Server device, payment machine, wireless communication terminal, station system, payment processing method, and payment processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique for, even in a case where a battery capacity of a radio communication terminal is reduced in ticket examination processing through use of a commuter ticket registered in the radio communication terminal, enabling ticket examination processing to be executed.SOLUTION: A server device includes a storage unit, an adjustment processing unit, an exit processing unit, and a communication unit. The storage unit stores ticket information and a radio communication terminal in which the ticket information is registered in association with each other. The adjustment processing unit performs adjustment processing for exiting a station yard in response to an adjustment request from the radio communication terminal in which the ticket information is registered. The exit processing unit updates the ticket information to an exit state. The communication unit transmits an adjustment instruction including terminal information that can identify the radio communication terminal to an adjustment machine as a result of the adjustment processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0006] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for improving the convenience of users who use a commuter pass registered on a wireless communication terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology is known in which an application for a commuter pass (hereinafter referred to as a commuter application) is installed in a wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone, and ticket gates are used with this commuter application. This commuter application is executed when the smartphone is powered on. In addition, the ticket gate installed in the station premises executes a ticket gate process by reading the information of the commuter pass registered in this commuter application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008] The station management system of this invention is configured as follows in order to achieve the above objectives.

[0009] This server device comprises a storage unit, a settlement processing unit, an exit processing unit, and a communication unit. The storage unit stores ticket information and the wireless communication terminals to which that ticket information is registered, in association with each other. The settlement processing unit performs settlement processing for exiting the station premises in response to settlement requests from wireless communication terminals to which the ticket information is registered. The exit processing unit updates the ticket information to an exit status. As a result of the settlement processing, the communication unit transmits a settlement instruction to the fare adjustment machine, which includes terminal information that can identify the wireless communication terminal.

[0010] This configuration allows users to exit using a fare adjustment ticket issued by the fare adjustment machine, even if the battery capacity of their wireless communication terminal decreases.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, after receiving a settlement request, the settlement processing unit of this server device updates the corresponding ticket information stored in the memory unit to the exit status.

[0012] A payment machine connected to a server device via a network comprises an operation reception unit, a payment processing reception unit, and a payment ticket issuing unit. The operation reception unit receives input of terminal information that can identify a wireless communication terminal. The payment processing reception unit compares the terminal information input using the operation reception unit with the terminal information included in the payment instruction received from the server device. The payment ticket issuing unit issues a payment ticket if it has received a payment instruction from the server device that corresponds to the terminal information input using the operation reception unit.

[0013] Furthermore, for example, a wireless communication terminal that sends a settlement request to a server device comprises a ticket storage unit, a battery capacity checking unit, and a communication unit. The ticket storage unit stores the ticket information. The battery capacity checking unit checks the remaining battery capacity and confirms whether the remaining battery capacity is below a set threshold. If the battery capacity checking unit confirms that the remaining battery capacity is below a set threshold, the communication unit sends a settlement request to the server device.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, when the battery capacity checking unit of this wireless communication terminal sends a settlement request to the server device, if the battery capacity exceeds a threshold, it updates the ticket information stored in the ticket storage unit to the exit status.

[0015] This station management system includes a server and a ticket machine, and the server and the ticket machine are connected via a network.

[0016] This station management system includes a server device and a wireless communication terminal that transmits settlement requests to the server device.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, this station management system includes a wireless communication terminal that transmits settlement requests to a server device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] This invention provides a technology that enables ticket gate processing using a commuter pass registered in a wireless communication terminal, even when the commuter pass information cannot be read from the wireless communication terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in the station operations system of Configuration Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication terminal 2 in Configuration Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment machine 4 in Configuration Example 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center server 5 in Configuration Example 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a processing image diagram of the station operation system in Configuration Example 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a processing image diagram of the station operation system in Configuration Example 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first process in the operation example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second process in the operation example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third process in the operation example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ticket vending machine 4 in Modification Example 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center server 5 in Modification Example 2.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to several drawings.

