Ticket gates, ticket gate systems, and programs

Abstract

To provide a ticket examination machine that shares roles with a server.SOLUTION: A ticket examination machine according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a communication unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires identification information from a boarding medium. The communication unit transmits, to a server that stores an entry record including the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and entry information, an exit record including the identification information and exit information, and receives, from the server, an entry / exit record including the entry information and the exit information. The determination unit determines whether to allow passage based on the entry / exit record. The output unit outputs a determination result as to whether to allow passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to ticket gates, ticket gate systems, and programs. [Background Art]

[0002] Ticket gates are widely used in transportation facilities such as railways. As a boarding medium applied to ticket gates, an IC card dedicated to transportation facilities (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated card) is known. A ticket gate installed at an entrance station reads identification information and the like from the dedicated card, determines whether entry is permitted, and writes an entry record to the dedicated card when entry is permitted. A ticket gate installed at an exit station reads an entry record from the dedicated card, determines whether exit is permitted based on the entry record, and writes an exit record to the dedicated card when exit is permitted.

[0003] A mechanism has also been proposed in which a server connected to each ticket gate is responsible for the determination processing of each ticket gate. The server receives information read by the ticket gate, determines whether passage is permitted based on the received information, and transmits the determination result to the ticket gate. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-366987 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-016012 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-256887 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] If a server is responsible for processing the judgment of each ticket gate, the server load is expected to become heavy depending on the number of ticket gates connected to the server, and a high-performance server is required to ensure smooth ticket gate processing. Since such high-performance servers are expensive, there is a demand to reduce the server load and suppress cost increases.

[0006] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been consideration to transition the dedicated cards used in ticket gates to general-purpose cards such as credit cards. There are various constraints on information processing based on credit card IDs, and there is a desire to avoid such information processing based on card IDs in ticket gates, where the number of installed machines far exceeds the number of servers.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, and a program that share roles with a server in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The ticket gate according to this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, a communication unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires identification information from the boarding medium. The communication unit transmits an exit record, including the identification information and exit information, to a server that stores an entry record, including the identification information and entry information acquired by the acquisition unit, and receives an entry / exit record, including the entry information and exit information, from the server. The determination unit determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the entry / exit record. The output unit outputs the determination result of whether passage is permitted or not. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a first example of a ticket gate system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a second example of a ticket gate system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of ticket gate processing by the ticket gate system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing a second example (first half) of the ticket gate processing by the ticket gate system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing a second example (second half) of the ticket gate processing by the ticket gate system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (composition) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a first example of a ticket gate system according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, a ticket gate system installed in transportation facilities such as railways is described, but it is not necessary for it to be a ticket gate; it may also be a system for managing entry and exit from a facility.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the ticket gate system comprises a server S, a ticket gate 1, and a ticket gate 2. Server S is connected to ticket gates 1 and 2 via a communication line. For example, ticket gate 1 is an example of an entrance ticket gate installed at the entrance of a first station (entrance station). Ticket gate 2 is an example of an exit ticket gate installed at the exit of a second station (exit station).

[0013] In this embodiment, we will describe a case in which server S communicates with ticket gates 1 and 2 and stores the information transmitted from ticket gates 1 and 2. However, server S communicates with three or more ticket gates and stores the information transmitted from these ticket gates.

[0014] The boarding medium 4 is a general-purpose card such as a credit card, and stores card identification information (card ID). The boarding medium 4 does not require a dedicated storage area for the ticket gate system.

[0015] For example, a user accesses the server S via a communication terminal such as a smartphone, and registers usage information with the server S. The server S stores the usage information. The usage information includes card identification information of the boarding medium 4. The usage information also includes amount information that can be used as a fare. The usage information may include system identification information unique to the ticket gate system that is different from the card identification information.

[0016] For example, a user uses the boarding medium 4 to enter the station premises from the ticket gate 1 installed at the entrance gate of the first station, and boards a desired train at the first station. Further, the user gets off the desired train at the second station, uses the boarding medium 4, and exits the station premises from the ticket gate 2 installed at the exit gate of the second station.

