Wheelchair seating ticket issuance system, wheelchair seating ticket issuance method, and wheelchair seating ticket issuance program

Abstract

To reduce the trouble of issuing a reserved-seat ticket to a user wanting to use a wheelchair seat by displaying information on trains having wheelchair seats in a list.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a wheelchair reserved-seat issuing system includes a server, and an automatic ticket vending machine connected to the server. The server includes a train database for storing a database for trains to be operated, a reception control unit for receiving input information including wheelchair seat purchase desire information showing that a user wants to purchase a reserved-seat for a wheelchair seat, a train information acquisition unit for acquiring train information on trains having wheelchair seats among trains stored in the train database on the basis of the wheelchair seat purchase desire information, and a transmission control unit for transmitting the train information to the automatic ticket vending machine. The automatic ticket vending machine includes a display control unit for displaying the train information, a ticket issue request acquisition unit for acquiring a wheelchair reserved-seat ticket issue request in accordance with the displayed train information, and a ticket issue control unit for issuing a reserved-ticket for a wheelchair seat corresponding to the wheelchair reserved-seat issue request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing system, a wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing method, and a wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a passenger using a wheelchair purchases a reservation ticket for a wheelchair seat at an automatic ticket vending machine or the like, the passenger needs to check in advance, using a train schedule or the like, the trains on which it is possible to use a wheelchair seat.

[0003] Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when purchasing a reservation ticket for a wheelchair seat at an automatic ticket vending machine or on the Web, only the fact that there are wheelchair seats among the general seats is displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is a problem that it is troublesome for a passenger who wishes to use a wheelchair seat to check the train to be purchased in advance. Further, when checking and purchasing the train to be purchased in advance, there is also a problem that it takes time until the wheelchair seats of the target train are displayed.

[0006] This invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce the labor until issuing a reservation ticket for a user who wishes to use a wheelchair seat by displaying a list of information on trains having wheelchair seats.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing system comprising a server according to an embodiment, comprising a server and an automatic ticket vending machine connected to the server, wherein the server comprises a train database that stores a database of operating trains, a receiving control unit that receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that a user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat reservation ticket, a train information acquisition unit that acquires train information of trains with wheelchair seats among the trains stored in the train database based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, and a transmission control unit that transmits the train information to the automatic ticket vending machine, wherein the automatic ticket vending machine comprises a display control unit that displays the train information, a ticket request acquisition unit that acquires a wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance request according to the displayed train information, and a ticket vending control unit that issues a wheelchair seat reservation ticket corresponding to the wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance request. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the upper-level server and automatic vending machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the upper-level server and the automatic vending machine in this embodiment, in relation to the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for issuing wheelchair seating tickets in the wheelchair seating ticketing system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed on the output unit of an automatic vending machine. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the output unit of an automatic vending machine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of train information with wheelchair accessible seats displayed on the output screen of an automatic ticket vending machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The wheelchair seating ticket issuance system, wheelchair seating ticket issuance method, and wheelchair seating ticket issuance program will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same number are assumed to perform the same operation, and therefore repeated explanations will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common code may be used to describe each element without distinction, or a sub-number may be used in addition to the common code to describe each element separately.

[0010] [Embodiment] (composition) Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance system according to an embodiment. The wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance system is a system used by passengers (users) who use wheelchairs to purchase reserved tickets for wheelchair seats. The wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance system may be part of a system that issues reserved tickets required for boarding trains or other transportation services, such as railways. Of course, the wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuance system can also issue regular tickets in addition to reserved tickets.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the wheelchair seating ticket issuance system includes a higher-level server 1, an automatic ticket vending machine 2, etc.

