The Solution of Ticketing Turnstile System for Scenic Spot

1. Adopting e-ticket management system is of practical significance to users in many aspects:

1) Standardize ticketing and ticket checking process, improve work efficiency and improve user management level.

2) Eliminate fake tickets, ticket scalping, and other bad behavior and safeguard users’ interests.

3) Give full play to the advantages of computer management. The system can provide all statistical data related to ticketing for daily business management and project decision-making, which is a basis for scientific management.

4) E-ticket management system is a critical component of digital scenic spot construction which is the development trend of modern enterprise management.

2. Application characteristics of e-ticket system in scenic spots

Tourist attractions, theme parks, expositions, exhibition halls and other application fields have the following characteristics:

1) These places need quick and convenient ticketing and ticket checking system due to large passenger flow and most tourists go to these places only one time.

2) The ticket prices are higher. The places have strict financial management system and ticketing and ticket checking system are executed under strict supervision which prevent economic loss.

3) There are many travel agencies and tourist groups and their fares or discounts are flexible, so customers discounts and sales performance need to be carefully managed.

4) The ticketing and ticket checking process for tourist groups should be convenient, allowing plenty of customers entering the parks quickly or purchasing tickets after entering the parks.

5) These places have functional requirements for managing staff and VIP.

6) These places have functional requirements for managing tour guides and tourists.

7) Some high-end scenic spots have functional requirements for identity verification of tourists entering the park again.

8) These places prefer paper tickets with printed QR code,such as real time paper printed tickets with bar code, postcard tickets, etc. The paper tickets have the advantages of low cost and pretty appearance. Tourists can take the paper tickets as souvenir or reimbursement voucher.

9) These places require flexible ticket checking method, which not only support fast ticket checking and release, but also can realize electronic verification and physical marking after ticket checking to replace manual punched ticket checking way.

10) These places have functional requirements for booking and selling tickets online.

11) These places require the system can provide files of ticketing, financial collection, passenger flow, etc, which can offer effective basis for leaders and marketing decisions.

The e-ticket system of scenic spots can meet the above functional requirements with many years experience in this industry.

3. The components of e-ticket system

1) Ticketing software and hardware in ticket offices.

2) Ticket checking device, ticket checking software, and turnstiles at ticket counters.

3) Date server, e-ticket management system in machine room.

4) Others: data transmission devices, network, communication interface converters, USB backup power supply, etc.

5) Recommended facilitates: a closed circuit surveillance system for key places such as entrances and ticket checking offices.

4. The characteristics of HPT e-ticket system

1) Good confidentiality, prevent counterfeit tickets

This system uses bar code ticket, and carries on the encryption processing to each ticket, and identified by access control system, thus eliminates fake tickets and invalid tickets.

2) Comprehensive electronic charge management

Ticket number and amount of each ticket window, the number of people checking tickets can be shown in the computers of ticket management system. All kinds of financial statements can be printed out. The scenic spots can find out problems in the statements and improve management and service, which can both get economic and social benefits.

3) Strong adaptability

The system has open structure and modular function design. The function and turnstile channel can be changed.

4) Good real-time performance

The system can judge if the tickets are valid or not and search for and collect quantity, sales volume, type, time and passenger flow volume accurately and at real time. The daily, weekly, monthly and yearly financial statements can be printed. Adopting bottom-layer ticket verification technology, the speed of e-ticket verification and management is greatly accelerated, and the real-time requirements of access are effectively ensured.

5) Advanced management

Using computer control and management can greatly improve work efficiency and management, effectively put an end to the financial loopholes, to ensure the economic benefits of enterprises.

5. System security Mechanism

The system security mechanism of e-ticket system contains the following parts:

1) E-ticket information encryption

The e-ticket information is encrypted by three layers of encryption technology in cryptography.

2) Hardware encryption

The computers used in the system all need to be strictly controlled by multiple layers, such as dongle encryption, computer password verification and background management approval, so that even professionals cannot decrypt them.

3) Software encryption

E-ticket is generated by special bar code generation file with 16-bit code encryption, and external bar code cannot be scanned by the system. The whole system also carries out the operator password login, background management computer approval, database multiple encryption and other encryption measures.

