Station equipment, ticket vending machines, ticket gates and station equipment control programs

Abstract

To provide a station service apparatus, a ticket vending machine, a ticket examination machine, and a control program for a station service apparatus that eliminate the need to perform a manual setting operation and can output an easily audible voice for a user.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a station service apparatus has a microphone, a speaker, a sensor, and a processor. The microphone picks up a sound. The speaker outputs a sound. The sensor detects approach of a user. In a case where the sensor detects approach of the user, the processor sets the sound volume of a voice to be output from the speaker in accordance with the sound volume of the sound picked up by the microphone, and executes station service processing including voice guidance at the set sound volume.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to station service equipment, a ticket vending machine, a ticket gate, and a control program for the station service equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, railway stations and other facilities are equipped with station service equipment, such as ticket vending machines and ticket gates, that perform station service processing in response to user operation instructions. Station service equipment, which is installed in highly public locations such as stations, is often noisy around the equipment, and the noise levels vary depending on the installation environment of each station and corner. For example, the noise levels around station service equipment vary depending on various factors, such as the number of people using the station, the time of day, and the distance from trains arriving and departing from the station platform.

[0003] For this reason, station equipment has the problem that the volume of announcements and warnings can be too low to hear, or too high to be noisy, due to unpredictable noises that occur in the surrounding area. Conventional station equipment has a function that allows station staff to adjust the volume. However, it is considered unrealistic for staff to adjust the volume of each piece of station equipment installed in a station, as this requires a considerable amount of manpower and time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-99814 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide station equipment, ticket vending machines, ticket gates, and a control program for station equipment that can output audio that is easy for users to hear without requiring manual setting work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, the station service equipment includes a microphone, a speaker, a sensor, and a processor. The microphone collects sound. The speaker outputs sound. The sensor detects the approach of a user. When the sensor detects the approach of a user, the processor processes the sound collected by the microphone. sounds other than the user's voice are detected as background noise, and according to the volume of the detected background noise, The volume of the voice output from the speaker is set, and station work processing including voice guidance is performed at the set volume. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a station service system including station service equipment according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ticket vending machine and a fare adjustment machine as an example of station service equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a ticket vending machine as an example of station service equipment according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ticket gate as an example of station service equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation example of the station service equipment including the audio adjustment process in the station service equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example of the station service equipment including the audio adjustment process in the station service equipment according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a station service system 1 according to an embodiment. 1, the station service system 1 includes a server 10, a ticket vending machine 11, a fare adjustment machine 12, and a ticket gate 13. The ticket vending machine 11, the fare adjustment machine 12, and the ticket gate 13 are examples of station service equipment.

[0009] The server 10 is connected to each of the station service equipment 11, 12, and 13 via a network. The server 10 supplies information to each of the station service equipment 11, 12, and 13. The server 10 also acquires information indicating the operating status, such as the history of station service processing, of each of the station service equipment 11, 12, and 13, and manages the acquired information.

[0010] The ticket vending machine 11 is an example of station service equipment with a voice guidance function. The ticket vending machine 11 is installed in a station or the like, and issues tickets such as train tickets in response to user operation. The ticket vending machine 11 displays an operation screen for issuing tickets such as train tickets, and executes ticket issuing processing (station service processing) in response to the content (ticket issuing information) entered by the user on the operation screen. The ticket vending machine 11 also provides operation guidance, including voice guidance, to guide the user through operation procedures such as ticket issuing processing.

[0011] The fare adjustment machine 12 is an example of station service equipment with a voice guidance function. The fare adjustment machine 12 is installed in a station or the like, and performs fare adjustments and the like in response to operations by the user. The fare adjustment machine 12 is also a ticket vending machine that issues a fare ticket as a result of the adjustment. The fare adjustment machine 12 displays an operation screen for performing ticket adjustments, and performs the settlement process (station service process) in response to the content entered by the user on the operation screen. The fare adjustment machine 12 also provides operation guidance, including voice guidance, to guide the user through operation procedures such as the settlement process.

