records information necessary for ticket gate processing such as boarding ticket information or fare ticket information that can be read by the ticket gate 13.

[0013] For example, memory media used as train tickets and fare tickets include magnetic recording media (magnetic tickets) in which information is recorded on a magnetic recording part, recording media (code tickets) that record (print or display) coded information such as two-dimensional codes, contactless IC cards that transmit and receive information by contactless communication, mobile terminals such as mobile phones having the same functions as contactless IC cards, or mobile terminals that display coded information such as two-dimensional codes, and the like.

[0014] In the following description, it is mainly assumed that the ticket medium used as a train ticket and a fare ticket is a magnetic ticket and will be described accordingly. The train ticket and fare ticket as a magnetic ticket are assumed to be operated by a ticket vending machine installed at a station or the like.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the monitoring panel (upper device) 12 in the ticket gate system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the monitoring panel 12 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring panel 12 includes a processor 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, and an operation panel 26. The processor 21 controls various operations in the monitoring panel 12. The processor 21 executes various processes by executing a program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 executes various processes by executing a program stored in the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24 using the RAM 23.

[0016] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory in which programs and control data are stored in advance. For example, the ROM 22 functions as a program memory. The RAM 23 is a volatile memory that functions as a working memory. The RAM 23 functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 21. Also, the RAM 23 temporarily stores data transmitted and received by the communication unit 25.

[0017] The storage unit 24 stores various types of data. The storage unit 24 is constituted by a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), for example.

[0018] The communication unit 25 is an interface for communicating with each device constituting the ticket gate system 1. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 25 includes an interface (second communication unit) for communicating with each ticket gate 13 and a communication interface for communicating with the server 11.

[0019] The operation panel 26 is a device for notifying the attendant of information and receiving operation instructions from the attendant. For example, the operation panel 26 is constituted by a display device with a built-in touch panel. The operation panel 26 displays information indicating the operation state of each ticket gate 13 and receives operation instructions input by the attendant.

[0020] For example, in the monitoring panel 12, the processor 21 monitors the operation state of each ticket gate 13 and displays the operation state of each ticket gate 13 on the operation panel 26. Further, the processor 21 supplies an operation instruction to the specified ticket gate 13 in response to an instruction input to the operation panel 26 by the attendant. Thereby, the processor 21 of the monitoring panel 12 can monitor and control each ticket gate 13. Further, the processor 21 has a function of supplying information necessary for the ticket checking process to each ticket gate 13 and transmitting information from the ticket gate to the server 11. In the present embodiment, the processor 21 supplies the ticket gate data indicating the information on the paid train stored in the storage unit 24 to each ticket gate 13. Also, the processor 21 of the monitoring panel 12 may acquire the ticket gate data from the server 11 and store the acquired ticket gate data in the storage unit 24.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the ticket gate 13 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ticket gate 13 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the ticket gate 13 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35, a ticket processing unit 36, a display unit 37, a door control unit 38, and a clock 39, etc.

[0022] The processor 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 function as a control unit that controls the entire ticket gate 13. The processor 31 is an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, for example. The processor 31 realizes various processing functions by executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage unit 34.

[0023] The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory and functions as a program memory. The ROM 32 stores programs and control data executed by the processor 31, etc. The RAM 33 functions as a working memory that temporarily holds data. The RAM 33 loads programs and holds data being processed by the processor 31. The RAM 33 also functions as a buffer memory that temporarily holds communication data, etc.

[0024] The storage unit 34 is a memory that stores data. The storage unit 34 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 34 stores information such as fare information used for ticket checking processing. Also, when the storage unit 34 receives paid train data from the monitoring panel 12, it stores the received paid train data. Further, the storage unit 34 may store a program executed by the processor 31.

[0025] The communication unit 35 is a communication interface (first communication unit) for communicating with the monitoring panel 12. The communication unit 35 may be an interface for communicating with the monitoring panel 12 by wire or an interface for communicating wirelessly. The communication unit 35 transmits information indicating the operating state to the monitoring panel 12, receives control instructions from the monitoring panel 12, and acquires paid train data from the monitoring panel 12.