4) Limit of validity

The validity of e-tickets can be specified. Tickets can be checked at any time within the validity period.

5) Repeated entry control

The system supports secondary entry. Tourists are allowed to enter the park repeatedly after face recognition, which avoids the phenomenon of several people holding one ticket many times to enter the park.

6) Audit

The system can compare ticketing quantity with ticket checking times.

7) Safety for peak traffic

Regarding the problem of personnel diversion during peak seasons and holidays, the following solutions can be adopted:

In the calculation of monthly and daily visits, the people flow during peak seasons has been taken into account and multiplied by the corresponding coefficient, so there will be no congestion under normal circumstances.

8) Safe use of power outage

The UPS power supply with appropriate specifications and capacity should be equipped. Users also need to prepare oil-fired generators which can meet the normal operation of the e-ticket system in case of power failure for a long time.

II. E-ticket system structure

1. Types of tickets

a. Currently, e-tickets include bar code tickets, RFID e-tickets, CD e-tickets, magnetic cards, fingerprint or face recognition, etc. Users can choose a reasonable ticket type according to the investment scale, operation budget, application requirements, and other factors. HPT e-ticket system can support the above ticket types and has many application cases. The characteristic of the above ticket types is: when selling tickets, the bar code ticket number, ticket type, validity period, amount, number of people and other information generated by real-time encryption will be printed on the ticket through a dedicated bar code printer.

Advantages: complete ticket information. Ticket number is generated with real-time encryption and high security.

b. Pre-printed bar code paper ticket

During ticket making, bar code generation software is used to encrypt and generate bar code in batches in the system, which is printed in advance on the ticket or bar code label(printed and pasted in the ticket blank), so that there is a unique encrypted bar code on each ticket. Bar code scanning gun is used to activate bar code when selling tickets.

Advantages: Scenic spots do not need to make continuous tickets. The tickets are easy to produce and the cost is low. Different types of tickets can be printed on different pages.

Advantages: when design and produce paper ticket, it is best to have a deputy coupon or automatic punching ticket machine drilling. When checking tickets, scenic spots staffs tear off the deputy coupons or use an automatic punching machine to remark on the tickets. The tickets are invalid after tearing off deputy coupon or punching.

c. IC card ticket

The tourist information, scenic spot image and card code are printed on the card in advance. When selling tickets, the card tickets will be activated through card reading and writing devices. Tourists need to put card tickets into card reading devices. After the card tickets are read, the card tickets will be recycled.

Advantages: The tickets can be recycled, which is good for sustainable development.

d. RFID ticket

When making tickets, the RFID chip is encapsulated in the color printed paper tickets. When selling tickets, the information is stored in the IC of tickets through the reader. Because of high security anti-counterfeiting, RFID tickets are widely used in various occasions in recently years. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the last football World Cup all use RFID tickets.

Advantages: High security, not easy to forge. It has little dependence on network and can realize off line applications. It also has large information storage.

e. CD ticket

CD tickets need to be used with bar code or RFID chip, which is one of the ticket schemes with high cost and the best publicity effect. CD can store a lot of advertising information of scenic spots.

Advantages: The CD tickets can take as advertisement and souvenir.

2. Operation process

(1) The working process of real-time printed bar code ticket

It is applied to continuous blank tickets.

(2) The working process of pre-printed bar code paper ticket

It is applied to making postcard tickets.

3. System component

HPT e-ticket system mainly consists of the following three parts:

a. Turnstiles at entrances and exits, ticket checking equipment

b. Ticket selling devices

c. System server, etc

4. Turnstiles and ticket checking devices

Tripod turnstiles, flap barrier turnstiles, etc can be used in the scenic spots according to specified requirements. The turnstiles are used to receive input control signal from ticket checking devices, and then to control open and close of the turnstiles. The turnstiles are equipped with ticket checking devices, bar code scanner, speaker, indication light, etc. The ticket checking devices receives the bar code data of tickets scanned by bar code scanner in real time, and gives the result of ticket checking after verification by the system server. If the tickets are valid, the speaker will send out welcome signal, the indication light will turn green, and the turnstiles also open to allow passengers to pass through. If the tickets are invalid, the speaker will send out invalid ticket signal, the indication light will turn red, and the turnstiles will keep closing state to prevent people from breaking in.

