Passenger management program

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred. [Solution] The passenger management program executed by the mobile terminal 100 causes the mobile terminal 100 to perform the following processes: reading an information code and transmitting information corresponding to the read information code to a server 200 located outside the mobile terminal 100. The reading process includes obtaining boarding station information by reading information code C1 installed at the boarding station, obtaining disembarking station information by reading information code C2 installed at the disembarking station, and obtaining train information related to the train Tr by reading information code C3 installed at the train Tr. The transmission process includes transmitting the boarding station information, disembarking station information, and train information that was obtained to the server 200.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a ride management program.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An information code is static information and can be easily copied or forged. Therefore, there is a possibility that a malicious user may use a copied or forged information code to falsely board a train (hereinafter simply referred to as "illegal boarding"), and there is a demand for improving the accuracy of determining whether illegal boarding has occurred.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and one of the objectives of this disclosure is to improve the accuracy of determining whether illegal boarding has occurred. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A passenger management program executed by a mobile terminal relating to a certain aspect of this disclosure causes the mobile terminal to perform the following processes: reading an information code and transmitting information corresponding to the read information code to a server located outside the mobile terminal. The reading process includes obtaining boarding station information indicating the boarding station by reading a first information code installed at the boarding station, obtaining disembarking station information indicating the disembarking station by reading a second information code installed at the disembarking station, and obtaining train information relating to the train by reading a third information code installed on the train. The transmission process includes transmitting the information obtained from the boarding station information, disembarking station information, and train information to the server.

[0007] (2) In the passenger management program described in (1) above, the train information includes at least one of the train identification information and the train operation information.

[0008] (3) The passenger management program described in (1) or (2) above causes the mobile terminal to further execute a process that sends to the server at least one of the first reading conditions when the first information code is read and the second reading conditions when the second information code is read.

[0009] (4) In the passenger management program described in (3) above, the first reading condition includes the time the first information code is read. The second reading condition includes the time the second information code is read.

[0010] (5) The passenger management program described in (3) above causes the mobile terminal to further perform a process to acquire location information, speed information, or acceleration information of the mobile terminal. The first reading condition includes at least one of the location information, speed information, and acceleration information when the first information code is read. The second reading condition includes at least one of the location information, speed information, and acceleration information when the second information code is read.

[0011] (6) The passenger management program described in (1) or (2) above causes the mobile terminal to further execute the following processes: displaying a screen on the mobile terminal's display unit indicating whether or not the information code has been read successfully; displaying an icon on the display unit that accepts an operation to send the mobile terminal's location information to the server if the information code has not been read successfully; and sending the location information to the server when the icon is operated.

[0012] (7) When the third information code is read, the passenger management program described in (1) or (2) above causes the mobile terminal to further execute the process of starting to track the mobile terminal's location information and the process of sending the tracked location information to the server.

[0013] (8) The passenger management program described in (1) or (2) above causes the mobile terminal to further perform the process of displaying a train electronic ticket that can be read by the reader on the display unit of the mobile terminal. The display process includes restricting the display of the electronic ticket on the display unit until a predetermined time has elapsed since the first information code or the third information code was read.

[0014] (9) The passenger management program described in (1) or (2) above causes the mobile terminal to further perform the process of displaying an icon on the mobile terminal's display for selecting one of several modes. The multiple modes include a first mode that displays an electronic train ticket that can be read by a reader, a second mode that reads an information code, and a third mode that displays textual information related to the electronic ticket.

[0015] (10) A passenger management program executed by a mobile terminal relating to another aspect of this disclosure causes the mobile terminal to perform the following processes: reading an information code; acquiring location information of the mobile terminal; and transmitting information corresponding to the read information code and the location information to a server located outside the mobile terminal. The reading process includes obtaining boarding station information indicating the boarding station by reading a first information code installed at the boarding station, and obtaining disembarking station information indicating the disembarking station by reading a second information code installed at the disembarking station. The process of acquiring location information includes obtaining location information at least when the user of the mobile terminal boards the train and while the user is on the train. The transmission process includes transmitting the information obtained from the boarding station information, disembarking station information, and location information to the server.

[0016] (11) In the passenger management program described in (10) above, the process of acquiring location information includes acquiring location information based on signals from beacons installed on the train. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a passenger management system equipped with a mobile terminal on which the passenger management program according to Embodiment 1 is installed. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile device 100. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the default screen that is displayed when the transportation app 121 is launched. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the screen of the transportation app 121 that appears on the touch panel display 103 when icon I1 is tapped. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a transportation application 121 displayed on a touch panel display 103 when an icon I2 is tapped. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing the procedure when user U boards a train Tr, the processing by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing by the server 200. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a default screen first displayed when the transportation application 121 in Embodiment 5 is launched. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram showing the procedure when user U boards a train Tr, the processing by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing by the server 200 in Embodiment 8. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0020] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a boarding management system including a mobile terminal installed with a boarding management program according to Embodiment 1. The boarding management system 1 is a system for managing boarding and alighting of trains at stations where no reader for reading electronic tickets is installed at ticket gates. The boarding management system 1 includes a mobile terminal 100 and a server 200 provided outside the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 and the server 200 can communicate with each other via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0021] The mobile terminal 100 is a terminal carried by user U who uses train Tr, and is a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, or the like. An application software (hereinafter referred to as "transportation application") 121 (see FIG. 2) of a transportation electronic ticket is installed in the mobile terminal 100. The transportation application 121 is an example of the "boarding management program" in the present disclosure.

