Reading unit, gate device, reading method, and reading program

Abstract

To provide a technique which prevents processing being against user's will from being performed with information read from a wireless communication terminal.SOLUTION: A reading unit comprises a wireless communication processing unit, a code information reading unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit. The wireless communication processing unit reads terminal information stored in a wireless communication terminal by wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal located within a wireless communication area. The code information reading unit reads code information indicated by an optical read code placed over a read area provided within the wireless communication area. The detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area. When the detection unit detects a fact that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, the determination unit determines whether or not the code information reading unit has read the code information. If the determination unit determines that the code information reading unit does not read the code information, the wireless communication processing unit reads the terminal information by wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for preventing a process against the user's will from being performed using information read from a wireless communication terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an automatic ticket gate that performs a ticket gate process using a wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The automatic ticket gate described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that reading of ticket information from a wireless communication terminal can be performed not only by wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal but also by reading an optical reading code indicating the ticket information displayed on the display unit of the wireless communication terminal.

[0003] Further, when the user positions an optical reading code indicating the ticket information displayed on the display unit of the wireless communication terminal in the reading area, the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area before the optical reading code is positioned in the reading area. For this reason, the automatic ticket gate performs a ticket gate process using the ticket information acquired by wireless communication against the user's will.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, in order to prevent a ticket gate process against the user's will from being performed, when ticket information is acquired by wireless communication, it waits for a set time to elapse, and if the ticket information indicated by the optical reading code is read during this period, the ticket gate process is performed using the ticket information indicated by the optical reading code.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when a wireless communication terminal begins transmitting information wirelessly to a receiving device such as an automatic ticket gate, the display on the display unit may switch. Therefore, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the display on the display unit is switched, the optical reading code will not be displayed on the display unit, and thus it will not be possible to prevent ticket gate processing from being performed against the user's will.

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a technology that prevents information read from a wireless communication terminal from being processed against the user's will. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The reading unit of this invention is configured as follows to achieve the above objective.

[0009] This reading unit comprises a wireless communication processing unit, a code information reading unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit. The wireless communication processing unit reads terminal information stored in a wireless communication terminal located within the wireless communication area via wireless communication. The code information reading unit reads code information indicated by an optical reading code held over a reading area provided within the wireless communication area. The detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area. When the detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, the determination unit determines whether the code information has been read by the code information reading unit. If the determination unit determines that the code information has not been read by the code information reading unit, the wireless communication processing unit reads terminal information via wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal.

[0010] This configuration allows terminal information to be read after the code information has been read. Therefore, the occurrence of read errors is suppressed. In other words, it prevents processing that goes against the user's intentions. To put it another way, it allows processing that aligns with the user's intentions.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, this reading unit includes an output unit that outputs code information read by the code information reading unit or terminal information read by the wireless communication processing unit.

[0012] Furthermore, for example, the detection unit of this reading unit detects objects in response to output signals from sensors that detect objects approaching the wireless communication area.

[0013] Furthermore, for example, the wireless communication processing unit of this reading unit repeatedly performs polling to request a response from a wireless communication terminal located within the wireless communication area. The detection unit detects an object approaching the wireless communication area based on whether or not it has received a response to the polling from the wireless communication processing unit.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, the wireless communication processing unit of this reading unit will not request the wireless communication terminal that received the polling response to read the terminal information until the determination unit determines that the code information has not been read by the code information reading unit.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit of this reading unit determines whether the code information was read by the code information reading unit during the period from when the detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area until a set time has elapsed.

[0016] This gate device comprises a reading unit and a passage control unit. The passage control unit uses the code information or terminal information read by the reading unit to determine whether passage through the passage is permitted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] This invention provides a technology that prevents information read from a wireless communication terminal from being processed against the user's will. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the processing using the reading unit 10 of Configuration Example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading unit 10 of Configuration Example 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading unit 10 of the operation example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading unit 10 of the operation example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading unit 10 of Modification Example 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading unit 10 of Modification Example 1. **MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION**

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to several drawings.

[0020] · Application Example First, an example to which the present invention is applied will be described using FIG. 1. The user 30 performs a reading process by holding the wireless communication terminal 20 over the reading unit 10. The example shown below will be described assuming that the reading unit 10 is mounted on a security inspection certificate issuing device installed at an airport or the like.