[0026] The ticket processing unit 36 processes the ticket media held by the user. The ticket processing unit 36 functions as a media processing unit that reads information from the ticket media. The ticket processing unit 36 only needs to be able to read information from the ticket media held by the user. For example, if the ticket media is a magnetic ticket, the ticket processing unit 36 accepts the ticket media inserted by the user and reads the information recorded on the ticket media. Also, the ticket processing unit 36 has a function of collecting the boarding tickets and fare tickets inserted by the users who have been permitted to pass (exit) in the exit process. In addition, if the ticket media is an IC card or a mobile terminal, the ticket processing unit 36 is composed of a communication interface that performs data communication with the IC card or the mobile terminal.

[0027] The display unit 37 is a display that displays guidance for the users passing through the ticket gate. The display unit 37 is an example of a notification device. The display unit 37 is installed near the center of the main body of the ticket checking machine 13, for example, so that it is easily visible to the users passing through the ticket gate. The guidance displayed on the display unit 37 is controlled by the processor 31. That is, the processor 31 performs display control of the display unit 37 according to the processing status.

[0028] The door control unit 38 controls the passage of the user. The door control unit 38 controls, for example, the door for blocking the passage of the passage formed by the ticket checking machine 13 at the ticket gate. The door control unit 38 includes a door opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the door according to an instruction from the processor 31. The processor 31 performs opening and closing control (passage control) of the door according to the processing status. The clock 39 measures the current date and time. The processor 31 acquires the current date and time measured by the clock 39.

[0029] Next, the processing realized by the ticket checking machine 13 in the ticket checking system 1 according to the embodiment will be schematically described. The ticket gate 13 controls not only the permission for the user to exit based on the validity of the boarding ticket but also the permission for the user to exit based on the validity of the fare ticket. The ticket gate 13 has an operation mode (fare ticket determination mode) for determining the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train that stops at the station. When the fare ticket determination mode is on (valid), the ticket gate 13 performs an exit determination based on the boarding ticket and the fare ticket.

[0030] For example, the ticket gate 13 sets the fare ticket determination mode to on or off as an operation mode in response to a control instruction from the monitoring panel 12. When the station staff turns on the fare ticket determination of the ticket gate 13, an instruction to turn on the fare ticket determination mode is input on the operation panel 26 of the monitoring panel 12. When an instruction to turn on the fare ticket determination mode is input to the operation panel 26, the processor 31 of the monitoring panel 12 sends a control instruction to turn on the fare ticket determination mode to each ticket gate 13. The processor 31 of the ticket gate 13 turns on the fare ticket determination mode in response to the control instruction from the monitoring panel 12.

[0031] When the fare ticket determination mode is on, the ticket gate 13 determines whether or not to satisfy the condition (determination execution condition) for executing the determination of the presence or absence (validity of the fare ticket) of the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train based on the paid train data of the paid train that stops at the station acquired from the monitoring panel 12. The ticket gate 13 is set to determine whether or not to satisfy the determination execution condition for executing the fare ticket determination based on the paid train data or the like.

[0032] For example, the ticket gate 13 determines whether or not to execute the determination of the presence or absence of the fare ticket based on the current time (determination time) and the arrival time of the paid train. Also, the ticket gate 13 determines whether or not to execute the determination of the validity of the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train based on the section of the boarding ticket presented by the user and the stop station of the paid train. In the present embodiment, the ticket gate 13 will be described as performing passage control according to the fare ticket presented by the user when the time difference between the arrival time of the paid train at the station and the determination time is within the set time for which the fare ticket is to be determined, and the section of the boarding ticket presented by the user is the section for which the fare ticket is to be determined.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of paid train data indicating information on paid trains managed by the monitoring panel 12. The monitoring panel 12 holds paid train data regarding paid trains that stop at stations where the ticket gates 13 to be monitored are installed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the paid train data has information such as train basic information, arrival time, and stop station code. The train basic information is information such as the train name and train number. The train basic information includes information for identifying a paid train. The train basic information is used, for example, to display a paid train on the monitoring panel 12.

