Information processing apparatus, mobile terminal, and information processing method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a mobile terminal, and an information processing method capable of more reliably performing information processing. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used to transmit a beacon that is a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within a BLE communication range. Ultra Wide Band (UWB) is used to perform ranging processing to measure at least a distance to a UWB gate unit provided in a fare calculation area where a fare settlement process is performed with the mobile terminal. Then, when it has been detected that the mobile terminal has entered the fare calculation area based on the result of the ranging processing using UWB, data communication for settlement using UWB is performed between the UWB gate unit and the mobile terminal. For example, the present technology can be applied to a touchless fare settlement system using BLE and UWB.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, mobile terminals, and information processing methods, and more specifically, to information processing apparatus, mobile terminals, and information processing methods capable of performing information processing more reliably. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, fare payment systems used for paying fares at station ticket gates have employed Near Field Communication (NFC), which performs wireless communication at a short distance of approximately 10 cm. The fare payment process is performed when a user touches the ticket gate using a mobile terminal that includes a contactless integrated circuit (IC).

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, technologies that enable fare payments to be made without contact have been developed by using technologies such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) that perform wireless communication over a wider range in fare payment systems.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that performs authentication through communication over a first communication distance and performs processing such as ticket gates through communication over a second communication distance shorter than the first communication distance.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: WO 2016 / 009738 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0009] Incidentally, in fare payment systems using UWB, BLE, etc., it is assumed that multiple ticket gates are installed at the station, and a large number of users pass through these gates. In this case, it is necessary to provide technologies such as ensuring simultaneous connection of a large number of mobile terminals, specifying which ticket gate a user should pass through, avoiding interference between electromagnetic waves used for ranging and those used for data communication, and quickly processing communication with the secure components of mobile terminals. Therefore, a fare payment system is needed that can accurately connect mobile terminals and ticket gates and reliably perform information processing for fare payment.

[0010] This disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances and to enable information processing to be performed more reliably.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes a beacon transmitting unit that transmits a beacon as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication using a first wireless communication as a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and a ranging processing unit that performs ranging processing, at least measuring the distance from the mobile terminal detected using the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal, using a second wireless communication as a communication standard different from the first wireless communication and capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, wherein when the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the result of the ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal.

[0013] The information processing method according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes an information processing device transmitting a beacon as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication by using a first wireless communication, which is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and performing ranging processing by using a second wireless communication, which is a communication standard different from the first wireless communication and capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, to at least measure the distance from the mobile terminal detected using the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal, wherein when the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the result of the ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal.

[0014] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a beacon is transmitted as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication, using a first wireless communication standard capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance. A ranging process is performed, measuring at least the distance from the mobile terminal detected using the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal, using a second wireless communication standard different from the first wireless communication and capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance. Therefore, when the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the result of the ranging process using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal.

[0015] According to the second aspect of this disclosure, a mobile terminal receives a beacon, which is a signal transmitted from an information processing device and used to detect the mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication, by using a first wireless communication, which is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and performs ranging processing, at least measuring the distance to a payment unit that provides a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, by using a second wireless communication, which is a communication standard different from the first wireless communication and capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance. In response to detecting entry into the payment area based on the ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit.

[0016] The information processing method according to a second aspect of this disclosure includes a mobile terminal receiving a beacon, transmitted from an information processing device and used to detect the mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication, by using a first wireless communication, which is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and performing ranging processing, at least measuring the distance to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, by using a second wireless communication, which is a communication standard different from the first wireless communication and capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, wherein in response to detecting entry into the payment area based on the result of the ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit.

[0017] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a beacon is received as a signal from an information processing device and used to detect a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication, using a first wireless communication that is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and a ranging process is performed to at least measure the distance to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, using a second wireless communication that is a communication standard different from the first wireless communication and capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, wherein in response to detecting entry into the payment area based on the result of the ranging process using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a touchless fare payment system applying the present technology.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a touchless fare payment system configured by a wide area server.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a touchless fare payment system configured by a station server.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the touchless fare payment process.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the units used in a distance measurement session.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of UWB's block-based mode.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the time allocation of the ranging block thread.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the synchronization signal.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the state machine of a mobile terminal.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of time allocation in distance measurement using a fixed wheel.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the distance measurement method.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the allocation of block threads.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the signal that initiates data communication.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the data communication processing used for contactless payments.

[0032] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the user experience of a touchless fare payment system.

[0033] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates a method for coexisting contactless payments using UWB and touch payments using NFC.

[0034] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the situation of a user carrying two mobile devices passing through the fare calculation area.

[0035] Figure 18 This is an example diagram illustrating the excluded mobile device settings menu.

[0036] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an excluded list of device IDs.

[0037] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the process when a priority mobile terminal initiates touchless fare payment processing.

[0038] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the process for handling non-priority mobile terminals when initiating touchless fare payment.

[0039] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer using the present technology. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following text, specific embodiments of the application of this technology will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] <Payment System Configuration Example>

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a touchless fare payment system applying the present technology.

[0043] For example, when a user passes through a ticket gate at a station with multiple ticket gates, the touchless fare payment system 11 allows payment without touching the ticket gate with a mobile terminal. In the touchless fare payment system 11, BLE (first wireless communication) and UWB (second wireless communication), which can perform wireless communication over a wider range than NFC (Near Field Communication), which uses a 13.56MHz frequency band and only performs wireless communication over short distances, are used. BLE is a wireless communication using a 2.4GHz frequency band and is a communication standard capable of communication over distances of approximately several centimeters to tens of meters. UWB is a wireless communication using a frequency band of 500MHz or higher and is a communication standard capable of communication over distances of approximately 10 meters.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the touchless fare payment system 11 is configured by connecting the ranging gate network 12 and the link management server 13 via network 14. Furthermore, the link management server 13 can be connected via network 15 to a mobile terminal 16 held by a user passing through the ticket gate. Figure 1 The example shown illustrates three mobile terminals 16-1 to 16-3, but the touchless fare payment system 11 can pay fares touchlessly with a greater number of mobile terminals 16-1.

[0045] The ranging gate network 12 includes a ranging server 21 and multiple UWB gate units 22, and... Figure 1The example shown includes three UWB gate units 22-1 to 22-3. In the touchless fare payment system 11, the RGN-ID is assigned as a unique identifier (ID) to each ranging gate network 12.

[0046] Link management server 13 manages the connections of each mobile terminal 16 to multiple UWB gate units 22 and performs communication for exchanging various types of information required for the ranging process performed between ranging server 21 and mobile terminal 16. For example, link management server 13 designates the ranging gate network 12 to which the user carrying mobile terminal 16 is attempting to pass based on an RGN-ID notification provided from mobile terminal 16. Then, link management server 13 communicates with the ranging server 21 of the designated ranging gate network 12 to obtain ranging setting information and notifies the mobile terminal 16 of this information. Note that link management server 13 can be, for example, […]. Figure 2 The wide area server shown or such Figure 3 The station server shown.

[0047] Mobile terminal 16 supports UWB functionality and operates as the initiator in UWB ranging processing that uses UWB to perform distance measurement and positioning with ranging server 21. Furthermore, mobile terminal 16 has a configuration that allows direct access via UWB functionality to an embedded secure element (eSE) traditionally used in touch payments via NFC using contactless ICs.

