Code reading program

Abstract

To deter fraud using information codes. [Solution] A code reading program executed by a mobile terminal 100 including a touch panel display 103 causes the mobile terminal 100 to perform the following processes: displaying a guide frame Fr for photographing a two-dimensional code on the touch panel display 103; acquiring a captured image in which an information code C1, which is a two-dimensional code displayed on the touch panel display 103 together with the guide frame Fr, and an information code C2 that is smaller than the information code C1 are photographed; and reading the information code C2 from the captured image. The process of acquiring the captured image includes photographing the information code C1 displayed inside the guide frame Fr and the information code C2 displayed outside the guide frame Fr.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a code reading program.

Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in the "QR Ticket Service" (Non-Patent Document 1), there is a known mechanism that enables boarding by reading an electronic ticket displayed on a user's mobile terminal with a reader installed in a ticket gate at the boarding station and the alighting station. Also, as disclosed in the "QR Ticket Service", as a boarding mechanism when there is no reader installed in the ticket gate, there is a known mechanism that enables boarding by reading an information code (for example, a two-dimensional code) installed at the boarding station and the alighting station with a user's mobile terminal.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7613579 (Patent Document 1) discloses a composite UID (Unique Identifier) including a QR code (registered trademark) and a random pattern provided outside the QR code as an information code that is difficult to forge.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Using the composite UID disclosed in Patent Document 1 as the information code can suppress the forgery of the information code. However, information codes installed at stations, for example, can be easily photographed by anyone. Therefore, there is a possibility that a train user may prepare a copy of the information code installed at a station other than their actual boarding or alighting station, and use that copy to commit fraud by falsifying the travel section (hereinafter simply referred to as "fraudulent travel"). There is a need to suppress fraud using information codes, such as fraudulent travel.

[0007] This disclosure was made to address the above-mentioned issues, and one of its purposes is to deter fraud using information codes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A code reading program executed by a mobile terminal including a display unit, relating to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, causes the mobile terminal to perform the following processes: displaying a guide frame for photographing a two-dimensional code on the display unit; acquiring a captured image in which a first code, which is a two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit together with the guide frame, and a second code smaller than the first code are photographed; and reading the second code from the captured image. The process of acquiring the captured image includes photographing the first code displayed inside the guide frame and the second code displayed outside the guide frame.

[0009] (2) In the code reading program described in (1) above, the second code includes ticket gate information indicating the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes.

[0010] (3) The code reading program described in (1) above causes the mobile terminal to further perform the process of reading the first code from the captured image.

[0011] (4) In the code reading program described in (3) above, the second code includes some of the ticket gate information indicating the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes, and the first code includes the remaining information of the ticket gate information.

[0012] (5) In the code reading program described in (3) above, the second code includes ticket gate information indicating the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes, and the first code includes information necessary for reading the second code.

[0013] (6) In the code reading program described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the first code is a QR code, and the second code is located outside the quiet zone of the QR code.

[0014] (7) In the code reading program described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the display process includes displaying a rectangular guide frame containing two vertical sides and two horizontal sides. The process of acquiring a captured image includes capturing a first code displayed inside the guide frame and a second code displayed in an area outside the guide frame that is outside the two vertical sides and outside the two horizontal sides.

[0015] (8) In the code reading program described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the process of reading the second code includes prohibiting the reading of the second code from an image stored in the storage device of the mobile terminal.

[0016] (9) In the code reading program described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the display process includes displaying the area outside the guide frame darker than the area inside the guide frame. The process of reading the second code includes reading the second code displayed outside the guide frame, which is displayed darker than the area inside the guide frame.