[0012] The higher-level server 1 is a server installed in a designated location managed by the railway operator. The higher-level server 1 is a server that manages the ticketing status of train reserved seats, and stores information such as train seat numbers and whether or not reservations exist. Furthermore, the higher-level server 1 may also store information such as whether or not there are wheelchair accessible seats on each train and whether or not those wheelchair accessible seats are reserved. The higher-level server 1 may also store train timetables, etc. The higher-level server 1 can provide the stored information in response to various requests from the automatic ticket vending machine 2. For example, if the higher-level server 1 receives information from the automatic ticket vending machine 2 requesting the purchase of a reserved seat for a wheelchair accessible seat, it will send information to the automatic ticket vending machine 2 including information on trains with wheelchair accessible seats, including the requested train, and whether or not reservations exist. Furthermore, if the higher-level server 1 receives an inquiry from the automatic ticket vending machine 2 regarding a specific train (an inquiry from a general passenger), it may also send information to the automatic ticket vending machine 2 including information such as whether or not seats on the specific train are reserved.

[0013] The automatic ticket vending machine 2 is installed in a designated location within the station premises. Although only one is shown in Figure 1 for simplicity, multiple automatic ticket vending machines 2 may be installed within the station premises. The automatic ticket vending machine 2 can purchase reserved tickets for wheelchair accessible seats, etc. It may also purchase regular reserved tickets, train tickets, and multi-ride tickets. Furthermore, the automatic ticket vending machine 2 is not limited to those operated directly by users; it may also be operated by station staff.

[0014] Here, the user may be a regular passenger or a passenger using a wheelchair. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the user is assumed to be a passenger using a wheelchair. The user may also have a user terminal. The user terminal includes a stationary computer, a portable terminal, etc., owned by the user. The portable terminal may be any device that the user can carry, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch or other wearable device.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the upper-level server 1 and the automatic vending machine 2 according to the embodiment. The upper server 1 includes a control unit 11, a program storage unit 12, a data storage unit 13, a communication interface 14, and an input / output interface 15. The control unit 11, the program storage unit 12, the data storage unit 13, the communication interface 14, and the input / output interface 15 are communicably connected to each other via a bus.

[0016] The upper server 1 can realize various operations by a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the upper server 1. The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit).

[0018] The program storage unit 12 is configured by, for example, combining a non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) that can be written and read at any time as a storage medium and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). In addition to middleware such as an OS (Operating System), it stores application programs necessary for executing various control processes according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program are collectively referred to as a program.

[0019] The data storage unit 13 may be, for example, a combination of a non-volatile memory such as an SSD that can be written and read at any time as a storage medium and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0020] The communication interface 14 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that connects to the automatic vending machine 2 via a wired or wireless connection, either directly or via a network. The communication interface 14 may also include a communication module that connects wirelessly to a user terminal held by the user. The communication interface 14 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with the automatic vending machine 2 or the user terminal and send and receive various information under the control of the control unit 11.

[0021] The input / output interface 15 is connected to the input unit 151 and the output unit 152, etc. The input / output interface 15 is an interface that enables the transmission and reception of information between the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 and the output unit 152. The input / output interface 15 may be integrated with the communication interface 14. For example, the input / output interface 15 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 or the output unit 152 using short-range wireless technology, and information may be transmitted and received using said short-range wireless technology.

[0022] The input unit 151 may include, for example, a keyboard or pointing device for an administrator (railway operator) managing the upper-level server 1 to input various information to the upper-level server 1. The input unit 151 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 12 or data storage unit 13 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0023] The output unit 152 includes a display that shows output data to be presented to the administrator from the upper server 1, and a printer for printing it.

[0024] The automatic vending machine 2 comprises a control unit 21, a program storage unit 22, a data storage unit 23, a communication interface 24, and an input / output interface 25. The control unit 21, the program storage unit 22, the data storage unit 23, the communication interface 24, and the input / output interface 25 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with one another.

[0025] Automatic vending machine 2 can perform various operations using a computer such as a PC.

[0026] The control unit 21 controls the automatic vending machine 2. The control unit 21 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0027] The program storage unit 22 is configured, for example, by combining a non-volatile memory such as an SSD that allows writing and reading at any time as a storage medium, and a non-volatile memory such as ROM, and stores the program.

[0028] The data storage unit 23 may, for example, be a combination of a non-volatile memory such as an SSD that allows for on-demand writing and reading, and a volatile memory such as RAM, as the storage medium.