[0048] The ranging server 21 uses UWB to perform UWB ranging processing for distance measurement and positioning of the mobile terminal 16. The ranging server 21 includes a BLE beacon transmitter 41 and multiple UWB responder devices 42, and... Figure 1 The example shown includes two UWB responder devices, 42-1 and 42-2.

[0049] For example, when performing UWB ranging processing with mobile terminal 16, ranging server 21 can simultaneously perform positioning by angle of arrival (AoA) along with distance measurement using time-of-flight (ToF). In UWB ranging processing, at least the distance from mobile terminal 16 to UWB gate unit 22 is measured. Ranging server 21 has network connectivity and exchanges device information of mobile terminal 16, ranging setting information, etc., with link management server 13. Then, ranging server 21 performs UWB ranging processing to specify which UWB gate unit 22 the individual mobile terminal 16 passes through and notifies the specified UWB gate unit 22.

[0050] BLE beacon transmitting device 41 transmits BLE beacons in accordance with the BLE standard, the BLE beacons being used to detect signals from mobile terminals 16 within the BLE communication range from the ranging gate network 12.

[0051] UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 operate as responders in UWB ranging processing for distance measurement and positioning with mobile terminal 16, according to the UWB standard. Note that UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 are configured similarly and are simply referred to as UWB responder device 42 when there is no need to distinguish them. For example, for a UWB communication channel, UWB responder device 42 may use Ch-(R), and Ch-9 is used as a specific example. UWB responder device 42 is configured to prevent radio waves output from UWB responder device 42 from being transmitted to the inside of the ticket gate by providing directivity to the antenna or using a radio wave absorber.

[0052] UWB gate unit 22 is arranged within the ranging range (UWB communication range) where the ranging server 21 performs UWB ranging processing, and communicates with the mobile terminal 16 held by the user passing through the ticket gate for fare payment. UWB gate units 22-1 to 22-3 are similarly configured and will be simply referred to as UWB gate unit 22 when no distinction is needed. UWB gate unit 22 includes a ticket gate 31 and a UWB data communication unit 32, and provides a fare calculation area 33 in the area where the user passes through the ticket gate.

[0053] Similar to conventional ticket gates that use NFC via a contactless IC to perform touch payments, ticket gate 31 includes an NFC reader / writer, and essentially, UWB functionality is attached externally as an extension unit. Therefore, ticket gate 31 can be configured to combine the touchless payment functionality implemented by the touchless fare payment system 11 with the touch payment functionality using NFC via a contactless IC.

[0054] UWB data communication unit 32 can perform data communication conforming to the UWB standard and perform data communication processing for touchless payment with mobile terminal 16. UWB data communication unit 32 is integrated for each ticket gate 31 and uses Ch-(D) for UWB communication channel, and as a specific example, Ch-8 can be used.

[0055] A fare calculation area 33 is provided in the passageway on the side of the ticket gate 31. In the touchless fare payment system 11, when a user enters the fare calculation area 33 while passing through the ticket gate, data communication processing for touchless payment is performed with the mobile terminal 16.

[0056] As described above, in the touchless fare payment system 11, when mobile terminal 16 is detected using a BLE beacon, mobile terminal 16 acts as the initiator and ranging server 21 acts as the responder, and UWB ranging processing is performed. Then, when it is detected that mobile terminal 16 has entered the fare calculation area 33, data communication processing for touchless payment is performed between UWB gate unit 22 and mobile terminal 16. Note that in the UWB ranging processing, both the initiator and the responder can perform distance measurements on each other, and this processing can be performed with ranging server 21 acting as the initiator and mobile terminal 16 acting as the responder.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 This describes a variant of a touchless fare payment system 11 to which multiple range-measuring gate networks 12 are connected.

[0058] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a configuration example of a touchless fare payment system 11A, in which a network 12 of distance measuring gates located at the entrances and exits of multiple stations is connected to a link management server 13 (wide area server).

[0059] At the first station, distance measuring gate network 12-1 (RGN-ID: xxxx) is installed at the entrance, while distance measuring gate network 12-2 (RGN-ID: yyyy) is installed at the exit. At the second station, distance measuring gate network 12-3 (RGN-ID: zzzz) is installed at the entrance, while distance measuring gate network 12-4 (RGN-ID: aaaa) is installed at the exit. At the third station, distance measuring gate network 12-5 (RGN-ID: bbbb) is installed at the entrance, distance measuring gate network 12-6 (RGN-ID: cccc) is installed at exit A, and distance measuring gate network 12-7 (RGN-ID: dddd) is installed at exit B.

[0060] The touchless fare payment system 11A is configured with a range-measuring gate network 12-1 to 12-7 connected to a link management server 13. A mobile terminal 16 held by a user passing through any of the ticket gates in the range-measuring gate network 12-1 to 12-7 then communicates with the link management server 13.

[0061] Figure 3 The illustration shows a configuration example of a touchless fare payment system 11B, in which a network 12 of ranging gates arranged at the entrances and exits of multiple stations is connected to a link management server 13 (station server) provided for each station. Figure 3 In the first to third stations shown, as in Figure 2 As shown in the configuration example, the ranging gate networks 12-1 to 12-7 are arranged.

[0062] In the touchless fare payment system 11B, distance gate networks 12-1 and 12-2 are connected to link management server 13-1, distance gate networks 12-3 and 12-4 are connected to link management server 13-2, and distance gate networks 12-5 to 12-7 are connected to link management server 13-3.

[0063] Then, as shown in the figure, the mobile terminal 16 held by a user passing through any of the ticket gates in the ranging gate network 12-5 to 12-7 communicates with the link management server 13-3. Similarly, the mobile terminal 16 held by a user passing through the ticket gates in the ranging gate network 12-1 or 12-2 communicates with the link management server 13-1, while the mobile terminal 16 held by a user passing through the ticket gates in the ranging gate network 12-3 or 12-4 communicates with the link management server 13-2.

[0064] <Example of Touchless Fare Payment Processing>

[0065] Reference Figure 4 The flowchart shown illustrates the touchless fare payment process performed in the touchless fare payment system 11.

[0066] In step S11, the ranging server 21 continuously transmits BLE beacons, including the RGN-ID of the ranging gate network 12, via the BLE beacon transmitting device 41 at predetermined intervals. Then, when a mobile terminal 16 within the receiving range of the BLE beacon transmitted from the BLE beacon transmitting device 41 receives the BLE beacon, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0067] In step S12, the mobile terminal 16 identifies the BLE beacon received in step S11 and activates the built-in UWB chip.

[0068] In step S13, the mobile terminal 16 sends a link connection request, including its own device ID and the RGN-ID of the ranging gate network 12, to the link management server 13 via the network 15. Then, when the link management server 13 receives the link connection request, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0069] In step S14, the link management server 13 designates the ranging gate network 12 based on the RGN-ID included in the link connection request received in step S13. The link management server 13 then sends a setting information request to the ranging server 21 included in the designated ranging gate network 12, requesting the sending of ranging setting information required for UWB ranging processing. The setting information request includes the device ID of the mobile terminal 16. Then, when the ranging server 21 receives the setting information request, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0070] In step S15, the ranging server 21 sends ranging setting information, including the device ID of the mobile terminal 16 and the RGN-ID of the ranging gate network 12, to the link management server 13. The ranging setting information also includes ranging allocation information, session ID, thread number, etc. Then, when the link management server 13 receives the ranging setting information, it proceeds to step S16.