[0017] (10) A code reading program executed by a mobile terminal relating to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the mobile terminal to perform the following processes: acquiring a captured image in which a first code, which is a two-dimensional code, and a second code smaller than the first code are captured simultaneously; and reading the second code from the captured image. The second code includes gate information indicating the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] [[ID=*6]]According to the present disclosure, fraud using information codes can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a ride management system including a mobile terminal installed with a code reading program according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 100. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a default screen first displayed when the transportation application 125 is launched. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the transportation application 125 displayed on the touch panel display 103 when the icon I1 is tapped. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing the procedures performed by the user U at each of the boarding station and the alighting station, the processing by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing by the server 200. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a code capture screen displayed on the touch panel display 103 when the camera function of the transportation application 125 is started. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the code capture screen G2 in S3, S4, and S5. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram showing the procedures performed by the user U at each of the boarding station and the alighting station, the processing by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing by the server 200 in Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a code capture screen displayed on the touch panel display 103 when the camera function of the transportation application 125 is started in Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the code capture screen G3 in S3A, S4, and S5 in Embodiment **. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a passenger boarding management system equipped with a mobile terminal on which a code reading program according to Embodiment 1 is installed. The passenger boarding management system 1 is a system for managing boarding and alighting from trains at stations where electronic ticket readers are not installed at the ticket gates. The passenger boarding management system 1 comprises a mobile terminal 100 and a server 200 located outside the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 and the server 200 can communicate with each other via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0022] Mobile terminal 100 is a device carried by user U who uses the train, and is a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device, etc. Mobile terminal 100 has a transportation electronic ticket application software (hereinafter referred to as "transportation app") 125 installed on it. The transportation app 125 is an example of a "code reading program" in this disclosure.

[0023] When user U boards a train at a boarding station and disembarks at a disembarking station, user U is required to use the camera function of the transportation app 125 to photograph the information code C1 installed at each station.

[0024] Information code C1 is a two-dimensional code formed by multiple light-colored cells and multiple dark-colored cells. Two-dimensional codes include, for example, QR codes, SQRC®, and DataMatrix®. In this embodiment, information code C1 is a QR code. However, information code C1 may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code.

[0025] Information code C1 is installed, for example, on the ticket gate TG at a station. As an example, poster P with information code C1 printed on it is attached to the ticket gate TG. Note that information code C1 only needs to be installed at the station, and does not necessarily have to be installed on the ticket gate TG. Also, information code C1 may be directly marked on the ticket gate TG or the station wall, etc., by direct parts marking.

[0026] When user U activates the camera function of the transportation app 125, the mobile terminal 100 acquires the captured image containing information code C1 and information code C2.

[0027] Information code C2 is a smaller code than information code C1. Information code C2 is, for example, a two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, information code C2 is a QR code. Note that information code C2 may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code, or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Also, information code C2 may be a dot-type QR code.

[0028] Information code C2 is also installed at the station. Information code C2 is installed in a position that does not overlap with information code C1. Information code C1 and information code C2 are installed so that the mobile terminal 100 can photograph both information code C1 and information code C2 within the same field of view. In this embodiment, information code C2 is printed on poster P and is installed outside the quiet zone Qz of information code C1, which is a QR code.

[0029] Information code C1 does not include gate information indicating the gate through which the mobile terminal 100 passes. On the other hand, information code C2 includes gate information. The gate information includes at least one of the following: gate identification information, gate location information, station identification information where the gate is installed, station name where the gate is installed, and location information of the station where the gate is installed. Information code C1 is an example of the “first code” in this disclosure. Information code C2 is an example of the “second code” in this disclosure.

[0030] The mobile terminal 100 obtains ticket gate information by reading the information code C2 from the captured image. The mobile terminal 100 transmits the obtained ticket gate information to the server 200.

[0031] The server 200 determines whether or not fare evasion has occurred based on the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 includes a processor 101, memory 102, a touch panel display 103, a camera 104, and a communication interface 105.

[0033] The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 102 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) 121, ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, and a non-volatile storage device 123, such as flash memory. The non-volatile storage device 123 is an example of a "storage device" in this disclosure. The memory 102 stores various programs. In this embodiment, the transportation application 125 is stored in the non-volatile storage device 123. The processor 101 performs various processes in this disclosure by executing the transportation application 125.

[0034] The touch panel display 103 includes a display for displaying various information and a touch panel for receiving user U input operations. The touch panel display 103 is an example of a "display unit" in this disclosure.

[0035] Camera 104 acquires a captured image of the target displayed on the touch panel display 103. Specifically, camera 104 acquires a captured image by capturing information code C1 and information code C2 displayed on the touch panel display 103.