[0021] · Application Example First, an example to which the present invention is applied will be described using FIG. 1. Here, an example will be described in which the user 30 rides a train using a commuter pass registered in the wireless communication terminal 2 from station X to station Y. FIG. 1 is a processing image diagram of a station operation system including the automatic ticket gate 1 and the ticket vending machine 4 in Configuration Example 1.

[0022] [[ID=�9]] Note that the user 30 has a wireless communication terminal 2. A commuter pass application in which commuter pass information is registered is installed in this wireless communication terminal 2. In the example shown below, the wireless communication terminal 2 will be described as a smartphone. However, this wireless communication terminal 2 may be any terminal that can perform wireless communication and can install a commuter pass application, and may be an electronic device such as a tablet or a smartwatch.

[0023] Furthermore, each commuter pass app is assigned a unique ID number that identifies the user. This ID number is determined for each wireless communication terminal 2. In other words, commuter pass information is linked to this ID number and registered with the central server 5.

[0024] Each station in the railway network is equipped with station equipment such as automatic ticket gates (1), fare adjustment machines (4), and ticket vending machines (not shown in the diagram). A central server (5) is also installed at the central office.

[0025] At each station, the station equipment such as automatic ticket gates 1, fare adjustment machines 4, and ticket vending machines are connected via a network such as a LAN. At least one of each of these station equipment units is installed at each station. Furthermore, these station equipment units are connected to a central server 5 via a network 6, such as a dedicated line or public line. The entire system, including the equipment connected via this network 6, constitutes the station system.

[0026] Automatic ticket gate 1 is installed at the ticket gate of a station, as is well known, and processes tickets for users entering the station premises and users exiting the station premises.

[0027] As is well known, the fare adjustment machine 4 is installed inside the ticket gate at the station and is used by passengers who do not have a valid ticket at their destination station when alighting (or transferring). Passengers use the fare adjustment machine 4 to issue a fare adjustment ticket. Passengers use this ticket to exit the station premises through the automatic ticket gate 1.

[0028] User 30 has a wireless communication terminal 2. As described above, a commuter pass application is installed on the wireless communication terminal 2. In other words, the wireless communication terminal 2 is used as a commuter pass, and commuter pass information that allows travel, for example, from station X to station Y is stored there. In addition, the center server 5 stores commuter pass information linked to the ID number of the commuter pass application installed on the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0029] As a result, user 30 can board the train using the commuter pass information registered in the wireless communication terminal 2. More specifically, user 30 enters through the automatic ticket gate 1 at station X using the wireless communication terminal 2. Furthermore, user 30 exits through the automatic ticket gate 1 at station Y using the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0030] The automatic ticket gate 1 reads the commuter pass information from the wireless communication terminal 2 to determine whether the passenger is using a commuter pass valid for the period and section of travel, or a regular ticket for which a fare is incurred each time the train is used.

[0031] Here, we will explain the battery capacity of the wireless communication terminal 2. Let's assume that the wireless communication terminal 2 determines that there is a possibility that it may not be able to start up due to low battery capacity after user 30 enters at station X but before exiting at station Y. In this case, the wireless communication terminal 2 will output a warning that there is a possibility that it may not be able to start up due to low battery capacity at the disembarking station.

[0032] At this point, the wireless communication terminal 2 warns the user 30 that the battery capacity is decreasing (approaching the threshold shown below). The user operates the wireless communication terminal 2 to send a request for payment (payment request) to the center server 5. At this time, the wireless communication terminal 2 simultaneously sends the ID number of the commuter pass app and the commuter pass information to the center server 5. The center server 5 obtains the search results indicating that the user 30 entered station X using the commuter pass app on the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0033] User 30 performs the fare adjustment process using the fare adjustment machine 4 at station Y. During this process, the fare adjustment machine 4 queries the central server 5. Specifically, user 30 inputs information that identifies the user into the fare adjustment machine 4.

