Station service system, ticket gate, station service method, and program

Abstract

To enable the simultaneous use of multiple types of contactless tickets during entry and exit processing.SOLUTION: In a station service system, when processing entry using a first ticket and a second ticket, a ticket gate requests the reinsertion of the first ticket when the first ticket is inserted into the ticket gate before the second ticket, verifies the reinserted first ticket against the first ticket initially inserted to obtain the verification result that the first ticket and the second ticket are valid, and writes information to the first ticket to permits the entry of passengers when the verification result for the first ticket matches; and the ticket gate requests the reinsertion of the second ticket when the first ticket is inserted into the ticket gate after the second ticket, verifies the reinserted second ticket against the second ticket initially inserted to obtain the verification result that the first ticket and the second ticket are valid, and permits the entry of passengers when the verification result for the second ticket matches.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a station service system, a ticket gate, a station service method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, multiple types of contactless tickets have been used in combination when entering and exiting stations where passengers transfer between conventional and express trains. However, when multiple types of contactless tickets are inserted into a ticket gate one after another, it is difficult to determine whether the tickets belong to the same passenger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-045386 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-131292 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-134629 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a station service system, ticket gate, station service method, and program that can use multiple types of contactless tickets in combination during entry and exit processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The station service system of an embodiment comprises a ticket gate capable of processing a first ticket which is a write-in contactless ticket and a second ticket which is a non-write-in contactless ticket, a first determination server which acquires read information of the first ticket from the ticket gate and can determine the legitimacy of the first ticket, and a second determination server which acquires read information of the second ticket from the ticket gate and can determine the legitimacy of the second ticket, and in processing entry using the first ticket and the second ticket, the ticket gate reads information of the first and second tickets and transmits it to the first and second determination servers respectively to obtain determination results, and when the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the first ticket, then the second ticket, the ticket gate The ticket gate requests that the first ticket be re-inserted, and when the first ticket is re-inserted, it compares it with the first ticket that was originally inserted, and if the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the comparison result of the first ticket matches, it writes information to the first ticket and allows the passenger to enter, and if the order of insertion into the ticket gate was the second ticket, then the first ticket, the ticket gate requests that the second ticket be re-inserted, and when the second ticket is re-inserted, it compares it with the second ticket that was originally inserted, and if the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the comparison result of the second ticket matches, it allows the passenger to enter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a station service system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation of the station service system of the embodiment during entry and exit processing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows another example of the operation of the station service system according to the embodiment during entry and exit processing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing entrance and exit in the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the procedure of the entrance process of the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of an entrance process in the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the procedure of the entrance process of the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the procedure of the exit process of the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of an exit process in the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows another example of the operation of the station service system of the embodiment during exit processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] [Station service system configuration example] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a station service system 1 according to an embodiment. The station service system 1 is used for various ticket gate operations under the management of a railway company that is the owner.

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the station service system 1 of the embodiment includes multiple ticket gate systems 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. installed at each station on a railway company's line, as well as an IC determination server 11 and a QR determination server 12 involved in the ticket gate operations of at least one of these ticket gate systems 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, etc.

[0009] For example, a ticket gate system 20 installed at station A includes a plurality of ticket gates 21 (21a, 21b, etc.). The plurality of ticket gates 21a, 21b, etc. all have, for example, the same configuration and are configured to be able to process the entry and exit of a plurality of types of contactless tickets. Examples of contactless tickets that can be processed by these ticket gates 21 include IC (Integrated Circuit) card tickets and QR (Quick Response) code tickets.

[0010] An IC card ticket is a writeable, contactless ticket that allows information to be rewritten. By charging the IC card with transportation fares or adding services such as a commuter pass, the IC card ticket can be used, for example, as a ticket for conventional lines. A QR Code (registered trademark) ticket is a non-writeable, contactless ticket that does not allow information to be rewritten. By purchasing a QR code ticket in advance, it can be used, for example, as an express ticket when boarding a Shinkansen or other limited express train. In this case, when transferring between conventional lines and limited express trains, two types of contactless tickets, the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket, are used for entry and exit procedures.

[0011] An IC card ticket is an example of a first ticket, and a QR code ticket is an example of a two-dimensional code ticket, and is also an example of a second ticket.

[0012] In one station, a plurality of ticket gates 21 are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange information via, for example, a network NTa. In addition, each ticket gate 21 is connected to the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12 so as to be able to exchange information via, for example, the network NT.

[0013] Information exchanged between the ticket gate 21 and the IC determination server 11 includes, for example, IC card ticket read information from the ticket gate 21 to the IC determination server 11, and the validity determination result of the IC card ticket from the IC determination server 11 to the ticket gate 21. Information exchanged between the ticket gate 21 and the QR determination server 12 includes, for example, QR code ticket read information from the ticket gate 21 to the QR determination server 12, and the validity determination result of the QR code ticket from the QR determination server 12 to the ticket gate 21.

[0014] The detailed configuration of the ticket gate 21a will be described below as a typical example of these ticket gates 21a, 21b, etc.

[0015] The ticket examiner 21 a includes a processing machine 210 , an IC reader / writer 213 , a QR reader 214 , a communication I / F (interface) 215 , a display 216 , a gate drive mechanism 217 , and a sensor 218 .

[0016] The processing device 210 is configured as a computer including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), read only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM), which are not shown, and manages and controls each part of the ticket gate 21a. In the processing device 210, the CPU loads a control program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing functions related to ticket gate operations, such as the control unit 211 and the acquisition unit 212.

[0017] The control unit 211 controls each part of the ticket gate 21a, such as the processing device 210, the IC reader / writer 213, the QR reader 214, the communication I / F 215, the display 216, the gate drive mechanism 217, and the sensor 218. The acquisition unit 212 exchanges various information with, for example, the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12.

[0018] The IC reader / writer 213 is configured to be able to read the electronic records written on the IC card ticket and to write the electronic records on the IC card ticket.

[0019] The information read by the IC reader / writer 213 includes current status information such as records of entry and exit at each station using the IC card ticket, information on the unused amount (SF: Stored Fare) that has been charged to the IC card ticket as transportation fares, etc., service information such as a commuter pass attached to the IC card ticket, etc. The information written by the IC reader / writer 213 also includes records of entry and exit at the station (Station A) using the IC card ticket, etc.

[0020] The ticket gate 21a may be equipped with both a card reader that reads information from an IC card ticket and a card writer that writes information onto the IC card ticket.

[0021] The QR reader 214 is configured to be able to read the electronic records written on the QE code ticket. The information read by the QR reader 214 includes express ticket information attached to the QR code ticket.

[0022] The communication I / F 215 exchanges various information with the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12 via the network NT, and enables the exchange of information between the ticket gates 21a, 21b, etc. within Station A via the network NTa.

[0023] The displays 216 are provided, for example, at either end of the ticket gate 21a in the direction of passage, and present various information to passengers entering or exiting the station through the ticket gate 21a. Information presented to passengers includes, for example, the status of the ticket gate 21a (such as operating normally or out of order), the entry and exit processing status of the IC card ticket and QR code ticket, the remaining charge (SF), ticket type information such as a limited express ticket, etc.

