Asynchronous entry / exit system, asynchronous entry / exit method, asynchronous entry / exit program, entry / exit control device, entry / exit control method, entry / exit control program, notification server, notification method, and notification program

Abstract

This enables appropriate control of user entry and exit on public transportation systems. [Solution] The entry / exit control device 100 controls the user's entry based on the identification information of the medium obtained when the medium is read by the reader. After the user enters, the entry / exit control device 100 obtains the updated balance of monetary value, which is based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium, from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an asynchronous entry / exit system, an asynchronous entry / exit method, an asynchronous entry / exit program, an entry / exit control device, an entry / exit control method, an entry / exit control program, a notification server, a notification method, and a notification program.

Background Art

[0002] When entering a railway or bus by passing through a ticket gate, based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that uses short-range wireless communication such as electromagnetic fields or radio waves from an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip attached to a medium such as an electronic ticket (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "medium"), ID (Identification) information is read, and entry or exit processing of a user (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "user") who uses a bus or train is performed.

[0003] In the conventional user entry / exit management technology using the above RFID technology, ID information and the like obtained from the medium may be managed by an on-premises server. However, in recent years, since the above medium is increasingly used for shopping and other purposes other than riding a railway or bus, a shift from the conventional operation based on an on-premises server to an operation based on a cloud-type server such as a public cloud server is being considered.

[0004] However, regarding the shift to an operation based on a cloud-type server, there are problems in the processing speed and the like in entry / exit control as compared with the operation based on a conventional on-premises server. Therefore, as a user entry / exit control technology using a cloud-type server, a conventional technology is known in which the ID of a ticket is read, information necessary for reception processing among the information related to the ticket is acquired in advance, and reception processing is performed based on the read ID of the ticket (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-005969 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the conventional technologies described above have challenges in appropriately controlling the entry and exit of users in transportation systems. For example, conventional technologies control user entry and exit based on high-speed processing that uses only the information necessary for entry and exit. However, conventional technologies are only intended for entry and exit management using pre-purchased admission tickets, and it is difficult to realize appropriate entry and exit management in railways, buses, etc., where fare settlement and other transactions occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the asynchronous entry / exit system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an entry control unit that controls the entry of a user based on identification information of a medium obtained when a reading device reads the medium; and an acquisition unit that, after the user has entered, acquires the balance of monetary value updated based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the exit of the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has the effect of enabling appropriate control of users entering and exiting transportation facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the entry / exit control process according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the asynchronous entry / exit system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a table diagram showing an example of media information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry / exit control processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of entry / exit control processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry / exit control processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the entry / exit procedure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of an entry / exit control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates an example of entry / exit control processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the entry / exit procedure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of an entry / exit control device according to a modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates an example of entry / exit control processing related to a modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a computer that implements an entry / exit control device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] From here, embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the asynchronous entry / exit system, asynchronous entry / exit method, asynchronous entry / exit program, entry / exit control device, entry / exit control method, entry / exit control program, notification server, notification method, and notification program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0011] <Overview> (Background) When entering the railway premises or a bus, ID information is read from an IC chip attached to a medium such as an electronic ticket based on RFID technology, and the user's entry or exit process is performed. In the usage scenarios of ticket gates in Japan, in order to cope with the rush during the commuting or school hours, high-speed processing of about 200 msec is required from the reading of ID information to the completion of permission for entry or exit.

[0012] Therefore, conventionally, when performing user entry / exit control, high-speed processing has been achieved by managing ID information and the like obtained from the medium based on an on-premises server. However, in recent years, since the medium is increasingly used for shopping and other purposes other than taking trains or buses, a shift from the conventional operation using an on-premises server to an operation using a cloud-type server has been considered.

[0013] When using a cloud-type server, considering the arrival time, processing time, etc. from the reading of ID information from the medium to the cloud-type server, there are currently challenges in stably achieving high-speed processing. Therefore, a reference technique for efficiently controlling user entry / exit using a cloud-type server is known (for example, refer to Reference 1 described below).

[0014] (Reference 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-005969

[0015] For example, in the technique described in Reference 1, after performing the ticket-issuing procedure for the purchased ticket on a cloud-type server, it is displayed on the user's terminal device and read by the ticket gate. As described above, by implementing the ticket-issuing procedure on a cloud-type server and exchanging only the information necessary for entry / exit between the ticket gate and the cloud-type server, the processing speed can be increased.

[0016] However, conventional reference technologies have challenges in appropriately controlling user entry and exit in transportation systems. For example, while the reference technologies can achieve faster processing, they are based on "tickets purchased in advance," and therefore do not envision controlling user entry and exit based on terminal devices or IC cards or other media that are pre-charged with monetary value, which is a virtual currency used for paying fares or purchasing goods or services.

[0017] (Overall overview of processing by asynchronous entry / exit system 1) Therefore, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 uses the balance of monetary value asynchronously obtained after the user enters from a monetary value management system that manages the balance of monetary value used for payment of fares, etc., as a temporary balance of monetary value to execute control related to the user's exit, thereby achieving faster processing related to the user's entry and exit.

[0018] In this embodiment, "asynchronous" means any timing other than the timing of the user's entry. Also, in this embodiment, "monetary balance" refers to the balance of monetary value recorded on a medium such as an IC card ticket and used for paying fares or purchasing goods and services by the user, and may hereafter be referred to as "SF (Stored Fare) balance".

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "monetary value management system" is an information processing device such as a server that stores and manages the above-mentioned SF balance for each user. Also, the "provisional monetary value balance" is a provisional SF balance that is asynchronously obtained from the above-mentioned monetary value management system after the user enters the system, and may be referred to as the "provisional SF balance" hereafter.

[0020] Here, we will explain the overall structure of the processing performed by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the entry / exit control processing according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an asynchronous entry / exit system 1, which includes an entry / exit control device 100, a reader 200 (200a or 200b), a monetary value management system 300, and a virtual currency management system 700. The entry / exit control device 100 controls the reader 200 (ticket gate, etc.) that controls the entry and exit of users. The reader 200 (200a or 200b) is a device such as a ticket gate that reads identification information of a medium from a medium presented by a user. The monetary value management system 300 manages the user's SF balance. The virtual currency management system 700 manages virtual currencies such as cloud money, points, and local currencies.

[0022] The "media identification information" mentioned above may be referred to as "media ID" hereafter. Furthermore, the "virtual currency" mentioned above includes currencies such as cloud money, points, and local currencies, and may be referred to as "partner money" hereafter.

