GB2114346A - Apparatus for issuing bond, ticket, certificate or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for issuing a certificate, has a conveyor path for receiving and conveying a certificate on which magnetic data is recorded, a reading unit for reading out the magnetic data of the certificate which is conveyed by the conveyor path, a determination section for determining whether or not the readout data is authentic, a demagnetizing device for erasing the magnetic data in accordance with the determination result, a printer for printing a visible pattern indicating invalidity of the certificate, an issuing means for issuing a new certificate on the basis of the data of the old certificate, and a control section for controlling the reading unit, the determination section, the demagnetizing device, the issuing means, and the printer.

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for issuing bond, certificate or the like The present invention relates to an apparatus for issuing a bond, a certificate or the like such as a pass, a ticket, a reservation ticket, or a security bond issued by a financial agency.

Conventionally, when such bonds and the certificates need to be invalidated due to expiration of their effective period or cancellation by a customer, personnel must manually stamp an invalidating seal thereon or calculate the amounts of adjustment or refund.

However, such manual operation is cumbersome and manual calculation may cause an error, resulting in a time-consuming operation which also irritates a customer who wishes to cancel the bond or ticket.

In a conventional automatic commuter's pass issuing machine, when the customer wishes to renew his commuter's pass and inserts it in the issuing machine, the machine reads out magnetic data recorded on the pass and determines the end of the effective period. The commuter's pass issuing machine then issues an updated commuter's pass and at the same time stacks the old or invalidated commuter's pass therein. Personnel mustthen remove the old passes from the issuing machine and they are destroyed at a predetermined site.

However, when the commuter's passes are simply stacked in the issuing machine, some of them may be lost during delivery. The invalid commuter's passes may be intentionally misused.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for issuing a bond or a certifiate, comprising an invalidating device for automatically demagnetizing magnetic data recorded on the bond and the certificate or stamping an invalidating seal thereon.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for issuing a bond, certificate or the like, comprising: (a) conveying means for conveying an old certificate on which magnetic data is recorded; (b) reading means for reading out the magnetic data from the old certificate conveyed by said conveying means; (c) determining means for determining whether or not the old certificate is to be deait with in said apparatus in accordance with the magnetic data read out by said reading means; (d) demagnetizing means for demagnetizing the magnetic data on said old certificate determined by said determining means to be dealt with in said apparatus; (e) printing means for printing data indicating invalidation on the old certificate demagnetized by said demagnetizing means;; (f) issuing means for issuing a new certificate on the basis of the magnetic data of the old cetificate; and (g) controlling means, connected to said conveying means, said reading means, said determining means, said demagnetizing means, said printing means and said issuing means, for controlling the supply of magnetic data from said reading means to said determining means, to allow said demagnetizing means and said printing means to respectively perform demagnetization and printing from said determining means and to allow said issuing means to issue the new certificate on the basis of determination data.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure of an apparatus for issuing a bond, a certificate or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the internal arrangement of an invalidating device in the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the mechanisms of the invalidating device and the main part of the control unit for controlling the mechanisms of the invalidating device;; Figures 5A and 5B respectively show the front and rear surfaces of a commuter's pass; Figures 6A and 6B respectively show the front and rear surfaces of a reserved seat ticket; Figures 7A to 7K are timing charts of pulses used for operating the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in which Figure 7A shows a timing pulse of a sensor 33, Figure 7B shows a timing pulse of a sensor 57, Figure 7C shows a timing pulse of a sensor 67, Figure 7D shows a timing pulse of a pulse motor 45, Figure 7E shows a timing pulse of a printer 69, Figure 7F shows a timing pulse of a reading unit 71, Figure 7G shows a timing pulse of a demagnetizing device 73, Figure 7H shows a read-start detecting signal, Figure 71 shows a paper-discharge signal, Figure 7J shows a timing pulse of a pulse counter 79, and Figure 7K shows an invalidation-start detecting signal; Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an application of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 is a front view of an apparatus for automatically issuing a bond, a certificate or the like according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the apparatus shown in Figure 9; Figure 1 is a block diagram of the main part of the internal configuration shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal mechanism of an old ticket reader shown in Figure 10;; Figures 13A to 13L are timing charts of pulses for operating the apparatus shown in Figure 9, in which Figure 13A shows a timing pulse of a sensor 177, Figure 13B shows a timing pulse of a sensor 199, Figure 13C shows a timing pulse of a sensor 205, Figure 13D shows a timing pulse of a pulse motor 171, Figure 13E shows a timing pulse of a printer 159, Figure 13F shows a timing pulse of a reader 155, Figure 13G shows a timing pulse of a demagnetizing device 157, Figure 13H shows a timing pulse of a read-start detecting signal, Figure 131 shows a reverse feeding signal, Figure 13J shows a timing pulse of a pulse counter 169, Figure 13K shows an invalid-startticket signal, and Figure 1 3L shows a timing signal of a shutter 47; Figure 14 shows the upper surface of a commuter's pass issued by the apparatus shown in Figure 9; and Figure 15 shows a front surface of a pass application form.

