Station operation system and station operation program

Abstract

To enable the use of non-traffic system IC cards without the need to modify station service equipment.SOLUTION: A station service system according to the embodiment includes station service equipment, an authentication server connected to the station service equipment, and a remote server connected to the station service equipment and the authentication server. The station service equipment includes an acquisition unit for acquiring acquisition information including an ID of a first IC card that enables the use of transportation at free or reduced fares, and a first communication unit for transmitting the acquisition information. The authentication server includes a second communication unit that receives the acquisition information, a determination unit that determines whether the ID included in the acquisition information is a correct ID, and a third communication unit that transmits determination acquisition information including the determination result and the acquisition information. The remote server includes a fourth communication unit for receiving the determination acquisition information, a station equipment control unit for generating station equipment control instructions for operating the station equipment based on the determination results included in the determination acquisition information, and a fifth communication unit for transmitting the station equipment instructions to the station equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a station operation system and a station operation program.

Background Art

[0002] Users who possess the senior citizen pass issued by the government or the like can use it to take trains, buses or other means of transportation without paying the fare or at a discounted fare. The operator who manages the means of transportation (hereinafter referred to as the transportation operator) receives payment from the government according to the number of times the senior citizen pass is used.

[0003] However, when the senior citizen pass is issued on paper media, it is difficult for the transportation operator to grasp how much the user uses the public transportation. Therefore, it has been considered to issue the senior citizen pass as an IC card and use the IC card to use the public transportation. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the use of trains using an IC card not issued by the transportation operator has been considered.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The communication standard of the IC card not issued by the transportation operator (hereinafter referred to as the non-transportation IC card) is different from that of the IC card issued by the transportation operator (hereinafter referred to as the transportation IC card). Therefore, the non-transportation IC card cannot communicate with the transportation IC card reader installed in the ticket vending machine or the ticket gate. However, when the ticket vending machine or the ticket gate is modified to use the non-transportation IC card, there is a problem that it costs a large amount of money.

[0006] In addition, in order to prevent fraud, when using a non-transportation IC card, it is necessary to perform authentication such as whether it is a correct ID. If the transportation operator manages the ID and issuance status of the non-transportation IC card for this authentication, it is necessary to securely hold this information.

[0007] This invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the object is to provide a service to users using a non-transportation IC card without modifying ticket vending machines, ticket gates, etc. In addition, it is to provide a technology that enables authentication without the transportation operator managing the ID etc. of the non-transportation IC card.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The station operation system according to the embodiment is a station operation system including station operation equipment, an authentication server connected to the station operation equipment, and a remote server connected to the station operation equipment and the authentication server. The station operation equipment includes an acquisition unit that acquires acquisition information including the ID of a first IC card that can be used to use transportation means at no charge or at a discounted fare, and a first communication unit that transmits the acquisition information. The authentication server includes a second communication unit that receives the acquisition information, a determination unit that determines whether the ID included in the acquisition information is a correct ID, and a third communication unit that transmits determination acquisition information including the determination result and the acquisition information. The remote server includes a fourth communication unit that receives the determination acquisition information, a station operation equipment control unit that generates a station operation equipment control instruction for operating the station operation equipment based on the determination result included in the determination acquisition information, and a fifth communication unit that transmits the station operation equipment control instruction to the station operation equipment.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the station operation system and the station operation program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, for parts with the same number, the same operations are assumed, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a station operation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The station operation system includes a first ticket vending machine 1A arranged at Station A, a non-transportation system IC card reader 2A, a second ticket vending machine 1B arranged at Station B, a non-transportation system IC card reader 2B, an authentication server 3, and a remote server 4.

[0013] The first ticket vending machine 1A, the second ticket vending machine 1B, the authentication server 3, and the remote server 4 are connected to each other through a network 5.

[0014] Here, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the first ticket vending machine 1A and the second ticket vending machine 1B, which are station operation devices, they are simply referred to as the ticket vending machine 1. Similarly, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the non-transportation system IC card reader 2A and the non-transportation system IC card reader 2B, they are simply referred to as the non-transportation system IC card reader 2.

[0015] The ticket vending machine 1 is installed, for example, at a station where a user intends to use the railway, and issues a boarding ticket or the like when using the railway. In addition to the normal ticket issuance operation, the ticket vending machine 1 can issue a discounted boarding ticket indicating that a user who intends to use the railway using a specific service (such as a senior citizen pass) provided by an administration or the like is using it at a free or discounted fare. Also, in FIG. 1, an example is shown where there is only one ticket vending machine 1 at each station, but of course, a plurality of ticket vending machines 1 may be installed at each station.

[0016] The non-transportation IC card reader 2, which is the first IC card reader, is installed near the ticket vending machine 1 and is connected to the ticket vending machine 1 by wire or wirelessly. The non-transportation IC card reader 2 reads the medium information contained in the non-transportation IC card (the first IC card) when the non-transportation IC card, including the senior citizen pass, official commuting ticket, etc., is presented. And it is possible to transmit the read medium information to the ticket vending machine 1. Here, the non-transportation IC card is an IC card issued by an administration or the like and may be an IC card for using a transportation facility at a free or discounted fare. Further, the non-transportation IC card may indicate that other services can be used.

[0017] Also, the non-transportation IC card reader 2 may be a QR code reader capable of reading a QR code (registered trademark). That is, when an administration or the like issues a QR code instead of a non-transportation IC card, the non-transportation IC card reader 2 can be replaced with a QR code reader.

[0018] The authentication server 3 is installed, for example, within a facility such as an administration that issues non-transportation IC cards. And the authentication server 3 manages the issuance status, ID, etc. of the non-transportation IC cards.

[0019] The remote server 4 is installed within the facility of the transportation operator that manages the ticket vending machine 1. Also, the remote server 4 can control the operation of the ticket vending machine 1. In FIG. 1, the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 are shown as separate devices, but they may be the same device. In this case, the device may be any device having the functions of the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ticket vending machine 1, the authentication server 3, and the remote server 4.

[0021] The ticket vending machine 1 is realized by a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). The ticket vending machine 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output interface 13, a communication interface 14, a transportation system IC card reader 15, an input unit 16, and an output unit 17. The control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the input / output interface 13, and the communication interface 14 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be communicable. Also, the input / output interface 13 is connected to the transportation system IC card reader 15, the input unit 16, and the output unit 17 so as to be communicable with them.

[0022] The control unit 11 controls the ticket vending machine 1. The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit).

[0023] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium. The storage unit 12 is configured by combining a non-volatile memory that can be written to and read from at any time, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), and a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 12 includes a program storage area and a data storage area in the storage area. The program storage area stores application programs necessary for executing various processes in addition to an operating system (OS) and middleware.

[0024] The input / output interface 13 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the transportation system IC card reader 15, the input unit 16, and the output unit 17. Further, the input / output interface 13 is connected to a non-transportation system IC card reader 2. And the input / output interface 13 is also an interface that enables transmission and reception of information with a non-transportation system IC card.

[0025] The communication interface 14 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 via a network 5 including a LAN or the Internet. The communication interface 14 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 under the control of the control unit 11 and transmit and receive various information.

