Station equipment and station systems

Abstract

To provide a station service device and a station service system that can be easily set up according to a station where they are installed.SOLUTION: According to the embodiment, a station service device has a communication unit, a location acquisition unit, and a processor. The communication unit communicates with a host device. The position acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the current position of the station service device. The processor acquires from the host device station-specific files of stations to be selected based on the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit, and sets the stations where the device is to be installed according to the acquired station-specific files.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to station operation equipment and a station operation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various station operation equipment such as ticket gates, ticket vending machines, and fare collection machines are installed at railway stations and the like. In order to perform station operations with different setting contents for each installed station, it is necessary to execute setup according to the setting information corresponding to the installed station. When newly installed or transferred to another station due to replacement or the like, conventional station operation equipment is set up by manually importing a setting file corresponding to the installed station by an operator so that station operations suitable for the installed station can be performed.

[0003] However, in an operation where setup corresponding to the installation station is executed by manual operation by an operator, not only does it take a lot of human effort, but there is also a possibility of setting errors due to human error. For this reason, there is a demand for station operation equipment that can easily and surely perform setup when newly installed or transferred.

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 station operation equipment and a station operation system that can easily execute setup according to the installed station.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an embodiment, the station operation device has a communication unit, a position acquisition unit, and a processor. The communication unit communicates with a higher-level device. The position acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the current position of the station operation device. The processor acquires a station schedule file of a station selected from the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit from the higher-level device, and sets the installation station according to the acquired station schedule file.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments 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 station operation system 10 according to an embodiment. The station operation system 10 is a system that connects the station operation devices provided at each station. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the station operation system 10 includes a server 1, a monitoring panel 2, a ticket gate machine 3, a ticket vending machine 4A, and a fare adjustment machine 4B, etc.

[0009] The server 1 is connected to each station operation device via a network. The server 1 is a higher-level device that supplies information to each station operation device. The server 1 may be a station server set for each station, or may be a center server provided in a center that comprehensively manages each station. In the station operation system according to the present embodiment, the server 1 stores a station-by-station file, which is a file of setting data applied to the station operation devices installed at each station. The server 1 supplies the station-by-station file corresponding to the station (installation station) where the station operation device is installed to the station operation device.

[0010] The monitoring panel 2 is connected to the server 1 and also connected to a plurality of ticket gate machines 3. The monitoring panel 2 is provided, for example, for each ticket gate or each station and is connected to the ticket gate machine 3 installed at the ticket gate. The monitoring panel 2 is a higher-level device for the ticket gate machine 3 as an example of the station operation device. The monitoring panel 2 monitors the operating state of each connected ticket gate machine 3 and supplies an operation instruction remotely to each ticket gate machine 3. In the station operation system of the present embodiment, the monitoring panel 2 stores a station-by-station file, which is a file of setting data for each installation station applied to the ticket gate machine 3 to be monitored. The monitoring panel 2 supplies the station-by-station file corresponding to the station (installation station) where the ticket gate machine 3 is installed to the ticket gate machine 3. Also, the monitoring panel 2 may obtain the station-by-station file from the server 1 and supply the station-by-station file corresponding to the installation station to the ticket gate machine 3.

[0011] The ticket gate machine 3 is installed at the ticket gate of the station and executes ticket gate processing (entrance processing and exit processing) at the ticket gate based on the information stored in the passenger ticket medium presented by the user. The ticket gate machine 3 supplies information indicating the operating state to the monitoring panel 2 and obtains information such as operation instructions and setting-related information from the monitoring panel 2. For example, the ticket gate machine 3 obtains the station-by-station file, which is a file of setting data corresponding to the installation station, from the monitoring panel 2 and performs settings according to the station-by-station file obtained from the monitoring panel 2.