Referring to Figure 1, a ticket issuing apparatus 1 including an invalidating device comprises an operating unit 3 which is operated by personnel, and a ticket issuing unit 5 for issuing a commuter's pass, a reserved seat ticket, a ticket or the like in accordance with a command specified at the operating unit 3. A display unit 7 is arranged on the surface of the operating unit 3 to display the balance for payment or the like.As shown in Figure 2, the ticket issuing unit 5 comprises: a control section 9 which includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits; a name transfer unit 13 connected to the control section 9 through an interface 11; a ticket issuing device 15 for issuing a commuter's pass, a ticket or a reserved seat ticket; a mechanism controller 17 for controlling a drive mechanism of the ticket issuing device 15 in accordance with a command from the control section 9; a print controller 19 for controlling the printing status at the ticket issuing device 15; an invalidating device 21 connected to the control section 9; and a power unit 23 for supplying power to the control section 9, the name transfer unit 13, the ticket issuing device 15, the invalidating device 21, etc. The name transfer unit 13 and the invalidating device 21 are detachably mounted in the ticket issuing unit 5.An inserting/dispensing portion 25 for a pass application form, and an insertion/dispensing portion 27 for a commuter's pass, a ticket, a reserved seat ticket are formed at one side of the ticket issuing unit 5 and are open to air. A tray 29 is disposed on the same side to receive the issued commuter's pass, ticket or reserved seat ticket. A recording section (not shown) such as a journal printer is disposed in the vicinity of the apparatus 1 to print various types of data on the commuter's pass, ticket or reserved seat ticket to be issued.

An example of the invalidating device 21 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the internal mechanism of the invalidating device 21.

One end of the inserting/dispensing portion 27 for a commuter's pass, a ticket or a reserved seat ticket (to be also referred to as a certificate hereinafter) extends from the front end face of a housing 31. A ticket sensor (first sensor) 33 is arranged in a position corresponding to the other end of the insertion/dispensing portion 27 in the housing 31.

Idler rollers 35 and 37 are disposed to vertically oppose each other. A pulse motor 45 as a drive source and drive rollers 39 and 41 are provided in the rear portion (right-hand side in Figure 3) of the housing 31. The drive rollers 39 and 41 vertically oppose each other and are driven by a belt 43 looped around the rotating shaft of the pulse motor 45. A plurality of tension rollers 47 are appropriately disposed at the upper and lower portions of the housing 31. In the upper portion of the housing 31, a conveyer belt 49 is looped around the tension rollers 47, the idler roller 35, and the drive roller 39. In the lower portion of the housing 31, a conveyer belt 51 is looped around the tension rollers 47, the idler roller 37, and the drive roller 51.The conveyer belts 49 and 51 are properly brought into tight contact with each other at appropriate intermediate positions by a plurality of tension rollers 53, thus forming a conveyer path 55 for clamping and conveying a ticket therebetween. A ticket sensor (second sensor ) 57 is arranged in a position (right-hand side in Figure 3) behind the idler rollers 35 and 37 on the conveyer path 55. A printer 69 of dot matrix type is disposed behind (right-hand side in Figure 3) the sensor 57.

Furthermore, a magnetic head 59 as a reading unit 71 is disposed behind (right side in Figure 3) the printer 69 and under the conveyer path 55. A head press roller 61 is disposed above the conveyer path 55 and opposes the magnetic head 59. A magnetic head 63 as a demagnetizing device 73 is disposed under the conveyer path 55. A head press roller 65 is disposed to oppose the magnetic head 63 through the conveyer path 55. A ticket sensor (third sensor) 67 is disposed behind (right-hand side in Figure 3) the demagnetizing device 73. The pulse motor 45 and the conveyer path 55 are called a conveyer section as a whole.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the mechanisms of the invalidating device 21 and the main part which controls these mechanisms. The control section 9 comprises a one-chip microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU) 10, a ROM 12, a RAM 14 and an I/O port 16. A microcomputer TLCS-4A (manufactured by Toshiba Corporation) may be used as the one-chip microcomputer of the control section 9. The control section 9 exchanges signals with the reading device 71, the demagnetizing device 73 and the printer 69.The control section 9 further exchanges signals with a determination section 75 for determining whether the magnetic data is proper, a reading level converter 77 for converting the reference reading level of the magnetic data, a pulse counter 79 for counting the input pulses supplied to the pulse motor 45 as the drive source, and the display unit 7 disposed in the operating unit 3. The determination section 75 determines whether or not the magnetic data read by the reading unit 71 is proper. The determination section 75 then supplies a demagnetization command or a print command to the control section 9.

When the magnetic data of the ticket which is read out by the reading unit 71 is unclear, the reading level converter 77 changes the reference level to guarantee reading of the magnetic data when the ticket passes through the reading device 71 again.