[0026] Here, the input / output interface 13 may be a part of the communication interface 14. That is, the input / output interface 13 may include a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the transportation system IC card reader 15, the input unit 16, the output unit 17, and the non-transportation system IC card reader 2.

[0027] The transportation system IC card reader 15, which is the second IC card reader, is a card reader capable of reading various information from a transportation system IC card (the second IC card) issued by a transportation operator, for example. For example, the transportation system IC card reader 15 is a reader capable of acquiring various information from a transportation system IC card using FeliCa (registered trademark), which is one of the near-field wireless communication technologies NFC (Near Field Communication). Also, when a non-transportation system IC card is presented, the transportation system IC card reader 15 cannot acquire various information from the non-transportation system IC card, but it is possible to detect that an IC card different from the transportation system IC card has been presented. As shown in FIG. 2, the non-transportation system IC card reader 2 and the transportation system IC card reader 15 are shown as separate card readers. However, the non-transportation system IC card reader 2 may be incorporated into the transportation system IC card reader 15. That is, the transportation system IC card reader disposed in the ticket vending machine 1 may be a card reader capable of acquiring various information from both the transportation system IC card and the non-transportation system IC card.

[0028] The input unit 16 is, for example, an input detection sheet that adopts an electrostatic method or a pressure method and is arranged on the display screen of the display device included in the output unit 17. It outputs a signal corresponding to the touch position of the user to the control unit 11 via the input / output interface 13. Further, the input unit 16 may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. for a user (such as a passenger holding a senior citizen pass) of the ticket vending machine 1 to input an instruction to the ticket vending machine 1.

[0029] The output unit 17 includes, for example, a display device that uses liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc. The display device displays an image and a message according to the signal input from the input / output interface 13. For example, the input unit 16 and the display device may be a touch screen with integrated input and output. That is, the input unit 16 or the output unit 17 may receive the input of necessary information when the user touches a button displayed on the touch screen, and output a signal corresponding to the received information to the control unit 11. Further, the output unit 17 may be provided with a ticket issuing unit that can issue a discounted ticket to a user who wishes to use a transportation facility using a senior citizen pass or the like according to an instruction from the control unit 11. Note that the input unit 16 and the output unit 17 may be devices provided with a predetermined button, and a ticket or a discounted ticket can be issued by pressing the button.

[0030] The non-transportation IC card reader 2 is, for example, a reader capable of reading various information from a non-transportation IC card issued by an administration or the like. For example, the non-transportation IC card reader 2 may be a reader capable of reading various information from a non-transportation IC card using Type-B, which is one of the NFC technologies. That is, since the non-transportation IC card is a card that can communicate using an NFC technology different from that of the transportation IC card, various information cannot be read by the transportation IC card reader 15, but can be read by the non-transportation IC card reader 2. When the non-transportation IC card reader 2 is incorporated into the transportation IC card reader 15, it goes without saying that various information can be read from the non-transportation IC card by the transportation IC card reader 15.

[0031] The authentication server 3 is implemented by a computer such as a PC. The authentication server 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input / output interface 33, a communication interface 34, an input unit 36, and an output unit 37. The control unit 31, the storage unit 32, the input / output interface 33, and the communication interface 34 are communicably connected to each other via a bus. Also, the input / output interface 33 is communicably connected to the input unit 36 and the output unit 37.

[0032] The control unit 31 controls the authentication server 3. The control unit 31 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0033] The storage unit 32 is a storage medium. The storage unit 32 is configured by combining, for example, a rewritable and readable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage unit 32 includes a program storage area and a data storage area in the storage area. The program storage area stores application programs necessary for executing various processes in addition to the OS and middleware.

[0034] The input / output interface 33 is an interface that enables the transmission and reception of information between the input unit 36 and the output unit 37.

[0035] The communication interface 34 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 34 includes a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the ticket vending machine 1 and the remote server 4 via the network 5. The communication interface 34 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the ticket vending machine 1 and the remote server 4 under the control of the control unit 31 and transmit and receive various information.

[0036] Here, the input / output interface 33 may be part of the communication interface 34. That is, the input / output interface 33 may include a communication module connected to the input unit 36 and the output unit 37 by wire or wirelessly.

[0037] The input unit 36 is, for example, an input detection sheet adopting an electrostatic method or a pressure method, which is arranged on the display screen of the display device included in the output unit 37. Through the input / output interface 33, the input unit 36 outputs a signal corresponding to the touch position of the administrator of the authentication server 3 to the control unit 31. Further, the input unit 36 may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. for the administrator of the authentication server 3 to input an instruction to the authentication server 3.

[0038] The output unit 37 includes, for example, a display device using liquid crystal, organic EL, etc. The display device displays an image and a message according to the signal input from the input / output interface 33. For example, the input unit 36 and the output unit 37 may be a touch screen in which input and output are integrated. That is, the input unit 36 or the output unit 37 may accept the input of necessary information when the administrator of the authentication server 3 touches a button or the like displayed on the touch screen, and output a signal corresponding to the received information to the control unit 31.

[0039] The remote server 4 is realized by a computer such as a PC. The remote server 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, an input / output interface 43, a communication interface 44, an input unit 46, and an output unit 47. The control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the input / output interface 43, and the communication interface 44 are communicably connected to each other via a bus. Also, the input / output interface 43 is communicably connected to the input unit 46 and the output unit 47.

[0040] The control unit 41 controls the remote server 4. The control unit 41 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0041] The storage unit 42 is a storage medium. The storage unit 42 is configured by combining a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage unit 42 includes a program storage area and a data storage area in the storage region. The program storage area stores application programs necessary for executing various processes in addition to the OS and middleware.

[0042] The input / output interface 43 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the input unit 46 and the output unit 47.

[0043] The communication interface 44 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 44 includes a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the ticket vending machine 1 and the authentication server 3 via the network 5. The communication interface 44 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the ticket vending machine 1 and the authentication server 3 under the control of the control unit 41 and transmit and receive various information.

[0044] Also, the input / output interface 43 may be a part of the communication interface 44. That is, the input / output interface 43 may include a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the input unit 46 and the output unit 47.

[0045] The input unit 46 is, for example, an input detection sheet that adopts an electrostatic method or a pressure method and is arranged on the display screen of the display device included in the output unit 47, and outputs a signal corresponding to the touch position of the administrator of the remote server 4 to the control unit 41 via the input / output interface 43. Also, the input unit 46 may include, for example, a keyboard or a pointing device for the administrator of the remote server 4 to input an instruction to the remote server 4.

[0046] The output unit 47 includes a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like. The display device displays an image and a message according to a signal input from the input / output interface 43. For example, the input unit 46 and the output unit 47 may be a touch screen in which input and output are integrated. That is, the input unit 46 or the output unit 47 may receive input of necessary information when an administrator of the remote server 4 touches a button or the like displayed on the touch screen, and output a signal corresponding to the received information to the control unit 41.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the ticket vending machine 1 in association with the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. The control unit 11 includes a medium information acquisition unit 111, a communication control unit 112, and a ticket issuance control unit 113.

