Flexible season ticket processing system, central server, flexible season ticket processing method, and flexible season ticket processing program

Abstract

To enable a railway operator to flexibly guide a passenger to a route different from a season ticket route even with a season ticket that uses railways of a plurality of railway operators.SOLUTION: In a flexible season ticket processing system according to an embodiment including an automatic ticket examination machine and a central server, the automatic ticket examination machine includes an acquisition part for acquiring medium information including a season ticket route using railroads managed by a plurality of railroad operators from a medium, and a communication control part for transmitting ticket examination machine information including station IDs and the medium information. The central server includes a storage part for storing a guide route and a medium ID associated with the guide route, a reception control part for receiving the ticket examination machine information, an object control part for determining whether the medium ID coincides, and when it coincides, determining whether a station corresponding to a station ID is included in the guide route to generate encode information corresponding to the determination, and a transmission control part for transmitting the encode information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a flexible commuter pass processing system, a central server, a flexible commuter pass processing method, and a flexible commuter pass processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] A commuter pass for a train or the like has a fixed route from a departure station to a destination station. However, there may be other routes from a departure station to a destination station besides the route.

[0003] For example, railway operators may want passengers to take routes other than those specified by their commuter pass in order to alleviate congestion, direct passengers to events near stations, or provide alternative transportation.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that awards a predetermined type of points when a user uses a recommended route recommended by a railway operator instead of a regular route, which is a route that the user frequently uses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-080904 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, in Patent Document 1, when a commuter pass is used for railways operated by multiple railway operators, there is a problem that a single railway operator cannot systematically change the recommended route.

[0007] This invention was made with the above-mentioned circumstances in mind, and its purpose is to provide a technology that allows railway operators to flexibly guide passengers onto routes different from their regular routes, even if they have commuter passes that cover the use of trains operated by multiple railway operators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The flexible commuter pass processing system of the embodiment comprises an automatic ticket gate and a central server connected to the automatic ticket gate, wherein the automatic ticket gate comprises an acquisition unit that acquires media information including a commuter route using railways managed by multiple railway operators from a medium held by the user, and a communication control unit that transmits ticket gate information including a station ID and the media information, and the central server comprises a memory unit that stores a guided route and a media ID linked to the guided route, a reception control unit that receives the ticket gate information, a target control unit that determines whether the media ID included in the ticket gate information matches the media ID stored in the memory unit, and if they match, determines whether the station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations on the guided route, generates encoded information according to the determination, and a transmission control unit that transmits the encoded information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a railway system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flexible commuter pass processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and software configuration of the central server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware and software configurations of the automatic ticket gate according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and software configuration of a user terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a guide route notification method according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an entrance operation at a boarding station according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a transfer operation at a transfer station according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an exit operation at a disembarking station according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The flexible commuter pass processing system, central server, flexible commuter pass processing method, and flexible commuter pass processing program will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform similar operations, and redundant description will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common symbol may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, or a subnumber may be used in addition to the common symbol to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0011] [Embodiment] (composition) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a railway system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the commuter pass section (commuter route) used by a user of a commuter pass of this embodiment is Station A → Station B → Station C. From Station A to Station B, the user uses a railway operated by Railway Operator A, and from Station B to Station C, the user uses a railway operated by Railway Operator B. However, as shown in FIG. 1, there are many alternative routes to get from Station A to Station C other than the commuter pass route. For example, there is an alternative route from Station A → Station D → Station F → Station C. This alternative route uses a railway operated by Railway Operator C from Station A to Station D, a railway operated by Railway Operator D from Station D to Station F, and a railway operated by Railway Operator E from Station F to Station C.

[0012] In this embodiment, the railway operator will issue temporary commuter passes to users for guided routes, which are alternative routes other than the regular route, so that users can use the guided routes without paying fares.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flexible commuter pass processing system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the flexible commuter pass processing system 100 includes a central server 1, a railway operator 2, and a user 3. The railway operator 2 also includes automatic ticket gates 20 installed at each station. The user 3 also includes a user terminal 30 that stores commuter pass information.

[0014] The central server 1 can be connected to an automatic ticket gate 20 provided by a railway operator 2 and a user terminal 30 provided by a user 3. In this embodiment, the central server 1 has only one server, but it may be configured with multiple servers. For example, it may be configured with a server for station service equipment connected to the automatic ticket gate 20, etc., and a server connected to the user terminal 30 and the server for station service equipment.

[0015] Here, the central server 1 in this embodiment is assumed to be a server (thin client server) that determines whether the user 3 is allowed to pass through the automatic ticket gate 20 based on the medium information acquired by the automatic ticket gate 20.

