Station service system, station service method, and program

Abstract

To determine a refund amount without depending on the execution date of refund processing.SOLUTION: A station service system includes: an information management device for receiving a refund application for a commuter pass; and a commuter pass processing device for performing refund processing of the commuter pass. When the information management device receives, via a network, the refund application including information on a usage stop date of the commuter pass from a user terminal, the information management device registers refund information related to the refund application. When the commuter pass processing device performs refund processing, the commuter pass processing device executes refund processing based on the usage stop date included in the refund information in a case where refund information is registered for the commuter pass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When requesting a refund for a commuter pass, the refund amount is calculated based on the date the refund is processed, for example, when the user visits the station. However, the method of calculating the refund amount varies depending on the number of days that have passed since the start date of use of the commuter pass, such as on a daily or monthly basis. For this reason, if the user delays the refund request due to inconvenient circumstances, the refund amount may be significantly reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-162091 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-086141 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-048568 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, station service method, and program that can determine the refund amount regardless of the date the refund process is executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The station service system of an embodiment comprises an information management device that accepts commuter pass refund applications, and a commuter pass processing device that processes the refunds for the commuter passes. When the information management device receives the refund application from a user terminal via a network, including information on the date on which the commuter pass will no longer be in use, it registers refund information related to the refund application. When the commuter pass processing device performs the refund processing, if the refund information has been registered for the commuter pass, it executes the refund processing based on the date on which the commuter pass will no longer be in use, which is included in the refund information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a station service system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of each unit of the station service system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for registering commuter pass refund information by the information management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for determining the validity of a commuter pass by the information management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to a commuter pass refund by the information management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for canceling a commuter pass refund application by the information management device according to the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to a commuter pass refund by an information management device according to the second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the third modification of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to a commuter pass refund by an application program according to the third modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (Example of station service system configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a station service system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0008] 1, the station service system 1 of the embodiment includes an information management device 10, a commuter pass server 30, a web server 40, a relay server 50, and station service equipment 60, and performs processes such as issuing commuter passes, entering and exiting a train station using a commuter pass, and refunding commuter passes. The station service system 1 of the embodiment may also include a user terminal 20 used by a user.

[0009] In the following description, the commuter pass to be processed by the station service system 1 of the embodiment is assumed to be, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card commuter pass or a magnetic card commuter pass. These IC card commuter passes or magnetic card commuter passes allow electronic information related to the commuter pass to be written and read. The commuter pass to be processed may also have the function of an IC card ticket that can be charged with transportation fares.

[0010] The information management device 10, user terminal 20, commuter pass server 30, web server 40, relay server 50, and station service equipment 60 of the embodiment are all configured as computers equipped with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), which are not shown.

[0011] Furthermore, the information management device 10, the user terminal 20, the commuter pass server 30, the web server 40, the relay server 50, and the station service equipment 60 are connected to one another via a network such as the Internet.

[0012] Station service equipment 60 is installed at individual railway stations and includes devices that perform various processes related to station service. As an example, station service equipment 60 includes commuter ticket issuing machines 61, ticket gates 62, ticket counter processing machines 63, and multi-ticket vending machines 64. These station service equipment 60 enable users to purchase commuter passes at each station, enter and exit the station premises using the purchased commuter passes, or receive services such as commuter pass refunds.

[0013] The process of issuing commuter passes is carried out, for example, by a commuter pass issuing machine 61. The commuter pass issuing machine 61 may also have the functions of a normal ticket vending machine, such as selling tickets, express tickets, or reserved seats, or may also have the functions of charging transportation fares to IC card tickets or refunding commuter passes.

[0014] The process of refunding a commuter pass is carried out, for example, by the counter processing machine 63. Note that the counter processing machine 63 may also have functions such as issuing commuter passes, selling passenger tickets, express tickets, or reserved seat tickets, charging transportation fares to IC card tickets, or processing entry and exit to and from the station.

[0015] Multi-ticket vending machine 64 is configured to be able to issue and refund commuter passes, for example. In addition, ticket vending machines that sell passenger tickets, express tickets, or reserved seat tickets may also be equipped with the above-mentioned functions of issuing or refunding commuter passes.

[0016] The process of entering and exiting a station using a commuter pass is carried out, for example, by a ticket gate 62. The ticket gate 62 carries out the process of entering and exiting by reading, for example, electronic information recorded on the commuter pass. If the electronic information read by the ticket gate 62 is valid, the ticket gate 62 allows the user of the commuter pass to pass through, but if the information is invalid, the ticket gate 62 does not allow the user to pass through.

[0017] The ticket gate 62 may also have a function for processing entrance and exit for tickets, express tickets, or reserved seat tickets. The ticket gate 62 may also have a function for writing electronic information onto commuter passes or tickets.

[0018] In this specification, station service equipment 60 such as a commuter ticket issuing machine 61, a counter processing machine 63, or a multi-ticket vending machine 64 that performs various processes related to commuter passes, such as the issuance and refund processes of commuter passes, may also be referred to as a commuter pass processing device, etc. Also in this specification, station service equipment 60 such as a ticket gate 62 or a counter processing machine 63 that performs the process of entering and exiting the station may also be referred to as an entrance and exit processing device.