[0024] The gate driving mechanism 217 opens and closes a gate (not shown) provided on the aisle side of the ticket gate 21a. When the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12 determine that the IC card ticket, QR code ticket, etc. is valid, the gate driving mechanism 217 opens the gate on the aisle side to allow the passenger to pass. On the other hand, if there is a defect in the IC card ticket, QR code ticket, etc., the gate driving mechanism 217 closes the gate on the aisle side to block the passage and prohibit the passenger from passing.

[0025] The sensor 218 detects passengers passing through the passage of the ticket gate 21a. The sensor 218 is, for example, a non-contact reflective photoelectric sensor equipped with a light emitter and a light receiver, and a plurality of sensors may be provided along the passage of the ticket gate 21a.

[0026] On the other hand, a ticket gate system 30 installed at station B, for example, includes multiple ticket gates 31 (31a, 31b, etc.). The multiple ticket gates 31a, 31b, etc. all have, for example, the same configuration and are configured to be able to process the entry and exit of multiple types of contactless tickets, such as IC card tickets and QR code tickets.

[0027] In one station, multiple ticket gates 31 are connected to each other via a network NTb so that they can exchange information. However, unlike the ticket gates 21 in Station A described above, these ticket gates 31 in Station B are not connected to the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12.

[0028] The detailed configuration of the ticket gate 31a will be described below as a typical example of these ticket gates 31a, 31b, etc.

[0029] The ticket gate 31a includes a processing device 310, an IC reader / writer 313, a QR reader 314, a communication I / F 315, a display 316, a gate drive mechanism 317, and a sensor 318. Of these components, the IC reader / writer 313, the QR reader 314, the display 316, the gate drive mechanism 317, and the sensor 318, excluding the processing device 310 and the communication I / F 315, are configured in the same manner as the IC reader / writer 213, the QR reader 214, the display 216, the gate drive mechanism 217, and the sensor 218 included in the ticket gate 21a at Station A described above, and have the same functions.

[0030] The processing device 310 is configured as a computer including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), and manages and controls each part of the ticket gate 31a. In the processing device 310, the CPU loads a control program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing functions related to ticket gate operations, such as the control unit 311, the acquisition unit 312, and the processing unit 319.

[0031] In this way, the processing unit 310 of the ticket gate 31a at Station B differs from the ticket gate 21a at Station A described above in that it includes a processing unit 319. The remaining control unit 311 and acquisition unit 312 are configured in the same manner as the control unit 211 and acquisition unit 212 of the ticket gate 21a at Station A described above, and have the same functions.

[0032] A processing unit 319 provided in the processing device 310 of the ticket gate 31a judges the legitimacy of the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket based on the information of the IC card ticket read by the IC reader / writer 313 and the QR code ticket read by the QR reader 314. In this way, the ticket gate 31a at Station B does not transmit the read information of the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket to the IC judgment server 11 and the QR judgment server 12 to obtain the judgment results, but rather judges the legitimacy of the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket by itself.

[0033] The communication I / F 215 enables information to be exchanged between the ticket gates 21a, 21b, etc. in station A via the network NTa. On the other hand, the communication I / F 215 does not have to be connected to the network NT, and does not have to be configured to be able to exchange information with the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12.

[0034] As described above, a ticket gate such as the ticket gate 21 at Station A, which has the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12 perform the validation process for IC card tickets and QR code tickets, is also called a thin-client ticket gate, which performs only limited processing on the ticket gate side. On the other hand, a ticket gate such as the ticket gate 31 at Station B, which is not connected to the IC determination server 11 or the QR determination server 12 and performs the validation process for IC card tickets and QR code tickets on its own, is also called a rich-client ticket gate, which performs almost all processing required for ticket gate operations on the ticket gate side.

[0035] In the station service system 1 of the embodiment, for example, each station has a mixture of thin-client type ticket gates and rich-client type ticket gates. In the example of Fig. 1, the ticket gate systems 20, 40, 60 at stations A, C, and E are equipped with thin-client type ticket gates connected to the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12, while the ticket gate systems 30, 50 at stations B and D are equipped with rich-client type ticket gates that are not connected to the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12.

[0036] From here on, in this specification, regardless of the stations where they are installed, such as Station A and Station B, ticket gate 21 will be treated as a typical example of a thin-client type ticket gate, and ticket gate 31 will be treated as a typical example of a rich-client type ticket gate.

[0037] The IC determination server 11 is configured as a computer equipped with, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and performs various processes based on the read information of the IC card ticket obtained from the ticket gate 21, etc. In the IC determination server 11, for example, the CPU loads a control program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing the functions related to each of the above processes of the processing unit 111, communication I / F 112, etc.

[0038] The processing unit 111 determines the validity of an IC card ticket based on the read information of the IC card ticket obtained from the ticket gate 21, etc. Furthermore, if the read information of the IC card ticket is information read during entry processing, the processing unit 111 generates and stores write information to be written to the IC card ticket when exiting, under specified conditions. Furthermore, if the processing unit 111 obtains read information of a QR code ticket used in conjunction with the IC card ticket from the ticket gate 21, etc. during entry processing, the processing unit 111 associates the read information of the QR code ticket with the read information of the IC card ticket used in conjunction with it and stores it.

[0039] The communication I / F 112 exchanges various information with the thin client type ticket gates at each station, including the ticket gate 21a at Station A, and the QR code determination server 12 via the network NT.

[0040] The QR determination server 12 is configured as a computer equipped with, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and performs various processes based on the read information of the QR code ticket obtained from the ticket gate 21, etc. In the QR determination server 12, for example, the CPU loads a control program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing the functions related to each of the above processes, such as the processing unit 121 and the communication I / F 122.

[0041] The processing unit 121 determines whether the QR code ticket is valid based on the information read from the QR code ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21, etc. Furthermore, if the information read from the QR code ticket is information read during the entrance process, the processing unit 121 invalidates the QR code ticket under specified conditions, prohibiting its future use.

[0042] The communication I / F 122 exchanges various information with the thin client type ticket gates at each station, including the ticket gate 21 at Station A, and the IC determination server 11 via the network NT.

[0043] The IC determination server 11 that determines the validity of an IC card ticket is an example of a first determination server, and the QR determination server 12 that determines the validity of a QR code ticket is an example of a second determination server.

[0044] As described above, in the station service system 1 according to the embodiment, ticket gates 21, 31 with different specifications, thin client type or rich client type, are installed at each station. In such a station service system 1, when entrance and exit processing is performed using multiple types of contactless tickets, the processing content executed by the station service system 1 may differ depending on whether the entrance station is equipped with thin client type or rich client type ticket gates 21, 31 and whether the exit station is equipped with thin client type or rich client type ticket gates 21, 31.

[0045] The following describes the processing executed by the station service system 1, categorizing it into cases according to the types of ticket gates 21 and 31 provided at the entrance and exit stations.