[0017] The ticket gate 1 reads card identification information from the boarding medium 4 by a medium processing unit 14 (acquisition unit), and transmits an entrance record including the card identification information and entrance information to the server S via a communication interface. A memory 12 (storage unit) of the ticket gate 1 stores information indicating the installed station (first station) (entrance station information) in advance, and the entrance information transmitted from the ticket gate 1 to the server S includes the pre-stored entrance station and the date and time when the card identification information was read from the boarding medium 4 (entrance date and time).

[0018] The server S searches for usage information including the same card identification information as the card identification information included in the entrance record, and registers the entrance record in the usage information. Further, the ticket gate 1 receives encoded data corresponding to the entrance record transmitted from the server S via the communication interface, and a processor 11 determines whether passage is permitted based on the encoded data.

[0019] The ticket gate 2 reads card identification information from the boarding medium 4 by means of a medium processing unit 24 (acquisition unit), and transmits an exit record including the card identification information and exit information to the server S via a communication interface. A memory 22 (storage unit) of the ticket gate 2 stores information (exit station information) indicating an installed station (second station) in advance, and the exit information transmitted from the ticket gate 2 to the server S includes the pre-stored exit station and the date and time when the card identification information was read from the boarding medium 4 (exit date and time).

[0020] The server S searches for usage information including the same card identification information as that included in the exit record, and registers the exit record in the usage information. In addition, the ticket gate 2 receives encoded data corresponding to the entry / exit record transmitted from the server S via the communication interface, and the processor 21 determines whether passage is permitted based on the encoded data, and also determines the boarding fare.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second example of the ticket gate system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket gate system includes a server S, a ticket gate 1, a ticket gate 2, and a ticket gate 3. The server S is connected to the ticket gate 1, the ticket gate 2, and the ticket gate 3 via a communication line. For example, the ticket gate 1 is an example of an entrance ticket gate installed at an entrance gate of a first station. The ticket gate 2 is an example of an exit ticket gate installed at an exit gate of a second station. The ticket gate 3 is an example of a connecting ticket gate installed at a connecting gate of a third station (connecting station). The ticket gates 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 2 have the same configuration as the ticket gates 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 1, and descriptions of common parts will be omitted.

[0022] For example, a user uses a boarding medium 4 to enter the station premises from the ticket gate 1 installed at the entrance gate of the first station, and boards a desired train at the first station. Further, the user gets off the desired train at the third station, uses the boarding medium 4, and enters another station premises of the same third station from the ticket gate 3 installed at the connecting gate of the third station.

[0023] The user uses boarding medium 4 to board the desired train at another station within the premises of the third station. Furthermore, the user disembarks from the desired train at the second station and uses boarding medium 4 to exit the station premises through ticket gate 2 located at the exit gate of the second station.

[0024] The ticket gates 1 and 2 shown in Figure 2 have the same configuration as the ticket gates 1 and 2 shown in Figure 1, and the explanation of the common parts will be omitted. The ticket gate 3 reads card identification information from the boarding medium 4 using the media processing unit 34 (acquisition unit), and transmits a contact record including the card identification information and contact information to the server S via the communication interface. The memory 32 (storage unit) of the ticket gate 3 stores information indicating the installation station (third station) in advance (connecting station information), and the contact information transmitted from the ticket gate 3 to the server S includes the pre-stored connecting station and the date and time (contact date and time) when the card identification information was read from the boarding medium 4.

[0025] Server S searches for usage information containing the same card identification information as the contact record and registers the contact record in the usage information. The ticket gate 3 receives encoded data corresponding to the contact record transmitted from Server S via the communication interface, and the processor 11 determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data.

[0026] The ticket gate 2 receives encoded data corresponding to entry / exit records and contact records transmitted from the server S via a communication interface, and the processor 21 determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data, and also determines the fare.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. The ticket gate 1 according to this embodiment includes a processor 11, memory 12, user interface 13, media processing unit 14, and communication interface 15, etc. Furthermore, the ticket gate 1 is equipped with an openable and closable door, and controls the opening and closing of the door based on the pass-through determination result. When the door is open, users can pass through the ticket gate passage along the ticket gate 1, and when the door is closed, users cannot pass through the ticket gate passage.

