Shareholder preferential ride pass issuance system, shareholder preferential ride pass issuance server, shareholder preferential ride pass issuance method, and shareholder preferential ride pass issuance program

Abstract

To provide a technology for enabling a user himself / herself to issue a shareholder preferential ride pass.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a shareholder preferential ride pass issuance system includes a shareholder preferential ride pass issuance server, and a station service device connected to the shareholder preferential ride pass issuance server to be able to issue a shareholder preferential ride pass. The station service device includes an acquisition unit for acquiring identification information and input information for issuing the shareholder preferential ride pass, a communication control unit for transmitting an inquiry request including the identification information and the input information, and receiving an issue permission, and an issuance control unit for issuing the shareholder preferential ride pass on the basis of the issue permission. The shareholder preferential ride pass issuance server includes a storage unit for storing issuance data obtained by associating registration information for a shareholder with the identification information, an extraction unit for extracting the registration information corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry request, an inquiry unit for inquiring the input information included in the inquiry request on the basis of the registration information, and a transmission control unit for transmitting the issue permission on the basis of an inquiry result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a shareholder preferential pass issuing system, a shareholder preferential pass issuing server, a shareholder preferential pass issuing method, and a shareholder preferential pass issuing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Users who are shareholders of a company that operates railways and other services are issued a shareholder's preferential pass that allows them to ride trains and buses operated by the company free of charge as part of a service to shareholders. Conventionally, in order to arrange for the shareholder's preferential pass (to be distributed to users who are shareholders), a shareholder list is created and the shareholder's passes are arranged based on that shareholder list. Furthermore, when arranging the passes, the company usually outsources the issuance and delivery of the shareholder's preferential pass, which is a magnetic ticket, to a specialist company such as a printing company. From the company's perspective, the cost of outsourcing to a specialist company is a significant burden.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which shareholders are notified of the details of goods and services to be provided as shareholder benefits via email or mail with a two-dimensional code attached, and a ticket vending machine is equipped with a function for issuing tickets related to the shareholder benefits.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for a method of issuing a discount ticket using an IC card. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-153127 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-240968 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As mentioned above, companies issue shareholder preferential travel passes as magnetic tickets, which increases costs and the effort required for issuance. Furthermore, in order to outsource tasks such as issuing and sending shareholder preferential travel passes to specialized companies, it is necessary to provide the personal information of shareholders to the specialized companies. This increases the risk of personal information leaks.

[0007] This invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that allows users who are shareholders to issue shareholder preferential passes themselves, without the operator having to distribute shareholder passes to them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A shareholder preferential pass issuing system having a server according to an embodiment, comprising: a shareholder preferential pass issuing server; and station service equipment connected to the shareholder preferential pass issuing server and capable of issuing a shareholder preferential pass. The station service equipment comprises an acquisition unit that acquires identification information and input information for issuing the shareholder preferential pass, a communications control unit that sends a query request including the identification information and the input information and receives an issuance authorization in response to sending the query request, and an issuance control unit that issues a shareholder preferential pass based on the issuance authorization. The shareholder preferential pass issuing server comprises a memory unit that stores issuance data linking registration information for a shareholder who is eligible to issue a shareholder preferential pass to the identification information, an extraction unit that extracts from the issuance data registration information corresponding to the identification information included in the query request, a query unit that queries the input information included in the query request based on the registration information, and a transmission control unit that transmits the issuance authorization indicating that the shareholder preferential pass can be issued based on the result of the query. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a client device according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an upper server according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of station service equipment according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a shareholder's preferential pass in the shareholder's preferential pass issuing system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a free ride pass in the free ride pass issuing system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a free ride pass in the free ride pass issuing system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The shareholder preferential travel pass issuing system, the shareholder preferential travel pass issuing server, the shareholder preferential travel pass issuing method, and the shareholder preferential travel pass issuing program will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform the same operations, and will not be described again. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common symbol may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, and a subnumber may be used in addition to the common symbol to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0011] [First embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a two-dimensional code is used to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass using station service equipment.

[0012] (composition) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to the first embodiment. The shareholder preferential pass issuing system is a system for issuing shareholder preferential passes to users who are shareholders, by operators of railways, etc. The shareholder preferential pass issuing system may be part of a system for issuing regular tickets.

[0013] Here, the shareholder's preferential pass is a pass that allows free travel on all train lines, all bus lines, or all train and bus lines operated by a business operator for a specified period of time.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the shareholder preferential pass issuing system includes a client device 1, a host server 2, station service equipment 3, and the like.

[0015] The client device 1 is connected to the upper server 2 so as to be able to communicate with the upper server 2, and is a device for inputting various information to be stored in the upper server 2. The client device 1 may be a device such as a desktop computer or a notebook computer owned by an administrator of a business. The various information to be stored in the upper server 2 will be described later.