For example, when the reference level of the reading device is determined to be too high in accordance with the signal from the determination section 75, the reading level converter 77 lowers the reference level. When a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the reference level is converted, the level is restored to the initial level. When the ticket is not properly inserted (e.g., when the customer inserts the ticket upside down, or when the customer inserts a ticket which has no magnetic data), the above-mentioned conversion is not performed. The pulse counter 79 counts the drive pulses applied to the pulse motor 45 so as to measure a distance of movement of the ticket. In order to change the printing position and the printing length when tickets having different lengths are inserted, the reading level converter 77 is used to set the timing of the control signal.In other words, length data indicating the length of the ticket is included in the magnetic data thereof. The length data is detected by the determination section 75, so that the printing position and the printing length are determined by the determination result. In this case, the timing of the printer 69 is determined in accordance with the count of the pulse counter 79. The printer 69 prints a word (e.g., "INVALID") indicating invalidityofthe ticket.

The control section 9 is arranged to control the various mechanisms in accordance with the determination results of the determination section 75. When the determination section 75 determines that the inserted ticket is proper, the control section 9 sequentially allows predetermined operation of the demagnetizing device 73 and the printer 69. However, when the determination section 75 determines that the inserted ticket is "INVALID", the control section 9 disables the above mechanisms and controls to discharge the inserted ticket via the dispensing port. When the determination section 75 is not able to satisfactorily read the magnetic data, a read error signal is supplied to the control section 9 which then enables the reading level converter 77 and produces a re-read command.A timer (not shown) for setting the operation timing and a memory (not shown) for storing various operating programs or data are arranged in the control section 9. The timer is set by the detection signal from the sensors 33, 57 and 67 to control forward rotation, reverse rotation, and interruption of the pulse motor 45.

Figues 5A and 5B respectively show the rear and front surfaces of the commuter's pass as one of the certificates applied to the demagnetizing device. As shown in Figure 5A, magnetic data 83 as bit data for the type of pass, a station name, the last day of an effective period, a customer name and so on is written on the rear surface of a commuter's pass 81.

Characters and numbers are printed on the front surface of the commuter's pass, as shown in Figure 5B. A word "INVALID" is printed by the invalidating device in a broken line portion 85 in Figure 5B.

Figues 6A and 6B respectively show the front and rear surfaces of a reserved seat ticket as one of the certificates applied to the apparatus of the present invention. Characters and numbers are printed on the front surface of a reserved seat ticket 87.

Magnetic data 89 is written on the rear surface of the reserved seat ticket 87. A work "INVALID" is printed by the invalidating device in a broken line portion 91 shown in Figure 6A. Length data is included in the magnetic data of the commuter's ticket 81 and the reserved seat ticket 87.

The mode of operation of the ticket issuing apparatus will be described with reference to timing charts in Figures 7Ato 7K.

When the customer inserts the commuter's ticket 81 in the insertion/dispensing portion 27, for example, the leading edge of the commuter's ticket 81 is detected by the first sensor 33, as shown in Figure 7A. The pulse motor 45 is then rotated in the forward direction, as shown in Figure 7D. The commuter's ticket 81 is clamped between the conveyer belts 49 and 51 and is conveyed to the right as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3. When the leading edge of the commuter's ticket 81 is detected by the second sensor 57, as shown in Figure 7B, the pulse counter 79 which is connected to the control section 9 is started as indicated in Figure 7J. The pulse counter 79 counts the drive pulses applied to the pulse motor 45. The distance of movement of the commuter's ticket 81 is determined by the count of the pulse counter 79.Simultaneously, as the second sensor 57 detects the trailing edge of the commuter's ticket 81 clamped and conveyed by the conveyer belts 49 and 51, the read-start detecting signal as shown in Figure 7H is produced by the control section 9. The reading unit 71 then reads out the magnetic data from the commuter's ticket. The readout magnetic data is supplied to the determination section 75 through the control section 9 and then it is determined whether or not the ticket is authentic. When the commuter's ticket 81 clamped and conveyed by the conveyer belts 49 and 51 is detected by the first sensor 67, as shown in Figure 7C, it is further conveyed for a predetermined distance, and the pulse motor 45 is stopped and is kept in the waiting status. Thereafter, a paper-discharge signal is produced by the control section 9, so that the pulse motor 45 is driven in the reverse direction.As a result, the commuter's ticket 81 is moved backward. When the commuter's ticket 81 passes through the third sensor 67, the pulse counter 79 is started, as shown in Figure 7J.

Furthermore, the control section 9 supplies the invalidation-start detecting signal to the demagnetizing device 73, as shown in Figure 7K. The demagnetizing device 73 demagnetizes the magnetic data 83 written on the commuter's ticket 81. When the count of the pulse counter 79 reaches a predetermined value, that is, when the broken line portion 85 on the front surface of the commuter's ticket 81 shown in Figure 5B faces the printer 69, the printer 69 is started to print the word "INVALID" on the commuter's ticket 81. As shown in Figure 7J, when the count of the pulse counter 79 reaches the predetermined value, that is, when the broken line portion 85 passes through the pulse counter 79, the printer 69 is stopped, as shown in Figure 7E. The commuter's ticket 81, data on which is demagnetized and on which the word "INVALID" is printed, is dispensed from the inserting/dispensing portion 27. When the second sensor 57 does not detect the commuter's pass 81 within the predetermined time interval counted by a counter (not shown) operated from detection of the presence of the commuter's pass 81 by the first sensor 33 to the detection thereof by the second sensor 33, the pulse motor 45 is stopped. In other words, when the commuter's pass 81 which is inserted through the inserting/dispensing portion 27 is detected by the first sensor 33, the pulse motor 45 is normally operated. However, when the commuter's pass 81 is removed before it reaches the second sensor 57, the pulse motor 45 is automatically stopped.