[0016] The automatic ticket gates 20 are installed at each station managed by the railway operator 2. The automatic ticket gates 20 acquire medium information from a user terminal 30 carried by a user 3. Then, the automatic ticket gates 20 transmit ticket gate information including the acquired medium information to the central server 1. Details of the medium information and ticket gate information will be described later. The automatic ticket gates 20 then acquire passability information in accordance with the transmitted information, and control the passage of the user 3 in accordance with the passability information.

[0017] The user terminal 30 is a terminal owned by the user 3. The user terminal 30 may be, for example, any mobile device, such as a smartphone, a wearable device, or a tablet device. The user terminal 30 stores medium information. In this embodiment, the medium information is stored in the user terminal 30, but the medium information may also be stored in a medium other than the user terminal 30, such as an IC card.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and software configuration of the central server 1 according to this embodiment. 3, the central server 1 includes a control unit 11, a program storage unit 12, a data storage unit 13, a communication interface 14, and an input / output interface 15. The input / output interface 15 is connected to an input unit 151 and an output unit 152. The central server 1 is made up of one or more computers.

[0019] The control unit 11 controls the central server 1. The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0020] The program storage unit 12 is configured by combining, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a solid-state drive (SSD) as a storage medium that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), and stores middleware such as an operating system (OS), as well as application programs required to execute various control processes according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as the program.

[0021] The data storage unit 13 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), as a storage medium.

[0022] The communication interface 14 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that connects to an external device installed outside the central server 1 by wire or wirelessly, either directly or via a network. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that connects to the automatic ticket gate 20 and the user terminal 30 by wire or wirelessly, via a network. In other words, the communication interface 14 may be any general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices, including terminals carried by users, under the control of the control unit 11 and send and receive various information.

[0023] The input / output interface 15 is connected to the input unit 151, the output unit 152, etc. The input / output interface 15 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 and the output unit 152. The input / output interface 15 may be integrated with the communication interface 14. For example, the input / output interface 15 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 or the output unit 152 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0024] The input unit 151 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by an administrator who manages the central server 1 to input various information to the central server 1. The input unit 151 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 12 or the data storage unit 13 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0025] The output unit 152 includes a display that displays output data to be presented to the administrator from the central server 1, a printer that prints the data, and the like.

[0026] Next, the software configuration of the central server 1 will be described in detail. The control unit 11 includes a reception control unit 111 , a target control unit 112 , and a transmission control unit 113 .

[0027] The reception control unit 111 receives user information. Here, the user information includes medium information, a user name, a user ID (e.g., an email address), etc. Here, the medium information includes commuter pass information (or passenger ticket information), a medium ID (e.g., a card ID (IDi)), a charge amount, etc. Furthermore, the commuter pass information includes a commuter route (information on the departure station, intermediate stations, and destination station), a validity period (start date, end date), a user name (information in katakana), etc. Note that the passenger ticket information only needs to include information about a general passenger ticket, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The reception control unit 111 stores the received user information in the user information storage unit 131, which will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, the reception control unit 111 receives registration information. Here, the registration information includes the guided route (information on the departure station, intermediate stations, and destination station), the validity period (start date, end date), etc. Here, the guided route and the regular route may be different routes. Furthermore, the registration information may include services (for example, points) that are awarded when traveling along the guided route. The reception control unit 111 stores the received registration information in the guided information storage unit 132, which will be described later.

[0029] The target control unit 112 performs a registration determination. For example, the target control unit 112 extracts users 3 who can use the guide route based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit 131 and the registration information stored in the guide information storage unit 132. A specific method for the extraction will be described later. The target control unit 112 also generates a guide guide based on the registration information. Here, the guide guide includes information such as the guide route, the period during which the guide route can be used, and services (e.g., points) that will be awarded when the user passes through the guide route.

[0030] The transmission control unit 113 transmits the route guidance to the target user terminal 30 based on the user ID and the like.

[0031] The data storage unit 13 includes a user information storage unit 131 and a guidance information storage unit 132. The user information storage unit 131 is used to store user information received by the reception control unit 111. The guidance information storage unit 132 is used to store registration information registered by a railway operator and user information linked to the registration information.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware and software configurations of the automatic ticket gate 20 according to this embodiment. 4, the automatic ticket gate 20 includes a control unit 21, a program storage unit 22, a data storage unit 23, a communication interface 24, and an input / output interface 25. The input / output interface 25 is connected to an input unit 251 and an output unit 252.