[0028] The processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and performs various calculations (passability determination). The processor 11 realizes the functions of the determination unit 111 and the output unit 112 by executing a program stored in the memory 12. The determination unit 111 and the output unit 112 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that have the same function as the processor 11 executing a program.

[0029] The determination unit 111 determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data corresponding to the entry record transmitted from the server S. The output unit 112 outputs the determination result of whether passage is permitted or not.

[0030] Memory 12 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores programs executed by the processor 11. Memory 12 also stores data and various settings used by the processor 11 in performing various processes. Furthermore, Memory 12 stores information indicating the station where the train is located (the first station).

[0031] The user interface 13 includes a display and speakers, and outputs access permit information in response to an access permit determination, and outputs access denial information in response to an access denial determination. The user interface 13 also outputs the fare.

[0032] The media processing unit 14 acquires card identification information from the boarding medium 4. The media processing unit 14 is a wireless communication unit and receives card identification information from the boarding medium 4 via wireless communication with the boarding medium 4. In this embodiment, the media processing unit 14 does not transmit information to a predetermined boarding medium, but the media processing unit 14 may also be equipped with a function to transmit information to a predetermined boarding medium.

[0033] The communication interface 15 transmits the entry record, including the read card identification information and entry information, to the server S, and receives encoded data corresponding to the entry record from the server S. The communication interface 15 also transmits the result of the pass-through determination to the server S.

[0034] The ticket gate 2 according to this embodiment includes a processor 21, memory 22, user interface 23, media processing unit 24, and communication interface 25, etc. The processor 21 is a CPU, etc., and performs various calculations (passage permission determination). The processor 21 realizes the functions of the determination unit 211 and the output unit 212 by executing a program stored in the memory 22. The ticket gate 2 will be described focusing on the differences from the ticket gate 1.

[0035] Memory 22 stores information indicating the station where the train is installed (the second station). Memory 22 also stores fare data, including the fares for each section determined by the entry and exit stations. Memory 22 may also store fare data, including fares corresponding to each section and the date and time of travel.

[0036] The determination unit 211 determines whether passage is permitted based on the encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records transmitted from the server S. Furthermore, the determination unit 211 determines the fare based on the fare data stored in memory 22, the entry station included in the entry information, and the exit station included in the exit information. The output unit 212 outputs the determination result of whether passage is permitted and the fare.

[0037] The communication interface 25 transmits the exit record, including the read card identification information and exit information, to the server S, and receives encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit record from the server S. The communication interface 25 also transmits the pass / fail determination result and the fare to the server S.

[0038] The ticket gate 3 according to this embodiment includes a processor 31, memory 32, user interface 33, media processing unit 34, and communication interface 35, etc. The processor 31 is a CPU, etc., and performs various calculations (passage permission determination). The processor 31 realizes the functions of the determination unit 311 and output unit 312 by executing a program stored in the memory 32. The ticket gate 3 will be explained focusing on the differences from ticket gates 1 and 2.

[0039] The determination unit 311 determines whether passage is permitted based on the encoded data corresponding to the entry contact record transmitted from the server S. The output unit 312 outputs the determination result of whether passage is permitted or not. The memory 32 stores information indicating the station where the station is located (the third station). The communication interface 35 transmits the contact record, which includes the read card identification information and contact information, to the server S and receives the encoded data corresponding to the entry contact record from the server S.

[0040] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a server according to the embodiment. The server S according to this embodiment is composed of one or more computers. The server S includes a processor S1, memory S2, and a communication interface S3.

[0041] The processor S1 is a CPU or similar device that performs various calculations. The processor S1 realizes the functions of the generation unit S11 by executing a program stored in memory S2. The generation unit S11 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, or FPGA that has the same function as the processor S1 in executing the program.