When the customer inserts his commuter's pass upside down in the apparatus, that is, when the commuter's pass is inserted facing the magnetic data surface upward, the reading unit 71 is not operated. In this case, after the commuter's pass 81 is detected by the third sensor 67 as shown in Figure 7C, the paper-discharge signal is produced as shown in Figure 71. The pulse motor 45 is then driven in the reverse direction, as shown in Figure 7D. The commuter's pass 81 is not demagnetized, nor is the word "INVALID" printed thereon. The commuter's pass 81 is then dispensed at the inserting/dispensing portion 27. When the magnetic data 83 of the commuter's pass 81 is erroneously erased, or when the commuter's pass 81 is damaged to disable reading of the magnetic data therefrom, the pass 81 is dispensed from the inserting/dispensing portion 27.

When the magnetic data 83 is only partially read out by the reading unit 71, even if the customer properly inserts his commuter's ticket in the apparatus, that is, when the reading level of the magnetic data 83 thereof is lower than the reference level, th reading unit 71 cannot read out data from the commuter's pass. In this case, the determination section 75 produces an indetermination signal, and the control section 9 produces a reading level conversion signal and re-read-start signal. In other words, after the commuter's pass 81 is detected by the third sensor 67 as shown in Figure 7C, the control section 9 produces the paper-discharge signal as shown in Figure 71. The pulse motor 45 is then driven in the reverse direction, so that the commuter's pass 81 is moved backward to the position corresponding to the second sensor 57.At the same time, the control section 9 produces the reading level conversion signal, so that the reading level set in the reading unit 71 is changed. Thereafter, when the commuter's pass 81 is detected, the pulse motor 45 is stopped. However, since the re-read-start signal is produced by the control section 9, the pulse motor 45is driven in the forward direction for a predetermined time interval. The commuter's pass 81 is then conveyed to the reading unit 71. The reading unit 71 reads out the magnetic data 83 in accordance with the updated reading level. Thereafter, the invalidation operation is performed in the same manner as described above. When reading and invalidation are completed, the reading level is automatically restored to the initial level.When the magnetic data cannot be read out by the reading unit 71 even if the reading operation is repeated, demagnetization and invalidation cannot be performed, and the commuter's ticket 81 is dispensed from the inserting/ dispensing portion 27.

The contents read out by the reading unit 71 are operated by the control section 9, and the balance for payment is displayed at the display unit 7. The inserted commuter's ticket 81 is conveyed to the invalidation device 21 where the magnetic data 83 printed thereon is read out and the balance is calculated to be displayed at the display unit 7.

Furthermore, the word "INVALID" is printed on the old commuter's ticket 81. The invalid commuter's pass is then removed from the invalidating device 21. Thus, personnel need not stamp the "INVALID" seal on the commuter's pass. Furthermore, they need not manually calculate the amount to be charged or refunded to the customer. Therefore, any calculation error can be completely eliminated, and the customer can always receive proper service.

Since the invalid commuter's pass has no magnetic data, it cannot be used at an automatic gate. As a result, such a commuter's pass cannot be intentionally misused.

In the above embodiment, a commuter's ticket is used as an example. However, the reserved seat ticket 87 shown in Figures 6A and 6B can be treated in substantially in the same manner. The reserved seat ticket 87 is longer than the commuter's pass 81, so that the printing area of the word "INVALID" of the reserved sseat ticket 87 is slightly different from that of the commuter's ticket 81. In order to properly deal with the reserved seat ticket 87, the invalidating device 21 is operated in the following manner. The length of the reserved seat ticket 87 is determined by magnetic data 89 written on the rear surface thereof in the same manner as in the case of the commuter's pass 81. In accordance with the obtained result, the control section 9 fetches the count of the pulse counter 79 to control the printing operation in accordance with the length specified by the magnetic data 89.Printing is then performed from one end to the other end of the reserved seat ticket 87.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of ticket vending machines 1 which are used astermin- al equipment and are respectively installed in corresponding stations. This configuration is especially used for the reserved seat ticket 87. Referring to Figure 8, a host processor 93 is installed in the central control center and is connected to a plurality of line concentrators 95. Each line concentrator 95 is connected to a plurality of ticket vending machines 1. Assume that each ticket vending machine 1 is installed in each station. It is noted that a memory 97 is connected to the host processor 93 to store seat reservation data and data of reserved seat tickets already sold.