[0029] The communication interface 24 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 24 includes a communication module that connects to the upper-level server 1 via a wired or wireless connection, either directly or via a network. The communication interface 24 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with the upper-level server 1 and send and receive various types of information under the control of the control unit 21.

[0030] The input / output interface 25 is connected to the input unit 251, the output unit 252, and the ticket issuing unit 253, etc. The input / output interface 25 is an interface that enables the transmission and reception of information between the control unit 21 and the input unit 251, the output unit 252, and the ticket issuing unit 253. The input / output interface 25 may be integrated with the communication interface 24. For example, the input / output interface 25 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 21 and at least one of the input unit 251, the output unit 252, or the ticket issuing unit 253 using short-range wireless technology, and information may be transmitted and received using said short-range wireless technology.

[0031] The input unit 251 may include, for example, a keyboard or pointing device for a user or station staff member to input various information to the automatic ticket vending machine 2. The input unit 251 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 22 or data storage unit 23 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0032] The output unit 252 includes a display device, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display device displays various information received from the upper-level server 1 to the user or station staff.

[0033] The ticketing unit 253 includes, for example, a printer for printing reserved seat tickets. The printer issues reserved seat tickets based on input information from the user or station staff and various information received from the higher-level server 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the upper-level server 1 and the automatic vending machine 2 in this embodiment, in relation to the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. The data storage unit 13 of the upper-level server 1 includes a train database 131. The train database 131 stores whether or not wheelchair seats are reserved for each train, and wheelchair seat information associated with reserved wheelchair seats. The train database 131 may also store seat information, including whether or not seats are reserved for each train, and information associated with reserved seats. The train database 131 may also store ticketing information for reserved seats, linked to each seat. For example, the ticketing information may include the reserved ticket ID, train information associated with the reserved ticket ID, date of travel, departure and arrival stations, arrival time, fare, seat number, etc.

[0035] The control unit 11 of the upper-level server 1 comprises a receiving control unit 111, a train information acquisition unit 112, and a transmission control unit 113.

[0036] The receiving control unit 111 receives input information transmitted from the automatic vending machine 2. Here, the input information is the information entered by the user or staff member into the input unit 251 of the automatic vending machine 2. Details of the input information will be described later.

[0037] The train information acquisition unit 112 searches for trains in the time slot the user wishes to purchase tickets for, based on the input information, from the database stored in the train database 131 (described later), and acquires the train information for those trains. Here, the train information includes the departure time from the boarding station desired by the user, the arrival time at the destination station, the train number, the train's final destination station, etc.

[0038] When the transmission control unit 113 receives train information from the train information acquisition unit 112, it transmits the train information to the automatic ticket vending machine 2.

[0039] The train database 131 is a database that stores various data related to trains, such as train numbers, train timetables, train operation information, and cancellation information. The train database 131 is not limited to trains managed and operated by the railway company that is the administrator of the upper server 1, but may also store information about trains of other railway companies. In other words, the train database 131 only needs to contain information about trains for which reserved seat tickets can be purchased at the automatic ticket vending machine 2.

[0040] The control unit 21 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2 includes an input information acquisition unit 211, a wheelchair seat reservation ticket purchase request determination unit 212, a transmission / reception control unit 213, a display control unit 214, a ticket issuance request acquisition unit 215, and a ticket issuance control unit 216.

[0041] The input information acquisition unit 211 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2 acquires input information. Here, the input information is the information entered by the user or staff member into the input unit 251. For example, the input information may include information such as the departure station, arrival station, departure date and time, number of users, and whether it is a one-way or round trip. The input information may also include information on whether a wheelchair seat reservation ticket is being used. The input information acquisition unit 211 may store the input information in the acquired information storage unit 231, which will be described later.

[0042] The wheelchair seating ticket purchase request determination unit 212 determines whether the input information includes information indicating a desire to purchase a wheelchair seating ticket. If the information includes information indicating that the button to purchase a wheelchair seating ticket has been pressed, the wheelchair seating ticket purchase request determination unit 212 determines that the user desires to purchase a wheelchair seating ticket. In this case, the wheelchair seating ticket purchase request determination unit 212 generates a flag indicating that the user desires to purchase a wheelchair seating ticket and includes it in the input information.