[0042] The generation unit S11 generates encoded data that can be processed by the processors 11, 12, and 13 of ticket gates 1, 2, and 3, based on the information transmitted from ticket gates 1, 2, and 3. The generation unit S11 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry record based on the entry record from ticket gate 1. The encoded data corresponding to the entry record includes entry information. The generation unit S11 also generates encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records based on the entry record from ticket gate 1 and the exit record from ticket gate 2. The encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records includes entry information and exit information.

[0043] Furthermore, the generation unit S11 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry and contact records based on the entry records from ticket gate 1 and the contact records from ticket gate 3. The encoded data corresponding to the entry and contact records includes entry information and contact information.

[0044] Furthermore, the generation unit S11 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry, contact, and exit records based on the entry record from ticket gate 1, the contact record from ticket gate 3, and the exit record from ticket gate 2. The encoded data corresponding to the entry, contact, and exit records includes entry information, contact information, and exit information.

[0045] Memory S2 (storage unit) is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores programs executed by processor S1. Memory S2 also stores the usage information described above. For example, the usage information includes system identification information, card identification information, and amount information, and entry records, exit records, and contact records containing the same card identification information are registered sequentially as usage information.

[0046] Communication interface S3 communicates with ticket gates 1, 2, and 3. Communication interface S3 receives entry records transmitted from ticket gate 1 and transmits encoded data corresponding to the entry records to ticket gate 1. Communication interface S3 also receives exit records transmitted from ticket gate 2 and transmits encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records to ticket gate 2. Communication interface S3 also receives contact records transmitted from ticket gate 3 and transmits encoded data corresponding to the entry and contact records to ticket gate 3.

[0047] (operation) Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of ticket gate processing by the ticket gate system according to the embodiment.

[0048] The boarding medium 4 is a credit card or the like, and stores card identification information. For example, the card ID of the credit card is used as the card identification information. In addition, the memory 22 of the ticket gate 2 stores fare data, including the fare for the section determined by the entry station and exit station.

[0049] At the entrance gate of the first station (entrance station), when the boarding medium 4 presented by the user enters the communication range of the medium processing unit 14 of the ticket gate 1, the medium processing unit 14 reads the card identification information from the boarding medium 4 (ST11). The communication interface 15 of the ticket gate 1 transmits an entry record, including the card identification information and entry information, to the server S (ST12). The entry information includes the entry station information and the date and time of entry.

[0050] The communication interface S3 of server S receives the entry record (ST411), and the memory S12 stores the entry record (ST412). For example, processor S1 adds this entry record to usage information that includes the same card identification information as the card identification information included in the entry record. The generation unit S11 of processor S1 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry record (ST413). The encoded data is code data that can be recognized by the determination unit 111 of ticket gate 1. The encoded data may also include system identification information included in the usage information. The communication interface S3 transmits the encoded data corresponding to the entry record to ticket gate 1 (ST414).

[0051] The communication interface 15 of the ticket gate 1 receives encoded data corresponding to the entry record (ST13). The determination unit 111 of the processor 11 determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data corresponding to the entry record (ST14), and the output unit 112 outputs the determination result (ST15).

[0052] For example, the determination unit 111 determines that passage is permitted if the entry station information included in the encoded data corresponding to the entry record matches the entry station information stored in memory 12, and the entry date and time included in the encoded data corresponding to the entry record is within a predetermined time from the current date and time. If there is a mismatch or if it is not within the predetermined time, it determines that passage is not permitted. The user interface 13 displays a message indicating that passage is permitted based on the determination result. The ticket gate 1 also opens its doors and allows passage through the ticket gate passage based on the determination result indicating that passage is permitted.

[0053] At the exit ticket gate of the second station (exit station), when the boarding medium 4 presented by the user enters the communication range of the medium processing unit 24 of the ticket gate 2, the medium processing unit 24 reads the card identification information from the boarding medium 4 (ST21). The communication interface 25 of the ticket gate 2 transmits the exit record, including the card identification information and exit information, to the server S (ST22). The exit information includes the exit station information and the date and time of exit.

