Information output device, information output method, and information output program

Abstract

This will enable more accurate calculation of fare adjustments based on the actual route used. [Solution] The information output device receives image data of images taken by cameras at the boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities, receives boarding point information, alighting point information, and rights information, which is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of transportation facilities, regarding the tickets held by the user, receives disruption information, which includes information about the section where the transportation disruption occurred and alternative route information, identifies the tickets affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding point information, and rights information, identifies the user's travel route based on the image data and matching facial image data associated with the target tickets, calculates the settlement fare for the target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, and travel route, and outputs settlement information, which includes information indicating the settlement fare.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information output device, an information output method, and an information output program. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In public transportation such as railways, there is a system of alternative transportation. Alternative transportation is a mechanism that allows passengers holding tickets for a section where a transport failure has occurred (referred to as the failed section) to bypass the failed section using other transportation means without paying fares when a transport failure occurs.

[0003] In addition, in public transportation, automatic ticket gate systems using IC (integrated circuit) card tickets and the like have become widespread. As a method of automatic ticket gate processing in alternative transportation, for example, there is a method described in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of determining whether alternative riding has been used based on the record of the IC card ticket, and calculating the user's boarding fare based on the determination result. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-310608 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 makes it difficult to accurately determine the actual travel route of passengers using alternative transportation. For example, if there are multiple candidate routes for alternative transportation, it is difficult to determine which route was used by the passenger. Therefore, it is difficult to perform appropriate fare adjustments. Furthermore, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since it is difficult to determine which route was used by the passenger when there are multiple candidate routes, it is difficult to calculate the fare adjustment based on the route actually used, not only for alternative transportation but in general.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information output device, an information output method, and an information output program that enable more appropriate calculation of fare settlements according to the route actually used, in light of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, the information output device includes: an image receiving unit that receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of a transportation system; a boarding and alighting information receiving unit that receives boarding point information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation system; alighting point information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation system; and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation system, for tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation system; and an obstruction information receiving unit that receives obstruction information, which includes information about the section of the transportation system where a transportation obstruction has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation obstruction. The system includes: an object identification unit that identifies a ticket held by a user affected by the transportation disruption as a target ticket subject to calculation of the settlement fare based on the disruption information, the boarding location information, and the rights information; a travel route identification unit that identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and matching face image data associated with the target ticket; a calculation unit that calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the disruption information, the boarding location information, the alighting location information, the rights information, and the travel route; and an output unit that outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare.

[0009] Furthermore, in another aspect of this disclosure, the information output method includes an information output device that receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of a transportation service, and for tickets held by a user who has boarded the transportation service, it receives boarding point information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation service; alighting point information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation service; and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation service, and includes information about the section of the transportation service where a transportation disruption has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation disruption. The system receives information about a service disruption, identifies the ticket held by the user affected by the disruption as the ticket subject to the calculation of the fare adjustment based on the disruption information, the boarding location information, and the rights information, identifies the travel route of the user holding the ticket based on the image data and the matching face image data associated with the ticket, calculates the fare adjustment for the ticket based on the disruption information, the boarding location information, the disembarking location information, the rights information, and the travel route, and outputs settlement information including information indicating the fare adjustment.

[0010] Furthermore, in other aspects of this disclosure, the information output program provides a computer with an image receiving function that receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of a transportation system; a boarding and alighting information receiving function that receives boarding point information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation system; alighting point information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation system; and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation system, for tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation system; and a fault information that includes fault section information, which is information about a section within the transportation system where a transportation fault has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation fault. The system provides an information receiving function, a target identification function that identifies tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets subject to calculation of the settlement fare based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, a travel route identification function that identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and matching face image data associated with the target ticket, a calculation function that calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the disruption information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route, and an output function that outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to calculate the fare adjustment more appropriately according to the route actually used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of the information output device disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the information output device disclosed herein. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a group of devices related to the information output device of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example configuration of the information output device disclosed herein. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group of apparatuses related to the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information output apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0013] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. Specific examples of the information output device 10 in the first embodiment are the information output device 20 in the second embodiment, the information output device 30 in the third embodiment, and the information output device 40 in the fourth embodiment, which will be described later.

[0014] First, an example of the configuration of the information output device 10 will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information output device 10. The information output device 10 includes an image receiving unit 11, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12, an obstacle information receiving unit 13, a target identification unit 14, a travel path identification unit 15, a calculation unit 16, and an output unit 17.

[0015] The image receiving unit 11 receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities.

[0016] The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12 receives boarding location information, alighting location information, and rights information regarding the tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation. Boarding location information is information about the location where the user boarded the transportation. Alighting location information is information about the location where the user alighted from the transportation. Rights information is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of the transportation.

[0017] The fault information receiving unit 13 receives fault information. The fault information includes information about the faulty section, which is the section within the transportation system where a transportation failure has occurred, and information about alternative routes for the transportation failure.

[0018] The target identification unit 14 identifies tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets, based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. Target tickets are the tickets for which the fare adjustment is calculated.

[0019] The travel route identification unit 15 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and the matching facial image data associated with the target ticket.

[0020] The calculation unit 16 calculates the fare for the ticket in question based on the obstruction information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route.

[0021] The output unit 17 outputs settlement information, which includes information indicating the settlement fare.

[0022] Next, an example of the operation flow of the information output device 10 will be described. Figure 2 shows an example of the operation flow of the information output device 10.

[0023] The fault information receiving unit 13 receives fault information (step S101).

[0024] The target identification unit 14 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information (step S102). The boarding / alighting location information and rights information are received by the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12.

[0025] The travel route identification unit 15 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and the matching facial image data associated with the target ticket (step S103). The image data is received by the image receiving unit 11.

[0026] The calculation unit 16 calculates the fare for the ticket in question based on the obstruction information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route (step S104). The alighting location information is received by the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12.

[0027] The output unit 17 outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare (step S105).

[0028] As described above, in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the information output device 10 includes an image receiving unit 11, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12, an obstruction information receiving unit 13, a target identification unit 14, a travel route identification unit 15, a calculation unit 16, and an output unit 17. The image receiving unit 11 receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding / alighting points of the transportation system. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12 receives boarding point information, alighting point information, and rights information regarding tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation system. Boarding point information is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation system. Alighting point information is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation system. Rights information is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of the transportation system. The obstruction information receiving unit 13 receives obstruction information. The obstruction information includes information about the obstructed section, which is the section within the transportation system where a transportation obstruction has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation obstruction. The target identification unit 14 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. Target tickets are the tickets for which the settlement fare is calculated. The travel route identification unit 15 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and the matching face image data associated with the target ticket. The calculation unit 16 calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the disruption information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route. The output unit 17 outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare.

[0029] In this way, the information output device 10 identifies the travel route of a user holding a ticket based on image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of the transportation system and matching facial image data associated with the ticket. The information output device 10 then calculates the fare based on the obstruction information, boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, and travel route. This makes it possible to calculate the fare more appropriately according to the route actually used.

[0030] [Second Embodiment] Next, the information output device 20 in the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Note that the information output device 20 in the second embodiment is a specific example of the information output device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0031] First, Figure 3 shows an example of a group of devices related to the information output device 20.

[0032] The information output device 20 is connected to the camera 51, the reading device 52, the user information providing device 53, and the fault information providing device 54. The information output device 20 may also be connected to the user device 70 via the communication line 80. The information output device 20 may also be connected to the camera 51, the reading device 52, the user information providing device 53, and the fault information providing device 54 via the communication line 80. These connections may be made by wire or wireless.

[0033] Camera 51 will be installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of transportation. Transportation includes trains, buses, trams, and ferries. Boarding and alighting points are locations used by passengers to board or alight from transportation. If the transportation is a train, the boarding and alighting points are train stations. If the transportation is a bus, the boarding and alighting points are bus stops.

[0034] Camera 51 is installed at multiple boarding and alighting points so that it is possible to identify the travel route of users. The identification of the travel route will be described later. Multiple cameras 51 may be installed at a single boarding and alighting point. Also, some boarding and alighting points of a transportation system may not have cameras 51 installed.

[0035] For example, cameras 51 do not need to be installed at boarding / alighting points that do not affect the identification of the user's travel route. For example, in a section where there are consecutive boarding / alighting points that do not allow transfers to other lines or transportation services operated by other companies, if a camera 51 is installed at one of the boarding / alighting points in that section, the information output device 20 can determine that the section has been used by a user. Therefore, in such a section, a camera 51 may be installed at one boarding / alighting point, and cameras 51 may not be installed at the other boarding / alighting points.