In the systemized ticket vending machine 1, when the reserved seat ticket 87 is received, the magnetic data thereof is read by the reading unit. The readout data is supplied to the host processor 93 through the control section 9 and the line concentrator 95. The host processor 93 is operated to update the storage of the memory 97 so as to make the ticket available.

When the storage of the memory 97 is updated, the host processor 93 produces a cancel completion signal. This signal is supplied to all the control sections 9 of the ticket vending machines 1 through the corresponding line concentrators 95. Each con trol section 9 then produces the paper-discharge signal. The pulse motor 45 is then driven in the reverse direction, so that the inserted reserved seat ticket 87 is moved backward. Thereafter, the reserved seat ticket 87 is demagnetized and the word "INVALID" is printed by the printer 69 thereon. An invalidating device of the machine 1 exchanges data with the host processor 93 for the reserved seat ticket 87 (first certificate) and is controlled by the host processor 93.However, when the invalidating device deals with the commuter's pass 81 or a general ticket, the invalidating device is operated independently of the host processor 93. Data concerning the type of certificate is included in the magnetic data, so that the control section 9 determines whether or not operation is to be controlled by the host processor 93.

Figures 9 and 10 are a view showing the outer appearance of the ticket vending machine and a block diagram of the control system thereof, respectively. In a housing 99 are disposed a control section 101 having a mirocomputer and its peripheral circuits, an old ticket reader 103, a name transfer unit 107 which receives a commuter's pass application form 105 to read out name data and to print the amount of charge, the issuance number and the like, a ticket issuing device 109 for issuing a commuter's ticket, a mechanism controller 111 for controlling the drive mechanism of the ticket issuing device under the control of the control section 101, a printing controller 113 for controlling the print status in the ticket issuing device 109, a display panel 115 for instructing the customer, a bill discrimination unit 117 for discriminating whether or not a inserted bill is authentic and for counting the inserted bills, a bill change unit 119 for providing bill change to the customer, a coin change unit 121 which receives the coins to determine whether or not inserted coins are authentic and to provide coin change to the customer, a total recorder 123 for storing commuter's pass data such as data of the issuance number, the charge, the commutation area, and the effective period, an operator section 125 for allowing personnel to supervise the operating status of the ticket vending machine and to operate various mechanisms thereof, and a power unit 127 for supplying power to the above mechanisms. The control section 101 controls all the mechanisms of the ticket vending machine 99.Inserting/dispensing trays 129, 131 and 133 (Figure 9) respectively for the old ticket reader 103, the name transfer unit 107 and the bill discrimination unit 117 are disposed at the front wall of the display panel 115 and are open to the atmosphere. A coin insertion slot 135 for the coin change unit 121 is also disposed at the front wall of the display panel 115 and are open to the atmosphere. A dispensing port 139 is disposed in the lower left portion of the display panel 115 to dispense a commuter's pass 137 (Figure 14) issued by the ticket issuing device 109 and small change. A bill dispensing port 141 is disposed at the lower right portion of the display panel 115 to dispense a bill inserted in the bill discrimination unit 117.On the display panel 115 are arranged a display 143 for displaying the amount of money inserted by the customer, a display 145 for displaying the amount of charge of the commuter's pass, a display 147 for displaying the amount of change, a speech synthesizer (not shown) for in structing the customer, a cancel switch 149 for interrupting the purchase of the commuter's pass, a call switch 151 for calling maintenance personnel, and various display devices for instructing the customers purchasing a commuter's pass. A data entry section 153 is disposed below the display panel 115 to allow the customer to enter desired data.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the control section 101 and the main part of the old ticket reader 103. The control section 101 comprises a one-chip microcomputer which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a ROM 104, a RAM 106 and an l/O port 108. A microcomputer TLCS-4A manufactured by Toshiba Corporation is used as the one-chip microprocessor of the control section 101. The old ticket reader 103 has a reader 155 for reading the magnetic data 83 from the commuter's pass 81 shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a demagnetizing device 157 for erasing the magnetic data 83, and a printing device 157 for printing the word "INVALID" on the commuter's pass 83. The reader 155 comprises a magnetic head 161 (Figure 12) for reading the magnetic data to be described later.The signal read out by the magnetic head 161 is discriminated by a discriminating section 167. The discriminated data is supplied to a ticket information layout circuit 163 through the control section 101. The ticket information layout circuit 163 receives the data read out by the magnetic head 161 from the control section 101, that is, data which is written on the rear surface of the commuter's pass 18, and various pieces of data of effective date and the like entered by the operator.

The ticket information layout circuit 163 then selects pattern data correcponding to the layout data from a memory 165 and synthesizes the ticket pattern.