[0054] The communication interface S3 of server S receives the exit record (ST421), and the memory S12 stores the exit record (ST422). For example, processor S1 adds this exit record to usage information that includes the same card identification information as the card identification information included in the exit record. The generation unit S11 of processor S1 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records (ST423). That is, generation unit S11 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records included in the common usage information. The encoded data is code data that can be recognized by the determination unit 211 of ticket gate 2. The encoded data may also include system identification information included in the usage information. The communication interface S3 transmits the encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records to ticket gate 2 (ST424).

[0055] The communication interface 25 of the ticket gate 2 receives encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records (ST23). The determination unit 211 of the processor 21 determines whether passage is permitted based on the encoded data corresponding to the entry and exit records (ST24). Furthermore, the determination unit 211 determines the fare based on the fare data including the fare for each section stored in the memory 22 and the entry station information and exit station information included in the encoded data (ST25). Alternatively, the determination unit 211 determines the fare based on the fare data including the fare corresponding to each section and the date and time of travel, and the entry station information, entry date and time, exit station information, and exit date and time included in the encoded data (ST25). The output unit 112 outputs the determination result and the fare (ST26).

[0056] For example, the determination unit 211 determines that passage is permitted if the exit station information included in the encoded data corresponding to the entry / exit record matches the exit station information stored in memory 22, and the exit date and time included in the encoded data corresponding to the entry / exit record is within a predetermined time from the current date and time. If there is a mismatch or if it is not within the predetermined time, it determines that passage is not permitted. Based on the determination result indicating that passage is permitted, the user interface 23 displays a message indicating that passage is permitted and also displays the fare. The ticket gate 2 also opens its doors and allows passage through the ticket gate passage based on the determination result indicating that passage is permitted.

[0057] The communication interface 25 of the ticket gate 2 transmits the determination result and fare to the server S. The communication interface S3 of the server S receives these determination results and fare, and the memory S2 stores these determination results and fare. For example, these determination results and fare are registered in the usage information stored in the memory S2.

[0058] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the second example (first half) of the ticket gate processing by the ticket gate system according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the second example (second half) of the ticket gate processing by the ticket gate system according to the embodiment.

[0059] ST11 to ST15 of ticket gate 1 shown in Figure 6 are the same as ST11 to ST15 of ticket gate 1 shown in Figure 5, and therefore their explanation is omitted. Also, ST411 to ST414 of server S shown in Figure 6 are the same as ST411 to ST414 of server S shown in Figure 5, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0060] At the connecting ticket gate of the third station (connecting station), when the boarding medium 4 presented by the user enters the communication range of the medium processing unit 34 of the ticket gate 3, the medium processing unit 34 reads the card identification information from the boarding medium 4 (ST31). The communication interface 35 of the ticket gate 3 transmits a contact record, including the card identification information and contact information, to the server S (ST32). The contact information includes the connecting station information and the date and time of the contact.

[0061] The communication interface S3 of server S receives the contact record (ST431), and the memory S12 stores the contact record (ST432). For example, processor S1 adds this contact record to usage information that includes the same card identification information as the card identification information included in the contact record. The generation unit S11 of processor S1 generates encoded data corresponding to the contact record (ST433). The encoded data is code data that can be recognized by the determination unit 311 of ticket gate 3. The encoded data may also include system identification information included in the usage information. The communication interface S3 transmits the encoded data corresponding to the contact record to ticket gate 3 (ST434).

[0062] The communication interface 15 of the ticket gate 3 receives encoded data corresponding to the contact record (ST33). The determination unit 311 of the processor 31 determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data corresponding to the contact record (ST34), and the output unit 312 outputs the determination result (ST35).