[0019] In the following explanation, it is assumed that the commuter pass issuing machine 61 is solely responsible for issuing commuter passes. As an example of an entrance / exit processing device, it is assumed that the ticket gate 62 is solely responsible for entrance / exit processing, and as an example of a commuter pass processing device, it is assumed that the counter processing machine 63 is solely responsible for refunding commuter passes.

[0020] These station service equipment 60 installed at each station are connected to the relay server 50, for example, via a network. This allows the station service equipment 60 to access the information management device 10 via the relay server 50 and exchange various information.

[0021] In this way, the station service equipment 60 accesses the information management device 10, receives various information and commands from the information management device 10, and executes various processes. That is, the station service equipment 60 of the embodiment is a thin-client type station service equipment that performs only limited processes by having the information management device 10 handle the main parts related to various processes, for example.

[0022] The relay server 50 is provided, for example, for each station or for each predetermined area including multiple stations, and relays the exchange of information between the station service equipment 60 and the information management device 10. By configuring the information management device 10 to be accessed via the relay server 50, the load on the information management device 10 can be distributed even when there are a large number of station service equipment 60.

[0023] The user terminal 20 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0024] Here, the user can receive a predetermined amount of refund during the period of use of the purchased commuter pass by requesting processing, for example, at the counter processing machine 63. In the station service system 1 of the embodiment, the user can apply for a refund using his / her own user terminal 20 prior to the refund processing at the counter processing machine 63 or the like.

[0025] The user terminal 20 is configured to be connectable to the web server 40 via a network, for example. This allows the user terminal 20 to access the information management device 10 via the web server 40 and exchange various information such as refund applications. Note that an application program or the like capable of executing a commuter pass refund application may be pre-installed in the user terminal 20. This allows the user to easily apply for a refund from the user terminal 20 by simply following the instructions of the application program.

[0026] The web server 40 relays the exchange of information between the user terminal 20 and the information management device 10. By configuring the information management device 10 to be accessed via the web server 40, it is possible to distribute the load on the information management device 10 and improve security, for example, in response to access from an unspecified number of user terminals 20.

[0027] The commuter pass server 30 stores information about commuter passes of multiple users. The information about commuter passes includes, for example, commuter pass information including information such as the period and section of use of the commuter pass, and refund information regarding commuter pass refund applications.

[0028] The information management device 10 exchanges various information with the commuter pass server 30 directly via the network, with the user terminal 20 via, for example, a web server 40, and with the station service equipment 60 via, for example, a relay server 50. In this way, the information management device 10 manages commuter passes for multiple users.

[0029] For example, when a commuter pass is issued, the information management device 10 acquires information such as the period of use and section of use of the commuter pass from the commuter pass issuing machine 61 or the like, and stores this information as commuter pass information in the commuter pass server 30. Also, for example, when the information management device 10 receives a commuter pass refund application from the user terminal 20, it registers refund information related to the refund application in the commuter pass server 30.

[0030] For example, when the information management device 10 obtains electronic information read from a commuter pass from a ticket gate 62 that processes entry and exit, it refers to the commuter pass information and refund information on the commuter pass server 30, determines whether or not entry and exit are possible using the commuter pass, and sends a command to the ticket gate 62 to allow or disallow the user to pass through.

[0031] For example, when the information management device 10 obtains electronic information read from a commuter pass from a counter processing machine 63 that processes commuter pass refunds, it reads the refund information from the commuter pass server 30 and transmits it to the counter processing machine 63.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of each unit of the station service system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0033] 2, the commuter pass server 30 includes, as a functional unit, a storage unit 301. The storage unit 301 is realized by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0034] The storage unit 301 stores a commuter pass information database (DB) 311, a refund information DB 312, and the like. The commuter pass information DB 311 stores various information related to multiple commuter passes. This information is acquired when a commuter pass is issued by the commuter ticket issuing machine 61, etc. The refund information DB 312 stores information related to refunds requested by users.

[0035] The information management device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a processing unit 102, a calculation unit 103, and a determination unit 104. These functional units are realized, for example, by a CPU (not shown) included in the information management device 10 expanding a control program stored in a ROM into a RAM and executing the program.

[0036] However, some or all of the above functional units may be configured with dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0037] The communication unit 101 enables information to be exchanged between the information management device 10 and the commuter pass server 30 via a network. The communication unit 101 also enables information to be exchanged between the information management device 10 and the user terminal 20 and station service equipment 60 via a network, and via the web server 40 or the relay server 50. Note that the web server 40 and the relay server 50 are omitted from Fig. 2.

[0038] The processing unit 102 stores commuter pass information at the time of commuter pass issuance and commuter pass refund applications from users in the commuter pass server 30, or reads this information from the commuter pass server 30, and performs various processes related to commuter passes for multiple users.

[0039] For example, when issuing a commuter pass, the commuter ticket issuing machine 61 links information such as the period and section of use of the commuter pass, and the payment method for selling the commuter pass to identification information that uniquely identifies the commuter pass, and transmits this information to the information management device 10 via the relay server 50.

[0040] The payment method for selling commuter passes is the payment method used when a user purchases a commuter pass, and may be, for example, electronic payment using a credit card or cash payment. The identification information may be, for example, a ticket number assigned to the commuter pass by the commuter ticket issuing machine 61 when issuing the pass, or user information such as an email address or name obtained from the user when the commuter ticket issuing machine 61 issues the commuter pass, and this may be used as the identification information.