[0048] The medium information acquisition unit 111 acquires medium information stored in an IC card held by an IC card reader. For example, when a non-transportation IC card is held by the non-transportation IC card reader 2, the medium information acquisition unit 111 acquires non-transportation medium information. The medium information may be various information including information capable of identifying a non-transportation IC card such as the card number and ID of the non-transportation IC card. Similarly, when a transportation IC card is held by the transportation IC card reader 15, the medium information acquisition unit 111 acquires transportation medium information. However, since this operation may be processed by a general processing method, the description thereof is omitted here. Hereinafter, for simplicity, the non-transportation medium information is simply described as medium information. The medium information acquisition unit 111 may also acquire date and time information indicating the date and time when the medium information was acquired. Further, the medium information acquisition unit 111 acquires ticket vending machine information stored in the storage unit 12. The ticket vending machine information includes information indicating which station and where the ticket vending machine 1 is installed (for example, the first ticket vending machine 1A at Station A). Then, the medium information acquisition unit outputs acquisition information including the medium information and the ticket vending machine information to the communication control unit 112. Note that the acquisition information may include date and time information.

[0049] In addition, the media information acquisition unit 111 may function as a determination unit that determines whether a non-transportation IC card is placed on the non-transportation IC card reader 2. For example, when a transportation IC card is mistakenly placed on the non-transportation IC card reader 2, the non-transportation IC card reader 2 outputs a signal indicating that the IC card cannot be read to the media information acquisition unit 111. Based on the signal, the media information acquisition unit 111 outputs mis-input information indicating that an incorrect IC card is placed on the non-transportation IC card reader 2 to the output unit 17. Based on the mis-input information, the output unit 17 may display, for example, on the display device, information instructing to place the transportation IC card that cannot be read by the non-transportation IC card reader 2 on the transportation IC card reader 15. Similarly, when a non-transportation IC card is placed on the transportation IC card reader 15, the media information acquisition unit 111 may display, on the display device, information instructing to place the non-transportation IC card that cannot be read by the transportation IC card reader 15 on the non-transportation IC card reader 2.

[0050] The communication control unit 112 transmits the acquisition information including the media information and the ticket vending machine information acquired from the media information acquisition unit 111 to the authentication server 3 through the communication interface 14. In addition, the communication control unit 112 receives various information including a ticket issuance or non-issuance instruction from the remote server 4. The communication control unit 112 outputs any of the received instructions to the ticket issuance control unit 113.

[0051] The ticket issuance control unit 113 controls the ticket issuance process according to the received ticket issuance instruction or non-issuance instruction. For example, when receiving a ticket issuance instruction, the ticket issuance control unit 113 displays a ticket issuance button on the display device of the output unit 17 and prompts the user to touch it. Alternatively, the ticket issuance control unit 113 may control the ticket issuance operation at the ticket issuance unit of the output unit 17 according to the ticket issuance instruction without displaying the ticket issuance button on the display device.

[0052] The storage unit 12 may store ticket vending machine information. For example, it may store ticket vending machine information indicating at which station and location the ticket vending machine 1 is located (for example, information indicating that it is the first ticket vending machine 1A at Station A). Also, the storage unit 12 may store various types of information acquired by each part of the control unit 11.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 in association with the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. The control unit 31 of the authentication server 3 includes a communication control unit 311 and an ID determination unit 312.

[0054] The communication control unit 311 receives the acquired information transmitted from the ticket vending machine 1 through the communication interface 34. Then, the communication control unit 311 outputs the received acquired information to the ID determination unit 312. Also, the communication control unit 311 receives the determination acquired information, which will be described later, from the ID determination unit 312. Then, the communication control unit 311 transmits the received determination acquired information to the remote server 4 through the communication interface 34.

[0055] The ID determination unit 312 determines whether the IC card included in the acquired information is authenticable. That is, the ID determination unit determines whether the ID of the IC card is correct. For example, the ID determination unit 312 determines whether the ID of the IC card included in the acquired information matches the ID acquired from the storage unit 32. Also, when there are conditions for using a specific service, the ID determination unit 312 may also determine regarding the said conditions. Then, the ID determination unit 312 outputs the determination result and the determination acquired information including the acquired information to the communication control unit 311.

[0056] The storage unit 32 may store the issuance status of the IC card issued by the administration, the card number and ID of the said IC card, etc. Also, the storage unit 32 may store the usage conditions of a specific service being carried out by the administration. For example, the storage unit 32 may store information such that a specific service is available only on weekdays or available during a predetermined time period, etc. Furthermore, the storage unit 32 may store various types of information acquired by each part of the control unit 31.

[0057] The control unit 41 of the remote server 4 includes a communication control unit 411 and a ticket vending machine control unit 412.

[0058] The communication control unit 411 receives the determination acquisition information transmitted from the authentication server 3 through the communication interface 44. Then, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received determination acquisition information to the ticket vending machine control unit 412. Also, the communication control unit 411 receives a station equipment control instruction, which will be described later, from the ticket vending machine control unit 412. Then, the communication control unit 411 transmits the received station equipment control instruction to the ticket vending machine 1 through the communication interface 44.

[0059] The ticket vending machine control unit 412 generates a station equipment control instruction indicating that ticket issuance is to be performed or cannot be performed at the ticket vending machine 1 based on the determination result by the authentication server 3 included in the determination acquisition information. Then, the ticket vending machine control unit 412 outputs the station equipment control instruction to the communication control unit 411.

[0060] The storage unit 42 may store the installation status of the ticket vending machine 1, the IP address of the ticket vending machine 1, etc. For example, the communication control unit 411 can transmit various information to the ticket vending machine 1 according to the IP address. Also, the storage unit 42 may store instructions for causing the ticket vending machine 1 to perform various operations. For example, the storage unit 42 may store an instruction for issuing discounted train tickets to the ticket vending machine 1. Further, the storage unit 42 may store various information acquired by each part of the control unit 41. For example, the administrator of the remote server 4 can grasp how many times a non-transportation IC card has been used at the ticket vending machine 1 within a predetermined period based on the information stored in the storage unit 42.

[0061] (Operation) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the ticket vending machine 1, the authentication server 3, and the remote server 4 when a non-transportation IC card is swiped at the ticket vending machine 1. By reading and executing the programs stored in the storage units 12, 32, and 42 of the control unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 1, the control unit 31 of the authentication server 3, and the control unit 41 of the remote server 4, respectively, the operations of this flowchart are realized.

[0062] This flowchart starts when the user presents a non-transportation IC card to the card reader. When the user presents a transportation IC card to the ticket vending machine 1, it can be processed in a general way, so the detailed description here is omitted.

[0063] The media information acquisition unit 111 determines whether a non-transportation IC card is presented to the correct card reader (step ST11). For example, when a non-transportation IC card is presented to the transportation IC card reader 15, the media information acquisition unit 111 determines that the non-transportation IC card is presented to the wrong card reader based on the information from the transportation IC card reader 15. On the other hand, when a non-transportation IC card is presented to the non-transportation IC card reader 2, the media information acquisition unit 111 determines that the non-transportation IC card is presented to the correct card reader based on the information from the non-transportation IC card reader 2.

[0064] If it is determined that the non-transportation IC card is not presented to the correct card reader, the media information acquisition unit 111 outputs the misinput information to the output unit 17 (step ST12). The output unit 17 displays on the display device of the output unit 17 that the non-transportation IC card is presented to the wrong card reader according to the misinput information, and may prompt the user to present the non-transportation IC card to the non-transportation IC card reader 2, which is the correct card reader.