[0023] First, the entry / exit control device 100 controls the user's entry (Figure 1(1)). Specifically, the reader 200a reads the media ID from the media presented by the user and transmits the read media ID to the entry / exit control device 100 (Figure 1(1-1)). Then, the entry / exit control device 100 executes control to permit the user's entry based on the transmitted media ID (Figure 1(1-2)).

[0024] Next, the entry / exit control device 100 uses the media ID of the user who has been permitted to enter to retrieve the SF balance of that user from the monetary value management system 300 after the user has entered (Figure 1 (2-1)).

[0025] Here, the entry / exit control device 100 converts the "virtual currency" stored in the virtual currency management system 700 into an SF balance used by the entry / exit control device 100 when predetermined conditions are met, and adds it to the SF balance identified using the media ID of the user who was permitted to enter (Figure 1 (2-2)). Then, the entry / exit control device 100 uses the acquired SF balance as a "temporary SF balance (Figure 1 (2-3))" and executes user exit control based on the temporary SF balance (Figure 1 (3)).

[0026] Specifically, the entry / exit control device 100 executes control to allow the user to exit if the SF temporary balance is equal to or greater than the fare (Figure 1 (3-1)). On the other hand, if the SF temporary balance is less than the fare, the entry / exit control device 100 executes processing related to the deferral of fare payment, such as urging payment, payment of the fare at the next time of entry, or refusal of entry (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "payment deferral processing"), based on the payment deferral (Figure 1 (3-2)).

[0027] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately control the user's entry and exit without considering the processing time in the information processing related to entry and exit control, by asynchronously acquiring and using the SF balance, which is the sum of the partner money, as a temporary SF balance. Therefore, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 enables appropriate control of user entry and exit in transportation systems, which was difficult to achieve with conventional reference technologies.

[0028] <First Embodiment> From here, we will describe the first embodiment, which is a basic embodiment of the entry and exit control processing realized by the asynchronous entry and exit system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0029] First, the detailed functions of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] (Asynchronous entry / exit system 1) As shown in Figure 2, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 includes an entry / exit control device 100, a reader 200, a monetary value management system 300, an account information management system 400, and a notification server 500. The following sections will describe the details of each of these devices.

[0031] (Entry / exit control device 100) The entry / exit control device 100 is a device that controls the operation of a ticket reader 200, such as a ticket gate, which verifies tickets when boarding a train, bus, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the entry / exit control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0032] Furthermore, the entry / exit control device 100 may have an input unit (not shown) such as a touch panel or keyboard for receiving information input from the outside, and a display unit (not shown) such as a printer or display for displaying information such as the history and results of processing by the entry / exit control device 100.

[0033] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 performs communications related to the input of information regarding the media ID from the reader 200, information regarding the SF balance from the monetary value management system 300, and information regarding the account ID from the account information management system 400, as well as the output of commands to the reader 200, etc., such as commands to open or close the partition door. For example, the communication unit 110 is implemented by a NIC (Network Interface Card), etc., and controls communications related to various types of information exchanged with connected devices.

[0034] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk. The storage unit 120 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 130. Specifically, the storage unit 120 has a media information storage unit 121. The storage unit 120 may also be implemented by a storage system installed outside the access control device 100.

[0035] (Media information storage unit 121) The media information storage unit 121 stores various types of information (media information) used when a user enters or exits the premises via a reader 200 (ticket gate), etc. An example of the information stored by the media information storage unit 121 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a table diagram showing an example of media information according to the first embodiment.

[0036] For example, the media information storage unit 121 stores the media ID "A", the SF provisional balance "B", and the payment deferral information "C" in a table format, as shown in Figure 3, in association with "No", which is information that identifies individual pieces of information. The letters "A to C" shown in the table diagram in Figure 3 are information that indicates a legend for the information stored for each item, and may be a combination of one or more of the following: text, numbers, formulas, diagrams, etc.

[0037] The above item "Media ID" includes information combining text, numbers, symbols, etc., as identification information to identify the electronic ticket or other medium used by the user. The above item "SF Provisional Balance" includes information on the SF provisional balance based on the SF balance obtained from the monetary value management system 300, including numbers, etc., that indicate the SF provisional balance. The above item "Payment Deferral Information" includes information on the deferral of payment of the prescribed fare, including the date and time the payment deferral was made, the amount for which payment has been deferred, and the number of times payment has been deferred.

[0038] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 is implemented using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), NP (Network Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and executes the processing program stored in the memory unit 120. The control unit 130 also includes an entry control unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a determination unit 133, a registration unit 134, and an exit control unit 135.

[0039] (Entry Control Unit 131) The entry control unit 131 controls user entry by controlling the opening and closing of the partition door of the reader 200 (ticket gate) based on the media ID obtained when the reader 200 reads the media.

[0040] For example, the entry control unit 131 controls the reader 200 (ticket gate) to open the partition door if the acquired media ID is stored in the media information storage unit 121 and the user associated with the media ID is a user who is permitted to enter. On the other hand, the entry control unit 131 controls the reader 200 (ticket gate) to close the partition door if the media ID does not exist or the user associated with the media ID is a user who is prohibited from entering.

[0041] (Acquisition part 132) After a user enters, the acquisition unit 132 retrieves the SF balance corresponding to the media ID from the monetary value management system 300 that manages the SF balance, to be used as a temporary SF balance for controlling the user's exit. The acquisition unit 132 then stores the retrieved SF balance in the media information storage unit 121 as a temporary SF balance (the item "Temporary SF Balance" shown in Figure 3).

[0042] For example, the acquisition unit 132 uses the acquired media ID to identify the account ID stored in the account information management system 400. Next, the acquisition unit 132 uses the identified account ID to acquire the "SF balance" associated with that account ID from the monetary value management system 300.

[0043] (Judgment unit 133) The determination unit 133 determines whether the temporary SF balance is equal to or greater than the predetermined fare when the user exits. If the temporary SF balance is equal to or greater than the predetermined fare, the determination unit 133 sends a command to the exit control unit 135 (described later) to permit the user to exit, and a command to the registration unit 134 to register the SF balance in the monetary value management system 300.

[0044] On the other hand, if the SF temporary balance is less than a predetermined fare, the determination unit 133 sends a command to the exit control unit 135 to perform a predetermined payment deferral process.

[0045] Furthermore, the processes related to the transmission of a command by the determination unit 133 to permit the user to leave, the transmission of a command to register the SF balance, or the transmission of a command to execute a predetermined payment deferral process will be explained in detail in the section describing Figure 5 below.

[0046] (Registration Section 134) When the user is permitted to exit, the registration unit 134 registers the remaining SF balance, after deducting the prescribed fare, into the monetary value management system 300.