[0034] The arrival time is information indicating the time when a paid train arrives at the station (judgment station) where the ticket gate 13 is installed. The arrival time may be the actual time when the paid train arrives at the judgment station, or may be the scheduled arrival time of the paid train shown in the timetable. In the former case, the monitoring panel 12 may, for example, obtain from the train operation management system via the server 11 the actual time when the paid train arrives at the station as the arrival time, and update the arrival time of the paid train data stored in the storage unit 24 according to the obtained arrival time.

[0035] The stop station information is information indicating the stop stations of a paid train. The stop station information shall include information indicating the stop station immediately before the paid train as seen from the station (judgment station) where the ticket gate 13 is installed. The stop station information may be, for example, information (stop station code) indicating the stop station with a station code indicating the station according to a predetermined standard.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the section of a ticket for which the ticket gate 13 according to the embodiment determines a fare ticket. In FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the sections of three types of tickets (A, B, C) are associated with the stop stations (Station b, Station d) and passing stations (Station a, Station c) of a certain paid train. In the example shown in FIG. 5, tickets A, B, and C have Station d as the arrival station, which is a stop station of the paid train. When Station d is the judgment station (exit station), the ticket gate 13 installed at Station d excludes the user presenting ticket A from the fare ticket judgment target, and includes the users presenting tickets B and C in the fare ticket judgment target.

[0037] The boarding ticket A does not include the stop stations of the toll trains other than the judgment station within the section of the boarding ticket. Station c, which is the departure station of the boarding ticket A, is a passing station of the toll train, and there is no stop station of the toll train between station c and station d. That is, since the user holding the boarding ticket A is considered to have boarded a non-fare train at station c, which is a passing station of the toll train, and moved to station d, it is considered that the user has not boarded the toll train. Therefore, the ticket gate 13 installed at station d excludes the user presenting the boarding ticket A from the object of fare ticket judgment.

[0038] On the other hand, the boarding tickets B and C include the stop stations of the toll trains other than the judgment station within the section of the boarding ticket. Station b, which is the departure station of the boarding ticket B, is a stop station of the toll train. Also, station a, which is the departure station of the boarding ticket C, is a passing station of the toll train, but there is station b, which is a stop station of the toll train, between station a and station d. That is, it is considered that the user holding the boarding ticket B or C may have boarded the toll train at station b, which is a stop station of the toll train. Therefore, the ticket gate 13 installed at station d makes the user presenting the boarding ticket B or C, within the boarding section of which there is a stop station of the toll train other than the judgment station (station d), the object of fare ticket judgment.

[0039] Next, the ticket checking process (exit process) in the ticket gate 13 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the exit process in the ticket gate 13 according to the embodiment. In the exit process shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the ticket gate 13 is in the fare ticket judgment mode. When the processor 31 of the ticket gate 13 detects a user passing in the exit direction from within the station premises, it starts the exit process for the user.

[0040] A user who attempts to pass (exit) in the exit direction through the passage formed by the ticket gate 13 presents the ticket medium he / she holds to the ticket processing unit 36. Here, a user who has boarded a toll train presents the fare ticket that was necessary for using the toll train together with the boarding ticket to the ticket processing unit 36. When the boarding ticket and the fare ticket are magnetic tickets purchased at the ticket vending machine, the user inserts the boarding ticket and the fare ticket into the ticket insertion slot in the ticket processing unit 36.

[0041] When starting the exit process for the user, the processor 31 reads the information recorded on the ticket medium presented by the user using the ticket processing unit 36. When the user presents a plurality of ticket media (for example, a train ticket and a fare ticket), the ticket processing unit 36 reads the information from all the presented ticket media.

