User terminal, system, and method for controlling the user terminal

Abstract

To provide a user terminal capable of suppressing labor work to pay extra charge in a transportation system.SOLUTION: A portable terminal 3 (user terminal) is provided with a communication module 34 (communication section) communicating with a server 1 (first server) managing electronic settlement of fare of a transportation system, and a display 35 (display section). The display 35 displays extra charge information which shows that the transport system is used out of a coverage area of a ticket. The communication module 34 transmits payment information on the extra charge to the server 1 when a user used the communication system out of the coverage area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a user terminal, a system, and a method for controlling a user terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 特開2016-038858 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system that enables the use of a bus with a commuter pass displayed on a mobile terminal. When a user goes outside the commuter pass area, an alert message including an overcharge is displayed on the mobile terminal. In this case, when getting off the bus, the user needs to put the displayed overcharge into the fare box.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1 above, the user needs to pay the overcharge in cash, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. Therefore, it is desired to suppress the time-consuming payment of overcharges in transportation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a user terminal, a system, and a method for controlling a user terminal that can suppress the time-consuming payment of overcharges in transportation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The user terminal relating to the first aspect of this disclosure is a user terminal for a user who uses public transport with a ticket that has a set validity range, and comprises a communication unit that communicates with a first server that manages electronic payment of public transport fares, and a display unit. The display unit displays information on excess charges for using public transport outside the validity range. The communication unit transmits information on payment of excess charges to the first server when the user uses public transport outside the validity range.

[0007] In the user terminal relating to the first aspect of this disclosure, as described above, if a user uses public transportation outside the valid range, information regarding the payment of excess charges is transmitted to the first server that manages electronic payments. As a result, excess charges are automatically paid electronically without the user having to pay them in cash. Consequently, the hassle of paying excess charges on public transportation can be reduced. Furthermore, since the information on excess charges is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to prevent users from paying excess charges without knowing the amount.

[0008] In the user terminal relating to the first phase described above, preferably, the display unit is configured to allow the user to input information about the destination through an input operation, and displays information about excess charges determined based on the valid range and the destination. With this configuration, the user can obtain information about excess charges in advance.

[0009] In the user terminal relating to the first phase described above, preferably, the display unit displays a notification indicating that the user is approaching the effective range when the user is located within the effective range and within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the effective range. This configuration can prevent the user from going outside the effective range.

[0010] The system relating to the second aspect of this disclosure is a system comprising a user terminal relating to the first aspect, the user terminal and a second server that communicates with the user terminal. The user terminal displays information on the number of people who can use the ticket and authorized terminal information on other user terminals that are permitted to use the ticket. The user can input authorization information to allow other user terminals to use the ticket through user input operations and transmits the entered authorization information to the second server. The second server transmits an authorization signal to the other user terminals that are permitted to use the ticket if the number of other user terminals that are permitted to use the ticket is less than the number of people who can use the ticket.

[0011] In the system relating to the second phase described above, if the number of other user terminals authorized to use the ticket is less than the number of people who can use the ticket, an authorization signal is sent to the other user terminals allowing them to use the ticket. This helps to reduce the hassle of paying excess charges even if other users authorized to use the ticket go outside the validity range of the ticket.

[0012] The third aspect of this disclosure relates to a user terminal control method for a user who uses public transport with a ticket that has a set validity range, and comprises the steps of: displaying information on excess charges for using public transport outside the validity range; and, when the user uses public transport outside the validity range, transmitting information on payment of excess charges to a server that manages electronic payment of public transport fares.

[0013] In the user terminal control method relating to the third aspect of this disclosure, as described above, if a user uses public transportation outside the valid range, information regarding the payment of excess charges is transmitted to a server that manages electronic payments. This provides a user terminal control method that can reduce the hassle involved in paying excess charges on public transportation. Furthermore, since the excess charge information is displayed on the display unit, this provides a user terminal control method that can reduce the possibility of users paying excess charges without being aware of the amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce the hassle involved in paying excess charges on public transport. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the server configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a ticket according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing the control of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the screen displayed when approaching the area outside the validity zone of the ticket. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for displaying excess charges based on destination information. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying the destination input field and excess charges. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram showing the controls for allowing other devices to use the ticket. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen for specifying which devices are allowed to use the ticket.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments 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 description will not be repeated.

