WO2002050692A2

WO2002050692A2 - Portable data processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002050692A2
Application number: PCT/EP2001/015059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrian Jones
Original assignee: Sema Uk Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-12-20
Filing date: 2001-12-19
Publication date: 2002-06-27
Also published as: AU2002224956A1; GB2370402A; GB0031133D0; WO2002050692A3; EP1350170A2

Abstract

Portable data processing apparatus (1) for generating and issuing tickets, the apparatus comprising: a data processing device (5) having data storage means, a display screen (11), data entry means (13) for inputting data to said device, and processing means (27) for generating ticketing data from data input to said device and/or from ticket reference data retrieved from said data storage means; and a base station (3) comprising a store (81; 91) for ticket substrates (84; 99), data transfer means (89; 103, 105) for transferring at least a user readable representation of said ticketing data onto a said ticket substrate, and means for subsequently dispensing said ticket substrate; wherein said data processing device (3) is removable from said apparatus (1) for subsequent connection to a remote processing centre (121) for data transfer between said remote processing centre (121) and said data processing device (5).

Description

PORTABLE DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS

This invention relates generally to portable data processing apparatus, and in one particular embodiment to portable data processing apparatus for

5 generating and issuing tickets. Other embodiments of the invention relate to various aspects of the aforementioned apparatus.

It has previously been proposed to provide mobile ticketing equipment for use, for example, on public transport and in particular for use in dispensing tickets to transport passengers who have not already purchased tickets before

L0 travelling.

One example of such equipment has been in use for many years across the rail network in the United Kingdom. This equipment is carried by a guard patrolling the train and enables the guard to issue tickets to those passengers who have not purchased a ticket before boarding the train.

L5 The ticketing equipment comprises a generally rectangular box, which is provided with a carry strap so that the guard can hang the device around his or her neck. A small screen and a relatively large number of keys are mounted in the upper surface of the box so that the guard can enter information into the device (and check entered information via the screen) for the purpose of

_0 generating ticketing information from information stored in the device (for example in solid state memory of the device) and information input thereto. Once correct ticketing information has been generated and approved by the guard, it can be printed onto a paper ticket (typically by means of a thermal printer), which comprises one of a plurality of tickets, stored on a roll located

-5 inside the device. Once the paper ticket has been printedϊt can be torn against ^l a serrated edge provided adjacent a ticket issuing aperture in the device to enable it to be separated from the roll and subsequently issued to the passenger. Whilst these devices have been used, and have operated satisfactorily, for many years it has recently been noted that they can cause inconveniences both for the guard and the passenger.

For example, one problem with these existing devices is that they are

5 constructed in such a way that the information stored therein cannot easily be updated (for example to take account of changes to ticket prices) without returning the entire device to a remote processing centre for updating. Obviously, when a device is in the remote processing centre it cannot be used for dispensing tickets, and a replacement device must therefore be provided

10 for use until the original device has been updated.

This drawback can also become apparent when the same device is to be used by a number of different guards (as might happen in a long distance journey where a particular guard is only responsible for travel over a portion of that journey) and it is desired to log information (for example information

^5 relating to the number of tickets issued) for a particular guard, because information relating to use of the device can only be downloaded from the device once the journey has been completed and the device has been returned to the remote processing centre, hifo mation pertaining to any one particular guard that needs to be sent elsewhere then has to be retrieved from the device

-0 and dispatched accordingly.

It is an aim of this invention to avoid this problem, and to this end one embodiment of the invention provides portable data processing apparatus for generating and issuing tickets, the apparatus comprising: a data processing device having data storage means, a screen for data display, data entry means

-5 for inputting data to said device, and processing means for generating ticketing data from data input to said device and/or from ticket reference data retrieved from said data storage means; and a base station comprising a store for ticket substrates, and data transfer means for transferring at least a user readable representation of said ticketing data onto a said ticket substrate and

50 for subsequently dispensing said ticket substrate; wherein said data processing device is removable from said apparatus for subsequent connection to a remote processing centre for data transfer between said remote processing centre and said data processing device.

In this way, it is now possible for use of the apparatus to continue whilst data on the removable data processing device is updated, for example, simply by removing the device that carries "old" data and replacing it with another device carrying "new" data, hi a similar fashion, it is now possible for each guard to be assigned a device, and for them to take their device with them once they have completed their responsibilities and for. use of the apparatus to continue with a new guard and associated data processing device.

In a highly preferred variation of this embodiment, the data storage means of the data processing device is (also) removable, so that individual data stores can be updated, or so that data stores carrying information other than ticketing reference data (for example, operating manuals or safety procedures) can be inserted into and accessed from the device.

Another problem facing the above-described existing devices is that they are not capable of performing any function other than generating and issuing tickets. This means that guards must carry with them, in addition to the device, typically a number of travel timetables so that they can answer any queries that the passengers might have with regard, for example, to the time or frequency of rail services connecting with the service on which they are travelling. Guards can therefore frequently find themselves having to carry a large amount of different things with them as they patrol the train. It would therefore be useful if these devices could be adapted to provide information other than ticketing information to the guard for relay to the passengers. ^l

Accordingly, and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the removable data storage means may carry additional information other than said ticket reference data, said additional information being retrievable by said processing means for display. As a further alternative, the apparatus could be associated with a plurality of data storage devices, each of said devices carrying a different set of information.

Yet another problem with the above-mentioned existing devices is that they can only dispense paper tickets which each comprise a section of (typically thermal) paper which has had user readable information printed thereon. Whilst these paper tickets are sufficient for use on the trains, they can often cause delays at stations because it has recently become commonplace for railway companies to block exits from stations with automatic gates which will .only open when a valid ticket with a magnetic stripe (also known as a magstripe) has been fed through a magnetic reader located in the gate.

This exit system does not appreciably inconvenience those passengers who have a ticket with a magnetic stripe, but it can seriously inconvenience those passengers who have a paper ticket of the type issued by the above described ticketing machines because those paper tickets cannot be inserted into the automatic gates (principally because those paper tickets are too flimsy and do not have a magnetic stripe). Passengers with these paper tickets, as they cannot open the automatic gates, must find a railway company employee and ask them to open the gate for them. In busy times it is not always possible to find an employee who can help, and delays can result.