[0046] [When using rich client type ticket gates for both entry and exit] First, an example of entrance and exit processing using an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket, where both the entrance and exit stations are equipped with rich client type ticket gates 31, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] (Example of station service system operation) As described above, entry and exit processing using IC card tickets and QR code tickets can be performed, for example, at transfer stations between conventional lines and limited express trains. That is, a passenger who boards a conventional line using an IC card ticket goes through entry processing at ticket gate 31 at the transfer station to the limited express train and enters the platform for the limited express train. Also, a passenger who boards a limited express train goes through exit processing at ticket gate 31 at the transfer station to the conventional line and exits from the platform for the limited express train.

[0048] When both the entrance and exit stations are equipped with rich client type ticket gates 31, the station service system 1 of the embodiment performs the same operation at both entrance and exit.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation of the station service system 1 of the embodiment during entry and exit processing.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2(a), when entering a transfer station for an express train or exiting a transfer station for a conventional line, passenger A first inserts an IC card ticket 81 into the ticket gate 31. When passenger A first inserts a QR code ticket 91, the ticket gate 31 requests that the IC card ticket 81 be inserted.

[0051] In this specification, when the term "inserting" is used in reference to contactless tickets such as IC card tickets or QR code tickets, it means touching or holding the contactless ticket over the ticket gate 31 or the reading part of the ticket gate 31 so that the ticket gate 31 can read the information.

[0052] When an IC card ticket 81 is inserted, the ticket gate 31 reads the information on the IC card ticket 81 and then requests the insertion of a QR code ticket 91.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2(b), when passenger A inserts the QR code ticket 91 into the ticket gate 31, the ticket gate 31 reads the information on the QR code ticket 91 and determines whether it is valid.

[0054] That is, the ticket gate 31 determines whether passenger A's QR code ticket 91 is valid based on the read information of the QR code ticket 91. That is, when processing entry at a station where passenger A transfers to a limited express train, the ticket gate 31 checks the boarding station, date, etc. on the limited express ticket attached to the QR code ticket 91, and determines whether passenger A is allowed to enter with the QR code ticket 91. When processing exit at a station where passenger A transfers to a conventional line, the ticket gate 31 checks the disembarking station, date, etc. on the limited express ticket attached to the QR code ticket 91, and determines whether passenger A is allowed to exit with the QR code ticket 91.

[0055] In the example of Figure 2(b), it is assumed that the ticket gate 31 determines that the QR code ticket 91 of passenger A is valid. When the determination result that the QR code ticket 91 is valid is obtained, the ticket gate 31 requests that the IC card ticket 81 be reinserted.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2(c), when the IC card ticket 81 is re-inserted, the ticket gate 31 reads the information on the IC card ticket 81 and verifies whether the re-inserted IC card ticket 81 is the same as the originally inserted IC card ticket 81. The ticket gate 31 also determines whether the re-inserted IC card ticket 81 is valid. If the verification results match the originally inserted IC card ticket 81 and the ticket gate 31 determines that the re-inserted IC card ticket 81 is valid, the ticket gate 31 writes an entry record or exit record for the express train platform into the IC card ticket 81.

[0057] When checking against the IC card ticket 81 that was inserted first, the ticket gate 31 determines whether or not an identifier or the like recorded on the IC card ticket 81 that can uniquely identify the IC card ticket 81 matches.

[0058] When determining the validity of the re-inserted IC card ticket 81, if the ticket gate 31 is processing entry at a station where it transfers to a limited express train, it checks the entry record, etc. written on the IC card ticket 81 when it entered the conventional line, and determines whether it is possible to enter using that IC card ticket 81 in combination with the QR code ticket 91 whose validity was previously determined. Also, if the ticket gate 31 is processing exit at a station where it transfers to a conventional line, it checks the record, etc. written on the IC card ticket 81 when it entered the limited express train, and determines whether it is possible to exit using that IC card ticket 81 in combination with the QR code ticket 91 whose validity was previously determined.

[0059] If the IC card ticket 81 and the QR code ticket 91 are both valid and the verification result of the IC card ticket 81 matches, the ticket gate 31 allows passenger A to pass through.

[0060] As described above, by asking passenger A to insert the IC card ticket 81 and the QR code ticket 91 into the ticket gate 31 in the following order: IC card ticket 81, QR code ticket 91, IC card ticket 81, entry and exit processing can be performed using the IC card ticket 81 and the QR code ticket 91.

[0061] When using contactless tickets such as IC cards and QR code tickets for entry and exit procedures, even if a passenger encounters a ticket during the process, the ticket gate will not take in these contactless tickets, so the passenger may leave without completing the entry and exit process. An example of such a situation is shown in Figure 3.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows another example of the operation of the station service system 1 of the embodiment during entry and exit processing.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3(a), it is assumed that passenger A inserts at least one of an IC card ticket 81 and a QR code ticket 91 into the ticket gate 31, and the entrance or exit process at the ticket gate 31 begins.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3(b), it is assumed that passenger A leaves the location in the middle of the process.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3(c), after passenger A leaves, passenger B performs entry or exit processing at the same ticket gate 31.

[0066] If passenger A inserts the IC card ticket 81 into the ticket gate 31 and then leaves, passenger B will insert his / her QR code ticket and then the IC card ticket 82 into the ticket gate 31 in that order at the request of the ticket gate 31. If passenger A inserts the IC card ticket 81 and the QR code ticket 91 into the ticket gate 31 in that order and then leaves, passenger B will insert his / her IC card ticket 82 into the ticket gate 31 at the request of the ticket gate 31.

[0067] However, in either of the above cases, the IC card ticket 81 initially inserted by passenger A and the IC card ticket 82 subsequently inserted by passenger B do not match. Therefore, the ticket gate 31 does not allow passenger B to pass through.

[0068] In this way, the station service system 1 of the embodiment prevents the entrance and exit process from being performed while passenger A and passenger B are mistakenly recognized as the same person.

[0069] (Example of processing by station service system) Next, the entry / exit process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment when both the entry and exit stations are equipped with rich client type ticket gates 31 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of the procedure of the entry / exit process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4, in the entrance / exit process, the control unit 311 of the ticket gate 31 determines whether the inserted ticket is an IC card ticket or a QR code ticket (step S101).

[0071] When a QR code ticket is inserted first (step S101 → QR code ticket), the QR reader 314 of the ticket gate 31 reads the information on the QR code ticket (step S115) and determines whether or not additional information recorded on the IC card ticket is required (step S116).

[0072] Here, if the inserted QR code ticket is linked to information on an electronic ticket such as an E-ticket (Electronic Ticket), the entry and exit process can be completed without the need for additional information on an IC card ticket, etc. In this way, if no additional information is required (step S116: No), the ticket gate 31 only determines whether the QR code ticket is valid (step S119) and ends the process based on the determination result.

[0073] If additional information is required (step S116: Yes), the control unit 311 of the ticket gate 31 requests the insertion of an IC card ticket (step S117). The control unit 311 also determines whether an IC card ticket has been inserted (step S118), and repeats the processing of step S117 until an IC card ticket is inserted (step S118: No).