[0034] Next, the payment machine 4 transmits the entered information to the central server 5. The central server 5 compares the information received from the payment machine 4 with the payment request received from the user 30. If the comparison is correct, the central server 5 instructs the payment machine 4 to issue a payment ticket.

[0035] The fare adjustment machine 4 issues a fare adjustment ticket upon receiving instructions from the central server 5. The user 30 uses this ticket to exit through the automatic ticket gate 1.

[0036] With this configuration, even if the user 30 cannot perform ticket gate processing with the wireless communication terminal 2 they possess, the user 30 can still issue a fare adjustment ticket using the fare adjustment machine 4. In other words, the user 30 can use this fare adjustment ticket to exit through the automatic ticket gate 1. Therefore, user convenience is improved. In addition, the frequency with which station staff have to deal with users can be reduced, thus preventing an increase in the workload of station staff.

[0037] • Configuration Example 1 Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the processing in the station system of Configuration Example 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication terminal 2 in Configuration Example 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fare adjustment machine 4 in Configuration Example 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center server 5 in Configuration Example 1. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the processing in the station system of Configuration Example 1. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the processing in the station system of Configuration Example 1.

[0038] Based on the station system configuration shown in Figure 1 above, Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be used to explain more specific configuration examples.

[0039] (Configuration of wireless communication terminal 2) First, Figure 2 shows the configuration of the wireless communication terminal 2. The wireless communication terminal 2 comprises a control unit 21, a ticket storage unit 22, a display unit 23, a battery capacity confirmation unit 24, an operation detection unit 25, and a communication unit 26.

[0040] The control unit 21 controls the operation of the wireless communication terminal 2 main unit.

[0041] The ticket storage unit 22 stores ticket information (commuter pass information). The commuter pass application installed on the wireless communication terminal 2 reads this commuter pass information. The commuter pass information includes an ID number that identifies the wireless communication terminal 2, a commuter pass ID that identifies the commuter pass, available section information indicating the section for which the ticket was issued to this commuter pass application, validity period information indicating the validity period of the commuter pass, and entry / exit history information which is the history of ticket gate processing using this commuter pass application. As described above, the ID number uniquely identifies the commuter pass application on the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0042] The display unit 23 displays the usage status of the commuter pass app and the battery capacity status of the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0043] The battery capacity confirmation unit 24 confirms the battery capacity of the wireless communication terminal 2. The battery capacity confirmation unit 24 also determines whether this battery capacity is smaller than a predetermined threshold and displays on the display unit 23 that the battery capacity is smaller than the threshold and whether to perform a settlement process (hereinafter referred to as a settlement request).

[0044] The operation detection unit 25 detects that the settlement request displayed on the display unit 23 has been selected. The control unit 21 outputs this settlement request to the communication unit 26.

[0045] The communication unit 26 transmits this settlement request to the center server 5. The wireless communication terminal 2 may be configured to obtain ticket information from the automatic ticket gate via proximity wireless communication (communication area of ​​a few centimeters), or it may be configured to read ticket information indicated by an optically readable code (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode) displayed on the screen of the display unit 23.

[0046] (Configuration of payment machine 4) Next, Figure 3 shows the configuration of the payment machine 4. The payment machine 4 comprises a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, an operation reception unit 43, a payment processing reception unit 44, a payment ticket issuing unit 45, and a communication unit 46.

[0047] The control unit 41 controls the operation of the payment machine 4 main unit.

[0048] The memory unit 42 stores information received from the central server 5, information entered by the user into the payment machine 4, and so on.

[0049] The operation reception unit 43 receives user requests for the payment machine 4. Specifically, the operation reception unit 43 has a touch panel or the like. The user operates this touch panel.

[0050] The fare settlement reception unit 44 is activated by the operation reception unit 43. The fare settlement reception unit 44 performs the fare settlement process related to the user's ticket gate. Details will be described later.