[0071] In step S16, the link management server 13 sends the ranging setting information sent from the ranging server 21 in step S15 to the mobile terminal 16, which has already sent a link connection request in step S13.

[0072] In step S17, the ranging server 21 sends a synchronization signal to the mobile terminal 16 via UWB responder device 42-1 or 42-2 to establish synchronization in the UWB ranging process. Then, when the mobile terminal 16 receives the ranging setting information and the synchronization signal, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0073] In step S18, UWB ranging processing is performed between the ranging server 21 and the mobile terminal 16 to measure distance and locate the mobile terminal 16 using UWB. Then, as a result of the UWB ranging processing, when a UWB gate unit 22 for a ticket gate through which a user carrying the mobile terminal 16 passes is designated, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0074] In step S19, the ranging server 21 waits for the mobile terminal 16 to enter the fare calculation area 33 provided in the UWB gate unit 22 specified in step S18. Then, when the ranging server 21 detects that the mobile terminal 16 has entered the fare calculation area 33, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0075] In step S20, the ranging server 21 sends a data communication start signal to the mobile terminal 16, indicating the start of data communication processing for touchless payment.

[0076] In step S21, the mobile terminal 16 changes the UWB channel from the ranging channel (R) to the data communication channel (D) according to the data communication start signal.

[0077] In step S22, the ranging server 21 sends a data communication start command, including device information (device ID and session ID) of the mobile terminal 16, to the UWB gate unit 22. Then, when the UWB gate unit 22 receives the data communication start command, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0078] In step S23, data communication processing for contactless payment is performed between the UWB gate unit 22 and the mobile terminal 16, similar to data communication for NFC payments using a predetermined contactless IC (e.g., FeliCa (registered trademark)). (See below) Figure 14 Note that because a large number of radio waves used for ranging are also continuously output during the data communication processing for touchless payment, data communication is performed on a separate channel that will not interfere with these radio waves. Then, when the data communication processing for touchless payment is complete, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0079] In step S24, the UWB gate unit 22 sends a data communication termination notification, including the device ID and session ID, to the ranging server 21.

[0080] In step S25, the ranging server 21, based on the data communication termination notification, retrieves data from the ranging block thread (see below). Figure 12 Release the device ID of mobile terminal 16 in ).

[0081] Here, we will refer to Figure 5 This describes the unit of the ranging session used in the UWB ranging process performed between the ranging server 21 and the mobile terminal 16 in the touchless fare payment system 11.

[0082] In the touchless fare payment system 11, independent sessions are simultaneously executed between a ranging gate network 12 and multiple mobile terminals 16 within the communication range. Figure 5 In the example shown, the ranging gate network 12 executes session 1 with mobile terminal 16-1 and session 2 with mobile terminal 16-2. Therefore, in the touchless fare payment system 11, a synchronization system that does not interfere in the time domain is employed.

[0083] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of a block-based mode as defined by IEEE 802.15.4z, and the ranging gate network 12 uses this block-based mode.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, a session consists of a series of multiple blocks, and a block is set to a duration of, for example, 96ms × N. A block consists of s wheels, and a wheel consists of m slots.

[0085] Reference Figure 7 This describes the time allocation for the ranging block thread when the ranging server 21 performs UWB ranging processing.

[0086] Figure 7The illustration shows an example of a ranging block thread with ranging settings such that one block is 480ms and the ranging frequency is approximately 2Hz. Furthermore, under these conditions, with eight time slots per wheel and each time slot lasting 1ms, the number of wheels per block is 60.

[0087] As shown in the figure, the ranging server 21 performs serial processing in the time domain and forms a time grid for multi-ranging by shifting the time of one round of the blocks. That is, the transmission of each session of the block thread is repeatedly performed by shifting the time of one round of the multiple rounds constituting each block, where multiple blocks are consecutive. Therefore, although the blocks overlap, the leading round can be used in a fixed manner without interference or hopping because the sessions are synchronized. Then, when the mobile terminal 16 is added, the ranging server 21 assigns the mobile terminal 16 to any thread and performs UWB ranging processing.

[0088] For example, by providing 59 sessions, the ranging server 21 can simultaneously handle UWB ranging with 59 mobile terminals 16. Of course, by changing the setting parameters of the number of time slots and block time, the number of mobile terminals 16 that the ranging server 21 can handle simultaneously can be increased or decreased.

[0089] As a protection period after Sync detection, note that the thread of session 0 cannot be used for ranging.

[0090] Reference Figure 8 This describes the synchronization signal used for synchronization when the ranging server 21 performs UWB ranging processing.

[0091] UWB responder device 42 specifically sends a synchronization signal in round 0 of the block thread for synchronization. The block thread for synchronization is sent separately in the first timing interval, along with the block thread for each session in a plurality of repeatedly sent block threads. As shown, in round 0 of the block thread for synchronization, the synchronization signal (Sync) is included in the first time slot (time slot 0), and subsequent time slots (time slots 1 to 7) are empty.

[0092] When the ranging session begins for the first time, mobile terminal 16 transitions to a standby state awaiting a synchronization signal and is able to receive the synchronization signal. Thereafter, mobile terminal 16 operates as the initiator.

[0093] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the state machine of mobile terminal 16.

[0094] For example, when mobile terminal 16 is reset, it enters an idle state. Furthermore, from any state, when an error termination, link disconnection, or other event occurs, the state returns to an idle state.

[0095] After detecting a beacon transmitted from BLE beacon transmitting device 41, mobile terminal 16 activates the UWB chip and transitions from idle state to link setting state. Then, mobile terminal 16 accesses link management server 13 and requests the ranging setting information required for UWB ranging processing with ranging server 21.

[0096] When the ranging setting information is acquired, the mobile terminal 16 transitions from the link setting state to the synchronization standby state to wait for the above-mentioned reference. Figure 8 The detection of the synchronization signal. In the synchronization standby state, the mobile terminal 16 can reduce accumulated errors by performing a detection operation to detect the synchronization signal each time a block is processed.

[0097] After detecting the synchronization signal, the mobile terminal 16 transitions from the synchronization standby state to the ranging initiator state to perform distance measurement and positioning by acting as the ranging initiator. Then, the mobile terminal 16 performs UWB ranging processing with the ranging server 21.

[0098] As a result of performing UWB ranging processing, when it is determined that the mobile terminal 16 has entered the predetermined fare calculation area 33 and data communication is requested from the UWB gate unit 22 set in the fare calculation area 33, the mobile terminal 16 changes from the ranging initiator state to the data transaction listener state.

[0099] The mobile terminal 16 performs data communication processing for touchless payment with the UWB gate unit 22, and after the end of the data communication is notified, it transitions from the data transaction listener state to the idle state.

[0100] Figure 10 The illustration shows an example of time allocation in distance measurement using a fixed wheel.

[0101] like Figure 10 As shown, in any block, only the first round (round 0) is used in a fixed manner.

[0102] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a ranging method conforming to IEEE 802.15.4z.

[0103] Mobile terminal 16 operates as the initiator, sending a ranging control message (RCM) in time slot 0, and then sending a polling message (POLL1) at time T0 in time slot 1.