If the parks also wants staffs to pass through turnstiles into the park, the system can also be realized. Employees usually use non-contact ID/ IC cards, which need to install ID/IC card reader on one of the turnstile. Ticket checking devices can also check employee card, and can decide whether to release employee according to the validity of cards. The system also can record access data for inquiry.

5. Turnstiles

Functional characteristics:

The turnstiles are installed at entry and exit of scenic spots to realize preventing and releasing. Ticket checking devices can be embedded in the turnstile cover to realize automatic release after ticket verification, which can provide a civilized and ordered access way for passengers, and can also prevent unauthorized personnel breaking in the scenic spots.

The turnstiles are made of stainless steel, and are rust-proof, durable and pretty.

A. Tripod turnstile

Application: The tripod turnstiles are used for automatic ticket checking and release and are widely used in scenic spots, museums, exhibition halls, gymnasiums, etc which can provide a civilized and ordered access way for tourists, and can also prevent unauthorized personnel breaking in the scenic spots.

Functional characteristics: turnstiles working with ticket checking devices can realize ticket checking and release by scanning bar code tickets, IC/ID card tickets, RFID tickets, CD tickets, staff cards, VIP cards, fingerprint recognition, etc.

1) The turnstile is made of stainless steel, with durable structure, strong protection performance and easy maintenance.

2) The turnstile is equipped with indication light, screen, acoustic alarm to facilitate tourists.

3) An indicator light protruding from the turnstiles show the ticket category for the inspector to monitor from a distance.

4) After checking valid tickets or power off, the turnstile rod arms will drop down to meet fire protection requirements.

B. Flap barrier turnstile

Application: The flap barrier turnstiles are used for automatic ticket checking and release and are widely used in scenic spots, museums, exhibition halls, gymnasiums, etc which can provide a civilized and ordered access way for tourists, and can also prevent unauthorized personnel breaking in the scenic spots.

Functional characteristics:

1) Turnstiles working with ticket checking devices can realize ticket checking and release by scanning bar code tickets, IC/ID card tickets, RFID tickets, CD tickets, staff cards, VIP cards, fingerprint recognition, etc.

2) The flap barrier turnstile is divided into single core unit turnstile and dual core unit turnstile. According to specific requirements, one or multiple channel turnstile can be set through combination of single core unit turnstile and dual core unit turnstile.

3) The turnstile is made of stainless steel, with durable structure, strong protection performance and easy maintenance.

4) When the flap barrier turnstile open, turnstile wing arm will retract into the turnstile housing to form barrier free channel. The flap barrier turnstile is more suitable for scenci spots with a high proportion of the elderly and children.

5) The turnstile is equipped with indication light, screen, acoustic alarm to facilitate tourists.

6) An indicator light protruding from the turnstiles show the ticket category for the inspector to monitor from a distance.

7) The flap barrier turnstile is equipped with anti-pinch function.

8) After power off, the turnstile rod arms will drop down to meet fire protection requirements. When power on, the turnstile will automatically close.

6. Ticket checking device

Ticket checking devices are installed on the turnstile cover. Different input devices are equipped with different kinds of tickets. After ticket checking devices receiving ticket information, the ticket information will be uploaded to the system to verify whether the information is valid or not, and the system will display the verified result on screen, speaker and LED will also inform tourists of the verified result and control the turnstile open or close.

7. Ticket selling device

Ticket selling window is usually composed of individual ticket window and group ticket window. Some small scenic spots can combine individual and group ticket window and sell all kinds of tickets.

The equipment configuration of individual ticket selling and group ticket selling is the same. Every ticket selling window is equipped with a computer, and a bar code printer(or bar code scanner) is equipped according to the way of selling tickets. Every ticketing computer is connected to the system server through a network switch.

(1) Real time ticket printed method

Bar code printer is to print bar code automatically generated by software encryption on the tickets. As each ticket bar code is printed independently, the corresponding ticket price, type, time, number of tourists and other related information can be printed on the tickets.