[0016] The upper server 2 is a shareholder's preferential pass issuing server that is communicatively connected to the client device 1 and the station service equipment 3 and is installed at a specified location managed by the operator. The upper server 2 is a server that manages the issuance of shareholder's preferential passes. The upper server 2 stores information such as to whom a shareholder's preferential pass has been issued and the validity period of the shareholder's preferential pass. The upper server 2 can issue issuance permission in response to a request from the station service equipment 3 for the issuance of a shareholder's preferential pass. For example, when a request for the issuance of a shareholder's preferential pass is received from the station service equipment 3, if the issuance of the shareholder's preferential pass is possible, the upper server 2 sends issuance permission to the station service equipment 3.

[0017] The station service equipment 3 is installed at a predetermined location within the station. For simplicity, only one piece of station service equipment 3 is shown in FIG. 1, but multiple pieces of station service equipment 3 may be installed within the station. The station service equipment 3 includes vending machines, equipment exclusively for station staff (i.e., counter processing machines), etc. The station service equipment 3 is capable of issuing shareholder discount passes in addition to regular tickets. The station service equipment 3 issues shareholder discount passes to users 4 who are shareholders.

[0018] The user 4 is a shareholder of the business entity who is an eligible person to receive a shareholder's preferential travel pass. In this embodiment, the user 4 is a shareholder who wishes to receive a shareholder's preferential travel pass.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the client device 1 according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the hardware configuration of the client device 1 will be described in detail. The client device 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 control unit 11, the program storage unit 12, the data storage unit 13, the communication interface 14, and the input / output interface 15 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0020] The client device 1 is capable of implementing various operations using a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0021] The control unit 11 controls the client device 1. The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0022] The program storage unit 12 is configured by combining a non-volatile memory such as a solid state drive (SSD) that can be written to and read from at any time as a storage medium, and a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), and stores application programs required to execute various control processes according to an embodiment, in addition to middleware such as an operating system (OS). Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as a program.

[0023] The data storage unit 13 may be, for example, a combination of a non-volatile 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.

[0024] The communication interface 14 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that is connected to the upper server 2 by wire or wirelessly, directly or via a network. The communication interface 14 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices including the upper server 2 under the control of the control unit 11 and transmit and receive various information.

[0025] The input / output interface 15 is connected to the input unit 151, the output unit 152, and the like. 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 a short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0026] The input unit 151 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, through which an administrator who manages the client device 1 inputs various information to the client device 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.

[0027] The output unit 152 includes a display for displaying output data to be presented to the administrator from the client device 1, a printer for printing the data, and the like.

[0028] Next, the software configuration of the client device 1 will be described in detail. The control unit 11 includes a registration information acquisition unit 111, a communication control unit 112, an issuance control unit 113, etc. Furthermore, the data storage unit 13 includes a registration information storage unit 131, etc.

[0029] The registration information acquisition unit 111 is an acquisition unit that acquires personal information of a shareholder input by an administrator of the client device 1. The personal information of a shareholder includes, for example, the name, email address, etc. of the user 4 who is a shareholder, and includes information that can identify the user 4. Furthermore, the registration information acquisition unit 111 acquires issuance information required to issue a shareholder preferential ride pass.

[0030] The communication control unit 112 is a control unit that transmits shareholder information including personal information, issuance information, etc. to the upper server 2. The shareholder information is, for example, a list of the personal information and issuance information acquired by the registration information acquisition unit 111.

[0031] The issuance control unit 113 is a control unit for issuing information necessary for the user 4 to issue a shareholder's preferential ride pass. For example, in this embodiment, a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code including at least a shareholder ID is issued based on the registration information.

[0032] The registration information storage unit 131 is a storage unit for storing the registration information acquired by the registration information acquisition unit 111 and the like.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the host server 2 according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the details of the hardware configuration of the upper server 2 will be described. The upper server 2 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 control unit 21, the program storage unit 22, the data storage unit 23, the communication interface 24, and the input / output interface 25 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other. The host server 2 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC.

[0034] The control unit 21 controls the host server 2. The control unit 21 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0035] The program storage unit 22 is configured, for example, by combining a non-volatile memory such as an SSD as a storage medium that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and stores, in addition to middleware such as an OS, application programs necessary for executing various control processes according to one embodiment.

[0036] The data storage unit 23 may be, for example, a combination of a non-volatile 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 the client device 1 or the station service equipment 3 by wire or wirelessly, directly or via a network. The communication interface 24 may also include a communication module that connects wirelessly to a user device carried by the user 4. The communication interface 24 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices including the client device 1 and the station service equipment 3 under the control of the control unit 21 and transmit 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 a 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 keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, which are used by an administrator (business operator) who manages the upper server 2 to input various information to the upper server 2. 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 for displaying output data to be presented to the administrator from the upper server 2, a printer for printing the same, and the like.