[0051] The fare adjustment ticket issuing unit 45 issues a fare adjustment ticket for the user to pass through the ticket gate, in accordance with the fare adjustment processing received by the fare adjustment processing reception unit 44.

[0052] The communications unit 46 receives a settlement request from the center server 5.

[0053] (Configuration of Center Server 5) Next, Figure 4 shows the configuration of the center server 5. The center server 5 comprises a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a settlement processing unit 53, an exit processing unit 54, and a communication unit 55. The control unit 51 controls the operation of the center server 5 main body. The storage unit 52 stores the user information shown below. Furthermore, the storage unit 52 stores the ticket information in association with the wireless communication terminal to which that ticket information is registered.

[0054] As described above, the settlement processing unit 53 executes the settlement process for user 30 to enter station X and exit station Y in response to the settlement request received from user 30's wireless communication terminal 2. The exit processing unit 54 updates the history of user 30's entry into station X to an exit status in response to the settlement request. Further details will be described later.

[0055] The communication unit 55 controls communication between the automatic ticket gates 1 and fare adjustment machines 4 at each station via the network 6 shown in Figure 1.

[0056] Next, using Figures 5 and 6, we will explain the specific processing flow from when user 30 enters station X to when they exit station Y. Figures 5 and 6 are image diagrams of the processing in the station system of Configuration Example 1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5(1), user 30 enters station X. At this time, user 30 enters using the commuter pass app installed on the wireless communication terminal 2. At the time user 30 enters station X, the battery capacity of the wireless communication terminal 2 is sufficient for the automatic ticket gate 1 to read the commuter pass information linked to the commuter pass app.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5(2), the battery capacity of the wireless communication terminal 2 decreases while the user 30 is traveling on the train. At this time, the battery capacity confirmation unit 24 of the wireless communication terminal 2 detects that the battery capacity has decreased (hereinafter referred to as "low battery"). The battery capacity confirmation unit 24 outputs this low battery information to the display unit 23. The display unit 23 displays the low battery information.

[0059] This "low battery" refers to a situation where the battery capacity required to launch the commuter pass app falls below a certain threshold. However, this threshold for detecting low battery can be set arbitrarily.

[0060] In this case, the display unit 23 should display a low battery indicator and then a screen to confirm whether to proceed with the payment request. The user 30 checks the display unit 23 and decides to proceed with the payment request.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5(3), the wireless communication terminal 2 transmits a settlement request to the center server 5 via the communication unit 26. The center server 5 stores this settlement request. The settlement request includes the ID number of the commuter pass application, the entry station, commuter pass information, etc. This settlement request is also stored in the storage unit 52 of the center server 5.

[0062] Next, as shown in (4) of Figure 5, user 30 performs the fare adjustment process using the fare adjustment machine 4 at station Y, which is the exit station. More specifically, user 30 operates the operation reception unit 43 of the fare adjustment machine 4. User 30 uses the operation reception unit 43 to input information that identifies user 30 (hereinafter referred to as user identification information). User identification information includes user 30's name (for example, in katakana), date of birth, telephone number, and gender information. As mentioned above, this user identification information is compared with the commuter pass information registered as information transmitted to the center server 5 as a fare adjustment request and is used to identify the user. Note that user identification information corresponds to the "terminal information" of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in (5) of Figure 5, the payment machine 4 transmits user identification information to the center server 5 via the communication unit 46. The payment processing unit 53 compares the payment request received from the user 30's wireless communication terminal 2 with the user identification information received from the payment machine 4. If the payment request and the user identification information match, the payment processing unit 53 executes the payment process. The center server 5 transmits to the payment machine 4 that the payment process has been completed. The exit processing unit 54 updates the entry information linked to the ID number of the commuter pass application to the exit status.