[0063] For example, the determination unit 311 determines that passage is permitted if the connecting station information included in the encoded data corresponding to the connecting record matches the connecting station information stored in memory 32, and the connecting date and time included in the encoded data corresponding to the connecting record is within a predetermined time from the current date and time. If there is a mismatch or if it is not within the predetermined time, it determines that passage is not permitted. The user interface 33 displays a message indicating that passage is permitted based on the determination result. The ticket gate 3 also opens its doors and allows passage through the ticket gate passage based on the determination result indicating that passage is permitted.

[0064] ST21 of ticket gate 3 shown in Figure 6 is the same as ST21 of ticket gate 3 shown in Figure 5, so its explanation is omitted. Also, ST421 to ST422 of server S shown in Figure 6 are the same as ST411 to ST412 of server S shown in Figure 5, so its explanation is omitted.

[0065] After the server S stores the exit records, the generation unit S11 of the processor S1 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry, exit, and contact records (ST423). That is, the generation unit S11 generates encoded data corresponding to the entry records, exit records, and contact records included in the common usage information. The encoded data is code data that can be recognized by the determination unit 211 of the ticket gate 2. The communication interface S3 transmits the encoded data corresponding to the entry records, exit records, and contact records to the ticket gate 2 (ST424).

[0066] The communication interface 25 of the ticket gate 2 receives encoded data corresponding to entry records, exit records, and transfer records (ST23). The determination unit 211 of the processor 21 determines whether passage is permitted based on the encoded data corresponding to entry records, exit records, and transfer records (ST24). Furthermore, the determination unit 211 determines the fare based on the fare data including the fare for each section stored in the memory 22 and the entry station information, transfer station information, and exit station information included in the encoded data (ST25). Alternatively, the determination unit 211 determines the fare based on the fare data including the fare corresponding to each section and the date and time of travel and the entry station information, entry date and time, transfer station information, transfer date and time, exit station information, and exit date and time included in the encoded data (ST25). The output unit 112 outputs the determination result and the fare (ST26).

[0067] For example, the determination unit 211 determines that passage is permitted if the exit station information included in the encoded data corresponding to the entry record, exit record, and contact record matches the exit station information stored in memory 22, and the exit date and time included in the encoded data is within a predetermined time from the current date and time. If there is a mismatch or if it is outside the predetermined time, it determines that passage is not permitted. Based on the determination result indicating that passage is permitted, the user interface 23 displays a message indicating that passage is permitted and also displays the fare. The ticket gate 23 also opens its doors and allows passage through the ticket gate passage based on the determination result indicating that passage is permitted.

[0068] The communication interface 25 of the ticket gate 2 transmits the determination result and fare to the server S. The communication interface S3 of the server S receives these determination results and fare, and the memory S2 stores these determination results and fare. For example, these determination results and fare are registered in the usage information stored in the memory S2.

[0069] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, and a program that share responsibilities with a server.

[0070] For example, ticket gates 1, 2, and 3 are compatible with ticket gate systems that do not utilize server S. Conventionally, entrance ticket gates read information from a designated boarding medium and write an entrance record to the designated boarding medium without using server S. Exit ticket gates read the entrance record from the designated boarding medium and determine whether or not to allow entry and calculate the fare.

[0071] However, if the ticket gate processing is to be implemented using conventional entrance and exit gates and a fare payment method 4 such as a credit card, without using server S, it becomes necessary to process the credit card ID internally at the entrance and exit gates. Processing the credit card ID internally at each gate requires an approval procedure for each gate, which is a heavy burden for the operator. On the other hand, if server S centrally manages the judgment processing and fare calculation processing, the costs associated with server S will increase.

[0072] According to the ticket gate system of this embodiment, ticket gate 1 transmits the card identification information read from the boarding medium 4 to server S as part of the entry record without any special processing. Similarly, ticket gate 2 transmits the card identification information read from the boarding medium 4 to server S as part of the exit record without any special processing. Similarly, ticket gate 3 transmits the card identification information read from the boarding medium 4 to server S as part of the contact record without any special processing. Therefore, approval procedures for each ticket gate are unnecessary.