[0036] Camera 51 photographs passengers at boarding and alighting points. To minimize the number of passengers not photographed by camera 51, camera 51 may be installed to photograph the faces of people using ticket gates, for example, in the case of railways. Camera 51 may also be installed to photograph boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities.

[0037] Camera 51 transmits the image data of the captured image to the information output device 20. The image captured by camera 51 may be a still image or a moving image. When camera 51 captures a still image, camera 51 periodically captures still images and transmits them periodically to the information output device 20.

[0038] The reader 52 reads ticket information when a user boards or alights from a public transport. Ticket information is information that the reader 52 can read from the ticket. The ticket may be, for example, an IC card ticket, a two-dimensional barcode ticket, or a magnetic ticket. Note that IC card tickets also include tickets issued by mobile applications that have the same functionality as physical IC cards.

[0039] For example, the reader 52 may be an IC card reader that reads ticket information stored on an IC card ticket. Alternatively, the reader 52 may be a two-dimensional barcode reader that reads a two-dimensional barcode indicating ticket information. Furthermore, the reader 52 may read ticket information stored on a magnetic ticket. Note that the method of reading ticket information is not limited to these methods. Specific examples of ticket information will be described later.

[0040] The reader 52 reads the ticket information from the ticket and transmits the read ticket information to the information output device 20. The ticket information includes ticket identification information that uniquely identifies the ticket. Ticket identification information is also called ticket ID (identification).

[0041] Furthermore, ticket information may also include rights information. Rights information is information about the right to use transportation. The right to use transportation will be referred to as the right of use from now on. The right of use is the right to use transportation and is acquired by paying consideration in advance. Rights information includes information about the section of use. The section of use in the right of use is the section of transportation that the user can use with that right of use. The right of use may be, for example, a commuter pass, a regular ticket, or a multi-ride ticket.

[0042] Furthermore, the ticket information may include facial image data of the passenger using the ticket. In this case, for example, the passenger's facial image data may be stored on the ticket.

[0043] The reader 52 may be installed at the boarding / alighting point. For example, if the mode of transport is a railway, the reader 52 may be an automatic ticket gate installed at the station's ticket gate. Alternatively, the reader 52 may be a ticket gate installed at a manned ticket gate. Alternatively, the reader 52 may be an automatic fare adjustment machine. When the reader 52 is installed at the entrance / exit of the boarding / alighting point, "boarding" hereafter refers to entering the boarding / alighting point, and "alighting" refers to exiting the boarding / alighting point.

[0044] Furthermore, the reader 52 may be installed on a transportation system. For example, if the transportation system is a bus or a tram, the reader 52 may be installed on the bus or tram. In this case, the reader 52 transmits information to the information output device 20 indicating the boarding and alighting points where the ticket information was read, in association with the ticket information.

[0045] The user information providing device 53 provides user information to the information output device 20. User information is information about the user. User information includes user identification information that uniquely identifies the user. User identification information is also called user ID. User information may also include the ticket ID of the ticket used by the user. User information may also include the user's facial image data. User information may also include rights information of the ticket used by the user.

[0046] The disruption information provider 54 provides disruption information to the information output device 20. Disruption information is information relating to a transportation disruption that occurred in a transportation system. Disruption information includes disruption section information and alternative route information. Disruption section information is information indicating the section in which the transportation disruption occurred. Alternative route information is information about routes (alternative routes) that users can use to bypass the disruption section. In other words, alternative route information is information about other transportation systems that users can use as substitute transportation. If a user uses an alternative route to bypass the disruption section, they will not be charged a fare for the alternative route. Disruption information may also include information on the date and time the transportation disruption occurred (disruption date and time).

[0047] For example, the fault information provider 54 transmits fault information to the information output device 20 when a transportation fault occurs. The fault information provider 54 may also transmit fault resolution information to the information output device 20 when the transportation fault is resolved. Furthermore, the fault information provider 54 may periodically transmit fault information to the information output device 20 until the transportation fault is resolved.

[0048] The information output device 20 calculates the fare for the user's use of public transportation and outputs settlement information that includes the calculated fare. The settlement information is information for settling the fare.

[0049] Next, Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the information output device 20. The information output device 20 includes an image receiving unit 21, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22, an obstacle information receiving unit 23, a target identification unit 24, a travel path identification unit 25, a calculation unit 26, and an output unit 27.

[0050] The image receiving unit 21 receives image data of images captured by the camera 51. As described above, the camera 51 is installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of the transportation system. The image receiving unit 21 stores the received image data in a storage means (not shown) inside or outside the information output device 20. This image data is used to identify the user's travel route. The identification of the travel route will be described later. The image data is associated with information about the date and time the image was taken.

[0051] The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives boarding location information from the tickets held by users who have boarded the public transport. Boarding location information is information about the location where the user boarded the public transport. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 also receives alighting location information from the tickets held by users who have boarded the public transport. Alighting location information is information about the location where the user alighted from the public transport. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 also receives rights information from the tickets held by users who have boarded the public transport. Rights information is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of the public transport. The boarding location information, alighting location information, and rights information may collectively refer to each other as boarding / alighting information from now on.

[0052] Boarding and alighting information may include boarding date and time information. Boarding date and time information is the date and time when the user boarded the public transport. Boarding and alighting information may also include alighting date and time information. Alighting date and time information is the date and time when the user alighted from the public transport.

[0053] For example, when a user boards a public transport, the reader 52 reads the ticket information. The ticket information includes the ticket ID. The reader 52 transmits the ticket ID and boarding location information to the information output device 20. The reader 52 may also transmit boarding date and time information to the information output device 20.

[0054] Furthermore, the ticket information may include rights information. The ticket information may also include the user's facial image data. The reader 52 may further transmit the rights information to the information output device 20. The reader 52 may further transmit the user's facial image data to the information output device 20.

[0055] Furthermore, when a user alights from public transport, the ticket information is read by the reader 52. The ticket information includes the ticket ID. The reader 52 transmits the ticket ID and the alighting location information to the information output device 20. The reader 52 may also transmit the alighting date and time information to the information output device 20.

[0056] When the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives boarding location information, it stores the ticket ID and boarding location information as saved boarding / alighting information in an internal or external storage means (not shown) of the information output device 20. The saved boarding / alighting information is used to calculate fare settlement information. The saved boarding / alighting information may also include boarding date and time information. Furthermore, the saved boarding / alighting information may also include rights information. Furthermore, the saved boarding / alighting information may also include facial image data.

[0057] If the reader 52 is permanently installed at the boarding / alighting point, the boarding point information and alighting point information may be information that can identify the boarding / alighting point where the reader 52 is installed. For example, the boarding point information and alighting point information may be information that indicates the boarding / alighting point where the reader 52 is installed. Alternatively, for example, the boarding point information and alighting point information may be identification information for the reader 52. The information output device 20 can determine the boarding / alighting point from the identification information of the reader 52 by knowing in advance the correspondence between the identification information of the reader 52 and the boarding / alighting point.

[0058] Furthermore, when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives alighting location information, it adds the alighting location information to the stored boarding / alighting information corresponding to the ticket ID associated with the alighting location information. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may also add alighting date and time information to the stored boarding / alighting information.

[0059] Furthermore, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may delete from its storage means any stored boarding / alighting information for tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs. The conditions for tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs are set in advance in the information output device 20. The conditions for tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs are set based on the rules for alternative transportation.

[0060] Tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs may include, for example, tickets where the alighting date and time are more than a predetermined time before the date and time the transportation disruption occurred. In this case, the alighting date and time may be the date and time when the reader 52 reads the ticket information, or the date and time when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives the alighting location information. There is a time lag between when a transportation disruption occurs and when the disruption information receiving unit 23 can receive the disruption information. Therefore, if the disruption information has not been received by the disruption information receiving unit 23, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may delete the stored boarding / alighting information for the ticket corresponding to the received alighting location information from the storage means if the disruption information is not received by the disruption information receiving unit 23 within a predetermined time from the alighting date and time.

[0061] Furthermore, tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even in the event of a transportation disruption may include, for example, tickets where the disembarking point is the end point of the travel section as defined in the rights information, or tickets where the disembarking point is beyond the end point of the travel section as defined in the rights information. Note that the end point of the travel section is the boarding / alighting point at the end of the travel section that is furthest from the boarding point.