[0017] [Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a server 1 and a plurality of mobile terminals 3. The server 1 and the plurality of mobile terminals 3 are communicatively connected via the Internet 2. The server 1 is a server that manages electronic settlement of fare when a user uses a transportation means (such as a bus and a train). The mobile terminal 3 is an example of the "user device" of the present disclosure. The server 1 is an example of the "first server", "second server", and "server" of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 1. The server 1 includes, for example, a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, and a communication module 14.

[0019] The processor 11 is a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 11 reads out a system program 131 and a control program 132 (described later) and expands and executes them in the memory 12 to realize various processes.

[0020] Storage 13 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. Storage 13 stores a system program 131 including the OS (Operating System) and a control program 132 including computer-readable code necessary for control calculations.

[0021] The communication module 14 includes a communication interface with a network such as the Internet 2 (see Figure 1). The communication module 14 is configured to enable bidirectional communication between the server 1 and external devices (such as multiple mobile terminals 3).

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal 3. The mobile terminal 3 is a device carried by a user, and is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. The mobile terminal 3 may also be a notebook PC (Personal Computer). The mobile terminal 3 includes, for example, a processor 31, memory 32, storage 33, a communication module 34, a display 35, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 36, and an attitude sensor 37. The communication module 34 and the display 35 are examples of the "communication unit" and "display unit" as defined in this disclosure, respectively.

[0023] The processor 31 is a microprocessor such as a CPU or MPU. The memory 32 is volatile memory such as RAM. The processor 31 performs various processes by reading the system program 331, the control program 332, and the application 333 (described later), loading them into the memory 32, and executing them.

[0024] Storage 33 is a rewritable, non-volatile memory such as flash memory. Storage 33 stores a system program 331 including the OS, a control program 332 containing computer-readable code necessary for control calculations, and an application 333. Details of application 333 will be described later.

[0025] The communication module 34 includes a communication interface that conforms to a wireless communication standard. The wireless communication standard may be LTE (Long Term Evolution) such as 4G or 5G, or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), or both. The communication module 34 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the server 1.

[0026] The display 35 is a mobile display such as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or liquid crystal display. The display 35 is configured to display various information according to control commands from the processor 31. In this example, the display 35 is a touch panel display that can accept user input.

[0027] The GPS module 36 acquires information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 3 (GPS information) based on signals from multiple satellites and outputs the GPS information to the processor 31. This allows the GPS module 36 to acquire the user's location information. The mobile terminal 3 may include a beacon receiver (not shown) in place of or in addition to the GPS module 36.

[0028] The attitude sensor 37 is, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, or a geomagnetic sensor. The attitude sensor 37 detects the attitude (rotational motion) of the mobile device 3 and outputs the detection result to the processor 31.

[0029] <Application> Figure 4 shows the ticket (free pass) displayed on the screen when application 333 is executed. The ticket has a set validity area. In the example shown in Figure 4, the ticket's validity area is within the city. The ticket also displays (sets) the effective date and time (April 9, 2022 in Figure 4), the number of people who can use it (2 adults in Figure 4), and the time remaining until the expiration date (2 hours, 23 minutes, 17 seconds in Figure 4). Note that the ticket does not have to be a free pass. For example, the ticket could be a commuter pass.

[0030] Furthermore, the ticket displays information indicating whether the boarding and alighting locations are within the valid area. In the example shown in Figure 4, the boarding location is within the valid area, so it displays "Valid," while the alighting location is outside the valid area, so it displays "Outside Area." Additionally, the excess charge for using the ticket outside the valid area (170 yen in Figure 4) is displayed on display 35.

[0031] In conventional systems, users have to pay excess charges in cash, which is inconvenient and cumbersome. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the hassle of paying excess charges on public transportation (such as buses and trains).