[0033] The automatic ticket gate 20 is configured with one or more computers. The automatic ticket gate 20 is installed at a predetermined location by a business operator that manages the facility.

[0034] The control unit 21 controls the automatic ticket gate 20. The control unit 21 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0035] The program storage unit 22 is configured by combining, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD as a storage medium that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, and stores middleware such as an OS as well as application programs required to execute various control processes according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as the program.

[0036] The data storage unit 23 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a volatile memory such as a RAM, as a storage medium.

[0037] The communication interface 24 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 24 includes a communication module that connects to an external device installed outside the automatic ticket gate 20 by wire or wirelessly, either directly or via a network. For example, the communication interface 24 includes a communication module that connects to the central server 1 by wire or wirelessly via a network. In other words, the communication interface 24 may be any general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices including the central server 1 under the control of the control unit 21 and send and receive various information.

[0038] The input / output interface 25 is connected to the input unit 251, the output unit 252, etc. The input / output interface 25 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 21 and the input unit 251 and the output unit 252. The input / output interface 25 may be integrated with the communication interface 24. For example, the input / output interface 25 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 21 and the input unit 251 or the output unit 252 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0039] The input unit 251 includes, for example, a reader for reading medium information from a medium carried by a user 3 passing through the automatic ticket gate 20. The reader may be a general reader capable of reading medium information such as an IC card, a magnetic ticket, or a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, the input unit 251 may include a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like for an administrator who manages the automatic ticket gate 20 to input various information to the automatic ticket gate 20. The input unit 251 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 22 or the data storage unit 23 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0040] The output unit 252 includes a display that displays to the user 3 whether or not the user 3 is permitted to pass through the automatic ticket gate 20. The user 3 can know information such as the balance of the IC card based on the information displayed on the display. The output unit 252 may also include a speaker or the like for conveying information to the user 3 by voice.

[0041] Next, the software configuration of the automatic ticket gate 20 will be described in detail. The control unit 21 includes a traffic control unit 211 , a communication control unit 212 , and a display control unit 213 .

[0042] The passage control unit 211 detects the user 3 and acquires medium information from a medium owned by the detected user 3. The passage control unit 211 outputs the acquired medium information to the communication control unit 212. The passage control unit 211 may also control the passage of the user 3 based on encoded information received from the central server 1.

[0043] The communication control unit 212 acquires station information (e.g., station ID, ID of automatic ticket gate 20) stored in the ticket gate information storage unit 231 described later, and generates ticket gate information including medium information, station information, and current time. Then, the communication control unit 212 transmits the ticket gate information to the central server 1. Then, the passage control unit 211 receives encoded information corresponding to the transmission of the ticket gate information from the central server 1.

[0044] The display control unit 213 controls the display included in the output unit 252 to display various information based on the encoding information to the user 3. Furthermore, the display control unit 213 may control the display to notify the user 3 of various information based on the encoding information by voice.

[0045] The data storage unit 23 includes a ticket gate information storage unit 231. The ticket gate information storage unit 231 is used to store station information including a station ID, the ID of the automatic ticket gate 20, and the like.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and software configuration of the user terminal 30 according to this embodiment. 5, the user terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a program storage unit 32, a data storage unit 33, a communication interface 34, and an input / output interface 35. The input / output interface 35 is connected to an input unit 351 and an output unit 352.

[0047] The user terminal 30 is configured by one or more computers. As described above, the user terminal 30 is a general terminal owned by the user 3.

[0048] The control unit 31 controls the user terminal 30. The control unit 31 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0049] The program storage unit 32 is configured by combining, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD as a storage medium that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, and stores middleware such as an OS as well as application programs required to execute various control processes according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as the program.

[0050] The data storage unit 33 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from as needed, and a volatile memory such as a RAM, as a storage medium.

[0051] The communication interface 34 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 34 includes a communication module that connects to an external device installed outside the user terminal 30 by wire or wirelessly, either directly or via a network. For example, the communication interface 34 includes a communication module that connects to the central server 1 by wire or wirelessly via a network. In other words, the communication interface 34 may be any general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices, including the central server 1 owned by the user, and send and receive various information under the control of the control unit 31.

[0052] The input / output interface 35 is connected to the input unit 351, the output unit 352, etc. The input / output interface 35 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 31 and the input unit 351 and the output unit 352. The input / output interface 35 may be integrated with the communication interface 34. For example, the input / output interface 35 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 31 and the input unit 351 or the output unit 352 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0053] The input unit 351 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by the user 3 to input various information to the user terminal 30. The input unit 151 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 12 or the data storage unit 13 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0054] The output unit 352 includes a display or the like that displays output data to be presented from the central server 1 to the administrator.