[0043] The transmission / reception control unit 213 transmits input information to the upper-level server 1 via the communication interface 24. For example, the transmission / reception control unit 213 transmits input information including a flag generated by the wheelchair seat reservation ticket purchase request determination unit 212 to the upper-level server 1. The transmission / reception control unit 213 also receives train information via the communication interface 24. The transmission / reception control unit 213 stores this train information in the ticket information storage unit 232, which will be described later.

[0044] Furthermore, the transmission / reception control unit 213 transmits ticketing information to the upper-level server 1 via the communication interface 24. Here, the ticketing information includes information about the reserved seat ticket issued to the user. Based on the ticketing information, the upper-level server 1 updates the database information stored in the train database 131.

[0045] The display control unit 214 acquires train information stored in the ticket information storage unit 232 and controls the display of the train information on the output unit 252's display or the like.

[0046] The ticketing request acquisition unit 215 acquires the ticketing request entered by the user or staff member into the input unit 251. Here, the ticketing request includes the date and time of use, the train to be reserved, the boarding station, the alighting station, the seat information to be specified, etc. If the user wishes to purchase a reserved seat ticket for a wheelchair accessible seat, the ticketing request may be a wheelchair accessible seat ticketing request. Also, if the user also purchases a reserved seat ticket for a caregiver at the same time, the ticketing request that is a wheelchair accessible seat ticketing request may include a caregiver seat ticketing request. Here, a caregiver seat ticketing request is a request to issue a reserved seat ticket for a caregiver accessible seat that corresponds to the wheelchair accessible seat.

[0047] The ticketing control unit 216 issues reserved tickets via the ticketing unit 253. The ticketing control unit 216 issues reserved tickets based on the ticketing request and the train information stored in the ticket information storage unit 232. If the ticketing request is for a wheelchair seat reserved ticket, the ticketing control unit 216 issues a reserved ticket for a wheelchair seat on the relevant train. The issued reserved ticket may be on a magnetic medium or on a medium with a 2D code printed on it. If the ticketing request includes a request for a caregiver seat in addition to a wheelchair seat, the ticketing control unit 216 may issue a reserved ticket for a caregiver seat corresponding to the specified wheelchair seat.

[0048] The data storage unit 23 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2 comprises an acquired information storage unit 231 and a ticket information storage unit 232. The acquired information storage unit 231 is a storage unit used to store input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 211. The ticket information storage unit 232 is a storage unit used to store train information and ticket issuance information that the user wishes to purchase.

[0049] (operation) Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for issuing wheelchair seating tickets in the wheelchair seating ticketing system shown in Figure 1. The operation of this sequence is realized when the control unit 11 of the upper-level server 1 and the control unit 21 of the automatic vending machine 2 read and execute the programs stored in the program storage unit 12 and the program storage unit 22, respectively.

[0050] First, the user wishes to purchase a reserved seat ticket for a wheelchair-accessible seat on a train, and this sequence begins when the user or staff member starts inputting information into the input section 251 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2.

[0051] In step ST101, the input information acquisition unit 211 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2 acquires the input information. As described above, the input information includes information such as the departure station, arrival station, departure date and time, number of passengers, and whether it is a one-way or round trip. The input information may also include information on whether a wheelchair seat reservation ticket is being used. The input information acquisition unit 211 stores the input information in the acquired information storage unit 231.

[0052] The input information acquisition unit 211 may acquire input information at any time. That is, each time the input unit 251 receives input from a user or staff member, the input information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the input information.

[0053] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of screens displayed on the output unit 252 of the automatic vending machine 2. As shown in Figure 5, when purchasing a reserved ticket, a button may be provided to select whether the seat is a regular seat or a wheelchair seat. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the user may decide whether or not to purchase a wheelchair seat as an option. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the user may decide whether or not to use a caregiver seat along with the wheelchair seat.