[0065] On the other hand, when it is determined that a non-transportation IC card has been presented to the non-transportation IC card reader 2 which is a correct card reader, the media information acquisition unit 111 acquires the media information of the non-transportation IC card acquired by the non-transportation IC card reader 2 (step ST13). The media information includes information such as the card number and ID of the non-transportation IC card that can identify the non-transportation IC card reader. Also, the media information acquisition unit 111 may acquire the date and time when the media information was acquired.

[0066] Here, when the non-transportation IC card reader 2 is incorporated in the transportation IC card reader 15, in step ST11 above, the media information acquisition unit 111 determines which IC card has been presented to the transportation IC card reader 15. For example, when a non-transportation IC card has been presented, the media information acquisition unit 111 may acquire the media information from the non-transportation IC card.

[0067] The media information acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired information (step ST14). The media information acquisition unit 111 acquires the ticket vending machine information stored in the storage unit 12. Then, the media information acquisition unit 111 generates the acquired information including the media information and the ticket vending machine information. Note that the generated information may include the date and time information. Then, the media information acquisition unit 111 outputs the generated acquired information to the communication control unit 112. When the communication control unit 112 receives the acquired information from the media information acquisition unit 111, it transmits the acquired information to the authentication server 3 through the communication interface 14.

[0068] The ID determination unit 312 of the authentication server 3 determines whether the ID of the IC card included in the acquired information is correct (step ST15). The communication control unit 311 receives the acquired information through the communication interface 34. Then, the communication control unit 311 outputs the received acquired information to the ID determination unit 312. The ID determination unit 312 acquires the ID of the IC card included in the medium information in the acquired information. Then, the ID determination unit 312 compares it with the ID stored in the storage unit 32 and determines whether the ID of the IC card included in the acquired information is the correct ID, that is, whether the IC card is authenticable. Also, when it is necessary to satisfy specific conditions (for example, only on weekdays, during a predetermined time, etc.) for the free or discounted fare by the senior pass or the like to be applied, the ID determination unit 312 may also determine whether the specific conditions are satisfied based on the date and time information included in the acquired information.

[0069] When it is determined that the ID is correct, the ID determination unit 312 outputs determination acquired information including positive information and the acquired information to the communication control unit 311 (step ST16). When it is determined that the ID is correct, the ID determination unit 312 generates positive information indicating that the ID is correct. Then, the ID determination unit 312 outputs determination acquired information including positive information and the acquired information to the communication control unit 311. Then, the communication control unit 311 transmits the determination acquired information to the remote server 4 through the communication interface 34.

[0070] The ticket vending machine control unit 412 of the remote server 4 outputs a ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction (step ST17). The communication control unit 411 of the remote server 4 receives the determination acquisition information through the communication interface 44. Then, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received determination acquisition information to the ticket vending machine control unit 412. The ticket vending machine control unit 412 generates a ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction including an instruction to issue a discounted boarding ticket to the user based on the affirmative information included in the determination acquisition information. Further, the ticket vending machine control unit 412 determines which ticket vending machine 1 (for example, the first ticket vending machine 1A at Station A) of which station it is necessary to transmit the ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction based on the ticket vending machine information included in the acquisition information. Then, the ticket vending machine control unit 412 acquires the IP address corresponding to the determined ticket vending machine 1 from the storage unit 42 and generates transmission information including the IP address and the like. Then, the ticket vending machine control unit 412 outputs the ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction and the transmission information to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction to the IP address (for example, the first ticket vending machine 1A) indicated in the transmission information through the communication interface 44.

[0071] The ticket issuance control unit 113 of the ticket vending machine 1 outputs the ticket issuance instruction to the output unit 17 (step ST18). The communication control unit 112 of the ticket vending machine 1 receives the ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction through the communication interface 14. Then, the communication control unit 112 outputs the received ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction to the ticket issuance control unit 113. The ticket issuance control unit 113 outputs the ticket issuance instruction to the output unit 17 based on the ticket vending machine ticket issuance instruction. The ticket issuance instruction may be an instruction to display a ticket issuance button on the display device of the output unit 17. When receiving information indicating that the user has touched the button from the input unit 16, the ticket issuance control unit 113 outputs an instruction to issue a ticket to the output unit 17. In response to the instruction, the ticket issuance unit of the output unit 17 issues a discounted boarding ticket. In the case of a discounted fare, of course, the fare is collected from the user. Alternatively, the ticket issuance instruction may be an instruction to issue a discounted boarding ticket to the output unit 17. That is, when the user presents a non-transportation IC card and the non-transportation IC card is authenticated, the ticket issuance unit of the output unit 17 may issue a discounted boarding ticket according to the ticket issuance instruction.

[0072] In step ST15, when the ID determination unit 312 determines that the ID of the IC card is incorrect, the ID determination unit outputs determination acquisition information including negative information and acquisition information to the communication control unit 311 (step ST19). When it is determined that the ID is incorrect, the ID determination unit 312 generates negative information indicating that the ID is incorrect. Then, the ID determination unit 312 outputs determination acquisition information including negative information and acquisition information to the communication control unit 311. Then, the communication control unit 311 transmits the determination acquisition information to the remote server 4 through the communication interface 34.

[0073] The ticket vending machine control unit 412 of the remote server 4 outputs a ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction (step ST20). The communication control unit 411 of the remote server 4 receives the determination acquisition information through the communication interface 44. Then, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received determination acquisition information to the ticket vending machine control unit 412. The ticket vending machine control unit 412 generates a ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction indicating that the user cannot receive a specific service based on the negative information included in the determination acquisition information. Further, the ticket vending machine control unit 412 generates transmission information indicating to which ticket vending machine 1 (for example, the first ticket vending machine 1A at Station A) of which station the ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction needs to be transmitted based on the ticket vending machine information included in the acquisition information. Then, the ticket vending machine control unit 412 outputs the ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction and the transmission information to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction to the ticket vending machine 1 indicated by the transmission information through the communication interface 44.

[0074] The ticket issuance control unit 113 of the ticket vending machine 1 outputs a non-issuance instruction to the output unit 17 (step ST21). The communication control unit 112 of the ticket vending machine 1 receives the ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction through the communication interface 14. Then, the communication control unit 112 outputs the received ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction to the ticket issuance control unit 113. The ticket issuance control unit 113 outputs a non-issuance instruction to the output unit 17 based on the ticket vending machine non-issuance instruction. The non-issuance instruction may be an instruction to display information on the display device of the output unit 17 indicating that the service specified by the user's IC card is unavailable. The user will take corresponding actions such as presenting the correct IC card to the non-transportation IC card reader 2 in response to the display.

[0075] (Operation and Effect of the First Embodiment) According to the first embodiment described above, by arranging the non-transportation IC card reader 2 near or inside the ticket vending machine 1 and the remote server 4 outputting an instruction to issue a discounted fare ticket, there is no need to modify the ticket vending machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to issue a discounted fare ticket using a non-transportation IC card at a cost lower than modifying the ticket vending machine 1.