[0074] When an IC card ticket is inserted first (step S101 → IC card ticket), or when an IC card ticket is inserted at the request of the ticket gate 31 (steps S117, S118), the IC reader / writer 313 of the ticket gate 31 reads the information on the IC card ticket (step S102), and the processing unit 319 determines whether the IC card ticket is valid (step S103). If the IC card ticket is not valid (step S103: No), the control unit 311 ends the process with an error (step S114).

[0075] If the IC card ticket is valid (step S103: Yes), the control unit 311 determines whether additional information attached to the QR code ticket is necessary (step S104).

[0076] If the inserted IC card ticket is linked to information on an electronic ticket such as an E-ticket, additional information such as a QR code ticket is not required (step S104: No), and the ticket gate 31 only determines whether the QR code ticket is valid (step S111), and the control unit 311 terminates the processing based on the result of the validity determination in step S103 (step S113 or step S114).

[0077] If additional information is required (step S104: Yes), the control unit 311 of the ticket gate 31 requests the insertion of a QR code ticket (step S105). The control unit 311 also determines whether a QR code ticket has been inserted (step S106), and repeats the processing of step S105 until the QR code ticket is inserted (step S106: No).

[0078] When a QR code ticket is inserted (step S106: Yes), the QR reader 314 reads the information on the QR code ticket (step S107), and the processing unit 319 determines whether the QR code ticket is valid (step S108). Note that if a QR code ticket was inserted at the beginning of the entry / exit process (step S101 → QR code ticket → (omitted) → S108), a comparison may be made here to determine whether it is the same as the original QR code ticket.

[0079] If the QR code ticket is not valid (step S108: No), the control unit 311 ends the process with an error (step S114).

[0080] If the QR code ticket is valid (step S108: Yes), the control unit 311 requests that the IC card ticket be reinserted (step S109), determines whether the IC card ticket has been reinserted (step S109), and repeats the processing of step S109 until the IC card ticket is reinserted (step S110: No).

[0081] When the IC card ticket is re-inserted (step S110: Yes), the IC reader / writer 313 reads the information on the IC card ticket (step S111), and the control unit 311 compares the re-inserted IC card ticket with the IC card ticket that was originally inserted (step S112). If the IC card ticket does not match the original one (step S112: No), the control unit 311 ends the process with an error (step S114).

[0082] If the IC card ticket matches the original one (step S112: Yes), the IC reader / writer 213 writes information to the IC card ticket and allows the passenger to pass (step S113).

[0083] This completes the entrance / exit process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0084] [In the case of thin client type ticket gates at the entrance] Next, an example of an entrance process using an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket, in which the entrance station is equipped with a thin client type ticket gate 21, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0085] As described above, the entrance process using an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket can be carried out, for example, at a transfer station from a conventional line to a limited express train. That is, a passenger who boards a conventional line using an IC card ticket goes through the entrance process at the ticket gate 31 at the transfer station to the limited express train and enters the platform for the limited express train.

[0086] (Station service system processing example 1) When the entrance process is performed using a thin-client type ticket gate 21, the operation of the ticket gate 21 in the entrance process differs depending on whether the exit station is equipped with a thin-client type or a rich-client type ticket gate 21, 31.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the entrance process of the station service system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 5, in the entrance process, the control unit 211 of the ticket gate 21 determines whether the inserted ticket is an IC card ticket or a QR code ticket (step S201).

[0089] When an IC card ticket is inserted first (step S201 → IC card ticket), the processing of the subsequent steps S202 to S213 is performed in substantially the same manner as the processing of steps S102 to S113 shown in Figure 4 above, except that the IC determination server 11 and the QR determination server 12 respectively determine the validity of the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket.

[0090] That is, the IC reader / writer 213 of the ticket gate 21 reads the information on the IC card ticket (step S202), transmits it to the IC judgment server 11, and obtains the validity judgment result for the IC card ticket (step S203).

[0091] If the IC card ticket is not valid (step S203: No), the control unit 211 terminates the process with an error (step S229), and if the IC card ticket is valid (step S203: Yes), it determines whether additional information attached to the QR code ticket is required (step S204).

[0092] As described above, if the inserted IC card ticket is linked to information on an electronic ticket such as an E-ticket, additional information such as a QR code ticket is not required (step S204: No), so the ticket gate 21 writes the information onto the IC card ticket and ends the process (step S216).

[0093] If additional information is required (step S204: Yes), the control unit 211 of the ticket gate 21 requests the insertion of a QR code ticket (step S205), and when the QR code ticket is inserted (step S206: Yes), the QR reader 214 reads the information on the QR code ticket (step S207) and transmits it to the QR determination server 12, which obtains a validity determination result for the QR code ticket (step S208).

[0094] If the QR code ticket is not valid (step S208: No), the process ends with an error (step S229). If the QR code ticket is valid (step S208: Yes), the control unit 211 requests that the IC card ticket be reinserted (step S209). When the IC card ticket is reinserted (step S210: Yes), the IC reader / writer 213 reads the information on the IC card ticket (step S211) and compares it with the IC card ticket that was originally inserted (step S212).

[0095] If the IC card ticket does not match the original one (step S212: No), the control unit 211 terminates the process with an error (step S229), and if the IC card ticket matches the original one (step S212: Yes), the IC reader / writer 213 writes information to the IC card ticket and allows the passenger to pass (step S213).

[0096] Thereafter, the control unit 211 of the ticket gate 21 identifies the transfer station from the express train to the conventional line, that is, the station where the passenger will complete the exit procedure, based on the information on the QR code ticket read in the processing of step S207, and determines whether the ticket gate 21 installed at that station is a thin client type ticket gate 21 (step S214).

[0097] If the exit station is equipped with a thin-client type ticket gate 21 (step S214: Yes), the control unit 211 transmits the information of the QR code ticket read in the processing of step S206 to the IC determination server 11 (step S215).

[0098] When the IC determination server 11 acquires the read information of the QR code ticket from the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station, it stores the information in association with the read information of the IC card ticket that was read by the ticket gate 21 in the processing of step S202 and transmitted to the IC determination server 11 for validation. In addition, the IC determination server 11 transmits the read information of the QR code ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station to the QR determination server 12.

[0099] When the QR validation server 12 acquires the read information of the QR code ticket from the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station via the IC validation server 11, it registers the QR code ticket as invalid. A QR code ticket that has been registered as invalid can no longer be used. In other words, the QR code ticket cannot be used to undergo entry and exit processing at the ticket gate 21 or the like from that point on.

[0100] The IC card ticket reading information stored in the IC determination server 11 and linked to the QR code ticket reading information, and the information on invalidating the QR code ticket registered by the QR determination server 12, are then referenced by the thin client type ticket gate 21 during the exit process at the exit station.

[0101] On the other hand, when a QR code ticket is inserted first (step S201 → QR code ticket), the QR reader 214 of the ticket gate 21 reads the information on the QR code ticket (step S217) and determines whether the ticket gate 21 installed at the exit station is a thin client type ticket gate (step S218).

[0102] If the exit station is equipped with a thin-client type ticket gate 21 (step S218: Yes), the QR reader 214 reads the information on the QR code ticket (step S219) and transmits it to the QR determination server 12, which obtains the validity determination result for the QR code ticket.