[0055] Next, the software configuration of the user terminal 30 will be described in detail. The control unit 31 includes an information acquisition unit 311 , a display control unit 312 , and a communication control unit 313 .

[0056] The information acquisition unit 311 is an acquisition unit for acquiring information input by the user 3. For example, the information acquisition unit 311 acquires various pieces of information input by the user 3 via the input unit 351. The information acquisition unit 311 may store the acquired information (for example, a user name, a user ID, etc.) in the user information storage unit 331. If necessary, the information acquisition unit 311 acquires various pieces of information stored in the user information storage unit 331.

[0057] The display control unit 312 is a control unit that controls the display of the output unit 352 to display various information to the user 3. The display control unit 312 controls the display of information acquired by the communication control unit 313, which will be described later.

[0058] The communication control unit 313 is a control unit that transmits various types of information via a network or receives various types of information received via a network. For example, when the user 3 attempts to pass through the automatic ticket gate 20, the communication control unit 313 acquires medium information stored in the user information storage unit 331 and transmits the medium information to the automatic ticket gate 20. Furthermore, the communication control unit 313 receives encoded information obtained as a result of transmitting the medium information. The communication control unit 313 updates the medium information stored in the user information storage unit 331 based on the received encoded information.

[0059] The data storage unit 33 includes a user information storage unit 331. The user information storage unit 331 is used to store various information input by the user 3, user information, medium information, and the like.

[0060] (operation) (Guided route setting operation) First, the operation from when the railway operator 2 sets a guide route to when it notifies the user 3 of the set guide route will be described.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a guide route notification method according to this embodiment. For example, the control unit 11 of the central server 1 and the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 read and execute programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 32, respectively, thereby realizing the operation of this sequence.

[0062] First, the sequence begins when the user 3 decides that it is okay to travel along a route other than the regular route, i.e., a guided route, and attempts to register user information including medium information, etc., with the central server 1.

[0063] In step ST101, the reception control unit 111 receives user information. For example, the user 3 operates the user terminal 30, inputs user information, and transmits the user information to the central server 1. Furthermore, the user information may be transmitted directly to the central server 1, or may be transmitted to the central server 1 via an application server. For example, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 accesses a predetermined registration site of the central server 1 or the application server. Then, the user 3 may input the necessary information to be included in the user information on a registration screen displayed on the display of the output unit 352. Then, after completing the input, the central server 1 receives the user information. The reception control unit 111 stores the received user information in the user information storage unit 131.

[0064] In step ST102, the reception control unit 111 receives the registration information. For example, the railway business operator 2 decides to set a guide route in a predetermined section. Therefore, the railway business operator 2 accesses a predetermined registration site of the central server 1 or an application server using a server or the like managed by the railway business operator 2. Then, the registration information is input using a server or the like managed by the railway business operator 2. As described above, the registration information may include a service (e.g., points) that is awarded when the guide route is traveled. Then, after the input is completed, the central server 1 receives the registration information. The reception control unit 111 stores the received registration information in the guide information storage unit 132.

[0065] In step ST103, the target control unit 112 performs a registration determination. For example, the target control unit 112 extracts users 3 who can use the guided route based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit 131 and the registration information stored in the guided information storage unit 132. Specifically, the target control unit 112 determines whether the guided route and the route (regular route) included in the medium information are associated. For example, if the departure station and destination station of the guided route are included in a section of the regular route but the guided route in that section is different from the regular route, if the guided route is the same section as the regular route but the guided route in that section is different from the regular route, or if the departure station and destination station of the regular route are included in a section of the guided route but the guided route in that section is different from the regular route, the target control unit 112 determines that the guided route and the regular route are associated. However, if a regular route exists in the guided route section, user 3 can use the route up to the section other than the original regular route free of charge. Therefore, in order to ensure fairness with other users 3, if there is a regular route in the guided route section, the target control unit 112 may impose any restrictions, such as collecting fees for sections other than the regular route or imposing certain conditions for using the guided route.

[0066] The reception control unit 111 may also receive the target user information from an external server such as a commuter pass server. For example, the target control unit 112 may instruct the reception control unit 111 to receive the target user information based on the registration information from an external server such as a commuter pass server that issued the commuter pass to user 3. Then, in response to this instruction, the reception control unit 111 receives the user information from the commuter pass server. In this case, the processing of step ST101 may be skipped. That is, user 3 does not need to register for use. This improves convenience for user 3.