[0047] For example, when the registration unit 134 receives a registration command from the determination unit 133, it subtracts a predetermined fare from the "SF temporary balance" stored in the media information storage unit 121. Next, the registration unit 134 uses the media ID related to the SF temporary balance from which the predetermined fare has been deducted to identify the account ID stored in the account information management system 400. Then, the registration unit 134 uses the identified account ID to register the "SF balance" corresponding to that account ID in the monetary value management system 300.

[0048] (Departure Control Unit 135) The exit control unit 135 controls the system to allow the user to exit if the determination unit 133 determines that the SF temporary balance is equal to or greater than a predetermined fare. For example, when the exit control unit 135 receives a command from the determination unit 133 to allow the user to exit, it controls the system to open the partition door of the reader device 200 (ticket gate).

[0049] On the other hand, if the exit control unit 135 receives a command from the determination unit 133 to execute a predetermined payment deferral process, it will execute the predetermined payment deferral process, such as payment deferral, denial of entry, or denial of exit. For example, if the exit control unit 135 decides to deny entry or denial of exit based on the payment deferral information, it will control the partition door of the reader device 200 (ticket gate) so as not to open. The above predetermined payment deferral processes will be explained in detail in the section describing Figure 5 below.

[0050] (Reading device 200) The reader 200 is a device such as a ticket gate that controls the entry or exit of a user, and acquires information such as a media ID recorded on a medium presented by the user, based on known technology. The reader 200 then transmits the acquired media ID to the entry / exit control device 100.

[0051] (Monetary Value Management System 300) The monetary value management system 300 stores the SF balance held by each user, associated with each user's account ID. The monetary value management system 300 may be configured using, for example, an on-premise server, a cloud server, or other specified information processing device.

[0052] (Account Information Management System 400) The account information management system 400 is a system that manages information such as account IDs associated with each user's media ID (account information). The account information management system 400 may be configured using, for example, a predetermined information processing device such as an on-premise server or a cloud server.

[0053] (Notification server 500) The notification server 500 (notification unit) outputs a push notification or the like to the user when the user's payment deferral status meets predetermined conditions. Based on the information regarding the payment deferral of predetermined fares recorded in the monetary value management system 300, the notification server 500 outputs at least one of the following to the user who has been granted a payment deferral: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment.

[0054] The account information management system 400 may be configured using, for example, a predetermined information processing device such as an on-premise server or a cloud server. Furthermore, notification processing by the notification server 500 may be implemented not only by the notification server 500, but also by the aforementioned monetary value management system 300, the account information management system 400, or a ticket management server that manages the issuance of train tickets, commuter passes, express tickets, etc.

[0055] (An example of processing) From here, an example of processing by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figures 4 to 6. Figures 4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating an example of entry / exit control processing according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates an example of basic processing by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 as the first example. Figure 5 illustrates an example of processing related to payment deferral, entry denial, push notifications, etc., by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 as the second example. Figure 6 illustrates an example of processing related to updating the SF temporary balance by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 as the third example.

[0057] (Example 1) First, as the first example, we will explain "an example of basic processing" using Figure 4. In the first example, we will show an example of controlling the exit of a user using a temporary SF balance based on the SF balance obtained at any arbitrary time (asynchronously) after the user has entered.

[0058] First, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) performs entry control for users who wish to enter the premises (Figure 4 (1)).

[0059] Specifically, the reader 200a obtains the "Media ID: A" related to the user from the media presented by the user and transmits it to the entry / exit control device 100 (Figure 4 (1-1)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) grants the user entry if it satisfies predetermined conditions, such as the "Media ID: A" transmitted from the reader 200a being stored in the media information storage unit 121 (Figure 4 (1-2)). Note that the above "predetermined conditions" are not particularly limited and may be any conditions set to grant the user entry.

[0060] The entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires the SF balance related to the user as a temporary SF balance at any time (asynchronously) after the user has entered (Figure 4 (2)).

[0061] Specifically, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) uses the acquired "media ID: A" (Figure 4 (2-1)) to identify the "account ID: a" corresponding to "media ID: A" recorded in the account information management system 400 (Figure 4 (2-2)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) uses the identified "account ID: a" (Figure 4 (2-3)) to acquire the "SF balance: 500 yen" associated with that "account ID: a" as "SF temporary balance: 500 yen" (Figures 4 (2-4) and (2-5)).

[0062] The entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) performs exit control for users who wish to exit the premises (Figure 4 (3)). Specifically, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) controls the opening of the partition door of the reader 200b to allow the user to exit because the "SF temporary balance: 500 yen (Figure 4 (2-5))" is greater than the fare of "300 yen" (Figure 4 (3-1)).

[0063] Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (registration unit) updates the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300 based on the SF temporary balance after the predetermined fare has been deducted (Figure 4 (4)).

[0064] Specifically, the entry / exit control device 100 (registration unit) subtracts the fare of 300 yen from the temporary SF balance of 500 yen to calculate the temporary SF balance after the fare deduction of 200 yen (Figure 4 (4-1)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (registration unit) performs the same processing as described in Figure 4 (2-1) to (2-3) to identify the target account ID. Then, the entry / exit control device 100 (registration unit) updates the SF balance corresponding to the identified account ID to 200 yen (Figure 4 (4-2)).

[0065] As explained in the first example, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 acquires a temporary SF balance to be used for fare settlement at any time when no high-speed processing other than user entry / exit is required, thereby enabling the entry / exit process, which requires high-speed processing, to be performed appropriately.

[0066] (Second example) Next, as a second example, we will explain "an example of processing related to payment deferral, denial of entry, push notifications, etc." using Figure 5. In this second example, if the temporary SF balance, based on the SF balance obtained at any time (asynchronously) after the user's entry, falls below the predetermined fare, we will implement "payment deferral processing."

[0067] First, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) performs entry control for users who wish to enter the premises (Figure 5(1)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires the SF balance related to the user as a temporary SF balance at any time (asynchronously) after the user has entered (Figure 5(2)). Note that the processes shown in Figure 5(1) and (2) are the same as in the first example, so their explanation is omitted.

[0068] The entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) controls the exit of users who wish to exit the premises (Figure 5 (3)). Here, if the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) determines that the SF temporary balance is less than a predetermined fare, it performs a "payment deferral process" which involves recording payment deferral information to the monetary value management system 300 and controlling the user to allow them to exit.

[0069] For example, in the second example shown in Figure 5, since the SF temporary balance of "100 yen" is less than the fare of "300 yen", the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) executes the following "payment deferral processing".