[0103] If the QR code ticket is not valid (step S219: No), the process ends with an error (step S229). If the QR code ticket is valid (step S219: Yes), the control unit 211 determines whether additional information attached to the IC card ticket is required (step S220).

[0104] As described above, if the inserted QR code ticket is linked to information on an electronic ticket such as an E-ticket, additional information on an IC card ticket is not required (step S220: No), so the ticket gate 21 terminates the processing.

[0105] If additional information is required (step S220: Yes), the control unit 211 requests the insertion of an IC card ticket (step S221), determines whether the IC card ticket has been inserted (step S222), and repeats the processing of step S221 until the IC card ticket is reinserted (step S222: No).

[0106] When the IC card ticket is re-inserted (step S222: Yes), the IC reader / writer 213 reads the information on the IC card ticket (step S223) and transmits it to the IC judgment server 11, which obtains the validity judgment result for the IC card ticket (step S224).

[0107] The IC determination server 11 determines the legitimacy of the IC card ticket based on the read information of the IC card ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21. Furthermore, when the IC card ticket read information is transmitted from the ticket gate 21 in a situation where a QR code ticket is first inserted into the ticket gate 21, that is, when the IC determination server 11 acquires the information of the IC card ticket read in the processing of step S223, and the determination result is that the IC card ticket is legitimate, the IC determination server 11 stores this read information, and also generates and stores admission record information to be written on the IC card ticket based on this read information.

[0108] If the control unit 211 of the ticket gate 21 receives a determination result from the IC determination server 11 that the IC card ticket is not valid (step S224: No), the control unit 211 ends the process with an error (step S229).

[0109] If the determination result is that the IC card ticket is valid (step S224: Yes), the control unit 211 requests that the QR code ticket be reinserted (step S225), determines whether the QR code ticket has been reinserted (step S226), and repeats the processing of step S225 until the QR code ticket is reinserted (step S226: No).

[0110] When the QR code ticket is reinserted (step S226: Yes), the QR reader 214 reads the information on the QR code ticket (step S227) and verifies it with the QR code ticket that was originally inserted (step S228).

[0111] If the QR code ticket does not match the original one (step S228: No), the control unit 211 ends the process with an error (step S229).

[0112] If the QR code ticket matches the original one (step S228: Yes), the control unit 211 sends the information of the QR code ticket read in the processing of step S217 or step S227 to the IC determination server 11 (step S228 → (※) → S214).

[0113] The IC validation server 11 stores the read information of the QR code ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21 in association with the read information of the IC card ticket, and transmits the read information of the QR code ticket to the QR validation server 12. The QR validation server 12 registers the QR code ticket as invalid.

[0114] If both the entry and exit stations are thin-client type ticket gates 21 and the order of insertion into the ticket gate 21 during entry processing is QR code ticket, IC card ticket, QR code ticket, then there is no need to re-insert the IC card ticket. Therefore, when the ticket gate 21 processes entry in the above-mentioned order, no entry record is written to the IC card ticket.

[0115] However, when the read information of the IC card ticket is sent in the processing of step S223 described above, the IC determination server 11 generates and stores write information. Therefore, when the exit process is performed by the thin-client ticket gate 21 at the transfer station from the express train to the conventional line, the ticket gate 21 can obtain the write information generated by the IC determination server 11 and write it onto the IC card ticket.

[0116] On the other hand, if the ticket gate 31 installed at the exit station is a rich client type (step S218: No), the ticket gate 31 at the exit station cannot obtain the above-mentioned written information from the IC determination server 11. In this case, even if the ticket gate at the entrance station is a thin client type ticket gate 21, it is necessary to write the entry record on the IC card ticket at the entrance station, and thereafter, the processing from step S115 onwards shown in Figure 4 above is carried out (step S218 → (A) → S115).

[0117] This completes the entrance process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0118] In this way, even in the thin client type ticket gate 21, by performing the entry process in the order in which the IC card ticket, QR code ticket and IC card ticket are inserted, or in the order in which the QR code ticket, IC card ticket and QR code ticket are inserted, it is possible to determine whether the re-inserted IC card ticket or QR code ticket is an IC card ticket or QR code ticket held by the same passenger.

[0119] Furthermore, if all ticket gates at the entry and exit stations are thin-client type ticket gates 21, entry processing can be performed regardless of the order in which the tickets are inserted into the ticket gate 21 at the entry station: IC card ticket, QR code ticket, IC card ticket, or QR code ticket, IC card ticket, QR code ticket. In this case, even if the order in which the tickets are inserted is QR code ticket, IC card ticket, QR code ticket, by writing the entry record to the IC card ticket at the time of exiting, it is possible to avoid having to re-insert the IC card ticket.

[0120] (Station service system processing example 2) The flow diagram in Figure 5 above explains both the case where the ticket gate at the exit station is a thin-client type ticket gate 21 and the case where the ticket gate at the exit station is a rich-client type ticket gate 31. In the following Figures 6 and 7, an example of entry processing when both the ticket gates at the entry and exit stations are thin-client type ticket gates 21 will be explained, divided into the insertion order of IC card tickets and QR code tickets.

[0121] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the entrance process of the station service system 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates an example in which the order of inserting tickets into the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station is IC card ticket, QR code ticket, and IC card ticket.

[0122] 6, the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station reads the information on the IC card ticket and transmits it to the IC determination server 11 (step S11). Based on the read information on the IC card ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21, the IC determination server 11 performs a process to determine whether the IC card ticket is valid (step S21), and transmits a determination result that the IC card ticket is valid, for example, to the ticket gate 21 (step S22).

[0123] The ticket gate 21 requests the insertion of a QR code ticket, reads the information on the inserted QR code ticket, and transmits it to the QR determination server 12 (step S12). The QR determination server 12 performs a process to determine whether the QR code ticket is valid based on the read information of the QR code ticket obtained from the ticket gate 21 (step S31), and transmits a determination result that the QR code ticket is valid, for example, to the ticket gate 21 (step S32).

[0124] The ticket gate 21 requests that the IC card ticket be reinserted and reads the information on the reinserted IC card ticket (step S13).The ticket gate 21 also compares the IC card ticket whose information was read in step S11 with the IC card ticket whose information was read in step S13 (step S14), and if it determines that these IC card tickets match (step S15), it writes an admission record on the IC card ticket (step S17) and allows the passenger to pass through (step S17).

[0125] The ticket examiner 21 transmits the information of the QR code ticket read in step S12 to the IC determination server 11 (step S18).

[0126] The IC validation server 11 associates the read information of the QR code ticket acquired in the process of step S18 with the read information of the IC card ticket acquired in the process of step S11 and stores them (step S24). The IC validation server 11 also transmits the read information of the QR code ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21 to the QR validation server 12 (step S25). The QR validation server 12 registers the QR code ticket as invalid (step S33).

[0127] This completes the entrance process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0128] 7 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the procedure of the entrance process of the station service system 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 7, an example will be described in which the order of inserting tickets into the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station is QR code ticket, IC card ticket, QR code ticket.