The bar code printer is connected with the ticket computer to print ticket information and all kinds of bar code. Carbon tape can be used to print tickets on coated paper in thermal transfer mode, or directly printed on thermal card paper in thermal sensitive mode.

(2) Pre-printed bar code activation ticket mode

The bar code scanner is designed in the form of a hand-held bar code scanning gun, which can be held or placed in the rack as a desktop. It is mainly used for pre-printing bar-code labels of tickets. When selling bar code tickets, the bar code will be scanned and transmitted to the system. The system will configure this bar code ticket into the ticket type that tourists nee to buy, such as adult ticket, group ticket, half fare ticket, etc. And the system will generate information related to the tickets, such as ticket price, ticket selling time, ticket seller code, etc.

8. Ticket checking channel arrangement

Tripod turnstile: if tripod turnstiles are used, it is recommended that channel should be set for scenic spot staffs.

Flap barrier turnstile: if flap barrier turnstiles are used, it is recommended that ticket checking devices should be installed outside the turnstiles and channel for scenic spot staff should be set.

9. Computer room equipment

The e-ticket system needs to be equipped with the following devices: system server, data transmission device, network switch, and UPS power supply. These devices are installed in the device cabinet. It is suggested that the device cabinet should be installed in dedicated computer room which can prevent unauthorized personnel from touch these devices.

The UPS power supply in the cabinet is the total power supply of the system, and all the key equipment of the system, such as the turnstiles, ticket selling computers, ticket checking devices, closed circuit monitoring equipment, etc., are powered by it. In this way, when the external power is cut off unexpectedly, the whole e-ticket system will not be affected and can operate normally. But the working time of UPS power supply is limited.

III. Software function

1. Introduction to software function

The ticket checking system is composed of ticketing system, ticket checking system, ticket management center, VIP management, tourist management, and staff management, etc. HPT ticket checking system realizes electronic, automatic and networked computer comprehensive management of ticketing and ticket checking process. The ticket selling, ticket checking and management centers are connected into a complete system, so that the data uploaded by each ticket selling point and ticket checking point can be synchronized with data of the center server in real time to ensure the security, confidentiality and reliability of data management. Ticketing software has ticket selling, refund, group ticket purchase, discount, shift statistics, ticket inquiry and other functions. Ticket checking software has automatic ticket checking function, can control turnstile channel according to different ticket types, and have acoustic alarm and release signal. Ticket management center software has basic settings, query, statistics, output statements and other functions.The visitors management system has the functions of registering visitor information, analyzing information, real-time statistical control of the number of visitors in the scenic spots and informing information, etc.

2. Ticket selling software

HPT ticket selling software has ticket selling, refund, group ticket purchase, discount, shift statistics, ticket inquiry and other functions, and can set various ticket types, which meet requirements of many scenic spots. The software is easy to operate.

The software has the following characteristics:

1) Various ticket selling mode

The ticket software has bar code real-time printing tickets, bar code activation tickets, RFID reading and writing card, fingerprint collection, portrait capture, ID card identification and other ticketing methods. The software can be flexibly configured through the ticket management center and can integrate a variety of ticketing methods in the same system.

2) Flexible ticket type setting

The ticket price, ticket selling method, ticket validity, number of tickets can be set.

3) Unique ticket design function

Users can define and modify the printing format of all kinds of tickets by themselves, which provides technical guarantee for long-term or short-term marketing strategy changes.

4) Strict financial management

The system can manage the whole process of ticket making, receiving, selling, refund and shift counting, which ensure the responsibility of ticket and payment is clear and the data is accurate. The system supports multiple payment methods and combination payment function.

5) Complete customer relationship management function

Customer management: contract management can be carried out for the agreement units, travel agencies and other customer units, giving different discounts, accurate record and statistical analysis of the sales performance of customer units, to provide accurate data for better management of scenic spots.

Guide and driver management: the software has the management function of ticket discount, integral and rebate for tour guide and driver, encouraging tour guide and driver to actively expand the source of customers.

Tourist source management: carry out statistical analysis according to tourist source information to clarify the direction of market promotion.

VIP management: the software has membership and local residents management functions.

6) Daily report

The daily ticket selling report can be printed.