[0067] In step ST104, the transmission control unit 113 transmits the guide guidance. The target control unit 112 associates the medium ID of the user 3 using the target commuter pass with the registration information and stores the associated information in the guide information storage unit 132. For example, the target control unit 112 may associate the medium ID of the user 3 with the registration information and store the user information. Furthermore, the target control unit 112 generates the guide guidance based on the registration information. The target control unit 112 outputs the user ID of the target user 3 and the guide guidance to the transmission control unit. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the guide guidance to the target user terminal 30 based on the user ID, etc. The user 3 will know via the user terminal 30 that the guide guidance has been set.

[0068] (Guided route use operation) Next, the operation when user 3 uses the section for which the guided route is set will be described. Here, user 3 is assumed to be a user 3 whose medium ID is stored in central server 1 and who receives guided guidance. In other words, user 3 is assumed to be a user who can use the guided route. Furthermore, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the departure station and destination station of the user's regular route are the same. However, as described above, the guided route and the regular route are different. For example, in FIG. 1, it is assumed that both the regular route and the guided route have a departure station of Station A and a destination station of Station C. However, it is assumed that the regular route is a route that uses railway operators A and B to go to station C via station B, while the guided route is a route that uses railway operators C, D, and E to go to station C via stations D and F.

[0069] First, an operation when the user 3 enters the boarding station (departure station) for which the above-mentioned guide route is set will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an entrance operation at a boarding station according to this embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the central server 1, the control unit 21 of the automatic ticket gate 20, and the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 reading and executing the programs stored in the program memory unit 12, the program memory unit 22, and the program memory unit 32, respectively.

[0070] First, user 3, who has been notified of the guided route, decides to travel from the boarding station to the destination station along the guided route, heads to the boarding station, and starts this sequence by holding the user terminal 30 (or IC card) over the automatic ticket gate at the boarding station.

[0071] In step ST201, the passage control unit 211 of the automatic ticket gate 20 acquires medium information. For example, the user 3 holds a medium (user terminal 30 or IC card) over an IC card reader installed at a predetermined location on the automatic ticket gate 20. The passage control unit 211 of the automatic ticket gate 20 detects the held-over medium and acquires medium information from the medium. For example, the medium information includes a medium ID (e.g., IDi), commuter pass information, charge amount, etc. The passage control unit 211 outputs the acquired medium information to the communication control unit 212.

[0072] In step ST202, the reception control unit 111 receives the ticket gate information. For example, the communication control unit 212 acquires station information stored in the ticket gate information storage unit 231, and generates ticket gate information including medium information, station information, and the current time. The communication control unit 212 then transmits the ticket gate information to the central server 1. The reception control unit 111 outputs the received ticket gate information to the target control unit 112.

[0073] In step ST203, the target control unit 112 performs a registration determination. For example, the target control unit 112 acquires a medium ID included in the ticket gate information and determines whether the medium ID matches a medium ID included in the user information linked to the registration information stored in the guide information storage unit 132. If they match, the target control unit 112 determines whether the departure station, which is the boarding station included in the ticket gate information, is included in the guide route. If the boarding station (i.e., the station ID) is included in the guide route, the target control unit 112 determines that the user 3 will use the guide route. Furthermore, if the target control unit 112 determines that the user will use the guide route, it determines whether the current time is within the validity period.

[0074] On the other hand, if there is no matching medium ID, the boarding station is not included in the guide route, or the current time is not within the validity period, the target control unit 112 determines that the user 3 will not use the guide route.

[0075] In step ST204, the communication control unit 212 receives the encoded information. The object control unit 112 outputs encoded information according to the result of the registration determination to the transmission control unit 113. For example, if it is determined that the user 3 will use the guided route, the object control unit 112 generates encoded information including information that the user 3 is using the guided route, and outputs the encoded information to the transmission control unit 113. Alternatively, if it is determined that the user 3 will not use the guided route, the object control unit 112 generates encoded information including the result of performing a general passage process, such as deducting a predetermined fare, and outputs the encoded information to the transmission control unit 113. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the encoded information to the automatic ticket gate 20.

[0076] In step ST205, the communication control unit 313 receives the encoded information. The passage control unit 211 transmits the encoded information to the held medium. For example, if the medium is a user terminal 30, the communication control unit 313 of the user terminal 30 stores the encoded information in the user information storage unit 331. The passage control unit 211 may also control the passage of the user 3 based on the encoded information. Furthermore, the display control unit 213 of the automatic ticket gate 20 controls the display included in the output unit 252 to display various information to the user 3 based on the encoded information. Furthermore, the display control unit 213 may also control the display to notify the user 3 of various information based on the encoded information by voice.