[0062] Furthermore, tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs may include, for example, tickets for which a predetermined time (e.g., 3 hours) has elapsed since the date and time of alighting. Also, tickets that are not eligible for alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs may include tickets for which a predetermined time (e.g., 6 hours) has elapsed since the information of the ticket was stored as saved boarding / alighting information.

[0063] Furthermore, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may delete the stored boarding / alighting information stored in the storage means at a predetermined time, for example, when public transportation is not operating.

[0064] The fault information receiving unit 23 receives fault information from the fault information providing device 54. Fault information is information about transportation disruptions that have occurred in transportation systems. Fault information includes fault section information and alternative route information. Fault section information indicates the section in which the transportation disruption occurred. Alternative route information is information about routes that users can use to bypass the fault section. If a user uses an alternative route to bypass a fault section, they will not be charged a fare for the alternative route. The fault information receiving unit 23 receives fault information.

[0065] Furthermore, the target identification unit 24 identifies the target tickets. The target tickets are the tickets for which the fare adjustment is calculated. Based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the target identification unit 24 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets. The rights information may be included in the ticket information or may be obtained from the user information providing device 53.

[0066] For example, when the disruption information is received by the disruption information receiving unit 23, the target identification unit 24 identifies as target tickets any tickets whose boarding location information is stored as saved boarding / alighting information in the storage means, and whose usage section in the usage right includes the disrupted section. The target identification unit 24 also identifies as target tickets any tickets whose boarding location information is stored as saved boarding / alighting information in the storage means by the time the transportation disruption is resolved, and whose usage section in the usage right includes the disrupted section.

[0067] Furthermore, the target identification unit 24 may further limit the target tickets by using, for example, boarding date and time information. Also, the target identification unit 24 may further limit the target tickets by using, for example, alighting date and time information. For example, the target identification unit 24 may exclude tickets from the target tickets if the alighting date and time information is more than a predetermined time before the date and time the transportation disruption occurred. Also, for example, the target identification unit 24 may exclude tickets from the target tickets if the boarding date and time information is after the date and time the transportation disruption was resolved.

[0068] Furthermore, the target identification unit 24 may determine that a transportation disruption has been resolved when the disruption information receiving unit 23 receives disruption resolution information from the disruption information providing device 54. In addition, the target identification unit 24 may determine that a transportation disruption for a disrupted section has been resolved when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the disruption information receiving unit 23 last received disruption information for that section.

[0069] The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data received by the image receiving unit 21 and the matching face image data.

[0070] The facial image data for verification is facial image data of a user holding the target ticket, which has been acquired in advance. The facial image data for verification may be stored on the ticket, for example. In this case, the facial image data for verification may be read by the reader 52 and transmitted to the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22.

[0071] Furthermore, the facial image data for verification may be provided by the user information providing device 53. For example, the travel route identification unit 25 may obtain the facial image data of the user corresponding to the ticket ID of the target ticket from the user information providing device 53 as facial image data for verification. The user may register the ticket ID and the facial image data for verification with their user ID, for example, when registering to use a service provided by a transportation company. Hereafter, the user corresponding to the ticket ID of the target ticket, that is, the user who possesses the target ticket, may be referred to as the target person.

[0072] Furthermore, the facial image data used for verification may also be data of the user's face image taken when the user boards public transportation. For example, the facial image data used for verification may be facial image data taken by a camera installed at the entrance to the boarding / alighting point or at the boarding entrance of public transportation.

[0073] The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the image in which the person in the matching facial image data is captured, based on the image data. It then identifies the boarding / alighting points where the camera 51 that captured the image of the person in the matching facial image data is installed as waypoints the subject passed through. The image data also contains information about the date and time the image was taken. Using this information, the travel route identification unit 25 can identify the subject's travel route.

[0074] More specifically, for example, the movement path identification unit 25 may identify the subject's movement path based on image data already received when a transportation disruption occurs. Alternatively, the movement path identification unit 25 may periodically identify the subject's movement path after a transportation disruption has occurred. For example, the movement path identification unit 25 may identify the subject's movement path each time image data is received by the image receiving unit 21.

[0075] Furthermore, the travel route identification unit 25 may store the travel route information in a storage means in association with the stored boarding and alighting information. Alternatively, for example, the travel route identification unit 25 may identify the travel route when alighting point information is received by the boarding and alighting information receiving unit 22.

[0076] The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the travel route of a user holding the target ticket. Therefore, since the target of travel route identification is limited to users holding the target ticket, the load on the travel route identification process can be reduced. In addition, by limiting the target of travel route identification to users holding the target ticket, the number of matching facial image data is reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of a different person being mistakenly identified as a user.

[0077] Furthermore, the movement path identification unit 25 may limit the image data to be compared with the matching face image data to image data transmitted from a predetermined boarding / alighting point. The predetermined boarding / alighting point is a boarding / alighting point where the user may be traveling. The predetermined boarding / alighting point may be a point within a predetermined range from the usage section in the user's usage rights. Alternatively, the predetermined boarding / alighting point may be a point within a predetermined range from a boarding / alighting point that has been identified as having been passed through by the user. Here, the predetermined range may be a predetermined travel distance, or a distance that can be reached in a predetermined time.

[0078] The travel route identification unit 25 terminates the identification of the travel route of the user holding the target ticket when the termination conditions for travel route identification are met. The termination conditions may include, for example, the elapsed time since the transportation disruption was resolved. Alternatively, the termination conditions may be, for example, the arrival of a predetermined time (for example, outside of the operating hours of the transportation service).

[0079] Furthermore, the travel route identification unit 25 terminates the identification of a travel route for a user if the user holding the target ticket is no longer included in the list of users whose travel routes are identified. The target ticket is a ticket for a user affected by a transportation disruption. Therefore, a user is removed from the list of users whose travel routes are identified when they are no longer affected by the transportation disruption. For example, a user holding the target ticket is removed from the list of users whose travel routes are identified when they reach the end of the section of travel covered by their usage rights. Also, for example, a user holding the target ticket is removed from the list of users whose travel routes are identified when they travel via an alternative route included in the alternative route information and disembark at the boarding / alighting point at the end of the alternative route, or at a point beyond the boarding / alighting point.

[0080] Furthermore, the target identification unit 24 may further limit the target tickets using the results of the travel path identification. For example, tickets that have reached the end of the obstructed section may be excluded from the target tickets. The end of the obstructed section is the boarding / alighting point on the side furthest from the boarding point among the boarding / alighting points at both ends of the obstructed section. More specifically, for example, suppose the usage section of the right to use the target ticket is the section with boarding / alighting points A, B, and C, and a transportation obstruction occurred in section A and B. If, as a result of the travel path identification, it is determined that the travel path of the ticket is from boarding / alighting point A (boarding) to B, and that the ticket has passed through the obstructed section and reached boarding / alighting point B, then the target identification unit 24 may exclude that ticket from the target tickets.

[0081] The calculation unit 26 calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the obstruction information, boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, and travel route. The obstruction information includes alternative route information. The rights information includes information on the section of the ticket used (usage section information). The calculation unit 26 calculates the settlement fare according to the pre-set fare settlement rules.

[0082] Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 26 checks whether the travel route is included within the scope of the usage right's usage section or in the alternative route. If the travel route includes a section outside the scope of the usage right's usage section, and the section outside the scope of the usage right's usage section is not included in the alternative route, the calculation unit 26 calculates the additional charge.

[0083] For example, suppose the validity period of the ticket is a section with boarding and alighting points A, B, and C, and a transportation disruption occurs in section B and C. In this case, if the travel route is A (boarding) - B (alighting) and b (boarding) - c (alighting), and section bc is included in the alternative route, then no additional charges will be incurred when boarding at boarding / alighting point b and alighting at boarding / alighting point c. If the travel route includes a section that is not included in the alternative route, then an additional charge will be incurred for that section.

[0084] Furthermore, suppose the validity period of the ticket in question is the section between boarding and alighting points A and B, and a transportation disruption occurs in section A and B. In this case, if the travel route is a (boarding) - b (alighting), and section A and B are included in the alternative route, then no additional charges will be incurred when boarding at boarding / alighting point A, or when alighting at boarding / alighting point B.

[0085] For example, the calculation unit 26 may calculate the settlement fare when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives alighting point information. Alternatively, for example, until the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 can receive alighting point information, the calculation unit 26 may estimate the alighting point based on the boarding point, travel route, alternative route, and the usage section in the rights and privileges information each time the travel route is updated, and calculate the settlement fare if the user travels to the alighting point. If the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives alighting point information and the actual alighting point is the same as the estimated alighting point, the calculation unit 26 may omit calculating the settlement fare using the actual alighting point.