[0054] In step ST102, the wheelchair seat purchase request determination unit 212 determines whether the input information includes information indicating a desire to purchase a wheelchair seat. The wheelchair seat purchase request determination unit 212 retrieves the input information stored in the acquired information storage unit 231. For example, the wheelchair seat purchase request determination unit 212 may retrieve the input information each time the input information stored in the acquired information storage unit 231 is updated. If the input information includes information indicating that the button to purchase a wheelchair seat has been pressed, as shown in Figure 5, the wheelchair seat purchase request determination unit 212 determines that the user desires to purchase a wheelchair seat. In this case, the wheelchair seat purchase request determination unit 212 generates a flag (wheelchair seat purchase request information) indicating that the user desires to purchase a wheelchair seat and includes it in the input information. The wheelchair seat purchase request determination unit 212 then outputs the input information to the transmission / reception control unit 213.

[0055] In step ST103, the transmit / receive control unit 213 transmits input information to the upper-level server 1 via the communication interface 24. For example, the transmit / receive control unit 213 transmits input information, including the wheelchair seat purchase request information generated in step ST102, to the upper-level server 1. If the input information includes information indicating that the "Search for trains" button, as shown in Figure 6, has been pressed, the transmit / receive control unit 213 transmits the input information. Alternatively, the transmit / receive control unit 213 may transmit the input information to the upper-level server 1 each time it receives input information from the wheelchair seat reservation ticket purchase request determination unit 212.

[0056] In step ST104, the train information acquisition unit 112 of the upper server 1 acquires train information. When the receiving control unit 111 receives input information including the information that the "Search for train" button has been pressed from the automatic ticket vending machine 2, it outputs the input information to the train information acquisition unit 112. Based on the input information, the train information acquisition unit 112 searches the database stored in the train database 131 for trains for the time period that the user wishes to purchase and acquires the train information for those trains. As described above, the train information includes the departure time from the boarding station desired by the user, the arrival time at the destination station, the train number, the train's final destination station, etc. The train information acquisition unit 112 acquires a predetermined number of train information in order from the train closest to the date and time that the user wishes to purchase, as included in the input information. The train information acquisition unit 112 outputs the acquired train information to the transmission control unit 113.

[0057] Furthermore, if the input information includes information requesting the purchase of wheelchair accessible seats, the train information acquisition unit 112 may acquire information on trains with wheelchair accessible seats from the database before acquiring train information for the desired time slot. The train information acquisition unit 112 then acquires a predetermined number of trains, starting with those with wheelchair accessible seats closest to the date and time the user requests to purchase, as included in the input information. For example, the train information includes a list of trains. The list information may be, for example, information for displaying a list of train information on the display of the output unit 252 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2. In addition, by first extracting trains with wheelchair accessible seats based on a flag and using the extracted trains as the search target, the processing load on the upper server 1 can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, wheelchair accessible seats are usually fewer in number than regular seats. Therefore, the train information acquisition unit 112 may include detailed information about wheelchair accessible seats in the train information. Here, the detailed information about wheelchair accessible seats may include, for example, information on which car of the train the wheelchair accessible seats are located in, and information on the availability of wheelchair accessible seats.

[0059] For example, when purchasing a regular reserved seat ticket, the train information acquisition unit 112 retrieves detailed seat information for the train after the user selects their desired train. However, when purchasing a wheelchair-accessible seat ticket, the train information acquisition unit 112 retrieves detailed wheelchair seat information for all searched trains without the user having to specify a train. This allows users or staff who wish to purchase a wheelchair-accessible seat ticket to obtain detailed information about wheelchair seats for trains at their desired date and time in a single operation, without having to specify a train and then a seat, thus reducing the effort required from the user or staff.

[0060] In step ST105, the transmission control unit 113 transmits train information to the automatic ticket vending machine 2 via the communication interface 14. When the transmission control unit 113 receives train information from the train information acquisition unit 112, it transmits the train information to the automatic ticket vending machine 2.

[0061] In step ST106, the display control unit 214 displays train information. When the transmission / reception control unit 213 receives train information through the communication interface 24, it stores the train information in the ticket information storage unit 232. The display control unit 214 then retrieves the train information stored in the ticket information storage unit 232 and controls the system to display the train information on the display of the output unit 252.