Accordingly, in another embodiment of the present invention, the ticket store comprises a store for a plurality of tickets each bearing a magnetic stripe, and said data transfer means comprises (preferably in addition to means for transferring a user readable representation of said ticketing information onto said ticket) means for transferring a machine-readable representation of said ticketing information onto said ticket, for example means for encoding said ticketing information on the magnetic stripe of a said ticket to be dispensed, hi a variation of this embodiment it is preferred that the ticket substrates are z-folded in said store, and that said dispensing means comprises roller means operable to draw said tickets from said store. In some of the more modern examples of the above mentioned previously proposed ticketing devices, it has been proposed to include within the box carried by the guard a so-called "card swipe" so that payment for ticket sales can be made with a credit card. These card swipes typically comprise a slot in the side or face of the box through which the card can be slid. Within the slot there is provided a magnetic head for reading information encoded on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card as the card is slid through the slot. Typically, such credit cards comprise a rectangular piece of plastic with a magnetic stripe that runs in parallel with a long side .of-, > the card, the stripe being located generally in between the long middle axis of the card and the long side thereof.

This system works reasonably well for credit cards, but it will not work with so-called smart cards (or chip cards as they are also sometimes known) which carry solid-state electronic components (such as a processor or memory, for example) buried in the body of the card. These smart cards are becoming ever more prevalent, and it has been predicted that soon they will replace existing credit cards, and could even be carried in place of money.

Existing ticketing apparatus of the kind described above is incapable of reading information from so-called smart cards or chip cards, and thus will very likely quickly become redundant when the use of such cards increases.

To avoid such problems, and to increase customer choice with regard to payment for tickets, a further embodiment of the invention provides portable data processing apparatus as described herein wherein the base station carries a card swipe for reading magnetic data encoded on cards, and a smart-card reader for reading (and possibly also for writing) data from (or to) a smart card or chip card.

The card swipe will typically comprise a channel in the face or side of the base station, and through which a credit card (or other like card with a magnetic stripe) may be slid - data on the card being read by a magnetic reading head located inside the channel as the card is passed thereover. The smart-card reader will typically comprise a cavity on a face of the base station into which the card can be inserted. A number of contacts will extend from an interior face of the cavity, and will be arranged in such a manner than they abut similar contacts provided on the card when the card is slid into the recess (those contacts being connected to the components in the card). Data may then be read from, and possibly written to, the card by means of the electrical connection between the contacts.

As mentioned above, credit cards typically comprise a rectangular , piece of plastic with a magnetic stripe, that runs in parallel with a long side of the card, the stripe being located generally midway between the long middle axis of the card and a long side thereof.

Known credit card swipes are generally designed to enable data to be read from cards of the type described above, and the channel is sized and shaped accordingly. However, such swipes cannot read data from magnetic stripes of railway tickets, for example, because the stripe on a ticket runs generally along the long middle axis of the substrate, rather than midway between the axis and a long side of the card. The result of this is that if a ticket is inserted in a conventional credit card swipe, the magnetic stripe on the ticket protrudes from the swipe channel and consequently is not read by the reader located therein.

Clearly, it would be highly advantageous if a data reader could be designed which is capable of reading both credit cards (i.e. substrates with a magnetic stripe located generally midway between the long middle axis of the card and a long side thereof) and ticket substrates (i.e. substrates with a magnetic stripe which runs generally along the long middle axis of the substrate), because such an arrangement would allow the magnetic data encoded on tickets to be decoded by a guard - for example for checking against the user readable information printed on the card as a means to combat fraud. Accordingly, a further embodiment of this invention provides a data reader for reading magnetic data encoded on first and second types of generally rectangular substrates, the first substrate being provided with a magnetic stripe running generally in parallel with and in close proximity to a long side thereof, the second substrate being provided with a magnetic stripe running generally along a long middle axis thereof, said data reader comprising: a channel through which the substrates can be swiped, and magnetic reader means located within said channel for reading data encoded on the stripes of said substrates as said substrates are passed thereover, the arrangement being such that the magnetic stripes can pass over the magnetic reader means when the substrates are swiped through the channel irrespective of the fact that the stripes are located in different positions on said first and second substrates.

In a highly preferred aspect of this embodiment, the first substrate is thicker than the second substrate, and the channel comprises a first zone of a thickness greater than that of the second substrate but less than that of the first substrate, and a second zone of a thickness larger than that of said first substrate, said first zone being deeper than said second zone, the arrangement being such that the first substrate is movable only through said second zone whereas the second substrate is movable through both said first and second zones simultaneously.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that the channel has a stepped profile and that the first and second zones run concurrently through the channel, and that the magnetic reader means comprises a single magnetic head for reading data from the stripes. _ -- -_ _

Irrespective of whatever form the swipe should take, it is preferred for the data processing device to carry, as data recorded in said data storage means, a list of invalid credit card numbers (for example a list of stolen credit card numbers, or of credit cards with existing debts higher than a previously agreed credit limit) against which the credit card number encoded on the stripe of a given card can be checked. If the credit card number encoded on the card should match one of the numbers on the list, then the Guard will be alerted and the transaction can be terminated.

Clearly, the amount of information that can be stored in the device will almost always be a subset of all stolen or otherwise invalid credit card numbers (simply because the storage means lacks sufficient capacity to permit all invalid numbers to be stored) and consequently there still exists a chance of fraud taking place even when the number of a given card has been checked against the list stored in the apparatus. To avoid such problems it is proposed, in a further embodiment of the invention, to equip the data processing apparatus with wireless transceiver means so that information encoded within a stripe of a given card can be checked at a remote processing station (which typically comprises a much larger and more up to date store of invalid numbers), and so that in certain circumstances authorisation for the transaction can be obtained before proceeding.

The wireless transceiver means could provide a cellular or satellite link, for example, direct to the remote processing station (or via an at least part wireless telecommunications network), or alternatively, the wireless transceiver could instead provide a radio frequency (RF) link to a remote base station carried on the train which is capable of wireless communication with the remote processing station (possibly by means of signals sent via the third rail). As a further, although not presently preferred option, the remote processing station could be carried on the transport vehicle, for example a ^' train, on which the data processing apparatus is tσ be used,- the apparatus communicating by an RF link, for example, with that station.

A further problem associated with the above described previously proposed system is that it can- often be inconvenient for an operator to use, particularly when the operator is attempting to use the apparatus with one hand. As mentioned above, the previously proposed device is provided with a strap so that it can be hung round a users neck, or over one shoulder. The strap is secured at either end, and towards the top of the box so that it hangs generally downwards in use and against the body of the user. As the device is usually against the user's body it can prove difficult to access all of the keys of the device, particularly when the train is moving. As a result, it is not uncommon to see operators of the previously proposed device attempting to tilt it away from their body, perhaps by balancing the device on one knee i when it is being used. Clearly, this is not an easy operation to accomplish, I especially when the train is moving around.

Accordingly, a further embodiment of the invention comprises a strap assembly for portable data processing apparatus of the kind described herein, the strap assembly being provided to enable the device to be hung from an operators neck, and comprising: a strap, and a pair of two-part sfrap mountings to which respective ends of the strap may be connected, each of said mountings comprising a first part securable in or forming part of the apparatus and a second part securable to the strap, the second part being rotatable with respect to the first part and being lockable at at least one angular position with respect to the first part. Preferably, the second part is rotatable only through a fixed angle of less than 180 degrees with respect to said first part.