[0086] The output unit 27 outputs settlement information. The settlement information is information indicating the settlement fare. For example, when a passenger alights, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives alighting location information when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives the alighting location information. Then, when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives the alighting location information, the output unit 27 outputs the settlement information to the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 52, which was the source of the alighting location information.

[0087] If the settlement information received by the reader 52 indicates that there is no additional charge, the user can disembark from the transportation without being charged an additional fee. If the settlement information indicates that there is an additional charge, and the ticket is one that can be automatically settled by the reader 52, the reader 52 will settle the fare based on the settlement information. If the settlement information indicates that there is an additional charge, and the ticket is not one that can be automatically settled by the reader 52, the reader 52 may, for example, display a message or make an audio output prompting the user to settle the fare.

[0088] Furthermore, the output unit 27 may delete from the storage means any saved boarding and alighting information for tickets that are no longer affected by the transportation disruption after outputting the settlement information.

[0089] Furthermore, if the output unit 27 receives information from the calculation unit 26 indicating that the settlement fare cannot be calculated, it may include this information in the settlement information and output it.

[0090] Furthermore, if there is a portion of the travel route between the boarding point and the alighting point that cannot be determined, the calculation unit 26 may not be able to calculate the fare. If the calculation unit 26 is unable to calculate the fare due to an unknown portion of the travel route, it may output information to the output unit 27 indicating that the fare cannot be calculated.

[0091] For example, suppose a transportation disruption occurs in section A and B, and a passenger with a certain ticket boards a public transport at boarding / alighting point A and alights at boarding / alighting point B. There are multiple routes from boarding / alighting point A to boarding / alighting point B, and these multiple routes include the route affected by the transportation disruption, alternative routes, and routes that are not alternative routes (routes not covered by substitute transport).

[0092] In this situation, for example, if the user is not captured by any of the cameras 51 on any of the multiple routes from boarding / alighting point A to boarding / alighting point B, the travel route identification unit 25 cannot identify the route the user took to travel from boarding / alighting point A to B. Furthermore, the calculation unit 26 cannot calculate the fare because it does not know whether a route requiring an additional fee was used.

[0093] In such cases, the calculation unit 26 may output information to the output unit 27 indicating that the settlement fare cannot be calculated. The output unit 27 may also output information indicating that the settlement fare cannot be calculated along with the settlement information.

[0094] Furthermore, if the travel route identification unit 25 cannot uniquely identify the travel route, it may generate information on possible routes that the user may have used. The travel route identification unit 25 generates information on possible routes based on the boarding point, alighting point, and identified waypoints. The output unit 27 may then output the information on possible routes.

[0095] The output unit 27 outputs route candidate information to the reader 52 that transmitted the disembarking point information, if that reader 52 is an automated fare adjustment machine or a manned ticket gate. The reader 52 then displays the route candidate information. If the reader 52 is an automated fare adjustment machine, the user can select the route they actually used from the displayed candidates. If the reader 52 is a manned ticket gate, the staff member can interview the user and select the route they used.

[0096] The calculation unit 26 calculates the settlement fare based on the selected route. The calculation unit 26 may also pre-calculate the settlement fare for each of the route candidates. The output unit 27 may then output settlement information that includes information indicating the settlement fare corresponding to the route selected from the route candidates.

[0097] Furthermore, the output unit 27 may output settlement information to the user device 70. The user device 70 may then store the settlement information so that the user can refer to it. The storage of settlement information may be performed by a device other than the user device 70. In addition, the user device 70 may be capable of processing settlements in response to user operations.

[0098] Furthermore, the output unit 27 may output information about the identified travel route to the user device 70. In this case, for example, the travel route identification unit 25 may store the latest travel route information in the storage means in association with the saved boarding and alighting information, and the output unit 27 may obtain the travel route information from the storage means. For example, the output unit 27 may output the latest travel route information to the user device 70 in response to a request from the user device 70.

[0099] Furthermore, the calculation unit 26 may calculate a provisional fare based on the latest travel route information, assuming the user disembarks from the transportation at the user's most recent location. The output unit 27 may then output the provisional fare information to the user device 70.

[0100] Furthermore, the output unit 27 may output information about a transportation disruption and alternative routes to the user device 70 of the user holding the relevant ticket.

[0101] Furthermore, the output unit 27 can output information to the user device 70, for example, via email or notification through a dedicated application.

[0102] In the email method, for example, the output unit 27 may send an email containing transportation disruption information and settlement information to the user's email address obtained from the user information provision device 53.

[0103] In the method using a dedicated application, for example, the output unit 27 may send a push notification to the dedicated application installed on the user device 70.

[0104] The output unit 27 can obtain information necessary for outputting information to the user device 70 from the user information providing device 53. For example, the user information providing device 53 may be able to provide notification destination information corresponding to the user ID. The notification information may be, for example, an email address or an identifier in a dedicated application.

[0105] Next, Figure 5 shows an example of a display image in an automated fare adjustment machine. This example shows an image displayed on the automated fare adjustment machine when a user makes a payment using the machine. In this example, when a user uses the automated fare adjustment machine, the machine transmits disembarking point information to the information output device 20. In this case, the automated fare adjustment machine is the reader device 52. The display means of the automated fare adjustment machine then displays information about the travel route and the fare to be paid.

[0106] Figure 6 also shows an example of a display image on the user device 70. This example shows an image displayed on the user device 70 when a user checks their usage history. In this example, the information displayed is the usage section of the commuter pass as ticket information. In addition, the information displayed is the route used as travel route information. The display image may also include information on intermediate stops as travel route information. In the example in Figure 6, the fare is 0 yen because the route from station C to station B is an alternative route.

[0107] Next, Figures 7 to 10 show examples of the operation flow of the information output device 20.

[0108] The image receiving unit 21 receives image data of the image captured by the camera 51 (step S201 in Figure 7). The received image data is associated with information about the location where the camera 51 that took the image was installed and information about the date and time the image was taken, and is stored in the storage means.

[0109] Furthermore, when a user has their ticket read by the reader 52 when boarding a public transport, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives boarding location information from the reader 52 regarding the ticket held by the user who boarded the public transport (step S202 in Figure 8). The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 stores the ticket ID and boarding location information as saved boarding / alighting information in the storage means.

[0110] Furthermore, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives rights information corresponding to the ticket identification information associated with the boarding location information (step S202 in Figure 8). The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 associates the received rights information with the stored boarding / alighting information and stores it in the storage means. If the rights information is included in the ticket information, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may receive the rights information from the reading device 52. Alternatively, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may receive rights information corresponding to the ticket identification information associated with the boarding location information from the user information providing device 53.

[0111] Furthermore, when a user has their ticket read by the reader 52 upon alighting from public transport, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives alighting location information associated with the ticket identification information from the reader 52 (step S204 in Figure 9). The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 adds the alighting location information to the stored boarding / alighting information corresponding to the ticket ID associated with the alighting location information. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 may delete stored boarding / alighting information from the storage means for tickets that are not subject to alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs.

[0112] When a transportation disruption occurs, the disruption information receiving unit 23 receives disruption information from the disruption information providing device 54 (step S205 in Figure 10).

[0113] Next, the target identification unit 24 identifies the target tickets (step S206). Based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the target identification unit 24 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets. For example, the target identification unit 24 identifies target tickets from among the tickets for which saved boarding and alighting information is stored in the storage means. The target identification unit 24 also identifies target tickets from among the tickets for which saved boarding and alighting information has been stored in the storage means since the occurrence of the transportation disruption.

[0114] Next, the travel route identification unit 25 identifies the travel route of the user (target person) holding the target ticket (step S207). The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the travel route based on the image data received by the image receiving unit 21 and the target person's matching face image data. The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the target person's travel route until the conditions for terminating the identification of the travel route are met (NO in step S208), for example, until the transportation disruption is resolved.

[0115] When the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives alighting point information for the target ticket (YES in step S209 in Figure 9), the calculation unit 26 calculates the fare based on the travel route (step S210).

[0116] Furthermore, the output unit 27 outputs settlement information, including the settlement fare (step S211). The settlement information is output to the reader 52 and the user device 70.

[0117] Note that this operation flow is just one example, and may be modified in actual operation depending on the situation. For example, the identification of the travel route (step S207) and the calculation of the settlement fare (step S210) may be performed whenever the image receiving unit 21 receives new image data. Also, for example, the output of settlement information (step S211) may be performed when requested by the user device 70.