[0021] The reading unit 10 has a reading area 100 for holding a medium or a code having an IC chip. This reading area 100 includes a code information reading unit 14 and a wireless communication processing unit 15.

[0022] The user 30 has a wireless communication terminal 20. This wireless communication terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone. However, this wireless communication terminal 20 may be any terminal capable of performing wireless communication, and may be an electronic device including a wearable terminal such as a tablet or a smartwatch.

[0023] The wireless communication terminal 20 has an IC chip 22 and a display unit 25. The display unit 25 displays a code 21 (in this case, a two-dimensional code). This code 21 is an optically readable code and will be referred to simply as the code below.

[0024] User 30 displays code 21 on the display unit 25. Furthermore, user 30 holds this code 21 over the reading area 100 of the reading unit 10.

[0025] The wireless communication processing unit 15 of the reading unit 10 detects that the wireless communication terminal 20 is approaching. The wireless communication processing unit 15 sends a polling signal to the IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20. The IC chip 22 returns a response to the wireless communication processing unit 15. As a result, the reading unit 10 recognizes that the wireless communication terminal 20 is being held up (approaching).

[0026] The reading unit 10 activates the code information reading unit 14. The code information reading unit 14 reads the code 21 displayed on the display unit 25. If the code information reading unit 14 successfully reads the code 21, the processing corresponding to code 21 is executed.

[0027] If the code information reading unit 14 fails to read the code, the wireless communication processing unit 15 of the reading unit 10 attempts to read the IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20. If the wireless communication processing unit 15 succeeds in reading the IC chip 22, processing performed by the IC chip 22 is executed.

[0028] As described above, the wireless communication processing unit 15 can read the IC chip 22 according to the result of the code information reading unit 14 reading the code 21. Therefore, even if the user has a wireless communication terminal with multiple reading means, the desired reading process for the user 30 can be performed. In other words, it is possible to prevent processing against the user's will from being performed according to the information read from the wireless communication terminal. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0029] • Configuration Example 1 Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the processing using a security inspection certificate issuing device equipped with the reading unit 10 of Configuration Example 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading unit 10 of Configuration Example 1. A more specific configuration example will be explained using Figures 1 and 2.

[0030] The reading unit 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an output unit 13, a code information reading unit 14, a wireless communication processing unit 15, and a communication unit 16.

[0031] The control unit 11 controls the operation of the reading unit 10 main body. The control unit 11 has the functions of the "detection unit" and "determination unit" of the present invention.

[0032] The memory unit 12 stores the setting information of the reading unit 10 and the results of processing performed by the reading unit 10.

[0033] The output unit 13 outputs the results of readings performed by the code information reading unit 14 and the wireless communication processing unit 15, which will be described later. For example, this output unit 13 outputs data to a display screen or printer mounted on the security inspection certificate issuing device.

[0034] The code information reading unit 14 is, for example, a camera. The code information reading unit 14 captures an image of the code held over the reading area 100 by the user 30. The code information reading unit 14 outputs the information obtained from the captured code (hereinafter referred to as code data) to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 determines whether processing is possible based on this code information.

[0035] The wireless communication processing unit 15 is, for example, an IC reader / writer. The wireless communication processing unit 15 transmits and receives information from the IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20 via contactless means. The wireless communication processing unit 15 reads IC data from the IC chip 22. This IC data corresponds to the "terminal information" of the present invention. The wireless communication processing unit 15 outputs this IC data to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 determines whether processing is possible based on this IC data.

[0036] The communication unit 16 transmits the determined result to the central server or the like.

[0037] Let me explain the processing flow in more detail. First, let me explain the reading unit 10. The reading unit 10 is installed in the security inspection certificate issuing device located at the airport security checkpoint.

[0038] User 30 displays code 21 on the display unit 25 of the wireless communication terminal 20. Furthermore, User 30 brings the wireless communication terminal 20 closer so that the display unit 25 overlaps with the reading area 100 of the reading unit 10.

[0039] The following processes will be explained in three parts: the first process, the second process, and the third process. These processes will be executed in the order of the first process, the second process, and the third process.