[0012] The ticket gate 13 is an example of station service equipment with a voice guidance function. Each ticket gate 13 is installed at the ticket gate of each station and performs ticket gate processing (entrance processing and exit processing) at the ticket gate. The ticket gate 13 also performs ticket gate processing (passage control processing) as station service processing based on information stored on a ticket (passage ticket medium) presented by a user. The ticket gate 13 provides guidance including voice guidance to notify the user of the results of the ticket gate processing, including whether or not the user is allowed to pass based on the ticket presented by the user.

[0013] For example, the ticket gate 13 performs ticket gate processing as station service processing including voice guidance by processing tickets issued by the ticket vending machine 11, fare adjustment tickets issued by the fare adjustment machine 12, or portable electronic devices (ticket media) such as IC cards or mobile terminals that store electronic money or commuter pass information that can be used as a fare.

[0014] The ticket medium used as a ticket by the ticket gate 13 may be any medium that records information that can be read by the ticket gate 13. For example, ticket media processed by the ticket gate 13 include a magnetic recording medium (magnetic ticket) in which information is recorded in a magnetic recording section, a contactless IC card that sends and receives information through contactless communication, a recording medium that records (prints or displays) coded information such as a two-dimensional code, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone that has the same function as a contactless IC card, or a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone that displays coded information such as a two-dimensional code.

[0015] Next, the configurations of the ticket vending machine 11 and the fare adjustment machine 12 as examples of station service equipment in the station service system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ticket vending machine 11 and the fare adjustment machine 12 as an example of station service equipment in the station service system 1 according to the embodiment. In the example configuration shown in Fig. 2, the ticket vending machine 11 includes a processor 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory unit 24, a communication unit 25, a ticket processing unit 26, a card processing unit 27, an operation display unit 28, a cash processing unit 29, a proximity sensor 30, a camera interface 31A, a microphone 32, and a speaker 33. Note that the settlement machine 12 can be realized with a configuration similar to that of the ticket vending machine 11 as shown in Fig. 2, and the configuration of the ticket vending machine 11 will be described below.

[0016] The processor 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 function as a control unit that controls the entire device. The processor 21 is, for example, a computing device such as a CPU. The processor 21 executes programs stored in the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24 to realize various processing functions.

[0017] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory and functions as a program memory. The ROM 22 stores programs executed by the processor 41, control data, etc. The RAM 23 functions as a working memory that temporarily stores data. The RAM 23 loads programs and stores data being processed by the processor 21. The RAM 23 also functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores communication data, etc.

[0018] The storage unit 24 is a memory that stores data. The storage unit 24 is configured with a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. For example, the storage unit 24 stores audio data for audio guidance output from a speaker as operation guidance, display data to be displayed on the operation display unit 28 as various operation screens or guidance screens, and the like. The storage unit 44 may also store programs executed by the processor 41, or may store information used for various processes. In this embodiment, the storage unit 24 also stores setting information for setting (adjusting) an output audio level in accordance with background noise, which will be described later.

[0019] The communication unit 25 is a communication interface for communicating with the server 10. For example, the communication unit 25 is a network interface for communicating with the server 10 via a network.

[0020] The ticket processing unit 26 processes tickets (ticket media) used as passenger tickets. The ticket processing unit 26 issues tickets such as passenger tickets, limited express tickets, or commuter passes in response to operational instructions from the user. For example, the ticket processing unit 26 includes a processing unit that issues tickets as storage media used as passenger tickets, limited express tickets, or commuter passes. The ticket processing unit 26 may also have the function of processing ticket media already held by the user. For example, the ticket processing unit 26 may read ticket information from a passenger ticket held by the user, perform fare adjustment processing, and then issue a fare-adjusted ticket.

[0021] The card processing unit 27 is a unit that processes cards presented by users. For example, the card processing unit 27 includes a card reader / writer that processes contactless IC cards, contact IC cards, or magnetic cards used as cards for payment or as tickets.

[0022] The operation display unit 28 includes an operation unit and a display unit. The operation display unit 28 is, for example, a display device with a touch panel. The display unit as the operation display unit 28 is a display device that displays operation guidance, processing status, icons as buttons operated by the user, and the like. The operation unit as the operation display unit 28 accepts operation instructions from the user or an attendant. The operation unit as the operation display unit 28 is composed of buttons, a touch panel, and the like. In this embodiment, the operation display unit 28 will be described as a display device equipped with a touch panel that functions as a display unit and an operation unit.

