JPH01149565A - Data communicating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce human labors in obtaining and printing out the information of reserving, ticketing and compensation-paying and in additional processing to accompany them by providing a seat management computer, a credit management computer, etc. CONSTITUTION:An applicant inserts an IC card into the slot of communication terminal equipment TERM1, operates keys, composes a communication line between a communication control device 20 and the terminal, and executes the application of a seat. The device 20 instructs a seat management computer 30 to retrieve the applied seat, retrieved information and a reservation code are transmitted to the TERM1, and they are written onto the IC card. The card is inserted into the slot of a printing terminal CKP1 in the vicinity, the CKP1 reads the information of the IC card, the information of a first kind (seat specification information) and the information of a second kind (fare information) are printed out, and they are transmitted to a credit management computer 50 along with a card ID. Thus, a seat ticket can be obtained, simultaneously, a credit adjustment can be executed, and the human labors in the processing from the acceptance of the seat reservation up to the ticketing can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a data communication device, and in particular, the present invention relates to a data communication device, and particularly to a data communication device that can perform two or more types of reservations, such as seat reservations and ticketing for vehicles using inter-neighboring communication lines. The present invention relates to a neighboring area communication system that transmits and receives information (contents, indicators assigned thereto, and consideration) between neighboring areas, and prints out required information.

(Prior Art) Currently, for example, there are seat reservation systems for transportation facilities that are composed of a home captain's terminal, a public communications network (telephone line), and a transportation-related reservation computer.
For example, ``Cybernetics Utilization in Railways Domestic Symposium Proceedings Vol.

22nd, 'gs, pp. 56-60''. In this case, the captain terminal calls up the reservation computer, enters information such as station name and train name using a code, and notifies the reservation computer from the captain terminal to apply for a reservation. When a reservation is made, the reservation computer sends a reservation code to the captain terminal. The applicant writes down the reservation code, goes to a ticket office related to transportation, presents the reservation code, receives a seat ticket, and pays the price.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) After a reservation is established with the reservation computer, the applicant must memorize or note down information (reservation code) indicating the reservation (completed). Furthermore, at the ticket office counter, the operator must input the reservation code announced by the applicant to the reservation computer. The applicant pays cash at the counter, and the operator issues the ticket and receives the picture scroll and cash (confirming the amount, accounting for change, and paying change).
must be done.

Therefore, reservations and ticket issuance involve many tasks for the applicant and the transportation operator, which requires a lot of effort.

The probability of making a mistake is also high. In particular, since an operator is required to perform the ticketing process from the time a reservation is established with the reservation computer to the time of ticket issuance, installing ticketing offices at multiple points would result in high costs. Locations are limited and applicants must travel relatively long distances to obtain seat tickets, even if reservations are easy.

An object of the present invention is to reduce human labor in obtaining and printing out information and additional processing associated therewith, such as, for example, reservation, ticket issuance, and consideration payment.

[Structure of the invention]

The data communication device of the present invention includes an IC card having a data holding means and a first set of connector terminals for writing and reading data to the data holding means; a slot for inserting the IC card; 1st
A second set of connector terminals that the first pair of connector terminals contact, an input key 9, a two-dimensional display, a modem, and, in response to a call instruction operation of the input key, instruct the modem to call a communication control device described later and specify information on the input key. In response to the operation, the ID and information designation data of the IC card connected to the second set of connector terminals are transmitted to the communication control device, and the first type and second type information sent from the communication control device is displayed on the two-dimensional display, and in response to a write instruction operation of an input key, data indicating the first type and second type information is output to a second set of connector terminals and written to the IC card. A communication end device equipped with a means; (1) has an account memory means storing the ID of each c-card;

In response to the call from the communication terminal device and the ID and information designation data, the ID is stored in the account memory means and the information designated by the information designation data is retrieved in the first state described below. a communication control device that instructs an information management device to transmit extracted first type information and second type information associated therewith to the communication end device; a first communication control device;
It has a first type information memory means storing type information, and extracts the first type information instructed by the communication control device from the first type information memory means, and extracts the first type information and this type information. A first status information management bag that sends second type information associated with
The information of the third set of connector terminals, the modem, the printer, and the IC card connected to the third set of connector terminals that are in contact with the set of connector terminals is read out, and the first type of information and the first type of read information are read out. A print end device that supplies the two types of information to the printer and prints it out, and before or after that, transmits the ID of the IC card and the second type of information to a second status information management device described later; and a printer for each of the IC cards. I
A second type information memory means storing second type information corresponding to
D and the second type of information, the second status information management device updates the second type of information of the ID given by the print end device in the second type information memory means.