[0041] Next, the software configuration of the upper server 2 will be described in detail. The control unit 21 includes a reception control unit 211, an issuance confirmation control unit 212, and a transmission control unit 213. Furthermore, the data storage unit 23 includes an issuance data storage unit 231.

[0042] The reception control unit 211 is a control unit for receiving shareholder information and also for receiving input information, which will be described later.

[0043] The issuance confirmation control unit 212 is a control unit that extracts issuance information corresponding to the user 4 from the shareholder information stored in the issuance data storage unit 231 described later. Furthermore, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 determines whether a shareholder's preferential ride pass can be issued to the user 4.

[0044] The transmission control unit 213 is a control unit that, when it extracts issuance information or determines that a shareholder's preferential travel pass can be issued to the user 4, transmits an issuance permission indicating that the shareholder's preferential travel pass can be issued.

[0045] The issuance data storage unit 231 is a storage unit for storing the shareholder information received by the reception control unit 211.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the station service equipment 3 according to the first embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the hardware configuration of the station service equipment 3 will be described in detail. The station service equipment 3 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 control unit 31, the program storage unit 32, the data storage unit 33, the communication interface 34, and the input / output interface 35 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0047] The station service equipment 3 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC.

[0048] The control unit 31 controls the station service equipment 3. 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, as a storage medium, a non-volatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and stores the program.

[0050] The data storage unit 33 may be, for example, a combination of a non-volatile 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.

[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 is connected to the upper server 2 by wire or wirelessly, directly or via a network. The communication interface 34 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with external devices including the upper server 2 under the control of the control unit 31 and transmit and receive various information.

[0052] The input / output interface 35 is connected to the input unit 351, the output unit 352, the issuing unit 353, and the like. 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, the output unit 352, and the issuing unit 353. 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 at least one of the input unit 351, the output unit 352, and the issuing unit 353 using a 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, and the like, which are used by the user 4 to input various pieces of information to the station service equipment 3. The input unit 351 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 32 or the data storage unit 33 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 device using, for example, a liquid crystal, an organic electroluminescence (EL), etc. The display device displays various information received from the upper server 2 to the user 4.

[0055] The issuing unit 353 includes, for example, a printer for printing a general ticket or a shareholder's preferential boarding pass. The printer issues a ticket or a shareholder's preferential boarding pass based on input information from the user 4 and various information received from the upper server 2. The issuing unit 353 also includes a reader / writer capable of reading and writing information from an IC card or the like. The reader / writer may be a reader / writer compatible with any or all of NFC (Near Field Communication) Type A, Type B, and Type F. For example, the issuing unit 353 can read information from an IC card inserted into the issuing unit 353 and write boarding information or shareholder's preferential boarding information that becomes a shareholder's preferential boarding pass to the IC card. The issuing unit 353 may also include a code reader capable of reading one-dimensional codes (for example, barcodes) or two-dimensional codes (for example, QR codes (registered trademark)).

[0056] Next, the software configuration of the station service equipment 3 will be described in detail. The control unit 31 includes an input information acquisition unit 311, a communication control unit 312, an issuance control unit 313, a display control unit 314, etc. The data storage unit 33 includes an input information storage unit 331.

[0057] The input information acquisition unit 311 is an acquisition unit that acquires input information input by the user 4 or input information read from an IC card or the like of the user 4. Details of the input information will be described later. The input information acquisition unit 311 stores the input information in the input information storage unit 331.

[0058] The communication control unit 312 includes a transmitting unit that acquires the input information stored in the input information storage unit 331 and transmits the input information to the upper server 2 through the communication interface 34. Furthermore, the communication control unit 312 includes a receiving unit that receives an issuance permission from the upper server 2.

[0059] The issuance control unit 313 is a control unit that controls the issuing unit 353 to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass based on the received issuance permission and the acquired input information.

[0060] The display control unit 314 is a control unit that controls the output unit 352 to display information required for issuing a shareholder's preferential travel pass to the user 4. Furthermore, after issuing the shareholder's preferential travel pass, the display control unit 314 controls the output unit 352 to display information on the issued shareholder's preferential travel pass.

[0061] The input information storage unit 331 is a storage unit for storing the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 311 .

[0062] (operation) FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a shareholder's preferential pass in the shareholder's preferential pass issuing system shown in FIG. The operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the client device 1, the control unit 21 of the upper server 2, and the control unit 31 of the station service equipment 3 reading and executing the programs stored in the program memory unit 12, the program memory unit 22, and the program memory unit 32, respectively.

[0063] First, the sequence is started when an administrator of the client device 1 inputs into the client device 1 registration information, which is a list of persons to whom a shareholder's preferential travel pass is to be issued and which is to be stored in the upper server 2.