[0023] The cash processing unit 29 is a unit that processes cash. The cash processing unit 29 is composed of an inspection unit that inspects the cash inserted by the user, a transport unit that transports the cash, a storage unit that stores the cash, and a dispensing unit that dispenses the cash stored in the storage unit. For example, the cash processing unit 29 accepts cash inserted by the user and dispenses change or refunds to be paid to the user.

[0024] The proximity sensor 30 is a sensor that detects the approach of a user. The proximity sensor 30 detects a user approaching the ticket vending machine 11 (payment adjustment machine 12). For example, the proximity sensor 30 is installed so as to detect a user who is in a position where the user can operate the operation unit serving as the operation and display unit 28.

[0025] Camera interface 31A is connected to camera 31B. Camera 31B is installed so as to capture images of users using ticket vending machine 11 (payment adjustment machine 12). Camera interface 31A supplies images captured by camera 31B to processor 21. Camera interface 31A also supplies signals to camera 31B for controlling camera 31B in response to control signals from processor 21.

[0026] The microphone 32 inputs voice. The microphone 32 collects sounds including not only the voice emitted by the user but also ambient noise. The microphone 32 is an audio input unit including an audio input circuit that converts the collected sound into audio data and outputs it to the processor 21.

[0027] The speaker 33 outputs audio. The speaker 33 is an audio output unit including an audio output circuit that outputs audio guidance based on audio data instructed to be output by the processor 21. The speaker 33 also sets the volume of the audio to be output in response to a control instruction from the processor 21.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the ticket vending machine 11 or the fare adjustment machine 12 having the configuration shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 3, the ticket vending machine 11 (or the adjustment machine 12) is formed of a housing with an operation display unit 28 on the front side, which serves as the customer facing surface. A proximity sensor 30 is provided above the operation display unit 28 on the front side. The proximity sensor 30 detects a user who approaches to a position where the operation display unit 28 can be operated.

[0029] Furthermore, camera 31B is installed so as to capture an image including a user operating operation display unit 28. However, camera 31B may be any camera that can capture an image of a user operating operation display unit 28, and may be provided separately from ticket vending machine 11. In this case, ticket vending machine 11 may acquire the image captured by camera 31B via camera interface 31A.

[0030] The speaker 33 is installed in a position close to the ears of an average user so that the output audio guidance can be easily heard by users. Furthermore, the microphone 32 and the speaker 33 are positioned close to each other, as shown in Figure 3. This means that the position where the microphone 32 collects sound and the position where the speaker 33 emits sound are close to each other. As a result, the microphone 32 can collect sounds, including background noise, at the position of the speaker 33, which outputs audio guidance, warnings, etc. to users using the ticket vending machine 11.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the ticket gate 13, which is an example of station service equipment in the station service system 1 according to the embodiment, will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ticket gate 13, which is an example of station service equipment in a station service system according to an embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 4, the ticket gate 13 has a processor 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a memory unit 44, a communication unit 45, a ticket processing unit 46, a door control unit 47, a display unit 48, a passage detection sensor 49, a proximity sensor 50, a camera 51, a microphone 52, and a speaker 53, etc.

[0032] The processor 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 function as a control unit that controls the entire ticket gate 13. The processor 41 is, for example, a calculation unit such as a CPU. The processor 41 realizes various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 42 or the memory unit 44.

[0033] The ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory and functions as a program memory. The ROM 42 stores programs executed by the processor 41, control data, etc. The RAM 43 functions as a working memory that temporarily stores data. The RAM 43 loads programs and stores data being processed by the processor 41. The RAM 43 also functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores communication data, etc.

[0034] The storage unit 44 is a memory that stores data. The storage unit 44 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 44 stores information such as fare information used in ticket gate processing. The storage unit 44 also stores audio data for audio guidance output from the speaker 53 as operation guidance, display data to be displayed on the display unit 48 as various operation screens or guidance screens, and the like. The storage unit 44 may also store programs executed by the processor 41.