Preferably, the second part is lockable at two angular positions with respect to the first part. More preferably, a first of said two angular positions comprises a position where the apparatus will be substantially vertical. A second of said two angular positions may comprise a position where the ' apparatus is at an angle of between 20 and 45 degrees (preferably around 30 degrees) to the vertical (i.e. to the operators body). Various other prefened aspects of the above-described embodiments are set out in the accompanying claims, and the various advantages of these aspects will be apparent from the following description.

A number of preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of data processing apparatus according to a first embodiment ofthe invention;, ^~ Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 separated into its constituent components;

Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of part ofthe apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in general terms, the constituent components ofthe apparatus; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a data reader that may be used in embodiments ofthe invention;

Figures 6a & 6b are schematic cross-sectional views ofthe card swipe data reader of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a ticket store and ticket dispenser for data processing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment ofthe invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a ticket store and ticket dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment ofthe invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a neck strap and associated apparatus connectors by means of which the apparatus can be hung around the neck of a user;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a network 119 with which the above-mentioned apparatus may be employed; Figure 11 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the various steps undertaken during issue of a ticket or tickets to a passenger or passengers by an operator ofthe apparatus, for example a guard;

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of one screen of a user interface for use in the abovementioned process;

Figure 13 shows another screen ofthe interface of Figure 12; Figure 14 illustrates .a ticket selection screen of the user interface; Figure 15 shows a railcard selection screen ofthe user interface; and I Figure 16 illustrates a method of payment selection screen. ^{- ~ ~ —}

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with particular reference (for illustration only) to use of the apparatus for ticketing purposes. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that the apparatus may be used for a variety of different functions, and thus the following description should not be read as limiting the scope of the invention to any one particular use.

As mentioned above, Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the front of a data processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a base station 3, and a data processing device 5 which is shown located in a recess 7 formed in a front face 9 of the base station 3.

The data processing device 5 is a generally rectangular unit which includes a screen 11. The screen 11 may include a touch sensitive overlay (not shown) to enable data to be input to the device by means of writing on the screen with a stylus, or more preferably by means ofthe operator touching the screen with his or her finger. The unit is also provided with a number of keys 13 for selection of unit functions and for input of data. As will later be described, the unit 5 is removable from the recess 7 in the base station 3, and can be connected to a remote processing centre (not shown) for data transfer between the unit 5 and the processing centre.

In this particular embodiment, a slot 15 is provided in a top face of the unit, and removable storage devices (not shown) such as the so-called

"microdrives" may be inserted into this slot as required. These so-called microdrives are essentially miniaturised versions of the hard disk storage devices more normally found in desktop computers such as the PC. One type

, of microdrive which is suitable for use in the present invention is the one-inch Microdrive sold by IBM United Kingdom Limited, PO Box 41, North

Harbour, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3AU. Each of these IBM devices is capable of storing up to one gigabyte of information in CF+ Type II format and is suitable for use in digital cameras, handheld personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other consumer electronic devices. It will be appreciated, however, that data storage devices of the data processing device 5 need not be removable, it being sufficient for only the device 5 to be removable from the base station 3.

The data processing device may be a bespoke unit, or alternatively may be an off-the-shelf PDA such as the Cassiopeia^® EG-800 Pocket PC sold by Casio Electronics Co. Ltd., Unit 6, 1000 North Circular Road, London

NW2 7JD, United Kingdom. Advantageously, the Casio PDA or pocket PC is a ruggedised device which is capable of surviving a relatively large drop from almost a metre onto a hard surface. A further advantage of using such a device is that it includes a slot of the type described above into which a removable data storage device can be inserted.

It will be appreciated, however, that whilst it is prefened for the apparatus to include a device such as the Casio Cassiopeia and for that device to use IBM Microdrives, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to such devices. Any device capable of fulfilling the functions to be described later will be suitable as an alternative. Other alternatives are also envisaged, for example the slot for the removable data storage device (which is preferably an IBM Microdrive) could be provided in the base station 3 rather than in the device 5 itself.

The front face 9 ofthe base station 3 is also provided with a slot which comprises a so-called card swipe 17 which, in one embodiment, is solely for use as a means for reading information from cards (such as credit cards for example) with information magnetically encoded in a stripe on the card as the card is moved through the slot, hi another embodiment, the swipe can be used for reading data from these cards, as well as from other data carriers (such as , railway tickets for example) where the stripe is located in a different position to that in which the stripe on credit cards is located.

The exact construction of embodiments of the swipe 17 will later be described with reference to Figures 5, 6a and 6b.

Also visible on the front face 9 of the device is a dispensing slot 19 through which tickets, or other like data carriers, can be dispensed from a ticket store within the device once at least a user (i.e. human) readable representation of ticketing data, for example, has been provided on the carrier.

In one embodiment of the invention (to be described in detail later), the ticket store is adapted to receive a roll of tickets joined end to end. The tickets each comprise a generally rectangular piece of paper, and a printer (not shown) is located in a passageway between the ticket store and the dispensing slot 19 for printing user readable data, such as ticketing data for example, onto at least one face of the ticket. The paper may be so-called thermal paper for use with a thermal printer, or alternatively may be paper for use with an ink- jet printer. ^' - --- ---- __ __ _

In another embodiment of the invention (which will also be described in detail later), the ticket store is adapted to receive a plurality of relatively thin cardboard tickets (by relatively thin we mean that the cardboard tickets are thinner than credit cards or like data carriers) which are z-folded in the store. Each of the tickets is provided with a magnetic stripe, and a magnetic head is provided for writing machine-readable data onto the stripe as the ticket is passed through the passageway between the store and the dispensing slot. Preferably, a conventional printer is also provided to enable a user readable representation of at least part of the machine-readable data encoded (or to be encoded) on the stripe also to be printed on tickets before or as they are dispensed.

The apparatus is also provided with a strap assembly which, as will later be described, comprises a sfrap (which enables the apparatus to be hung

( from, a user's neck) and. connectors (not shown) which, are. securable to the, ends of the strap and which form part of or are securable to either side ofthe apparatus in the region indicated by the circle in Figure 1 and reference number 21 (n.b. only one side ofthe apparatus is visible in Figure 1).

Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the data processing device 5 removed from the recess 7 in the base station 3. Connection between the processing device 5 and the base station may be effected by a complementary connector and socket (not shown), one located on the lower side edge ofthe data processing device 5 and the other located at the base of the recess 7 (for example). The complementary connectors could comprise, for example, an edge connector and socket, a pin connector and socket, or a wireless connector (for example an infra-red transmitter and receiver) and data transfer between the data processing device and the base station can occur once the processing device 5 has been located in the recess 7 and once the complementary connectors have been engaged with one another.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the rear of the base station shown in Figure 2. As shown, the base station is provided with a curved expanded portion (generally indicated by reference numeral 23) within which the above described ticket store and associated mechanicals are provided. In this way, the centre of gravity ofthe base station is well towards the bottom of Figure 3, and this helps to keep the apparatus at an appropriate angle for use. The base station, and indeed the apparatus as a whole, is also designed to be easily grasped in the hand(s) of a user and to be comfortably hand holdable.

As shown in Figure 3, the rear ofthe base station is also provided with a slot 25 which in the prefened embodiment stands slightly proud of the rear face of the base station. The slot 25 is open at one end and is sized to allow smart cards or chip cards 26 (i.e. cards with one or more solid state electronic components embedded therein) to be inserted into the slot. Within the slot (but not visible in Figure 3) are appropriate terminals to enable an electrical ^{~ "} connection to. be made between the base station. and. any smart.: card. or chip.. card inserted therein. For example, the terminals may comprise contacts which are designed to ride over the body of the card and come into abutment with conesponding contacts provided on the component(s) embedded in the card as the card is inserted in the slot, or alternatively, a connection may be made with the card by so-called and well known "contactless" terminals. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in general terms, the constituent components ofthe apparatus.

As described above, the apparatus 1 is generally divided into a base station 3 and a data processing device 5. With reference to Figure 4, the data processing device 5 comprises, at least, a processor 27 which is operate to execute one or more software programs or routines which enable the device to perform various functions as will later be described.

Associated with the processor is a read-only-memory (ROM) 29 for storing device related data, for example, and a random-access-memory (RAM) 31 which provides a workspace for the above described software programs or routines and which provides a temporary store for data, i _ -_ _ _

The processor 27 is connected to a system bus 35 which provides a channel for signals between components of the device 5, and via an input/output (I O) interface 37 for signals between the components of the device 5 and the base station 3 or other devices. Connected to the bus 35 is a button interface 39 which detects when the buttons 13 are pressed and which generates signals for transmission to the bus 35, and onwards, in response thereto.

A data storage interface 41 is connected to the bus, and this provides an interface for data transfer to and from a data storage device 43, which in the prefened embodiment is removable and is one of the above-described IBM Microdrives. The bus 35 is also connected, via an appropriate interface 45, to the screen 11 for display of data, and may additionally be connected to a touch screen interface 46 (shown in ghost) which detects when a. touch screen overlay is touched (by a stylus or finger for example) and indicates to the processor 27 the point at which the overlay has been touched. , In a highly prefened embodiment of the invention, the bus 35 is also connected to a signal encoder/decoder 47 which is in turn connected to a wireless transceiver 49 and an aerial 51 (all of which are shown in ghost). The wireless transceiver 49 may be a cellular transceiver, an RF transceiver or a satellite transceiver — for example - and may enable signals (once encoded into a suitable format by the encoder/decoder 47) to be transmitted to and received from a remote processing centre, for example.

The base station 3 comprises a controller 53 for control of a data transfer device 55 and for control of a ticket feeder 57. The data transfer device 55, in one embodiment, comprises a printer (for example a thermal printer, or alternatively an ink jet printer) which is operable to transfer a user (i.e. human) readable representation of ticketing data generated by the processor 27 of the data processing device 5 onto a ticket, hi another embodiment, -the data transfer device 55 comprises a magnetic head for writing a machine-readable representation of the ticketing data onto a magnetic stripe of a ticket, as well as (or instead of) a printer for transferring a user readable representation of that data onto the ticket. The ticket feeder 57 is controlled to feed tickets from the ticket store (not shown) via the data transfer device 55 to the dispensing slot 19 on the front face 9 of the base station 3.

The base station processor 53 is connected to a bus 59 which is in turn connected to an I/O interface 61 that is connectable (preferably by means of suitably shaped plug and socket connectors) to the I/O interface 37 ofthe data processing device 5, or to other processing devices.

Also connected to the bus 59 are the magnetic data reader 60 of the card swipe 17, and the read and/or write component 62 of the chip or smart i card reader located within the slot 25 on the rear of the data processing .device,, 3. These components are operable to read data from credit cards, tickets, smart cards or chip cards for subsequent use, for example by the processor 27 ofthe data processing device 5.

In addition to the various components mentioned above, suitable power source(s) (e.g. rechargeable batteries) are provided to power the data processing device and/or the base station. In the presently prefened embodiment, both the data processing device and the base station are provided with their own battery power source, but it will be apparent that the apparatus could be constructed so the power source is provided in one component and power is drawn therefrom by the other component. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a card swipe data reader that may be used in the data processing device 5, although it will of course be appreciated that the card swipe may have a variety of alternative uses, for example at a fixed payment point such as that which one might find in a shop cash till. As is known in the art,' the -card swipe 17 comprises a channel 63 ' within which a magnetic reading head (not visible) is provided. When the head is energised it is capable of reading data encoded on a magnetic stripe swiped through the channel.

As mentioned above, the card swipe of the present invention is such that it enables magnetically encoded data to be read from a variety of substrates with magnetic stripes in different positions, those substrates additionally being of a different thickness. Figures 6a & 6b are lateral and longitudinal schematic cross-sectional views along the lines A— A and B--B, respectively, of one prefened embodiment of swipe data reader which enables data to be read both from thinner substrates such as railway tickets (each having a magnetic stripe which runs generally along the long middle axis of the substrate) as well as thicker substrates such as credit cards (which each have a magnetic stripe παnning generally parallel to a long edge of the card ^■ ₍ and in between that long edge and the long middle axis ofthe card). As shown in Figures 6a & 6b, the swipe of this embodiment differs from prior art swipes by providing a channel 63 with a stepped profile. As shown in Figure 6a particularly, the channel 63 is shaped to provide a first zone 65 and a second zone 67. The first zone is thinner than the second zone, and in particular is thicker than substrates such as railway tickets (schematically illustrated by reference numeral 69) but thinner than substrates such as credit cards (illustrated schematically by reference numeral 71).