[0076] In addition, by authenticating the ID of the non-transportation IC card on the authentication server 3 held by the administration etc., the transportation operator that manages the ticket vending machine does not need to manage the ID etc. of the non-transportation IC card. Therefore, there is no need for the transportation operator to newly construct a security measure to deal with the unauthorized use of the non-transportation IC card.

[0077] Furthermore, since it becomes easy for the transportation operator to grasp the number of times the non-transportation IC card is used, it becomes possible to grasp how many discounted fare tickets have been issued. Therefore, the transportation operator can bill the administration etc. according to the correctly grasped number of times.

[0078] [Second Embodiment] (Configuration) FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the station operation system in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The station operation system includes a ticket gate 6A arranged at Station A, a non-transportation IC card reader 2A, a ticket gate 6B arranged at Station B, a non-transportation IC card reader 2B, an authentication server 3, and a remote server 4.

[0080] The ticket gate 6A, the ticket gate 6B, the authentication server 3, and the remote server 4 are connected to each other through the network 5.

[0081] Here, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the ticket gates 6A and 6B which are station equipment, they are simply described as the ticket gate 6. Similarly, for the non-transportation system IC card readers 2A and 2B, when there is no need to particularly distinguish them, they are simply described as the non-transportation system IC card reader 2.

[0082] The difference from the first embodiment is that the ticket gate 6 is used instead of the ticket vending machine 1. And the non-transportation system IC card reader 2 is installed near or on the ticket gate 6.

[0083] The ticket gate 6 is installed, for example, at a station where a user attempts to use the railway and controls the entry and exit to the station premises. The ticket gate 6 acquires media information from the IC card held by the user, determines the admissibility of passage based on the media information, and controls the passage of the user based on the determination result.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ticket gate 6, the authentication server 3, and the remote server 4 according to the second embodiment.

[0085] The ticket gate 6 is realized by a computer such as a PC. The ticket gate 6 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, an input / output interface 63, a communication interface 64, a transportation system IC card reader 65, an input unit 66, and an output unit 67. The control unit 61, the storage unit 62, the input / output interface 63, and the communication interface 64 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be communicable. Also, the input / output interface 63 is connected to the transportation system IC card reader 65, the input unit 66, and the output unit 67 so as to be communicable.

[0086] The control unit 61 controls the ticket gate 6. The control unit 61 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0087] The storage unit 62 is a storage medium. The storage unit 62 is configured by combining a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage unit 62 includes a program storage area and a data storage area in the storage region. The program storage area stores application programs necessary for executing various processes in addition to the OS and middleware.

[0088] The input / output interface 63 is an interface that enables information transmission and reception between the transportation system IC card reader 65, the input unit 66, and the output unit 67. Further, the input / output interface 63 is connected to the non-transportation system IC card reader 2. And the input / output interface 63 is also an interface that enables information transmission and reception with the non-transportation system IC card.

[0089] The communication interface 64 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 64 includes a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 via a network 5 including a LAN or the Internet. The communication interface 64 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 under the control of the control unit 61 and transmit and receive various information.

[0090] Here, the input / output interface 63 may be a part of the communication interface 64. That is, the input / output interface 63 may include a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the transportation system IC card reader 65, the input unit 66, the output unit 67, and the non-transportation system IC card reader 2.

[0091] The transportation system IC card reader 65 may have the same configuration as the transportation system IC card reader 15.

[0092] The input unit 66 may include, for example, a reader for reading data to be stored in the storage unit 62 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0093] The output unit 67 includes, for example, a display device using liquid crystal, organic EL, etc. The display device displays an image and a message according to the signal input from the input / output interface 63. Further, the output unit 67 may include a writer for writing data to be input to another information processing device such as a PC or a smartphone to a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for writing such data to a disk medium.

[0094] The door 68 opens and closes according to the control of the control unit 61, and controls the passage (entry or exit) of the user. For example, when the user is to be stopped temporarily or the passage of the user is to be prohibited, the door 68 closes to prevent the passage of the passenger. On the other hand, when the passage of the user is permitted, the door 68 is opened to permit the passage of the passenger.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the ticket gate 6 in association with the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 7. The control unit 61 includes a media information acquisition unit 611, a communication control unit 612, and a ticket gate control unit 613.

[0096] The media information acquisition unit 611 acquires the media information stored in the IC card presented to the IC card reader. For example, when a non-transportation IC card is presented to the non-transportation IC card reader 2, the media information acquisition unit 611 acquires non-transportation media information. The media information may be various information including information capable of specifying the non-transportation IC card such as the card number and ID of the non-transportation IC card. Similarly, when a transportation IC card is presented to the transportation IC card reader 15, the media information acquisition unit 611 acquires transportation media information. However, since this operation may be processed by a general processing method, the description is omitted here. The media information acquisition unit 611 may also acquire date and time information indicating the date and time when the media information was acquired. Furthermore, the media information acquisition unit 611 acquires the ticket gate information stored in the storage unit 62. Then, the media information acquisition unit outputs the acquired information including the media information and the ticket gate information to the communication control unit 612. Note that the acquired information may include date and time information.

[0097] Also, the media information acquisition unit 611 may function as a determination unit that determines whether a non-transportation IC card has been presented to the non-transportation IC card reader 2. For example, when a transportation IC card is mistakenly presented to the non-transportation IC card reader 2, the non-transportation IC card reader 2 outputs a signal indicating that the IC card cannot be read to the media information acquisition unit 611. Based on the signal, the media information acquisition unit 611 outputs mis-input information indicating that an incorrect IC card has been presented to the non-transportation IC card reader 2 to the output unit 67. Based on the mis-input information, the output unit 67 may display, for example, on the display device, information instructing to present the IC card to a transportation IC card because the presented IC card cannot be read. Similarly, when a non-transportation IC card is presented to the transportation IC card reader 65, the media information acquisition unit 611 may output mis-input information to the output unit 67 based on the information from the transportation IC card. Furthermore, the media information acquisition unit 611 outputs the mis-input information to the ticket gate control unit 613. The ticket gate control unit 613 closes the door 68 based on the mis-input information to prevent the user from passing through.

[0098] The communication control unit 612 transmits the acquisition information including the media information and the ticket gate information acquired from the media information acquisition unit 611 to the authentication server 3 through the communication interface 64. Also, the communication control unit 612 receives various information including the ticket gate opening instruction or the ticket gate closing instruction from the remote server 4. The communication control unit 612 outputs the received instruction to the ticket gate control unit 613.

[0099] The ticket gate control unit 613 opens and closes the door according to the ticket gate opening instruction or the ticket gate closing instruction received from the communication control unit 612 to control the passage of the user. For example, when receiving the ticket gate opening instruction, the ticket gate control unit 613 controls to open the door and permits the passage of the user. Further, the ticket gate control unit 613 outputs the discount display information to the output unit 67 according to the ticket gate opening instruction. The discount display information is information indicating that the fare of the user is free or a discounted fare. Here, when the user uses the transportation means at the discounted fare, the control unit 61 may operate to deduct a predetermined amount from the non-transportation IC card held by the non-transportation IC card reader 2. On the other hand, when receiving the ticket gate closing instruction, the ticket gate control unit 613 controls to close the door and blocks the passage of the user. Then, the ticket gate control unit 613 outputs the door closing instruction to the output unit 67. The door closing instruction is information indicating that the IC card is not authenticated and the user cannot pass.