[0035] The communication unit 45 is a communication interface for communicating via a network. The communication unit 45 may be an interface for wired communication or an interface for wireless communication. The ticket processing unit 46 processes tickets presented by users. The ticket processing unit 46 functions as a medium processing unit that reads information from tickets presented by users. The ticket processing unit 46 may be any unit that can read information from tickets held by users. For example, if the ticket medium is a magnetic ticket, the ticket processing unit 46 accepts the ticket inserted by the user and reads the information recorded on the ticket. If the ticket medium is an IC card or a mobile terminal, the ticket processing unit 46 is configured with a communication interface that performs data communication with the IC card or mobile terminal.

[0036] The door control unit 47 controls the passage of users. For example, the door control unit 47 controls a door for blocking passage through a passage formed by the ticket gate 13 at the ticket gate. The door control unit 47 includes a door opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the door in response to an instruction from the processor 41. The processor 41 controls the opening and closing of the door (passage control) in response to the processing status.

[0037] The display unit 48 is a display that displays guidance to users passing through the ticket gate. The display unit 48 is installed, for example, near the center of the main body of the ticket gate 13 so that it is easily visible to users passing through the ticket gate. The guidance displayed on the display unit 48 is controlled by the processor 41. That is, the processor 41 controls the display of the display unit 48 according to the processing status.

[0038] The passage detection sensor 49 detects whether or not a person is present at a plurality of predetermined positions within the passage formed at the ticket gate by the ticket gate 13. The passage detection sensor 49 detects information indicating the movement of a person within the passage and the exit of a person from the passage by detecting a person at each predetermined position within the passage.

[0039] The approach sensor 50 is a sensor that detects the approach of a user. For example, the approach sensor 50 is installed so as to detect a person (user) approaching a passage formed by the ticket examiner 13 at the ticket gate.

[0040] Camera interface 51A is connected to camera 51B. Camera 51B is installed so as to capture images of users using ticket gate 13. Camera interface 51A supplies images captured by camera 51B to processor 41. Camera interface 51A also supplies signals indicating control instructions for camera 51B, which are supplied from processor 41, to camera 51B.

[0041] The microphone 52 inputs sound. In this embodiment, the microphone 52 collects sound including noise around the ticket gate 13. The microphone 52 is an audio input unit including an audio input circuit that converts the collected sound into audio data and outputs it to the processor 41.

[0042] The speaker 53 outputs sound. The speaker 53 is an audio output unit including an audio output circuit that outputs audio guidance based on audio data instructed to be output by the processor 41. The speaker 53 also sets the volume of the audio to be output in response to a control instruction from the processor 41.

[0043] The microphone 52 and the speaker 53 may be arranged close to each other. This brings the position where the microphone 52 collects sound and the position where the speaker 53 emits sound close to each other. As a result, the microphone 52 can collect sounds, including background noise, at the position of the speaker 53, which outputs audio guidance, warnings, and the like to users using the ticket gate 13.

[0044] Next, station service processing including voice guidance executed by station service equipment 11, 12, and 13 in station service system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation example of station service processing including voice guidance executed by station service equipment 11, 12, and 13 in station service system 1 according to the embodiment. Here, as an example of station service equipment, the flow of station service processing including voice guidance by ticket vending machine 11 will be described. Processor 21 of ticket vending machine 11 monitors a person (user) approaching ticket vending machine 11 based on a detection signal from proximity sensor 30.

[0045] When the processor 21 detects the approach of a user (ST11, YES), it acquires audio data of sounds collected by the microphone 32 (ST12). The microphone 32 collects (collects) sounds in accordance with a control instruction from the processor 21, and supplies the processor 21 with audio data including information indicating the volume of the collected sounds.

[0046] Processor 21 detects the volume of background noise, which is noise around the ticket vending machine 11, based on the audio data collected by microphone 32 (ST13). For example, processor 21 extracts sounds other than the user's own voice from the audio data collected by microphone 32, and detects the volume of the extracted sounds as background noise. Processor 21 may use octave analysis as an algorithm for detecting background noise. Processor 21 may also use A-weighting to detect the volume (noise level) of background noise.