[0064] In step ST101, the registration information acquisition unit 111 of the client device 1 acquires registration information. The registration information includes the shareholder ID associated with the user 4, the type of shareholder preferential travel pass to be issued to the user 4 (for example, an all-line pass that allows free travel on all lines for a specified period of time or a one-way pass that allows only one ride to be free), the period during which the shareholder preferential travel pass can be issued, the validity period, the number of shareholder preferential travel passes that can be issued, etc. The registration information acquisition unit 111 stores the registration information in the registration information storage unit 131.

[0065] In step ST102, the communication control unit 112 transmits the target person list. When it detects that the administrator has finished inputting the shareholder information, the communication control unit 112 acquires the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 131, and generates a target person list that compiles this information. Then, the communication control unit 112 transmits the target person list to the upper server 2 through the communication interface 14. The reception control unit 211 of the upper server 2 stores the issuance data including the received target person list in the issuance data storage unit 231. Here, the issuance data is data linked to the shareholder ID, and includes data such as the type of ticket that can be issued to the user 4, the period during which it can be issued, and the number of tickets that can be issued. Furthermore, the issuance data includes information related to the shareholder preferential travel pass issued by the user 4 (information such as at which station, which type of ticket, when, and how many tickets were issued).

[0066] In step ST103, the administrator of the client device 1 sends a shareholder's preferential travel pass issuance guide including a two-dimensional code to the user 4. The issuance control unit 113 generates a two-dimensional code based on the shareholder information stored in the registration information storage unit 131. The administrator of the client device 1 sends a shareholder's preferential travel pass issuance guide including the two-dimensional code issued by the issuance control unit 113 to the user 4. The sending method may be any method, for example, a letter with a two-dimensional code printed on it may be sent to the address of the user 4 included in the shareholder information, or the two-dimensional code may be sent to an email address included in the shareholder information. As described above, step ST103 is performed by the administrator. Therefore, in FIG. 5, a dotted line is used to indicate this.

[0067] The above-mentioned processes of steps ST101 to ST103 and the processes of step ST104 and thereafter described below do not have to be consecutive in time. Furthermore, the processes of step ST104 and thereafter may be performed every time the user 4 desires to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass.

[0068] In step ST104, the input information acquisition unit 311 acquires code information. By sending the code in step ST103, the user 4 obtains a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code that allows the issuance of a shareholder's preferential travel pass. Then, the user 4 who wishes to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass holds the one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code over the issuing unit 353 of the station service equipment 3 to issue the shareholder's preferential travel pass. For example, the input information acquisition unit 311 acquires code information from the one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code. The code information includes a request for issuance of a shareholder's preferential travel pass, a shareholder ID for identifying the user 4, and the like. The input information acquisition unit 311 stores the code information in the input information storage unit 331, and outputs information to the display control unit 314 that the code information including the request for issuance of a shareholder's preferential travel pass has been acquired.

[0069] In step ST105, the input information acquisition unit 311 acquires input information. When the display control unit 314 receives the information, it displays a screen dedicated to issuing shareholder preferential travel passes. The screen may be a screen for allowing the user 4 to input the type of ticket for which the shareholder preferential travel pass is desired (all-line pass or one-way pass), the validity start date of the ticket type to be issued, the number of tickets, etc. The user 4 inputs the input information required for issuing the shareholder preferential travel pass (ticket type, validity start date, number of tickets, etc.) into the input unit 351. The input information acquisition unit 311 acquires the input information entered by the user 4, and stores it in the input information storage unit 331.

[0070] Here, the communication control unit 312 may transmit the shareholder ID to the upper server 2 before acquiring the input information. The issuance confirmation control unit 212, which has received the input information, refers to the issuance data associated with the shareholder ID, and generates issuable information including information about shareholder preferential passes that can be issued to user 4 (issueable ticket types, number of tickets to be issued, validity period, etc.). The transmission control unit 213 then transmits the issuable information to the station service equipment 3. The display control unit 314 then causes the output unit 352 to display information about shareholder preferential passes that can be issued based on the issuable information. User 4 may input input information based on that information.

[0071] In step ST106, the communication control unit 312 transmits a query request. The communication control unit 312 acquires the code information and the input information stored in the input information storage unit 331. The communication control unit 312 then generates a query request including the shareholder ID and the input information included in the code information, and transmits the generated query request to the upper server 2 via the communication interface 34.

[0072] In step ST107, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 performs a query with the issuance data. Having received the query request, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 operates as an extraction unit that extracts the shareholder ID included in the query request. The issuance confirmation control unit 212 then extracts registration information associated with the shareholder ID from the issuance data storage unit 231. The issuance confirmation control unit 212 operating as a query unit then queries whether the ticket type, validation start date, and number included in the query request can be issued based on the information stored in the registration information. For example, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 queries whether a shareholder preferential pass can be issued with the ticket type, validation start date, and number included in the input information based on the issuance data (registration information).