[0042] When reading the information from the ticket medium presented by the user, the processor 31 extracts the information as a train ticket (train ticket information) from the read information, and executes a determination process (train ticket determination) for determining the validity of the train ticket based on the train ticket information (ST11). As the train ticket determination, the processor 31 executes a process of determining whether a train ticket that is valid for the station (or ticket gate) as the exit station exists in the ticket medium presented by the user.

[0043] When there is no valid train ticket that permits exit at the station in the ticket medium presented by the user (ST12, NO), the processor 31 makes the passage (exit) of the user impossible (ST20). In this case, the processor displays a guidance message indicating that passage is impossible due to the absence of a valid train ticket on the display unit 37, and blocks the exit of the user by closing the door with the door control unit 38.

[0044] When there is a valid train ticket that permits exit at the station in the ticket medium presented by the user (ST12, YES), the processor 31 determines whether to execute the determination of the fare ticket for using the paid train. The processor 31 determines whether to execute the determination of the fare ticket based on whether the conditions for executing the determination of the fare ticket are satisfied based on the paid train data obtained from the monitoring panel 12 or the like.

[0045] That is, when the user presents a ticket that permits departure from the station, the processor 31 calculates the difference between the arrival time of the paid train that stops at the station and the determination time (current time) (ST13). The processor 31 acquires paid train data regarding the paid train that stops at the station from the monitoring panel 12. The processor 31 specifies the arrival time of the paid train based on the paid train data. When the arrival time is specified, the processor 31 calculates the time difference between the current time (determination time) measured by the clock 39 and the arrival time.

[0046] Note that the processor 31 may store the paid train data acquired in advance from the monitoring panel 12 in the storage unit 24. In this case, the processor 31 may specify the arrival time of the paid train by referring to the paid train data stored in the storage unit 24. Also, the processor 31 may acquire the paid train data from the monitoring panel 12 each time the departure process is executed. In this case, the processor 31 may request the paid train data from the monitoring panel 12 and specify the arrival time from the paid train data acquired from the monitoring panel 12. Further, the processor 31 may request the arrival time of the paid train from the monitoring panel 12 and acquire the arrival time of the paid train from the monitoring panel 12.

[0047] After calculating the time difference between the arrival time of the paid train and the determination time, the processor 31 determines whether the calculated time difference is within the set time for which the fare ticket is to be determined (ST14). That is, the processor 31 determines whether to perform the determination of the fare ticket for the paid train based on whether the time difference between the determination time and the arrival time of the paid train is within the set time. For example, if the set time for the time difference (the set time for which the fare ticket is applicable) is 20 minutes, the processor 31 validates the determination of the fare ticket until 20 minutes have elapsed since the paid train arrived.

[0048] Note that the ticket gate 13 may not set the time zone for performing the determination of the fare ticket according to the arrival time of the valid train. For example, when not setting the time for validating the fare ticket based on the arrival time of the paid train (when not setting the time zone for performing the determination of the fare ticket), the processor 31 may perform the determination of the fare ticket regardless of the time difference between the arrival time of the paid train and the determination time by setting the set time to no setting (or infinite time).

[0049] When the time difference between the arrival time and the determination time is not within the set time (ST14, NO), the processor 31 determines that it is not necessary to perform the determination of the fare ticket, and permits the user to pass (ST19). When permitting the user to pass, the processor 31 collects the boarding ticket inserted by the user, opens the door by the door control unit 38, and displays a guidance for permission to pass on the display unit 37.

[0050] When the time difference between the arrival time and the determination time is within the set time (ST14, YES), the processor 31 identifies the stop station of the paid train that stops at the station (determination station) (ST15). Here, the processor 31 shall identify the stop station where the paid train, for which the time difference between the arrival time and the determination time is within the set time, stops one station before the station. The processor 31 acquires paid train data regarding the paid train that stops at the station from the monitoring panel 12, and identifies the stop station where the paid train stops one station before the station based on the acquired paid train data.

[0051] When the processor 31 identifies the stop station where the paid train that stops at the station stops one station before, it determines whether the departure station of the boarding ticket (the departure station indicated by the boarding ticket information) is a station farther than one stop station before the paid train (ST16). For example, in the example of the paid train shown in FIG. 5, the processor 31 determines whether the departure station of the boarding ticket is a station farther than station b (the stop station one station before the paid train) with respect to station d which is the determination station.