[0036] The communication interface 105 sends and receives data to and from an external device (for example, a server 200) via a communication network NW.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of the default screen that is initially displayed when the transportation app 125 is launched. When user U operates the mobile terminal 100 to launch the transportation app 125, the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, the default screen G1.

[0038] The default screen G1 contains text information CH related to the electronic train ticket Tk (see Figure 4) purchased by user U. The text information CH is similar to the information found on traditional paper tickets and includes, for example, at least one of the following: the names of the boarding and alighting stations, the ticket type (single-ride, season ticket, or rail pass, etc.), and the expiration date. By having railway staff (conductor, station attendant, etc.) visually verify the text information CH, user U can board the train.

[0039] The default screen G1 further includes icons I1 and I2 for selecting one of several modes. The multiple modes include a first mode that displays the electronic train ticket Tk purchased by user U, which is readable by the reader; a second mode that reads the information code; and a third mode that displays character information CH related to the electronic ticket Tk.

[0040] Icon I1 is used to select the first mode. When user U taps icon I1, the mobile terminal 100 switches to the first mode, and the electronic train ticket Tk purchased by user U is displayed on the touch panel display 103.

[0041] Icon I2 is used to select the second mode. When user U taps icon I2, the mobile device 100 switches to the second mode, which reads information codes, and the camera function of the transportation app 125 is launched.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of the screen of the transportation app 125 displayed on the touch panel display 103 when icon I1 is tapped. When user U taps icon I1, the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, screen G11.

[0043] Screen G11 contains the electronic train ticket Tk purchased by user U. The electronic ticket Tk can be read by readers installed at station ticket gates, etc. The electronic ticket Tk is an information code such as a two-dimensional code, for example, a QR code. At stations where readers for reading electronic tickets Tk are installed, user U can board the train by having the electronic ticket Tk read by the reader.

[0044] Screen G11 further includes an icon I2 for selecting the second mode and an icon I3 for selecting the third mode. Icon I3 is also an icon for selecting one of several modes. When user U taps icon I3, the mobile terminal 100 switches to the third mode, and the default screen G1 containing text information CH is displayed on the touch panel display 103.

[0045] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the steps taken by user U at each boarding and alighting station, the processing performed by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing performed by the server 200. Each step included in the sequence diagrams shown in Figure 5 and Figure 8, which will be described later, is abbreviated as "S".

[0046] User U first performs S1 at the boarding station (or alighting station). In S1, User U operates the mobile device 100 to launch the camera function of the transportation app 125. As described above, the camera function of the transportation app 125 is launched when User U taps icon I2.

[0047] After S1, the mobile terminal 100 performs S2. In S2, the mobile terminal 100 displays, for example, the code capture screen G2 shown in Figure 6.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an example of a code scanning screen displayed on the touch panel display 103 when the camera function of the transportation application 125 is activated (when the second mode is selected). When user U taps icon I2 (see Figure 3), the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, the code scanning screen G2. The code scanning screen G2 includes a guide frame Fr for scanning a two-dimensional code. The guide frame Fr defines the display position of the two-dimensional code within the touch panel display 103 when scanning the two-dimensional code. The guide frame Fr has a rectangular shape including two vertical sides Vs1, Vs2 and two horizontal sides Hs1, Hs2.

[0049] The position and size of the guide frame Fr within the touch panel display 103 are determined such that when the position of the mobile terminal 100 is adjusted so that information code C1 is displayed inside the guide frame Fr, information code C2 is displayed outside the guide frame Fr. As shown in Figure 6, a message such as "Place the QR code inside the frame and take a picture" may be included in the code scanning screen G2. At stations where a reader for reading electronic tickets Tk is not installed, user U can board the train by scanning the information code installed at the station with the mobile terminal 100.

[0050] The code capture screen G2 further includes icon I1 for selecting the first mode and icon I3 for selecting the third mode.

[0051] Referring again to Figure 5, after S2, user U performs S3. In S3, user U adjusts the position of the mobile terminal 100 so that information code C1 is displayed inside the guide frame Fr, as shown in Figure 7. When the position of the mobile terminal 100 is adjusted so that information code C1 is displayed inside the guide frame Fr, the mobile terminal 100 determines that it has recognized information code C1 and information code C2 in the same image and performs S4.