[0070] First, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) controls the partition door of the reading device 200b to open, thereby allowing the user to exit (Figure 5 (3-1)).

[0071] Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) performs a payment deferral information registration process that includes information such as the date and time the payment deferral occurred for the user and the amount of the payment deferral (Figure 5 (4)).

[0072] Specifically, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) performs the same processing as described in (2-1) to (2-3) of Figure 4 to identify the target account ID. Then, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) records payment deferral information, including information such as "(payment deferral) date and time: 10 / 30", "(payment deferral) amount: 200 yen", and "(payment deferral) number of times: 1", in the monetary value management system 300 in association with the identified account ID (Figure 5 (4-1)).

[0073] The entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) then controls the entry of a user who has been granted a payment deferral if the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the payment deferral information in the monetary value management system 300 exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted (Figure 5 (5-1)). Note that the "predetermined value" and "predetermined period" in the above entry prohibition control may be arbitrarily set conditions.

[0074] Furthermore, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) controls the system to prohibit the exit of a user whose payment has been deferred if the total amount of deferred fares included in the payment deferral information recorded in the monetary value management system 300 exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted (Figure 5 (5-2)). Note that the "predetermined value" and "predetermined period" in the above control related to the prohibition of exit may be arbitrary conditions.

[0075] For example, if the specified value for the total grace period for the above fare is "100 yen (or more)", the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) can control the system to prohibit the user's entry because the total grace period shown in Figure 5 is "200 yen". Also, if the specified value for the number of grace periods for the above fare is "1 time (or more)", the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) can control the system to prohibit the user's entry because the number of grace periods for the above fare is "1 time" as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, if the specified value for the grace period for the above fare is "1 week", the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) can control the system to prohibit the user's entry because the grace period has "more than 1 week elapsed (for example, as of November 30th)".

[0076] Furthermore, the notification server 500 (notification unit) outputs at least one of the following notifications to the terminal device 20 etc. operated by the user who has been granted a payment deferral, based on the payment deferral information recorded in the monetary value management system 300: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment.

[0077] For example, if a payment deferral for fares has occurred (Figure 5 (5-3)), the notification server 500 (notification unit) can output a notification to the user such as "You have an outstanding fare of XX yen. Please settle the outstanding fare immediately" (Figure 5 (5-4)).

[0078] As explained in the second example, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 enables proper collection of debts (recovery of unpaid fares) from users whose fare payment has been deferred by executing a process to prompt them to pay the fare.

[0079] (Third example) Next, as a third example, we will explain "an example of processing related to updating the SF temporary balance" using Figure 6. In this third example, when acquiring the SF temporary balance based on the SF balance acquired at any time (asynchronously) after the user has entered the system, if a predetermined action occurs that causes a change in the SF balance, such as a purchase by the user, the SF balance is acquired again and the SF temporary balance is updated.

[0080] First, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) performs entry control for users who wish to enter the premises (Figure 6 (1)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires the SF balance "500 yen" related to the user at any time (asynchronously) after the user has entered, as a temporary SF balance "500 yen" (Figure 6 (2) and (2-1)). Note that the processes shown in Figure 6 (1), (2) and (2-1) are the same as those in the first and second examples, so their explanation is omitted.

[0081] Here, if a user performs a predetermined action after entering that causes a change in the SF balance, such as making a purchase, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) uses the media ID to acquire the SF balance at the time the predetermined action causing the change in the SF balance was performed by the user from the monetary value management system 300 as a temporary SF balance (Figure 6 (3)).

[0082] Specifically, when a user makes a purchase of "100 yen" and the SF balance changes from "500 yen" to "400 yen", the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires the SF balance of "400 yen" related to that user as a temporary SF balance of "400 yen" (Figure 6 (3) and (3-1)).

[0083] The entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) uses the acquired SF temporary balance of "400 yen" to perform exit control for the user (Figure 6 (4)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (registration unit) updates the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300 to "100 yen" based on the SF temporary balance of "100 yen" after the predetermined fare has been deducted (Figure 6 (5)).

[0084] As explained in the third example, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 enables the payment of fares using the latest temporary SF balance by reacquiring the SF balance as a temporary SF balance when the SF balance changes due to the user's actions within the premises.

[0085] (Processing procedure) From here, the processing procedure of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the entry / exit processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0086] The asynchronous entry / exit system 1 waits for processing until the user presents the medium and the medium ID is obtained (No in S101). Then, when the user presents the medium and the medium ID is obtained, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 starts the entry / exit control processing (Yes in S101).

[0087] First, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (entry control unit) controls the user's entry based on the media ID obtained when the media reader reads the media (S102). Next, after the user's entry, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (acquisition unit) obtains the SF balance corresponding to the media ID as a temporary SF balance from the monetary value management system (S103).

[0088] Here, if the SF temporary balance is greater than or equal to the fare (Yes in S104), the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (exit control unit) controls the system to allow the user to exit (S105). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (registration unit) registers the SF balance, after deducting the predetermined fare, into the monetary value management system (S106). Then, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 completes the process.

[0089] On the other hand, if the SF temporary balance is less than the fare (No. in S104), the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (exit control unit) controls the system to allow the user to exit (S107). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (exit control unit) records the payment deferral information into the monetary value management system (S108). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 performs the payment deferral process (S109). Then, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 completes the process.

[0090] (effect) Next, we will explain the effects of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the first embodiment. Conventionally, when migrating the processing of user entry and exit control from an on-premise server to a cloud server, there are challenges in controlling the appropriate entry and exit of users in transportation facilities.

[0091] Therefore, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit 131) of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the first embodiment controls the user's entry based on the media ID obtained when the media reader 200 reads the media. After the user enters, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit 132) of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 obtains the SF balance corresponding to the media ID from the monetary value management system 300 that stores the SF balance, as a temporary SF balance used to control the user's exit.

[0092] Therefore, according to the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 of the first embodiment, by using a pre-acquired temporary SF balance at any time after the user has entered, when high-speed processing is not required at the time of entry or exit, it becomes unnecessary to acquire the SF balance each time the user enters or exits. In other words, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 achieves faster processing at the time of the user's entry and exit by using a pre-acquired temporary SF balance. As a result, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 has the effect of enabling appropriate control of user entry and exit in transportation facilities.

[0093] The determination unit 133 determines whether the temporary SF balance is equal to or greater than the predetermined fare when the user exits. The exit control unit 135 controls the user to allow them to exit if the determination unit 133 determines that the temporary SF balance is equal to or greater than the predetermined fare. The registration unit 134 registers the SF balance, after deducting the predetermined fare, to the monetary value management system 300 when the user's exit is permitted.