[0052] If the departure station of the boarding ticket is closer to the user than the stop before one of the toll trains (ST16, NO), the processor 31 determines that it is not necessary to perform the determination of the fare ticket, and permits the user to pass (ST19). For example, in the case of the toll train shown in FIG. 5, when the user presents the boarding ticket A, since the departure station of the boarding ticket A is station c in front of station b (the stop before one of the toll trains), which is in front of the determination station d, the processor 31 determines that it is not necessary to perform the determination of the fare ticket.

[0053] If the departure station of the boarding ticket is farther from the stop before one of the toll trains (ST16, YES), the processor 31 performs the determination of the fare ticket (ST17). For example, when the user presents the boarding ticket B shown in FIG. 5, since the departure station of the boarding ticket B is station b, which is the stop before one of the toll trains, with respect to the determination station d, the processor 31 determines that it is necessary to perform the determination of the fare ticket. Also, when the user presents the boarding ticket C shown in FIG. 5, since the departure station of the boarding ticket B is station a, which is farther from station b than station b, with respect to the determination station d, the processor 31 determines that it is necessary to perform the determination of the fare ticket.

[0054] When performing the determination of the fare ticket, the processor 31 extracts information as a fare ticket (fare ticket information) from the information read from the ticket medium presented by the user by the ticket processing unit 36, and executes a process of determining whether the fare ticket necessary for boarding the toll train stopping at the station exists in the ticket medium presented by the user based on the fare ticket information.

[0055] In addition, when the user does not present a fare ticket together with the boarding ticket, the processor 31 may display a guidance message on the display unit 37 to the effect that a fare ticket needs to be presented additionally, and wait for the user to present the fare ticket. For example, the processor 31 may guide the presentation of the fare ticket and receive the reading of the ticket medium presented by the user by the ticket processing unit 36 for a predetermined time. In this case, the processor 31 determines whether a valid fare ticket has been presented based on the information read from the ticket medium presented by the user by the ticket processing unit 36.

[0056] If the user cannot present a valid fare ticket (ST18, NO), the processor 31 prohibits the user from passing through (ST20). In this case, the processor 31 may close the door by the door control unit 38 and display on the display unit 37 a notice indicating that passage is prohibited because a valid fare ticket cannot be confirmed.

[0057] If the user presents a valid fare ticket (ST18, YES), the processor 31 permits the user to pass through (ST19). In this case, the processor 31 opens the door by the door control unit 38 and displays a notice of passage permission on the display unit 37. Here, when the user inserts a boarding ticket and a fare ticket as magnetic tickets, the processor 31 may cause the ticket processing unit 36 to collect the boarding ticket and the fare ticket inserted by the user.

[0058] According to the above-described embodiment, the ticket gate executes the determination of not only the boarding ticket but also the fare ticket when the determination execution condition of the fare ticket is satisfied. Thereby, even if a user uses a paid train, the ticket gate can prohibit the user without a fare ticket from passing through. As a result, the ticket gate can confirm the validity of not only the boarding ticket but also the fare ticket, and can suppress the unauthorized use of the paid train.

[0059] In addition, the ticket gate according to the embodiment identifies the stop stations of the paid train from the paid train data, and executes the determination of the fare ticket when the stop station of the paid train before that station is included in the valid section of the boarding ticket presented by the user. Thereby, the ticket gate can determine the possibility of a paid train from the valid section of the boarding ticket, does not execute the determination of the fare ticket when there is no possibility of using a paid train, and can execute the determination of the fare ticket when there is a possibility of using a paid train. Even at a station where there are mixed trains that can be boarded with a boarding ticket and paid trains, the determination of the fare ticket can be executed in accordance with the arrival of the paid train.