[0064] Meanwhile, if the settlement processing unit 53 does not match the settlement request and the user identification information, it sends an error message to the settlement machine 4. The settlement machine 4 displays this error message on the operation reception unit 43. The user 30 checks the message displayed on the operation reception unit 43 and re-enters the user identification information.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5(6), the payment machine 4 receives a notification from the center server 5 that the payment process has been completed. The payment ticket issuing unit 45 of the payment machine 4 issues a payment ticket.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6 (7), user 30 exits using the payment ticket obtained from the payment machine 4.

[0067] Next, as shown in Figure 6(8), the user 30 charges the wireless communication terminal 2. When the battery capacity confirmation unit 24 of the wireless communication terminal 2 detects that the battery capacity has exceeded a threshold, it communicates with the center server 5.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6(9), the exit processing unit 54 of the center server 5 searches for a settlement request corresponding to the ID number of the commuter pass application. If a settlement request exists, the exit processing unit 54 transmits this result to the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6 (10), the wireless communication terminal 2 updates the status from entering station X to exiting station Y. In other words, the next time user 30 uses the commuter pass on the wireless communication terminal 2, they can use it smoothly without having to contact station staff or other personnel.

[0070] In the configuration described above, Figure 6(8) shows a configuration in which the wireless communication terminal 2 communicates with the center server 5. However, the battery capacity confirmation unit 24 may also be configured to update to the exit status if a settlement request has been sent to the center server 5 when the battery capacity exceeds a threshold.

[0071] Furthermore, in Figure 6(9) of the above configuration, the exit processing unit 54 of the center server 5 is configured to delete the settlement request associated with the commuter pass application ID number from the storage unit 52 of the center server 5 when it confirms that the battery capacity of the wireless communication terminal 2 has exceeded a threshold, or after a certain period of time has elapsed. This reduces the data capacity of the storage unit 52 of the center server 5.

[0072] • Example of operation Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first process in the example operation. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second process in the example operation. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third process in the example operation. Using Figures 7, 8, and 9, we will explain the flow of operations from when user 30 enters station X until when they exit station Y. The processes will be explained in the order of the first process, the second process, and the third process.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, the battery capacity checking unit 24 of the wireless communication terminal 2 checks the battery capacity (S101).

[0074] If the battery capacity check unit 24 determines that the battery capacity is below a threshold (S102: Yes), it displays a warning on the display unit 23 indicating that the battery capacity is low (S103). Furthermore, the display unit 23 indicates whether or not to request settlement from the center server 5.

[0075] User 30 refers to the display unit 23. When User 30 decides to submit a settlement request to the center server 5 (S104: Yes), it sends the settlement request to the center server 5 via the communication unit 26 (S105). At this time, the center server 5 registers this settlement request in the storage unit 52.

[0076] If the battery capacity exceeds the threshold (S102: No), step S101 is executed again.

[0077] Furthermore, if user 30 decides not to submit a settlement request to the central server 5 (S104: No), the process is terminated.

[0078] Next, we will explain the flow of the second process using Figure 8. The process shown in Figure 8 is executed after the process shown in Figure 7.

[0079] The payment machine 4 receives user identification information entered by the user 30 using the operation reception unit 43. The payment machine 4 transmits this user identification information to the center server 5. The center server 5 receives the user identification information (S111).

[0080] The settlement processing unit 53 of the center server 5 searches the storage unit 52. Specifically, the settlement processing unit 53 searches the storage unit 52 using information included in the user identification information (for example, information combining name, date of birth, telephone number, etc.) as a search key (S112).

[0081] If a settlement request containing the corresponding ID number exists in the storage unit 52 (S113: Yes), the settlement processing unit 53 compares the settlement request received from the user 30's wireless communication terminal 2 with the user identification information received from the settlement machine 4 to determine whether the entered user identification information is correct (S114).

[0082] If the fare adjustment processing unit 53 determines that the user identification information is correct (S114: Yes), it sends an instruction to issue a fare adjustment ticket to the user's exit station Y (S115). Based on this instruction to issue a fare adjustment ticket, the fare adjustment machine 4 issues a fare adjustment ticket. The user uses this ticket to exit station Y.