[0077] In step ST206, the transmission control unit 113 transmits the guidance guidance start information. For example, if it is determined in the registration determination in step ST203 that the user 3 will use the guidance route, the target control unit 112 generates the guidance guidance start information based on the registration information. Here, the guidance guidance start information includes information such as the station where the user boarded, the guidance route, and services (e.g., points or coupons) that will be provided when the user passes through the guidance route. Then, the target control unit 112 outputs the user ID of the target user 3 and the guidance guidance start information to the transmission control unit 113. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the guidance guidance start information to the target user terminal 30 based on the user ID, etc. The user 3 can confirm that he or she is using the guidance route via the user terminal 30.

[0078] Next, an operation when the user 3, who is traveling through the section for which the above-described guide route is set, makes a transfer will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a transfer operation at a transfer station according to this embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the central server 1, the control unit 21 of the automatic ticket gate 20, and the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 reading and executing the programs stored in the program memory unit 12, the program memory unit 22, and the program memory unit 32, respectively.

[0079] First, user 3, who has been notified of the guided route, travels along the guided route to an intermediate station, and this sequence begins when user 3 holds up user terminal 30 (or IC card) to an automatic ticket gate at a transfer station to transfer to a train operated by another operator.

[0080] Steps ST301 and ST302 are the same as steps ST201 and ST202 described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again here.

[0081] In step ST303, the target control unit 112 performs a registration determination. For example, the target control unit 112 acquires a medium ID included in the ticket gate information and determines whether the medium ID matches a medium ID included in the user information linked to the registration information stored in the guide information storage unit 132. If they match, the target control unit 112 determines whether the boarding station is included in the guide route. If the boarding station is included in the guide route, the target control unit 112 determines whether the boarding station included in the ticket gate information is included in the guide route. If a transfer station is included in the guide route, the target control unit 112 determines that the user 3 is currently using the guide route. Furthermore, if the target control unit 112 determines that the user is currently using the guide route, it may determine whether the current time is within the validity period. For example, if it is sufficient that the validity period for using the guide route is within the validity period at the entrance station, the target control unit 112 skips the determination of whether the current time is within the validity period.

[0082] On the other hand, if there is no matching medium ID, the boarding station is not included in the guided route, or the transfer station is not included in the guided route, the target control unit 112 determines that user 3 is not using the guided route.

[0083] In step ST304, the communication control unit 212 receives the encoded information. The object control unit 112 outputs encoded information according to the result of the registration determination to the transmission control unit 113. For example, if it is determined that the user 3 is currently using the guided route, the object control unit 112 generates encoded information including information that the user 3 is currently using the guided route, and outputs the encoded information to the transmission control unit 113. Alternatively, if it is determined that the user 3 is not currently using the guided route, the object control unit 112 generates encoded information including the result of performing a general passage process, such as deducting a predetermined fare, and outputs the encoded information to the transmission control unit 113. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the encoded information to the automatic ticket gate 20.

[0084] In step ST305, the communication control unit 313 receives the encoded information. The passage control unit 211 transmits the encoded information to the held medium. For example, if the medium is the user terminal 30, the communication control unit 313 of the user terminal 30 stores the encoded information in the user information storage unit 331.

[0085] In step ST306, the transmission control unit 113 transmits the updated guidance guidance. For example, if it is determined in the registration determination in step ST303 that the user 3 is currently using the guided route, the target control unit 112 generates the updated guidance guidance based on the registration information. Here, the updated guidance guidance includes information such as the boarding station, the transfer station, the guided route, and the service (e.g., point award, coupon award) that is granted when the user passes through the guided route. Then, the target control unit 112 outputs the user ID and registration information of the target user 3 to the transmission control unit. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the updated guidance guidance to the target user terminal 30 based on the user ID, etc. The user 3 can confirm that he or she is using the guided route via the user terminal 30.

[0086] Finally, an operation will be described when the user 3 exits the train from the disembarking station (destination station) after traveling through the section for which the above-described guide route has been set. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an exit operation at a disembarking station according to this embodiment. For example, the operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the central server 1, the control unit 21 of the automatic ticket gate 20, and the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 reading and executing the programs stored in the program memory unit 12, the program memory unit 22, and the program memory unit 32, respectively.

[0087] First, user 3, who has been notified of the guided route, moves along the guided route to the destination station where he or she will disembark, and this sequence begins when user 3 holds up user terminal 30 (or IC card) to the automatic ticket gate to exit at the destination station where he or she will disembark.