[0047] When the volume of the background noise is detected, the processor 21 adjusts (sets) the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker 33 in accordance with the volume of the background noise (ST14). For example, the processor 21 sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker 33 to a volume obtained by adding a predetermined setting value (volume value) to the volume of the detected background noise.

[0048] The predetermined setting value to be applied to the volume of background noise in order to set the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker 33 is stored in a memory such as the storage unit 24. For example, the processor 21 may store a setting value instructed by the server 10 in the storage unit 24. The predetermined setting value may be set in accordance with a specific standard, or may be a value selected depending on the time of day, the installation location, the congestion level of the installation station, etc.

[0049] Processor 21 executes station service processing including outputting audio guidance from speaker 33 at the volume adjusted in ST14 (ST15). For example, processor 21 executes ticket issuing processing as station service processing, which issues tickets in response to user operations on operation display unit 28.

[0050] The fare adjustment machine 12, another example of station service equipment, executes a fare adjustment process as a station service process, which adjusts the fare for a ticket presented by a user in response to the user's operation. The ticket gate 13, another example of station service equipment, executes a ticket gate process (passage control process) based on the ticket presented by the user as a station service process.

[0051] Processor 21 returns to ST12 and repeatedly executes the above-described processes of ST12 to ST15 until the station service processing is completed (ST16, NO). Here, processor 21 may execute the processes of ST12 to ST14 and the station service processing of ST15 in parallel. Furthermore, when processor 21 completes the station service processing for the user (ST16, YES), it enters a standby state for station service processing for the next approaching user.

[0052] As described above, according to the first operation example, the processor 21 of the ticket vending machine 11, which is an example of station service equipment, performs station service processing while adjusting the volume of the audio output from the speaker 33 in accordance with the volume of background noise from the time an approaching user is detected until the station service processing for that user is completed.

[0053] As a result, station service equipment such as the ticket vending machine 11, fare adjustment machine 12, and ticket gate 13 in this embodiment can adjust the volume of the voice guidance output in real time to correspond to the volume of surrounding noise while performing station service processing for approaching users.

[0054] Next, a second operation example of station service processing including voice guidance executed by the station service equipment 11, 12, and 13 in the station service system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example of station service processing including voice guidance executed by the station service equipment 11, 12, and 13 in the station service system 1 according to the embodiment. Here, as an example of station service equipment, the flow of station service processing including voice guidance by ticket vending machine 11 will be described. Processor 21 of ticket vending machine 11 monitors a person (user) approaching ticket vending machine 11 based on a detection signal from proximity sensor 30.

[0055] When the proximity sensor 30 detects the approach of a user (ST21, YES), the processor 21 acquires an image captured by the camera 31B via the camera interface 31A (ST22). The camera 31B is installed so as to capture an image including the user detected by the proximity sensor 30. The processor 21 instructs the camera 31B to capture an image via the camera interface 31A. The processor 21 acquires the image including the user captured by the camera 31B via the camera interface 31A.

[0056] Processor 21 analyzes the user's features from the image of the user included in the image captured by camera 31B (ST23). Processor 21 identifies the audio setting information to be applied based on the analysis results of the user's features (ST24). In the second operation example, storage unit 24 stores audio setting information for each user feature that can be estimated by image analysis. The audio setting information includes a setting value for setting the volume of the audio to be output from speaker 33.

[0057] That is, processor 21 extracts an image of the user from the image captured by camera 31B and analyzes the characteristics of the user from the extracted image of the user. Processor 21 identifies (selects) the audio setting information to be applied in accordance with the characteristics of the user estimated from the analysis result of the image captured by camera 31B.

[0058] For example, the storage unit 24 may store audio setting information for each user's age (e.g., child, adult, elderly) as a user characteristic. In this case, the processor 21 estimates the user's age from the image captured by the camera 31B and specifies audio setting information according to the estimated user's age. The storage unit 24 may also store audio setting information for each user's physical characteristic (e.g., height) as a user characteristic. In this case, the processor 21 estimates the user's physical characteristic from the image captured by the camera 31B and specifies audio setting information according to the estimated user's physical characteristic.

[0059] When processor 21 identifies the audio setting information to be applied according to the user's characteristics, it acquires audio data of the sound collected by microphone 32 (ST25). Processor 21 detects the volume of background noise, which is noise around the station service equipment, based on the audio data collected by microphone 32 (ST26). Processor 21 may detect the volume (noise level) of background noise, as in the first operation example.