[0073] Furthermore, Server S generates encoded data that can be processed by ticket gate 1 based on the entry record transmitted from ticket gate 1 and transmits the encoded data to ticket gate 1, but the judgment processing is left to ticket gate 1. Similarly, Server S generates encoded data that can be processed by ticket gate 2 based on the exit record transmitted from ticket gate 2 and transmits the encoded data to ticket gate 2, but the judgment processing is left to ticket gate 2. Furthermore, Server S generates encoded data that can be processed by ticket gate 3 based on the communication record transmitted from ticket gate 3 and transmits the encoded data to ticket gate 3, but the judgment processing is left to ticket gate 3. This significantly reduces the processing load on Server S and suppresses the increase in costs associated with Server S.

[0074] For example, ticket gate 2 is an exit gate, but it may store a fare table corresponding to the exit station where ticket gate 2 is installed and determine the fare accordingly. Alternatively, a predetermined ticket gate 2 may store a fare table applicable when passing through ticket gate 3 and a fare table applicable when not passing through ticket gate 3, and use the appropriate fare table accordingly. Processing such complex fares on server S would place a heavy load on server S, but in this embodiment, each ticket gate 2 determines whether passage is permitted and also determines the fare, so it can perform its own fare processing without increasing the load on server S.

[0075] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case in which the server S generates encoded data corresponding to entry records, contact records, and entry / exit records, the ticket gate 3 (processor 31) may generate the encoded data corresponding to entry records, contact records, and entry / exit records instead of the server S. That is, the server S transmits entry records, contact records, and entry / exit records to the ticket gate 3, the ticket gate 3 receives these entry records, contact records, and entry / exit records, generates encoded data corresponding to the received entry records, contact records, and entry / exit records, and determines whether passage is permitted based on the generated encoded data. The generation of encoded data by the processor 31 of the ticket gate 3 can be achieved by utilizing the encoding data generation function of an existing ticket gate.

[0076] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] An acquisition unit that acquires identification information from the boarding medium, A communication unit transmits an exit record, including the identification information and exit information acquired by the acquisition unit, to a server that stores an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information, and receives an entry / exit record, including the entry information and exit information, from the server. A determination unit that determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the aforementioned entry and exit records, An output unit that outputs the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, A ticket gate equipped with this feature. [Note 2] The system includes a storage unit that stores fare data including the fare for the section determined by the entry station and the exit station, and the determination unit determines the fare based on the fare data, the entry station included in the entry information, and the exit station included in the exit information. The output unit outputs the fare. The ticket gates mentioned in Appendix 1. [Note 3] It is equipped with a storage unit that stores fare data including the fare for the section determined by the entry station, connecting station, and exit station. The communication unit transmits the exit record, which includes the identification information and the exit information, to the server which stores the contact record, which includes the identification information and the contact information, and receives the entry / exit record, which includes the entry information, the contact information, and the exit information, from the server. The determination unit determines the fare based on the fare data, the entry station included in the entry information, the connecting station included in the connecting information, and the exit station included in the exit information. The output unit outputs the fare. The ticket gates mentioned in Appendix 1. [Note 4] The communication unit is a ticket gate as specified in Appendix 2 or 3, which transmits the fare to the server. [Note 5] The communication unit receives the encoded data of the entry / exit record from the server. The determination unit determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data. One of the ticket gates specified in Appendix 1 to 3. [Note 6] The acquisition unit is a ticket gate that acquires a card ID from a credit card as the identification information, one of the ticket gates described in Appendix 1 to 3. [Note 7] A ticket gate system equipped with entrance gates and exit gates, The aforementioned entrance ticket gate is A first acquisition unit that acquires identification information from the boarding medium, A first communication unit that transmits an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned exit ticket gate is A second acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A second communication unit transmits an exit record, including the identification information and exit information acquired by the second acquisition unit, to the server which stores an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information, and receives an entry / exit record, including the aforementioned entry information and exit information, from the server. A determination unit that determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the aforementioned entry and exit records, An output unit that outputs the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, A ticket gate system equipped with the following features. [Note 8] A ticket gate system comprising entrance gates, exit gates, and a server, The aforementioned entrance ticket gate is A first acquisition unit that acquires identification information from the boarding medium, A first communication unit that transmits an entry record including the identification information and entry information to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned exit ticket gate is A second acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A second communication unit transmits an exit record, including the identification information and exit information acquired by the second acquisition unit, to the server which stores an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information, and receives an entry / exit record, including the aforementioned entry information and exit information, from the server. A determination unit that determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the aforementioned entry and exit records, An output unit that outputs the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A storage unit for storing the aforementioned entry record and the aforementioned exit record, A third communication unit that receives the entry record transmitted from the entry ticket gate, receives the exit record transmitted from the exit ticket gate, and transmits the entry and exit record to the exit ticket gate, A generation unit that generates the entry and exit records based on the entry and exit records, A ticket gate system equipped with the following features. [Note 9] On the computer, Procedure for obtaining identification information from the boarding pass, A procedure for causing a server that stores an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information to transmit an exit record including the acquired identification information and exit information, and to receive an entry / exit record including the aforementioned entry information and exit information from the server, A procedure for determining whether passage is permitted based on the aforementioned entry and exit records, The procedure for outputting the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, A program to execute. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1, 2, 3... Ticket gates 4…Transportation method 11… Processor 12…Memory 13…User Interface 14…Media Processing Unit 15…Communication Interface 21… Processor 22...Memory 23…User Interface 24…Media Processing Unit 25…Communication Interface 31… Processor 32...memory 33…User Interface 34…Media Processing Unit 35…Communication Interface 111...Judgment section 112...Output section 211…Judgment section 212...Output section 311…Judgment section 312...Output section