[0094] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can speed up the user entry process by obtaining the temporary SF balance after the user enters. Furthermore, if the obtained temporary SF balance is greater than or equal to the fare, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can first allow the user to exit, and then register the latest SF balance in the monetary value management system 300 based on the temporary SF balance after deducting the fare.

[0095] In other words, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 acquires and updates the temporary SF balance at times other than entry and exit, when high-speed processing is required. This has the effect of enabling appropriate control of user entry and exit, even when transitioning to user entry and exit control using a cloud-based server.

[0096] If the determination unit 133 determines that the SF temporary balance is less than the predetermined fare, the exit control unit 135 controls the recording of payment deferral information to the monetary value management system 300 and permits the user to exit.

[0097] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can allow the user to exit after granting a payment deferral, even if the acquired SF temporary balance is insufficient to cover the fare. Furthermore, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can perform appropriate payment deferral processing by recording information such as the date and time, amount, and number of times the payment deferral was granted as payment deferral information in the monetary value management system 300.

[0098] The entry control unit 131 controls the entry of a user who has been granted a payment deferral if the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the payment deferral information in the monetary value management system 300 exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted.

[0099] Furthermore, the exit control unit 135 controls the system to prohibit the exit of a user who has been granted a payment deferral if the total amount of deferred fares included in the payment deferral information recorded in the monetary value management system 300 exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted.

[0100] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can refuse entry to users who have a payment deferral, especially if the amount of the deferral is large or if the number of payment deferrals is high. As a result, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 has the effect of appropriately recovering the deferred fare from users who are subject to payment deferral.

[0101] Furthermore, if a user is prohibited from entering or exiting the premises, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can lift the entry or exit ban for that user if the user takes measures to lift the ban, such as charging their SF balance, linking a valid credit card or bank account to their account, or completing a payment as a result of taking such measures.

[0102] The payment control unit 135 outputs to the user who has been granted a payment deferral, based on the payment deferral information recorded in the monetary value management system 300, at least one of the following: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment.

[0103] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can notify users who have a payment deferral that payment has been deferred and the amount owed, thereby prompting users to pay the deferred fare. As a result, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 has the effect of appropriately recovering the deferred fare from users who are subject to the payment deferral.

[0104] The acquisition unit 132 uses the media ID to acquire the SF balance at the time a predetermined action that causes a change in the SF balance is performed by the user, as a provisional SF balance from the monetary value management system 300.

[0105] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can update the temporary SF balance each time the SF balance changes, such as when a user makes a purchase using the SF balance after passing through a reader 200 (ticket gate) within the station. As a result, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 enables the user to exit using the temporary SF balance based on the latest SF balance.

[0106] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described, which is an embodiment in which the SF balance is updated using affiliated money, such as cloud money, points, and local currency, among the entry and exit control processing realized by the asynchronous entry and exit system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0107] In other words, the second embodiment is an embodiment that enables payment of fares using partner money by converting partner money, which can be converted into SF balance, into an SF balance and adding it to the SF balance held by the user.

[0108] (Entry / exit control device 100) First, the detailed functions of the access control device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the access control device 100 according to the second embodiment. In the following sections, the description of functional parts that have the same functions in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0109] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 according to the second embodiment further includes an update unit 136 in addition to the entry control unit 131, acquisition unit 132, determination unit 133, registration unit 134, and exit control unit 135.

[0110] (Acquisition part 132) In the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the updated SF balance, based on the affiliate money identified using the media ID, from the monetary value management system 300 that stores the SF balance, after the user has entered, as a temporary SF balance used to control the user's exit. A specific example of the processing by the acquisition unit 132 in the second embodiment will be described in detail in the section describing Figure 9 below.

[0111] (Updated part 136) The update unit 136 adds the balance of the affiliated money corresponding to the media ID to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300, based on pre-set conditions. For example, the update unit 136 can achieve the above process by sending a command to the monetary value management system 300 or the virtual currency management system 700 to acquire affiliated money from the virtual currency management system 700, a command to convert the acquired affiliated money into an SF balance, and a command to add the affiliated money converted into an SF balance to the SF balance stored in the monetary value management system 300.

[0112] The "pre-set conditions" mentioned above may include, for example, the partner money to be converted to the SF balance, the timing of the process to add the partner money, and the amount (value) of the partner money to be converted.

[0113] Furthermore, the update unit 136 converts the partner money into SF balance based on a predetermined exchange rate and adds it to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300. For example, if the partner money is points usable on a predetermined online site, the update unit 136 can convert the points into SF balance based on the exchange rate between points and SF set for those points (for example, 200 points = SF balance of 100 yen, etc.) and add it to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300.

[0114] Furthermore, if the partner money is a foreign currency, the update unit 136 can convert the foreign currency into an SF balance based on an exchange rate set based on the exchange rate of that foreign currency (for example, 1 dollar = 150 yen in SF balance), and then add it to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300. The update unit 136 can obtain the above exchange rate in a timely manner via the internet or other means.

[0115] Furthermore, the update unit 136 adds the amount of partner money at the time a predetermined action that causes a change in the balance of partner money is performed to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300. For example, if the partner money is points that can be used on a predetermined online site, the update unit 136 can reacquire the points after the change and add them to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300 when the points are used for payment at an online site or physical store and the point balance changes.

[0116] Furthermore, regarding the reacquisition of partner money at the time a predetermined action resulting in a change in the balance of partner money is performed, the update unit 136 can acquire it from an external server or the like that provides the service related to the points. In addition, the update unit 136 can also add the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300 using information automatically transmitted from the external server that provides the service related to the points at the time a predetermined action resulting in a change in the balance of partner money is performed.

[0117] (Cryptocurrency Management System 700) The virtual currency management system 700 stores affiliated currencies (virtual currencies) such as cloud money, points, and local currencies. The virtual currency management system 700 may be configured using a predetermined information processing device, such as an on-premise server or a cloud server.

[0118] (An example of processing) From here, an example of processing by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry / exit control processing according to the second embodiment. The example shown in Figure 9 is an example in which the SF balance, to which the affiliate money converted into monetary value by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 has been added, is obtained and used in the entry / exit control processing.

[0119] First, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) controls the entry of users who wish to enter the premises (Figure 9 (1)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires the SF balance related to the user as a temporary SF balance at any time (asynchronously) after the user has entered (Figure 9 (2)).