(Function) This function and effect will be explained in the embodiment of the above-mentioned transportation seat reservation system.One communication terminal device is an input/output device having a communication function equivalent to, for example, a captain's home terminal, and one communication control device is For example, it is a transportation-related reservation computer, and the first status information management device is, for example, an inventory management computer that has a seat file (storage device) and searches for vacant seats on a specified train from the seat file. The terminal device is, for example, a ticket issuing machine, and the second status information management device is, for example, a credit management computer. Thus, the first type of information is seat information, and the second type of information is credit (payment, billing, or settlement) information.

In this embodiment, the applicant places an I
The user inserts the C-card and operates the key to connect the communication line with the communication control device (reservation computer) to apply for a seat on a certain vehicle. The application information is displayed on the two-dimensional display of the communication terminal. The communication control device instructs the first state information management device to search for a seat in the vehicle for which the application has been made, and transmits information on the searched seat (information for specifying the seat and fare) and a reservation code to the communication terminal device.

The communication end device displays the seat information and reservation code on the two-dimensional display. When the applicant operates a key to designate a reservation, the communication end device transmits this to the communication control device, and writes seat information and reservation code on the IC card.

Thereafter, the applicant carries the IC card to a nearby place where there is no print end and inserts it into the slot of the no print end.

The print end device reads the information from the IC card, gives the first type of information (seat identification information) and the second type of information (fare information) of the read information to the printer, and prints it out before or after that. The ID of the IC card, the second type of information (fare information), and the first type of information (seat identification information) are transmitted to the second status information management device. As a result, the applicant obtains a printout (seat ticket). On the other hand, the second status information management device charges the seat ticket fee information to the account of the IC card registrant (membership number, = IC card ID).

Therefore, in the case of transportation, all processes from receiving seat reservations to issuing tickets do not require any operator effort. This saves labor costs and facilitates the dispersion of ticketing offices (without printing end devices) over a wide area, which further enhances the convenience of use for users. There is no need for the user to memorize or write down the reservation code; after completing the reservation process described above, the user can take the IC card to the nearest ticket office (no printing machine).
All you have to do is carry it to your computer and attach it to it. This saves a great deal of simple labor and brain processing on the part of the transportation system and on the part of the user, thereby eliminating the possibility of reservation errors or ticketing errors.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

(Example) FIG. 1 shows an example of the present invention. In this embodiment, user terminals TERM1 to TERMn, ticket issuing printer terminals CKP1 to CKPm, and a line control unit CCU of a reservation center are connected to a commercial telephone exchange network EX (NTT data communication network). At the reservation center, a reservation communication control computer 20 is connected to a single line control unit CCU, and a seat management computer 30 is connected to this computer 20.
．． A reservation management computer 40 and a credit management computer 50 are connected.

The appearance of one user terminal TERM 1 is shown in FIG. 2a, and its configuration is shown in FIG. 2b. In this example.

In order to make the user terminal extremely compact, a liquid crystal display unit LCD7 is used as a two-dimensional display, and next to it are arranged a key unit 1 which also serves as a pushbutton dial key and input keys for other purposes. An electric element printed circuit board is arranged in the key unit 1, and a slot for inserting an IC card IOC is formed in the lower part of the key unit 1.
C When inserted to the center, the connector terminal (male) at one end of the IC card will be connected to the TERMI connector terminal (
A female connector 8 to which the connector terminal (female) is fixed is arranged at the inner bottom of the slot so as to be coupled to the female connector terminal. FIG. 2a shows the TERM 1 with the ICC card ICC connector terminal (male) coupled to the female connector 8.
The relative positional relationship between and ICC is shown.