[0060] When the volume of the background noise is detected, processor 21 adjusts (sets) the volume of the audio to be output from speaker 33 in accordance with the volume of the background noise based on the audio setting information identified from the user's characteristics (ST27). Processor 21 sets the volume of the audio to be output from speaker 33 based on the setting value (volume value) included in the audio setting information and the volume of the background noise. Processor 21 may set (adjust) the volume of the audio to be output from speaker 33 using the method described in the first operation example.

[0061] Processor 21 executes station service processing including outputting audio guidance from speaker 33 at the volume adjusted in ST27 (ST28). For example, if the station service equipment is ticket vending machine 11, processor 21 executes, as station service processing, ticket issuing processing for issuing a ticket in response to a user's operation on operation display unit 28. If the station service equipment is fare adjustment machine 12, processor 21 executes, as station service processing, fare adjustment processing for adjusting the fare for a ticket presented by a user in response to a user's operation. If the station service equipment is ticket gate 13, processor 41 executes, as station service processing, ticket examination processing (passage control processing) based on the ticket presented by the user.

[0062] Processor 21 returns to ST25 and repeatedly executes the above-described processes of ST25 to ST28 until the station service processing is completed (ST29, NO). Here, processor 21 may execute the processes of ST12 to ST14 and the station service processing of ST15 in parallel. Furthermore, when processor 21 completes the station service processing for the user (ST29, YES), it enters a standby state for station service processing for the next approaching user.

[0063] As described above, according to the second operation example, the processor 21 of the ticket vending machine 11, which is an example of station service equipment, performs station service processing while adjusting the volume of the audio output from the speaker 33 in accordance with the volume of background noise detected from the sound collected by the microphone 32, from the time an approaching user is detected until the station service processing for that user is completed.

[0064] As a result, station service equipment such as the ticket vending machine 11, fare adjustment machine 12, and ticket gate 13 relating to the second operation example of this embodiment can adjust the volume of the voice guidance output in real time in response to the volume of surrounding noise while performing station service processing for approaching users.

[0065] According to a second operation example, processor 21 captures an image including an approaching user with a camera, estimates the user's characteristics from the image captured by the camera, and specifies audio setting information according to the user's characteristics. Processor 21 performs station work processing while adjusting the volume of the audio output from speaker 33 according to the volume of background noise, based on the audio setting information specified according to the user's characteristics, until the station work processing for the user is completed.

[0066] As a result, station service equipment such as the ticket vending machine 11, fare adjustment machine 12, and ticket gate 13 relating to the second operation example of this embodiment can adjust the volume of the voice guidance output using voice setting information according to the characteristics of an approaching user in real time in response to the volume of surrounding noise while performing station service processing for the approaching user.