[0041] The processing unit 102 of the information management device 10 stores the information received via the communication unit 101 in the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30 as commuter pass information.

[0042] For example, when a user terminal 20 applies for a refund for a commuter pass, the user terminal 20 links the refund application, which includes the date on which the commuter pass will no longer be in use and the user's email address on the user terminal 20, etc., to the above-mentioned identification information assigned to the commuter pass and sends it to the information management device 10 via the web server 40.

[0043] At this time, the user can set a date after the refund application date as the expiration date for the commuter pass. As will be explained in detail later, after the expiration date set at this time, the user will no longer be able to enter or exit the station using the commuter pass.

[0044] In this case, if the identification information for the commuter pass is the email address itself, the email address included in the refund application can be used as the identification information. Furthermore, when applying for a commuter pass refund, the information management device 10 may provide the commuter pass information for that commuter pass stored in the commuter pass server 30 to the user terminal 20. In this case, the user terminal 20 can send the refund application to the information management device 10 together with the identification information included in the commuter pass information.

[0045] The processing unit 102 of the information management device 10 stores this information received via the communication unit 101 as refund information in the refund information DB 312 of the commuter pass server 30. As a result, the refund information is registered in the commuter pass server 30. Once the refund information has been registered, the processing unit 102 sends a notification via the communication unit 101 to the email address attached to the refund application that the commuter pass refund application has been accepted.

[0046] For example, when the counter processing machine 63 receives a request from a user who has come to the station and performs a refund process, it transmits the above-mentioned identification information etc. attached to the commuter pass to the information management device 10 via the relay server 50.

[0047] If the refund information linked to the identification information received via the communication unit 101 is registered in the commuter pass server 30, the processing unit 102 of the information management device 10 transmits the refund information from the communication unit 101 to the counter processing machine 63 via the relay server 50.

[0048] Furthermore, the processing unit 102 reads out commuter pass information, which is information at the time of issuance of the commuter pass, from the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30, and if the commuter pass for which refund processing has been accepted at the counter processing machine 63 was purchased with cash, the processing unit 102 transmits the refund information together with information on the refund amount to the counter processing machine 63. On the other hand, if the commuter pass was purchased by electronic payment using a credit card or the like, the processing unit 102 performs processing to refund a portion of the purchase price of the commuter pass, also by electronic payment.

[0049] The calculation unit 103 calculates the refund amount. The refund amount varies depending on the number of days elapsed since the start date of use of the commuter pass, etc. Although regulations vary depending on the railway company, the refund amount is generally calculated on a pro rata basis if the refund is made within seven days of the start date of use, and thereafter, the refund is often made on a monthly basis. In the information management device 10 of this embodiment, if a refund application has been made in advance, the base date used to calculate the refund amount is the date on which the commuter pass's use was discontinued, as declared at the time of the refund application. On the other hand, if a refund application has not been made in advance, the base date used to calculate the refund amount is the date on which the refund processing is performed at the counter processing machine 63.

[0050] Regardless of which date is used as the base date, if that date is after a certain period of time has passed since the start date of the commuter pass, the refund amount may be zero.

[0051] If the refund amount based on the date of discontinuation is zero when applying for a refund of a commuter pass, the processing unit 102 may not accept the refund application in the first place and may not register the refund information. In this case, the processing unit 102 may send a rejection notice of the refund application to the user's email address instead of the above-mentioned acceptance notice.

[0052] In addition, when a refund process is performed without prior application, if the refund amount based on the current date is zero, the processing unit 102 can send a notification to that effect to the counter processing machine 63 and have the user present it.

[0053] When processing entry and exit using a commuter pass, the determination unit 104 refers to the commuter pass information DB 311 and refund information DB 312 of the commuter pass server 30 to determine the validity of the commuter pass.

[0054] For example, when performing entry / exit processing using a commuter pass, the ticket gate 62 reads electronic information from the commuter pass and transmits the electronic information, including the commuter pass's identification information, etc., to the information management device 10 via the relay server 50. If the commuter pass information linked to the identification information received via the communication unit 101 is stored in the commuter pass server 30, the determination unit 104 of the information management device 10 determines whether the commuter pass is valid or invalid based on the commuter pass information.

[0055] More specifically, the determination unit 104 refers to the commuter pass information and determines whether the commuter pass has been used within its validity period, whether the station where entry and exit processing is being performed is within the commuter pass area, etc. If both of these conditions are met, the determination unit 104 determines that the commuter pass is valid. On the other hand, if the validity period of the commuter pass has expired or if the commuter pass was used outside the commuter pass area, the determination unit 104 determines that the commuter pass is invalid.

[0056] When determining the validity of the commuter pass, in addition to the above process, the determination unit 104 refers to whether or not refund information linked to the identification information received via the communication unit 101 is registered in the commuter pass server 30. If the refund information is registered in the commuter pass server 30, the validity of the commuter pass is determined based on the refund information as well.

[0057] More specifically, the determination unit 104 refers to the refund information and determines whether the date on which entry / exit processing using the commuter pass is to be performed is before the expiration date of the commuter pass. If the entry / exit processing date is before the expiration date, the determination unit 104 determines that the commuter pass is valid. On the other hand, if the entry / exit processing date is after the expiration date, the determination unit 104 determines that the commuter pass is invalid.