[0129] 7, the ticket gate 21 at the entrance station reads the information on the QR code ticket and transmits it to the QR verification server 12 (step S11). The QR verification server 12 performs a process to determine whether the QR code ticket is valid based on the read information of the QR code ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21 (step S31), and transmits a determination result that the QR code ticket is valid, for example, to the ticket gate 21 (step S32).

[0130] The ticket gate 21 requests the insertion of an IC card ticket, reads the information of the inserted IC card ticket, and transmits it to the IC determination server 11 (step S12). The IC determination server 11 performs a process to determine whether the IC card ticket is valid based on the read information of the IC card ticket obtained from the ticket gate 21 (step S21), and transmits a determination result that the IC card ticket is valid, for example, to the ticket gate 21 (step S22).

[0131] In addition, the IC determination server 11 stores (step S24) the read information of the IC card ticket obtained from the ticket gate 21 in the processing of step S12 (step S23), and generates and stores (step S25) the entry record information to be written on the IC card ticket.

[0132] Meanwhile, the ticket gate 21 requests that the QR code ticket be reinserted and reads the information on the reinserted QR code ticket (step S13).The ticket gate 21 also compares the QR code ticket whose information was read in step S11 with the QR code ticket whose information was read in step S13 (step S14), and if it determines that these QR code tickets match (step S15), it allows the passenger to pass through (step S16).

[0133] The ticket examiner 21 transmits the information of the QR code ticket read in the process of step S11 or step S13 to the IC determination server 11 (step S17).

[0134] The IC validation server 11 associates the read information of the QR code ticket acquired in the process of step S17 with the read information of the IC card ticket acquired in the process of step S12 and stores them (step S26). The IC validation server 11 also transmits the read information of the QR code ticket acquired from the ticket gate 21 to the QR validation server 12 (step S27). The QR validation server 12 registers the QR code ticket as invalid (step S34).

[0135] This completes the entrance process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0136] [In the case of thin client type ticket gates when exiting] Next, an example of exit processing by the thin client type ticket gate 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0137] As described above, the exit process can be performed, for example, at a transfer station from a limited express train to a conventional line, etc. In other words, a passenger who boards a limited express train using an IC card ticket or a QR code ticket goes through entrance processing at the ticket gate 21 at a transfer station to a conventional line, and then exits from the platform for the limited express train.

[0138] (Station service system processing example 1) When exit processing is performed using a thin-client type ticket gate 21, the operation of the ticket gate 21 in the exit processing differs depending on whether the entrance station is equipped with a thin-client type or a rich-client type ticket gate 21, 31.

[0139] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the exit process of the station service system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 8, in the exit process, the control unit 211 of the ticket gate 21 determines whether the inserted ticket is an IC card ticket or a QR code ticket (step S301).

[0141] When an IC card ticket is inserted first (step S301 → IC card ticket), the IC reader / writer 213 of the ticket gate 21 reads the information on the IC card ticket (step S302), sends it to the IC determination server 11, and checks whether the read information on the QR code ticket is linked (step S303).

[0142] If the ticket gate used during the entry process is a thin client type ticket gate 21, the read information of the QR code ticket is linked to the IC card ticket by the processing of step S24 in Figure 6 described above or the processing of step S26 in Figure 7 described above (step S303: Yes).

[0143] In this case, the ticket gate 21 at the exit station obtains the suitability determination result from the IC determination server 11 based on the read information of the IC card ticket read in the processing of step S302, and the suitability determination result from the QR determination server 12 based on the read information of the QR code ticket linked to the IC card ticket (step S304).

[0144] If the determination result indicates that at least one of the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket is invalid (step S304: No), the control unit 211 of the ticket gate 21 ends the process with an error (step S310).

[0145] If the determination result indicates that both the IC card ticket and the QR code ticket are valid (step S304: Yes), the ticket gate 21 writes an entry record on the IC card ticket and allows the passenger to pass through (step S305).

[0146] In the entry process of the thin-client ticket gate 21 at the entrance station, if the order of insertion into the ticket gate 21 is QR code ticket, IC card ticket, QR code ticket, then QR code ticket, the IC determination server 11 transmits the above determination result together with the information on the unwritten entry record generated by the process of step S25 in Fig. 7 to the ticket gate 21 at the exit station. The ticket gate 21 also writes the entry record acquired from the IC determination server 11 to the IC card ticket in the above process of step S305.

[0147] On the other hand, if the ticket gate at the time of entry processing is a rich client type ticket gate 31, the IC card ticket is not linked to the read information of the QR code ticket (step S303: No). In this case, even if the ticket gate at the exit station is a thin client type ticket gate 21, the process from step S103 onwards shown in Figure 4 above is carried out (step S303 → (B) → S103).

[0148] Also, when a QR code ticket is inserted for the first time (step S301 → QR code ticket), the QR reader 214 of the ticket gate 21 reads the information of the QR code ticket (step S306), sends it to the QR determination server 12, and checks whether the QR code ticket has been registered as invalid (step S307).

[0149] If the ticket gate used at the time of entry processing is a rich-client ticket gate 31, the QR code ticket is not invalidated (step S307: No). In this case, even if the ticket gate at the exit station is a thin-client ticket gate 21, the process from step S116 onwards shown in Figure 4 above is carried out (step S307 → (C) → S116).

[0150] On the other hand, if the ticket gate used during the entry process is a thin client type ticket gate 21, the QR code ticket is invalidated by the processing of step S33 in Figure 6 described above or the processing of step S34 in Figure 7 described above (step S307: Yes).

[0151] In this case, the control unit 211 provided in the ticket gate 21 at the exit station determines that the QR code ticket cannot be used and requests that an IC card ticket be inserted (step S308), determines whether the IC card ticket has been inserted (step S309), and repeats the processing of step S308 until the IC card ticket is inserted (step S309: No).

[0152] After the IC card is inserted (step S309: Yes), the process returns to step S302.

[0153] This completes the exit process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0154] As described above, if all ticket gates at the entry and exit stations are thin client type ticket gates 21, by linking the QR code ticket information to the IC card ticket during the entry process, it is possible to omit the process using the QR code ticket during the exit process.

[0155] (Station service system processing example 2) The flow diagram in Figure 8 above explains both the case where the ticket gate at the entrance station is a thin-client type ticket gate 21 and the case where the ticket gate at the entrance / exit station is a rich-client type ticket gate 31. In Figure 9 below, an example of the exit process when both the ticket gates at the entrance / exit stations are thin-client type ticket gates 21 is explained separately for the case where a QR code ticket is inserted and the case where an IC card ticket is inserted.

[0156] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the exit process of the station service system 1 according to the embodiment. The first half of FIG. 9 is an example when a QR code ticket is inserted, and the second half of FIG. 9 is an example when an IC card ticket is inserted.

[0157] 9, the ticket gate 21 at the exit station reads the information on the QR code ticket and transmits it to the QR verification server 12 (step S11). The QR verification server 12 determines whether the QR code ticket is valid (step S31) and transmits a determination result that the QR code ticket is invalid, for example, to the ticket gate 21 (step S32). In this case, the ticket gate 21 does not permit use of the QR code ticket and does not allow the passenger to pass through.