[0052] In S4, the mobile terminal 100 captures information code C1 and information code C2 within the same field of view and acquires the captured image containing information code C1 and information code C2.

[0053] Next, in S5, the mobile terminal 100 obtains ticket gate information by reading the information code C2 from the captured image acquired in S4.

[0054] Figure 7 shows an example of the code scanning screen G2 in S3, S4, and S5. When user U adjusts the position of the mobile terminal 100 so that information code C1 is displayed inside the guide frame Fr (S3), information code C2 is displayed outside the guide frame Fr. The mobile terminal 100 photographs both information code C1 displayed inside the guide frame Fr and information code C2 displayed outside the guide frame Fr within the same field of view (S4). The mobile terminal 100 obtains ticket gate information by reading information code C2 displayed outside the guide frame Fr (S5).

[0055] When photographing information codes C1 and C2, information code C1 is displayed inside the guide frame Fr, and information code C2 is displayed outside the guide frame Fr. Therefore, user U's attention is more likely to be drawn to information code C1 than to information code C2. Consequently, if fare evasion is attempted using a copy of an information code (details below), it is highly likely that a copy of information code C1 will be used rather than information code C2. However, the ticket gate information is included in information code C2. Therefore, if fare evasion is attempted using such a copy, the mobile terminal 100 will not be able to obtain the ticket gate information.

[0056] In the example in Figure 7, when information codes C1 and C2 are captured, information code C2 is displayed in region AR, which is outside the guide frame Fr, outside the two vertical sides Vs1 and Vs2, and outside the two horizontal sides Hs1 and Hs2. Region AR includes sub-regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4. In the example in Figure 7, when information codes C1 and C2 are captured, information code C2 is displayed in sub-region AR2, but information code C2 may also be displayed in sub-regions AR1, AR3, or AR4. Note that the dashed lines indicating region AR are added to indicate region AR and are not displayed on the actual code capture screen G2. By shifting information code C2 to a position away from information code C1, user U's attention is more likely to be directed towards information code C1 than to information code C2.

[0057] Furthermore, the touch panel display 103 may display the area outside the guide frame Fr darker than the area inside the guide frame Fr. This makes it easier for user U's attention to be drawn to information code C1 displayed inside the guide frame Fr rather than information code C2 displayed outside the guide frame Fr.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 5, after S5, the mobile terminal 100 performs S6. In S6, the mobile terminal 100 sends the user ID that identifies user U and the ticket gate information obtained in S5 to the server 200. The user ID is assigned, for example, when the transportation app 125 is used for the first time (during user registration or account creation).

[0059] If the mobile terminal 100 fails to obtain the ticket gate information in S5, in S6, the mobile terminal 100 sends the user ID and information indicating that the ticket gate information could not be obtained to the server 200. The mobile terminal 100 fails to obtain the ticket gate information if, for example, the captured image obtained in S4 does not contain part or all of the information code C2.

[0060] After S6, the server 200 performs S7. In S7, the server 200 determines whether or not user U has committed fare evasion based on the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100.

[0061] Here, we will explain an example of how the server 200 determines fare evasion. As an example of fare evasion, a first type of fare evasion is assumed in which user U takes a photograph of information code C1 installed at a station different from the boarding station indicated on the electronic ticket, following the procedure shown in Figure 5. If the first type of fare evasion occurs, the station identified from the ticket gate information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 does not match the boarding station indicated on the electronic ticket purchased by user U. Therefore, if the station identified from the ticket gate information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 does not match the boarding station indicated on the electronic ticket purchased by user U, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0062] One example of fare evasion is a second type of fare evasion in which user U takes a photograph of information code C1 installed at a station different from the disembarking station indicated on the electronic ticket, following the procedure shown in Figure 5. If this second type of fare evasion occurs, the station identified from the ticket gate information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 will not match the disembarking station indicated on the electronic ticket purchased by user U. Therefore, if the station identified from the ticket gate information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 does not match the disembarking station indicated on the electronic ticket purchased by user U, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0063] One example of fare evasion is a third type of fare evasion in which user U prepares a copy of information code C1 installed at an intermediate station between the boarding station and the alighting station, and instead of photographing information code C1 installed at the boarding station according to the procedure shown in Figure 5, photographs the copy according to the procedure shown in Figure 5. Another example of fare evasion is a fourth type of fare evasion in which user U prepares a copy of information code C1 installed at an intermediate station between the boarding station and the alighting station, and instead of photographing information code C1 installed at the alighting station according to the procedure shown in Figure 5, photographs the copy according to the procedure shown in Figure 5. If the third or fourth type of fare evasion occurs, information indicating that the mobile terminal 100 could not obtain the ticket gate information is sent to the server 200. Therefore, if information indicating that the mobile terminal 100 could not obtain the ticket gate information is sent from the mobile terminal 100, the server 200 determines that there is suspicion that fare evasion has occurred.