[0040] (First process) The wireless communication processing unit 15 repeatedly transmits a polling signal at regular intervals. The IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20 receives the polling signal from the wireless communication processing unit 15. The IC chip 22 transmits a polling signal to the wireless communication processing unit 15. The wireless communication processing unit 15 outputs the result of receiving this polling signal to the control unit 11. Based on the transmission and reception result of this polling signal, the control unit 11 detects that the wireless communication terminal 20 is located within the wireless communication area. In other words, it recognizes that the wireless communication terminal 20 has approached (waved over) the reading unit 10.

[0041] (Second process) The control unit 11 activates the code information reading unit 14. The code information reading unit 14 captures the code 21 that the user 30 holds over the reading area 100. The code information reading unit 14 decodes the read code 21 and outputs the decoded result (code data) to the control unit 11.

[0042] The control unit 11 performs a determination process using the code data. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the information is valid for boarding an airplane, etc. If the control unit 11 determines that the code data is valid, it outputs this determination result to the output unit 13.

[0043] If the code information reading unit 14 fails to read code 21, or if code 21 is not valid data, it outputs this unreadable result to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 then activates the wireless communication processing unit 15.

[0044] (Third process) The wireless communication processing unit 15 reads the IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20. The wireless communication processing unit 15 outputs the IC data (terminal information) read from the IC chip 22 to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs a determination process using the IC data. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the information is valid for boarding an airplane, etc., in the same way as the code data. If the control unit 11 determines that the code data is valid, it outputs this determination result to the output unit 13.

[0045] With this configuration, even if the wireless communication terminal 20 owned by the user 30 has multiple reading means, the reading unit 10 can suppress errors in processing and perform reading more reliably. Furthermore, the third process is not executed unless the result of the second process is an error (e.g., the code cannot be read, the code data is abnormal, etc.). In other words, the processing of the reading unit 10 is performed efficiently.

[0046] • Example of operation Next, we will explain the processing flow of the reading unit 10 in detail using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading unit 10 in an example of operation. Figure 4 shows the parallel operation of each element using an activity diagram. In Figure 4, the same step numbers are assigned to the parts corresponding to the steps in Figure 3.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, user 30 displays code 21 on the display unit 25 of the wireless communication terminal 20 (S101).

[0048] The wireless communication processing unit 15 of the reading unit 10 repeatedly transmits a polling signal at regular intervals. The wireless communication terminal 20 receives the polling signal. Next, the wireless communication terminal 20 transmits a polling signal to the wireless communication processing unit 15. The wireless communication processing unit 15 recognizes that the IC chip 22 is within the wireless communication area and outputs the result to the control unit 11 (S102).

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 11 starts the 2DBC timer. This 2DBC timer is an interval for waiting for the wireless communication processing unit 15 to start up. More specifically, this interval is the time from when the code information reading unit 14 starts and finishes reading the code 21, until the code information reading unit 14 determines the code data. This interval corresponds to the "set time" of the present invention.

[0050] Next, the control unit 11 activates the code information reading unit 14. The code information reading unit 14 performs the reading of code 21 (S103).

[0051] The code information reading unit 14 determines whether the code 21 is readable (S104). If the code information reading unit 14 is able to read the code 21 (S104: Yes), it performs decoding. The code information reading unit outputs the decoded code data to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs a check on this code data (S105).

[0052] If the control unit 11 determines that the code data is valid (S105: Yes), it outputs the result to the output unit 13.

[0053] On the other hand, if the code information reading unit 14 is unable to read code 21 (S104: No), and if the control unit 11 determines that the code data is invalid (S105: No), step S107 is executed. This step S107 is executed when the control unit 11 detects the end of the 2DBC timer.

[0054] The control unit 11 detects that the 2DBC timer has finished and activates the wireless communication processing unit 15. The wireless communication processing unit 15 performs a read operation on the IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20 (S107). The wireless communication processing unit 15 determines whether the IC chip 22 is readable (S108).

[0055] If the wireless communication processing unit 15 is able to read the IC data from the IC chip 22 (S108: Yes), it outputs the IC data to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 determines whether the IC data is valid (S109). The control unit 11 outputs the result of reading the IC data to the output unit 13 (S106).

[0056] If the wireless communication processing unit 15 is unable to read the IC data from the IC chip 22 (S108: No), it outputs to the output unit 13 that neither the code data nor the IC data could be read and that the process could not be completed (S106).