[0073] If it is determined as a result of the inquiry that the shareholder's preferential pass cannot be issued as requested, the transmission control unit 213 transmits information to that effect to the station service equipment 3. The display control unit 314 of the station service equipment 3 prompts the user 4 to re-enter the input information or displays information on the output unit 352 urging the station staff to take action, thereby urging the user 4 to take action from the station staff.

[0074] In step ST108, the transmission control unit 213 transmits an issuance permission. If it is determined that the shareholder's preferential pass can be issued as requested, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 generates an issuance permission indicating that the shareholder's preferential pass may be issued. The issuance permission may include information regarding the expiration date of the shareholder's preferential pass. The transmission control unit 213 then transmits the issuance permission to the station service equipment 3.

[0075] Here, in the processing of steps ST104 to ST108, only the shareholder ID included in the code information may be transmitted to the upper server 2, and the station service equipment 3 may receive the shareholder information corresponding to the shareholder ID. Then, the station service equipment 3 may inquire whether or not a shareholder's preferential boarding pass can be issued.

[0076] In step ST109, the issuance control unit 313 issues a shareholder's preferential travel pass. Having received the issuance permission, the issuance control unit 313 controls the issuing unit 353 to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass based on the type of ticket, the validity start date, and the number of tickets included in the input information. The shareholder's preferential travel pass may be issued to an IC card held by the user 4. For example, when the IC card is inserted into the station service equipment 3, the issuance control unit 313 encodes the IC special ticket information that will become the shareholder's preferential travel pass onto the IC card. At this time, the issuance control unit 313 may encode the expiration date included in the issuance permission onto the IC card. After issuing the shareholder's preferential travel pass, the display control unit 314 may cause the output unit 352 to display information about the shareholder's preferential travel pass, etc.

[0077] In step ST110, the communication control unit 312 transmits the issuance details. After the shareholder's preferential travel pass is issued, the communication control unit 312 creates an issuance detail indicating the type of ticket issued, the validity start date, and the number of tickets, and transmits the issuance detail to the upper server 2. The issuance detail may include information such as the station and time at which the shareholder's preferential travel pass was issued. The issuance confirmation control unit 212, which has received the issuance detail, updates information on the issuance status of the shareholder's preferential travel pass, which is included in the issuance data, based on the issuance detail.

[0078] In addition, by analyzing the issuance data updated by the issuance details, the business operator can analyze at which station the shareholder issued the shareholder preferential pass, which type of pass was issued, etc. This enables the business operator to accumulate data for providing better preferential services to shareholders.

[0079] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the first embodiment described above, in the shareholder preferential travel pass issuing system, it is possible to issue shareholder preferential travel passes using the station service equipment 3, without issuing the shareholder preferential travel passes as magnetic tickets via a specialized company. This allows the operator to reduce the cost of outsourcing to a specialized company. Furthermore, since there is no need to outsource to a specialized company, the risk of personal information leaks can be reduced.

[0080] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which a shareholder's preferential travel pass is issued using information preregistered by a user 4, instead of using a two-dimensional code.

[0081] (composition) The configuration in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0082] (operation) FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a free ride pass in the free ride pass issuing system shown in FIG. The operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the client device 1, the control unit 21 of the upper server 2, and the control unit 31 of the station service equipment 3 reading and executing the programs stored in the program memory unit 12, the program memory unit 22, and the program memory unit 32, respectively.

[0083] First, it is assumed that user 4, who is a shareholder, has registered as a user on the business's server (which may be the same as or different from upper server 2). The user registration includes a user ID, password, name, address, email address, etc., that identify user 4. The user ID may be any information that can identify user 4, such as a membership number, email address, or credit card number. This sequence is then started when the administrator of client device 1 inputs into client device 1 the registration information that should be stored in upper server 2, from among the user registrations stored in the server.

[0084] In step ST201, the registration information acquisition unit 111 of the client device 1 acquires registration information. The registration information includes the user ID and password included in the user registration, the type of shareholder's preferential travel pass to be issued to the user 4 (for example, an all-line pass that allows free travel on all lines for a specified period of time or a one-way pass that allows only one ride to be free), the period during which the shareholder's preferential travel pass can be issued, the number of shareholder's preferential travel passes that can be issued, etc. The registration information acquisition unit 111 stores the registration information in the registration information storage unit 131.