[0064] Thus, in Embodiment 1, the mobile terminal 100 obtains ticket gate information by reading only information code C2 from a captured image in which information code C1 and information code C2 are captured. Information code C2 is smaller than information code C1. Also, when information code C1 and information code C2 are captured, information code C1 is displayed inside the guide frame Fr, while information code C2 is displayed outside the guide frame Fr. Therefore, user U's attention is more likely to be directed towards information code C1 than information code C2. Consequently, if fare evasion is attempted using a copy of the information code, it is highly likely that a copy of information code C1 will be used rather than information code C2. However, ticket gate information is included in information code C2. Therefore, if fare evasion is attempted using such a copy, the mobile terminal 100 will not be able to obtain the ticket gate information, and the fare evasion will be detected. Thus, according to Embodiment 1, fare evasion can be suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, the smaller the guide frame Fr, the larger the shooting area outside the guide frame Fr, thus increasing the flexibility of the placement of information code C2 at the station. Therefore, the smaller the guide frame Fr, the more harmonious the placement of information code C2 can be with the design of poster P. On the other hand, if the guide frame Fr is too small, information code C1 displayed inside the guide frame Fr will not be noticeable. Therefore, the guide frame Fr may be displayed smaller on the touch panel display 103 as long as the condition that information code C1 displayed inside the guide frame Fr is more noticeable than information code C2 displayed outside the guide frame Fr is met.

[0066] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. The main difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the guide frame Fr for scanning the two-dimensional code is not displayed on the touch panel display 103.

[0067] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedures performed by user U at the boarding station and alighting station, the processing by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing by the server 200 in Embodiment 2. The difference between the sequence diagram shown in Figure 8 and the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5 is that the sequence diagram shown in Figure 8 includes S2A and S3A instead of S2 and S3.

[0068] After S1, the mobile terminal 100 performs S2A. In S2A, the mobile terminal 100 displays, for example, the code capture screen G3 shown in Figure 9.

[0069] Figure 9 shows an example of a code scanning screen displayed on the touch panel display 103 when the camera function of the transportation application 125 is activated (when the second mode is selected) in Embodiment 2. When user U taps icon I2 (see Figure 3), the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, the code scanning screen G3. The difference between the code scanning screen G3 and the code scanning screen G2 (see Figure 6) is that the code scanning screen G3 does not include the guide frame Fr (see Figure 6). Also, as shown in Figure 9, a message such as "Please scan the QR code" may be included in the code scanning screen G3.

[0070] Referring again to Figure 8, after S2A, user U performs S3A. In S3A, user U adjusts the position of the mobile terminal 100 so that information code C1 is captured by the mobile terminal 100. As shown in Figure 10, when the position of the mobile terminal 100 is adjusted so that information code C1 and information code C2 are displayed on the touch panel display 103, the mobile terminal 100 determines that it has recognized information code C1 and information code C2 in the same image and performs S4.

[0071] Figure 10 shows an example of the code capture screen G3 in S3A, S4, and S5 in Embodiment 2. When user U adjusts the position of the mobile terminal 100 so that information code C1 and information code C2 are displayed on the touch panel display 103 (S3A), the mobile terminal 100 captures information code C1 and information code C2 within the same field of view and acquires a captured image in which information code C1 and information code C2 are captured simultaneously (S4). The mobile terminal 100 acquires ticket gate information by reading information code C2 from the captured image acquired in S4 (S5).