[0022] When user U boards a train Tr at a boarding station and disembarks from the train Tr at a disembarking station, user U is required to read the information code C1 installed at the boarding station, the information code C3 installed on the train Tr, and the information code C2 installed at the disembarking station using the mobile terminal 100.

[0023] Information codes C1, C2, and C3 are, for example, two-dimensional codes formed by multiple light-colored cells and multiple dark-colored cells. Two-dimensional codes include, for example, QR Code®, SQRC®, and DataMatrix®. In this embodiment, information codes C1, C2, and C3 are QR codes. Note that information codes C1, C2, and C3 may be two-dimensional codes other than QR codes, or one-dimensional codes such as barcodes.

[0024] Information code C1 is installed, for example, on ticket gate TG1 at the boarding station. As an example, a poster with information code C1 printed on it is attached to ticket gate TG1. Note that information code C1 only needs to be installed at the boarding station and does not necessarily have to be installed on ticket gate TG1. Alternatively, information code C1 may be directly marked on ticket gate TG1 or on the wall of the boarding station using direct parts marking.

[0025] Information code C1 includes station information indicating the station of departure. Station information includes, for example, at least one of the station name and location information of the station of departure. Information code C1 is an example of the “first information code” in this disclosure. The mobile terminal 100 can obtain station information by reading information code C1.

[0026] Information code C2 is installed, for example, on ticket gate TG2 at the disembarking station. As an example, a poster with information code C2 printed on it is attached to ticket gate TG2. Note that information code C2 only needs to be installed at the disembarking station, and does not necessarily have to be installed on ticket gate TG2. Alternatively, information code C2 may be directly marked on ticket gate TG2 or on the wall of the disembarking station using direct parts marking.

[0027] Information code C2 includes disembarking station information indicating the disembarking station. Disembarking station information includes, for example, at least one of the station name and location information of the disembarking station. Information code C2 is an example of a “second information code” in this disclosure. The mobile terminal 100 can obtain disembarking station information by reading information code C2.

[0028] Information code C3 is installed, for example, near the doors inside a train car. As an example, a poster with information code C3 printed on it is posted near the doors inside a train car. Note that information code C3 only needs to be installed inside the train car, and may also be installed on the outside of the train car (for example, on the car body or windows). Alternatively, information code C3 may be directly marked on the car body or the walls inside the train car using direct parts marking.

[0029] Information code C3 includes train information relating to train Tr. The train information includes at least one of train Tr identification information and train Tr operation information. Information code C3 is an example of a “third information code” in this disclosure. The mobile terminal 100 can obtain train information by reading information code C3.

[0030] The mobile terminal 100 transmits information corresponding to the information code it reads to the server 200. Specifically, the mobile terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 the information it was able to obtain from the following: boarding station information, alighting station information, and train information.

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

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 includes a processor 101, memory 102, touch panel display 103, camera 104, GPS (Global Positioning System) 105, speed sensor 106, acceleration sensor 107, and communication interface 108.

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

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

[0035] Camera 104 captures the target displayed on the touch panel display 103. For example, camera 104 captures information codes C1, C2, and C3.

[0036] The GPS 105 acquires location information of the mobile terminal 100 based on signals from GPS satellites. The speed sensor 106 acquires speed information of the mobile terminal 100. The acceleration sensor 107 acquires acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100. Note that the mobile terminal 100 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the GPS 105, speed sensor 106, and acceleration sensor 107. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 100 may be equipped with at least one of the GPS 105, speed sensor 106, and acceleration sensor 107.

[0037] The communication interface 108 sends and receives data to and from an external device (for example, a server 200) via a communication network NW.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of the default screen that is initially displayed when the transportation app 121 is launched. When user U operates the mobile terminal 100 to launch the transportation app 121, the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, the default screen G1.

[0039] The default screen G1 contains text information CH related to the electronic train ticket Tk (see Figure 4) purchased by user U. The text information CH is similar to the information found on traditional paper tickets and includes, for example, at least one of the following: the names of the boarding and alighting stations, the ticket type (single ride, season ticket, or rail pass, etc.), and the expiration date. By visually confirming the text information CH, railway staff (conductor, station attendant, etc.) can allow user U to board the train Tr.

[0040] The default screen G1 further includes icons I1 and I2 for selecting one of several modes. The modes include a first mode that displays the electronic ticket Tk of the train purchased by user U, which is readable by the reader; a second mode that reads the information code; and a third mode that displays character information CH related to the electronic ticket Tk.

[0041] Icon I1 is used to select the first mode. When user U taps icon I1, the mobile terminal 100 switches to the first mode, and the electronic train ticket Tk purchased by user U is displayed on the touch panel display 103.

[0042] Icon I2 is used to select the second mode. When user U taps icon I2, the mobile device 100 switches to the second mode, which reads information codes, and the camera function of the transportation app 121 is launched.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an example of the screen of the transportation application 121 displayed on the touch panel display 103 when icon I1 is tapped. When user U taps icon I1 (see Figure 3), the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, screen G11.