[0104] The ranging server 21 operates as a responder. UWB responder device 42-1 sends a response to the polling at time t1 in time slot 2 (RSP1), and UWB responder device 42-2 sends a response to the polling at time t2 in time slot 3 (RSP2). The response sent from UWB responder device 42-1 is received by mobile terminal 16 at time T1, while the response sent from UWB responder device 42-2 is received by mobile terminal 16 at time T2.

[0105] Subsequently, mobile terminal 16 sends polling (POLL2) at time T3 in time slot 4 and sends measurement results (MR) in time slot 5. Therefore, ranging server 21 can obtain the timestamps of time T0, time T1, time T2 and time T3 and calculate Time of Flight (ToF).

[0106] For example, when the ranging server 21 receives the polling time sent in time slot 1 at time t0, it can calculate the ToF1 based on the response sent from UWB responder device 42-1 and the ToF2 based on the response sent from UWB responder device 42-2 according to the following expression (1).

[0107] [Expression 1]

[0108]

[0109] However, due to errors in the clocks of UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 and mobile terminal 16, correction is required. For example, the elapsed time from a poll sent at time T0 in time slot 1 to a poll sent at time T3 in time slot 4 is theoretically the same for mobile terminal 16 (T3-T0) and UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 (t3-t0). Here, time t3 is the time when ranging server 21 receives the poll in time slot 4.

[0110] Then, in the case of a difference between the clocks, when measuring ToF relative to UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2, the elapsed time on the mobile terminal 16 side is corrected according to its own scale. For example, when time T0 = 0, time T1 = 20, time T3 = 100, time t0 = 0, time t1 = 40 and time t3 = 200, the elapsed time (T3-T0) of mobile terminal 16 is 100, and the elapsed time (t3-t0) of UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 is 200. In this case, when the time (T1-T0) from time T0 to time T1 is adjusted to adapt to the clocks on the UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 side, ToF is obtained as shown in the following expression (2).

[0111] [Expression 2]

[0112] ToF=[(T1-T0)×(t3-t0) / (T3-T0)-(t1-t0)] / 2···(2)

[0113] Here, in the configuration of the ranging server 21 including M UWB responder devices 42, the ToF of the nth UWB responder device 42-n can be calculated according to the following expression (3).

[0114] [Expression 3]

[0115] ToF=[(Tn-T0)×(tM+1-t0) / ( TM +1-T0)-(tn-t0)] / 2···(3)

[0116] Furthermore, in the configuration of each of the multiple UWB responder devices 42 including a large number of antennas, the position of the mobile terminal 16 in geometric three-dimensional space can be uniquely specified. For example, by measuring the height in addition to measuring the distance and orientation of the mobile terminal 16, errors can be further suppressed and the entry of the mobile terminal 16 into the fare calculation area 33 can be specified with high precision. Moreover, by configuring each of the UWB responder devices 42-1 and 42-2 to include multiple antennas, two distance measurement data via ToF and two three-dimensional angle information via AoA can be obtained. Therefore, even if any of the measurement means becomes unmeasurable, ranging of the mobile terminal 16 can be performed by other measurement means.

[0117] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the allocation of block threads in the ranging server 21. As shown in the diagram, the wheel 0 of each block thread is shaded to indicate whether it is in use or empty.

[0118] The ranging server 21 manages the vacancy status of block threads and, in response to a detected request from the mobile terminal 16, assigns the mobile terminal 16 to a predetermined available block thread and sets the same block thread as in use. Then, when the UWB data communication unit 32 of the UWB gate unit 22 notifies that the data communication processing for touchless payment is complete, the ranging server 21 releases the block thread of the mobile terminal 16 that has performed the data communication processing for touchless payment. Thereafter, the ranging server 21 can repeatedly assign the next detected mobile terminal 16 to the vacant block thread.

[0119] For example, Figure 12 This indicates that, relative to in Figure 12 The empty block thread on the left side of the timer, in Figure 12 The mobile terminal 16 on the right is assigned and in use at the timer location. Similarly, Figure 12This indicates that, in Figure 12 The timer on the left is in the block thread that is in use. Figure 12 The timer on the right is released and becomes an empty block thread.

[0120] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the signal that initiates data communication.

[0121] For example, as referenced Figure 11 As explained, after the measurement result (MR) used to obtain the Time-of-Flight (ToF) is sent, a data communication start signal (CHANGE) is sent when the ranging server 21 detects that the mobile terminal 16 has entered the fare calculation area 33. Note that in Figure 13 The example shown illustrates the process of using UWB to send a data communication start signal from ranging server 21 to mobile terminal 16, but other communication methods besides UWB can be used.

[0122] Figure 14 This means that in Figure 4 The flowchart shows the data communication processing performed in step S23 for touchless payment.

[0123] As described above, in step S22, when the UWB gate unit 22 receives the data communication start command, the data communication process for touchless payment begins, and in step S31, the UWB gate unit polls 22 to send a polling command to the mobile terminal 16. Then, when the mobile terminal 16 receives the polling command, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0124] In step S32, the mobile terminal 16 sends a response to the polling command received in step S31 to the UWB gate unit 22. Then, when the UWB gate unit 22 receives the response, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0125] In step S33, the UWB gate unit 22 sends a service request to the mobile terminal 16. Then, when the mobile terminal 16 receives the service request, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0126] In step S34, the mobile terminal 16 sends a response to the service request received in step S33 to the UWB gate unit 22. Then, when the UWB gate unit 22 receives the response, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0127] In step S35, authentication (Auth1) for performing payment processing on mobile terminal 16 is initiated, after which UWB gate unit 22 performs payment processing.

[0128] Then, when the payment processing is complete, in step S36, the UWB gate unit 22 requests the mobile terminal 16 to perform a write operation, and in step S37, the mobile terminal 16 sends a response to the write operation. Therefore, the data communication processing for touchless payment ends, and processing then proceeds to... Figure 4 Step S24 in the process.

[0129] As described above, in the data communication processing for touchless payment, the UWB gate unit 22 acts as the initiator and the mobile terminal 16 acts as the responder. Communication is performed at any time without using synchronization signals, time slots, etc., and the processing is executed.

[0130] Reference Figure 15 This describes the user experience when a user carrying a mobile terminal 16 uses the touchless fare payment system 11.

[0131] First, when the user approaches the predetermined range of the UWB gate unit 22, the mobile terminal 16 detects the BLE beacon sent from the BLE beacon transmitting device 41.

[0132] Second, when the user is moving toward the UWB gate unit 22, the mobile terminal 16 connects to the link management server 13 via the network 15, and then connects to the ranging server 21 via the link management server 13.

[0133] Third, when the user approaches the UWB gate unit 22, UWB ranging processing is performed between the mobile terminal 16 and the ranging server 21 to measure the distance from the UWB gate unit 22 to the mobile terminal 16.

[0134] Fourth, when a user is detected entering the fare calculation area 33, data communication processing for touchless payment is performed between the mobile terminal 16 and the UWB gate unit 22, and the fare payment is executed in a touchless manner. At this time, a notification sound can be output to inform the user that the payment has been completed.

[0135] As mentioned above, in the touchless fare payment system 11, users can pay fares simply by passing through the ticket gate while keeping their mobile terminal 16.

[0136] Reference Figure 16 This describes a method for the coexistence of UWB-based touchless payment and NFC-based touch payment in a touchless fare payment system 11.

[0137] For example, if the mobile terminal 16 has both UWB and NFC functionality, the touchless fare payment system 11 cannot determine in advance whether the user will choose a touchless method or a touch method.