Referring to FIG. 2b, the key switch of the key unit 1 is wired in a matrix and is connected to an interface 5 including a key encoder, and the interface 5 indicates a key pressed by (the finger of) the user. The code is given to the microprocessor 3. When the key labeled "#" on the key unit 1 is pressed, a signal (equipment ground level) instructing to turn on the power is given to the power circuit 2 connected to the power line 14, which turns on the power circuit 2. TERM 1 self-maintains the ON state, generates the required voltage, and applies it to each element of TERM1. When a code indicating "power off (end)" is input from the key unit 1, the microprocessor 3 gives a signal instructing power off to the power supply circuit 2. In response, the power supply circuit 2 releases self-holding and turns itself off.

When the power supply circuit 2 generates a predetermined voltage, the power-on reset circuit 4 generates a reset signal and supplies it to the microprocessor 3. The microprocessor 3 initializes (starts) in response to the reset signal.

A modem 6 is connected to the telephone line 13 , and the modem 6 provides a received signal from the telephone line 13 to the microprocessor 3 and sends a transmission signal from the microprocessor 3 to the telephone line 13 . A liquid crystal display unit 7, a data terminal of a female connector 8, and a latch 9 are connected to a first set of address output terminals of the microprocessor 3, which are shared as data output terminals.

Address data is latched in the latch 9 and applied to the first set of address terminals of the female connector 8 .

A second set of address output terminals of the female connector 8 is connected to a second set of address output terminals of the processor 3 . When writing to the IC card ICC connected to the female connector 8, the processor 3 sends the first set of address data to the first set of address terminals, latches it to the latch 9, and then sends the first set of address data to the second set of address terminals. The second set of address data is sent to the address terminals of the connector 8, and the write data is sent to the first set of address terminals, and a write control signal is applied to the control signal terminal of the female connector 8. The address data, write data, and control data thus applied to the female connector 8 are applied to the IC card ICC connected to the female connector 8.

The liquid crystal display unit LCD7 has two display pixel electrodes.
It is equipped with a dimensionally arranged liquid crystal board, a character ROM, a character arrangement processing unit, and a liquid crystal driver, and displays characters specified by given data on the liquid crystal board in the arrangement order specified by the given data. be.

When there is an input to read the information of the IC card ICC, the processor 3 reads the IC card connected to the female connector 8 (
give a read control signal to the card ICC),
The read data from the female connector 8 is given to the liquid crystal display unit 7.

Referring again to FIG. Exchange 114EX is an NTT telephone line (data transmission line) in this embodiment. The line control unit CCU connects the reservation communication control computer 20 of the reservation center to the calling side line in response to a call from the exchange 11EX, and also connects the reservation communication control computer 20 of the reservation center to the connection instruction from the reservation communication control computer 20. The reserved communication control computer 20 is connected to the other party on the exchange network EX by calling the other party.

In this embodiment, the reservation communication control computer 20 is composed of an account file (information memory) 21 and a communication control subsystem CC5, and handles IC card (identification code = account) registration, reservation response, and post-ticket issue processing. Do this. Note that the IC card registration is executed in response to a call from a registration terminal (not shown), and the specified ID is registered in the account file 21. In the reservation response, first, it is checked whether the ID sent from the calling party is registered in the account file 21, and if it is registered, the seat management computer 30 searches for the information requested by the calling party. to send the retrieved information to the calling party. At the user terminal (for example, TERMI) on the calling side, this information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit LCD 7, and the user specifies the reservation details using the key unit 1 based on the display and applies for the reservation. In response to this application, the reservation communication control computer 20 determines a reservation code, transmits it to the calling party, and sends the seat management computer 30 to update the seat for which the application was made to a reserved state (update the seat file). and gives the reserved seat and reservation code to the reservation management computer 40 to instruct the reservation file to be updated. At the user terminal (TERMl) on the calling side, this reservation code is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit LCD in addition to the seat information that has already been applied for.
7 and write this information to the IC card ICC.