[0044] Screen G11 contains the electronic ticket Tk for the train Tr purchased by user U. The electronic ticket Tk can be read by readers installed at station ticket gates, etc. The electronic ticket Tk is an information code such as a two-dimensional code, for example, a QR code. At stations where readers for reading electronic tickets Tk are installed, user U can board the train Tr by having the electronic ticket Tk read by the reader.

[0045] Screen G11 further includes an icon I2 for selecting the second mode and an icon I3 for selecting the third mode. Icon I3 is also an icon for selecting one of several modes. When user U taps icon I3, the mobile terminal 100 switches to the third mode, and the default screen G1 containing text information CH is displayed on the touch panel display 103.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen of the transportation app 121 displayed on the touch panel display 103 when icon I2 is tapped. When user U taps icon I2 (see Figure 3), the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, screen G12.

[0047] Screen G12 includes an area W where the information code to be photographed is displayed. Screen G12 also includes a message such as "Please photograph the QR code." The mobile terminal 100 reads the information code displayed in area W. At stations where a reader for electronic tickets Tk is not installed, user U can board the train Tr by reading the information code installed at the station and the information code installed on the train Tr with the mobile terminal 100.

[0048] Screen G12 further includes icon I1 for selecting the first mode and icon I3 for selecting the third mode.

[0049] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for user U to board train Tr, the processing performed by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing performed by the server 200. Each step included in the sequence diagrams shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8 (described later) is abbreviated as "S".

[0050] When user U arrives at the boarding station, they first perform S1. In S1, user U operates their mobile device 100 to activate the camera function of the transportation app 121 and takes a picture of the information code C1 installed at the boarding station with the mobile device 100. As described above, the camera function of the transportation app 121 is activated when user U taps icon I2. After S1, user U heads to the platform where the train Tr will arrive.

[0051] After S1, the mobile terminal 100 performs S2. In S2, the mobile terminal 100 obtains boarding station information by reading the information code C1 installed at the boarding station. Specifically, in S2, the mobile terminal 100 obtains boarding station information from the captured image of information code C1 taken in S1.

[0052] Next, in S3, the mobile terminal 100 sends the user ID that identifies user U and the boarding station information obtained in S2 to the server 200. The user ID is assigned, for example, when the transportation app 121 is used for the first time (when the user registers or creates an account).

[0053] When the train Tr arrives at the boarding station, user U performs S4 when boarding the train Tr. In S4, user U operates the mobile terminal 100 to activate the camera function of the transportation app 121 and takes a picture of the information code C3 installed on the train Tr with the mobile terminal 100. When user U boards the train Tr, it may be just before user U boards the train Tr, while user U is boarding the train Tr, or immediately after user U boards the train Tr.

[0054] After S4, the mobile terminal 100 performs S5. In S5, the mobile terminal 100 obtains train information by reading the information code C3 installed on the train Tr. Specifically, in S5, the mobile terminal 100 obtains train information from the image of information code C3 taken in S4.

[0055] Next, in S6, the mobile terminal 100 sends the user ID and the train information obtained in S5 to the server 200.

[0056] When the train Tr arrives at the disembarking station, user U gets off the train Tr and performs S7. In S7, user U operates the mobile terminal 100 to activate the camera function of the transportation app 121 and takes a picture of the information code C2 installed at the disembarking station with the mobile terminal 100.

[0057] After S7, the mobile terminal 100 performs S8. In S8, the mobile terminal 100 obtains disembarking station information by reading the information code C2 installed at the disembarking station. Specifically, in S8, the mobile terminal 100 obtains disembarking station information from the image of information code C2 captured in S7.

[0058] Next, in S9, the mobile terminal 100 sends the user ID and the disembarking station information obtained in S8 to the server 200.

[0059] After S9, the server 200 performs S10. In S10, the server 200 determines whether or not user U has committed fare evasion based on the boarding station information, alighting station information, and train information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100.

[0060] Here, we will explain an example of how server 200 detects fare evasion. First, server 200 estimates the boarding station from the boarding station information and the disembarking station from the disembarking station information.

[0061] Next, the server 200 estimates the station where user U was located when information code C3 was read by the mobile terminal 100, based on the train information. Specifically, first, the server 200 identifies train Tr from the train information. As mentioned above, the train information includes at least one of the following: train Tr identification information and train Tr operation information. Both the train Tr identification information and the train Tr operation information are unique to each train. Therefore, the server 200 can identify train Tr from the train information.

[0062] Next, the server 200 queries the operation information of the identified train Tr and, based on that operation information, determines the location of train Tr when information code C3 was read by the mobile terminal 100. Then, based on the location of the identified train Tr, the server 200 estimates the station where user U was when information code C3 was read by the mobile terminal 100. Based on the estimated station and the combination of the boarding station and alighting station, the server 200 determines whether or not fare evasion occurred.

[0063] One example of fare evasion is to prepare a copy of the information code installed at an intermediate station located between the boarding station and the alighting station, and then read the copy instead of the information code C1 at the boarding station. In the case of this first type of fare evasion, the station estimated from the information obtained by reading the copy (the intermediate station) will not match the station estimated from the train information obtained by reading the information code C3 (the boarding station). On the other hand, in the case of legitimate travel, the station estimated from the boarding station information obtained by reading the information code C1 (the boarding station) will match the station estimated from the train information obtained by reading the information code C3 (the boarding station).