Therefore, every layout data can be synthesized by the ticket information layout circuit 163. The memory data is displayed at the display 145 of the display panel 115 through the control section 101. When an amount which exceeds the displayed amount is inserted in the bill discrimination unit 117 and the coin change unit 121, synthesized data by the ticket information layout circuit 163 is supplied to the printing controller 113. The control section 101 supplies a command to the mechanism controller 111 in accordance with synthesized information signal supplied to the printing controller 113, thereby operating the ticket issuing device 109 and performing printing of the commuter's pass. At the same time, when the inserted amount is greater than the amount of charge, the bill change unit 119 and the coin change unit 121 are operated to dispense change at the dispensing port. Simultaneously as the ticket issuing device 109 is operated, the demagnetizing device 157 is operated to apply a magnetic field to the commuter's ticket to erase the magnetic data 83. The word "INVALID" and its related pattern are printed in a broken line portion 85 (Figure 5B) on the surface of the commuter's pass 81. Thereafter, the old commuter's ticket is stored in the ticket vending machine 99. A pulse counter 169 is connected to the control section 101. The pulse counter 169 counts pulses applied to a pulse motor 171 disposed in the old ticket reader 103 to be described in detail. The distance of movement of the commuter's ticket is measured by the count of the pulse counter 169. A reading level converter 173 is connected to the control section 101. The reading level converter 173 serves to change the reference level of the reader 155.For example, when the data written on the commuter's pass is magnetically degraded, satisfactory reading cannot be performed. In this case, the reading level is lowered under the control of the control section 101 to enable proper reading.

An example of the internal struture of the old ticket reader 103 will be described with reference to Figure 12. One end of the inserting/dispensing portion 129 of the commuter's pass extends from the front end face (left end face in Figure 12) of a housing 175 of the old ticket reader 103. A commuter's pass detecting sensor 177 is arranged at the other end of the inserting/dispensing portion 129. A pair of idler rollers 179 and 181 are vertically disposed atthe other end of the inserting/dispensing portion 129.

Drive rollers 183 and 185 which vertically oppose each other and are interlocked by the gear mechanism are disposed in the rear portion (left-hand side in Figure 12) of the housing 175. The drive roller 183 is coupled to the rotating shaft of the pulse motor 171 through a belt 187. A conveyer belt 191 is looped between the drive roller 183, the idler roller 179 and tension rollers 189. Similarly, a conveyer belt 193 is looped between the drive roller 185, the idler roller 181 and other tension rollers 189. The conveyer belts 191 and 193 are brought into tight contact at appropriate intermediate positions by a plurality of tension rollers 195, thereby forming a conveyer path 197 for clamping the commuter's ticket 81 therebetween. A commuter's ticket detecting sensor 199 is arranged in the vicinity of the idler rollers 181 and is aligned with the conveyer path 197.A printing device 157 of dot matrix type is disposed behind the sensor 199. A magnetic head 161 as the reader 155 is disposed behind the sensor 199 such that the magnetic head 161 may be brought into contact with the lower surface of the conveyer path 197. A head press roller 201 is disposed to oppose the magnetic head 161 through the conveyer path 197. A magnetic head 203 as the demagnetizing device 157 is disposed behind the press roller 201 and is brought into contact with the lower surface of the conveyer roller 197. Another tension roller 201 is disposed to be brought into tight contact with the magnetic head 203 through the conveyer path 197. A commuter's pass detecting sensor 205 is arranged behind the demagnetizing device 157.A ticket recovery box 207 which has an upper opening is detachably disposed to extend from the rear portion of the drive roller 185 to the lower portion of the conveyer path 197. A sensor 209 is arranged to detect the amount of recovered tickets in the ticket recovery box 208. A rotary solenoid 211 is disposed below the inserting/ dispensing portion 129 near the front end face of the housing 175. The rotary solenoid 211 serves to open/close (or to vertically move) a shutter 213.

Upon upper movement of the shutter 213, the commuter's pass located between the other end of the inserting/dispensing portion 129 and the sensor 177 may not be conveyed inside.

The mode of operation of the apparatus of the structure described with reference to Figure 11 will be described with reference to the timing charts in Figures 13Ato 13L. When the commuter's pass 81 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is inserted from the inserting/dispensing portion 129 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 12, the leading edge of the commuter's pass 81 is detected by the sensor 177, as shown in Figure 3A. The pulse motor 171 is then rotated in the forward direction, as shown in Figure 13D. The commuter's pass 81 is then clamped and conveyed by the conveyer belts 191 and 193 to the right. When the commuter's pass 81 passes though the sensor 177, the rotary solenoid 211 is operated to close the shutter 213 (the shutter is moved upward), thereby disabling insertion of the next commuter's pass 81.When the leading edge of the commuter's pass 81 is detected by the sensor 199, as shown in Figure 13B, the pulse counter 169 connected to the control section 101 is started. The pulse counter 169 counts the pulses applied to the pulse motor 171,thereby measuring the movement of the commuter's pass 81. Simultaneously as the sensor 199 detects the trailing edge of the commuter's pass, the read-start signal is produced by the control section 101, as shown in Figure 13H. The reader 155 starts reading the magnetic data 83 from the commuter's pass 81. The readout contents are supplied to the determinating section 167 through the control section 101. The commuter's ticket 81 is further clamped and conveyed, and is then detected by the sensor 205, as shown in Figure 13C.Thereafter, when the commuter's pass 81 is conveyed a predetermined distance, the pulse motor 171 is stopped and is kept in the waiting state. At the same time, the pulse counter 169 is turned off. The data determined by the determining section 167 is supplied to the control section 101 and then to the ticket information layout circuit 163 for synthesizing updated information of the commuter's pass 137 (Figures 14). The ticket information layout circuit 163 then selects a pattern from the memory 165 so as to correspond the layout data with the proper pattern.