[0083] Next, the exit processing unit 54 updates the settlement request associated with the ID number stored in the memory unit 52 to the exit status (S116).

[0084] In step S113, if there is no settlement request containing the corresponding ID number in the storage unit 52 (S113: No), the settlement processing unit 53 sends an error message to the settlement machine 4 indicating that no settlement request exists (S117).

[0085] Furthermore, if in step S114 it is determined that the user identification information is incorrect (S114: No), the settlement processing unit 53 sends an error message to the settlement machine 4 indicating that no settlement request exists (S117).

[0086] Next, using Figure 9, we will explain the process after user 30 has left station Y and charged the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0087] The user charges the wireless communication terminal 2. The battery capacity confirmation unit 24 confirms that charging of the wireless communication terminal 2 is complete (S121). At this time, the battery capacity confirmation unit 24 may also detect that the battery has been charged to a level sufficient to launch the commuter pass application.

[0088] The battery capacity confirmation unit 24 queries the exit processing unit 54 of the center server 5 to confirm whether the settlement request associated with the ID number of the commuter pass app has been completed (S122). At this time, the exit processing unit 54 confirms that the settlement request associated with the ID number of the commuter pass app has been completed after exiting station Y, and transmits the result to the wireless communication terminal 2.

[0089] The battery capacity confirmation unit 24 updates the status stored in the ticket storage unit 22, which indicates that the passenger entered station X, to indicate that the passenger exited station Y (S123).

[0090] This configuration allows users to exit their destination station using their commuter pass information, even if the wireless communication terminal 2 has low or zero battery capacity. Furthermore, the entry status stored in the wireless communication terminal 2 can be updated to an exit status, enabling users to smoothly enter their desired station the next time they use their commuter pass. In other words, user convenience is improved. Additionally, the frequency with which station staff need to interact with users can be reduced, thus mitigating an increase in the workload of station staff.

[0091] In the above configuration, we showed an example where user 30 enters from station X and exits from station Y. However, when user 30 sends a fare adjustment request, they transmit the information of the entry station stored in the wireless communication terminal 2, and the fare adjustment machine 4 in the station premises identifies the exit station. Therefore, the same processing can be performed regardless of which station within the commuter pass zone the user enters from.

[0092] Furthermore, the above configuration shows an example in which user identification information is entered when the fare adjustment machine 4 performs the adjustment and this information is sent to the central server 5. However, it is also possible for the central server 5 to send the adjustment request to the stations in the commuter pass zone in advance, and for the station server or fare adjustment machine 4 to store this information. In this case, the fare adjustment machine 4 compares the user identification information with the adjustment request received from the central server 5. If the comparison result is correct, the fare adjustment machine 4 should issue an adjustment ticket. With this configuration, the number of communications between the fare adjustment machine 4 and the central server 5 can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above configuration, an example was shown in which the battery capacity confirmation unit 24 of the wireless communication terminal 2 warns the display unit 23 that the battery is low. In this case, the battery capacity confirmation unit 24 may be configured to display warnings in stages. For example, in the first stage, it may display a message asking whether to charge the battery or request payment because the battery capacity is low. Next, in the second stage, it may display a message such as, "The battery capacity is low, do you want to request payment?" Furthermore, the system may be configured so that the user 30 manually sends a payment request without waiting for a warning from the battery capacity confirmation unit 24, in other words, regardless of the remaining battery capacity.

[0094] Furthermore, if there is sufficient battery capacity remaining in the wireless communication terminal 2 to update the ticket information after the fare adjustment ticket has been issued at the fare adjustment machine 4, the configuration may be configured to update the status to indicate that the passenger has exited station Y at the time the fare adjustment ticket is issued. In this case, the center server 5 transmits the information that the passenger has exited station Y to the wireless communication terminal 2. The wireless communication terminal 2 should update the ticket information from an entry state at station X to an exit state at station Y.