[0064] Therefore, if the station estimated from the information obtained by reading information code C1 (a copy in the case of fare evasion) does not match the station estimated from the train information obtained by reading information code C3, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0065] Simply having the mobile terminal 100 acquire boarding station information and alighting station information is insufficient to detect the first instance of fare evasion. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the mobile terminal 100 acquires not only boarding station information and alighting station information, but also train information. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, the first instance of fare evasion can be detected. Consequently, Embodiment 1 improves the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred.

[0066] Preferably, the mobile terminal 100 reads information codes C1, C2, and C3 and transmits all of the boarding station information, alighting station information, and train information to the server 200. However, the mobile terminal 100 may fail to read one of the information codes, or user U may forget to read the information codes. In such cases, the mobile terminal 100 transmits the boarding station information, alighting station information, and train information that it was able to obtain to the server 200. Even in such cases, the server 200 determines whether or not fare evasion has occurred based on the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100.

[0067] Furthermore, if the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 does not include at least one of the following: boarding station information, alighting station information, and train information, the server 200 may determine that it cannot determine whether or not fare evasion has occurred. Alternatively, the server 200 may determine that there is suspicion that fare evasion has occurred.

[0068] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, the mobile terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 the reading conditions when the information code C1 is read, in addition to the boarding station information.

[0069] Specifically, in S3 (see Figure 6), the mobile terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 the boarding station information read from the information code C1, as well as the reading conditions when the information code C1 was read. The reading conditions when the information code C1 was read include at least one of the following: the time the information code C1 was read, the location information of the mobile terminal 100, the speed information of the mobile terminal 100, and the acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100. The reading conditions when the information code C1 was read are an example of the "first reading conditions" in this disclosure.

[0070] The location information of the mobile terminal 100 is obtained by GPS 105. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 100 may obtain its location information based on signals from beacons installed on trains or stations. The speed information of the mobile terminal 100 is obtained by speed sensor 106. The acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100 is obtained by acceleration sensor 107.

[0071] <Time of reading information code C1> This section describes an example of how server 200 can determine fare evasion using the reading time of information code C1.

[0072] One example of fare evasion is a second type of fare evasion in which a passenger prepares a copy of the information code installed at an intermediate station located between the boarding station and the alighting station. The passenger boards the train (Tr) without reading information code C1 at the boarding station, and then reads the copy and information code C3 while the train (Tr) is passing through the intermediate station. In the case of this second type of fare evasion, the station (intermediate station) estimated from the information obtained by reading the copy will match the station (intermediate station) estimated from the train information obtained by reading information code C3. Therefore, it is not possible to distinguish between legitimate fare evasion and the second type of fare evasion based solely on the boarding station information and train information.

[0073] However, if a second instance of fare evasion occurs, the time between the time the copy is read and the departure time of the train Tr from an intermediate station will be less than the first predetermined time. On the other hand, if a legitimate ride occurs, the time between the time the information code C1 is read and the departure time of the train Tr from the boarding station will be at least the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is determined based on the time required for user U to travel from the location where the information code C1 is installed to the platform where the train Tr arrives.

[0074] Therefore, if the time between the time the information code C1 (or copy in the case of fare evasion) is read and the departure time of the train Tr identified from the information code C3, which is estimated from the information obtained by reading the information code C1 (or copy in the case of fare evasion), is less than the first predetermined time, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0075] Thus, by using the reading time of information code C1 in addition to the boarding station information and train information to determine fare evasion, a second instance of fare evasion can be detected.

[0076] <Location information of mobile device 100> This section describes an example of a method by which a server 200 can determine fare evasion using the location information of a mobile terminal 100 when information code C1 is read.

[0077] As described above, it is not possible to distinguish between legitimate boarding and the second type of fraudulent boarding based solely on boarding station information and train information. However, if the second type of fraudulent boarding occurs, the distance between the location of the information code installed at the station (intermediate station) estimated from the information obtained by reading the copy and the location of the mobile terminal 100 when the copy was read will be greater than or equal to the first predetermined distance. On the other hand, if legitimate boarding occurs, the distance between the location of information code C1 and the location of the mobile terminal 100 when information code C1 was read will be less than the first predetermined distance. The first predetermined distance is determined based on the distance over which information code C1 can be read by the mobile terminal 100.

[0078] Therefore, if the distance between the location of the information code installed at the station, estimated from the information obtained by reading the information code C1 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion), and the location of the mobile terminal 100, identified from the location information of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C1 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion) was read, is greater than or equal to the first predetermined distance, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0079] In this way, by using the location information of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C1 was read, in addition to the boarding station information and train information, it is possible to detect a second instance of fare evasion.

[0080] <Speed ​​information and acceleration information from mobile device 100> This section describes an example of a method by which a server 200 can determine fare evasion using speed information or acceleration information from a mobile terminal 100 when information code C1 is read.