As a result of this construction, only the above mentioned thinner substrates (such as railway tickets, for example, with a magnetic strip running generally along a long middle axis of the substrate) can be inserted into and swiped through the first zone 65, the thicker substrates (such as credit cards, for example) being too thick to be inserted into the first zone. Preferably, the first zone has a thickness in the region of 0.5mm and the second zone has a thickness of 1.0 to 1.5mm (credit cards - or other like substrates - generally having a thickness of approximately 1mm and railway tickets - or other like substrates — generally having a thickness of approximately 0.25mm), ^* _

As shown in Figure 6b, an interior wall 73 ofthe channel 63 has a data reading head 75 mounted therein so that it generally faces the aforementioned second zone 67. The data reading head 75 is positioned in the channel 63 so that it is conectly located to enable data to be read from thicker substrates 71 (such as credit cards, for example) swiped through the second zone - those substrates having a magnetic stripe located between a long edge of the substrate and a long middle axis thereof.

The depth ofthe channel 63 in the region ofthe first zone 65 is chosen so that the magnetic stripe on thinner substrates 69 (which stripe runs generally along a long middle axis of the substrates) is also capable of being read by the data reading head 75. Effectively, the depth of the channel 63 in the first zone 65 roughly conesponds to the distance between the magnetic stripes on the aforementioned thinner and thicker substrates. Generally speaking, the depth of the first zone will be- in the region of 40mm, whereas the depth ofthe second zone will be in the region of 25mm.

As a modification to this embodiment, the data reading head could be mounted on the opposite wall of the channel to that shown in the figure, and spring biased away from the way so that it may still be in close proximity to a thinner substrate swiped through the channel. As a fiirther modification, the first zone of the channel could be located generally in the middle ofthe second zone, rather than being offset as shown.

As a yet further modification to the above described embodiment, the channel 63 could, rather than having two concurrent zones, instead include a first portion sized to allow data to be read only from thicker substrates, and a second portion sized to allow data to be read only from thinner substrates. The first and second portions could extend, for example, from the midpoint of the channel 63 left and right (in the sense of the embodiment pictured in Figure 6b) respectively. Such a modification is not presently prefened, however, since it would necessitate- the provision of two data reading heads, one for each portion ofthe channel.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a ticket store and ticket dispenser for data processing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a ticket store and ticket dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

As shown in Figure 7, the ticket store and dispenser 77 of this embodiment comprises a housing 81 within which a peg 83 is provided on which a roll of tickets 84 may be mounted. The roll comprises a plurality of generally rectangular tickets 85a, 85b joined end-to-end. A roller 87 draws tickets from the roll 84 and feeds them to the aforementioned dispensing slot 19 via a print head 89 which is controlled to print information onto the tickets . (typically a user readable representation of ticketing data generated by. the , processing device) .

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of ticket store and dispenser 91 which comprises a housing 93 within which a ticket compartment 95 is defined by a pair of ticket stops 97. A plurality of tickets 99, z-folded and joined end-to-end, are provided within the compartment 95, and each of these tickets is provided with a magnetic strip running generally along a long middle axis ofthe generally rectangular ticket. Tickets are drawn from the compartment 95 by a first roller 101 and fed to the aforementioned dispensing slot 19 via a print head 103, a magnetic write head 105 and a further pair of rollers 106 provided either side ofthe magnetic head. The print head is controlled to print information onto the tickets, and the magnetic write head is controlled to write data onto the magnetic strips of the cards as they pass thereby. Typically, the printer will print a user readable representation of ticketing data generated by the processing device onto one face of the ticket, and the magnetic write head will encode a machine readable representation of ^" i _ "at^" least that ticketing data onto the magnetic stripe' on an opposmg face 'of the ticket.

A novel aspect of this embodiment of the invention is that the user readable data is printed onto the ticket before the machine-readable data is encoded onto the magnetic strip. The ticket store and dispenser of the second embodiment is prefened to the ticket store of the first embodiment for a number of reasons. For example, the second embodiment permits tickets with a magnetic stripe to be printed and encoded which is advantageous for the customer since these tickets (as mentioned above) can be used to operate the automatic barriers that are now commonplace at many railway stations.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a neck strap and associated connectors by means of which the apparatus can be hung around the neck of a user. As shown, the neck strap comprises a pair (only one of which is shown) of two part connectors of which first parts 107 are connectable to or form part of the apparatus, and second parts 109 which are rotatable in respective first parts.

As shown, each first part includes an aperture which has a region 111 of greater diameter, the larger diameter region being provided to enable a cam

113 located on the periphery of a conesponding second part 109 to be rotated within a predetermined angular space. Deformable cam stops 115, 117 are provided towards either end of the region 111, and the cam 113 can be forced over these stops to be retained between the projection and the adjacent end of the enlarged diameter region. In this way it is possible to lock the second parts 109 at predetermined angular positions with respect to the first parts 107.

A neck strap (not shown), which may be adjustable for length, is connected at either end to a respective second part to enable the apparatus to be hung from an operator's neck. The^" cam stops are ^"positioned so that the apparatus can be rotated between, and secured in, two positions with respect to the user's body when the apparatus is hung from a user's neck. Preferably, the cams stops are located so that the apparatus can be secured in a first position where the apparatus is generally vertical with respect to the user's body, and a second position where the apparatus is at an angle (which is preferably between 20 and 45 degrees, and more preferably 30 degrees) to the user's body. Additional cam stops may be provided if it is desired to provide other positions in which the apparatus may be locked.

As mentioned above, a key advantage of the apparatus is that the data 5 processing device (and in other embodiments the data storage means) can be removed from the apparatus so that data transfer can take place with a remote processing station.

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a network 119 with which _ ^~_ the above-mentioned apparatus may be employed. The network comprises .a

10 remote processing station 121, such as a PC for example, to which an interface unit 123 is connected. The interface unit 123 comprises one or more sockets 125 (preferably a plurality of sockets) into which respective data processing devices 5 (or respective data storage devices from respective data processing devices) can be plugged. Once plugged into a socket, data transfer

15 can take place between the processing devices 5 (or data storage devices) and the remote processing station 121.

The remote processing station 121 is connected via a wide area network (WAN) 127 for example to other computing resources. As an example, these other computing resources could comprise a management 20 computing resource 129 running management software which can process data retrieved from the data processing devices 5 at the remote processing station 121 to generate business related information (such as for example, the number of types of tickets sold, the most popular journeys etc.). Another resource connected to the remote processing station 121 via the WAN 127 ' 25 could be a data server 131 which maintains information relating, for example, to timetables and tickets. Updates to the information held at the data server 131 could be communicated via the WAN 127 to the remote processing station 121 for subsequent downloading to data processing devices 5 connected thereto. It will be appreciated, of course, that in practise the network will probably comprise a large number of remote processing stations (121a...121n), all of which are connected to the WAN for data transfer and for data updating. Figure 11 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the various steps undertaken during issue of a ticket or tickets to a passenger or passengers by an operator ofthe apparatus, for example a guard.