[0085] In step ST202, the communication control unit 112 transmits the target person list. When it detects that the administrator has finished inputting the registration information, the communication control unit 112 acquires the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 131, and generates a target person list that compiles this information. Then, the communication control unit 112 transmits the target person list to the upper server 2 through the communication interface 14. The reception control unit 211 of the upper server 2 stores the issuance data including the received target person list in the issuance data storage unit 231. Here, the issuance data is data linked to the user ID, and includes data such as the type of ticket that can be issued to user 4, the period during which it can be issued, and the number of tickets that can be issued. Furthermore, the issuance data includes information related to the shareholder's preferential treatment pass issued by user 4 (information such as at which station, which type of ticket, when, and how many tickets were issued).

[0086] In step ST203, the administrator of the client device 1 sends a shareholder's preferential travel pass issuance guide including the issuance ID to the user 4. The issuance control unit 113 generates an issuance ID based on the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 131. Here, the issuance ID may be the same as the user ID. The administrator of the client device 1 sends a shareholder's preferential travel pass issuance guide including the issuance ID issued by the issuance control unit 113 to the user 4. The sending method may be any method, for example, a letter with the issuance ID printed on it may be sent to the address of the user 4 included in the registration information, or the issuance ID may be sent to the email address included in the registration information. As described above, step ST203 is performed by the administrator. Therefore, in FIG. 6, a dotted line is used to indicate this.

[0087] Here, in step ST203, the issuance guide does not need to include the user ID. For example, the issuance guide may send only a guide to the user 4 to go to the station service equipment 3 and input the user ID registered by the user 4 to the station service equipment 3.

[0088] The above-mentioned processes of steps ST201 to ST203 and the processes of step ST204 and thereafter described below do not have to be consecutive in time. Furthermore, the processes of step ST204 and thereafter may be performed every time the user 4 desires to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass.

[0089] In step ST204, the input information acquisition unit 311 acquires the issuance ID. By the dispatch in step ST203, the user 4 becomes aware that a shareholder's preferential pass can be issued. Then, the user 4 who wishes to issue a shareholder's preferential pass inputs the issuance ID into the input unit 351 to issue the shareholder's preferential pass. The control unit 31 of the station service equipment 3 may have the user 4 input a password. The input information acquisition unit 311 stores the issuance ID and password in the input information storage unit 331, and outputs information to the display control unit 314 that a request for issuance of a shareholder's preferential pass has been acquired.

[0090] Steps ST205 to ST206 are the same as steps ST105 to ST106 described with reference to Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described here repeatedly. However, the information included in the inquiry request includes at least a user ID and may include a password in addition to the input information.

[0091] In step ST207, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 performs a query with the issuance data. Having received the query request, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 operates as an extraction unit that extracts the user ID and password (if included) included in the query request. The issuance confirmation control unit 212 then extracts registration information associated with the user ID from the issuance data storage unit 231. The issuance confirmation control unit 212 operating as a query unit then queries whether the type of card, the validation start date, and the number of cards included in the query request can be issued, based on the information stored in the registration information. Furthermore, if a password is included in the query request, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 may determine whether the passwords match.

[0092] If it is determined that the passwords do not match, or that the shareholder's preferential pass cannot be issued as requested, the transmission control unit 213 transmits information to that effect to the station service equipment 3. The display control unit 314 of the station service equipment 3 prompts the user 4 to re-enter the password or input information, or displays information on the output unit 352 urging the user 4 to have the station staff take action.

[0093] Steps ST208 to ST210 are similar to steps ST108 to ST110 described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described here again.

[0094] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to the second embodiment described above, in the shareholder preferential travel pass issuing system, it becomes possible to issue shareholder preferential travel passes using the station service equipment 3, rather than issuing the shareholder preferential travel passes as magnetic tickets via a specialist company. This allows operators to reduce the cost of outsourcing to specialist companies. Furthermore, since there is no need to outsource to specialist companies, the risk of personal information leaks can be reduced. Also, security can be improved by checking the issued data using a user ID and password.

[0095] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which information on an IC card is used to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass.

[0096] (composition) The configuration of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0097] Here, it is assumed that the user 4 has an IC card. The IC card is an IC card compatible with Type F, such as FeliCa (registered trademark). The IC card may also be an IC card compliant with EMV.

[0098] (operation) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a free ride pass in the free ride pass issuing system shown in FIG. The operation of this sequence is realized by the control unit 11 of the client device 1, the control unit 21 of the upper server 2, and the control unit 31 of the station service equipment 3 reading and executing the programs stored in the program memory unit 12, the program memory unit 22, and the program memory unit 32, respectively.

[0099] First, it is assumed that user 4, who is a shareholder, registers IC card information related to an IC card owned by user 4 in the business operator's server (which may be the same as or different from upper server 2). The IC card information is assumed to include a card ID for identifying the IC card, a password, a name, an address, an email address, etc. Then, this sequence is started when an administrator of client device 1 inputs to client device 1, from among the IC card information stored in the server, the registration information to be stored in upper server 2.