[0081] As described above, it is not possible to distinguish between legitimate boarding and the second type of fraudulent boarding based solely on boarding station information and train information. However, in the case of the second type of fraudulent boarding, the copy is mainly read inside the moving train Tr, so the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the copy is read may be greater than or equal to the first predetermined speed. On the other hand, in the case of legitimate boarding, the information code C1 is read near the ticket gate, so the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C1 is read will be less than the first predetermined speed. The first predetermined speed is determined based on the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C1 is read by the mobile terminal 100.

[0082] Therefore, if the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C1 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion) is read is equal to or greater than the first predetermined speed, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0083] In this way, by using the speed information of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C1 was read, in addition to the boarding station information and train information, it is possible to detect a second instance of fare evasion.

[0084] Similarly, by using acceleration information from the mobile terminal 100 when information code C1 is read, in addition to boarding station information and train information, a second instance of fare evasion can be detected.

[0085] Thus, according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to detect not only the first instance of fare evasion but also the second instance of fare evasion. Therefore, according to Embodiment 2, the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred can be improved.

[0086] In addition, in S6 (see Figure 6), the mobile terminal 100 may transmit to the server 200 the reading conditions when the information code C3 was read, in addition to the train information read from the information code C3. The reading conditions when the information code C3 was read include at least one of the following: the time the information code C3 was read, the location information of the mobile terminal 100, the speed information of the mobile terminal 100, and the acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100.

[0087] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 3, the mobile terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 the reading conditions when the information code C2 is read, in addition to the disembarking station information.

[0088] Specifically, in S9 (see Figure 6), the mobile terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 the disembarking station information read from the information code C2, as well as the reading conditions when the information code C2 was read. The reading conditions when the information code C2 was read are an example of the "second reading conditions" in this disclosure. The reading conditions when the information code C2 was read include at least one of the reading time of the information code C2, the location information of the mobile terminal 100, the speed information of the mobile terminal 100, and the acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 acquires the location information, speed information, and acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100 by the method described in Embodiment 2.

[0089] <Time of reading information code C2> This section describes an example of how server 200 can determine fare evasion using the reading time of information code C2.

[0090] One possible example of fare evasion is a third type of fare evasion where a passenger prepares a copy of the information code installed at an intermediate station located between the boarding station and the alighting station, and then reads the copy instead of the information code C2 at the alighting station.

[0091] If a third type of fare evasion occurs, the time between the arrival time of the train Tr at an intermediate station and the time the copy is read will be equal to or greater than the second predetermined time. On the other hand, if a legitimate ride occurs, the time between the arrival time of the train Tr at the disembarking station and the time the information code C2 is read will be less than the second predetermined time. The second predetermined time is determined based on the time required for user U to travel from the disembarking station platform to the location where information code C2 is installed.

[0092] Therefore, if the time between the arrival time of the train Tr at the station estimated from the information obtained by reading information code C2 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion) and the time when information code C2 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion) was read is greater than or equal to the second predetermined time, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0093] In this way, by using the reading time of information code C2 in addition to the disembarking station information to determine fare evasion, a third instance of fare evasion can be detected.

[0094] <Location information of mobile device 100> This section describes an example of a method by which a server 200 can determine fare evasion using the location information of a mobile terminal 100 when information code C2 is read.

[0095] If a third type of fare evasion occurs, the distance between the location of the information code installed at the station (intermediate station) estimated from the information obtained by reading the copy and the location of the mobile terminal 100 when the copy was read will be greater than or equal to the second predetermined distance. On the other hand, if a legitimate ride is performed, the distance between the location of information code C2 and the location of the mobile terminal 100 when information code C2 was read will be less than the second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance is determined based on the distance over which information code C2 can be read by the mobile terminal 100.

[0096] Therefore, if the distance between the location of the information code installed at the station, estimated from the information obtained by reading the information code C2 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion), and the location of the mobile terminal 100, identified from the location information of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C2 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion) was read, is greater than or equal to the second predetermined distance, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0097] In this way, by using the location information of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C2 was read, in addition to the disembarking station information, it is possible to detect a third instance of fare evasion.

[0098] <Speed ​​information and acceleration information from mobile device 100> This section describes an example of a method by which a server 200 can determine fare evasion using speed information or acceleration information from a mobile terminal 100 when information code C2 is read.

[0099] In the case of a third type of fare evasion, the copy is mainly read inside the moving train Tr, so the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the copy is read may be equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed. On the other hand, in the case of a legitimate fare evasion, the information code C2 is read near the ticket gate, so the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C2 is read will be less than the second predetermined speed. The second predetermined speed is determined based on the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C2 is read by the mobile terminal 100.

[0100] Therefore, if the speed of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C2 (or a copy in the case of fare evasion) is read is equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed, the server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0101] In this way, by using the speed information of the mobile terminal 100 when the information code C2 is read, in addition to the disembarking station information, it is possible to detect a third instance of fare evasion.

[0102] Similarly, by using acceleration information from the mobile terminal 100 when information code C2 is read, in addition to the disembarking station information, a third instance of fare evasion can be detected.

[0103] Thus, according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to detect not only the first type of fare evasion but also the third type of fare evasion. Therefore, according to Embodiment 3, the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred can be improved.