[0158] The ticket gate 21 at the exit station reads the information on the IC card ticket and transmits it to the IC validation server 11 (step S11). The IC validation server 11 searches the stored information on the IC card ticket (step S22) and determines whether the IC card ticket is valid (step S23). The IC validation server 11 also transmits the information on the QE code ticket linked to the retrieved information on the IC card ticket to the QR validation server 12 (step S24).

[0159] The QR determination server 12 determines whether the QR code ticket linked to the IC card ticket is valid or not based on the information of the QR code ticket obtained from the IC determination server 11 (step S31), and transmits a determination result that the QR code ticket is valid, for example, to the IC determination server 11 (step S32).

[0160] The IC determination server 11 transmits, for example, the determination result that the IC card ticket is valid (step S25), the information on the entry record generated for the IC card ticket (step S26), and the determination result that the QR code ticket is valid from the QR determination server 12 (step S27) to the ticket gate 21 at the exit station.

[0161] The ticket gate 21 at the exit station writes the exit record information on the IC card ticket and the entry record information obtained from the IC judgment server 11 (step S12) onto the IC card ticket (step S13) and allows the passenger to pass through (step S14).

[0162] This completes the exit process by the station service system 1 of the embodiment.

[0163] (Example of station service system operation) 10 shows another example of the operation of the station service system 1 of the embodiment during exit processing. In the following FIG. 10, an example of the operation of the station service system 1 of the embodiment during exit processing when both the ticket gates at the entrance and exit stations are thin-client type ticket gates 21 will be described.

[0164] As shown in Figure 10(a), when passenger A inserts a QR code ticket 91 into a ticket gate 21 during the exit process at a transfer station from an express train to a conventional line, if both the ticket gates at the entry and exit stations are thin client type ticket gates 21, the QR code ticket 91 will be registered as invalid during the entry process, and the ticket gate 21 at the exit station will not accept the exit process using the QR code ticket.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 10(b), it is assumed that passenger A leaves in the middle of the exit process, and then passenger B attempts to complete the exit process.

[0166] As shown in Figure 10(c), even if passenger B inserts his / her own IC card ticket 82 in response to the request of the ticket gate 21, the exit process by passenger B will end with an error because it is not the IC card ticket 81 linked to passenger A's QR code ticket 91.

[0167] In this way, in the station service system 1 of the embodiment, even in the exit process, it is possible to prevent the process from being carried out while passenger A and passenger B are mistakenly recognized as the same person.

[0168] [Comparative Example] Previous entrance / exit procedures in station systems used for ticket gate operations were configured to allow the combined use of contact tickets, such as magnetic card tickets, and contactless tickets, such as IC card tickets. In other words, in entrance / exit procedures that combined contact and contactless tickets, the order in which tickets were inserted into the ticket gate was limited to only contact and contactless tickets, ensuring that the same passenger completed the entrance / exit process. With this insertion order, the contact ticket inserted first remained inside the ticket gate during the entrance / exit process, preventing passengers from leaving in the middle of the process.

[0169] However, in recent years, there has been a need for entry / exit processing that uses multiple types of contactless tickets, such as IC card tickets and QR code tickets. In this case, neither IC card tickets nor QR code tickets are taken into the ticket gate during the entry / exit processing, and even if the order in which they are inserted is restricted, it is not possible to prevent passengers from leaving during the processing, making it difficult to determine that the same passenger is the same person from the start to the end of the processing. Furthermore, if the order in which the tickets are inserted is IC card tickets followed by QR code tickets, it is not possible to write entry / exit records to the IC card tickets.

[0170] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when processing entry using an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket, if the order of insertion into the ticket gate 21 is IC card ticket, then QR code ticket, the ticket gate 21 requests that the IC card ticket be re-inserted, and when the IC card ticket is re-inserted, it is compared with the IC card ticket that was inserted first, and a determination result is obtained that the IC card ticket and QR code ticket are valid, and if the comparison results for the IC card tickets match, information is written to the IC card ticket and the passenger is allowed to enter.

[0171] This allows the thin-client ticket gate 21 to process entrance in the order in which IC card tickets and QR code tickets are inserted. Furthermore, by subsequently re-inserting the IC card ticket, the identity of the passenger can be guaranteed throughout the entire entrance process.

[0172] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when processing entry using an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket, if the order of insertion into the ticket gate 21 is QR code ticket, then IC card ticket, the ticket gate 21 requests that the QR code ticket be re-inserted, and when the QR code is re-inserted, it is compared with the QR code ticket that was inserted first, and a determination result is obtained that the IC card ticket and QR code ticket are valid, and if the comparison result of the QR code ticket matches, the passenger is allowed to enter.

[0173] This allows the thin-client ticket gate 21 to process entry in the order in which QR code tickets and IC card tickets are inserted. Furthermore, by subsequently re-inserting the QR code ticket, the identity of the passenger can be guaranteed throughout the entire entry process.

[0174] In this way, multiple types of contactless tickets, such as IC card tickets and QR code tickets, can be used in combination.

[0175] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket are used for entry processing, the IC determination server 11 stores the read information of the IC card ticket and the read information of the QR code ticket in association with each other. As a result, when the ticket gates at the entry and exit stations are all thin-client type ticket gates 21, it becomes possible to perform the exit processing using only the IC card ticket, without using the QR code ticket.

[0176] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket are used for entrance processing, if the order of insertion into the ticket gate 21 is QR code ticket, IC card ticket, QR code ticket, the IC determination server 11 generates and stores write information related to the entrance processing of the IC card ticket. This omits writing the IC card ticket during the entrance processing, and allows the entrance processing to be performed without the need to re-insert the IC card ticket.

[0177] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when a passenger exits, the QR determination server 12 determines the validity of the QR code ticket based on the read information of the QR code ticket linked to the read information of the IC card ticket. This allows the exit process to be performed without requiring the QR code ticket.

[0178] According to the ticket gate 31 of the embodiment, when an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket are used for entry processing, if the QR code ticket is inserted first, the ticket gate 31 requests that the QR code ticket be reinserted after the IC card ticket is inserted, and then requests that the IC card ticket be reinserted after the QR code ticket is reinserted. This makes it possible to write an entry record to the IC card ticket during entry processing, even if the rich client type ticket gate 31, which cannot obtain information from the IC determination server 11, is the ticket gate at the exit station.

[0179] According to the ticket gate 31 of the embodiment, when an IC card ticket and a QR code ticket are used in an exit process, if the QR code ticket is inserted first, the ticket gate 31 requests that the QR code ticket be reinserted after the IC card ticket is inserted, and then requests that the IC card ticket be reinserted after the QR code ticket is reinserted. This makes it possible to insert the IC card ticket at the end of the exit process in a rich client-type ticket gate 31 that requires the use of both IC card tickets and QR code tickets, and to write the exit record on the IC card ticket.