3. Ticket checking system

The ticket checking system has the following characteristics:

1) Flexible ticket checking and turnstile release function

The system can set ticket types that each turnstile channel to realize tourist diversion according to specific needs and layout.

2) Acoustic alarm and LED indication

When checking tickets, the ticket checking device will display different acoustic indication. If the ticket is valid, the turnstile will open. If the ticket is invalid, the turnstile will not open.

3) Special group tickets checking function

The system can sell group tickets which can simplify ticket selling and ticket checking process and improve work efficiency.

The ticket checking device can be set up “direct inspection mode” and “confirmation mode” two working modes. In the confirmation mode, the system can count the number of turnstile, which is convenient for group tourists to check in at one time.

4) Various ticket checking devices can integrate with the ticket checking system

The system can integrate with ticket punching devices, bar code scanning devices, ID/IC card induction devices, face recognition devices, fingerprint recognition devices, etc.

5) Monitor turnstile channel status in real time

The system can display the number of tourists passing the turnstile of each turnstile channel in real time, and set the number of quota. When the number of ticket selling or ticket checking reaches the set quota, ticket selling or ticket checking will be stopped automatically.

4. Ticket selling management center

Ticket selling management center is used to set parameters and manage the e-ticket system, like staff permission, ticket types, price, discount, release time, release rules. The system can also export all statements related to ticket selling, ticket checking, etc. The center has the following characteristics:

1) Good extensibility

The ticket management center software adopts B/S structure to facilitate expansion and maintenance, such as remote management, online ticketing, etc.

2) Flexible ticket setting

The ticket parameters such as ticket price, release rules can be set flexibly.

3) Tourist management

The management center can register tourist information, audit and set all kinds of customers discount.

4) Strict operator permission management

E-ticket system has strict permission setting and management functions, and can set different permission groups. For example, ticket selling staffs only have permission about ticket selling; financial staffs only have permission about setting ticket price, ticket price, discount, query and export statements; business department has the function of managing contracted units; and leaders have the function of querying statistics.

5) Detailed and accurate data query statistical reports

E-ticket system has rich query and statistical functions and the report can be exported and printed. On the WEB server, the following reports can be obtained:

a. Ticketing query, ticket checking query, tourist query, salesman query, login query

b. Sales volume statement, staff number statistical table, collection statement

c. Ticket checking statistics table

d. Ticket selling statistics

e. Statistical diagram

The statement format can be set according to specific requirements.

5. Real time passenger flow monitoring system

The system can display and refresh the number of tickets sold at the ticket window at different times, and can regularly refresh display the ticket checking number of each turnstile channel. The statistical data is easy to understand, which can let scenic spot staff know real-time and accurate data. It is also an auxiliary means to avoid overcrowding and ensure the tourist safety.

6. Online ticket booking system

(1) The meaning of online booking system

Online ticket booking system is one of the extended services of e-ticket system and is widely used in many scenic spots. Online ticket booking system is the key business of scenic spots e-commerce, and can realize online marketing, advertising, etc., which is convenient for users to buy tickets, and it also help to increase passenger flow. The online ticket booking system can be seamlessly combined with e-ticket management system of scenic spots through data interface.

Adopting online ticket booking system also has practical meanings for scenic spots and tourists:

a. The e-commerce platform of scenic spots will better show resources of scenic spots to tourists, improve scenic spots profile.

b. Tourists can not only book tickets at a better price but also can pay online through e-commerce platform, bringing greater convenience and benefits for tourists.

c. Online ticket booking system can help standardize tourism marketing, unified design of scenic spot profile, and reduce overall marketing and sales cost of scenic spot.

d. Online ticket booking system can effectively promote tourism resources of scenic spots and improve the market position of scenic spots in tourism industry.

e. To establish and improve the information standard of tourism and point out the way for the long-term, stable and effective development of scenic spots.

f. The e-commerce platform led and supervised by scenic spots will better guarantee the rights and interests of tourists.

(2) The main functions of online ticket booking system

A. Tourist information inquiry and promotion

The platform can realize promotion and propaganda of scenic spots through a variety of ways. Includes:

1) Provide an illustrated introduction of the scenic spots.