Note that the seat (vacant seat) information in the seat file 31 of the seat management computer 30 is deleted at a predetermined timing as the vehicle is operated, according to instructions from the operation management computer (not shown), and the seat information of the seat file 31 of the seat management computer 30 is deleted at a predetermined timing as the vehicle is operated. Information is written (registered) to the seat file 31.

The user who made the reservation at the calling user terminal (TERMl) sends the IC card to the ticket issuing printer terminal (for example, CKPl>
Carry it to and attach it to it. In this embodiment, the ticket issuing printer terminal (CKPI) has a configuration in which a printer 67 is further added to the user terminal described above.

When an IC card ICC is inserted into the slot, the information of the IC card ICC is read out and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit LCD.
65. When ticket issuance is specified by the key unit 63, the credit management computer 50 first performs credit processing (the entire seat reservation fee is calculated from the member account specified by the ID of the IC card based on the fee information included in the seat reservation information). When the computer 50 replies that the credit processing has been completed, the printer 67 prints the designated ticket information on a predetermined ticket form and sends the reservation code and full payment to the reservation communication control computer 20. . Users take away their IC cards and seat reservation tickets (printouts). The reservation management computer 40 updates the reservation information (tentative reservation: reservation for which payment has not been received) in the reservation file 41 to be reserved (payment has been received).

In this embodiment, the credit management computer 50 includes:
It is composed of a member mask (information memory) 51 and a credit system C5, and the IC card (ID: identification code =
Registration of member numbers, deposits, and withdrawals are processed. Furthermore, IC card registration (membership registration)
The deposit processing is executed in response to a call from a registration terminal (not shown).

Next, we will discuss the user's reservation procedure, the user terminal TERMi, the reservation communication control computer 20, and the print terminal (CKP).
The operation of one cxpj) of 1 to CKPm will be explained. Figure 3a shows the user terminal (TER) that responded to the user's operation.
FIG. 3b shows the operation of the print terminal (cKpj, one of CKPI to CKPm) in response to the user's operation. Please refer to these drawings.

(1) Calling and connection of the reserved communication control computer 20).

The user transfers his or her IC card ICC to the user terminal TER.
Insert it into the slot of the user terminal TERMi, operate the key unit 1 of the user terminal TERMi, and turn off the hook (OFF 100).
K) and the dial number to connect the user terminal TERMi to the reservation communication control computer 20.

(2) Alternate transfer of data (data transfer).

When the connection is completed, the reserved communication control computer 20 requests the terminal TERMi to perform the IO. In response to this request, the terminal TERMi reads the ID data of the IC card ICC and transmits it to the reserved communication control computer 20. The computer 20 checks whether this ID data is registered (g included) in the account file 21, and
If it is registered, seat specific information (boarding date 2)
A request is made to the terminal TERMi for the following information (time zone 5 train name 1 name of boarding/disembarking station). Upon receiving this request, the terminal ERMi displays it on the liquid crystal display unit LCD7. Here, the user follows the displayed request and inputs the seat identification information to key unit 1.
Enter it into the terminal TERMi. The terminal TERMi additionally displays the input information on the liquid crystal display unit LCD7, and transmits the input information to the computer 20 when all input is completed. The computer 20 then provides the received information to the seat management computer 30 to instruct the seat management computer 30 to perform a search. The seat management computer 30 searches the seat file 31 for vacant seat information (train name, departure time) that satisfies the other conditions of the given information during the time period in the given information, and searches this information for the computer 20. give to The computer 20 uses this as the terminal TER
Send to Mi and request specification of departure time. Terminal TI
ERMi displays this on the LCD 7. Here, in order to designate one of the one or more trains displayed on the LCD 7, the user inputs its departure time using the key unit 1, and operates a key indicating completion of input. The terminal TERMi underlines this departure time on the LCD 7 (display indicating identification) and transmits data indicating the departure time to the computer 20 in response to completion of input. computer 20
The terminal checks whether the received departure time data is included in the previously transmitted vacant seat information, and if it is, sends information requesting seat identification information (seat type and number) to the terminal. Send to TERMi. terminal TER
When Mi receives this, it additionally displays it on the LCD 7. The user now inputs the seat type code and number of seats into the terminal TERMi using the key unit 1, and the terminal TERMi additionally displays these on the LCD 7 and transmits data indicating these to the computer 20 in response to the completion of the input.