[0118] As described above, in the second embodiment of this disclosure, the information output device 20 includes an image receiving unit 21, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22, an obstruction information receiving unit 23, a target identification unit 24, a travel route identification unit 25, a calculation unit 26, and an output unit 27. The image receiving unit 21 receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding / alighting points of the transportation system. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives boarding point information, alighting point information, and rights information regarding tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation system. Boarding point information is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation system. Alighting point information is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation system. Rights information is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of the transportation system. The obstruction information receiving unit 23 receives obstruction information. The obstruction information includes information about the obstructed section, which is the section within the transportation system where a transportation obstruction has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation obstruction. The target identification unit 24 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. Target tickets are the tickets for which the settlement fare is calculated. The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and the matching face image data associated with the target ticket. The calculation unit 26 calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the disruption information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route. The output unit 27 outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare.

[0119] In this way, the information output device 20 identifies the travel route of a user holding a ticket based on image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of the transportation system and matching facial image data associated with the ticket. The information output device 20 then calculates the fare based on the obstruction information, boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, and travel route. This makes it possible to calculate the fare more appropriately according to the route actually used.

[0120] [Third Embodiment] Next, the information output device 20 in the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Note that the information output device 30 in the third embodiment is a specific example of the information output device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0121] First, Figure 11 shows an example of a group of devices related to the information output device 30.

[0122] The information output device 30 is connected to the camera 51, the reading device 52, the user information providing device 53, and the fault information providing device 54. The information output device 30 may also be connected to the user device 70 via the communication line 80. The information output device 30 is also connected to the staff device 55 via the communication line 80. Furthermore, the information output device 30 may also be connected to the camera 51, the reading device 52, the user information providing device 53, and the fault information providing device 54 via the communication line 80. These connections may be made by wire or wireless.

[0123] The camera 51, reading device 52, user information providing device 53, and fault information providing device 54 are the same as in the second embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0124] The attendant device 55 is a terminal for attendants of the transportation service. The attendant device 55 may be carried by the attendant, installed at boarding / alighting points, or installed on the transportation service.

[0125] Next, Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of the information output device 30. The information output device 30 includes an image receiving unit 21, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22, an obstacle information receiving unit 23, a target identification unit 24, a travel path identification unit 25, a calculation unit 26, an output unit 37, and an aggregation unit 38.

[0126] The image receiving unit 21, boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22, fault information receiving unit 23, target identification unit 24, travel path identification unit 25, and calculation unit 26 are the same as in the second embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0127] The aggregation unit 38 aggregates the number of target tickets. Target tickets are tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption. Target tickets are identified by the target identification unit 24.

[0128] The aggregation unit 38 may estimate alternative routes that are presumed to be used based on the obstructed section and the section where the usage rights of the target ticket are valid. The correspondence between the obstructed section, the section where the usage rights are valid, and the alternative routes may be set in advance in the information output device 30. The aggregation unit 38 may then aggregate the number of target tickets that are presumed to be used for each alternative route.

[0129] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 38 may aggregate the number of eligible tickets for each alternative route based on the route identification results from the route identification unit 25.

[0130] For example, suppose the validity period for the ticket in question is between boarding and alighting points A, B, C, and D, and the section with the obstruction is between boarding and alighting points C and D. Also, suppose the person in question (the user holding the ticket) boarded the public transport at boarding / alighting point A. In this case, there is a possibility that the person in question will use an alternative route from boarding / alighting point B, or that the person in question will use an alternative route from boarding / alighting point C.

[0131] In such cases, if the location of the person identified by matching with the image data is beyond boarding / alighting point B, it is highly likely that this person will use an alternative route from boarding / alighting point C. Therefore, the aggregation unit 38 may count this person as the number of people who use an alternative route from boarding / alighting point C.

[0132] Furthermore, if the subject's location is at boarding / alighting point B, or before boarding / alighting point B, the aggregation unit 38 may, for example, aggregate the number of people using the alternative route from boarding / alighting point C and the number of people using the alternative route from boarding / alighting point B. Alternatively, the aggregation unit 38 may aggregate the number of people using the alternative route from boarding / alighting point C and the number of people using the alternative route from boarding / alighting point B, or either one. The number of people using the alternative route may be aggregated based, for example, on the time required to boarding / alighting point D.

[0133] Furthermore, for example, the aggregation unit 38 may estimate which alternative route each target ticket will take based on past records of transportation disruptions in the same affected section. For example, the aggregation unit 38 may estimate the alternative route most frequently taken by tickets with the same usage right section as the route that the target ticket is most likely to take, based on the affected section, the usage right section information, and the travel route records. The information used for estimation may include weather information. The information used for estimation may also include time of day information.

[0134] Furthermore, the counting unit 38 may periodically count the number of affected tickets while the transportation disruption is occurring. The counting unit 38 may count the number of affected tickets, for example, every 15 minutes.

[0135] The output unit 37 has the same functions as the output unit 27. The output unit 37 also outputs information on the number of target tickets to the staff device 55. The staff device 55 to which the number of target tickets is output may be a staff device 55 located in the section affected by the disruption. Alternatively, the staff device 55 to which the number of target tickets is output may be a staff device 55 located on an alternative route. Furthermore, if the aggregation unit 38 aggregates the number of target tickets for each alternative route, the output unit 37 may output information on the number of target tickets for the alternative route where the staff device 55 is located to each of the staff devices 55 located on the alternative route. This allows staff on the alternative route to understand the degree of congestion caused by the transportation disruption and to take appropriate measures to address the congestion.

[0136] Furthermore, the output unit 37 may output to the staff device 55 if the number of target tickets is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be, for example, the number at which boarding and alighting points are expected to be crowded.

[0137] Next, Figure 13 shows an example of a display image on the staff device 55. This example shows an example of an image displayed on the staff device 55. In this example, the obstructed section and the number of people expected to detour via an alternative route (expected number of detours) are displayed. In this example, the number of people expected to use station A on the alternative route and the number of people expected to use station C are displayed. Note that the number of people displayed here represents the number of applicable tickets.

[0138] The display image in the staff device 55 may show the total number of target tickets. The display format may also be numerical data. The display format may also be a graph showing the trend in the number of target tickets. The display format may also be a map of the transportation system in which the number of target tickets is displayed using colors or numbers.

[0139] Furthermore, the display image on the staff device 55 may be updated when there is a change in the number of applicable tickets, or when an update is requested by a staff member. The display image may also be updated when the number of applicable tickets exceeds a predetermined number. For example, the predetermined number may be set for each alternative route or boarding / alighting point.

[0140] Furthermore, the display image on the staff device 55 may show the number of eligible tickets for the alternative route where the staff device 55 is located in a different display format than the number of eligible tickets for other alternative routes. Also, the display image on the staff device 55 may not include information on the number of eligible tickets for routes other than the alternative route where the staff device 55 is located.

[0141] In this way, by outputting information on the number of applicable tickets to the staff device 55, staff can ascertain the number of applicable tickets. Based on the number of applicable tickets, staff can then take measures such as alleviating congestion at boarding and alighting points. They can also take measures such as increasing the frequency of alternative transportation routes.

[0142] Next, we will explain an example of the operation flow of the information output device 30 using Figures 10 and 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the operation flow of the information output device 30.

[0143] The explanation of the operation flow in Figure 10 is the same as in the explanation in the second embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. The information output device 30 performs the operation shown in Figure 14 after step S206 or step S207 in Figure 10.

[0144] After the target tickets are identified (after step S206 in Figure 10), the aggregation unit 38 aggregates the number of target tickets (step S301 in Figure 14). Then, the output unit 37 outputs the information on the number of target tickets (step S302).

[0145] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 38 may aggregate the number of target tickets after the travel route has been identified (after step S207 in Figure 10). In this case, the aggregation unit 38 may aggregate the number of target tickets for each alternative route.

[0146] As described above, in the third embodiment of this disclosure, the information output device 30 includes an image receiving unit 21, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22, an obstruction information receiving unit 23, a target identification unit 24, a travel route identification unit 25, a calculation unit 26, and an output unit 37. The image receiving unit 21 receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding / alighting points of the transportation system. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 receives boarding point information, alighting point information, and rights information regarding tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation system. Boarding point information is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation system. Alighting point information is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation system. Rights information is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of the transportation system. The obstruction information receiving unit 23 receives obstruction information. The obstruction information includes information about the obstructed section, which is the section within the transportation system where a transportation obstruction has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation obstruction. The target identification unit 24 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. Target tickets are the tickets for which the settlement fare is calculated. The travel route identification unit 25 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and the matching face image data associated with the target ticket. The calculation unit 26 calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the disruption information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route. The output unit 37 outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare.