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication module 34 of the mobile terminal 3 transmits information regarding the payment of excess charges to the server 1 when the user uses public transportation outside the validity area of ​​the ticket. As a result, the excess charges are automatically paid from the user's account by the server 1 without the user having to pay them themselves.

[0033] <Sequence control between mobile devices and servers> Next, referring to Figure 5, the sequence control (method for controlling the mobile terminal) between the mobile terminal 3 and the server 1 will be explained.

[0034] In step S100, the processor 31 of the mobile terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to only as mobile terminal 3) starts controlling the application 333 in response to user touch operations, etc.

[0035] In step S101, the mobile terminal 3 accepts the above operation when the user performs an operation to purchase a ticket in application 333.

[0036] In step S102, the mobile terminal 3 determines whether the user has boarded public transport. For example, the mobile terminal 3 determines that the user has boarded public transport by holding it over a bus card reader or an automatic ticket gate at a train station. If it is determined that the user has boarded (Yes in S102), the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that the user has not boarded (No in S102), the process in step S102 is repeated.

[0037] In step S103, the mobile terminal 3 determines whether the user boarded outside the validity area of ​​the ticket. For example, the mobile terminal 3 makes the above determination based on information from the GPS module 36 of the mobile terminal 3 or the location information of the automatic ticket gate to which the mobile terminal 3 was held. If the user boarded outside the validity area (Yes in S103), the process proceeds to step S104. If the user boarded within the validity area (No in S103), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0038] In step S104, the mobile terminal 3 displays on the display 35 that the user has boarded outside the valid area of ​​the ticket. Specifically, if the user boards within the valid area of ​​the ticket, "Valid" will be displayed to the right of the word "Boarding" on the display screen of the display 35 (see Figure 4). If the user boards outside the valid area of ​​the ticket, "Outside Area" will be displayed in the same location.

[0039] In step S105, the mobile terminal 3 determines whether it is located within the effective range and within a predetermined distance (for example, within 1 km) of the boundary of the effective range. For example, the mobile terminal 3 makes the determination based on the effective range and the location information of the mobile terminal 3 based on the GPS module 36. If the mobile terminal 3 is located within the area (Yes in S105), the process proceeds to step S106. If the mobile terminal 3 is not located within the area (Yes in S105), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0040] In this case, the mobile terminal 3 may display information on the display 35, such as the distance to the boundary of the effective range and the time required to reach the boundary.

[0041] In step S106, the mobile terminal 3 displays on the display 35 that the user is approaching the area where the ticket is valid. In the example shown in Figure 6, the message "You are approaching the area where the ticket is valid" is displayed on the display 35.

[0042] Referring again to Figure 5, in step S107, the mobile terminal 3 determines whether the user has disembarked from the transportation. For example, the mobile terminal 3 determines that the user has disembarked from the transportation when it is held over a card reader on a bus or an automatic ticket gate at a train station, and then held over a card reader or automatic ticket gate again after being held over one when boarding. If it is determined that the user has disembarked (Yes in S107), the process proceeds to step S108. If it is determined that the user has not disembarked (No in S107), the process returns to step S105.

[0043] In step S108, the mobile terminal 3 determines whether the user alighted outside the valid area of ​​the ticket. For example, the mobile terminal 3 makes the above determination based on information from the GPS module 36 of the mobile terminal 3, or the location information of the automatic ticket gate that the mobile terminal 3 was held over when alighting. If the user alighted outside the valid area (Yes in S108), the process proceeds to step S109. If the user boarded outside the valid area (No in S108), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0044] The mobile terminal 3 displays on the display 35 that the user has disembarked outside the ticket's valid area. Specifically, if the user disembarks outside the ticket's valid area, "Outside Area" will be displayed to the right of the word "Disembarked" on the display screen of the display 35 (see Figure 4). If the user disembarks within the ticket's valid area, "Valid" will be displayed in the same location.

[0045] In step S110, the mobile terminal 3 calculates the excess charge based on the ticket's validity area and the user's disembarking and boarding locations. If either the user's disembarking or boarding location is outside the validity area, an excess charge will be incurred. In other words, if both the boarding and disembarking locations are within the validity area, no excess charge will be incurred (the excess charge will be 0).