[0012] In addition, the passenger ticket medium processed by the ticket gate 3 is, for example, a ticket used as a commuter pass, a post-paid card, or an SF (Stored Fare) card. The passenger ticket medium processed by the ticket gate 3 may be any medium that can be carried by the user and records information (information necessary for ticket gate processing such as passenger ticket information) that can be read by the ticket gate 3. For example, as the passenger ticket medium processed by the ticket gate 3, there are contactless IC cards that transmit and receive information by contactless communication, magnetic recording media (magnetic tickets) in which information is recorded on a magnetic recording section, recording media that record (print or display) coded information such as two-dimensional codes, 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.

[0013] The ticket vending machine 4A and the fare adjustment machine 4B are examples of station operation devices that execute processing of the passenger ticket medium. The ticket vending machine 4A is a station operation device installed at a station or the like that issues a passenger ticket according to the operation of the user himself / herself. For example, the ticket vending machine 4 displays an issuing operation screen for selling a passenger ticket and performs an issuing process according to the content (issuing information) input by the user on the issuing operation screen. In addition, the ticket vending machine 4A communicates with the server 1 as a higher-level device. The ticket vending machine 4A acquires a station-by-station file, which is a file of setting data according to the installed station, from the server 1 and performs settings according to the station-by-station file acquired from the server 1.

[0014] The fare adjustment machine 4B is a station operation device installed in the precincts of a station or the like that performs fare adjustment or the like on the passenger ticket held by the user according to the operation of the user himself / herself. For example, the fare adjustment machine 4B displays a fare adjustment operation screen for performing a fare adjustment process on the passenger ticket and performs a fare adjustment process according to the content input by the user on the fare adjustment operation screen. In addition, the fare adjustment machine 4B communicates with the server 1 as a higher-level device. The fare adjustment machine 4B acquires a station-by-station file, which is a file of setting data according to the installed station, from the server 1 and performs settings according to the station-by-station file acquired from the server 1.

[0015] In addition, in the present embodiment, station devices such as the ticket gate 3, the ticket vending machine 4A, and the fare adjustment machine 4B in the station operation system 10 are assumed to have a function of specifying the current position based on a signal from a position information output device 5 that outputs information indicating the position. That is, the ticket gate 3, the ticket vending machine 4A, and the fare adjustment machine 4B receive the signal output by the position information output device 5 and have a function of specifying their respective current positions (installation positions) based on the signal received from the position information output device 5.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the server 1 as an example of the upper-level device in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server 1 as an example of the upper-level device in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment. According to the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 includes a processor 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, and the like. The processor 11 controls the entire server 1. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 11 realizes various functions by operating based on various programs stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 14.

[0017] The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory in which programs and control data are stored in advance. For example, the ROM 12 functions as a program memory. The RAM 13 is a volatile memory that functions as a working memory. The RAM 13 functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 11. Also, the RAM 13 temporarily stores data transmitted and received by the communication unit 15.

[0018] The storage unit 14 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD that can write and rewrite data. The storage unit 14 stores, for example, information necessary for ticket gate processing and fare settlement in the ticket gate machine. Also, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 14 stores a station-by-station file that is a file of setting data applied to the station equipment installed at each station.

[0019] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface for communicating with the monitoring panel 2 and the station equipment. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 15 is configured to communicate with the monitoring panel 2 to which the ticket gate machine 3 is connected and station equipment such as the ticket vending machine 4A and the fare calculator 4B. For example, the communication unit 15 is used as a communication interface for receiving information indicating the installation station from station equipment such as the ticket vending machine 4A and the fare calculator 4B and transmitting the station-by-station file corresponding to the installation station received from the station equipment to the station equipment.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the monitoring panel (upper device) 2 in the station system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the monitoring panel 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring panel 2 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 2. 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.

[0021] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory in which programs, control data, etc. 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.

[0022] The storage unit 24 stores various types of data. The storage unit 24 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive), for example. Also, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores a station-by-station file that is a file of setting data indicating setting contents corresponding to the installation station to be applied to the ticket gate 3 to be monitored.