[0138] For example, if a user does not touch the NFC reader / writer of the ticket gate 31 when passing through the ticket gate, as in mobile terminal 16a, then only touchless payment using UWB is performed.

[0139] On the other hand, if a user touches the NFC reader / writer of the ticket gate 31 as in mobile terminal 16b, the following first to third scenarios are assumed to occur.

[0140] In the first scenario, it is assumed that NFC communication begins first, and then the mobile terminal 16 enters the fare calculation area 33. In this scenario, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 16 enters the fare calculation area 33 in a first mode after NFC communication is completed, and in a second mode where NFC communication is interrupted and the mobile terminal 16 enters the fare calculation area 33.

[0141] In the second scenario, it is assumed that mobile terminal 16 enters the fare calculation area 33, and UWB data communication begins first. In this scenario, it is assumed that mobile terminal 16 touches the NFC reader / writer of the ticket gate 31 in a first mode after UWB communication is completed, and in a second mode during UWB communication, mobile terminal 16 touches the NFC reader / writer of the ticket gate 31.

[0142] In the third case, it is assumed that after NFC communication begins, the mobile terminal 16 passes through the ticket gate without entering the fare calculation area 33.

[0143] In each of these cases, in the touchless fare payment system 11, the UWB gate unit 22 independently controls both UWB and NFC, and exclusive control can be applied.

[0144] Corresponding to the first case, if NFC communication has already begun, then the UWB gate unit 22 completes the NFC communication. For the first mode of the first case, after completing the NFC communication, the UWB gate unit 22 causes the UWB data communication unit 32 to send a data communication termination notification to the ranging server 21. Figure 4 (Step S24). In the second mode of the first case, if the NFC communication has not yet been completed, the UWB gate unit 22 determines that the user has the intention to communicate with NFC, maintains data communication on the UWB side, and locks the data communication to the NFC side.

[0145] Corresponding to the second scenario, if UWB communication has already begun, then the UWB gate unit 22 completes the UWB communication. In the first mode of the second scenario, such as when the same mobile terminal 16 is touched twice, the UWB gate unit 22 will not react due to the same device ID. In the second mode of the second scenario, if UWB communication has already begun, then the UWB communication is completed, and through exclusive control, NFC communication stops carrier output and becomes unresponsive until the UWB communication is complete.

[0146] In the third scenario, since the fare payment is completed via NFC communication, similar to the first scenario, after the NFC communication is completed, the UWB gate unit 22 causes the UWB data communication unit 32 to send a data communication termination notification to the ranging server 21. Figure 4 Step S24 in the process.

[0147] As mentioned above, in the touchless fare payment system 11, the coexistence of touchless payment using UWB and touch payment using NFC can be easily achieved.

[0148] As described above, the touchless fare payment system 11 uses BLE beacons for detecting the mobile terminal 16 and UWB for distance measurement and positioning of the mobile terminal 16. Therefore, the touchless fare payment system 11 can simultaneously connect to a large number of mobile terminals 16, for example, as described in [reference]. Figure 7 As explained, it can connect to 59 mobile terminals 16 simultaneously.

[0149] The touchless fare payment system 11 uses a UWB link in its UWB ranging process to measure the distance and location of the mobile terminal 16. Therefore, the touchless fare payment system 11 can accurately specify which mobile terminal 16 enters which fare calculation area 33 of which UWB gate unit 22, and can reliably perform data communication processing for touchless payment.

[0150] The touchless fare payment system 11 separates the channel (R) used for ranging and the channel (D) used for data communication from the UWB channel and switches between each channel. Therefore, the touchless fare payment system 11 can reliably perform each of the UWB ranging processing and the data communication processing for touchless payment, while avoiding interference during communication.

[0151] In the touchless fare payment system 11, faster communication processing (6.81 Mbps or higher) can be achieved by using UWB for data communication. Furthermore, since the mobile terminal 16 has a configuration that allows it to directly access the eSE by performing UWB data communication processing for touchless payment, higher-speed processing can be achieved compared to the configuration where the mobile terminal accesses the eSE via DH from BLE.

[0152] Therefore, the touchless fare payment system 11 can accurately connect the mobile terminal 16 and the UWB gate unit 22, and reliably perform touchless fare payment for paying fares in a touchless manner.

[0153] <Hands-free fare payment processing for multiple mobile terminals>

[0154] Reference Figures 17 to 21 This describes the touchless fare payment process corresponding to the touchless fare payment system 11 used by users carrying multiple mobile terminals 16.

[0155] like Figure 17 As shown, this scenario assumes a user carrying two mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2 passes through the fare calculation area 33. In this case, since both mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2 are compatible with the touchless fare payment system 11, the UWB gate unit 22 cannot determine which mobile terminal 16 should perform the touchless fare payment process. Therefore, it is conceivable that the UWB gate unit 22 performs touchless fare payment processing with both mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2, and a means to avoid such duplicate payments is required.

[0156] For example, in traditional NFC-based touch payment, when a user touches a ticket gate with two IC cards (used for entering / exiting the gate) overlapping each other, a process is executed to prevent duplicate payments for both IC cards. For instance, an NFC-based ticket gate might perform a detection process during the data transaction sequence to check for multiple IC cards used for entering / exiting the gate, depending on whether a response is received. If multiple IC cards are detected, this is considered an error, payment processing is not performed, and the user is notified that they cannot enter / exit.

[0157] On the other hand, in the contactless fare payment system 11, depending on how or where the user carries mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2, it may not always be possible to detect that both mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2 are present in the fare calculation area 33. For example, suppose the user holds mobile terminal 16-1 in their hand and puts mobile terminal 16-2 in a backpack or a bag with wheels. In such cases, because the relative positions of mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2 are separated, there will be a time difference when mobile terminals 16-1 and 16-2 enter the fare calculation area 33. Therefore, it is difficult to avoid duplicate payments simply by applying detection processing similar to that used when two IC cards for entering / leaving the ticket gate are overlapped and touched on the ticket gate.

[0158] Therefore, as described below, a touchless fare payment process can be implemented to avoid duplicate payments even if there is a time difference between multiple mobile terminals 16 entering the fare calculation area 33.

[0159] For example, first, a user carrying multiple mobile terminals 16 executes a transportation service application on a mobile terminal 16 that is given priority to perform payment processing, and uses its user interface to pre-register a mobile terminal 16 that is not given priority to perform payment processing. Hereinafter, the mobile terminal 16 given priority to perform payment processing is referred to as a priority mobile terminal 16A, and the mobile terminal 16 not given priority to perform payment processing is referred to as a non-priority mobile terminal 16B.

[0160] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface used to register the device ID of a non-priority mobile terminal 16B.

[0161] like Figure 18 As shown, the excluded mobile terminal settings menu displayed on the screen of the priority mobile terminal 16A displays the pre-registered device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A, an input unit for inputting the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, etc. In the illustrated example, the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A, "My ID: 0123", is displayed. The first input unit (Input Exclusion ID 1) displays the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, "0124", entered by the user, while the second input unit (Input Exclusion ID 2) is not entered.

[0162] Users can use the excluded mobile terminal settings menu to register the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B as an excluded device ID.