[0100] In step ST301, the registration information acquisition unit 111 of the client device 1 acquires registration information. The registration information includes the user ID and password included in the user registration, the type of shareholder's preferential travel pass to be issued to the user 4 (for example, an all-line pass that allows free travel on all lines for a specified period of time or a one-way pass that allows only one ride to be free), the period during which the shareholder's preferential travel pass can be issued, the number of shareholder's preferential travel passes that can be issued, etc. The registration information acquisition unit 111 stores the registration information in the registration information storage unit 131.

[0101] In step ST302, the communication control unit 112 transmits the target person list. When it detects that the administrator has finished inputting the registration information, the communication control unit 112 acquires the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 131, and generates a target person list that compiles this information. Then, the communication control unit 112 transmits the target person list to the upper server 2 through the communication interface 14. The reception control unit 211 of the upper server 2 stores the issuance data including the received target person list in the issuance data storage unit 231. Here, the issuance data is data linked to the user ID, and includes data such as the type of ticket that can be issued to user 4, the period during which it can be issued, and the number of tickets that can be issued. Furthermore, the issuance data includes information related to the shareholder's preferential treatment pass issued by user 4 (information such as at which station, which type of ticket, when, and how many tickets were issued).

[0102] In step ST303, the administrator of the client device 1 sends a shareholder preferential pass issuance guide including the card ID to the user 4. Any method may be used for sending the guide, for example, a letter with the card ID printed on it may be sent to the address of the user 4 included in the IC card information, or the card ID may be sent to an email address included in the IC card information. As described above, step ST303 is performed by the administrator. Therefore, a dotted line is used in FIG. 7 to indicate this.

[0103] Here, the issuance guide may not include the card ID in step ST303. For example, the issuance guide may be sent only with a guide to the user 4 to go to the station service equipment 3 and hold the registered IC card over the station service equipment 3.

[0104] The above-mentioned processes of steps ST301 to ST303 and the processes of step ST304 and thereafter described below do not have to be consecutive in time. Furthermore, the processes of step ST304 and thereafter may be performed every time the user 4 desires to issue a shareholder's preferential travel pass.

[0105] In step ST304, the input information acquisition unit 311 acquires the card ID. By the dispatch in step ST303, the user 4 becomes aware that a shareholder's preferential pass can be issued. Then, the user 4 who wishes to issue a shareholder's preferential pass holds the IC card over the issuing unit 353 of the station service equipment 3 to issue the shareholder's preferential pass. For example, the input information acquisition unit 311 acquires the card ID from the IC card. The control unit 31 of the station service equipment 3 may have the user 4 input a password. The input information acquisition unit 311 stores the card ID and password in the input information storage unit 331, and outputs information to the display control unit 314 that a request for issuance of a shareholder's preferential pass has been acquired.

[0106] Steps ST305 to ST306 are the same as steps ST105 to ST106 described with reference to Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described here repeatedly. However, the information included in the inquiry request includes at least a card ID and may include a password in addition to the input information.

[0107] In step ST307, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 performs a query with the issuance data. Having received the query request, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 operates as an extraction unit that extracts the card ID and password (if included) included in the query request. The issuance confirmation control unit 212 then extracts registration information associated with the card ID from the issuance data storage unit 231. The issuance confirmation control unit 212 operating as a query unit then queries whether the card type, validation start date, and number included in the query request can be issued, based on the information stored in the registration information. Furthermore, if a password is included in the query request, the issuance confirmation control unit 212 may determine whether the passwords match.

[0108] If it is determined that the passwords do not match, or that the shareholder's preferential pass cannot be issued as requested, the transmission control unit 213 transmits information to that effect to the station service equipment 3. The display control unit 314 of the station service equipment 3 prompts the user 4 to re-enter the password or input information, or displays information on the output unit 352 urging the user 4 to have the station staff take action.

[0109] Steps ST308 to ST310 are similar to steps ST108 to ST110 described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described here.

[0110] (Effects of the third embodiment) According to the third embodiment described above, in the shareholder preferential travel pass issuing system, it becomes possible to issue shareholder preferential travel passes using the station service equipment 3, rather than issuing the shareholder preferential travel passes as magnetic tickets via a specialist company. This allows operators to reduce the cost of outsourcing to specialist companies. Furthermore, since there is no need to outsource to specialist companies, the risk of personal information leaks can be reduced. Also, security can be improved by checking the issuance data using the card ID and password.

[0111] [Other embodiments] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the administrator of the client device 1 inputs the registration information into the client device 1, but the administrator may input the registration information directly into the upper server 2 instead of inputting it into the client device 1. In this case, the client device 1 may not be necessary.