[0104] In addition, in S6 (see Figure 6), the mobile terminal 100 may transmit to the server 200 the reading conditions when the information code C3 was read, in addition to the train information read from the information code C3. The reading conditions when the information code C3 was read include at least one of the following: the time the information code C3 was read, the location information of the mobile terminal 100, the speed information of the mobile terminal 100, and the acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100.

[0105] [Embodiment 4] Embodiments 2 and 3 may be combined.

[0106] [Embodiment 5] Embodiment 5 will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 5, the mobile terminal 100 transmits its location information to the server 200 if the reading of the information code is unsuccessful or if user U forgets to read the information code.

[0107] Figure 7 shows an example of the default screen that is initially displayed when the transportation application 121 is launched in Embodiment 5. When user U launches the transportation application 121 by operating the mobile terminal 100, the touch panel display 103 displays, for example, the default screen G2. The difference between the default screen G2 and the default screen G1 (see Figure 3) is that the default screen G2 includes icons I11, I12, I13, and I21.

[0108] Icon I11 indicates whether the reading of information code C1 was successful or not. For example, if the reading of information code C1 is successful, icon I11 lights up.

[0109] Icon I12 indicates whether the reading of information code C2 was successful or not. For example, if the reading of information code C2 is successful, icon I12 will light up.

[0110] Icon I13 indicates whether the reading of information code C3 was successful or not. For example, if the reading of information code C3 is successful, icon I13 will light up.

[0111] Icon I21 accepts an operation to send the location information of the mobile terminal 100 to the server 200. For example, if reading at least one of the information codes C1, C2, and C3 fails, icon I21 accepts an operation to send the location information of the mobile terminal 100 to the server 200.

[0112] When icon I21 is operated, the mobile terminal 100 acquires its location information in the manner described in Embodiment 2 and transmits the location information to the server 200. When icon I21 is operated, the mobile terminal 100 may also transmit to the server 200 the time at which the location information of the mobile terminal 100 was acquired, in addition to the location information of the mobile terminal 100.

[0113] According to Embodiment 5, even if the reading of information code C1 is unsuccessful, the server 200 can obtain the location information of the mobile terminal 100, and from this location information, it can estimate the boarding station. Similarly, even if the reading of information code C2 is unsuccessful, the server 200 can obtain the location information of the mobile terminal 100, and from this location information, it can estimate the disembarking station. Furthermore, even if the reading of information code C3 is unsuccessful, the server 200 can obtain the location information of the mobile terminal 100, and from this location information, it can estimate the location of user U. Therefore, according to Embodiment 5, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred.

[0114] The default screen G2 only needs to include at least one of icons I11, I12, and I13 to indicate whether or not the mobile terminal 100 has successfully read the information code.

[0115] Furthermore, if icon I21 is tapped each time a passenger boards the train, server 200 may determine that fare evasion is occurring.

[0116] [Embodiment 6] Embodiment 6 will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 6, when the mobile terminal 100 reads the information code C3, it acquires the location information of the mobile terminal 100 using the method described in Embodiment 2 and starts tracking the location information of the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 transmits the tracked location information to the server 200.

[0117] Server 200 estimates the disembarking station based on the tracked location information. If the station estimated based on the tracked location information does not match the station estimated from the disembarking station information obtained by reading information code C2, Server 200 determines that fare evasion has occurred.

[0118] If the third type of fraudulent travel described above occurs, the station (disembarking station) estimated based on the tracked location information will not match the station (intermediate station) estimated from the information obtained by reading the copy. On the other hand, if a legitimate ride is performed, the station (disembarking station) estimated based on the tracked location information will match the station (disembarking station) estimated from the disembarking station information obtained by reading information code C2. Therefore, according to Embodiment 6, the third type of fraudulent travel can be detected.

[0119] Thus, according to Embodiment 6, it is possible to detect not only the first type of fare evasion but also the third type of fare evasion. Therefore, according to Embodiment 6, the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred can be improved.

[0120] [Embodiment 7] Embodiment 7 will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 7, the display of the train Tr electronic ticket Tk (see Figure 4) on the touch panel display 103 is restricted (for example, prohibited) until a predetermined time has elapsed after information code C1 or information code C3 is read.

[0121] The electronic ticket Tk is displayed on the touch panel display 103 (see Figure 4) when a predetermined time has elapsed since information code C1 or information code C3 was read, and user U taps icon I1 (see Figure 3). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since information code C1 or information code C3 was read, the electronic ticket Tk will not be displayed on the touch panel display 103 even if user U taps icon I1.

[0122] According to Embodiment 7, even if user U prepares a copy of the information code installed at an intermediate station between the boarding station and the alighting station, and boards the train Tr without reading the information code C1 at the boarding station, and reads the copy or information code C3 just before ticket inspection, the electronic ticket Tk will not be displayed on the touch panel display 103 until a predetermined time has elapsed since reading the copy or information code C3. Therefore, the user cannot comply with the ticket inspection. Thus, according to Embodiment 7, fare evasion can be suppressed.

[0123] Furthermore, the reading of information codes by the mobile terminal 100 may be restricted until a predetermined time has elapsed after information code C1 or information code C3 has been read by the mobile terminal 100. This prevents the copying and reading of information code C3 immediately before ticket inspection, thereby deterring fare evasion.