[0088] Steps ST401 and ST402 are the same operations as steps ST201 and ST202 described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again here.

[0089] In step ST403, the target control unit 112 performs a registration determination. For example, the target control unit 112 acquires a medium ID included in the ticket gate information and determines whether the medium ID matches a medium ID included in the user information linked to the registration information stored in the guide information storage unit 132. If they match, the target control unit 112 determines whether the boarding station and transfer stations are included in the guide route. If the boarding station and transfer stations are included in the guide route, the target control unit 112 determines whether the disembarking station included in the ticket gate information is included in the guide route. If the disembarking station is included in the guide route, the target control unit 112 determines that the user 3 has used the guide route. Furthermore, if the target control unit 112 determines that the user has used the guide route, it may determine whether the current time is within the validity period. For example, if the validity period for using the guide route is sufficient as long as it is within the validity period at the entrance station, the target control unit 112 skips the determination of whether the current time is within the validity period.

[0090] On the other hand, if there is no matching medium ID, if the boarding station and transfer station are not included in the guided route, or if the disembarking station is not included in the guided route, the target control unit 112 determines that the user 3 is not using the guided route. Note that if there is no transfer station in the guided route, the determination of the transfer station may be skipped.

[0091] In step ST404, the communication control unit 212 receives the encoded information. The object control unit 112 outputs encoded information according to the result of the registration determination to the transmission control unit 113. For example, if it is determined that the user 3 has used the guided route, the object control unit 112 generates encoded information indicating that the guided route has been used, and outputs the encoded information to the transmission control unit 113. Alternatively, if it is determined that the user 3 has not used the guided route, the object control unit 112 generates encoded information including the result of performing a general passage process, such as deducting a predetermined fare, and outputs the encoded information to the transmission control unit 113. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the encoded information to the automatic ticket gate 20.

[0092] In step ST405, the communication control unit 313 receives the encoded information. The passage control unit 211 transmits the encoded information to the held medium. For example, if the medium is a user terminal 30, the communication control unit 313 of the user terminal 30 stores the encoded information in the user information storage unit 331. The passage control unit 211 may also control the passage of the user 3 based on the encoded information. Furthermore, the display control unit 213 of the automatic ticket gate 20 controls the display included in the output unit 252 to display various information to the user 3 based on the encoded information. Furthermore, the display control unit 213 may also control the display to notify the user 3 of various information based on the encoded information by voice.

[0093] In step ST406, the transmission control unit 113 transmits the service information. For example, if it is determined in the registration determination of step ST203 that the user 3 has used the guided route, the target control unit 112 generates service information based on the registration information. Here, the service information includes information such as the station where the user boarded the train, the station where the user transferred, the station where the user disembarked, and the service provided by passing through the guided route (for example, points or coupons). Then, the target control unit 112 outputs the user ID and service information of the target user 3 to the transmission control unit. The transmission control unit 113 transmits the service information to the user terminal 30 that used the guided route based on the user ID, etc. The user 3 can check the provided service, etc. via the user terminal 30.

[0094] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, for a commuter pass that passes through multiple railway operators, rather than the automatic ticket gate 20 determining whether or not the user 3 can pass based on the commuter pass information, the central server 1, i.e., the thin client server, makes the determination, and a temporarily permitted route such as a guided route can be assigned to the user 3. This allows the user 3 to be guided to a route that the railway operator wants the user to take. Furthermore, by providing a service to the user 3 who is taking the guided route, it is possible to create an incentive for the user 3 to take the guided route.

[0095] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the guide route may be used to guide people to an event held near a station. For example, if there is an event and the railway operator wishes to guide people to Station E in FIG. 1, the railway operator assigns a guide route from Station A to Station E to Station C. In addition, the guide information includes a message that a service will be provided if the train exits Station E. This motivates users, including User 3, to get off at Station E, allowing the railway operator to guide people to Station E.