[0147] In this way, the information output device 30 identifies the travel route of a user holding a ticket based on image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of the transportation system and matching facial image data associated with the ticket. The information output device 30 then calculates the fare based on the obstruction information, boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, and travel route. This makes it possible to calculate the fare more appropriately according to the route actually used.

[0148] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the information output device 40 in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The information output device 40 in the fourth embodiment is a specific example of the information output device 10 in the first embodiment. The information output device 40 also uses the travel path information even when no transportation problems occur.

[0149] The example of the group of devices related to the information output device 40 is the same as in the second embodiment (Figure 3), so the explanation will be omitted.

[0150] The information output device 40 may, in the normal fare calculation when no transportation disruption occurs, identify the user's travel route and calculate the settlement fare according to the normal regular fare calculation rules when no transportation disruption occurs.

[0151] Furthermore, the information output device 40 may specify the travel route for tickets subject to the fare change rule and calculate the adjusted fare according to the fare change rule. The fare change rule is a rule that applies a fare different from the normal fare when the usage section and travel route in the ticket's usage right meet specific conditions.

[0152] For example, a fare change rule could be that, depending on the time of day, if a specific route is used that is not within the designated area covered by the ticket, the fare for that route will not be charged.

[0153] Normally, when there is no transportation disruption, if a passenger uses a route different from the route specified on their ticket, they are required to pay the fare for the route they used. For example, suppose a commuter pass is valid for boarding and alighting points A, B, and C (via point B). If a passenger travels to boarding and alighting points A, C, and D (via point D) using this pass, they will normally be charged the fare for the route that includes boarding and alighting point D.

[0154] However, for example, a transportation operator might want to recommend travel via boarding / alighting point D, especially during peak hours when boarding / alighting point B is congested. In such cases, it might be possible to establish a fare change rule that allows passengers to use a route via boarding / alighting points ADC (via point D) without additional charges, even if the usage section under the right of use is boarding / alighting points A, B, C (via point B), during certain times.

[0155] The rules for changing fares may be predetermined by the transportation operator, or they may be temporarily set by the transportation operator depending on the level of congestion on the transportation system.

[0156] Next, Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of the information output device 40. The information output device 40 includes an image receiving unit 21, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42, an obstacle information receiving unit 23, a target identification unit 24, a travel path identification unit 45, a calculation unit 46, and an output unit 47. The information output device 40 may further include an aggregation unit 38.

[0157] The image receiving unit 21, the fault information receiving unit 23, and the target identification unit 24 are the same as in the second embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0158] The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives boarding location information, alighting location information, and rights information, similar to the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 22 in the second embodiment.

[0159] The boarding and alighting information receiving unit 42 may, similar to the boarding and alighting information receiving unit 22 in the second embodiment, delete from its storage means any stored boarding and alighting information for tickets that are not subject to alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs.

[0160] However, for tickets subject to fare calculation using the travel route, the stored boarding and alighting information is used to calculate the final fare. Therefore, the boarding and alighting information receiving unit 42 does not delete the stored boarding and alighting information from the storage means for tickets subject to fare calculation using the travel route. For example, when the information output device 40 performs fare calculation according to the normal regular fare calculation rules, the boarding and alighting information receiving unit 42 does not delete the stored boarding and alighting information from the storage means for tickets for which alighting point information has not been received.

[0161] Furthermore, for example, when the information output device 40 calculates fares according to the fare change rules, the boarding and alighting information receiving unit 42 does not delete the stored boarding and alighting information for tickets subject to the fare change rules from the storage means. Tickets subject to the fare change rules may be, for example, tickets for which alighting point information has not been received, where the usage section of the usage right is a section subject to the fare change rules. Also, for example, if the fare change rules are rules that are applied depending on the time of day, tickets subject to the fare change rules may be, for example, tickets for which alighting point information has not been received, where the boarding date and time fall within a specified time period.

[0162] The travel route identification unit 45, similar to the travel route identification unit 25 in the second embodiment, identifies the travel route of a user holding a ticket affected by a transportation disruption. Furthermore, when the information output device 40 calculates fares according to the normal regular fare calculation rules, the travel route identification unit 45 also identifies the travel route for tickets that have not received disembarking point information. Additionally, when the information output device 40 calculates fares according to fare change rules, the travel route identification unit 45 also identifies the travel route for tickets subject to the fare change rules.

[0163] The calculation unit 46 calculates the settlement fare for tickets affected by the transportation disruption, similar to the calculation unit 26 in the second embodiment. Furthermore, when the information output device 40 calculates the fare according to the normal regular fare calculation rules, the calculation unit 46 also calculates the settlement fare for the ticket when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives alighting point information. In this case, the calculation unit 46 calculates the settlement fare based on the boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, travel route information, and the regular fare calculation rules.

[0164] Furthermore, when the information output device 40 calculates the fare according to the fare change rules, the calculation unit 46 also calculates the final fare for a ticket when the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives alighting point information for a ticket subject to the fare change rules. The calculation unit 46 calculates the final fare based on the boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, travel route information, and the fare change rules.

[0165] The output unit 47 outputs settlement information, similar to the output unit 27 of the second embodiment. The settlement information is information indicating the settlement fare.

[0166] Furthermore, the output unit 47 may output information to the user device 70 of a user whose boarding location information was received by the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 during the time period in which the fare change rule applies, indicating that the user's ticket is subject to the fare change rule. For example, the output unit 47 may output information to the user device 70 about routes that are not subject to additional fares.

[0167] Figure 16 shows an example of a display image related to fare change rules. The display image in Figure 16 is displayed on the user device 70 based on the information output from the output unit 47. In the example of Figure 16, the display image includes information on routes that can be ridden without an additional fare. The display image may also include information on the time periods during which rides can be taken without an additional fare. Furthermore, if the additional fare changes from the usual fare (for example, becomes cheaper than usual), the display image may include information on the additional fare. The display image may also include information on the difference between the regular fare and the additional fare.

[0168] As described above, the information output device 40 can also calculate an appropriate settlement fare using the travel route information, even when calculating fares according to the normal regular fare calculation rules.

[0169] Furthermore, the information output device 40 can also calculate an appropriate fare based on fare change rules by using the travel route information. In addition, transportation operators can use fare change rules to guide users, for example, to avoid congested routes.

[0170] Furthermore, the information output device 40 can provide users of tickets subject to the fare change rules with information regarding routes that can be used without additional fares, and other information related to the fare change rules. This improves user convenience.

[0171] Next, we will explain an example of the operation flow of the information output device 40 using Figures 7, 10, and 17 to 19. Figures 17 to 19 are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation flow of the information output device 40.

[0172] The image receiving unit 21 receives image data of the image captured by the camera 51 (step S201 in Figure 7). The received image data is associated with information about the location where the camera 51 that took the image was installed and information about the date and time the image was taken, and is stored in the storage means.

[0173] Furthermore, when a user has their ticket read by the reader 52 when boarding a public transport, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives boarding location information from the reader 52 regarding the ticket held by the user who boarded the public transport (step S401 in Figure 17). The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 stores the ticket ID and boarding location information as saved boarding / alighting information in the storage means.

[0174] Furthermore, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives rights information corresponding to the ticket identification information associated with the boarding location information (step S402). The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 stores the received rights information in the storage means, associating it with the stored boarding / alighting information. If the rights information is included in the ticket information, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 may receive the rights information from the reading device 52. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 may also receive rights information corresponding to the ticket identification information associated with the boarding location information from the user information providing device 53.

[0175] Furthermore, the travel route identification unit 45 starts identifying the travel route for users who possess tickets that are subject to fare calculation using the travel route (step S403). When the information output device 40 calculates fares according to the normal regular fare calculation rules, the tickets subject to fare calculation using the travel route include tickets subject to the normal regular fare calculation rules. Also, when the information output device 40 calculates fares according to the fare change rules, the tickets subject to fare calculation using the travel route include tickets subject to the fare change rules.

[0176] The travel route identification unit 45 identifies the travel route based on the image data received by the image receiving unit 21 and the facial image data used for matching the user who possesses the ticket subject to fare calculation using the travel route. The travel route identification unit 45 identifies the travel route of the user who possesses the ticket subject to fare calculation using the travel route until the disembarkation point information for the ticket is received by the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42.