[0095] • Variation 1 Next, the station system according to Modification 1 will be explained with reference to the diagram. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fare adjustment machine 4 in Modification 1.

[0096] The payment machine 4 according to Modification Example 1 differs from the payment machine 4 according to Configuration Example 1 in that it is equipped with an imaging unit 47 and an image processing unit 48. The other components are the same as those in Configuration Example 1, and explanations of the same parts are omitted.

[0097] When users purchase a commuter pass, they register a facial photograph as data (hereinafter referred to as the authentication image). This authentication image is stored in the memory unit 52 of the central server 5.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, the payment machine 4 uses an imaging unit 47 to capture an image of the user's face (hereinafter referred to as the captured image). The imaging unit 47 is, for example, a facial recognition camera. The payment machine 4 transmits this captured image to the central server 5. The payment processing unit 53 of the central server 5 compares this captured image with the authentication image. By doing so, the payment processing unit 53 identifies the user of the wireless communication terminal 2 and the ID number of the commuter pass application.

[0099] This configuration eliminates the need for users to input user identification information into the fare adjustment machine 4. Furthermore, even if the wireless communication terminal 2 has low or zero battery capacity, users can still exit from their desired station using their commuter pass information. Similar to Configuration Example 1, the entry status stored in the wireless communication terminal 2 can be updated to an exit status, allowing users to smoothly enter their desired station the next time they use their commuter pass. In other words, user convenience is improved.

[0100] • Variation 2 Next, the station management system according to Modification 2 will be explained with reference to the diagram. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central server 5 in Modification 2.

[0101] The center server 5 in Modification Example 2 differs from the center server 5 in Configuration Example 1 in that it includes a keyword generation unit 56. The other configurations are the same as those in Configuration Example 1, and explanations of the similar parts are omitted.

[0102] The center server 5 receives a settlement request. At this time, the keyword generation unit 56 generates a keyword when it receives the settlement request. This keyword is a sequence of numbers or a combination of letters, similar to a one-time password. The communication unit 55 of the center server 5 transmits this keyword to the wireless communication terminal 2 and the settlement machine 4. The wireless communication terminal 2 displays this keyword on the display unit 23. This keyword is included in the "terminal information" of the present invention.

[0103] The operation reception unit 43 of the payment machine 4 requests the user to enter this keyword at the same time as entering user identification information. The user enters the keyword displayed on the display unit 23 of the wireless communication terminal 2. At this time, the payment machine 4 compares the entered keyword with the keyword received from the center server 5. If the keyword is correct, the payment machine 4 issues a payment ticket.

[0104] This configuration increases the security level for identifying users. In other words, since users enter keywords that only they would know, fraudulent use can be suppressed. Also, in the example above, the wireless communication terminal 2 sends a settlement request according to the remaining battery capacity, but for example, if the system is configured to obtain ticket information from an automatic ticket gate using proximity wireless communication, the system may also be configured to send a settlement request when it detects a failure in the proximity wireless communication configuration.

[0105] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the above example, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and materialized without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above example. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above example. Furthermore, components from different examples may be appropriately combined.

[0106] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration of this invention and the configuration described above can be described as follows: <Note> The server device (5) comprises a storage unit (52), a settlement processing unit (53), an exit processing unit (54), and a communication unit (55). The storage unit (52) stores the ticket information in association with the wireless communication terminal (2) to which the ticket information is registered. The settlement processing unit (53) performs settlement processing for exiting the station premises in response to a settlement request from the end of the wireless communication terminal (2) to which the ticket information is registered. The exit processing unit (54) updates the ticket information to an exit state. The communication unit (55) transmits a settlement instruction to the fare adjustment machine (4) as a result of the settlement processing, including terminal information that can identify the wireless communication terminal (2). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1…Automatic ticket gate 2… Wireless communication terminals 4…Payment machine 5…Central Server 6…Network 21... Control Unit 22... Ticket storage section 23...Display section 24...Battery capacity check section 25... Operation detection unit 26... Communications Department 30…User 41... Control Unit 42...Storage section 43... Operation reception section 44... Settlement Processing Reception Department 45... Ticket Issuance Department 46... Communications Department 47…Imaging Unit 48…Image Processing Unit 51... Control Unit 52...Storage section 53… Settlement Processing Section 54…Entry Processing Section 55... Communications Department 56...Keyword generation unit