[0058] The determination unit 104 transmits the above determination result based on the commuter pass information and the refund information from the communication unit 101 to the ticket gate 62 via the relay server 50.

[0059] When the ticket gate 62 receives from the information management device 10 a determination result that the commuter pass is valid, it allows the user of that commuter pass to pass through. On the other hand, when the ticket gate 62 receives from the information management device 10 a determination result that the commuter pass is invalid, it allows the user to pass through by, for example, deducting the regular fare from the remaining charge balance of the commuter pass. If the remaining charge balance is insufficient, the ticket gate 62 does not allow the user to pass through.

[0060] The counter processing machine 63 has, as its functional units, a communication unit 631 and a processing unit 632. These functional units are realized, for example, by a CPU (not shown) provided in the counter processing machine 63 expanding into RAM and executing a control program stored in, for example, a ROM, a hard disk, an SSD, or the like.

[0061] However, some or all of the above functional units may be configured by dedicated hardware such as ASIC, FPGA, or the like.

[0062] The communication unit 631 enables the exchange of information between the counter processing machine 63 and the information management device 10 via the network and via the relay server 50 .

[0063] The processing unit 632 executes various processes related to station operations, including the process of refunding commuter passes.

[0064] For example, in the process of refunding a commuter pass, the processing unit 632 reads electronic information from the commuter pass and transmits the electronic information, including the identification information of the commuter pass, from the communication unit 631 to the information management device 10 via the relay server 50. The processing unit 632 also acquires refund information linked to the identification information of the commuter pass from the information management device 10. Based on the acquired refund information, the processing unit 632 writes electronic information for invalidating the commuter pass to the commuter pass.

[0065] Furthermore, if the commuter pass was purchased with cash, the processing unit 632 acquires information on the refund amount along with the refund information from the information management device 10. The processing unit 632 performs processing to refund the acquired refund amount to the user in cash.

[0066] (Example of processing by station service system) Next, an example of a commuter pass refund process performed by the information management device 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for registering commuter pass refund information by the information management device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0068] 3, the communication unit 101 of the information management device 10 receives a commuter pass refund application from the user terminal 20 via the web server 40 (step S101). The processing unit 102 references the commuter pass identification information included in the refund application received by the communication unit 101, and searches the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30 for commuter pass information about the commuter pass related to the refund application (step S102). If the commuter pass information is not stored (step S102: No), the processing unit 102 terminates the refund information registration process with an error (step S105).

[0069] If the commuter pass information is stored in the commuter pass server 30 (step S102: Yes), the processing unit 102 registers the refund information in the commuter pass server 30 based on the contents of the refund application acquired from the user terminal 20 (step S103). The refund information is stored in the refund information DB 312 of the commuter pass server 30.

[0070] Thereafter, the processing unit 102 notifies the email address of the user terminal 20 or the like that the refund application has been accepted (step S104).

[0071] This completes the process of registering commuter pass refund information by the information management device 10 of the embodiment.

[0072] In addition, if the processing unit 102 of the information management device 10 terminates the process due to an error without registering the refund information (step S105), it may notify the email address of the user terminal 20, etc., that the refund application has been rejected.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining the validity of a commuter pass by the information management device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0074] 4, in the entry / exit process using a commuter pass, the communication unit 101 of the information management device 10 receives electronic information of the commuter pass read by the ticket gate 62 from the ticket gate 62 via the relay server 50 (step S111). The processing unit 102 references the commuter pass identification information included in the electronic information received by the communication unit 101, and searches for commuter pass information of the commuter pass that is the target of the entry / exit process from the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30 (step S112).

[0075] If the original usage period of the commuter pass or the termination date brought forward due to a refund request or the like has passed, or if the pass was used outside the commuter pass area, the determination unit 104 determines that appropriate commuter pass information is not stored in the commuter pass information DB 311 (step S112: No). In such cases, the processing unit 102 sends a command to the ticket gate 62 via the communication unit 101 to, for example, collect the regular fare from the remaining charge on the commuter pass and perform entry and exit processing (step S116).

[0076] As a result, the charge amount for the regular fare is deducted from the commuter pass, and the user is then able to pass through the ticket gate 62. If the charge balance is insufficient, the user will not be allowed to pass through the ticket gate 62.

[0077] If the correct commuter pass information is stored (step S112: Yes), the determination unit 104 refers to the refund information DB 313 of the commuter pass server 30 and determines whether or not a refund application has been made for the commuter pass (step S113). If a refund application has not been made (step S113: No), the processing of the next step S114 is skipped.

[0078] If a refund application has been made for the commuter pass (step S113: Yes), the determination unit 104 determines whether the entry / exit processing date is before the commuter pass's discontinuation date declared at the time of the refund application (step S114). If the entry / exit processing date is before the commuter pass's discontinuation date (step S114: Yes), the processing unit 102 sends a command to the ticket gate 62 via the communication unit 101 to perform entry / exit processing with the commuter pass valid (step S115). In other words, the user can pass through the ticket gate 62 without being charged a separate fare, for example.