[0046] In step S111, the mobile terminal 3 displays the excess charge calculated in step S110 on the display 35 (see Figure 4).

[0047] In step S112, the mobile terminal 3 transmits the information of the excess charge calculated in step S110 to the server 1. Note that the control in steps S111 and S112 may be executed simultaneously.

[0048] In step S201, the processor 11 of server 1 (hereinafter referred to only as server 1) determines whether or not it has received information about excess charges. If it has received information about excess charges (Yes in S201), the process proceeds to step S202. If it has not received information about excess charges (No in S201), the process in step S201 is repeated.

[0049] In step S202, Server 1 determines whether or not there are excess charges (whether or not excess charges have been incurred). If there are excess charges (Yes in S202), the process proceeds to step S203. If there are no excess charges (No in S202), the process ends.

[0050] In step S203, server 1 executes a process to collect the excess charge from the user's account (credit card account, etc.) based on the excess charge information transmitted from mobile terminal 3 in step S112. After that, the process ends. The user's account may be registered with server 1 in advance.

[0051] <Processing flow when entering a destination> Figure 7 shows the processing flow of the mobile terminal 3 when the user enters a destination in the application 333 on the mobile terminal 3.

[0052] In step S300, the mobile terminal 3 accepts the user's input of a destination. Specifically, the user enters the destination into the destination input field 333a (see Figure 8) displayed on the display 35 when the application 333 is launched.

[0053] In step S301, the mobile terminal 3 calculates the excess charge based on the relationship between the validity range of the ticket and the destination entered in step S300. In this case, the mobile terminal 3 may also calculate the excess charge considering the user's current location based on the information from the communication module 34 (Figure 3).

[0054] In step S302, the mobile terminal 3 displays the excess charge calculated in step S301 on the display 35 (see Figure 8).

[0055] <Processing flow for authorizing ticket usage> Figure 9 shows the processing flow when a mobile device 3 authorizes another user to use a ticket.

[0056] In step S400, when the application 333 is launched, the mobile terminal 3 displays on the display 35 the number of people who can use the ticket and information about other terminals that are authorized to use the ticket (see Figure 10). In the example shown in Figure 10, the number of people who can use the ticket is 2 (2 adults). Also, in the example shown in Figure 10, there are currently no other terminals that are authorized to use the ticket.

[0057] Referring again to Figure 9, in step S401, the mobile terminal 3 determines whether permission information has been entered to allow another terminal to use the ticket. Specifically, the user enters the destination in the permission terminal input field 333b (see Figure 10) displayed on the display 35 when the application 333 is launched. The permission terminal input field 333b may be directly editable or may be a pull-down menu that allows selection of pre-registered terminals. If permission information is entered (Yes in S401), the process proceeds to step S402. If permission information is not entered (No in S401), the process in step S401 is repeated.

[0058] In step S402, the mobile terminal 3 sends the permission information (information of the terminal authorized to use the ticket) entered in step S401 to the server 1.

[0059] In step S500, server 1 determines whether it has received permission information sent from mobile terminal 3 in step S402. If permission information has been received (Yes in S500), the process proceeds to step S501. If permission information has not been obtained (No in S500), the process in step S500 is repeated.

[0060] In step S501, Server 1 determines whether the number of other terminals authorized to use the ticket is less than the number of people who can use the ticket. If the number of authorized other terminals is less than the number of people who can use the ticket (Yes in S501), the process proceeds to step S502. If the number of authorized other terminals is equal to or greater than the number of people who can use the ticket (No in S501), the process ends. Note that the number of people who can use the ticket includes the user of mobile terminal 3.