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores the ticket information and the wireless communication terminal to which that ticket information is registered in association, A settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing for exiting the station premises in response to a settlement request from a wireless communication terminal in which the aforementioned ticket information is registered, An exit processing unit that updates the aforementioned ticket information to an exit status, The system includes a communication unit that transmits to the payment machine that the payment process has been completed as a result of the payment process, and transmits to the payment machine a payment instruction that includes terminal information that can identify the wireless communication terminal, The settlement processing unit is a server device that, after receiving the settlement request, updates the corresponding ticket information stored in the storage unit to an exit status.

2. The server device described in claim 1 is connected via a network, An operation reception unit that receives input of terminal information that can identify the wireless communication terminal, A settlement processing reception unit compares the terminal information input using the operation reception unit with the terminal information included in the settlement instruction received from the server device that transmits the settlement instruction, A payment machine comprising: a payment ticket issuing unit that issues a payment ticket if it has received a payment instruction from the server device corresponding to the terminal information input using the operation reception unit.

3. A wireless communication terminal that transmits the settlement request to the server device according to claim 1, A ticket storage unit that stores ticket information, A battery capacity checking unit checks the remaining capacity of the battery and confirms whether the remaining capacity of the battery is below a set threshold, A wireless communication terminal comprising: a communication unit that, when the battery capacity confirmation unit confirms that the remaining capacity of the battery is below a set threshold, transmits the settlement request to the server device.

4. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein when the battery capacity confirmation unit transmits the settlement request to the server device, and the remaining capacity of the battery exceeds the threshold, the unit updates the ticket information stored in the ticket storage unit to an exit status.

5. A station service system in which the server device described in claim 1 and the payment machine described in claim 2 are connected via a network.

6. The server device according to claim 1, A station service system comprising a wireless communication terminal according to claim 3 or 4 for transmitting the settlement request to the server device.

7. The station service system according to claim 5, further comprising a wireless communication terminal according to claim 3 or 4 for transmitting the settlement request to the server device.

8. A computer in a server device that stores ticket information and the wireless communication terminal to which that ticket information is registered in a memory unit, A settlement processing step in which settlement processing is performed to exit the station premises in response to a settlement request from a wireless communication terminal in which the aforementioned ticket information is registered, An exit processing step that updates the aforementioned ticket information to an exit status, The system performs a communication step of sending a message to the payment machine indicating that the payment process has been completed as a result of the payment process, and sending a payment instruction to the payment machine including terminal information that can identify the wireless communication terminal. The settlement processing step is a settlement processing method that, after receiving the settlement request, updates the corresponding ticket information stored in the storage unit to an exit status.

9. In a server device computer, the ticket information and the wireless communication terminal to which that ticket information is registered are stored in the memory unit, A settlement processing step in which settlement processing is performed to exit the station premises in response to a settlement request from a wireless communication terminal in which the aforementioned ticket information is registered, An exit processing step that updates the aforementioned ticket information to an exit status, The system performs the following steps: a communication step of sending a message to the payment machine indicating that the payment process has been completed as a result of the payment process, and a communication step of sending a payment instruction to the payment machine including terminal information that can identify the wireless communication terminal. The settlement processing step is a settlement processing program that, after receiving the settlement request, updates the corresponding ticket information stored in the storage unit to an exit status.

Images