[0096] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate as possible, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100...Flexible commuter pass processing system 1...Central server 11...Control unit 111...Reception control unit 112...Object control unit 113...Transmission control unit 12...Program memory section 13...Data storage unit 131...User information storage unit 132...Guidance information storage unit 14...Communication interface 15...Input / output interface 151...input section 152...Output section 2. Railway operators 20...Automatic ticket gate 21...Control unit 211...Traffic Control Unit 212...Communication control unit 213...Display control unit 22...Program memory section 23...Data storage unit 231...Ticket gate information storage unit 24...Communication interface 25...Input / output interface 251...input section 252...Output section 3...User 30...User terminal 31...Control unit 311…Information acquisition department 312...Display control unit 313...Communication control unit 32...Program memory section 33...Data storage unit 331...User information storage unit 34...Communication interface 35...Input / output interface 351...input section 352...Output section

Claims

1. Automatic ticket gates and a central server connected to the automated ticket gate; Equipped with The automatic ticket gate is an acquisition unit that acquires medium information including a regular route using railways managed by a plurality of railway operators from a medium owned by a user; a communication control unit that transmits ticket gate information including a station ID and the medium information; The central server a storage unit that stores a guide route and a medium ID associated with the guide route; a reception control unit that receives the ticket gate information; a target control unit that determines whether a medium ID included in the ticket gate information matches a medium ID stored in the storage unit, and if they match, determines whether a station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations on the guide route, and generates encoded information according to the determination; a transmission control unit that transmits the encoded information; A flexible commuter pass processing system equipped with:

2. The departure station and the destination station of the guided route are included in a section of the regular route, but the regular route in the included section is different from the guided route.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

3. The departure station and destination station of the guided route are the same as the departure station and destination station of the regular route, but the guided route is different from the regular route.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

4. The departure station and the destination station of the regular route are included in the section of the guided route, but the guided route in the included section is different from the regular route.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

5. When it is determined that a station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations of the guided route and it is determined that the user will enter the station corresponding to the station ID, the target control unit generates guided guidance start information including a route of the guided route to a user terminal carried by the user corresponding to the user ID linked to the guided route, and the transmission control unit transmits the guided guidance start information.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

6. The guidance start information includes a service to be provided when the user uses the guidance route.

6. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 5.

7. The service includes a service provided by getting off at an intermediate station within the guide route.

7. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 6.

8. When it is determined that a station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations of the guided route and it is determined that the user will transfer at the station corresponding to the station ID, the target control unit generates updated guide guidance including a route of the guided route to a user terminal carried by the user corresponding to the user ID linked to the guided route, and the transmission control unit transmits the updated guide guidance.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

9. When it is determined that a station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations of the guided route and it is determined that the user has exited from the station corresponding to the station ID, the target control unit generates service information including the granted service to a user terminal carried by the user corresponding to the user ID linked to the guided route, and the transmission control unit transmits the service information.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

10. the reception control unit receives registration information including the guide route and a validity period of the guide route, and receives the medium information and user information including a user ID; the target control unit determines whether the guide route and the regular route can be associated with each other, and if it is determined that the association is possible, causes the target control unit to associate the guide route with a medium ID included in the medium information and store the association in the storage unit.

2. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 1.

11. When the target control unit associates the guide route with the medium ID and stores them in the storage unit, the target control unit generates a guide including the guide route, The transmission control unit transmits the guidance to a user terminal carried by the user corresponding to the user ID.

11. A flexible commuter pass processing system according to claim 10.

12. a storage unit that stores a guide route and a medium ID associated with the guide route; a reception control unit that receives medium information including a regular route using railways managed by multiple railway operators, which is acquired from a medium owned by a user, and ticket gate information including a station ID corresponding to the station from which the medium information was acquired from the user; a target control unit that determines whether a medium ID included in the medium information matches a medium ID stored in the storage unit, and if they match, determines whether a station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations on the guide route, and generates encoded information according to the determination; a transmission control unit that transmits the encoded information; A central server comprising:

13. A flexible commuter pass processing method executed by a processor of a flexible commuter pass processing server, comprising: storing a guide route and a medium ID associated with the guide route; receiving medium information including a regular route using railways managed by a plurality of railway operators, which is acquired from a medium owned by a user, and ticket gate information including a station ID corresponding to the station from which the medium information was acquired from the user; determining whether a medium ID included in the medium information matches the stored medium ID; If there is a match, determining whether the station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations of the guide route; generating encoding information in response to said determination of inclusion; transmitting the encoded information; A flexible commuter pass processing method comprising:

14. 1. A flexible commuter pass processing program comprising instructions for execution by a processor of a flexible commuter pass processing server, storing a guide route and a medium ID associated with the guide route; receiving medium information including a regular route using railways managed by a plurality of railway operators, which is acquired from a medium owned by a user, and ticket gate information including a station ID corresponding to the station from which the medium information was acquired from the user; determining whether a medium ID included in the medium information matches the stored medium ID; If there is a match, determining whether the station corresponding to the station ID is included in the stations of the guide route; generating encoding information in response to said determination of inclusion; transmitting the encoded information; A flexible commuter pass processing program with

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