[0100] The storage unit 62 may store the ticket gate information. For example, it may store the ticket gate information indicating which station and which location the ticket gate 6 is located at (for example, information indicating that it is the ticket gate 6A at station A). Also, the storage unit 62 may store various information acquired by each part of the control unit 61.

[0101] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the software configurations of the authentication server 3 and the remote server 4 in association with the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 9, the authentication server 3 has the same software configuration as that of the first embodiment, while the remote server 4 includes a ticket gate control unit 413 instead of the ticket vending machine control unit 412.

[0102] The ticket gate control unit 413 generates ticket gate control information including an instruction indicating whether to allow or not allow the user to pass through the ticket gate 6 based on the determination result by the authentication server 3 included in the determination acquisition information. Then, the ticket gate control unit 413 outputs the ticket gate control information to the communication control unit 411.

[0103] The storage unit 42 may store the installation status of the ticket gate 6, the IP address of the ticket gate 6, etc. For example, the communication control unit 411 can transmit various information to the ticket gate 6 according to the IP address. Also, the storage unit 42 may store instructions for causing the ticket gate 6 to perform various operations. For example, the storage unit 42 may store an instruction for allowing the user to pass through the ticket gate 6 at a discounted toll fee. Further, the storage unit 42 may store various information acquired by each part of the control unit 41. For example, the administrator of the remote server 4 can grasp how many times a non-transportation IC card has been used at the ticket gate 6 during a predetermined period based on the information stored in the storage unit 42.

[0104] (Operation) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the ticket gate 6, the authentication server 3, and the remote server 4 when a non-transportation IC card is presented to the ticket gate 6. The operations of this flowchart are realized by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage units 62, 32, and 42 of the control unit 61 of the ticket gate 6, the control unit 31 of the authentication server 3, and the control unit 41 of the remote server 4, respectively.

[0105] This flowchart starts when the user presents a non-transportation IC card to the card reader. Note that when the user presents a transportation IC card to the ticket gate 6, it may be processed in a general manner, so detailed description here is omitted.

[0106] The media information acquisition unit 611 determines whether a non-transportation IC card is placed on the correct card reader (step ST31). For example, when a non-transportation IC card is placed on the transportation IC card reader 15, the media information acquisition unit 611 determines that the non-transportation IC card is placed on the wrong card reader. On the other hand, when a non-transportation IC card is placed on the non-transportation IC card reader 2, the media information acquisition unit 611 determines that the non-transportation IC card is placed on the correct card reader.

[0107] If the non-transportation IC card is not placed on the correct card reader, the media information acquisition unit 611 outputs the mis-input information to the output unit 67 (step ST32). The output unit 67 may display, according to the mis-input information, on the display device that a non-transportation IC card is placed on the wrong card reader, and prompt the user to place the non-transportation IC card on the non-transportation IC card reader 2. Also, the media information acquisition unit 611 outputs the mis-input information to the ticket gate control unit 613. The ticket gate control unit 613 outputs a door closing instruction to the door 68 based on the mis-input information, and closes the door 68 to prevent the user from passing through.

[0108] On the other hand, when a non-transportation IC card is placed on the non-transportation IC card reader 2 which is the correct card reader, the media information acquisition unit 611 acquires the media information of the non-transportation IC card acquired by the non-transportation IC card reader 2 (step ST33). The media information includes the card number and ID of the non-transportation IC card. Also, the media information acquisition unit 611 may acquire the date and time when the media information is acquired.

[0109] Here, when the non-transportation IC card reader 2 is incorporated into the transportation IC card reader 15, in step ST31 above, the media information acquisition unit 611 determines which IC card is placed on the transportation IC card reader 15. For example, when a non-transportation IC card is placed, the media information acquisition unit 611 acquires the media information from the non-transportation IC card.

[0110] The media information acquisition unit 611 outputs the acquired information (step ST34). The media information acquisition unit 611 acquires the ticket gate machine information stored in the storage unit 62. Then, the media information acquisition unit 611 generates acquired information including media information and ticket gate machine information. Note that the generated information may include date and time information. Then, the media information acquisition unit 611 outputs the generated acquired information to the communication control unit 612. When the communication control unit 612 receives the acquired information from the media information acquisition unit 611, it transmits the acquired information to the authentication server 3 through the communication interface 64.

[0111] Steps ST35 to ST36 are the same as steps ST15 to ST16 described in the first embodiment, so the description here is omitted.

[0112] The ticket gate machine control unit 413 of the remote server 4 outputs a ticket gate machine opening instruction (step ST37). The communication control unit 411 of the remote server 4 receives the determined acquired information through the communication interface 44. Then, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received determined acquired information to the ticket gate machine control unit 413. Based on the positive information included in the determined acquired information, the ticket gate machine control unit 413 generates a ticket gate machine opening instruction indicating that the user can pass through the ticket gate machine 6, that is, an instruction including opening the door. Further, the ticket gate machine control unit 413 determines which ticket vending machine (for example, ticket gate machine 6A at station A) of which station the ticket gate machine opening instruction needs to be transmitted based on the ticket gate machine information included in the acquired information. Then, the ticket gate machine control unit 413 acquires the IP address corresponding to the determined ticket gate machine 6 from the storage unit 42 and generates transmission information including the IP address and the like. Then, the ticket gate machine control unit 413 outputs the ticket gate machine opening instruction and the transmission information to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the ticket gate machine opening instruction to the IP address (for example, ticket gate machine 6A) indicated in the transmission information through the communication interface 44.

[0113] The ticket gate control unit 613 of the ticket gate 6 outputs a door opening instruction to the output unit 67 and the door 68 (step ST38). The communication control unit 612 of the ticket gate 6 receives a ticket gate opening instruction through the communication interface 64. Then, the communication control unit 612 outputs the received ticket gate opening instruction to the ticket gate control unit 613. The ticket gate control unit 613 outputs a door opening instruction to the output unit 67 and the door 68 based on the ticket gate opening instruction. The door opening instruction may be an instruction to display on the display device of the output unit 67 that the user is boarding at a discounted fare. Further, the door opening instruction may be an instruction to open the door 68 and permit the user to pass through. Here, when the user uses the transportation facility at a discounted fare, the control unit 61 may perform a settlement operation to deduct the discounted fare from the non-transportation IC card held over the non-transportation IC card reader 2.

[0114] Step ST39 is the same as step ST19 described with reference to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and thus the description here is omitted.

[0115] The ticket gate control unit 413 of the remote server 4 outputs a ticket gate closing instruction (step ST40). The communication control unit 411 of the remote server 4 receives determination acquisition information through the communication interface 44. Then, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received determination acquisition information to the ticket gate control unit 413. Since the user cannot receive a specific service based on the negative information included in the determination acquisition information, the ticket gate control unit 413 generates a ticket gate closing instruction indicating that the ticket gate 6 cannot be passed through. Further, the ticket gate control unit 413 generates transmission information indicating to which ticket gate 6 (for example, ticket gate 6A at station A) of which station the ticket gate closing instruction needs to be transmitted based on the ticket gate information included in the acquisition information. Then, the ticket gate control unit 413 outputs the ticket gate closing instruction and the transmission information to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the ticket gate closing instruction to the ticket gate 6 indicated by the transmission information through the communication interface 44.

