Agent Set for MARS-105 Seat Reservation System

The seat reservation system in the Japanese National Railways (existing JR) had been developed from MARS-101 to 104 systems; included those functions and, as an expanded system, MARS-105 system was developed.

The terminal was comprised of an operation console and a printer, and the operation console was comprised of a control panel and the control parts. As for a former terminal, relay control was mainly adopted and, a control panel and a control unit were separate devices. By adopting ICs, the control unit was downsized, and was designed as a desk type one body with a control panel. The transmission speed with the central device was 200 bits/s. The control panel comprised three kinds of input equipments for inputting a ride day, train names etc.: a numeric keypad, a full key, pages (the book-shaped indication board), and indication lamps. Operability was regarded as important, and page input mechanism was characteristic. The book-shaped indication board consisting of ten pages attached to the board which displayed 160 pin insertion holes in total (10 by 16) on a matrix, it was able to accommodate 1,600 kinds of information. The entry was performed by opening the desired page, and inserting the pin in the hole. In addition, the reliability was improved by the sealed contact. The sealed contact was moved by magnetic force using the pin with a built-in permanent magnet.

The operation of this terminal was started from September, 1972 and contributed to the convenience improvement of the seat reservation.