[0079] If the entry / exit processing date is after the date on which the commuter pass is to be discontinued (step S114: No), the processing unit 102 sends a command to the ticket gate 62 via the communication unit 101 to collect the regular fare and process the entry / exit (step S116).

[0080] This completes the process of determining whether a commuter pass is valid or invalid by the information management device 10 of the embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing related to a commuter pass refund by the information management device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, in the commuter pass refund process, the communication unit 101 of the information management device 10 receives the electronic information of the commuter pass read by the counter processing machine 63 from the counter processing machine 63 via the relay server 50 (step S121).

[0083] The processing unit 102 references the commuter pass identification information included in the electronic information received by the communication unit 101, and searches for commuter pass information of the commuter pass to be processed from the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30 (step S122). If the commuter pass information is not stored in the commuter pass server 30 (step S122: No), the processing unit 102 ends the refund process with an error (step S129).

[0084] If the commuter pass information for that commuter pass is stored in the commuter pass server 30 (step S122: Yes), the processing unit 102 searches the refund information DB 312 of the commuter pass server 30 for refund information for the commuter pass to be refunded (step S123).

[0085] If refund information has been registered in the commuter pass server 30 (step S123: Yes), the calculation unit 103 calculates the refund amount based on the discontinuation date set by the user when applying for a refund (step S124).If refund information has not been registered in the commuter pass server 30 (step S123: No), the calculation unit 103 calculates the refund amount based on the execution date of the refund process, that is, the current date (step S125).

[0086] Furthermore, the processing unit 102 refers to the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30 to confirm the payment method used at the time of sale of the commuter pass that is the subject of the refund process (step S126).

[0087] If payment was made electronically using a credit card or the like when the commuter pass was sold (step S126: Yes), the processing unit 102 makes a refund via electronic payment and sends a command to the counter processing machine 63 via the communication unit 101 to execute only the commuter pass invalidation process as the refund process (step S127).

[0088] When a refund is made by electronic payment, the processing unit 102 may send a notification that the refund has been completed to the email address of the user terminal 20 or the like.

[0089] If payment was made in cash when the commuter pass was sold (step S126: No), the processing unit 102 sends a command via the communication unit 101 to the counter processing machine 63 to perform a refund process, including refunding the cash and invalidating the commuter pass (step S128).

[0090] Thereafter, the processing unit 102 deletes the commuter pass information of the commuter pass for which the refund process has been completed from the commuter pass information DB 311 of the commuter pass server 30, and deletes the refund information from the refund information DB 312 (step S130).

[0091] This completes the process for refunding a commuter pass by the information management device 10 of the embodiment.

[0092] (Overview) When a user wishes to get a refund for a commuter pass, the user must, for example, go to a designated station and request a refund at a ticket window or machine. The refund amount is calculated based on the date the refund is actually processed. However, if the user is unable to go to the station immediately after the date the commuter pass is discontinued, the processing date that is the basis for calculation may be delayed, resulting in a significant reduction in the refund amount.

[0093] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when the information management device 10 receives a refund application including information on the discontinuation date of the commuter pass from the user terminal 20 via the network, the information management device 10 registers refund information related to the refund application.

[0094] In this way, users can apply for a refund at any time, for example, via the Internet. Since the expiration date of the commuter pass is set, the calculation base date for the refund amount can be determined early. For example, even if the refund process cannot be performed immediately at the station after the expiration date, the refund amount can be prevented from decreasing. In other words, the refund amount can be determined without depending on the execution date of the refund process.

[0095] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when processing a refund, if refund information is registered for the commuter pass being processed, the ticket counter processing machine 63 performs the refund process based on the discontinuation date included in the refund information. As a result, when processing the refund, the refund amount is calculated based on the discontinuation date of the commuter pass that was applied for in advance, rather than the actual processing date. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the refund amount due to a delay in the refund process.

[0096] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when a refund is processed, if the refund information is not registered, the ticket window processing machine 63 performs the refund process based on the execution date of the refund process. In this way, the user does not necessarily need to apply for a refund in advance, which improves user convenience.

[0097] According to the station service system 1 of the embodiment, when performing entry / exit processing for a specific commuter pass, if refund information has been registered for that commuter pass and the date of execution of the entry / exit processing falls on or after the commuter pass's expiration date, the ticket gate 62 will not permit entry / exit using that commuter pass. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous entry / exit processing using a commuter pass whose expiration date has passed, even if, for example, there is a gap between the expiration date and the actual execution of the refund processing.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the information management device 10 and the station service equipment 60 exchange information via the relay server 50. However, if there is no concern that the information management device 10 will be overloaded, such as when the number of station service equipment 60 is sufficiently small, the station service system 1 of the embodiment does not need to have the relay server 50, and the information management device 10 and the station service equipment 60 may be directly accessible via a network.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the information management device 10 and the user terminal 20 exchange information via the web server 40. However, if the security of the network itself is sufficiently high, or if security is enhanced by other methods, the station service system 1 of the embodiment may not have the web server 40, and the information management device 10 and the user terminal 20 may be directly accessible via the network.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the station service equipment 60 is a thin-client type that executes only limited processing. However, the station service equipment 60 may be a rich-client type that executes almost all necessary processing. Alternatively, for example, each station may have a mixture of thin-client type station service equipment 60 and rich-client type station service equipment 60.