[0057] With this configuration, even if the wireless communication terminal 20 owned by the user 30 has multiple reading means, the reading unit 10 can suppress processing errors and perform reading more reliably using the desired reading means. Furthermore, the reading unit 10 activates the wireless communication processing unit 15 according to the result of reading the code by the code information reading unit 14. In other words, the processing of the reading unit 10 is performed efficiently.

[0058] Furthermore, in the configuration described above, the control unit 11 was shown to activate the wireless communication processing unit 15 by detecting that the 2DBC timer has finished. However, the control unit 11 may also be configured to activate the wireless communication processing unit 15 based on the result of whether the code information reading unit 14 is able to read the code data, in other words, using the processing result of the code information reading unit 14 as a trigger.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, an example was shown where code 21 is a two-dimensional code. However, it is not limited to two-dimensional codes; it could be a one-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, and the code is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0060] • Variation 1 Next, the reading unit relating to Modification Example 1 will be explained with reference to the figures. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading unit of Modification Example 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading unit of Modification Example 1. Figure 6 shows the parallel operation of each element using an activity diagram.

[0061] The reading unit 10 according to Modification Example 1 differs from the reading unit 10 according to Configuration Example 1 in that it is equipped with a proximity detection unit 17, and the process of detecting the wireless communication terminal 20 in Configuration Example 1 is performed by the proximity detection unit 17. The other configurations are the same as those in Configuration Example 1, and the explanation of the same parts is omitted. This proximity detection unit 17 corresponds to the "sensor" in the present invention.

[0062] User 30 displays code 21 on the display unit 25 of the wireless communication terminal 20. User 30 brings the wireless communication terminal 20 closer so that the display unit 25 overlaps with the reading area 100 of the reading unit 10.

[0063] (First process) The proximity detection unit 17 of the reading unit 10 detects when a wireless communication terminal 20 is approaching. More specifically, the proximity detection unit 17 acquires an output signal from a sensor that detects an approaching wireless communication terminal 20 in the wireless communication area. The control unit 11 detects the wireless communication terminal 20 according to this output signal.

[0064] (Second process) Based on the result of the proximity detection unit 17 detecting the wireless communication terminal 20, the control unit 11 activates the code information reading unit 14. The code information reading unit 14 captures an image of the code 21 held over the reading area 100 by the user 30. The code information reading unit 14 decodes the read code 21 and outputs the decoded result (code data) to the control unit 11.

[0065] The control unit 11 performs a determination process using the code data. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the information is valid for boarding an airplane, etc. If the control unit 11 determines that the code data is valid, it outputs this determination result to the output unit 13.

[0066] (Third process) If the code information reading unit 14 fails to read code 21, or if code 21 is not valid data, it outputs the result of the failed reading to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 then activates the wireless communication processing unit 15.

[0067] The wireless communication processing unit 15 reads the IC chip 22 of the wireless communication terminal 20. The wireless communication processing unit 15 outputs the IC data read from the IC chip 22 to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs a determination process using the IC data. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the information is valid for boarding an airplane, etc., in the same way as the code data. If the control unit 11 determines that the code data is valid, it outputs this determination result to the output unit 13.

[0068] With this configuration, even if the wireless communication terminal 20 owned by the user 30 has multiple reading means, the reading unit 10 can suppress errors in processing and execute processing more reliably. Furthermore, by including the proximity detection unit 17, it is easy to detect when the user 30 brings the wireless communication terminal 20 close to the reading unit 10. In addition, compared to processing methods that are susceptible to interrupt processing, such as polling, it is possible to detect more reliably when the wireless communication terminal 20 approaches the reading unit 10.

[0069] • Variation 2 Next, we will describe the reading unit according to Modification Example 2. The reading unit 10 according to Modification Example 2 differs from the reading unit 10 according to Configuration Example 1 in that the reading unit 10 is provided on the gate device. The other configurations are the same as those in Configuration Example 1, and explanations of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0070] The reading unit 10 is mounted on a gate device (not shown). This gate device is installed, for example, at a station ticket gate. The gate device includes a passage control unit that determines whether or not a passage is permitted. The passage control unit determines whether or not a user is permitted to pass through based on the code information or IC data (the "terminal information" of this invention) read by the reading unit 10.