[0060] In addition, the ticket gate according to the embodiment executes the determination of the fare ticket if the time difference between the arrival time indicated by the paid train data and the current time is within the set time. Thereby, the ticket gate can be configured not to execute the determination of the fare ticket during the time period when there is no arrival of the paid train, and even at a station where trains that can be boarded with a boarding ticket and paid trains are mixed, the determination of the fare ticket can be executed in accordance with the arrival of the paid train.

[0061] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0062] 1... Ticket gate system, 11... Server, 12... Monitoring panel (upper device), 13... Ticket gate, 21... Processor, 24... Storage unit, 25... Communication unit, 26... Operation panel, 31... Processor, 34... Storage unit, 35... Communication unit, 36... Ticket processing unit, 37... Display unit, 38... Door control unit, 39... Clock.

Claims

1. In a ticket gate machine installed at a ticket gate of a station, a ticket processing unit that reads information from a ticket medium presented by a user; a processor that controls the passage of a user depending on whether the ticket processing unit has read information on a boarding ticket including the station as a boarding section and information on a fare ticket corresponding to the paid train, when information specified based on paid train data regarding a paid train stopping at the station satisfies the determination execution conditions for the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train; A ticket gate machine having the above.

2. The processor specifies a stop station before the station of the paid train from the paid train data, and determines that the determination execution conditions are satisfied when the boarding section of the boarding ticket read by the ticket processing unit from the ticket medium presented by the user includes the stop station of the paid train before the station. The ticket gate machine according to claim 1.

3. Further, it has a clock that measures the current time, The processor specifies the arrival time of the paid train at the station from the paid train data, and determines that the determination execution conditions are satisfied when the time difference between the current time measured by the clock and the arrival time of the station is within a predetermined set time. The ticket gate machine according to any one of claims 1 or 2.

4. Further, it has a communication unit that communicates with a higher-level device, The processor acquires the paid train data from the higher-level device that communicates through the communication unit. The ticket gate machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processor sets the operation mode to the fare ticket determination mode in response to a control instruction from the higher-level device, and executes the determination of the fare ticket according to the determination execution conditions in the case of the fare ticket determination mode. The ticket gate machine according to claim 4.

6. In a ticket gate system having a ticket gate installed at a station ticket gate and a monitoring panel connected to the ticket gate, The ticket gate includes a first communication unit that communicates with the monitoring panel, a ticket processing unit that reads information from a ticket medium presented by a user, and a first processor that controls the passage of the user based on whether the ticket processing unit has read information on a boarding ticket including the station as a boarding section and information on a fare ticket corresponding to the paid train, when the information specified by the paid train data on the paid train stopping at the station obtained from the monitoring panel satisfies the determination execution conditions for the fare ticket corresponding to the paid train. The monitoring panel includes a second communication unit that communicates with the ticket gate, a storage unit that stores paid train data regarding a paid train stopping at the station where the ticket gate is installed, and a second processor that transmits the paid train data to the ticket gate via the second communication unit. A ticket gate system.

7. In the ticket gate, the first processor identifies a stopping station before the station of the paid train from the paid train data, and determines that the determination execution conditions are satisfied when the boarding section of the boarding ticket read from the ticket medium presented by the user by the ticket processing unit includes the stopping station of the paid train before the station. The ticket gate system according to claim 6.

8. In the ticket gate, further includes a clock that measures the current time, and the first processor identifies the arrival time of the paid train at the station from the paid train data, and determines that the determination execution conditions are satisfied when the time difference between the current time measured by the clock and the arrival time of the station is within a predetermined set time. The ticket gate system according to any one of claims 6 or 7.

9. In the monitoring panel, Furthermore, it has an operation panel, when the execution of the fare ticket determination mode for the ticket gate is input by the operation panel, the second processor instructs the ticket gate to enter the fare ticket determination mode. In the ticket gate, when the fare ticket determination mode is instructed from the monitoring panel, the first processor sets the operation mode to the fare ticket determination mode, and when it is in the fare ticket determination mode, executes the fare ticket determination according to the determination execution conditions. The ticket gate system according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

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