[0062] Figure 7 shows an example of train information with wheelchair accessible seats displayed on the output unit 252 of the automatic ticket vending machine 2. As shown in Figure 7, since the train information includes list information, the display control unit 214 displays the trains with wheelchair accessible seats on the display of the output unit 252 so that they can be viewed in a list. Furthermore, as described above, if the train information includes detailed information about wheelchair accessible seats, the display control unit 214 may display information such as the location and availability of wheelchair accessible seats for the relevant train.

[0063] In step ST107, the ticketing request acquisition unit 215 acquires a ticketing request. For example, the user or staff member selects the train and seat they wish to purchase tickets for, according to the information displayed on the output unit 252's display. As described above, the ticketing request includes the date and time of use, the train to be reserved, the boarding station, the alighting station, and the seat information to be specified. If the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair accessible seat, the ticketing request may be a wheelchair accessible seat ticketing request. Also, if the user also purchases a caregiver seat ticket at the same time, the ticketing request, which is a wheelchair accessible seat ticketing request, may also include a caregiver seat ticketing request. The ticketing request acquisition unit 215 then acquires the ticketing request entered by the user or staff member in the input unit 251. The ticketing request acquisition unit 215 outputs the ticketing request to the ticketing control unit 216.

[0064] In step ST107, when the ticketing request acquisition unit 215 receives a ticketing request, the automatic ticketing machine 2 may transmit the ticketing request to the upper-level server 1 and receive permission to issue a ticket in accordance with the request from the upper-level server 1. After receiving permission to issue a ticket, the ticketing request acquisition unit 215 may output the ticketing request to the ticketing control unit 216.

[0065] In step ST108, the ticketing control unit 216 issues a reserved seat ticket. The ticketing control unit 216 issues a reserved seat ticket via the ticketing unit 253 based on the ticketing request and the train information stored in the ticket information storage unit 232. If the ticketing request is for a wheelchair seat reserved seat ticket, the ticketing control unit 216 issues a reserved seat ticket for a wheelchair seat on the relevant train. For example, the ticketing control unit 216 calculates the fare based on the ticketing request and issues the ticket after the user has paid the fare. Here, the payment method and ticketing method can be carried out in a general manner, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. Also, if the ticketing request includes a request for a caregiver seat ticket, the ticketing control unit 216 also issues a reserved seat ticket for a caregiver seat corresponding to the wheelchair seat requested by the user. The ticketing control unit 216 may store the ticketing information, including the information of the issued reserved seat ticket, in the ticket information storage unit 232.

[0066] In step ST109, the transmission / reception control unit 213 transmits the ticketing information to the upper-level server 1 via the communication interface 24. The upper-level server 1 updates the database information stored in the train database 131 based on the ticketing information. Note that the ticketing information in step ST109 may be transmitted simultaneously with step ST108. That is, the ticketing information may be transmitted at the same time as issuing the reserved seat ticket to the user.

[0067] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, the automatic ticket vending machine 2 can display a list of information on trains with wheelchair accessible seats. This makes it possible for users who wish to use wheelchair accessible seats to reduce the effort required to purchase a reserved ticket for a wheelchair accessible seat.

[0068] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above illustrate the case of a wheelchair user purchasing a train seat reservation ticket, the embodiments are not limited to train seats. For example, these embodiments can also be applied to reserved seats on buses, airplanes, ships, and other public transport.

[0069] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, although this embodiment was described using an automatic ticket vending machine 2, the automatic ticket vending machine 2 can be replaced with a user terminal used by the user. In other words, this embodiment is also applicable when purchasing a wheelchair seat reservation ticket on a predetermined web page provided by a railway operator managing the upper-level server 1. In this case, the issued wheelchair seat reservation ticket may be a general digital ticket displayed as a two-dimensional code including a QR code (registered trademark). Then, in response to the upper-level server 1 receiving a ticketing request from the user terminal, it should send ticketing information including the wheelchair seat reservation ticket (QR code) to the user terminal via email or the like.