[0101] If the station service equipment 60 is a rich client type, when the information management device 10 receives a commuter pass refund application from the user terminal 20, it can register the refund information in the commuter pass server 30 and send a suspension command to a rich client type ticket gate 62 or the like to prohibit the use of the commuter pass after the suspension date. The ticket gate 62 retains the suspension command information from the information management device 10, and if an entry / exit process using the commuter pass is attempted after the suspension date of the commuter pass, the commuter pass will be invalidated.

[0102] Furthermore, when the information management device 10 receives electronic information about a commuter pass from a rich client-type ticket gate 62 or the like during entry / exit processing for a commuter pass for which a refund request has not been made, or entry / exit processing for a commuter pass for which a refund request has been made before the discontinuation date of the pass, the information management device 10 may transmit the commuter pass information about the commuter pass to the ticket gate 62 and allow the ticket gate 62 itself to determine whether the commuter pass is valid.

[0103] Furthermore, when the information management device 10 receives electronic information about a commuter pass from a rich client-type counter processor 63 or the like during a commuter pass refund process, the information management device 10 may transmit the commuter pass refund information to the counter processor 63 and have the counter processor 63 itself perform the refund process, including calculating the refund amount. If the commuter pass was purchased using a credit card or the like, the processing unit 102 of the information management device 10 can perform the refund by electronic payment upon receiving notification of the refund amount calculated by the counter processor 63.

[0104] Alternatively, both the information management device 10 and the counter processing machine 63 may be provided with a refund amount calculation function, and depending on the payment method used when purchasing the commuter pass, if the purchase was made by electronic payment, the information management device 10 may calculate the refund amount and make the refund via electronic payment, and if the purchase was made by cash, the counter processing machine 63 may calculate the refund amount and make the cash refund to the user on the spot.

[0105] (Variation 1) Next, a processing example of the station service system of the first modified embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The station service system of the first modified embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that the refund application can be canceled after the refund application for the commuter pass is submitted, as long as it is made before the refund process is actually executed.

[0106] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for canceling a commuter pass refund application by the information management device according to the first modification of the embodiment.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 6, the communication unit of the information management device of the first modification receives a request to cancel a refund application from a user terminal (step S201).

[0108] In Modification 1, a request to cancel a refund application can be made, for example, in the same procedure as the refund application in the above-described embodiment. That is, when making a request to cancel a refund application, the user terminal in Modification 1 links the cancellation request, including the email address of the user's user terminal, with the identification information assigned to the commuter pass, and sends it to the information management device.

[0109] In this case, if the identification information for the commuter pass is the email address itself, the email address included in the cancellation request can be used as the identification information. Furthermore, when making a cancellation request for a refund application, the information management device may present the refund information for that commuter pass stored in the commuter pass server to the user terminal. In this case, the user terminal can send the cancellation request to the information management device along with the identification information included in the refund information.

[0110] The processing unit of the information management device searches the commuter pass server for refund information for the commuter pass to be processed (step S202). If refund information for the commuter pass is registered (step S202: Yes), the processing unit deletes the registration of the refund information (step S203).

[0111] Thereafter, the processing unit notifies the email address of the user terminal or the like that the refund application has been cancelled (step S205).

[0112] On the other hand, if a commuter pass refund application has not been made, or if the refund application has already been processed, the commuter pass server will not have any registered refund information for the commuter pass (step S202: No). In this case, the processing unit will terminate the cancellation process for the commuter pass refund application with an error (step S204). At this time, the processing unit may send a notification of rejection of the cancellation request to the user's email address instead of the above notification.

[0113] This completes the process of canceling a commuter pass refund application by the information management device of the first modified example.

[0114] According to the station service system of Variation 1, when the information management device receives a request to cancel a refund application from a user terminal via the network for a commuter pass for which refund information has been registered, the information management device cancels the registration of the refund information. This allows the refund application to be canceled any time between the time the refund application is submitted and the time the refund processing is carried out. This further improves user convenience.

[0115] In addition, the station service system of the first modification provides the same effects as the station service system 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0116] (Variation 2) Next, a processing example of the station service system according to the second modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The station service system according to the second modification is different from the above-described embodiment in that, under certain conditions, it is possible to omit the refund process at the ticket window processing machine.

[0117] 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of a procedure for processing related to the refund of a commuter pass by an information management device according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed in parallel with the entry / exit processing using the commuter pass to be refunded.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 7, the processes from steps S311 to S314 are executed in the same manner as the processes from steps S111 to S114 shown in FIG. 4 of the above-described embodiment.

[0119] That is, in the entry / exit process using a commuter pass that is subject to a refund, when the information management device receives the electronic information of the commuter pass read by the ticket gate (step S311), if the appropriate commuter pass information for the commuter pass being processed is stored in the commuter pass server (step S312: Yes) and a refund application has been made for that commuter pass (step S313: Yes), it determines whether the entry / exit processing date is before the commuter pass discontinuation date declared at the time of the refund application (step S314).

[0120] If the entry / exit processing date is after the commuter pass expiration date (step S314: No), the information management device of variation 2 sends a command to the ticket gate to invalidate the commuter pass (step S321). In accordance with the invalidation command from the information management device, the ticket gate writes electronic information invalidating the commuter pass into the commuter pass.