[0120] Here, the entry / exit control device 100 performs the process of adding affiliate money to the SF balance. Specifically, the entry / exit control device 100 (update unit) identifies a first management account corresponding to the media ID. Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (update unit) identifies a second management account, which is an account associated with the identified first management account and manages the balance of affiliate money recorded in a system different from the monetary value management system 300 (virtual currency management system 700). Next, the update unit 136 adds the balance of affiliate money corresponding to the second management account, obtained from the virtual currency management system 700 based on pre-set conditions, to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300.

[0121] In one example shown in Figure 9, first, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) uses the acquired "media ID: A" (Figure 9 (2-1)) to identify "account ID: a", which identifies the first management account corresponding to "media ID: A" recorded in the account information management system 400 (Figure 9 (2-2)).

[0122] Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) identifies "account ID:ap," which identifies a second management account recorded in the virtual currency management system 700 and associated with the identified "account ID:a" (Figure 9 (2-3)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) converts "partner money: 100 yen" corresponding to the identified "account ID:ap" into an SF balance (Figure 9 (2-4)). Then, it adds the converted SF to the SF balance.

[0123] The entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires an "SF balance: 500 yen" which is the amount of partner money converted into SF balance added (Figure 9 (2-5)). Then, the entry / exit control device 100 uses the acquired SF balance (Figure 9 (2-6)) to perform exit control processing (Figure 9 (3)) and balance registration processing (Figure 9 (4)), in the same manner as the first example in the first embodiment.

[0124] As described in the example of the second embodiment above, the entry / exit control device 100 can efficiently utilize partner money by converting partner money that can be converted into SF balance into SF balance.

[0125] (Processing procedure) From here, the processing procedure by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the entry / exit processing procedure according to the second embodiment.

[0126] The asynchronous entry / exit system 1 waits for processing until the user presents the medium and the medium ID is obtained (No in S201). Then, when the user presents the medium and the medium ID is obtained, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 starts processing the entry / exit control (Yes in S201).

[0127] First, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (entry control unit) controls the user's entry based on the media ID obtained when the media is read by the reader (S202). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (acquisition unit) converts the affiliate money recorded in the virtual currency management system 700 into an SF balance and adds it to the SF balance corresponding to the media ID (S203). Next, after the user's entry, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (acquisition unit) obtains the SF balance corresponding to the media ID as a temporary SF balance from the monetary value management system (S204).

[0128] Here, if the SF temporary balance is greater than or equal to the fare (Yes in S205), the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (exit control unit) controls the system to allow the user to exit (S206). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (registration unit) registers the SF balance, after deducting the predetermined fare, into the monetary value management system (S207). Then, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 completes the process.

[0129] On the other hand, if the SF temporary balance is less than the fare (No. in S205), the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (exit control unit) controls the system to allow the user to exit (S208). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 (exit control unit) records the payment deferral information into the monetary value management system (S209). Next, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 performs the payment deferral process (S210). Then, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 completes the process.

[0130] (effect) Next, we will explain the effects of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the second embodiment. Conventionally, it has been difficult to directly use partner money such as cloud money, points, and local currencies because they are monetary systems different from monetary value (SF).

[0131] Therefore, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit 131) of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to the second embodiment controls the user's entry based on the media ID obtained when the media reader 200 reads the media. The entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit 132) of the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 obtains the updated SF balance, which is based on the affiliate money identified using the media ID, from the monetary value management system 300 that stores the SF balance, as a temporary SF balance to be used for controlling the user's exit. The asynchronous entry / exit system 1 then uses the SF balance with the converted affiliate money added as the temporary SF balance to execute exit control processing, payment deferral processing, etc.

[0132] Therefore, according to the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 of the second embodiment, the efficient use of partner money can be promoted by converting partner money into an SF balance and adding it to the SF balance. As a result, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 has the effect of enabling appropriate control of user entry and exit on transportation systems by using the SF temporary balance to which the converted partner money has been added.

[0133] The update unit 136 adds the balance of the affiliated money corresponding to the media ID to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300, based on pre-set conditions.

[0134] Specifically, the update unit 136 identifies a first management account corresponding to the media ID. Next, the update unit 136 identifies a second management account, which is associated with the identified first management account and is an account that manages the balance of affiliated money recorded in the virtual currency management system 700. Then, the update unit 136 adds the balance of affiliated money corresponding to the second management account, obtained from the virtual currency management system 700 based on pre-set conditions, to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300.

[0135] Through the process described above, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can promote the efficient and appropriate use of partner money, which previously had challenges in direct mutual use. In other words, by converting partner money into SF balance, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 reduces the man-hours required for system integration related to the use of partner money and improves the efficiency of accounting processing, thereby enabling users of public transportation to make effective use of partner money.

[0136] The update unit 136 converts the partner money into an SF balance based on a predetermined exchange rate and adds it to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300. Through the above process, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can appropriately convert the partner money into an SF balance based on a pre-set exchange rate, even if the conversion rate is different (i.e., it is not a 1:1 exchange) when converting the partner money into an SF balance.

[0137] Furthermore, if, for example, the partner money is the currency of a designated country, the exchange rate between the designated country's currency and the SF balance can be determined based on exchange rate information of the currency obtained as appropriate, thereby appropriately converting the partner money into the SF balance. Therefore, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can more effectively promote the use of partner money.

[0138] The update unit 136 adds the amount of partner money at the time a predetermined action that causes a change in the partner money balance is performed to the SF balance recorded in the monetary value management system 300. Through the above process, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can appropriately convert partner money into the SF balance based on the latest partner money balance, even when partner money is used when purchasing goods or services on websites on the internet or at physical stores, and the balance of said partner money changes. Therefore, the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 can more appropriately promote the use of partner money.

[0139] <Variation> The following describes a modified example implemented by the asynchronous entry / exit system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0140] (Another form of notification processing) In the second example, it was explained that the "notification server (notification unit)" makes a predetermined push notification, but as will be explained in the following modifications, this may be done by the entry / exit control device 100 or other information processing devices.

[0141] Here, we will describe a different form (modified version) in which the entry / exit control device 100 executes the "push notification" process described in the "second example" above. First, we will use Figure 11 to describe an example of the device configuration of the entry / exit control device 100 according to the modified version. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entry / exit control device according to the modified version.

[0142] (Entry / exit control device 100) As shown in Figure 11, the modified entry / exit control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130, similar to the entry / exit control device 100 according to the embodiment described with reference to Figure 2. Hereafter, explanations of parts with overlapping functions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0143] (Notification Department 137) The modified entry / exit control device 100 has a notification unit 137. Based on information regarding the deferral of payment of a predetermined fare recorded in the monetary value management system 300, the notification unit 137 outputs to the user who has been granted a payment deferral at least one of the following: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment.