[0124] Furthermore, if the mobile terminal 100 reads an information code within a predetermined time after the mobile terminal 100 reads information code C1 or information code C3, the mobile terminal 100 may transmit information to the server 200 indicating that there is a suspicion of fare evasion. This improves the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred.

[0125] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 100 reads information codes C1, C2, or C3, the reading time may be displayed on the touch panel display 103. This means that if the mobile terminal 100 reads information code C1 or information code C3 immediately before ticket inspection, it will be detected during the inspection. Therefore, fare evasion can be deterred.

[0126] [Embodiment 8] Embodiment 8 will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the mobile terminal 100 could obtain train information by reading the information code C3. In contrast, in Embodiment 8, the mobile terminal 100 can obtain location information of the mobile terminal 100 at least one of the following times: when user U boards the train Tr, or while user U is on the train Tr.

[0127] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure when user U boards train Tr in Embodiment 8, the processing by the mobile terminal 100, and the processing by the server 200. The difference between the sequence diagram shown in Figure 8 and the sequence diagram shown in Figure 6 is that the sequence diagram shown in Figure 8 includes S5A and S6A instead of S4, S5, and S6, and includes S10A instead of S10.

[0128] The mobile terminal 100 performs S5A at least at one of the following times: when user U boards the train Tr, and while user U is on the train Tr. In S5A, the mobile terminal 100 acquires its location information. Hereinafter, the location information of the mobile terminal 100 at least at one of the following times: when user U boards the train Tr, and while user U is on the train Tr will be referred to as "location information during boarding / boarding". The mobile terminal 100 acquires its location information based on signals from beacons installed on the train Tr or at the station.

[0129] The location information of the mobile terminal 100 may also be obtained by GPS 105. In that case, the mobile terminal 100 will obtain its location information by GPS 105 if it can be determined from the speed information of the mobile terminal 100 obtained by the speed sensor 106 or the acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100 obtained by the acceleration sensor 107 that user U is on a train Tr. Alternatively, if the screen of the transportation application 121 displayed on the touch panel display 103 includes icon I21 (see Figure 7), the mobile terminal 100 may obtain its location information by GPS 105 in response to user U tapping icon I21.

[0130] After S5A, the mobile terminal 100 performs S6A. In S6A, the mobile terminal 100 sends the user ID and the location information of the mobile terminal 100 obtained in S5A to the server 200.

[0131] After S9, the server 200 performs S10A. In S10A, the server 200 determines whether or not user U has committed fare evasion based on the boarding station information, alighting station information, and location information of the mobile terminal 100 transmitted from the mobile terminal 100.

[0132] Thus, in Embodiment 8, the mobile terminal 100 acquires not only boarding station information and alighting station information, but also location information during boarding and while riding. The location of user U at the time the location information was acquired can be determined from the location information during boarding and while riding. Therefore, Embodiment 8 improves the accuracy of determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred compared to determining whether or not fare evasion has occurred based on boarding station information and alighting station information.

[0133] Preferably, the mobile terminal 100 transmits all of the following information to the server 200: boarding station information, alighting station information, and location information during boarding / while riding. However, the mobile terminal 100 may fail to read any of the information codes, or user U may forget to read the information codes. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may fail to acquire its location information due to poor communication conditions, etc. In such cases, the mobile terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 the information it was able to acquire from the boarding station information, alighting station information, and location information during boarding / while riding. Even in such cases, the server 200 determines whether or not fare evasion has occurred based on the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100. If the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 does not include at least one of the following: boarding station information, alighting station information, and location information during boarding / while riding, the server 200 may determine that it cannot determine whether or not fare evasion has occurred. Alternatively, the server 200 may determine that there is a suspicion that fare evasion has occurred.

[0134] Furthermore, as in Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, or Embodiment 4, the mobile terminal 100 may transmit to the server 200 at least one of the reading conditions when information code C1 is read and the reading conditions when information code C2 is read. The mobile terminal 100 may also transmit to the server 200 the acquisition conditions when location information is acquired while riding / in the vehicle. The acquisition conditions include at least one of the time the location information is acquired while riding / in the vehicle, the speed information of the mobile terminal 100, and the acceleration information of the mobile terminal 100.

[0135] [Differentiation] Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0136] [Example 1] The mobile terminal 100 may be equipped with a speaker and may output a sound when information codes C1, C2, and C3 are read. This allows user U to know when the reading of the information codes is complete.

[0137] The mobile terminal 100 is equipped with a speaker and may output a sound when reading information codes C1, C2, and C3, and the sound emitted when reading information code C1 or information code C2 may be different from the sound emitted when reading information code C3. Because the sounds emitted when reading information codes C1 and C2 are different from the sound emitted when reading information code C3, if user U reads a copy of the information code installed at an intermediate station between the boarding station and the alighting station in a location different from where the information code was originally installed (for example, inside a train Tr), people around him will become aware of it. The presence of people around him acts as a deterrent, thus preventing fare evasion.