[0112] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Moreover, each embodiment may be implemented in combination as appropriate as possible, in which case the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed constituent elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1...Client device 11...Control section 111…Registration Information Acquisition Department 112...Communication control unit 113... Issuance control unit 12...Program memory section 13...Data storage unit 131...Registration information storage unit 14...Communication interface 15... Input / Output Interface 151...Input section 152...Output section 2. Upper server 21...Control unit 211... Reception control unit 212...Issue confirmation control unit 213...Transmission control unit 22...Program memory section 23...Data storage unit 231...Issuance data storage unit 24…Communication interface 25... Input / Output Interface 251...Input section 252...Output section 3…Station equipment 31...Control unit 311...Input information acquisition unit 312…Communication control unit 313... Issuance control unit 314...Display control unit 32...Program memory section 33...Data storage unit 331...input information storage unit 34…Communication interface 35... Input / Output Interface 351...input section 352...Output section 353…Publishing Department 4. User

Claims

1. A shareholder preferential pass issuing server; A station service device connected to the shareholder's preferential travel pass issuing server and capable of issuing a shareholder's preferential travel pass; The station service equipment includes: an acquisition unit that acquires identification information and input information for issuing the shareholder's preferential travel pass; a communication control unit that transmits a query request including the identification information and the input information, and receives an issuance authorization in response to transmitting the query request; an issuance control unit that issues a shareholder preferential pass based on the issuance permission; The shareholder preferential pass issuing server comprises: A storage unit that stores issuance data in which registration information for a shareholder who can be issued a shareholder preferential pass is linked to the identification information; an extracting unit that extracts, from the issuance data, registration information corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry request; a query unit that queries the input information included in the query request based on the registration information; a transmission control unit that transmits the issuance permission indicating that the shareholder's preferential pass can be issued based on the result of the inquiry; A shareholder preferential pass issuing system.

2. The input information includes the type of shareholder's preferential pass, the validity start date, and the number of passes. A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 1.

3. The issuance data further includes a type of certificate that can be issued to the shareholder, a period during which the certificate can be issued, and a number of certificates that can be issued; The inquiry unit inquires whether a shareholder's preferential treatment pass can be issued for the type of ticket, the validity start date, and the number of tickets included in the input information, based on the issuance data.

3. A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires code information, which is the identification information, from a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 1.

5. The identification information is a user ID and password registered in advance by the shareholder, the inquiry unit inquires whether a password included in the registration information matches a password in the identification information; A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 1.

6. the identification information is a card ID of an IC card owned by the shareholder that is registered in advance by the shareholder, the inquiry unit inquires whether a password included in the registration information matches a password in the identification information; A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 1.

7. The station service equipment further includes a display control unit that controls an output unit to display information for acquiring the input information when the identification information is acquired. A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 1.

8. The communication control unit transmits the identification information and receives issuable information in response to the transmission of the identification information; the display control unit displays information about the shareholder's preferential treatment pass that can be issued based on the issuance information. A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 7.

9. The transmission control unit transmits the issuance details after issuing the shareholder preferential treatment pass, The shareholder's preferential travel pass issuing server further includes a control unit that updates the issuance status of the shareholder's preferential travel pass included in the issuance data based on the issuance details. A shareholder preferential pass issuing system according to claim 1.

10. A storage unit that stores issuance data in which registration information for a shareholder who can be issued a shareholder's preferential travel pass is linked to identification information that identifies the shareholder; a receiving unit for receiving an inquiry request including identification information for identifying the shareholder and input information for issuing the shareholder preferential pass; an extracting unit that extracts, from the issuance data, registration information corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry request; a query unit that queries the input information included in the query request based on the registration information; a transmission control unit that transmits an issuance permission indicating that the shareholder's preferential treatment pass can be issued based on the result of the inquiry; A shareholder preferential pass issuing server comprising:

11. A shareholder's preferential pass issuing method executed by a processor of a shareholder's preferential pass issuing server, comprising: storing issuance data in which registration information for a shareholder who can be issued a shareholder preferential pass is linked to identification information for identifying the shareholder; receiving a query request including identification information for identifying the shareholder and input information for issuing the shareholder preferential ride pass; extracting registration information corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry request from the issuance data; querying the input information included in the query request based on the registration information; Transmitting an issuance authorization indicating that the shareholder's preferential travel pass can be issued based on the result of the inquiry; and A method for issuing shareholder preferential passes.

12. A shareholder's preferential travel pass issuing program having instructions to be executed by a processor of a shareholder's preferential travel pass issuing server, the instructions comprising: storing issuance data in which registration information for a shareholder who can be issued a shareholder preferential pass is linked to identification information for identifying the shareholder; receiving a query request including identification information for identifying the shareholder and input information for issuing the shareholder preferential ride pass; extracting registration information corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry request from the issuance data; querying the input information included in the query request based on the registration information; Transmitting an issuance authorization indicating that the shareholder's preferential travel pass can be issued based on the result of the inquiry; and A shareholder preferential pass issuance program.

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