[0163] For example, the excluded device ID, along with the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A, is sent to the ranging server 21 via the link management server 13. Then, before sending the ranging setting information, the ranging server 21 can refer to the excluded device ID list that registers the excluded device IDs to reject connection requests from the non-priority mobile terminal 16B. Therefore, data communication for payment can be avoided between the non-priority mobile terminal 16B and the UWB gate unit 22.

[0164] Figure 19 The illustration shows an example of the excluded device ID list referenced by the ranging server 21.

[0165] like Figure 19As shown, in the list of excluded device IDs, the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A, associated with registration numbers (No. 1 to 59), is registered as the exclusion request device ID, and the excluded device ID sent by the priority mobile terminal 16A is also registered. Figure 19 In the example shown, the device ID (device 1) of the priority mobile terminal 16A and the device ID (device 2) of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B are registered with registration number No. 1. Furthermore, the device ID (device 4) of the priority mobile terminal 16A and the device IDs (device 5 and 6) of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B are registered with registration number No. 2.

[0166] The following will explain how touchless fare payment processing can avoid duplicate payments even when there is a time difference between the priority mobile terminal 16A with device ID 1 and the non-priority mobile terminal 16B with device ID 2 entering the fare calculation area 33.

[0167] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of handling the first step of contactless fare payment processing for the priority mobile terminal 16A.

[0168] In steps S51 and S52, with Figure 4 Steps S11 and S12 are similar: the ranging server 21 sends a BLE beacon, and the priority mobile terminal 16A that has received the BLE beacon activates the UWB chip.

[0169] In step S53, the priority mobile terminal 16A sends a link connection request to the link management server 13, including its own device ID (device 1), the RGN-ID of the ranging gate network 12, and the exclusion request device ID (device 2).

[0170] In step S54, the link management server 13 sends a setting information request, including the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A and the exclusion request device ID, to the ranging server 21 of the ranging gate network 12 specified by the RGN-ID of the link connection request.

[0171] In step S55, the ranging server 21 confirms that the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A is not registered as an excluded device ID in the excluded device ID list (see...). Figure 19 Then, the ranging server 21 registers the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A as the exclusion request device ID in the exclusion device ID list, and registers the exclusion device ID in association with the exclusion device ID sent by the priority mobile terminal 16A.

[0172] Here, the registration of device IDs in the excluded device ID list is temporary, and the registration is maintained until the touchless fare payment process of the priority mobile terminal 16A is completed. Note that if the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A is registered in the excluded device ID list, the link connection request is rejected.

[0173] Subsequently, in steps S56 and S57, the following steps are performed: Figure 4 The processing in steps S15 and S16 is similar to that in the following steps, and the touchless fare payment processing with the priority mobile terminal 16A continues to be performed.

[0174] On the other hand, after a time interval elapses from the start of touchless fare payment processing for priority mobile terminal 16A, touchless fare payment processing also begins for non-priority mobile terminal 16B.

[0175] In steps S61 and S62, with Figure 4 Steps S11 and S12 are similar: ranging server 21 sends a BLE beacon, and non-priority mobile terminal 16B that has received the BLE beacon activates the UWB chip.

[0176] In step S63, the non-priority mobile terminal 16B sends a link connection request to the link management server 13, including its own device ID (device 2) and the RGN-ID of the ranging gate network 12. At this time, since the excluded device ID is not registered in the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, the excluded device ID is not sent.

[0177] In step S64, the link management server 13 sends a configuration information request, including the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, to the ranging server 21 of the ranging gate network 12 specified by the RGN-ID of the link connection request.

[0178] In step S65, the ranging server 21 confirms that the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B is registered as an excluded device ID in the excluded device ID list (see...). Figure 19 In the process of contactless fare payment, the priority mobile terminal 16A initiates the process first, and at this point, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, which was excluded in step S55 above, has already been registered in the excluded device ID list. Therefore, the ranging server 21 determines to reject the connection request from the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, and thus will not perform data communication for payment with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B. Figure 4 Step S23 in the process.

[0179] In step S66, the ranging server 21 sends erroneous ranging setting information (a rejection notification) to the link management server 13, indicating that the connection request is not allowed because the non-priority mobile terminal 16B has been temporarily excluded.

[0180] In step S67, the link management server 13 sends the ranging setting information (rejection notification) sent from the ranging server 21 in step S66 to the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, which has already sent a link connection request in step S63.

[0181] Therefore, touchless fare payment processing with non-priority mobile terminal 16B was terminated.

[0182] As described above, when the touchless fare payment process begins first for the priority mobile terminal 16A, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B is first registered in the excluded device ID list as an excluded device ID. Therefore, although data communication for payment is performed with the priority mobile terminal 16A, no data communication for payment is performed with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, and duplicate payments can be avoided.

[0183] That is, each time a user passes through the ticket gate, the user can pass through the UWB gate unit 22 using only the priority mobile terminal 16A without performing any special operations. In addition, regarding the registration of the excluded device ID list, after the touchless fare payment processing of the priority mobile terminal 16A, whose device ID is registered in the excluded request device ID, is completed, both the excluded request device ID and the excluded device ID are cleared.

[0184] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the process for non-priority mobile terminal 16B to initiate touchless fare payment processing.

[0185] In steps S71 to S74, with Figure 20 The processing in steps S61 to S64 is performed similarly. Then, in step S75, the ranging server 21 confirms that the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B is not registered as an excluded device ID in the excluded device ID list. That is, since the priority mobile terminal 16A has not yet started the touchless fare payment process, at this point in time, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B is not registered as an excluded device ID in the excluded device ID list. Therefore, the ranging server 21 determines to grant the connection request to the non-priority mobile terminal 16B.

[0186] Therefore, in steps S76 and S77, with Figure 4The processes in steps S15 and S16 are similar to those in the previous steps, and thereafter, at this point in time, the touchless fare payment process with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B continues to be executed.

[0187] On the other hand, after a time interval elapses from the start of touchless fare payment processing for non-priority mobile terminal 16B, touchless fare payment processing also begins for priority mobile terminal 16A.

[0188] In steps S81 to S84, with Figure 20 The processing in steps S51 to S54 is performed similarly. Then, in step S85, firstly, the ranging server 21 confirms that the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A is not registered in the excluded device ID list as an excluded device ID. Secondly, the ranging server 21 registers the device ID of the priority mobile terminal 16A as an excluded request device ID in the excluded device ID list, and registers the excluded device ID in association with the excluded device ID sent by the priority mobile terminal 16A.

[0189] Third, the ranging server 21 checks whether the excluded device ID registered in the excluded device ID list exists in the currently executing touchless fare payment session. Then, if the excluded device ID exists, the ranging server 21 determines to perform a forced termination process for the touchless fare payment process of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B identified by the excluded device ID.

[0190] Subsequently, in step S86, with Figure 4 The process in step S15 is similar to that in the previous step, and the touchless fare payment process with the priority mobile terminal 16A continues thereafter. On the other hand, a forced termination process is performed for the touchless fare payment process with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, and the non-priority mobile terminal 16B is prevented from performing data communication for payment. Figure 4 Step S23 in the process.

[0191] As described above, when the touchless fare payment process begins first with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B will subsequently be registered as an excluded device ID in the excluded device ID list. Therefore, although UWB ranging processing begins with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B, during this UWB ranging process, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal 16B is registered as an excluded device ID in the excluded device ID list. Thus, no data communication for payment is performed with the non-priority mobile terminal 16B (forced termination), and data communication for payment is performed only with the priority mobile terminal 16A, thereby avoiding duplicate payments.