[0023] The communication unit 25 is a communication interface for communicating with the ticket gate 3 to be monitored and the server 1. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the communication unit 25 includes a communication interface for communicating with each ticket gate 3 and a communication interface for communicating with the server 1. For example, the communication unit 25 is used as a communication interface for receiving information indicating the installation station from the ticket gate 3 to be monitored and transmitting the station-by-station file corresponding to the installation station received from the ticket gate 3 to the ticket gate 3.

[0024] 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 composed of a display device with a built-in touch panel. The operation panel 26 displays information indicating the operating state of each ticket gate 3 to be monitored and receives operation instructions for each ticket gate 3 input by the attendant. For example, on the monitoring panel 2, the processor 21 monitors the operating state of each ticket gate 3 and displays the operating state of each ticket gate 3 on the operation panel 26. Also, the processor 21 supplies an operation instruction to the ticket gate 3 in response to an instruction input to the operation panel 26 by the attendant.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the ticket gate 3 as an example of the station equipment in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ticket gate 3 as an example of the station equipment in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the ticket gate 3 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35, a media processing unit 36, a display unit 37, a door control unit 38, a maintenance panel 39, and a position information acquisition unit 40, etc.

[0026] The processor 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 function as a control unit that controls the entire ticket gate 3. The processor 31 is, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU. The processor 31 realizes various processing functions by executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage unit 34.

[0027] 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. 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 and the like.

[0028] 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. Further, when the storage unit 34 receives the station operation file from the monitoring panel 2, it stores various setting information according to the received station operation file. Furthermore, the storage unit 34 may store a program executed by the processor 31.

[0029] The communication unit 35 is a communication interface. The communication unit 35 is a communication interface for communicating with the monitoring panel 2, which is a higher-level device with respect to the ticket gate machine 3. The communication unit 35 functions as a communication interface that notifies the installation station to the monitoring panel 2 and acquires the station operation file corresponding to the installation station from the monitoring panel 2.

[0030] The media processing unit 36 processes the ticket media held by the user. The media processing unit 36 functions as a media processing unit that reads information from the ticket media. The media processing unit 36 may be any device that can read ticket information from the ticket media held by the user. For example, if the ticket media is an IC card, the media processing unit 36 is composed of a card reader / writer that performs data communication (reading and writing to the IC card) with the IC card. Also, if the ticket media is a contactless IC card, the card reader / writer as the media processing unit 36 is composed of an antenna and a communication control unit for performing short-range wireless communication with the IC card.

[0031] The display unit 37 is a display for guiding the users passing through the ticket gate. The display unit 37 is installed, for example, near the center or the exit side of the ticket gate machine 3 main body so that it can be easily seen by 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.

[0032] The door control unit 38 controls the passage of the user. The door control unit 38 controls, for example, the opening and closing of the door for blocking the passage of the passage formed by the ticket gate machine 3 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.

[0033] The maintenance panel 39 includes an operation unit for an operator (attendant) to input operation instructions. The maintenance panel 39 is provided, for example, inside a housing and is used when an operator who executes the setting work of the ticket gate machine 3 inputs an operation instruction. The maintenance panel 39 may be composed of a display with a touch panel (operation unit), or may be composed of operation buttons or the like.

[0034] The position information acquisition unit 40 acquires position information indicating the installation position (current position) of the ticket gate machine 3 as station equipment. The position information acquisition unit 40 identifies the current position based on a signal from a position information output device 5 which is a device that outputs a signal for identifying a position. For example, the position information acquisition unit 40 identifies the longitude and latitude of the current position based on a signal from the position information output device 5, and acquires position information including the latitude and longitude of the current position.

[0035] The position information acquisition unit 40 may, for example, identify the position using GPS (Global Positioning System). Also, the position information acquisition unit 40 may identify the current position by receiving a signal from a device that outputs radio waves such as a base station of a mobile communication network.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the ticket vending machine 4A and the fare collection machine 4B, which are examples of station equipment in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment, will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ticket vending machine 4A and the fare collection machine 4B, which are examples of station equipment in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5, the ticket vending machine 4A and the fare collection machine 4B include a processor 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a storage unit 44, a communication unit 45, a media processing unit 46, a display unit 47, an operation unit 48, a settlement processing unit 49, and a position information acquisition unit 50, etc. In the following description regarding FIG. 5, the configuration of the ticket vending machine 4A will be described, but it is assumed that the fare collection machine 4B also has a similar configuration.