[0070] In short, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriately as possible, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1… Upper server 2…Automatic vending machine 11…Control Unit 111...Receiver Control Unit 112…Train information acquisition department 113...Transmission Control Unit 12…Program memory 13…Data storage unit 131...Train Database 14…Communication Interface 15… Input / Output Interface 151...Input section 152…Output section 21... Control Unit 211... Input information acquisition unit 212... Wheelchair seating ticket purchase request determination section 213...Transmit / Receive Control Unit 214...Display Control Unit 215...Ticket Issuance Request Acquisition Department 216... Ticketing Control Unit 22...Program memory unit 23...Data storage unit 231...Acquired information storage unit 232…Ticket information storage unit 24…Communication Interface 25… Input / Output Interface 251...Input section 252…Output section 253... Ticketing Department

Claims

1. Server and An automatic vending machine connected to the aforementioned server, The server is equipped with, A train database that stores a database of trains in operation, A receiving control unit receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat and information about the date and time the user wishes to purchase the ticket. A train information acquisition unit searches the train database for trains with wheelchair accessible seats based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, and acquires a predetermined number of train information in order from the trains with wheelchair accessible seats that are closest to the date and time the user wishes to purchase, A transmission control unit that transmits the aforementioned train information to the automatic ticket machine, The automatic vending machine is equipped with, A display control unit that displays the aforementioned train information, A ticket request acquisition unit acquires a request to issue a wheelchair seat reservation ticket in accordance with the train information displayed above, A ticketing control unit that issues a reserved wheelchair seat ticket in response to the aforementioned request for a reserved wheelchair seat ticket, A ticketing system for wheelchair accessible seating.

2. A server and An automatic vending machine connected to the aforementioned server, The server is equipped with, A train database that stores a database of trains in operation, A receiving control unit that receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, A train information acquisition unit acquires train information for trains with wheelchair seats from among the trains stored in the train database based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information. A transmission control unit that transmits the aforementioned train information to the automatic ticket machine, The automatic vending machine is equipped with, A display control unit that displays the aforementioned train information, A ticket request acquisition unit acquires a request to issue a wheelchair seat reservation ticket in accordance with the train information displayed above, A ticketing control unit issues a reserved wheelchair seat ticket in response to the aforementioned request for a reserved wheelchair seat ticket, and if the request for a reserved wheelchair seat ticket includes a request for a caregiver seat ticket, issues a reserved caregiver seat ticket corresponding to the wheelchair seat desired by the user. A ticketing system for wheelchair accessible seating.

3. A server and An automatic vending machine connected to the aforementioned server, The server is equipped with, A train database that stores a database of trains in operation, A receiving control unit that receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, A train information acquisition unit acquires train information, including detailed information about wheelchair seats, such as the location and availability of wheelchair seats, for trains with wheelchair seats among those stored in the train database based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information. A transmission control unit that transmits the aforementioned train information to the automatic ticket machine, The automatic vending machine is equipped with, A display control unit that displays the train information and detailed wheelchair seat information corresponding to each of the trains included in the train information, A ticket request acquisition unit acquires a request to issue a wheelchair seat reservation ticket in accordance with the train information displayed above, A ticketing control unit that issues a reserved wheelchair seat ticket in response to the aforementioned request for a reserved wheelchair seat ticket, A ticketing system for wheelchair accessible seating.

4. The wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the train information includes a list of trains with wheelchair seats, and the display control unit displays a list of trains with wheelchair seats.

5. A train database that stores a database of trains in operation, A receiving control unit receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat and information about the date and time the user wishes to purchase the ticket. A train information acquisition unit searches the train database for trains with wheelchair accessible seats based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, and acquires a predetermined number of train information in order from the trains with wheelchair accessible seats that are closest to the date and time the user wishes to purchase, A transmission control unit that transmits the aforementioned train information, A receiving control unit that receives ticketing information in response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, A server equipped with the following features.