[0177] Furthermore, when a user alights from public transport and has their ticket read by the reader 52, the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives alighting location information associated with the ticket identification information from the reader 52 (step S404 in Figure 18). The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 adds the alighting location information to the stored boarding / alighting information corresponding to the ticket ID associated with the alighting location information.

[0178] The boarding and alighting information receiving unit 42 may delete from its storage means any stored boarding and alighting information for tickets that are not subject to alternative transportation even if a transportation disruption occurs. However, the boarding and alighting information receiving unit 42 will not delete from its storage means any tickets that are subject to fare calculation using the travel route until the output unit 48 has finished outputting the settlement information, or until the settlement process based on the output of the settlement information has been completed.

[0179] When a transportation disruption occurs, the disruption information receiving unit 23 receives disruption information from the disruption information providing device 54 (step S205 in Figure 10).

[0180] Next, the target identification unit 24 identifies the target tickets (step S206 in Figure 10). Based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the target identification unit 24 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets. For example, the target identification unit 24 identifies target tickets from among the tickets for which saved boarding and alighting information is stored in the storage means. The target identification unit 24 also identifies target tickets from among the tickets for which saved boarding and alighting information has been stored in the storage means since the occurrence of the transportation disruption.

[0181] Next, the travel route identification unit 45 identifies the travel route of the user (target person) holding the target ticket (step S207). The travel route identification unit 45 identifies the travel route based on the image data received by the image receiving unit 21 and the target person's matching face image data. The travel route identification unit 45 identifies the target person's travel route until the conditions for terminating the identification of the travel route are met (NO in step S208), for example, until the transportation disruption is resolved.

[0182] If the travel route identification unit 45 started identifying the travel route of the subject in step S403 of Figure 17, it continues identifying the travel route of the subject in step S207. Also, even if the conditions for terminating travel route identification are met in step S208, if the disembarking point information for the ticket subject to fare calculation using the travel route has not been received by the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42, the travel route identification unit 45 continues identifying the travel route for that ticket.

[0183] When the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives alighting point information for the target ticket, or alighting point information for a ticket that is subject to fare calculation using the travel route (YES in step S405 or YES in step S406 in Figure 18), the calculation unit 46 calculates the settlement fare based on the travel route (step S407).

[0184] Furthermore, the output unit 47 outputs settlement information, including the settlement fare (step S408). The settlement information is output to the reader 52 and the user device 70. For tickets that are subject to fare calculation using a travel route, the output unit 47 may delete the stored boarding and alighting information for said tickets from the storage means after outputting the settlement information.

[0185] Furthermore, the output unit 47 may output information to the user device 70 of a user whose boarding location information was received by the boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 during the time period in which the fare change rule applies, indicating that the user's ticket is subject to the fare change rule. In this case, for example, after step S403 in Figure 17, the output unit 47 may output information to the user device 70 of a user whose ticket is subject to the fare change rule, indicating that the ticket is subject to the fare change rule (step S409 in Figure 19). Note that step S409 may be executed after step S402 in Figure 17.

[0186] As described above, in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the information output device 40 includes an image receiving unit 21, a boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42, an obstruction information receiving unit 23, a target identification unit 24, a travel route identification unit 45, a calculation unit 46, and an output unit 47. The image receiving unit 21 receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding / alighting points of the transportation system. The boarding / alighting information receiving unit 42 receives boarding point information, alighting point information, and rights information regarding tickets held by users who have boarded the transportation system. Boarding point information is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation system. Alighting point information is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation system. Rights information is information about the rights that the user has regarding the use of the transportation system. The obstruction information receiving unit 23 receives obstruction information. The obstruction information includes information about the obstructed section, which is the section within the transportation system where a transportation obstruction has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation obstruction. The target identification unit 24 identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets based on the disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. Target tickets are the tickets for which the settlement fare is calculated. The travel route identification unit 45 identifies the travel route of the user holding the target ticket based on the image data and the matching face image data associated with the target ticket. The calculation unit 46 calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the disruption information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route. The output unit 47 outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare.

[0187] In this way, the information output device 40 identifies the travel route of a user holding a ticket based on image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of the transportation system and matching facial image data associated with the ticket. The information output device 40 then calculates the fare based on the obstruction information, boarding point information, alighting point information, rights information, and travel route. This makes it possible to calculate the fare more appropriately according to the route actually used.

[0188] [Example Hardware Configuration] This section describes an example of hardware resource configurations for realizing the information output devices (10, 20, 30, 40) in each embodiment of the present disclosure described above using a single information processing device (computer). Note that the information output device may be realized using at least two information processing devices, either physically or functionally. Furthermore, the information output device may be realized as a dedicated device. Also, only some functions of the information output device may be realized using information processing devices.

[0189] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of realizing the information output devices of each embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, an arithmetic unit 93, a storage device 94, a non-volatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

[0190] For example, the image receiving unit, boarding / alighting information receiving unit 12, fault information receiving unit 13, and output unit 17 in Figure 1 can be implemented using the communication interface 91 and the computing device 93. Furthermore, the target identification unit 14, travel path identification unit 15, and calculation unit 16 can also be implemented using the computing device 93.

[0191] The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the information output device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device by wire and / or wirelessly. If the information output device is implemented using at least two information processing devices, these devices may be connected via the communication interface 91 to enable mutual communication.

[0192] The input / output interface 92 is a human-machine interface, such as a keyboard as an example of an input device, or a display as an output device.

[0193] The arithmetic unit 93 is implemented by a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or microprocessor, as well as multiple electrical circuits. The arithmetic unit 93 can, for example, read various programs stored in the non-volatile memory device 95 into the memory device 94 and execute processing according to the read programs.

[0194] The storage device 94 is a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be accessed by the arithmetic unit 93, and stores programs and various data. The storage device 94 may also be a volatile memory device.

[0195] The non-volatile storage device 95 is a non-volatile storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs and data.

[0196] The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes data reading and writing to the recording medium 97, which will be described later.

[0197] The recording medium 97 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disc, magneto-optical disc, or semiconductor flash memory.

[0198] Each embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented, for example, by configuring an information output device with an information processing device 90 illustrated in Figure 20, and supplying this information output device with a program capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment above.

[0199] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the arithmetic unit 93 execute the program supplied to the information output device. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure some, rather than all, of the functions of the information output device using the information processing device 90.

[0200] Furthermore, the above program may be recorded on the recording medium 97, and the information output device may be configured such that the program is stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 as appropriate during the shipping or operation phase of the information output device. In this case, the method of supplying the above program may be to install it into the information output device using an appropriate jig during the manufacturing phase before shipping or during the operation phase. Alternatively, the method of supplying the above program may be to use a general procedure such as downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0201] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0202] (Note 1) An image receiving unit that receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities, A boarding / alighting information receiving unit receives boarding location information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation, alighting location information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation, and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation, with respect to the ticket held by the user who boarded the transportation. An obstacle information receiving unit receives obstacle information including information on the section of the transportation system in which a transportation disruption has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation disruption. A target identification unit identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets subject to the calculation of the fare adjustment, based on the aforementioned disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. A travel route identification unit identifies the travel route of a user possessing the target ticket based on the aforementioned image data and matching facial image data associated with the target ticket. A calculation unit that calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the aforementioned fault information, the aforementioned boarding location information, the aforementioned alighting location information, the aforementioned rights information, and the aforementioned travel route, An output unit that outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare, An information output device equipped with the following features.

[0203] (Note 2) The travel route identification unit identifies an image in which the person in the matching facial image data is photographed based on the image data, and identifies the boarding / alighting point where the camera that took the image of the person in the matching facial image data is installed as a transit point passed through by the user holding the target ticket. The information output device described in Appendix 1.

[0204] (Note 3) The aforementioned movement path identification unit limits the image data to be compared with the matching face image data to image data transmitted from a predetermined boarding / alighting point. An information output device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0205] (Note 4) The aforementioned route identification unit generates information on possible routes that the user may be using, based on the boarding point, alighting point, and identified intermediate stops. The output unit outputs the candidate information, The settlement information includes information indicating the settlement fare corresponding to the route selected from the candidates. An information output device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 3.