[0192] Note that if a user intends to use a non-priority mobile terminal 16B, it is necessary to perform an operation on the priority mobile terminal 16A side, such as temporarily disabling the BLE or UWB communication functions of the priority mobile terminal 16A. By performing only this operation, the user can use the non-priority mobile terminal 16B through the UWB gate unit 22.

[0193] <Computer Configuration Example>

[0194] Next, the aforementioned series of processes (information processing methods) can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting that software is installed in a general-purpose computer or the like.

[0195] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a computer in which a program for performing the series of processes described above is installed.

[0196] The program can be pre-recorded on a hard disk 105 or ROM 103, which is a recording medium included in the computer.

[0197] Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) in a removable recording medium 111 driven by the drive device 109. Such a removable recording medium 111 can be provided as a so-called software package. Examples of removable recording media 111 include, for example, floppy disks, optical disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical (MO) discs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), magnetic disks, semiconductor memories, etc.

[0198] Note that, in addition to installing the program on the computer from the removable recording medium 111 as described above, the program can also be downloaded to the computer via a communication network or broadcast network and installed on the included hard disk 105. That is, for example, the program can be wirelessly transmitted to the computer from a download website via a satellite used for digital satellite broadcasting, or wired transmitted to the computer via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0199] The computer has a central processing unit (CPU) 102, and an input-output interface 110 is connected to the CPU 102 via a bus 101.

[0200] If a user inputs a command via input-output interface 110 through operation input unit 107, the CPU 102 executes the program stored in read-only memory (ROM) 103 accordingly. Alternatively, the CPU 102 loads a program stored in hard disk 105 into random access memory (RAM) 104 and executes the program.

[0201] Therefore, CPU 102 executes the processing according to the flowchart above or the processing according to the configuration of the block diagram above. Then, for example, if necessary, CPU 102 outputs its processing result from output unit 106 via input-output interface 110 or sends the processing result from communication unit 108, and further causes the processing result to be recorded on hard disk 105, etc.

[0202] Note that the input unit 107 includes a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. Furthermore, the output unit 106 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), speaker, etc.

[0203] Here, in this specification, the processes performed by the computer according to the program do not necessarily have to be executed in a time sequence as shown in the flowchart. That is, the processes performed by the computer according to the program also include parallel or individual processes (e.g., parallel processing or object processing).

[0204] Furthermore, the program can be processed by a single computer (processor) or by multiple computers in a distributed manner. Additionally, the program can be transmitted to a remote computer and executed.

[0205] Furthermore, in this specification, "system" means a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is not important whether all components are housed in the same enclosure. Therefore, both multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device containing multiple modules housed in one enclosure, are systems.

[0206] Furthermore, for example, a configuration described as one device (or processing unit) can be divided and configured into multiple devices (or processing units). Conversely, a configuration described above as multiple devices (or processing units) can be combined and configured into one device (or processing unit). Moreover, configurations other than those described above can, of course, be added to the configurations of individual devices (or processing units). Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the entire system are substantially the same, a portion of the configuration of a particular device (or processing unit) can be included in the configuration of another device (or another processing unit).

[0207] Furthermore, for example, this technology can adopt a cloud computing configuration in which multiple devices process a function in a shared and collaborative manner via a network.

[0208] Furthermore, for example, the above procedure can be executed by any device. In that case, it is sufficient if the device has the necessary functions (function blocks, etc.) and can acquire the necessary information.

[0209] Furthermore, for example, the steps illustrated in the flowchart above can be executed by a single device or by multiple devices in a shared manner. Moreover, when multiple processes are included in a single step, these processes can be executed by multiple devices in a shared manner, in addition to being executed by a single device. In other words, multiple processes included in a single step can be executed as processes of multiple steps. Conversely, processes described as multiple steps can be executed collectively as a single step.

[0210] Note that the program executed by the computer can be configured such that the processes in the steps describing the program are executed sequentially in the order described in this specification, or they can be executed in parallel or individually at necessary times, such as when a call is made. That is, as long as there is no contradiction, the processes in the steps can be executed in a different order than described above. Furthermore, the processes in the steps describing this program can be executed in parallel with processes in another program, or they can be combined with processes in another program.

[0211] Note that, provided there is no contradiction, each of the various techniques described herein can be implemented independently as a single unit. Of course, any number of these techniques can also be combined and implemented. For example, part or all of the techniques described in any embodiment can be combined with part or all of the techniques described in other embodiments. Furthermore, any part or all of the aforementioned techniques can be implemented by using them in conjunction with other techniques not described above.

[0212] <Example of configuration combinations>

[0213] Note that this technology can have the following configurations. (1)

[0215] An information processing device, the information processing device comprising:

[0216] A beacon transmitting unit transmits a beacon as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication by using a first wireless communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and

[0217] A ranging processing unit performs ranging processing, at least measuring the distance from the mobile terminal detected by the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal, by using a second wireless communication that is a different communication standard from the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance.

[0218] When the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the result of ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal. (2)

[0220] According to the information processing device described in (1) above, wherein

[0221] The beacon includes a unique payment network identifier (ID) assigned to each payment network, and is connected to each payment network by a plurality of payment units arranged within the ranging range where the mobile terminal performs the ranging process. (3)

[0223] According to the information processing device described in (1) or (2) above, wherein

[0224] When the beacon transmitted from the beacon transmitting unit is received by the mobile terminal, the communication chip used to perform the second wireless communication in the mobile terminal is activated. (4)

[0226] According to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein

[0227] Communication for exchanging information required for ranging processing performed between the ranging processing unit and the mobile terminal is performed via a management server that manages the connection between the payment unit and the mobile terminal. (5)

[0229] According to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein

[0230] When the ranging process is performed with multiple mobile terminals, the ranging processing unit repeatedly executes the sending of the block thread for each session by allocating the time of time shift of one of the multiple rounds that constitute each block, wherein multiple blocks are consecutive in each session. (6)

[0232] According to the information processing device described in (5) above, wherein

[0233] In the first round of the first timed transmission of the block thread among the multiple repeatedly transmitted block threads, the ranging processing unit sends a synchronization signal for performing synchronization with the mobile terminal. (7)

[0235] According to the information processing device described in (6) above, wherein

[0236] When the mobile terminal is detected, it is assigned to an empty block thread among the multiple block threads, and the block thread is set to be in use.

[0237] When the data communication for payment with the mobile terminal ends, the block thread in use is released. (8)

[0239] According to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein

[0240] In the ranging process, the mobile terminal acts as the initiator and the ranging processing unit acts as the responder, or the ranging processing unit acts as the initiator and the mobile terminal acts as the responder. (9)

[0242] According to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein

[0243] When the mobile terminal sends a start signal to initiate the data communication for payment, a switch is performed in the mobile terminal from a first channel of the second wireless communication used in the ranging process to a second channel of the second wireless communication that is different from the first channel.