6. A train database that stores a database of trains in operation, A receiving control unit that receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, A train information acquisition unit acquires train information for trains with wheelchair seats from among the trains stored in the train database based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information. A transmission control unit that transmits the aforementioned train information, A receiving control unit receives ticketing information indicating that a reserved seat ticket for a wheelchair accessible seat and a reserved seat ticket for a caregiver seat corresponding to the wheelchair accessible seat requested by the user have been issued in response to the transmission of the aforementioned train information. A server equipped with the following features.

7. A train database that stores a database of trains in operation, A receiving control unit that receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, A train information acquisition unit acquires train information, including detailed information about wheelchair seats, such as the location and availability of wheelchair seats, for trains with wheelchair seats among those stored in the train database based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information. A transmission control unit that transmits the aforementioned train information, A receiving control unit that receives ticketing information in response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, A server equipped with the following features.

8. A method for issuing wheelchair seat reservation tickets, which is executed by a processor on a server, The database of trains in operation is stored in the train database, The system receives input information including information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair accessible seat ticket, and information regarding the date and time the user wishes to purchase the ticket. Based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, the system searches the train database for trains with wheelchair seats, and retrieves a predetermined number of trains from among those with wheelchair seats, starting with the train closest to the date and time the user wishes to purchase. Transmitting the aforementioned train information, Receiving ticketing information in response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, A method for issuing wheelchair-accessible seating tickets that includes the necessary equipment.

9. A method for issuing wheelchair seat reservation tickets, which is performed by a processor on a server, The database of trains in operation is stored in the train database, The system receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, Based on the aforementioned request for wheelchair seat purchase information, the train information of trains with wheelchair seats stored in the aforementioned train database is obtained, Transmitting the aforementioned train information, In response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, the system receives ticketing information indicating that a reserved seat ticket for a wheelchair accessible seat and a reserved seat ticket for a caregiver seat corresponding to the wheelchair accessible seat requested by the user have been issued. A method for issuing wheelchair-accessible seating tickets that includes the necessary equipment.

10. A method for issuing wheelchair seat reservation tickets, which is performed by a processor on a server, The database of trains in operation is stored in the train database, The system receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, Based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, the train information is obtained from the train database of trains that have wheelchair seats, including the location of the wheelchair seats and information on available seats, and includes detailed information on wheelchair seats. Transmitting the aforementioned train information, Receiving ticketing information in response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, A method for issuing wheelchair-accessible seating tickets that includes the necessary equipment.

11. A wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing program comprising instructions to be executed by a server processor, wherein the instructions are: The database of trains in operation is stored in the train database, The system receives input information including information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair accessible seat ticket, and information regarding the date and time the user wishes to purchase the ticket. Based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, the system searches the train database for trains with wheelchair seats, and retrieves a predetermined number of trains from among those with wheelchair seats, starting with the train closest to the date and time the user wishes to purchase. Transmitting the aforementioned train information, Receiving ticketing information in response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, A ticketing program for wheelchair accessible seats that includes the necessary features.

12. A wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing program comprising instructions to be executed by a server processor, wherein the instructions are: The database of trains in operation is stored in the train database, The system receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, Based on the aforementioned request for wheelchair seat purchase information, the train information of trains with wheelchair seats stored in the aforementioned train database is obtained, Transmitting the aforementioned train information, In response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, the system receives ticketing information indicating that a reserved seat ticket for a wheelchair accessible seat and a reserved seat ticket for a caregiver seat corresponding to the wheelchair accessible seat requested by the user have been issued. A ticketing program for wheelchair accessible seats that includes the necessary features.

13. A wheelchair seat reservation ticket issuing program comprising instructions to be executed by a server processor, wherein the instructions are: The database of trains in operation is stored in the train database, The system receives input information including wheelchair seat purchase request information indicating that the user wishes to purchase a wheelchair seat, Based on the wheelchair seat purchase request information, the train information is obtained from the train database of trains that have wheelchair seats, including the location of the wheelchair seats and information on available seats, and includes detailed information on wheelchair seats. Transmitting the aforementioned train information, Receiving ticketing information in response to transmitting the aforementioned train information, A ticketing program for wheelchair accessible seats that includes the necessary features.

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