[0121] The information management device of Variation 2 waits until it receives a notification from the ticket gate that the invalidation process for the commuter pass has been completed (step S322: No). When it receives the notification from the ticket gate that the invalidation process has been completed (step S322: Yes), it references the commuter pass information for that commuter pass stored in the commuter pass server and confirms the payment method used when purchasing the commuter pass (step S323).

[0122] If the commuter pass was purchased electronically (step S323: Yes), the information management device performs a refund via electronic payment (step S324) and deletes the commuter pass information and refund information from the commuter pass server (step S325). If the commuter pass was purchased with cash (step S323: No), steps S324 and S325 are skipped. The information management device then sends a command to the ticket gate to collect the regular fare and perform entry / exit processing (step S336).

[0123] If the commuter pass was purchased with cash and therefore cannot be refunded (step S323: No), the information management device of Variation 2 waits for a refund request for the commuter pass to be made at the counter processing machine, and then causes the counter processing machine to refund the pass in cash. After the refund process at the counter processing machine, the information management device deletes the commuter pass information and refund information from the commuter pass server.

[0124] On the other hand, if commuter pass information exists for the commuter pass (step S312: Yes) but a refund application has not been made (step S313: No), or if the entry / exit process is a process before the expiration date set at the time of the refund application (step S314: Yes), the information management device of Modification 2 sends a command to the ticket gate to perform the entry / exit process with the commuter pass valid (step S335), similar to the process of step S115 in Figure 4 of the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, in this case, the ticket gate allows the user to pass without charging a separate fare, etc.

[0125] Furthermore, if there is no commuter pass information for the commuter pass in the first place (step S312: No), the processing of steps S313, S314, and S321 to S325 is skipped, and the information management device sends a command to the ticket gate to collect the regular fare and perform entry / exit processing (step S336), similar to the processing of step S116 in Figure 4 of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0126] This completes the process for refunding a commuter pass by the information management device of the second modified example.

[0127] According to the station service system of Variation 2, when a ticket gate processes a commuter pass, if the date of the process falls after the expiration date set in the refund application and the commuter pass is capable of recording electronic information, the ticket gate will write electronic information to invalidate the commuter pass. This allows the commuter pass to be automatically invalidated without having to go through the refund process at a ticket window processing machine, for example. This simplifies the processing procedures of the entire station service system.

[0128] According to the station service system of Variation 2, when the information management device receives a notification from the ticket gate that the invalidation process has been completed, if the commuter pass was purchased electronically, it will refund a portion of the purchase price via electronic payment without going through a ticket counter. This eliminates the need for users to visit the station to request a refund, further improving user convenience. It also makes it possible to further simplify the processing procedures of the entire station service system.

[0129] In addition, the station service system of the second modification provides the same effects as the station service system 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0130] (Variation 3) Next, a processing example of the station service system according to the third modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The station service system according to the third modification can perform processing for a mobile commuter pass that is different from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0131] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 21 according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. The user terminal 21 of Modification 3 is configured as, for example, a mobile commuter pass that has the function of a commuter pass.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 21 of the third modification includes a communication unit 201 and a control unit 202 as functional units, and has installed thereon an application program 210 that realizes the functions of a commuter pass.

[0133] The communication unit 201 and the control unit 202 of the user terminal 21 are realized, for example, by a CPU (not shown) provided in the user terminal 21 expanding a control program stored in a ROM or the like into a RAM and executing the program. However, some or all of the above functional units may be configured by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0134] The communication unit 201 connects the user terminal 21 to a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 201 enables the user terminal 21 and the information management device to exchange information via the network via a relay server or directly.

[0135] The control unit 202 manages and controls the entire user terminal 21 .

[0136] The application program 210 is downloaded and installed via a network, for example, by a distribution service provided by a railway company that also issues commuter passes. For example, a CPU (not shown) included in the user terminal 21 expands the application program 210 stored in a ROM or the like into a RAM and executes it, thereby realizing the functional units of the processing unit 211, the determination unit 212, and the storage unit 213 in the user terminal 21.

[0137] The processing unit 211 performs various processes related to the commuter pass function of the user terminal 21. For example, when issuing a commuter pass, the processing unit 211 acquires commuter pass information 231 from a commuter pass issuing machine or the like in the station service equipment and stores it in the memory unit 213. The processing unit 211 can also process a commuter pass refund application to the information management device. In this case, it acquires refund information 232 from the information management device and stores it in the memory unit 213. The processing unit 211 can also invalidate the commuter pass when the expiration date for the commuter pass set when the refund application is reached.

[0138] When a commuter pass refund application is made, the determination unit 212 monitors the passage of time thereafter and determines whether the commuter pass expiration date set at the time of application has arrived.

[0139] As described above, the storage unit 213 stores the commuter pass information 231. In addition, when a commuter pass refund application is made, the storage unit 213 stores refund information 232.

[0140] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing related to a commuter pass refund by the application program 210 according to the third modification of the embodiment.

[0141] 9, the processing unit 211 of the application program 210 sends a commuter pass refund application to the information management device (step S431) in accordance with an instruction from the user using the user terminal 21. If the information management device sends a notice of rejection of the application due to some defect (step S432: No), the processing unit 211 terminates the commuter pass refund process with an error (step S436).