As a result, the ticket information layout circuit 163 synthesizes the updated ticket pattern. In this manner, issuance of a commuter's pass 137 is performed. Meanwhile, when the customer inserts bills which exceed the expected charge, a signal indicating the amount of excess is supplied to the control section 101. The control section 101 then produces a reverse feeding signal as shown in Figure 131, so that the pulse motor 171 is rotated in the reverse direction. When the commuter's pass 137 is moved backward and is passed through the sensor 205, the pulse counter 169 is operated again. Furthermore, the control section 101 produces the paperdischarge signal, so that the demagnetizing device 157 is operated to erase the magnetic data 83. When the count of the pulse counter 169 reaches a predetermined value, that is, when the broken line portion 85 of the commuter's pass 81 corresponds to the print range of the printing device 159, the printing device 159 is operated as shown in Figue 13E. Therefore, the word "INVALID" and its related pattern are printed on the commuter's pass 81 upon reverse movement of the commuter's pass 81. When the count of the pulse counter 169 reaches a predetermined value, that is, the broken line portion 85 passes by the printing device 159, the printing device is stopped. The commuter's pass 81 is further moved in the reverse direction. When the sensor detects the commuter's pass 81, the pulse motor 171 is stopped. When a predetermined time interval which is counted by a timer (not shown) has elapsed, the pulse motor 171 is then driven in the forward direction again.The commuter's pass 81 is then recovered in ticket recovery box 207. The pulse motor 171 is stopped when a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the commuter's pass 81 passes through the sensor 205. At the same time, the rotary solenoid 211 is operated as shown in Figure 13L, so that the shutter 13 is opened, that is, the shutter 13 is moved downward, thereby allowing insertion of the next commuter's pass 81. Meanwhile, the updated commuter's pass 137 is dispensed at the dispensing port 139. Furthermore, when the customer inserts bills greater than the charged amount, the bills and/or coins which correspond to the balance are dispensed at the bill dispensing port 139 and the coin dispensing port 141.The timer (not shown) counts a time interval beginning from the detection of the commuter's pass 81 by the sensor 177 to the detection of the commuter's pass 81 by the sensor 199. When the sensor 199 does not detect the commuter's pass 81 within a predetermined time interval after the sensor 177 has detected same, the pulse motor 171 is stopped. In other words, when the sensor 177 detects the inserted commuter's pass 81, the pulse motor 171 is driven in the forward direction. However, when the pass 81 is removed before it reaches the sensor 199, the pulse motor 171 is automatically stopped. When the customer inserts his commuter's ticket upside down, the reader 155 cannot read the magnetic data.After the commuter's pass 81 is detected by the sensor 205, the control section 101 produces a ticket reverse feeding signal, so that the pulse motor 171 is driven in the reverse direction as indicated at the intermediate portion in Figure 13D.

The commuter's pass is not demagnetized, and the work "INVALID" and its related pattern are not printed thereon. The commuter's pass is then moved backward and is dispensed at the inserting/dispensing portion 129. When the commuter's pass 81 is detected by the sensor 199, the rotary solenoid 211 is operated to open the shutter 213. As a result, the commuter's pass 81 is dispensed at the inserting/ dispensing portion 129. When the magnetic data 83 of the commuter's pass which is inserted through the inserting/dispensing portion 129 is accidentally erased, or when the surface having the magnetic data is damaged to disable reading in the reader 155, the commuter's pass 81 is dispensed at the inserting/ dispensing portion 129 without demagnetization and printing in the same manner as described above.

When only part of the magnetic data is read out by the reader 155 even if the customer properly inserts his commuter's pass in the old ticket reader 103, that is, when the reading level of the inserted commuter's pass is lower than the reference level, the reader 155 is inoperative. When the computer's pass 81 is detected by the sensor 205, the reverse feeding signal is produced by the control section 101. The pulse motor 171 is then driven in the reverse direction, so that the commuter's pass 81 is moved backward until it is detected by the sensor 199. Upon detection of the commuter's pass by the sensor 199, a timer (not shown) is operated such that the pulse motor 171 is stopped when the commuter's pass is moved backward by a predetermined distance.At the same time, the reading level converter 173 connected to the control section 101 is operated to change the reference level set in the reader 155.

When a change in reference level is completed, the pulse motor 171 is driven again in the forward direction. When the sensor 199 detects the trailing edge of the commuter's pass, the read-start signal is produced by the control section 101. The magnetic data can be read out by the reader 155 in accordance with the updated reference level. The subsequent operation is the same as the operation described above. The magnetic data 83 is erased, and the word "INVALID" and its related pattern are printed on the commuter's pass at a timing shown in Figure 13K.