[0116] The ticket gate control unit 613 of the ticket gate 6 outputs a door closing instruction to the output unit 67 and the door 68 (step ST41). The communication control unit 612 of the ticket gate 6 receives a ticket gate closing instruction through the communication interface 64. Then, the communication control unit 612 outputs the received ticket gate closing instruction to the ticket gate control unit 613. The ticket gate control unit 613 outputs a door closing instruction to the output unit 67 and the door 68 based on the ticket gate closing instruction. The door closing instruction may be an instruction to display information on the display device of the output unit 67 indicating that the user cannot board with the IC card. Further, the door closing instruction may be an instruction to close the door 68 to prevent the user from passing through.

[0117] (Operation and Effect of the Second Embodiment) According to the second embodiment described above, by arranging the non-transportation IC card reader 2 near or inside the ticket gate 6 and having the remote server 4 output an instruction to open and close the door, there is no need to modify the ticket gate 6. Therefore, it is possible to implement the passage of users through the ticket gate using non-transportation IC cards at a cost lower than modifying the ticket gate 6.

[0118] Also, by performing authentication of the ID of the non-transportation IC card on the authentication server 3 held by the administration or the like, the transportation operator who manages the ticket vending machine does not need to manage the ID etc. of the non-transportation IC card. Therefore, there is no need for the transportation operator to newly construct security measures to deal with the unauthorized use of non-transportation IC cards.

[0119] Furthermore, since it becomes easy for the transportation operator to grasp the number of times the non-transportation IC card is used, it becomes possible to grasp how many times the user has passed through the ticket gate. Therefore, the transportation operator can bill the administration or the like according to the correctly grasped number of times.

[0120] [Third Embodiment] (Configuration) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the station operation system in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The station operation system includes a first ticket vending machine 1A and a non-transportation IC card reader 2A arranged at Station A, a second ticket vending machine 1B and a non-transportation IC card reader 2B arranged at Station B, a first authentication server 3A, a second authentication server 3B, a remote server 4, and an ID assignment server 7.

[0122] The configuration of the third embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a first authentication server 3A, a second authentication server 3B, and an ID assignment server 7. When there is one type of non-transportation IC card issued by an administration or the like as in the first embodiment, the information read from the non-transportation IC card reader 2 may be transmitted to a single authentication server 3. However, when there are multiple non-transportation IC cards issued by an administration or a transportation operator, etc., the ticket vending machine 1 does not know which authentication server 3 to transmit the medium information to. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an ID assignment server 7 is provided to determine which of the first authentication server 3A and the second authentication server 3B to transmit the acquired information to based on the ID of the non-transportation IC card. Note that in FIG. 11, two authentication servers 3 are shown, but this embodiment is of course applicable to three or more authentication servers 3 as well.

[0123] Therefore, in the third embodiment, the ticket vending machine 1 does not transmit the acquired information to the authentication server 3, but to the ID assignment server 7. The ID assignment server 7 transmits the acquired information to either the first authentication server 3A or the second authentication server 3B according to the ID of the IC card included in the acquired information.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 11, the first ticket vending machine 1A, the second ticket vending machine 1B, the first authentication server 3A, the second authentication server 3B, the remote server 4, and the ID assignment server 7 are connected to each other through a network 5.

[0125] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ID assignment server 7 and the software configuration associated with the hardware configuration.

[0126] The control unit 71 controls the ID allocation server 7. The control unit 71 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0127] The storage unit 72 is a storage medium. The storage unit 72 is configured by combining, for example, a rewritable and readable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage unit 72 has a program storage area and a data storage area in the storage area. The program storage area stores application programs necessary for executing various processes in addition to the OS and middleware.

[0128] The input / output interface 73 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the input unit 76 and the output unit 77.

[0129] The communication interface 74 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 74 includes a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the ticket vending machine 1 and the authentication server 3 via the network 5. The communication interface 74 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the ticket vending machine 1 and the authentication server 3 under the control of the control unit 71 and transmit and receive various information.

[0130] Also, the input / output interface 73 may be a part of the communication interface 74. That is, the input / output interface 73 may include a communication module that is wired or wirelessly connected to the input unit 76 and the output unit 77.

[0131] The input unit 76 is, for example, an input detection sheet that adopts an electrostatic method or a pressure method and is arranged on the display screen of the display device included in the output unit 77. The input unit 76 outputs a signal corresponding to the touch position of the administrator of the ID allocation server 7 to the control unit 71 via the input / output interface 73. Also, the input unit 76 may include, for example, a keyboard or a pointing device for the administrator of the ID allocation server 7 to input an instruction to the ID allocation server 7.

[0132] The output unit 77 includes a display device using, for example, liquid crystal, organic EL, etc. The display device displays an image and a message according to the signal input from the input / output interface 73. For example, the input unit 76 and the output unit 77 may be a touch screen in which input and output are integrated. That is, the input unit 76 or the output unit 77 may receive the input of necessary information by the administrator of the ID assignment server 7 touching a button or the like displayed on the touch screen, and output a signal corresponding to the received information to the control unit 71.

[0133] The control unit 71 of the ID assignment server 7 includes a communication control unit 711 and an ID assignment control unit 712.

[0134] The communication control unit 711 receives the acquired information transmitted from the ticket vending machine 1 through the communication interface 74. Then, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received acquired information to the ID assignment control unit 712. Also, the communication control unit 411 receives the transmission information from the ID assignment control unit 712. Then, the communication control unit 411 transmits the acquired information based on the transmission information to either the first authentication server 3A or the second authentication server 3B through the communication interface 44.

[0135] The ID assignment control unit 712 determines, based on the ID of the non-transportation IC card, which of the first authentication server 3A or the second authentication server 3B issued the non-transportation IC card included in the acquired information. Then, the ID assignment control unit 712 generates transmission information including the IP address of the first authentication server 3A or the second authentication server 3B according to the determination result, and outputs it to the communication control unit 711.

[0136] The storage unit 72 stores information regarding whether the non-traffic IC card was issued by the first authentication server 3A or the second authentication server 3B. For example, in association with the ID of the non-traffic IC card, it stores whether the non-traffic IC card was issued by the first authentication server 3A or the second authentication server 3B. Also, the storage unit 72 stores the IP addresses of the first authentication server 3A and the second authentication server 3B. Furthermore, the storage unit 72 may store various information acquired by each part of the control unit 71. For example, based on the information stored in the storage unit 72, the administrator of the ID allocation server 7 can grasp the frequency of use of the non-traffic IC card within a predetermined period and statistical information on whether the non-traffic IC card was issued by the administrator managing the first authentication server 3A or the administrator managing the second authentication server 3B.

[0137] (Operation) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the ticket vending machine 1, the authentication server 3, the remote server 4, and the ID allocation server 7 when a non-traffic IC card is presented to the ticket vending machine 1. The operations of this flowchart are realized by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage units 12, 32, 42, and 72 of the control unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 1, the control unit 31 of the authentication server 3, the control unit 41 of the remote server 4, and the control unit 71 of the ID allocation server 7, respectively.