A first step 133 in the ticket issuing process is the selection of a ticket issue function of the apparatus. Once the guard, has selected this function, the second step 135 is to determine where the passenger(s) is travelling from, and where they are travelling to. The data processing device can either prompt the guard with the names of stations on the particular route that they are travelling on, or alternatively the guard can retrieve destination stations and starting stations from a stations database 137 held in the data storage means of the data storage device 5 in the event that the passenger(s) should be travelling further afield.

The next step 139 is to select the type of ticket(s) to be issued. For example, the passenger(s) may wish to purchase a single (i.e. a one-way ticket), a standard return (i.e. a two-way ticket valid for travel at any time of the day) or a so-called cheap day return (i.e. a two-way ticket valid for travel at certain, generally less busy off-peak times of day). Once the ticket type has been selected the processor 27 of the data processing device intenogates a fares database 141 stored on the data storage means of the data processing device 5 and retrieves fare data specifying a fare for the particular journey to 'be undertaken. - -

The next step 143 is to determine the number of passengers, and to adjust the fare accordingly. As this point the guard is prompted to enter into the data processing device the number of adults travelling, and the number of children travelling to generate a number by which the previously retrieved fare will be multiplied to generate a total fare for those passengers. Typically, each adult will be charged the aforementioned fare, and each child will be charged a proportion (for example 50%) of that fare. Once the number of adults and children has been entered, the total fare is generated and displayed.

The next step 145 is to determine whether or not the passengers carry any fare discount cards, or whether they are entitled to any other form of discount on the fare. For example, one or more ofthe passengers may carry a

Young Persons Railcard, a Senior Citizen Railcard or an HM Forces Railcard

(each of which provide a predetermined fare discount). Additionally, or .alternatively,., ne..or more, of the passengers may. be disabled, .or may be . a. member of staff (or a child of a member of staff) or all ofthe passengers may be travelling as a family with a family railcard (all of which attract a discount on the fare).

Once a particular railcard(s) has been selected, the processor 27 of the data processing unit 5 retrieves from a railcard database 147 the amount ofthe discount(s) to be applied to individual components or all of the previously calculated total fare, and then subsequently recalculates the total fare to be paid.

The guard is them prompted confirm in step 149 that the ticketing details are conect, whereupon the unit prompts the guard in step 151 to select a method of payment. Payment can be effected by a variety of different means. For example, the guard could be paid with cash, with a debit or credit card, by cheque or by waπant (a type of voucher).

If the guard should select "cash", "cheque" or "wanant" as the payment method, the ticket(s) is retrieved from the ticket store and relevant ticketing data (such as for example the data entered in the aforementioned; process) is transfened onto the ticket(s) (in step 155) before the ticket(s) is dispensed to the passenger(s), and then the transaction is recorded in the data storage device of the data processing unit (step 157 - described in detail below). If payment by cheque or wanant is selected, the guard is provided (prior to issuing the ticket and recording the transaction in step 157) with an option to, or may alternatively be required to, check in step 158 the serial number of the wanant or any cheque guarantee card presented against a database 159 of bad cheque or wanant accounts (for example cheque books, cheque cards or wanants that have been stolen or have expired). If the serial numbers of the warrant or any cheque guarantee card presented should be listed in the database 159, then the guard can refuse to issue the ticket(s) or can request payment to be made by other-means. If payment by credit or debit card is selected , the guard is prompted in step 163 to swipe the credit or debit card through the card swipe 17. If the data encoded on the card should be unreadable (for example because the data has accidentally been erased), the guard is prompted in step 165 to manually enter the credit or debit card details. Once entered, the credit or debit card details may optionally (in step

167) be compared with a list of bad credit or debit card numbers stored in the data storage means of the data processing device, and the guard may be prompted to refuse to issue the ticket(s) or to request an alternative means of payment. As a further option (step 171) particularly for use if the fare should be over a predetermined threshold, the data processing device may transmit via an integral wireless transceiver 47 (if provided) the credit or debit card details to a remote processing centre where authorisation for the proposed transaction can be provided or refused. Refusal or authorisation of the transaction is communicated back to the data processing device, and if authorised an authorisation code is provided for subsequent printing onto a receipt.

Once the credit or debit card details have been entered and validated, details of the transaction are printed (in step 173) onto a receipt (along with the authorisation code, if there is one) which is then handed to the passenger for signature. The guard then compares (in step 175) the signature on the receipt with the signature on the card presented, and if these signatures are the same, or at least similar, he validates the transaction in step 177 and instructs the apparatus in step 179 to print the ticket(s) and a credit card purchase receipt for the passengers records. Once the tickets and or receipts have been generated, details of the transaction are stored in the data storage means of the data processing device (in step 157) for later recall. Advantageously, both the data processing device and the base station are provided with a unique identifying code, and these .codes-are stored with each set of transaction data so that .the individual.item .of apparatus used to issue the tickets can easily be identified. In a further modification, each operator may also be allocated a unique reference number which they are required to enter into the apparatus before it will function. This reference number can also be stored with the other transaction and identifying data to permit also the individual guard who has issued the tickets to be identified.

As mentioned before, the apparatus is preferably provided with a variety of alternative functions to the one described above. For example, the data storage device (or other associated data storage devices) may include manuals, procedure notes or other information which the guard can peruse with the apparatus when he is not issuing tickets.

A further advantageous facet of this invention is the user interface by means of which the abovementioned process is accomplished.

It has previously been proposed to provide so-called Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs, such as Windows™ for example) for use on PCs, and these ' ' interfaces typically comprise a plurality of icons displayed on a- screen whichi can be selected by means of a pointing device such as a mouse.

As a large number of users are familiar with such systems, portable computing devices such as the Palm Pilot™, for example, have opted to provide similar GUI systems where icons are displayed on a touch sensitive screen. The icons are generally small so that a reasonable number can be displayed on the screen, and so that respective icons can easily be selected by someone using a stylus.

Whilst this anangement is easy to use at one's desk, for example, it can be very difficult to select icons when the device is moving around - as might happen on a train for example.

Accordingly, this aspect of the invention proposes to avoid the problems that the use of previously proposed GUIs might cause, by providing (instead of a GUT) a touch sensitive screen which is divided into a number of button-locations at which the screen can be touched, each of which is sized easily to be operated by a finger of an average adult male (generally speaking, each button location is at least 10mm by 7mm)

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a user interface for use in the above mentioned process when implemented on a data processing device with a touch sensitive screen, and in particular for use in the selection of the location from which the passenger is travelling, and the location to which they are travelling.

As shown, the screen 200 is generally divided into a first portion 202 for displaying options and data, and a second portion 204 for data entry. Each of the first and second portions are further subdivided into virtual buttons 206 which when pressed by the guard allow data to be input to the unit and options selected. By virtual buttons we mean areas displayed on the screen which can be selected by pressing a conesponding area of the aforementioned touch sensitive screen.