[0067] 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 embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The following additionally describes the contents of the claims as originally filed in this application. [1] In station service equipment that performs station service processing, A microphone to collect sound, a speaker for outputting sound; A sensor that detects the approach of a user; a processor that, when the sensor detects the approach of a user, sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker according to the volume of the sound collected by the microphone, and executes station work processing including voice guidance at the set volume; Station equipment having the following. [2] the processor detects background noise from the sound collected by the microphone, and sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker in accordance with the volume of the detected background noise. Station equipment as described in [1]. [3] the processor sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker by adding a predetermined setting value to the volume of the background noise. Station equipment as described in [2]. [4] Further, a camera interface is provided for acquiring an image of the user whose approach is detected by the sensor, the processor extracts an image of the user from an image captured by the camera acquired by the camera interface, estimates characteristics of the user from the image of the user, and sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker based on audio setting information corresponding to the estimated characteristics of the user. [1] to [3] Station equipment described in any one of. [5] The microphone and the speaker are installed in close proximity to each other. [1] to [4] Station equipment described in any one of [1] to [4]. [6] A microphone to collect sound, a speaker for outputting sound; A sensor that detects the approach of a user; an operation unit into which an operation instruction is input by a user detected by the sensor; a ticket processing unit that issues a ticket instructed to be issued by an operation instruction to the operation unit; a processor that, when the sensor detects the approach of a user, sets the volume of the sound output from the speaker according to the volume of the sound collected by the microphone, and executes a ticket issuing process using the ticket processing unit, including voice guidance at the set volume; A ticket vending machine with [7] In a ticket gate that controls the passage of users, A microphone to collect sound, a speaker for outputting sound; A sensor that detects the approach of a user; a ticket processing unit that reads information recorded on a ticket presented by a user detected by the sensor; a processor that, when the sensor detects the approach of a user, sets the volume of the sound output from the speaker according to the volume of the sound collected by the microphone, and executes a passage control process based on information read by the ticket processing unit, including voice guidance at the set volume; A ticket gate having: [8] A processor of station service equipment having a microphone for collecting sound, a speaker for outputting sound, and a sensor for detecting the approach of a user, The sensor detects the approach of a user, When the sensor detects the approach of a user, the volume of the sound collected by the microphone is detected; setting the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker in accordance with the volume of the sound collected by the microphone; Execute station service processing including voice guidance at the set volume. Station equipment control program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...Station service system, 10...Server, 11...Ticket vending machine (station service equipment), 12...Adjustment machine (ticket vending machine, station service equipment), 13...Ticket gate (station service equipment), 21...Processor, ROM 22, RAM 23, 24...Memory unit, 25...Communication unit, 26...Ticket processing unit, 27...Card processing unit, 28...Operation display unit, 29...Cash processing unit, 30...Proximity sensor, 31A...Camera interface, 31B...Camera, 32...Microphone, 33...Speaker, 41...Processor, 44...Memory unit, 45...Communication unit, 46...Ticket processing unit, 47...Door control unit, 48...Display unit, 49...Passage detection sensor, 50...Proximity sensor, 51A...Camera interface, 51B...Camera, 52...Microphone, 53...Speaker.

Claims

1. In station service equipment that performs station service processing, A microphone to collect sound, a speaker for outputting sound; A sensor that detects the approach of a user; a processor that, when the sensor detects the approach of a user, detects sounds other than the user's voice from the sounds collected by the microphone as background noise, sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker in accordance with the volume of the detected background noise, and executes station work processing including voice guidance at the set volume; Station equipment having the following.

2. the processor sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker by adding a predetermined setting value to the volume of the background noise. The station equipment according to claim 1.

3. Further, a camera interface is provided for acquiring an image of the user whose approach is detected by the sensor, the processor extracts an image of the user from an image captured by the camera acquired by the camera interface, estimates characteristics of the user from the image of the user, and sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker based on audio setting information corresponding to the estimated characteristics of the user.

3. A station equipment according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The microphone and the speaker are installed in close proximity to each other. A station equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A microphone to collect sound, a speaker for outputting sound; A sensor that detects the approach of a user; an operation unit into which an operation instruction is input by a user detected by the sensor; a ticket processing unit that issues a ticket instructed to be issued by an operation instruction to the operation unit; a processor that, when the sensor detects the approach of a user, detects sounds other than the user's voice from the sounds collected by the microphone as background noise, sets the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker according to the volume of the detected background noise, and executes a ticket issuing process using the ticket processing unit, including voice guidance at the set volume; A ticket vending machine with

6. In a ticket gate that controls the passage of users, A microphone to collect sound, a speaker for outputting sound; A sensor that detects the approach of a user; a ticket processing unit that reads information recorded on a ticket presented by a user detected by the sensor; a processor that, when the sensor detects the approach of a user, detects sounds other than the user's voice from the sounds collected by the microphone as background noise, sets the volume of the sound output from the speaker according to the volume of the detected background noise, and executes a passage control process based on information read by the ticket processing unit, including voice guidance at the set volume; A ticket gate having:

7. A processor of station service equipment having a microphone for collecting sound, a speaker for outputting sound, and a sensor for detecting the approach of a user, The sensor detects the approach of a user, When the sensor detects the approach of a user, sounds other than the voice of the user are detected as background noise from the sounds collected by the microphone; setting the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker in accordance with the volume of the background noise; Execute station service processing including voice guidance at the set volume. Station equipment control program.

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