2) Distribute promotional material of scenic spots through travel agencies and other tourism-related enterprises.

B. Sales of tourism product

The best cost-effective ticket customization service will be an important factor in attracting tourists to the e-commerce platform of tourist attractions. Tourists can order tickets directly on the platform, and the scenic spots will provide services for tourists directly. The platform will become the best ticket selling channel for scenic spot.

C. Payment and settlement of fees

The system can provide booking settlement service and guarantee between tourists and scenic spots.

D. Tourism consultant service

The system can provide effective query function. Tourists can query the relevant information of tourists attractions through different ways.

E. Channel sales

The system can provide accessible way for tourism products in other cities.

F. Data mining and decision support

The platform will provide an effective basis for the further development of the tourism industry and management decisions.

7. Other extended functions

The system can also provide the following functions according to users’ requirements.

1) Secondary access management function

2) Remote ticket selling

3) Data gathering of many scenic spots

IV. Contingency plan

1. Emergency handling of system faults

1) In case of the ticketing system breaking down, scenic spot should prepare a certain number of backup tickets for selling manually.

2) In order to prevent data loss caused by server faults, it is suggested that users should configure a database backup server and set a strict data backup policy to periodically back up data on remote servers.

3) If the ticket checking system fails, staff can check tickets manually to avoid affecting normal admission of tourists.

2. Emergency treatment of power failure

1) The optional UPS power supply can supply power to the system for a short period of time. If a long-term outage may occur onsite,backup generators are recommended.

2) Ticket system server, ticket computer and ticket checking equipment should be equipped with uninterruptible power supply, which will not affect the normal operation in the power grid voltage fluctuation or short voltage switch.

3. Emergency handling of huge people flow

1) The ticketing system,has the function of bulk ticketing, which can sell a large number tickets quickly.

2) All ticket checking turnstile channels will be opened. Each turnstile channel can allow 1200 persons to pass per hour. If the passage speed still cannot meet requirements, the turnstiles can be set normal open mode. When tickets are checked, the turnstiles will send out acoustic and LED alarm. Once scenic spot staff hear the voice prompt, the staff will release tourists.

V. Project scheduling

The construction of e-ticket system is generally composed of the following stages. The contents and schedule of each stage are as follows. It is hoped that users can refer to this schedule in project planning to ensure the smooth implementation of the project on schedule and as planned.

1) Demand confirmation of e-ticket system

2) Project proposal and system quotation

3) Confirmation of project proposal and quotation

4) Project contract signing

5) Project contract startup

6) Contract execution

a. Ticket making

b. Turnstile and other hardware production

c. Software function commissioning

d. Delivery

e. Equipment installation and commissioning

f. Customer operation training

g. System trail operation

7) Project acceptance

8) After system installation, debugging and acceptance are completed, the system is put into operation, and the free maintenance period stipulated in the contract begins to be calculated.

VI. Suggestions for new customers

Compared with manual ticket checking method, e-ticket system has some special requirements in the aspect of system design and operation, mainly reflected in: entrance layout of scenic spots, ticket types, daily maintenance, etc.

1. Entrance layout of scenic spots

Calculate the number of turnstiles needed for entrance and exit according to the statistics of tourist flow. According to the size and quantity of the turnstile passage, the queuing area for tourists to check in tickets should be determined. The diversion channel, return channel, channel for disabled and emergency channel should be considered. The access channel for motor vehicles should be far away from tourists. It is advised that tourist queuing area and turnstile installation area should be set indoor. If it is set outdoor, canopies should be used to prevent wind and sun damaging the turnstiles.

2. Ticket types

The ticket types should be determined before deciding system proposal. Ticket design, ticket size and shape, etc should be considered.

3. Support closed circuit monitoring system

A closed circuit monitoring system working with e-ticket system will be much helpful. The monitoring system is used to monitor the situation of the entrance and exit channels, record tourists who do not follow the access rules, and can also monitor ticket office, which support the smooth operation of e-ticket system.

4. Choose a system daily maintenance staff

Users need to care about daily maintenance of the e-ticket system, both hardware and software. It is advised that a staff having knowledge of computer and turnstile installation should be trained to take charge of maintenance.