Thereafter, the invalid commuter's pass is recovered in the ticket recovery box 207. If the commuter's pass cannot be read even if the reference level is changed, demagnetization and printing are not performed and the commuter's pass 81 is dispensed at the inserting/ dispensing portion 129 in the same manner as in the case where the customer erroneously inserts his commuter's pass upside down.

When the ticket recovery box 207 is filled with the invalid commuter's passes and this state is detected by the sensor 209, the rotary solenoid 211 is operated to close the shutter or to move it upward, so that the next commuter's pass 81 cannot be inserted. At the same time, an indicator (not shown) is operated which indicates the full status of the ticket recovery box 207 and which is arranged in the operation section 125 so as to signal the box status to maintenance personnel. When maintenance personnel remove the invalid commuter's passes from the ticket recovery box 207 and reset the ticket vending machine 99, the shutter 13 is opened to enable insertion of the next commuter's pass.

In the above embodiment, the commuter's pass 81 need not be inserted in the old ticket reader.

Alternatively, the customer may set the conditions at the data entry section 153 located under the display panel 115. The customer may fill his name and charge in a pass application form shown in Figure 15 and insert it in the name transfer unit 107. He also may insert the bills and coins which correspond to the charge for the updated commuter's pass. The commuter's ticket 137 may then be dispensed at the inserting/dispensing portion.

Claims (12)

1. An apparatus for issuing a bond, a certificate or the like, characterized by comprising: (a) conveying means (55) for conveying an old certificate on which magnetic data is recorded; (b) reading means (71) for reading out the magne tic data from the old certificate conveyed by said conveying means (55); (c) determining means (75) for determining whether or not the old certificate is to be dealt with in said apparatus in accordance with the magnetic data read out by said reading means (71); (d) demagnetizing means (73) for demagnetizing the magnetic data of said old certificate determined by said determining means (75) to be dealt with in said apparatus; (e) printing means (69) for printing data indicating invalidation on the old certifiate demagnetized by said demagnetizing means (73);; (f) issuing means (15) for issuing a new certificate on the basis of the magnetic data of the old certificate; and (g) controlling means (9), connected to said conveying means (55), said reading means (71), said determining means (75), said demagnetizing means (73), said printing means (69) and said issuing means (15), for controlling to supply the magnetic data from said reading means (71) to said determining means (75), to allow said demagnetizing means (73) and said printing means (69) to respectively perform demagnetization and printing and to allow said issuing means (15) to issue the new certificate on the basis if determination data from said determining means (75).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said controlling means (9) comprises a programmable microprocessor which is connected to said conveying means (55), said reading means (71), said determining means (75), said demagnetizing means (73), said printing means (69) and said issuing means (15) and which includes a central processing unit (10) for receiving timing signals to control said demagnetiziang means (73), said printing means (69) and said issuing means (15), and a read-only memory device (12) for storing a permanent program for functions of said central processing unit (10), thereby allowing said controlling means (9) to perform a specific function, wherein said controlling means (9) controls said conveying means (55), said reading means (71), said determining means (75), said demagnetizing means (73), said printing means (69) and said issuing means (15) so as to receive and convey the old certificate on which the magnetic data is recorded, to determine contents of the magnetic data, to demagnetize the magnetic data in accordance with determination data, to print a visible pattern on the old certificate which indicates cancellation thereof, an to issue the new certificate.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by further comprising measuring means for measuring a distance of movement of the old certificate.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said measuring means comprises a pulse counter (79).

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising reading level converting means (77) for changing a reference level for reading of the magnetic data.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said controlling means further has a function of calculating a balance of payment when the old certificate comprises one of a commuter's pass and a ticket.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by further comprising display means (7) for displaying an amount of the balance.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising panel means (115) for entering data of an applied month when the old certificate comprises a commuter's pass.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising an operator unit including key input means for allowing an operator to refund an amount when the certificate comprises one of a commuter's pass, a ticket, and a reversed seat ticket, said key input means being operated by the operator.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising storing means (207) for storing the old certificate which is demagnetized and has information indicating invalidity thereon.

11. An apparatus for processing a bond, a certificate or the like, characterized by comprising: (a) conveying means (55) for conveying an old certificate on which magnetic data is recorded; (b) reading means (71) for reading out the magnetic data from the old certificate conveyed by said conveying means (55); (c) determining means (75) for determining whether or not the old certificate is to be dealt with in said apparatus in accordance with the magnetic data read out by said reading means (71); (d) demagnetizing means (73) for demagnetizing the magnetic data of said old certificate determined by said determining means (75) to be dealt with in said apparatus; (e) printing means (69) for printing data indicating invalidation on the old certificate demagnetized by said demagnetizing means (73); and (f) controlling means (9), connected to said conveying means (55), said reading means (71), said determining means (75) and said demagnetizing means (73), said printing means (69), for controlling to supply the magnetic data from said reading means (71) to said determining means (75), to allow said demagnetizing means (73) and said printing means (69) to respectively perform demagnetization and printing.

12. An apparatus for issuing bond, certificate or the like, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.