[0037] The processor 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 function as a control unit that controls the entire device. The processor 41 is an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, for example. The processor 41 realizes various processing functions by executing a program stored in the ROM 42 or the storage unit 44.

[0038] The ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory and functions as a program memory. The ROM 42 stores programs, control data, etc. that the processor 41 executes. The RAM 43 functions as a working memory that temporarily holds data. The RAM 43 loads programs and holds data being processed by the processor 41. The RAM 43 also functions as a buffer memory that temporarily holds communication data, etc.

[0039] The storage unit 44 is a memory that stores data. The storage unit 44 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 44 stores, for example, stop interval data supplied from the server 1. The storage unit 44 also stores display data to be displayed on the display unit 47 as various operation screens or guidance screens. The storage unit 44 may store a program executed by the processor 41 or may store information used for various processes.

[0040] The communication unit 45 is a communication interface that communicates via a network. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 45 is a communication interface for communicating with the server 1 as a higher-level device with respect to the ticket vending machine 4A and the payment machine 4B. The communication unit 45 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the station operation file of the station where the station operation device is installed from the server 1.

[0041] The media processing unit 46 processes a ticket media used as a fare card. For example, the media processing unit 46 includes a processing unit that processes a contactless IC card or a magnetic card used as the ticket media. The media processing unit 46 of the ticket vending machine 4A issues tickets such as fare cards or commuter passes according to an instruction from the user. Further, the media processing unit 46 also has a function of processing the ticket media already possessed by the user. For example, the media processing unit 46 of the ticket collector 4B may read ticket information from the ticket media presented by the user and perform settlement processing or the like to issue a settlement ticket.

[0042] The display unit 47 is a display that displays operation guidance, processing status, etc. The display unit 47 is an example of a notification device. The operation unit 48 is composed of various operation keys or a touch panel, etc. The operation unit 48 is operated by the user or the staff member, and supplies information indicating the content of the operation instruction to the processor 41. For example, a worker who executes the installation (setting) work of the ticket vending machine 4A inputs an operation instruction through the operation unit 48.

[0043] The display unit 47 and the operation unit 48 may be configured by a display device having a touch panel as an operation unit, or may be configured by an operation button and a display device. In the present embodiment, the display unit 47 and the operation unit 48 are configured as a display device having a touch panel, and buttons selectable by the touch panel as the operation unit 48 are displayed on the display unit 47.

[0044] The settlement processing unit 49 performs settlement processing. The settlement processing unit 49 includes, for example, a card processing unit that processes a settlement card and a cash processing unit that processes cash. The cash processing unit of the settlement processing unit 49 accepts the cash input by the user, or discharges change or refund money to be paid to the user. The cash processing unit as the settlement processing unit 49 is composed of an inspection unit that inspects the cash input by the user, a transport unit that transports the cash, a storage unit that stores the cash, a discharge unit that discharges the cash stored in the storage unit, and the like.

[0045] Similar to the position information acquisition unit 40, the position information acquisition unit 50 acquires position information indicating the installation position (current position) of the ticket vending machine 4A or the settlement machine 4B as station equipment. The position information acquisition unit 50 identifies the current position based on a signal from a position information output device 5 that outputs a signal for specifying the position. For example, the position information acquisition unit 50 identifies the longitude and latitude of the current position based on the signal from the position information output device 5, and acquires position information including the latitude and longitude of the current position.

[0046] For example, the position information acquisition unit 50 may identify the position using GPS (Global Positioning System). Further, the position information acquisition unit 50 may identify the current position by receiving a signal from a device that outputs radio waves such as a base station of a mobile communication network.