[0144] (An example of a modified payment deferral process, including notification processing) Here, we will explain "an example of a modified payment deferral process including notification processing" using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry / exit control processing related to the modified process.

[0145] Figure 12 illustrates an example in which the entry / exit control device 100 performs "payment deferral processing such as payment deferral, prohibition of entry / exit, and push notification" when the temporary SF balance, based on the SF balance acquired at any time (asynchronously) after the user's entry, falls below a predetermined fare.

[0146] First, the entry / exit control device 100 (entry control unit) performs entry control for users who wish to enter the premises (Figure 12 (1)). Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (acquisition unit) acquires the SF balance related to the user as a temporary SF balance at any time (asynchronously) after the user has entered (Figure 12 (2)).

[0147] Next, the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) performs exit control for users who wish to exit the premises (Figure 12 (3)). Here, if the entry / exit control device 100 (exit control unit) determines that the SF temporary balance is less than a predetermined fare, it performs a "payment deferral process" which involves recording payment deferral information to the monetary value management system 300 (Figure 12 (4)) and controlling the user to allow them to exit (Figure 12 (5)).

[0148] The processes shown in Figure 12 (1) to (5) above are the same as those in the second example according to the embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0149] The entry / exit control device 100 controls the entry or exit of a user who has been granted a payment deferral if the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the payment deferral information in the monetary value management system 300 exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted (Figure 12 (5-1) or (5-2)).

[0150] Furthermore, the entry / exit control device 100 (notification unit) outputs at least one of the following to the terminal device 20 etc. operated by the user who has been granted a payment deferral, based on the payment deferral information recorded in the monetary value management system 300: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment. (Figure 12 (5-3)).

[0151] For example, if a fare payment deferral has occurred, the entry / exit control device 100 (notification unit) can output a notification to the user such as, "You have an outstanding fare of XX yen. Please settle the outstanding fare immediately."

[0152] As described above, the entry / exit control device 100 enables proper debt collection (recovery of unpaid fares) from users whose fare payment has been deferred by executing a process to prompt them to pay the fare.

[0153] As an example of a modified configuration, we have described an example in which the "entry / exit control device 100" performs notification processing, but of course, it is not limited to the entry / exit control device 100. For example, in addition to the entry / exit control device 100, the monetary value management system 300, the account information management system 400, and other servers and information processing devices may be configured to perform notification processing such as push notifications.

[0154] Furthermore, although this was described as a modification of the "first embodiment" as an example of a modified form, it can be similarly applied to a modification of the second embodiment.

[0155] (Data, etc.) The terms used in this description of the embodiment, such as SF balance, SF provisional balance, monetary value, media ID (medium identification information), account ID, payment deferral information, payment deferral processing, and the names of the functional parts of each device constituting the asynchronous entry / exit system 1, are merely examples and can be changed at will.

[0156] For example, the media information storage unit 121 is described as storing media ID, user information, SF provisional balance, and payment deferral information in a table format as shown in Figure 3, associated with "No," which is information that identifies individual pieces of information. However, the item names and the information stored associated with those items are not limited.

[0157] (Flowcharts, etc.) The steps in a flowchart may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other, and some steps may be omitted. Furthermore, conjunctions such as "next," "continue," "in addition," "at this time," and "on this occasion" in the flowchart description do not limit the order or timing of the processes in the flowchart. Also, the steps, processes, and names of steps and processes in a flowchart are merely examples and may be changed as desired.

[0158] (Regarding combinations of embodiments) Although a first and second embodiment of the entry / exit control device 100 according to this embodiment have been described, each embodiment can be implemented in combination. For example, the "payment deferral processing" and "SF temporary balance update processing" according to the first embodiment and the "processing related to adding partner money to the SF balance" according to the second embodiment may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0159] (Regarding the processing of the update section) In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the entry / exit control device 100 implements the function of the "update unit," but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the update unit may be provided in the monetary value management system 300, the account information management system 400, or other servers or information processing devices included in the asynchronous entry / exit system 1.

[0160] <Hardware Configuration> Furthermore, the various devices included in the entry / exit control device 100 according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the entry / exit control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0161] Computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a central processing unit 1030, memory 1040, storage 1050, output interface 1060, input interface 1070, and communication interface 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0162] The central processing unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the memory 1040 and storage 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The memory 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the central processing unit 1030 for various calculations. The storage 1050 is a storage device where data used by the central processing unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0163] Output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010 that output various types of information, such as monitors and printers. It can be implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and cameras. It can be implemented using USB, for example. Input devices 1020 may also be devices that read information from optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media, tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory, or external storage media such as USB memory.

[0164] The communication interface 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the central processing unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the central processing unit 1030 to other devices via the network N. The central processing unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and input IF 1070. For example, the central processing unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or storage 1050 into memory 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0165] For example, if computer 1000 functions as an entry / exit control device 100, the central processing unit 1030 of computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto memory 1040 to realize the functions of the control units of each device.

[0166] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention may be implemented in other forms by various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be read as "means," "circuit," etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 1. Asynchronous entry / exit system 100 Entry / Exit Control Device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Media information storage unit 130 Control Unit 131 Entrance Control Unit 132 Acquisition Department 133 Judgment section 134 Registration Department 135 Exit Control Unit 136 Update Department 137 Notification Department 200 Reader 300 Monetary Value Management Systems 400 Account Information Management System 500 Notification Server 700 Virtual Currency Management Systems

Claims

1. An access control unit that controls user entry based on the identification information of the medium obtained when the medium is read by a reader, After the user enters, an acquisition unit acquires the updated balance of monetary value based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit. An asynchronous entry / exit system characterized by having the following features.

2. The system further includes an update unit that adds the balance of the virtual currency corresponding to the identification information of the medium to the balance of the monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system, based on pre-set conditions. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned update unit is Identify a first management account corresponding to the identification information of the aforementioned medium, Identify a second management account, which is an account associated with the identified first management account and which manages the balance of the virtual currency recorded in a system different from the monetary value management system. The balance of the virtual currency corresponding to the second management account, obtained from a system different from the monetary value management system based on the pre-set conditions, is added to the balance of the monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to feature 2.

4. When the user exits, a determination unit determines whether the provisional balance of the monetary value is equal to or greater than the predetermined fare, If the determination unit determines that the remaining monetary value is equal to or greater than a predetermined fare, the exit control unit controls the system to allow the user to exit, The system further includes a registration unit that, when the user is permitted to exit, registers the remaining balance of the monetary value after deducting a predetermined fare to the monetary value management system, The asynchronous entry / exit system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned exit control unit, If the determination unit determines that the provisional balance of the monetary value is less than the predetermined fare, it will record information regarding the deferral of payment of the predetermined fare into the monetary value management system and control the system to allow the user to exit. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned entry control unit, If the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the information regarding the deferral of payment of predetermined fares in the monetary value management system exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted, the system will control the entry of the user for whom the payment deferral was granted. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to feature 5.