[0138] [Differentiation 2] The mobile terminal 100 may be equipped with an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) that detects the tilt information of the mobile terminal 100. Generally, since the information codes C1, C2, and C3 are posted on ticket gates, walls inside trains, etc., it is assumed that the mobile terminal 100 reads the information codes C1, C2, and C3 in a position perpendicular to the ground. On the other hand, when reading a copy of the information code, the mobile terminal 100 reads the copy held in the hand of user U, so it is assumed that the mobile terminal 100 reads the copy in a position parallel to the ground. Therefore, the mobile terminal 100 may transmit the tilt information of the mobile terminal 100 to the server 200 as a reading condition when the information codes C1, C2, and C3 are read. According to the modified example 2, it is also possible to determine whether or not fare evasion has occurred from the tilt information of the mobile terminal 100, thus improving the accuracy of the determination of whether or not fare evasion has occurred.

[0139] Furthermore, if the mobile terminal 100 is parallel to the ground, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured not to read information codes C1, C2, and C3. This can help deter fare evasion.

[0140] [Difference 3] Information codes C1, C2, and C3 may be installed at stations and on trains, as well as carried by railway staff, including at least one of the train driver, conductor, and station staff. Railway staff may carry paper with information codes C1, C2, and C3 printed on it, or they may carry a terminal that displays information codes C1, C2, and C3. If information codes C1, C2, and C3 installed at stations or on trains are damaged or otherwise unreadable because they are carried by railway staff, user U can board train Tr by reading the information codes C1, C2, and C3 carried by the staff using their mobile terminal 100.

[0141] Furthermore, information codes C1, C2, and C3 do not need to be installed at stations or on trains; they may simply be carried by staff. This helps to prevent copying, forgery, damage, and loss of information codes C1, C2, and C3.

[0142] [Differentiation Example 4] The passenger management system 1 may further include a collection server that collects information from the mobile terminal 100. In that case, the various information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 to the server 200 in the above embodiment is first transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 to the collection server. Subsequently, the various information is transmitted from the collection server to the server 200, and the server 200 determines whether or not fare evasion has occurred.

[0143] [Difference 5] The method by which the server 200 determines whether fare evasion has occurred is not limited to the method described above. How the server 200 determines whether fare evasion has occurred based on the information provided by the mobile terminal 100 can be arbitrarily determined. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server 200 determined whether fare evasion had occurred based on information obtained from a single ride, but it may also determine whether fare evasion had occurred based on information obtained from rides over a predetermined period, such as every month.

[0144] The embodiments and variations disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 1 Passenger management system, 100 Mobile terminal, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Touch panel display, 104 Camera, 105 GPS, 106 Speed ​​sensor, 107 Accelerometer, 108 Communication interface, 121 Transportation app, 200 Server, C1, C2, C3 Information code, CH Character information, G1, G2 Default screen, G11, G12 Screen, I1, I2, I3, I11, I12, I13, I21 Icon, U User, NW Communication network, TG1, TG2 Ticket gate, Tk Electronic ticket, Tr Train, W Area.

Claims

1. A passenger management program executed by a mobile device, The process of reading the information code, The mobile terminal is instructed to perform the following process: sending information corresponding to the information code that was read to a server located outside the mobile terminal; The aforementioned reading process is, By reading the first information code installed at the boarding station, it is possible to obtain boarding station information indicating the said boarding station, By reading the second information code installed at the disembarking station, it is possible to obtain disembarking station information indicating the aforementioned disembarking station. This includes the ability to obtain train information relating to the train by reading a third information code installed on the train, The aforementioned transmission process includes transmitting the information obtained from the boarding station information, the alighting station information, and the train information to the server. The passenger management program further causes the mobile terminal to execute a process that transmits to the server at least one of the first reading condition when the first information code is read and the second reading condition when the second information code is read. The first reading condition includes the time of reading the first information code. The second reading condition includes a passenger management program that includes the time of reading the second information code.

2. The passenger management program according to claim 1, wherein the train information includes at least one of the train identification information and the train operation information.

3. The passenger management program further causes the mobile terminal to perform a process to acquire location information, speed information, or acceleration information of the mobile terminal. The first reading condition includes at least one of the position information, velocity information, and acceleration information when the first information code is read. The passenger management program according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second reading condition includes at least one of the position information, the speed information, and the acceleration information when the second information code is read.

4. The aforementioned passenger management program A process to display a screen on the mobile terminal's display unit indicating whether or not the reading of the information code was successful, If reading the aforementioned information code is unsuccessful, the process includes displaying an icon on the display unit that accepts an operation to send the location information of the mobile terminal to the server, The passenger management program according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising causing the mobile terminal to perform the process of transmitting the location information to the server when the aforementioned icon is operated.

5. The aforementioned passenger management program When the third information code is read, the process of starting location tracking of the mobile terminal is initiated. The ride management program according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising causing the mobile terminal to perform the process of transmitting the tracked location information to the server.

6. The passenger management program further causes the mobile terminal to perform the process of displaying the electronic train ticket, which can be read by the reader, on the display unit of the mobile terminal. The boarding management program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display process includes restricting the display of the electronic ticket on the display unit until a predetermined time has elapsed since the first information code or the third information code was read.

7. The passenger management program further causes the mobile terminal to perform a process of displaying an icon on the mobile terminal's display unit for selecting one of several modes, The aforementioned multiple modes are, A first mode that displays the electronic ticket for the train that can be read by the reader, A second mode for reading the aforementioned information code, A boarding management program according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a third mode for displaying text information relating to the electronic ticket.

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