[0244] The data communication for payment is performed between the mobile terminal and the payment unit by using a second channel of the second wireless communication. (10)

[0246] According to the information processing device described in (9) above, wherein

[0247] In the data communication used for payment, the payment unit acts as the initiator and the mobile terminal acts as the responder to perform the communication. (11)

[0249] According to the information processing device described in (9) or (10) above, wherein

[0250] In the data communication used for payment, communication is performed at any time interval for each of the payment unit and the mobile terminal. (12)

[0252] According to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein

[0253] When a notification is provided from a priority mobile terminal, which is a mobile terminal set by the user to prioritize the execution of the payment processing, to a non-priority mobile terminal, which is a mobile terminal set by the user not to prioritize the execution of the payment processing, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal is at least registered in an exclusion list, and the connection request from the non-priority mobile terminal is rejected with reference to the exclusion list. (13)

[0255] An information processing method, the information processing method comprising an information processing device:

[0256] A beacon is transmitted as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication by using a first wireless communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and

[0257] By using a second wireless communication, which is a different communication standard from the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, a ranging process is performed to at least measure the distance from the mobile terminal detected using the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal.

[0258] When the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the result of ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal. (14)

[0260] A mobile terminal, the mobile terminal

[0261] By using a first wireless communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, a beacon is received as a signal transmitted from an information processing device and used to detect mobile terminals within the communication range of the first wireless communication.

[0262] Ranging processing, which measures at least the distance to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, is performed by using a second wireless communication that uses a different communication standard than the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance.

[0263] In response to the detection of entry into the payment area based on the result of ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit. (15)

[0265] According to the mobile terminal described in (14) above, wherein

[0266] If a user prioritizes the execution of the payment processing, the information processing device is notified of the device IDs of other mobile terminals that are not prioritized by the user for the execution of the payment processing, ensuring that at least the device IDs of these non-priority mobile terminals are registered in an exclusion list.

[0267] The information processing device refers to the exclusion list and rejects connection requests from the non-priority mobile terminal. (16)

[0269] An information processing method, the information processing method comprising: a mobile terminal:

[0270] By using a first wireless communication, which is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, a beacon is received as a signal transmitted from an information processing device and used to detect a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication; and

[0271] Ranging processing, which measures at least the distance to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, is performed by using a second wireless communication that uses a different communication standard than the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance.

[0272] In response to the detection of entry into the payment area based on the result of ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit.

[0273] Note that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative and not limiting, and may provide other effects.

[0274] List of reference numerals

[0275] 11. Touchless fare payment system

[0276] 12 Distance Measurement Gate Network

[0277] 13 Link Management Server

[0278] Networks 14 and 15

[0279] 16 Mobile terminals

[0280] 21 Distance Measuring Server

[0281] 22 UWB gate unit

[0282] 31 Ticket gates

[0283] 32 UWB Data Communication Unit

[0284] 33. Fare Calculation Area

[0285] 41 BLE beacon transmitting equipment

[0286] 42 UWB Responder Devices

Claims

1. An information processing device, the information processing device comprising: A beacon transmitting unit transmits a beacon as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication by using a first wireless communication as a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance; and A ranging processing unit performs ranging processing, at least measuring the distance from the mobile terminal detected by the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal, by using a second wireless communication that is a different communication standard from the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance. When the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the ranging process using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal. The channels used for ranging processing and payment are separate to avoid interference.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein... The beacon includes a unique payment network identifier (ID) assigned to each payment network, and is connected to each payment network by a plurality of payment units arranged within the ranging range where the mobile terminal performs the ranging process.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein... When the beacon transmitted from the beacon transmitting unit is received by the mobile terminal, the communication chip used to perform the second wireless communication in the mobile terminal is activated.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein... Communication for exchanging information required for ranging processing performed between the ranging processing unit and the mobile terminal is performed via a management server that manages the connection between the payment unit and the mobile terminal.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein... When the ranging process is performed with multiple mobile terminals, the ranging processing unit repeatedly executes the sending of the block thread for each session by allocating the time of time shift of one of the multiple rounds that constitute each block, wherein multiple blocks are consecutive in each session.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein... In the first round of the first timed block thread among the multiple repeatedly transmitted block threads, the ranging processing unit sends a synchronization signal for performing synchronization with the mobile terminal.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein... When the mobile terminal is detected, it is assigned to an empty block thread among the multiple block threads, and the block thread is set to be in use. When the data communication for payment with the mobile terminal ends, the block thread in use is released.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein... In the ranging process, the mobile terminal acts as the initiator and the ranging processing unit acts as the responder, or the ranging processing unit acts as the initiator and the mobile terminal acts as the responder.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein... When the mobile terminal sends a start signal to initiate the data communication for payment, a switch is performed in the mobile terminal from a first channel of the second wireless communication used in the ranging process to a second channel of the second wireless communication that is different from the first channel. The data communication for payment is performed between the mobile terminal and the payment unit by using a second channel of the second wireless communication.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein... In the data communication used for payment, the payment unit acts as the initiator and the mobile terminal acts as the responder to perform the communication.

11. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein... In the data communication used for payment, communication is performed at any time interval for each of the payment unit and the mobile terminal.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein When a notification is provided from a priority mobile terminal, which is a mobile terminal set by the user to prioritize the execution of the payment processing, to a non-priority mobile terminal, which is a mobile terminal set by the user not to prioritize the execution of the payment processing, the device ID of the non-priority mobile terminal is at least registered in an exclusion list, and the connection request from the non-priority mobile terminal is rejected with reference to the exclusion list.

13. An information processing method, the information processing method comprising an information processing device: By using a first wireless communication, which is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, a beacon is transmitted as a signal for detecting a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication; and By using a second wireless communication, which is a different communication standard from the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than the predetermined short distance, a ranging process is performed to at least measure the distance from the mobile terminal detected using the beacon to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing with the mobile terminal. When the mobile terminal is detected to have entered the payment area based on the ranging process using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed between the payment unit and the mobile terminal. in, The channels used for ranging processing and the channels used for payment are separate to avoid interference.

14. A mobile terminal, the mobile terminal including a processor and a memory storing instructions, the instructions causing the mobile terminal to perform operations when executed by the processor, the operations including: By using a first wireless communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, a beacon is received as a signal transmitted from an information processing device and used to detect mobile terminals within the communication range of the first wireless communication. Ranging processing, which measures at least the distance to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, is performed by using a second wireless communication that uses a different communication standard than the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance. In response to detecting entry into the payment area based on the result of ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit. The channels used for ranging processing and payment are separate to avoid interference.

15. The mobile terminal according to claim 14, wherein the operation further comprises: If a user prioritizes the execution of the payment processing, the information processing device is notified of the device IDs of other mobile terminals that are not prioritized by the user for the execution of the payment processing, ensuring that at least the device IDs of these non-priority mobile terminals are registered in an exclusion list. The information processing device refers to the exclusion list and rejects connection requests from the non-priority mobile terminal.

16. An information processing method, the information processing method comprising: a mobile terminal: By using a first wireless communication, which is a communication standard capable of performing communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance, a beacon is received as a signal transmitted from an information processing device and used to detect a mobile terminal within the communication range of the first wireless communication; and Ranging processing, which measures at least the distance to a payment unit providing a payment area for performing predetermined payment processing, is performed by using a second wireless communication that uses a different communication standard than the first wireless communication and is capable of communication over a wider range than a predetermined short distance. In response to detecting entry into the payment area based on the result of ranging processing using the second wireless communication, data communication for payment using the second wireless communication is performed with the payment unit. in, The channels used for ranging processing and the channels used for payment are separate to avoid interference.

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