[0047] Next, the setting operation of the station-by-station file in station equipment such as the ticket gate 3, the ticket vending machine 4A, and the settlement machine 4B that constitute the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Here, as an example of the station equipment in the station operation system 10, the operation of the ticket gate 3 having the monitoring panel 2 as the upper device will be described. However, it is assumed that the same flow of operations as the ticket gate 3 described later can be performed on station equipment such as the ticket vending machine 4A and the settlement machine 4B having the server 1 as the upper device.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of setting the installation station in the ticket gate 3, which is an example of the station equipment constituting the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment. First, when the ticket gate 3 is turned on from the power-off state, the processor 31 starts the startup process for starting each part. When starting the startup process (ST11, YES), the processor 31 acquires information indicating the current position from the position information acquisition unit 40 (ST12). The position information acquisition unit 40 operates in response to the startup instruction from the processor 31, and identifies the current position by receiving a signal from the position information output device 5. When the position information acquisition unit 40 identifies the current position, it supplies the position information indicating the current position to the processor 31.

[0049] When the processor 31 acquires the position information indicating the current position from the position information acquisition unit 40, the acquired position information is stored in the storage unit 34. Here, the processor 31 may store the position information acquired from the position information acquisition unit 40 in the storage unit 34 in association with the information indicating the current time (the time when the position was measured).

[0050] When the processor 31 acquires the position information indicating the current position from the position information acquisition unit 40, the processor 31 determines whether the installation position of the ticket gate 3 has moved based on whether the current position indicated by the acquired position information has moved from the position specified by the position information acquisition unit 40 last time (ST13). For example, the processor 31 determines whether the installation position of the ticket gate 3 has moved based on whether the current position specified by the position information acquired from the position information acquisition unit 40 and the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 40 and stored in the storage unit 34 last time are separated by a predetermined distance (for example, the maximum value of the error that occurs when the position information acquisition unit 40 specifies a position) or more.

[0051] When it is determined that the installation position of the ticket gate 3 has not moved (ST13, NO), since the processor 31 does not need to update the setting of the installation station, the processor 31 ends the setting operation of the installation station without updating the station-by-station file.

[0052] When it is determined that the installation position of the ticket gate 3 has moved (ST13, YES), the processor 31 selects candidates for the station where the ticket gate 3 is currently installed from the current position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 40 (ST14). For example, the storage unit 34 stores the position information (longitude and latitude) of each station. The processor 31 selects the station closest to the current position as a candidate for the installation station by comparing the latitude and longitude of the current position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 40 with the longitude and latitude of each station.

[0053] In addition, if the candidate for the installation station selected from the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit 40 is the same as the currently set installation station, the processor 31 may end the setting of the station-by-station file on the assumption that there is no need to update the station-by-station file.

[0054] When the processor 31 selects a candidate for the installation station from the position information (current position) acquired by the position information acquisition unit 40, the processor 31 displays, on the display unit 37 or the display of the maintenance panel 39, an instruction screen for instructing a change in the set station including the candidate for the installation station selected from the current position, together with a caution message indicating that the installation position has been changed (ST15). For example, the processor 31 displays an instruction screen that allows the operator to select either no change in the installation station or any of the installation stations selected from the current position. Alternatively, the processor 31 may display an instruction screen that allows the operator to select either no change in the installation station, an installation station selected from the current position, or a designation of the installation station by the operator.

[0055] FIG. 7 is an example of a display of an instruction screen regarding the setting of the installation station to be displayed when it is detected that the installation position of the ticket gate 3 has moved. According to the example of the instruction screen shown in FIG. 7, the processor 31 displays three buttons (first button b1, second button b2, third button b3) that can be selected by the operator, together with a message indicating that the movement of the installation position has been detected.

[0056] The first button b1 is a button for instructing not to perform a change in the set station. For example, when the ticket gate 3 is moved for testing or maintenance, etc., there may be no need to change the setting of the installation station for the ticket gate 3. In such a case, by instructing the first button b1, the operator can prevent the ticket gate from performing a setting change (change in the station-by-station file) even when the installation position has been moved.