[0061] In step S502, Server 1 sends an authorization signal to other terminals that have been authorized by the user of mobile terminal 3 to use the ticket. Terminals that receive the authorization signal are then able to use the ticket.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, the display 35 of the mobile terminal 3 displays information about excess charges incurred when transportation is used outside the valid range of the ticket. In addition, the communication module 34 of the mobile terminal 3 transmits information regarding payment of excess charges to the server 1 when the user uses transportation outside the valid range. As a result, the server 1, upon receiving the information regarding payment of excess charges, executes the payment process for the excess charges, thus eliminating the need for the user to pay the excess charges in cash. Furthermore, since the information about excess charges is displayed on the display 35, the user can obtain this information. This provides the user with a sense of security compared to when the user cannot obtain information about excess charges.

[0063] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a notification (warning) is displayed on the mobile terminal 3 when the user is located within the validity range of the ticket and within a predetermined distance of the boundary of the validity range, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the above notification (warning) may be displayed when the user leaves the validity range.

[0064] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the server that performs the process of collecting excess charges from the user's account and the server that performs the process of sending an authorization signal to terminals authorized to use the ticket are the same, but the disclosure is not limited to this. The servers that perform the two processes described above may be different from each other.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the mobile terminal 3 performs processes such as calculating excess charges, determining boarding (or alighting) outside the valid range, and calculating excess charges based on the destination. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the above processes may be performed by a server (a server different from server 1) that manages application 333.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a process is performed to display an excess charge based on destination information, a process is performed to allow other terminals to use the ticket, and a process is performed to display a notification when approaching the boundary of the valid range, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Only one or two of the above three processes may be performed, or none of the above three processes may be performed at all.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the display 35 shows a message indicating that the mobile terminal 3 is approaching the valid area when it is located within the valid area of ​​the ticket and within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the valid area, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the above notice may be displayed when the user arrives at (or is expected to arrive at) the outermost stop or station of the valid area.

[0068] The embodiments 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 by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1 server (1st server) (2nd server) (server), 3 mobile terminals (user terminals), 34 communication modules (communication unit), 35 displays (display unit), 100 systems.

Claims

1. A user terminal of a user who uses public transportation with a ticket that has a set validity range, A communication unit that communicates with a first server that manages the electronic payment of fares for the aforementioned transportation services, It includes a display unit, The display unit displays information regarding the first excess charge for the use of the transportation outside the effective range. The communication unit transmits information regarding the payment of the first excess charge to the first server when the user uses the transportation outside the effective range. The aforementioned display unit is With the aforementioned validity range set on the ticket, the system is configured to allow the user to input information about the destination through an input operation. A user terminal that, when the user enters the destination, displays information on a second excess charge for using the transportation outside the valid area, based on the relationship between the valid area set in the ticket and the destination.

2. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays information on the second excess charge based on the relationship between the valid range set on the ticket, the destination entered by the user, and the user's current location.

3. The user terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays a notification indicating that the user is approaching the effective range when the user is located within the effective range and within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the effective range.

4. The display unit is provided when the user is located within the effective range and within the predetermined distance of the boundary. A notification indicating that the subject is approaching the effective range, The user terminal according to claim 3, which displays at least one of the distance to the boundary and the time required to reach the boundary.

5. A system comprising the user terminal described in claim 1, The user terminal and, The system includes a second server that communicates with the user terminal, The aforementioned user terminal is The system displays information regarding the number of people who can use the aforementioned ticket, and authorized terminal information regarding other user terminals that are permitted to use the aforementioned ticket. The user's input operation allows permission information to be entered into the other user's terminal to authorize the use of the ticket. The input permission information is transmitted to the second server. The second server is a system that, when the number of other user terminals authorized to use the ticket is less than the number of available users, transmits an authorization signal to the other user terminals granting them permission to use the ticket.

6. A method for controlling a user terminal of a user who uses public transportation with a ticket that has a set validity range, A step of displaying information on the first excess charge for the use of the transportation outside the effective range, The process of transmitting information regarding the payment of the first excess charge to a server that manages electronic payment of fares for the transportation when the user uses the transportation outside the effective range, With the aforementioned ticket having the aforementioned validity range set, the process involves receiving input from the user regarding destination information, A user terminal control method comprising the step of displaying information on a second excess charge for using the transportation outside the valid range, based on the relationship between the valid range set on the ticket and the destination, when the destination is entered by the user.

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