(3) Writing reservation information to the IC card (IC card writing).

The computer 20 then instructs the seat management computer 30 to reserve a seat on the train specified in this way, and when the seat management computer 30 replies that the reservation has been accepted and notifies the seat fee, the charge fee is calculated and the reservation is made. Create a code and send the billing fee and reservation code to the terminal TERMi. Note that the seat management computer 30 updates the information in the seat file 31 here. In other words, the seat specified in the reservation is deleted from the vacant seat information.

When the terminal TERMi receives the billed fare data and reservation code, the terminal TERMi receives the seat information (train name code, boarding date, departure time 9 boarding/alighting station name code, seat code), billed fare information, and reservation that have been finally specified through the above processing. IC code
It writes to the card ICC, displays the completion of writing on the LCD 7, and notifies the computer 20 of the completion of the reservation. The seat code above is the seat type.

This indicates the designated fee and number (number of people). The computer 20 transfers the reservation information to the reservation management computer 4.
0 to instruct reservation registration. The reservation management computer 40 writes this reservation information into the reservation file 41.

(4) End of communication (disconnection).

Here, the user inputs on-hook (ON 100K) to the terminal TERMi using the key unit 1. Terminal TERMi
responds by disconnecting the line.

(5) Issuance of reserved seat tickets (Figure 3b); Attachment of IC card to print terminal CKPj (IC card input)
.

The user takes out the IC card ICC from the terminal TERMi, takes it to the print terminal CKPj, and inserts it into the slot. The print terminal CKPj is an IC
When the card ICC is connected to its connector 61, the information is read out and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 65.

It also waits for a print instruction to be input using the key unit 63.

(6) Issuance of reserved seat tickets (Figure 3b); printout (issuance of reserved tickets).

When the user inputs print instructions, the print terminal CK
Pj transmits the IC card IO, seat assignment information, and fee information to the credit management computer 50. The credit management computer 50 stores the ID in the member master 51.
The account balance of the member specified by the ID is compared with the amount in the fee information, and if the former is greater, billing information for the amount indicated by the fee information is sent to the print terminal CKPj. The print terminal CKPj displays this billing information on the LCD 65
, and an additional display prompting you to input print instructions. When the user inputs a print instruction, the print terminal CKPj.

Sending withdrawal instruction information to the credit management computer 50, printing out seat reservation tickets for the number of people, and subsequently printing out a receipt showing billing information,
The reservation code and ticket issue information are sent to the reservation communication control computer 20. Upon receiving the debit instruction information, the credit management computer 50 performs a debit process for the account of the corresponding member in the member master 51. In other words, update the data for the account. The reservation communication control computer 20 transmits the reservation code and the issued ticket information to the reservation management computer 40. The computer 40 updates the reservation information specified by the reservation code in the reservation file 41 to one in which the specified fee has been paid.

The user prints the IC card from the print terminal CKPj.
C. Take out the reserved seat ticket and receipt.

As a result of the above, the seat reservation ticket has been issued and the payment has been completed.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the data communication device of the present invention is an IC card (ICC) having a data holding means and a first set of connector terminals for writing and reading data into the data holding means.
is used as an information medium. The communication end device (TERMi) transmits the IC card ID and information designation data (seat identification information) to the communication end device I (20), and receives the first type (TERMi) sent from the communication control device (20). seat) and second
Displaying information on the species (fees) on the two-dimensional display,
This information is written to an IC card (ICC). The communication control device (20) is configured to control the communication terminal (
TERMi) and in response to the ID and information designation data (seat identification information), the information designation data (seat identification information) specifies that the ID is stored in the account memory means (21). The first step is to extract information.
The status information management device (30) is instructed to transmit the extracted first type information and the second type information associated thereto to the communication end unequipped device (TERMi).