[0072] Thus, in Embodiment 2, the mobile terminal 100 obtains ticket gate information by reading only information code C2 from a captured image in which information code C1 and information code C2 are present. Since information code C2 is smaller than information code C1, user U's attention is more likely to be drawn to information code C1 than to information code C2. Therefore, if fare evasion is attempted using a copy of the information code, it is highly likely that a copy of information code C1 will be used rather than information code C2. However, ticket gate information is included in information code C2. Therefore, if fare evasion is attempted using such a copy, the mobile terminal 100 will not be able to obtain the ticket gate information, and the fare evasion will be detected. Thus, according to Embodiment 2, fare evasion can be suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, if the mobile terminal 100 determines that it has recognized information code C1 and information code C2 within the same image due to the user U adjusting the position of the mobile terminal 100, the mobile terminal 100 may display a recognition guideline (for example, a frame showing the outline of information code C1) on the touch panel display 103 indicating that information code C1 has been recognized, and may not display a recognition guideline indicating that information code C2 has been recognized. This makes it easier for user U's attention to be directed towards information code C1 rather than information code C2, thus helping to deter fare evasion.

[0074] [Differentiation] The following describes variations of the above embodiment. The following variations can be appropriately combined with embodiments 1 and 2. Two or more variations may be combined with embodiments 1 and 2.

[0075] [Example 1] The mobile terminal 100 may be prohibited from reading information code C2 from images stored in the non-volatile memory device 123. As a result, even if user U stores an image of information code C2 installed at a station other than their original boarding station or alighting station in the non-volatile memory device 123, the mobile terminal 100 cannot read information code C2 from that image. Therefore, the mobile terminal 100 cannot obtain the ticket gate information, and thus the fare evasion is detected. Thus, according to modification 1, fare evasion can be suppressed.

[0076] [Differentiation 2] Information code C2 may contain some of the information from the ticket gate information, and information code C1 may contain the remaining information from the ticket gate information. In that case, in S5, the mobile terminal 100 not only reads information code C2 from the captured image, but also reads information code C1 from the captured image. Specifically, in S5, the mobile terminal 100 obtains some of the information from the ticket gate information by reading information code C2 from the captured image, and obtains the remaining information from the ticket gate information by reading information code C1 from the captured image.

[0077] According to Modification 2, if fare evasion is attempted using a copy of information code C1, the mobile terminal 100 will be unable to obtain some of the information from the ticket gate, thus detecting the fare evasion. Therefore, according to Modification 2, fare evasion can be deterred. [Difference 3] Information code C2 may contain ticket gate information, and information code C1 may contain information necessary for reading information code C2. In that case, in S5, the mobile terminal 100 not only reads information code C2 from the captured image, but also reads information code C1 from the captured image. Specifically, in S5, the mobile terminal 100 first obtains the information necessary for reading information code C2 by reading information code C1 from the captured image. Next, the mobile terminal 100 obtains ticket gate information by reading information code C2 from the captured image using the acquired information.

[0078] According to Modification 3, if fare evasion is attempted using a copy of information code C1, the mobile terminal 100 can obtain the information necessary to read information code C2, but it cannot obtain the ticket gate information, thus detecting the fare evasion. Therefore, according to Modification 3, fare evasion can be deterred.

[0079] [Differentiation Example 4] Information code C2 should be less visually conspicuous than information code C1. Therefore, the print density of information code C2 may be lighter than that of information code C1. Also, while the light and dark cells of information code C1 are white and black, respectively, the color of information code C2 may be a color that harmonizes with the background design of poster P. According to modification 4, it is possible to make it less likely for user U's attention to be drawn to information code C2.

[0080] [Difference 5] If user U approaches a ticket gate TG with their mobile terminal 100 while the transportation app 125 is running, the mobile terminal 100 may switch the mode of the transportation app 125 based on information indicating the type of ticket gate transmitted from the ticket gate TG. The information indicating the type of ticket gate is information indicating whether the ticket gate is a first type equipped with a reader for reading electronic tickets, or a second type not equipped with a reader for reading electronic tickets.