[0057] The second button b2 is a button for instructing to change the installation station to the station selected from the current position. For example, when the ticket gate machine 3 is newly installed, or when the ticket gate machine 3 is installed at another station, the ticket gate machine 3 needs to change the settings according to the installation station to the settings of the newly installed station. In such a case, the ticket gate machine (station operation device) whose installation position has moved can present to the operator candidates for a new installation station selected from the current position. When the operator instructs the second button b2, the ticket gate machine (station operation device) can change the setting of the installation station to the setting of the new installation station selected from the current position (the setting based on the station-by-station file). As a result, the operator can easily and surely instruct the change of the installation station setting only by selecting the candidate for the installation station selected from the current position.

[0058] The third button b3 is a button for instructing to change the installation station to the station designated by the operator. For example, in an installation environment where it is difficult for the position information acquisition unit 40 to acquire an accurate position, or when candidates for the installation station cannot be selected from the position information due to the proximity of a plurality of stations, etc., the operator may need to designate the installation station. In such a case, when the operator instructs the third button b3, the ticket gate machine (station operation device) can change the setting of the installation station to the setting of the station designated by the operator.

[0059] When it is instructed on the instruction screen displayed by detecting the movement of the installation position that there is no change in the installation station (ST16, NO), the processor 31 ends the setting of the installation station. For example, when the operator instructs the first button b1 on the instruction screen shown in FIG. 7, the processor 31 ends the setting of the installation station without changing the setting data or the like.

[0060] Also, when it is instructed on the instruction screen displayed by detecting the movement of the installation position that the candidate for the installation station selected from the current position is instructed (ST16, YES), the processor 31 shall change the installation station to the candidate for the installation station selected from the current position. In this case, the processor 31 requests the monitoring panel 2, which is the upper device, for the station-by-station file of the installation station selected from the current position (ST17).

[0061] Also, when an operator designates a new installation station, the processor 31 shall accept the designation of the installation station by the operator using the maintenance panel 39 and change the installation station to the station designated by the operator. In this case, the processor 31 requests the station-by-station file of the station (installation station) designated by the operator from the monitoring panel 2 which is the upper device.

[0062] After requesting the station-by-station file of the installation station, the processor 31 acquires the station-by-station file of the installation station from the monitoring panel 2 (ST18). When acquiring the station-by-station file of the installation station from the monitoring panel 2, the processor 31 executes the settings based on the station-by-station file acquired from the monitoring panel 2 (ST19).

[0063] Note that according to the above-described operation example, the change to the installation station selected from the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit in ST14 to 17 is executed according to the instruction of the operator. However, even without the instruction of the operator, it is also possible to request the station-by-station file of the installation station selected from the current position to the upper device. By performing such an operation, the station-by-station file of the installation station selected from the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit can be acquired at startup, and the operation instruction by the operator can be made unnecessary.

[0064] Also, in the above-described operation example, the operation in the ticket gate as an example of the station equipment is assumed for explanation. However, the change of the installation station can also be implemented in the same processing procedure in station equipment such as ticket vending machines and ticket checking machines. For example, when the station equipment such as ticket vending machines and ticket checking machines is instructed to change to the installation station selected from the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit, it may request the station-by-station file of the installation station from the server 1 and acquire the station-by-station file of the installation station from the server 1.

[0065] Next, the operations of the server 1 and the monitoring panel 2 as the upper devices in the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the monitoring panel 2 which is an example of the upper device constituting the station operation system 10 according to the embodiment. The monitoring panel 2 is communicably connected to the ticket gate machine 3 to be monitored via the communication unit 25. The processor 21 of the monitoring panel 2 receives a request for the daily station file from the ticket gate machine 3 (ST21). Here, it is assumed that the monitoring panel 2 as the upper device stores the daily station files of each station in the storage unit 24.