[0180] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1 Station service system 11 IC decision server 12 QR Judgment Server 20,30 Ticket gate system 21,31 Ticket gates 211,311 Control section 212,312 Acquisition Department 213,313 IC reader / writer 214,314 QR reader 319 Processing Section

Claims

1. a ticket gate capable of processing a first ticket which is a write-in contactless ticket and a second ticket which is a non-write-in contactless ticket; a first determination server that acquires read information of the first ticket from the ticket gate and determines whether the first ticket is valid; a second determination server that acquires read information of the second ticket from the ticket gate and determines whether the second ticket is valid; When performing an admission process using the first ticket and the second ticket, The ticket gate is reading information on the first and second tickets and transmitting it to the first and second determination servers, respectively, to obtain determination results; If the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the first ticket and then the second ticket, The ticket gate is requesting the re-insertion of said first ticket; When the first ticket is re-inserted, it is compared with the first ticket that was originally inserted; When the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the verification result of the first ticket matches, write information to the first ticket and allow the passenger to enter; If the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the second ticket and then the first ticket, The ticket gate is requesting the re-insertion of said second ticket; When the second ticket is re-inserted, it is checked against the second ticket that was originally inserted; permitting the passenger to enter when the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the verification result of the second ticket matches; Station service system.

2. When performing an admission process using the first ticket and the second ticket, The ticket gate is Transmitting the read information of the second ticket to the first determination server; The first determination server storing the read information of the first ticket and the read information of the second ticket in association with each other; The second determination server registering the second ticket as invalid; If the order of inserting the tickets into the ticket gate is the second ticket, the first ticket, and then the second ticket, The first determination server generating and storing written information relating to the entry process of the first ticket; The station service system according to claim 1.

3. When processing the passenger's exit, The second determination server determining whether the second ticket is valid based on the read information of the second ticket linked to the read information of the first ticket; The station service system according to claim 2.

4. When processing the passenger's exit, The ticket gate is acquiring the written information from the first determination server and writing it on the first ticket, and allowing the passenger to exit; prohibiting use of the second ticket when a determination result indicating that the second ticket has been invalidated is obtained from the second determination server; The station service system according to claim 3.

5. A ticket gate capable of processing a first ticket which is a write-in contactless ticket and a second ticket which is a non-write-in contactless ticket, When the first ticket and the second ticket are used for admission processing, if the first ticket is inserted first, After the second ticket is inserted, request the first ticket to be reinserted; When the first ticket is re-inserted, it is compared with the first ticket that was originally inserted; If a determination result is obtained that the first and second tickets are valid and the verification result of the first ticket matches, write information on the first ticket and allow the passenger to enter; When the first ticket and the second ticket are used in an entrance process, if the second ticket is inserted first, After the first ticket is inserted, a request is made to reinsert the second ticket. Ticket gate.

6. When the first ticket and the second ticket are used in an entrance process, if the second ticket is inserted first, After the second ticket is re-inserted, request the re-insertion of the first ticket; When the first ticket is re-inserted, it is checked against the first ticket inserted previously; If a determination result is obtained that the first and second tickets are valid and the verification result of the first ticket matches, information is written on the first ticket and the passenger is permitted to enter. The ticket gate according to claim 5.

7. When the first ticket and the second ticket are used to perform the exit process, if the first ticket is inserted first, After the second ticket is inserted, request the first ticket to be reinserted; When the first ticket is re-inserted, it is compared with the first ticket that was originally inserted; If a determination result is obtained that the first and second tickets are valid and the verification result of the first ticket matches, information is written on the first ticket and the passenger is allowed to exit; When the first ticket and the second ticket are used to exit the station, if the second ticket is inserted first, After the first ticket is inserted, request the second ticket to be reinserted; After the second ticket is re-inserted, request the re-insertion of the first ticket; When the first ticket is re-inserted, it is checked against the first ticket inserted previously; If a determination result is obtained that the first and second tickets are valid and the verification result of the first ticket matches, information is written on the first ticket and the passenger is allowed to exit. The ticket gate according to claim 6.

8. a determination unit that determines the validity of the first ticket based on the read information of the first ticket, and determines the validity of the second ticket based on the read information of the second ticket, 8. The ticket gate according to claim 6 or 7.

9. When the first ticket and the second ticket are used in an entrance process, if the second ticket is inserted first, When the second ticket is re-inserted, it is checked against the second ticket that was originally inserted; If a determination result is obtained that the first and second tickets are valid and the verification result of the second ticket matches, the passenger is permitted to enter. The ticket gate according to claim 5.

10. a first determination server capable of determining the validity of the first ticket based on the read information of the first ticket; a second determination server that can determine the validity of the second ticket based on the read information of the second ticket, and is configured to be able to transmit the read information to the second determination server; When performing an admission process using the first ticket and the second ticket, reading the information of the first ticket and the information of the second ticket and transmitting them to the first determination server and the second determination server, respectively, to obtain determination results; The ticket gate according to claim 9.

11. a ticket gate capable of processing a first ticket which is a write-in contactless ticket and a second ticket which is a non-write-in contactless ticket; a first determination server that acquires read information of the first ticket from the ticket gate and determines whether the first ticket is valid; A station service method executed in a station service system including: a second determination server that acquires read information of the second ticket from the ticket gate and determines whether the second ticket is valid; When performing an admission process using the first ticket and the second ticket, The ticket gate is reading information on the first and second tickets and transmitting it to the first and second determination servers, respectively, to obtain determination results; If the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the first ticket and then the second ticket, The ticket gate is requesting the re-insertion of said first ticket; When the first ticket is re-inserted, it is compared with the first ticket that was originally inserted; When the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the verification result of the first ticket matches, write information to the first ticket and allow the passenger to enter; If the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the second ticket and then the first ticket, The ticket gate is requesting the re-insertion of said second ticket; When the second ticket is re-inserted, it is checked against the second ticket that was originally inserted; obtaining the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid and permitting the passenger to enter if the verification result of the second ticket matches; Station service method.

12. a first computer that functions as a ticket gate capable of processing a first ticket that is a write-in contactless ticket and a second ticket that is a non-write-in contactless ticket; a second computer that functions as a first determination server that acquires read information of the first ticket from the ticket gate and determines whether the first ticket is valid; a third computer that functions as a second determination server that acquires read information of the second ticket from the ticket gate and determines whether the second ticket is valid; When performing an admission process using the first ticket and the second ticket, the first computer, reading information on the first and second tickets and transmitting it to the first and second determination servers, respectively, to obtain determination results; If the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the first ticket and then the second ticket, the first computer, requesting the re-insertion of the first ticket; When the first ticket is re-inserted, the re-inserted ticket is checked against the first ticket that was originally inserted; When the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the verification result of the first ticket matches, information is written on the first ticket and the passenger is allowed to enter; If the order of insertion into the ticket gate is the second ticket and then the first ticket, the first computer, requesting the re-insertion of said second ticket; When the second ticket is re-inserted, it is checked against the second ticket that was originally inserted; When the determination result that the first and second tickets are valid is obtained and the verification result of the second ticket matches, the passenger is permitted to enter. program.

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