[0081] If the mobile terminal 100 receives information indicating that the ticket gate TG is of type 1, the mobile terminal 100 switches to mode 1, and the electronic train ticket purchased by user U is displayed on the touch panel display 103. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 100 receives information indicating that the ticket gate TG is of type 2, the mobile terminal 100 switches to mode 2, which reads the information code, and the camera function of the transportation app 125 is activated.

[0082] According to Modification 5, the mode of the transportation app 125 switches automatically depending on the type of ticket gate TG, thus improving user convenience.

[0083] [Modification 6] Information codes C1 and C2 may be installed at stations, or they may be carried by railway staff, including at least one of the train driver, conductor, and station staff. Railway staff may carry paper with information codes C1 and C2 printed on it, or they may carry a terminal that displays information codes C1 and C2. If information codes C1 and C2 installed at a station are damaged or otherwise unreadable because they are carried by staff, user U can board the train by reading the information codes C1 and C2 carried by the railway staff using their mobile terminal 100.

[0084] [Difference 7] The passenger management system 1 may further include a collection server that collects information from the mobile terminal 100. In that case, the various information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 to the server 200 in the above embodiment is first transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 to the collection server. Subsequently, the various information is transmitted from the collection server to the server 200, and the server 200 determines whether or not fare evasion has occurred.

[0085] [Differentiation 8] The method by which server 200 determines whether fare evasion has occurred is not limited to the method described above. How server 200 determines whether fare evasion has occurred based on the information provided by the mobile terminal 100 can be arbitrarily determined. Server 200 may also determine whether fare evasion has occurred based on information obtained from a single ride. Alternatively, server 200 may determine whether fare evasion has occurred based on information obtained from rides over a predetermined period, such as every month.

[0086] The embodiments and variations disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1 Passenger management system, 100 Mobile terminal, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Touch panel display, 104 Camera, 105 Communication interface, 121 RAM, 122 ROM, 123 Non-volatile storage device, 125 Transportation app, 200 Server, C1, C2 Information code, CH Character information, Fr Guide frame, G1 Default screen, G2, G3 Code scanning screen, G11 Screen, Hs1, Hs2 Horizontal edge, I1, I2, I3 Icon, U User, NW Communication network, P Poster, Qz Quiet zone, AR Area, AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4 Partial area, TG Ticket gate, Tk Electronic ticket, Vs1, Vs2 Vertical edge.

Claims

1. A code reading program executed by a mobile terminal including a display unit, A process to display a guide frame for scanning a two-dimensional code on the display unit, A process for acquiring a captured image in which a first code, which is a two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit together with the guide frame, and a second code smaller than the first code are captured. The mobile terminal is instructed to perform the process of reading the second code from the captured image. The process for acquiring the captured image includes a code reading program that captures the first code displayed inside the guide frame and the second code displayed outside the guide frame.

2. The code reading program according to claim 1, wherein the second code includes ticket gate information indicating the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes.

3. The code reading program according to claim 1, wherein the code reading program further causes the mobile terminal to perform the process of reading the first code from the captured image.

4. The second code includes some of the information from the ticket gate information that indicates the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes, The code reading program according to claim 3, wherein the first code includes the remaining information from the ticket gate information.

5. The second code includes ticket gate information indicating the ticket gate through which the mobile terminal passes, The code reading program according to claim 3, wherein the first code includes information necessary for reading the second code.

6. The aforementioned first code is a QR code (registered trademark), The code reading program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second code is provided outside the quiet zone of the QR code.

7. The display process includes displaying the guide frame which has a rectangular shape including two vertical sides and two horizontal sides. The code reading program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the process of acquiring the captured image includes capturing the first code displayed inside the guide frame and the second code displayed in an area outside the guide frame that is outside the two vertical sides and outside the two horizontal sides.

8. The code reading program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the process of reading the second code includes prohibiting the reading of the second code from an image stored in the storage device of the mobile terminal.

9. The display process includes displaying the area outside the guide frame as darker than the area inside the guide frame. The code reading program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the process of reading the second code includes reading the second code displayed outside the guide frame, which is displayed darker than the inside of the guide frame.

Images