[0138] This flowchart starts when the user presents a non-traffic IC card to the card reader. Note that when the user presents a traffic IC card to the ticket vending machine 1, it may be processed in a general manner, so detailed description here is omitted.

[0139] Steps ST51 to ST54 are the same as steps ST11 to ST14 described with reference to FIG. 5, so the description is omitted. In step ST54, the communication control unit 112 transmits the acquired information to the ID allocation server 7 through the communication interface 14.

[0140] The ID distribution control unit 712 determines which authentication server to send the acquired information to based on the ID (step ST55). The communication control unit 711 of the ID distribution server 7 receives the acquired information through the communication interface 74. Then, the communication control unit 711 outputs the received acquired information to the ID distribution control unit 712. The ID distribution control unit 712 acquires the ID of the non-traffic IC card included in the media information of the acquired information and collates it with the ID stored in the storage unit 72. Then, the ID distribution control unit 712 determines which authentication server to send the acquired information to from the collation result. Note that in the determination, it may be determined based on other information such as the card number instead of the ID of the non-traffic IC card.

[0141] The ID distribution control unit 712 outputs the transmission information to the communication control unit 711 (step ST56). The ID distribution control unit 712 acquires the IP address of the determined authentication server 3 from the storage unit 72 and generates transmission information including the IP address. Then, the ID distribution control unit 712 outputs the transmission information to the communication control unit 711. The communication control unit sends the acquired information to the authentication server 3 corresponding to the IP address included in the transmission information.

[0142] Steps ST57 to ST63 are the same as steps ST 15 to ST21 as described with reference to FIG. 5, so the description here is omitted.

[0143] (Operation and Effect of the Third Embodiment) According to the third embodiment described above, by installing the ID distribution server 7, it becomes possible to send the acquired information to the correct authentication server 3 even if there are multiple administrative or transportation operators that issue non-traffic IC cards. As a result, even if there are multiple types of non-traffic IC cards swiped on the non-traffic IC card reader 2, it is not necessary to install corresponding non-traffic IC card readers 2 for each of them, and only one non-traffic IC card reader 2 needs to be installed near the ticket vending machine, and it can be implemented at a cost lower than renovating the ticket vending machine 1.

[0144] [Other Embodiments] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the third embodiment can also be implemented in the second embodiment. Also, the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be executed in combination. Therefore, it goes without saying that it is also possible to combine the third embodiment with the first and second embodiments.

[0145] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0146] 1... Ticket vending machine 11... Control unit 111... Media information acquisition unit 112... Communication control unit 113... Ticket issuance control unit 12... Storage unit 13... Input / output interface 14... Communication interface 15... Transportation system IC card reader 16... Input unit 17... Output unit 2... Non-transportation system IC card reader 3... Authentication server 31... Control unit 311... Communication control unit 312... ID determination unit 32... Storage unit 33... Input / output interface 34... Communication interface 36... Input unit 37... Output unit 4... Remote server 41... Control unit 411... Communication control unit 412… Ticket vending machine control unit 413… Turnstile control unit 42… Memory unit 43… Input / output interface 44… Communication interface 46… Input unit 47… Output unit 5… Network 6… Turnstile 61… Control unit 611… Media information acquisition unit 612… Communication control unit 613… Turnstile control unit 62… Memory unit 63… Input / output interface 64… Communication interface 65… Transportation IC card reader 66… Input unit 67… Output unit 68… Door 7… ID allocation server 71… Control unit 711… Communication control unit 712… ID allocation control unit 72… Memory unit 73… Input / output interface 74… Communication interface 76… Input unit 77… Output unit

Claims

1. A station operation device, an authentication server connected to the station operation device, a remote server connected to the station operation device and the authentication server, a first IC card reader connected to the station operation device, A station operation system comprising: The station operation device includes a second IC card reader different from the first IC card reader, an output unit, an acquisition unit that acquires acquisition information including the ID of a first IC card that can be used to use a transportation facility at no charge or at a discounted fare, acquires the ID from the first IC card held over the first IC card reader, and outputs incorrect input information to the output unit when the first IC card is held over the second IC card reader, a first communication unit that transmits the acquisition information, and The authentication server includes a second communication unit that receives the acquisition information, a determination unit that determines whether the ID included in the acquisition information is a correct ID, a third communication unit that transmits determination acquisition information including the determination result and the acquisition information, and The remote server includes a fourth communication unit that receives the determination acquisition information, a station operation device control unit that generates a station operation device control instruction for operating the station operation device based on the determination result included in the determination acquisition information, a fifth communication unit that transmits the station operation device control instruction to the station operation device, A station operation system.

2. The station operation device is a ticket vending machine, and when the determination result includes positive information, the station operation device control instruction is a discounted ticket issuance instruction. The station operation system according to claim 1.

3. The station operation device is a ticket gate, and when the determination result includes positive information, the station operation device control instruction is a door opening instruction. The station operation system according to claim 1.

4. A station operation device, a plurality of authentication servers connected to the station operation device, a remote server connected to the station operation device and the authentication servers, an ID determination server connected to the station operation device, the authentication servers, and the remote server, A station operation system comprising: The station operation device includes an acquisition unit that acquires acquisition information including the ID of a first IC card that can be used to use a transportation facility at no charge or at a discounted fare, a first communication unit that transmits the acquisition information, and The authentication server includes a second communication unit that receives the acquisition information, a determination unit that determines whether the ID included in the acquisition information is a correct ID, a third communication unit that transmits determination acquisition information including the determination result and the acquisition information, and The remote server includes A fourth communication unit that receives the determination acquisition information; A station equipment control unit that generates a station equipment control instruction for operating the station equipment based on the determination result included in the determination acquisition information; A fifth communication unit that transmits the station equipment control instruction to the station equipment; Comprising; The ID determination server, A sixth communication unit that receives the acquisition information; An ID distribution control unit that determines to which of the plurality of authentication servers the acquisition information is to be transmitted based on the ID included in the acquisition information; A seventh communication unit that transmits the acquisition information to the determined authentication server; A station operation system comprising.

5. Station equipment, An authentication server connected to the station equipment, A remote server connected to the station equipment and the authentication server, A station operation system comprising: The station equipment, An acquisition unit that acquires acquisition information including the ID of a first IC card that can be used to use a transportation facility at no charge or at a discounted fare; A first communication unit that transmits the acquisition information; Comprising; The authentication server, which is managed by the operator that issued the first IC card, A second communication unit that receives the acquisition information; A determination unit that determines whether the ID included in the acquisition information is a correct ID; A third communication unit that transmits determination acquisition information including the determination result and the acquisition information; Comprising; The remote server, which is managed by the operator that manages the station equipment, A fourth communication unit that receives the determination acquisition information; A station equipment control unit that generates a station equipment control instruction for operating the station equipment based on the determination result included in the determination acquisition information; A fifth communication unit that transmits the station equipment control instruction to the station equipment; A station operation system comprising.

6. The station operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the authentication server and the remote server are the same server.

Images