[0071] By equipping the gate device with the reading unit 10 of the present invention in this way, even if the wireless communication terminal 20 owned by the user 30 has multiple reading means, the reading unit 10 can suppress errors in processing and execute the reading process more reliably.

[0072] The above configuration was explained using a gate device as an example. However, it is not limited to gate devices; it can also be applied to devices that enable payment by reading codes and IC chips, such as ticket vending machines at train stations, payment machines in stores, check-in machines at airports and hotels, boarding gates, and vending machines.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration of this invention and the configuration described above can be described as follows: <Note> The reading unit (10) comprises a wireless communication processing unit (15), a code information reading unit (14), a detection unit (11), and a determination unit (11). The wireless communication processing unit (15) reads terminal information stored in a wireless communication terminal (20) located within the wireless communication area via wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal (20). The code information reading unit (14) reads code information indicated by an optical reading code held over a reading area provided within the wireless communication area. The detection unit (11) detects that the wireless communication terminal (20) is located within the wireless communication area. When the detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal (20) is located within the wireless communication area, the determination unit (11) determines whether the code information has been read by the code information reading unit (14). If the determination unit (11) determines that the code information has not been read by the code information reading unit (14), the wireless communication processing unit (15) reads terminal information via wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal (20). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10...Reading unit 11…Control Unit 12...Storage section 13…Output section 14…Code information reading unit 15… Wireless communication processing unit 16… Communications Department 17… Proximity detection unit 20… Wireless communication terminals 21... Code 22…IC chip 25…Display section 30...User 100...Reading area

Claims

1. A wireless communication processing unit that reads terminal information stored in a wireless communication terminal located within a wireless communication area, A code information reading unit reads code information indicated by an optically readable code held over a reading area provided within the aforementioned wireless communication area. A detection unit that detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, The detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, and the detection unit includes a determination unit that determines whether the code information has been read by the code information reading unit. If the determination unit determines that the code information has not been read by the code information reading unit, the wireless communication processing unit reads the terminal information via wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal. It is a reading unit, The wireless communication processing unit will not request the wireless communication terminal that received a response to polling to read the terminal information until the determination unit determines that the code information has not been read by the code information reading unit. Reading unit.

2. The reading unit according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the code information read by the code information reading unit or the terminal information read by the wireless communication processing unit.

3. The reading unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit detects an object in accordance with an output signal from a sensor that detects an object approaching the wireless communication area.

4. The wireless communication processing unit repeatedly performs polling to request a response from the wireless communication terminal located within the wireless communication area. The reading unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit detects an object approaching the wireless communication area based on whether the wireless communication processing unit has received a response to polling.

5. The reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether the code information has been read by the code information reading unit between the time the detection unit detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area and the time elapsed since the detection unit detected that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area.

6. A reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A gate device comprising: a passage control unit that determines whether passage is permitted or not using the code information or terminal information read by the reading unit.

7. A wireless communication processing step involves wirelessly communicating with a wireless communication terminal located within a wireless communication area, and reading terminal information stored by the wireless communication terminal. A code information reading step involves reading the code information indicated by an optically readable code held over a reading area provided within the aforementioned wireless communication area. A detection step of detecting that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, If the computer detects in the detection step that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, it performs a determination step to determine whether the code information was read in the code information reading step. The wireless communication processing step is a step in which, if the determination step determines that the code information has not been read in the code information reading step, the terminal information is read via wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal. A reading method, The wireless communication processing step does not request the wireless communication terminal that received the response to polling to read the terminal information until it is determined in the determination step that the code information has not been read in the code information reading step. How to read it.

8. A wireless communication processing step involves wirelessly communicating with a wireless communication terminal located within a wireless communication area, and reading terminal information stored by the wireless communication terminal. A code information reading step involves reading the code information indicated by an optically readable code held over a reading area provided within the aforementioned wireless communication area. A detection step of detecting that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, If the detection step detects that the wireless communication terminal is located within the wireless communication area, the computer is instructed to perform a determination step to determine whether the code information was read in the code information reading step. The wireless communication processing step is a step in which, if the determination step determines that the code information has not been read in the code information reading step, the terminal information is read via wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal. It is a reading program, The wireless communication processing step does not request the wireless communication terminal that received the response to polling to read the terminal information until it is determined in the determination step that the code information has not been read in the code information reading step. A reading program.

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