The first status information management device (30) extracts the first type information (vacant seat information) instructed by the communication control device (20) from the first type information memory means (31), and extracts the first type information (vacant seat information) instructed by the communication control device (20). 1
The type information and the second type information (fees) associated with this information are sent to the communication control device (20). The print end device (CKPj) reads the information of the IC card (ICC) connected to the third set of connector terminals (61), and reads the first type of information (seat information) and the second type of the read information. Give the seed information (fee information) to the printer and print it out, then IO the IC card before or after that.
and the second type of information (charge information) is transmitted to the second status information management device (50).

Furthermore, the second state information management device (50) is configured to control the IO and second status information given by the print end device (CKPj).
Updates the second type information (deposit balance) of the ID given from the print end device (CKPj) in the second type information memory means (51) in accordance with the type information (charge information). It is said that

Therefore, as understood from the above embodiment, the users of this data communication device are the system administrator (train service machine r! JJ) and the user (reservation applicant).
The system administrator provides information to users (seat reservations)
Printout (ticketing) of the information and additional information (
There is no need for any operator effort in processing (settlement) fees. This saves labor costs and facilitates the installation of print terminal devices (CKPj: ticketing offices) at multiple points over a wide area, which further increases the convenience of use for users. The user does not need to memorize or write down the reservation code; after completing the reservation process described above, the user only needs to carry the IC card (ICC) to a nearby print end device (CKPi) and insert it there. In this way, the simple labor and mental processing of the system administrator and the user are greatly saved, and there is no possibility of information transmission errors or printing errors occurring.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2a is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the user terminal TERMi shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2b is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal TERMi. It is a diagram. FIG. 3a is a flowchart showing the operations of the user terminal TERMi and the reserved communication control computer 20 shown in FIG. 1, and information transmitted and received between them, where the horizontal axis is the distance axis and the vertical axis is the time axis. Figure 3b shows the print terminal CKPj and the credit management computer 6.
This is a flowchart showing the operations of 0 and the information sent and received between them, the horizontal axis is the distance axis, and the vertical axis is the time axis. ICC: IC card (IC card) TERMl ~ TERMn: User terminal (communication terminal not equipped) 20: Reservation communication control computer (communication control device)
30: Seat management computer (first status information management device) 40: Reservation management computer

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An IC card having a data holding means and a first set of connector terminals for writing and reading data into the data holding means; a slot into which the IC card is inserted; a first set of the IC card inserted into the slot; A second set of connector terminals that the first set of connector terminals contacts, an input key, a two-dimensional display, a modem, and, in response to a call instruction operation of the input key, instructs the modem to call the communication control device described later, and information on the input key. In response to the specified operation, the ID and information designation data of the IC card connected to the second set of connector terminals are transmitted to the communication control device, and the first type and second type displaying information on the two-dimensional display;
a communication terminal device comprising a control means for outputting data indicating first type and second type information to a second set of connector terminals in response to a write instruction operation of an input key and writing the data to the IC card; It has an account memory means storing an ID of each card, and in response to a call from the communication terminal device and the ID and information designation data, the information designation is performed when the ID is stored in the account memory means. A communication control device that instructs a first state information management device (described later) to extract information specified by data and transmits the extracted first type information and second type information associated therewith to the communication end device. ; having a first type information memory means storing the first type information;
The first type of information instructed by the communication control device is
a first status information management device that extracts the first type of information from the type information memory means and sends the first type of information and the second type of information associated therewith to the communication control device; a slot into which an IC card is inserted; The information of the third set of connector terminals that the first set of connector terminals of the IC card inserted in the slot contacts, the modem, the printer, and the IC card connected to the third set of connector terminals is read out, and the read information is read out. Give the first type of information and the second type of information to the printer, print it out, and then print it out to the IC before or after.
A print end device that transmits the card ID and the second type of information to a second status information management device described later; and a second type information memory that stores the second type of information corresponding to each ID of the IC card. and corresponding to the ID and the second type of information given by the printing end device,
A data communication device comprising: a second status information management device for updating the second type information of the ID given by the print end device in the second type information memory means.