[0066] When the processor 21 of the monitoring panel 2 is requested for the daily station file from the ticket gate machine 3 (ST21, YES), the processor 21 reads out the daily station file of the installation station designated by the ticket gate machine 3 from the storage unit 24. The processor 21 supplies the daily station file of the installation station designated by the ticket gate machine 3 read from the storage unit 24 to the ticket gate machine 3 through the communication unit 25 (ST22).

[0067] Note that the monitoring panel 2 may obtain the daily station file from the server 1. In this case, the monitoring panel 2 may obtain the daily station file of the installation station designated by the ticket gate machine 3 from the server 1 and supply the obtained daily station file to the ticket gate machine 3.

[0068] As described above, in the station operation system according to the embodiment, the station operation device installed at the station includes a position information acquisition unit. Each time the station operation device is started, the station operation device determines whether the installation position of the station operation device has moved based on the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit. When the station operation device detects that the installation position of the station operation device has moved based on the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit, the station operation device obtains the daily station file of the station selected from the current position specified by the position information acquisition unit from the upper device, and executes the setting of the installation station according to the obtained daily station file.

[0069] Thereby, the station operation device can perform a setup corresponding to the installation station specified from the current position quickly and easily when newly installed or when the installation position is changed. As a result, the manual setting work can be reduced, and the time for the setting work at the time of installation can be reduced, and human setting errors can be eliminated.

[0070] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example 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

[0071] 1... Server (upper device), 2... Monitoring panel (upper device), 3... Ticket gate (station operation device), 4A... Ticket vending machine (station operation device), 4B... Fare adjustment machine (station operation device), 10... Station operation system, 11, 21... Processor (second processor), 12, 22... ROM, 13, 23... RAM, 14, 24... Storage unit, 15, 25... Communication unit (second communication unit), 31, 41... Processor (first processor), 32, 42... ROM, 33, 43... RAM, 34, 44... Storage unit, 35, 45... Communication unit (first communication unit), 36, 46... Media processing unit, 37, 47... Display unit, 39... Maintenance panel (operation unit), 48... Operation unit, 40, 50... Position information acquisition unit.

Claims

1. In station operation equipment installed at a station, a communication unit that communicates with a host device; a position acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the current position of the station operation equipment; a processor that acquires a station-by-station file of the station selected from the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit from the host device and sets the installation station according to the acquired station-by-station file; Station operation equipment having the above.

2. Further, it has a storage unit that stores the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit, When the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit has moved from the position previously acquired by the position acquisition unit stored in the storage unit, the processor acquires a station-by-station file of the station selected from the current position from the host device and sets the installation station according to the acquired station-by-station file. The station operation equipment according to Claim 1.

3. When the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit has moved from the position previously acquired by the position acquisition unit stored in the storage unit, the processor receives an instruction to set the station selected from the current position as a new installation station, acquires a station-by-station file of the station selected from the current position from the host device according to the instruction, and sets the installation station according to the acquired station-by-station file. The station operation equipment according to Claim 2.

4. When the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit has moved from the position previously acquired by the position acquisition unit stored in the storage unit, the processor further displays the station selected from the current position as a candidate for a new installation station on a display, When an instruction input to set the station displayed as a candidate on the display as a new installation station is received, the processor acquires a station-by-station file of the new installation station from the host device and sets the installation station according to the acquired station-by-station file. The station operation equipment according to Claim 3.

5. When the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit has moved from the position previously acquired by the position acquisition unit stored in the storage unit, the processor displays, together with a message indicating that the movement of the installation position has been detected, a station selected from the current position as a candidate for a new installation station on a display. The station equipment according to claim 4.

6. In a station operation system having station equipment and a host device, The station equipment includes: A first communication unit that communicates with the host device; A position acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the current position of the station equipment; A first processor that acquires a station schedule file of a station selected from the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit from the host device and sets an installation station according to the acquired station schedule file; The host device includes: A second communication unit that communicates with the station equipment; A second processor that supplies the station schedule file of the station requested by the station equipment to the station equipment when the station schedule file of the station is requested from the station equipment by the second communication unit; Station operation system.

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