[0142] When an acceptance notification of the application is sent from the information management device (step S432: Yes), the processing unit 211 stores the refund information 232 in the storage unit 213. Furthermore, the determination unit 212 of the application program 210 references the refund information 232 stored in the storage unit 213 and starts monitoring the date based on the commuter pass expiration date set when the commuter pass refund application was made (step S433). The monitoring by the determination unit 212 continues until the expiration date arrives (step S433: No).

[0143] If the determination unit 212 determines that the expiration date of the commuter pass has arrived (step S433: Yes), the processing unit 211 disables the commuter pass function in the user terminal 21 (step S434), for example, by deleting the commuter pass information 231 from the storage unit 213. The processing unit 211 also transmits a notification that the commuter pass has been disabled to the information management device (step S435).

[0144] This completes the process for refunding a commuter pass by the application program 210 of the third modified example.

[0145] When the information management device of Modification 3 receives a notification from the application program 210 that the commuter pass has been invalidated, it executes a refund via electronic payment if the commuter pass was purchased via electronic payment. The information management device may then send a notification to the user terminal 21 that the refund has been completed.

[0146] According to the station service system of Variation 3, when the expiration date of the commuter pass arrives, the application program 210 invalidates the commuter pass function of the user terminal 21 and notifies the information management device that the function has been invalidated. This allows the commuter pass to be automatically invalidated even if the user does not use the station. This not only further improves user convenience, but also simplifies the processing procedures of the entire station service system.

[0147] According to the station service system of Variation 3, when the information management device receives a notification of invalidation of a commuter pass from the application program 210, if the commuter pass was purchased by electronic payment, it performs a process to refund a portion of the purchase price by electronic payment without going through a counter processing machine, etc. This means that almost all of the processing required for the refund is performed automatically, improving convenience for users and simplifying the processing procedures of the entire station service system.

[0148] In addition, the station service system of the third modification provides the same effects as the station service system 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0149] 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]

[0150] 1 Station service system 10 Information management device 20,21 User terminal 30 Commuter Pass Server 40 Web Server 50 Relay Server 60 Station equipment 61 Commuter ticket issuing machine 62 Ticket gate 63 Counter Processing Machine 64 Multi-Ticket Vending Machine 101 Communications Department 102 Processing section 103 Calculation Department 104 Judgment section 210 Application Program 211 Processing section 212 Judgment section 213 Storage section

Claims

1. an information management device that accepts commuter pass refund applications; a commuter pass processing device that processes the commuter pass refund, The information management device When the refund application including information on the discontinuation date of the commuter pass is received from the user terminal via a network, the refund information relating to the refund application is registered; The commuter pass processing device includes: When the refund process is performed, if the refund information is registered for the commuter pass, the refund process is performed based on the termination date included in the refund information. Station service system.

2. The commuter pass processing device includes: When the refund process is performed, if the refund information is not registered, the refund process is performed based on the execution date of the refund process. The station service system according to claim 1.

3. Further provided is an entrance / exit device that performs entrance / exit processing using the commuter pass, The entrance / exit device is When performing the entry / exit process for the commuter pass, if the refund information for the commuter pass has been registered and the execution date of the entry / exit process is after the termination date, entry / exit using the commuter pass is not permitted. The station service system according to claim 1.

4. The entrance / exit device is When performing the entry / exit process for the commuter pass, if the execution date of the entry / exit process is after the termination date and the commuter pass is a commuter pass capable of recording electronic information, electronic information for invalidating the commuter pass is written to the commuter pass. The station service system according to claim 3.

5. The entrance / exit device is notifying the information management device that the commuter pass has been invalidated; The information management device When the notification is received from the entrance / exit device, if the commuter pass was purchased by electronic payment, a process is performed to refund a portion of the purchase price by electronic payment without going through the commuter pass processing device. The station service system according to claim 4.

6. The information management device When a request to cancel the refund application is received from the user terminal via the network for the commuter pass for which the refund information has been registered, the registration of the refund information is cancelled. The station service system according to claim 1.

7. further comprising an application program to be executed by the computer functioning as the user terminal; The user terminal includes: The function of the commuter pass is granted, The application program When the date of discontinuation of use arrives, the function of the user terminal is disabled, notifying the information management device that the function has been disabled; The information management device When the notification is received from the application program, if the commuter pass was purchased by electronic payment, a process is performed to refund a portion of the purchase price by electronic payment without going through the commuter pass processing device. The station service system according to claim 1.

8. An information management device that accepts commuter pass refund applications, When the refund application including information on the discontinuation date of the commuter pass is received from the user terminal via a network, the refund information relating to the refund application is registered; A commuter pass processing device that processes the commuter pass refund, When the refund process is performed, if the refund information is registered for the commuter pass, the refund process is performed based on the termination date included in the refund information. Station service method.

9. A first computer that functions as an information management device that accepts commuter pass refund applications, When the refund application including information on the discontinuation date of the commuter pass is transmitted from the user terminal via a network, the refund information relating to the refund application is registered; a second computer that functions as a commuter pass processing device that performs the commuter pass refund process; When the refund process is performed, if the refund information is registered for the commuter pass, the refund process is performed based on the termination date included in the refund information. program.

Images