7. The aforementioned exit control unit, If the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the information regarding the deferral of payment of predetermined fares in the monetary value management system exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted, the system will control the system to prohibit the user who has been granted a payment deferral from exiting the facility. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to feature 5.

8. The system further includes a notification unit that, based on the information regarding the deferral of payment of the predetermined fare recorded in the monetary value management system, outputs to the user who has been granted a payment deferral at least one of the following: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to feature 5.

9. The acquisition unit is, Using the identification information of the aforementioned medium, the balance of the aforementioned monetary value at the time when a predetermined action causing a change in the balance of the aforementioned monetary value is performed by the user is obtained from the monetary value management system as a provisional balance of the aforementioned monetary value. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The aforementioned update unit is Based on a predetermined exchange rate, the virtual currency is converted into the balance of monetary value and added to the balance of monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the features described herein.

11. The aforementioned update unit is The virtual currency at the time a predetermined action is performed that causes a change in the balance of the virtual currency is added to the balance of monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system. The asynchronous entry / exit system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the features described herein.

12. A method for asynchronous entry and exit to be executed by an asynchronous entry and exit system, An entry control process that controls user entry based on identification information of the medium obtained by reading the medium with a reader, After the user enters, the acquisition step involves obtaining the updated balance of monetary value, based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium, from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit; An asynchronous entry / exit method characterized by including the following.

13. An access control procedure that controls user entry based on identification information of a medium obtained by reading the medium with a reader, After the user enters, the acquisition procedure involves obtaining the updated balance of monetary value, based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium, from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit; An asynchronous entry / exit program to cause a computer to execute.

14. An access control unit that controls user entry based on the identification information of the medium obtained when the medium is read by a reader, After the user enters, an acquisition unit acquires the updated balance of monetary value based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit. An entry / exit control device characterized by having the following features.

15. The system further includes an update unit that adds the balance of the virtual currency corresponding to the identification information of the medium to the balance of the monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system, based on pre-set conditions. The entry / exit control device according to feature 14.

16. The aforementioned update unit is Identify a first management account corresponding to the identification information of the aforementioned medium, Identify a second management account, which is an account associated with the identified first management account and which manages the balance of the virtual currency recorded in a system different from the monetary value management system. The balance of the virtual currency corresponding to the second management account, obtained from a system different from the monetary value management system based on the pre-set conditions, is added to the balance of the monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system. The entry / exit control device according to claim 15.

17. When the user exits, a determination unit determines whether the provisional balance of the monetary value is equal to or greater than the predetermined fare, If the determination unit determines that the remaining monetary value is equal to or greater than a predetermined fare, the exit control unit controls the system to allow the user to exit, The system further includes a registration unit that, when the user is permitted to exit, registers the remaining balance of the monetary value after deducting a predetermined fare to the monetary value management system, An access control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. The aforementioned exit control unit, If the determination unit determines that the provisional balance of the monetary value is less than the predetermined fare, it will record information regarding the deferral of payment of the predetermined fare into the monetary value management system and control the system to allow the user to exit. The entry / exit control device according to feature 17.

19. The aforementioned entry control unit, If the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the information regarding the deferral of payment of predetermined fares in the monetary value management system exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted, the system will control the entry of the user for whom the payment deferral was granted. The entry / exit control device according to feature 18.

20. The aforementioned exit control unit, If the total amount of deferred fares recorded in the information regarding the deferral of payment of predetermined fares in the monetary value management system exceeds a predetermined value, or if a predetermined period has elapsed since the payment deferral was granted, the system will control the system to prohibit the user who has been granted a payment deferral from exiting the facility. The entry / exit control device according to feature 18.

21. The system further includes a notification unit that, based on the information regarding the deferral of payment of the predetermined fare recorded in the monetary value management system, outputs to the user who has been granted a payment deferral at least one of the following: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment. The entry / exit control device according to feature 18.

22. The acquisition unit is, Using the identification information of the aforementioned medium, the balance of the aforementioned monetary value at the time when a predetermined action causing a change in the balance of the aforementioned monetary value is performed by the user is obtained from the monetary value management system as a provisional balance of the aforementioned monetary value. An access control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

23. The aforementioned update unit is Based on a predetermined exchange rate, the virtual currency is converted into the balance of monetary value and added to the balance of monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system. The entry / exit control device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it is a control device for entry and exit according to claim 15 or 16.

24. The aforementioned update unit is The virtual currency at the time a predetermined action is performed that causes a change in the balance of the virtual currency is added to the balance of monetary value recorded in the monetary value management system. The entry / exit control device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it is a control device for entry and exit according to claim 15 or 16.

25. An entry / exit control method to be executed by an entry / exit control device, An entry control process that controls user entry based on identification information of the medium obtained by reading the medium with a reader, After the user enters, the acquisition step involves obtaining the updated balance of monetary value, based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium, from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit; An entry / exit control method characterized by including the following:

26. An access control procedure that controls user entry based on identification information of a medium obtained by reading the medium with a reader, After the user enters, the acquisition procedure involves obtaining the updated balance of monetary value, based on virtual currency identified using the identification information of the medium, from a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value, as a provisional balance of monetary value used to control the user's exit; An entry / exit control program that causes a computer to execute.

27. When it is determined that the provisional balance of monetary value used to control a user's exit is less than the predetermined fare, the system has a notification unit that outputs at least one of the following to the user who has been granted a payment deferral: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment, based on information regarding the payment deferral of the predetermined fare recorded in a monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value. A notification server characterized by the following features.

28. A notification method that is executed by the notification server, If it is determined that the provisional balance of monetary value used to control a user's exit is less than the predetermined fare, a notification process is performed to output at least one of the following to the user who has been granted a payment deferral: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment, based on information regarding the payment deferral of the predetermined fare recorded in the monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value. A notification method characterized by including the following.

29. A notification procedure that, when it is determined that the provisional balance of monetary value used to control a user's exit is less than the predetermined fare, outputs at least one of the following to the user who has been granted a payment deferral: a notification that a payment deferral has occurred, and a notification urging payment, based on information regarding the payment deferral of the predetermined fare recorded in the monetary value management system that stores the balance of monetary value. A notification program that prompts a computer to execute a command.

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