[0206] (Note 5) The system further includes a counting unit for counting the number of the aforementioned target tickets, The output unit outputs information on the number of the target tickets to the transportation company's staff device. An information output device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0207] (Note 6) The aggregation unit estimates alternative routes that the user of the target ticket is presumed to use, based on the obstructed section and the usage section in the rights information, and aggregates the number of target tickets that are presumed to use for each alternative route. The output unit outputs information on the number of target tickets for each alternative route. The information output device described in Appendix 5.

[0208] (Note 7) The output unit outputs information about the number of target tickets to the staff device when the number of target tickets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. An information output device as described in Appendix 5 or Appendix 6.

[0209] (Note 8) The aforementioned travel route identification unit identifies the travel route for the ticket subject to fare calculation using that travel route, The tickets subject to fare calculation using the travel route are at least one of the following: tickets subject to the calculation of the normal fare adjustment when no transportation disruption occurs, and tickets subject to fare change rules. The aforementioned fare change rule is a rule that applies a fare different from the normal fare when the usage section and the travel route in the rights information meet certain conditions. An information output device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0210] (Note 9) The calculation unit calculates the normal settlement fare in the case where no transportation disruption has occurred as indicated by the disruption information, based on the specified travel route, in accordance with the normal regular fare calculation rules. The information output device described in Appendix 8.

[0211] (Note 10) The calculation unit calculates the fare adjustment for tickets subject to the fare change rule, based on the specified travel route, in accordance with the fare change rule. An information output device as described in Appendix 8 or Appendix 9.

[0212] (Note 11) The output unit outputs the settlement information to the reading device that transmitted the disembarking point information. An information output device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0213] (Note 12) The output unit outputs the settlement information to the user device of the user holding the target ticket. An information output device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 11.

[0214] (Note 13) The output unit outputs the identified travel route information to the user device of the user holding the target ticket. An information output device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 12.

[0215] (Note 14) The calculation unit calculates a provisional fare based on the latest travel route information identified by the travel route identification unit, assuming the user disembarks from the transportation at the user's latest location. The output unit outputs the provisional fare information to the user device of the user holding the ticket in question. An information output device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 13.

[0216] (Note 15) The aforementioned facial image data for verification is data stored in the ticket, data provided by a user information provision device, or data of a user's facial image taken when the user boards the public transport. An information output device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 14.

[0217] (Note 16) The information output device, The system receives image data from images captured by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points on public transportation. With respect to the ticket held by a user who has boarded the aforementioned transportation, the system receives boarding location information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation; disembarking location information, which is information about the point where the user disembarked from the transportation; and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation. The system receives information about the section of the transportation system where a transportation disruption has occurred, and information about alternative routes for the transportation disruption. Based on the aforementioned disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption are identified as target tickets for which the fare adjustment is to be calculated. Based on the aforementioned image data and the matching facial image data associated with the aforementioned ticket, the travel route of the user holding the aforementioned ticket is identified. Based on the aforementioned disruption information, the boarding location information, the alighting location information, the rights information, and the travel route, the settlement fare for the relevant ticket is calculated. Output settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare. Information output method.

[0218] (Note 17) On the computer, An image receiving function that receives image data from images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities, A boarding and alighting information receiving function that receives boarding location information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation, alighting location information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation, and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation, with respect to the ticket held by the user who boarded the transportation. A failure information receiving function that receives failure information including information on the section of the transportation system in which a transportation failure has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation failure. Based on the aforementioned disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the system includes a target identification function that identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets subject to the calculation of the fare adjustment, and A travel route identification function that identifies the travel route of a user possessing the target ticket based on the aforementioned image data and matching facial image data associated with the target ticket, A calculation function that calculates the fare for the target ticket based on the aforementioned fault information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route, An output function that outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare, An information output program that enables this.

[0219] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 15, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 above, may also be subordinate to Appendices 16 and 17 in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 15. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 16, and 17, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, without departing from the embodiments described above.

[0220] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] 10, 20, 30, 40 Information output devices 11, 21 Image receiving unit 12, 22, 42 Boarding / Alighting Information Receiving Unit 13, 23 Fault Information Receiving Unit 14, 24 Targeted Departments 15, 25, 45 Movement path identification section 16, 26, 46 Calculation section 17, 27, 47 Output section 38. Aggregation Department 51 Camera 52 Reading device 53 User information provision device 54. Fault Information Provisioning Device 55 Staff device 70 User equipment 80 Communication lines 90 Information Processing Equipment 91 Communication Interface 92 Input / Output Interfaces 93 Arithmetic unit 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile memory devices 96 Drive unit 97 Recording media

Claims

1. An image receiving unit that receives image data of images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities, A boarding / alighting information receiving unit receives boarding location information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation, alighting location information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation, and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation, with respect to the ticket held by the user who boarded the transportation. An obstacle information receiving unit receives obstacle information including information on the section of the transportation system in which a transportation disruption has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation disruption. A target identification unit identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets subject to the calculation of the fare adjustment, based on the aforementioned disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information. A travel route identification unit identifies the travel route of a user possessing the target ticket based on the aforementioned image data and matching facial image data associated with the target ticket. A calculation unit that calculates the settlement fare for the target ticket based on the aforementioned fault information, the aforementioned boarding location information, the aforementioned alighting location information, the aforementioned rights information, and the aforementioned travel route, An output unit that outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare, An information output device equipped with the following features.

2. The travel route identification unit identifies an image in which the person in the matching facial image data is photographed based on the image data, and identifies the boarding / alighting point where the camera that took the image of the person in the matching facial image data is installed as a transit point passed through by the user holding the target ticket. The information output device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned movement path identification unit limits the image data to be compared with the matching face image data to image data transmitted from a predetermined boarding / alighting point. An information output device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned route identification unit generates information on possible routes that the user may be using, based on the boarding point, alighting point, and identified intermediate stops. The output unit outputs the candidate information, The settlement information includes information indicating the settlement fare corresponding to the route selected from the candidates. An information output device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The system further includes a counting unit for counting the number of the aforementioned target tickets, The output unit outputs information on the number of the target tickets to the transportation company's staff device. An information output device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The aforementioned travel route identification unit identifies the travel route for the ticket subject to fare calculation using that travel route, The tickets subject to fare calculation using the travel route are at least one of the following: tickets subject to the calculation of the normal fare adjustment when no transportation disruption occurs, and tickets subject to fare change rules. The aforementioned fare change rule is a rule that applies a fare different from the normal fare when the usage section and the travel route in the rights information meet certain conditions. An information output device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The output unit outputs the settlement information to the reading device that transmitted the disembarking point information. An information output device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The aforementioned facial image data for verification is data stored in the ticket, data provided by a user information provision device, or data of a user's facial image taken when the user boards the public transport. An information output device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The information output device, The system receives image data from images captured by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points on public transportation. With respect to the ticket held by a user who has boarded the aforementioned transportation, the system receives boarding location information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation; disembarking location information, which is information about the point where the user disembarked from the transportation; and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation. The system receives information about the section of the transportation system where a transportation disruption has occurred, and information about alternative routes for the transportation disruption. Based on the aforementioned disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption are identified as target tickets for which the fare adjustment is to be calculated. Based on the aforementioned image data and the matching facial image data associated with the aforementioned ticket, the travel route of the user holding the aforementioned ticket is identified. Based on the aforementioned disruption information, the boarding location information, the alighting location information, the rights information, and the travel route, the settlement fare for the relevant ticket is calculated. Output settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare. Information output method.

10. On the computer, An image receiving function that receives image data from images taken by cameras installed at multiple boarding and alighting points of transportation facilities, A boarding and alighting information receiving function that receives boarding location information, which is information about the point where the user boarded the transportation, alighting location information, which is information about the point where the user alighted from the transportation, and rights information, which is information about the rights the user has regarding the use of the transportation, with respect to the ticket held by the user who boarded the transportation. A failure information receiving function that receives failure information including information on the section of the transportation system in which a transportation failure has occurred, and alternative route information for the transportation failure. Based on the aforementioned disruption information, boarding location information, and rights information, the system includes a target identification function that identifies the tickets held by users affected by the transportation disruption as target tickets subject to the calculation of the fare adjustment, and A travel route identification function that identifies the travel route of a user possessing the target ticket based on the aforementioned image data and matching facial image data associated with the target ticket, A calculation function that calculates the fare for the target ticket based on the aforementioned fault information, boarding location information, alighting location information, rights information, and travel route, An output function that outputs settlement information including information indicating the settlement fare, An information output program that enables this.

Images