As illustrated, the first portion 202 comprises an option 208 for selecting the location from which the passenger is travelling, an option 210 for selecting the location to which the passenger is travelling, an option 212 to enable the number of adults and children travelling to be selected, and an option 214 to enable a railcard to be selected. Advantageously, a colour coding system is employed to advise the user, by colour, which option is available for data entry. In this example, an amber colour indicates that an option is available for selection, a green colour indicates that valid data has been inputted, and a red colour indicates either that invalid data has been inputted or that data input is not permitted - although it will of course be appreciated that alternative colour schemes maybe adopted if desired. hi the example illustrated in Figure 12, the option 210 for selecting the station from which the passenger has travelled is coloured amber (because it has previously been selected by the guard), and the second portion 204 ofthe display has been subdivided into a first zone 216 which allows the guard to scroll through stations of the service on .which his train is travelling, and a second zone 218 which is divided into a plurality of alphabetical buttons by means of which the three letter code for the station from which the passenger is travelling can be inputted (in the event that the passenger is travelling from a station other than one which is called at by the particular service on which the guard is travelling). Once the start point and the end point of the journey have been selected, the option 212 for selecting the number of adults and children travelling will be coloured amber (indicating that data may be input), and the remaining buttons 206 of the first portion 202 will be coloured red to indicate that data input is not possible. Figure 13 illustrates how the screen might look, and as shown, the second portion 204 ofthe screen has been subdivided into a number of buttons, each of which represent a particular combination of adults (A) and children (c). Scroll buttons 220 are provided which allow the number of adults and/or children to be increased beyond that shown on the screen. Figure 14 illustrates the -ticket selection screen of the user interface which is displayed once the to/from destinations have been input, and once the number of persons travelling has been selected. As shown, the second portion 204 has been subdivided to show the tickets available and their cost, and the guard can select any one of these options simply by pressing the appropriate button displayed on the screen. Figure 15 shows the railcard selection screen of the user interface which is displayed once the to/from destinations have been input, the number of persons travelling has been selected and the type of ticket has been selected. Pressing one of the buttons displayed in the second portion 204 of the display allows the guard to select a given railcard, upon which the discount provided by that card will be applied to the fare.

Figure 16 illustrates the method of payment selection screen which is displayed once all of the relevant aforementioned screens have been displayed. As shown, this screen allows the method-of payment to be selected, by means of buttons in the second portion 204, and also permits the guard to check the validity 219, in this example, of any travel wanants or cheque cards presented. The second zone may also display useful information 220 pertaining to the ticket(s) purchased such as, for example, the expected arrival time ofthe train. Whilst various prefened embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood, of course, that modifications and alternations may be made within the scope ofthe claims.

In particular, it should be noted that whilst particular features of the invention have been grouped and claimed independently, the present invention extends in scope to any permutation and/or combination of features described herein inespective of whether or not that particular combination or permutation has been explicitly enumerated in the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. Portable data processing apparatus for generating and issuing tickets, the apparatus comprising: a data processing device having data storage means, a display screen, data entry means for inputting data to said device, and processing means for generating ticketing data from data input to said device and/or from ticket reference data retrieved from said data storage means; and a base station comprising a store for ticket substrates, data transfer ) means for transferring- at leas a user-readable representation of said ticketing data onto a said ticket substrate, and means for subsequently dispensing said ticket substrate; wherein said data processing device is removable from said apparatus for subsequent connection to a remote processing centre for data transfer between said remote processing centre and said data processing device.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said data storage means is removable from said data processing device.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the data storage means carries additional information other than said ticket reference data, said additional information being retrievable by said processing means for display.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3 when dependent upon Claim 2, wherein the apparatus is associated with a plurality of data storage devices, each of said devices carrying a different set of information. ι __

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the ticket store comprises a store for a plurality of ticket substrates each bearing a magnetic stripe, and said data transfer means comprises means for transferring a machine readable representation of said ticketing data onto said ticket substrate.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein said means for transferring a machine readable representation of said ticketing data onto said ticket comprises a magnetic write head for encoding said ticketing information on the magnetic stripe of a said ticket substrate.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the ticket substrates are connected end-to-end and Z-folded in said store, and said dispensing means comprises a roller operable to pass said tickets through said data transfer means.

8. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said ticket substrates are provided on a roll.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein said data transfer means comprises a printer operable to print said user readable representation of said data onto a said ticket.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein said printer comprises an inkjet printer.

\ 11. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein said printer comprises a thermal printer.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a data reader for reading magnetic data encoded in a magnetic stripe of a card or other like carrier, and a smart-card reader for reading data from a smart card or other like carrier with one or more solid state electronic components embedded therein.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein said smart-card reader is operable to write data to said smart card.

14. Apparatus according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein said data reader and said smart-card reader are provided in said base station.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the data reader comprises a channel in the face or side of the base station through which a substrate with a magnetic stripe may be slid, data on the stripe being read by magnetic reading means located inside the channel as the subsfrate is passed thereover.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the data reader is capable of reading magnetic data encoded on first and second types of generally rectangular substrates, said first substrate being provided with a magnetic stripe running generally in parallel with and in close proximity to a long side thereof, said second substrate being provided with a magnetic stripe running generally along a long middle axis thereof, the anangement being such that the magnetic stripes can pass over the magnetic reader means when the substrates are swiped through the channel inespective of the fact that the stripes are located in different positions on said first and second substrates.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein said channel has a stepped profile.

18. Apparatus according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the first subsfrate is thicker than the second substrate, and the channel comprises a first zone of a thickness greater than that ofthe second substrate but less than that ofthe first substrate, and a second zone of a thickness larger than that of said first substrate, said first zone being deeper than said second zone, the aπangement being such that the first subsfrate is movable only through said second zone whereas the second substrate is movable through both said first and second zones simultaneously.

19. Apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein the first and second zones — run concunently through the channel, and the magnetic reader means comprises a single magnetic head for reading data from the stripes.

20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising wireless transceiver means for transmitting data to and receiving data from a remote processing station.

21. Apparatus according to Claim 20 when dependent upon any of claims 15 to 19, wherein said wireless transceiver means is operable to transmit data read by said data reader from a said magnetic stripe (for example a magnetic stripe of a credit card) to said remote processing station, for example for validation of a proposed transaction.

22. Apparatus according to Claim 20 or 21, wherein the wireless transceiver means is operable to establish a cellular communications link to the remote processing station.

23. Apparatus according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the wireless transceiver means is operable to establish a satellite communications link to the remote processing station.

24. Apparatus according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the wireless transceiver means is operable to establish a radio frequency (RF) communications link to the remote processing station.

25. Apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the wireless transceiver means is operable to establish a link directly to said remote processing station.

26 Apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the wireless transceiver means is operable to establish an indirect link to said remote processing station via an at least partly wireless telecommunications network.

27. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a strap assembly provided to enable the apparatus to be hung from an operators neck, said strap assembly comprising: a strap, and a pair of two-part strap mountings to which respective ends of the sfrap may be connected, each of said mountings comprising a first part securable in or forming part of the apparatus and a second part securable to the strap, the second part being rotatable with respect to the first part and being lockable at at least one angular position with respect to the first part.

28. Apparatus according to Claim 27, wherein the second part is rotatable only through a predetermined angle of less than 180 degrees with respect to said first part. _ _

29. Apparatus according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the second part is lockable at two angular positions with respect to the first part.

30. Apparatus according to Claim 29, wherein a first of said two angular positions comprises a position where the apparatus will be substantially vertical.

5 31. Apparatus according to Claim 29 or 30, wherein a second of said two angular positions comprises a position where the apparatus is at an angle of between 20 and 45 degrees (preferably around 30 degrees) to the horizontal (i.e. to the operators body).

10 32. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said data processing device is locatable in a recess of said base station, said data processing device and said base station being provided with complementary engaging connectors to enable communications between said device and said base station when said device is located in said recess.

15

33. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 31, wherein said data processing device is locatable in a recess of said base station, said data processing device and said base station being provided with complementary wireless connectors (for example an infra-red transmitter and receiver) to

20 enable communications between said device and said base station when said device is located in said recess.

34. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the data input means comprises a touch sensitive overlay for said screen.

' 25

35. A method of generating and dispensing tickets using an apparatus according to any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of: generating ticketing data from data input to the apparatus and/or data retrieved from a data storage device ofthe apparatus; transferring at least a user readable representation of said ticketing data onto a ticket substrate, and dispensing said ticket substrate.

36. A method according to Claim 35, comprising the step of: transferring a machine readable representation of said ticketing data onto a ticket substrate.

37. A method according to Claim 35 or 36, comprising: storing at least said ticketing data on said data storage device to provide (at least) .a record of tickets dispensed.

38. A computer program comprising one or more software portions which when executed in an execution environment are capable of performing one or more ofthe steps of any of Claims 35 to 37.

39. A user interface for the apparatus of Claim 34, the user interface comprising one or more software portions operable, when executed in an execution environment, to define first and second areas of said display screen, virtual buttons for functional options being displayed in said first area of said screen and virtual buttons for data input being displayed in said second area of said screen, wherein touching said overlay at locations conesponding to said virtual buttons results either in the selection of a said functional option or the input of data to said apparatus.

40. A user interface according to Claim 39 wherein said virtual buttons are sized easily to be selected by an average adult finger.

41. A user interface according to Claim 39 or 40, wherein said virtual buttons are at least 10mm by 7mm.

42. A user interface according to any of claims 39 to 41, wherein said virtual buttons for function selection are colour coded to indicate whether or not a said function can be selected and or whether or not data inputted to the apparatus is valid.

5

43. A network comprising : a remote processing centre having an interface for connection to one or more data processing apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 34, data being A transferable between said , remote processing centre and said processing, 10 apparatus interfaced therewith; and one or more processing stations connectable to said remote processing centre.

44. A network according to claim 43, wherein a said processing station 15 comprises a management computing resource operable to examine data transfened from said apparatus interfaced with said remote processing centre.

45. A network according to claim 43 or 44, comprising means for storing data, said stored data being transferable to a said apparatus (via said remote

20 processing centre and said interface) for updating of data stored therein.

46. A data reader suitable for use with the apparatus of any of any of claims 1 to 34, said data reader being operable to read magnetic data encoded on first and second types of generally rectangular substrates, the first substrate

'25 being provided with a magnetic stripe running generally' in parallel with and in close proximity to a long side thereof, the second substrate being provided with a magnetic stripe running generally along a long middle axis thereof, said data reader comprising: a channel through which the substrates can be swiped, and magnetic reader means located within said channel for reading data encoded on the stripes of said substrates as said substrates are passed thereover; the arrangement being such that the magnetic stripes can pass over the magnetic reader means when the substrates are swiped through the channel inespective ofthe fact that the stripes are located in different positions on said first and second substrates.

47. A -data reader according to Claim 46, wherein the channel has a stepped profile.

48. A data reader according to Claim 46 or 47, wherein the first substrate is thicker than the second substrate, and the channel comprises a first zone of a thickness greater than that of the second substrate but less than that of the first substrate, and a second zone of a thickness larger than that of said first substrate, said first zone being deeper than said second zone, the arrangement being such that the first substrate is movable only through said second zone whereas the second substrate is movable through both said first and second zones simultaneously.

49. A data reader according to Claim 37, wherein the first and second zones run concurrently through the channel, and the magnetic reader means comprises a single magnetic head for reading data from the stripes.

50; A strap^" assembly suitable for use with apparatus according to any of

Claims 1 to 34, the strap assembly being provided to enable the apparatus to be hung from an operators neck, and comprising: a strap, and a pair of two- part strap mountings to which respective ends ofthe strap may be connected, each of said mountings comprising a first part securable in or forming part of the apparatus and a second part securable to the sfrap, the second part being rotatable with respect to the first part and being lockable at at least one angular position with respect to the first part.

51. An assembly according to Claim 50, wherein the second part is rotatable only tlirough a fixed angle of less than 180 degrees with respect to said first part.

52. An assembly according to Claim 50 or 51, wherein the second part is lockable at two angular positions with respect to the first part.

53. An assembly according to Claim 52, wherein a first of said two angular positions comprises a position where the apparatus will be substantially vertical when hung from an operator's neck.

54. An assembly according to Claim 52 or 53, wherein a second of said two angular positions comprises a position where the apparatus is at an angle of between 20 and 45 degrees (preferably around 30 degrees) to the vertical (i.e. to the operators body) when hung from an operator's neck.

55. Portable ticketing apparatus comprising: a data processing device comprising data storage, a display screen, a processor and data input means for inputting data to said device, said processor being operable to generate ticket data from at least data input by means of said data input means; and a base station * connectable to and detachable from said processing device, said base station comprising a store for a plurality of blank z-folded tickets joined end to end, data transfer means for transferring at least a user readable representation of said ticketing data to a said ticket, and dispensing means for dispensing said ticket once said ticketing data has been transfened thereto.

56. Apparatus according to Claim 55, wherein the storage is removable.

57. Apparatus according to claim 55 or 56, comprising transceiver means for transmitting signals to, and for receiving signals from, a remote processing station.

58 Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

59. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

60. A computer program substantially as hereinbefore described.