Claims

1. A ticket gate system comprising entrance gates, connecting gates, and exit gates, The aforementioned entrance ticket gate is A first acquisition unit that acquires identification information from the boarding medium, A first communication unit that transmits an entry record including the identification information and entry information to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned connecting ticket gate is A second acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A second communication unit that transmits a communication record including the identification information and contact information to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned exit ticket gate is A first storage unit that stores fare data including the fare for the section determined by the entry station, connecting station, and exit station, A third acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A third communication unit transmits an exit record, including the identification information and exit information acquired by the third acquisition unit, to the server which stores an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information, and receives encoded data corresponding to the entry information, contact information, and exit information from the server. A determination unit that determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data, An output unit that outputs the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, Equipped with, The determination unit determines the fare based on the fare data, the entry station included in the entry information, the connecting station included in the connecting information, and the exit station included in the exit information. The output unit outputs the fare. Ticket gate system.

2. A ticket gate system comprising entrance gates, connecting gates, exit gates, and a server, The aforementioned entrance ticket gate is A first acquisition unit that acquires identification information from the boarding medium, A first communication unit that transmits an entry record including the identification information and entry information to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned connecting ticket gate is A second acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A second communication unit that transmits a communication record including the identification information and contact information to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned exit ticket gate is A first storage unit that stores fare data including the fare for the section determined by the entry station, connecting station, and exit station, A third acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A third communication unit transmits an exit record, including the identification information and exit information acquired by the third acquisition unit, to the server which stores an entry record including the aforementioned identification information and entry information, and receives encoded data corresponding to the entry information, contact information, and exit information from the server. A determination unit that determines whether passage is permitted or not based on the encoded data, An output unit that outputs the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, Equipped with, The determination unit determines the fare based on the fare data, the entry station included in the entry information, the connecting station included in the connecting information, and the exit station included in the exit information. The output unit outputs the fare, The aforementioned server, A second storage unit that stores the aforementioned entry record, the aforementioned contact record, and the aforementioned exit record, A fourth communication unit that receives the entry record transmitted from the entry ticket gate, receives the communication record transmitted from the connecting ticket gate, receives the exit record transmitted from the exit ticket gate, and transmits the encoded data to the exit ticket gate, A generation unit that generates the encoded data corresponding to the entry record, the contact record, and the exit record, A ticket gate system equipped with these features.

3. The first processor of the entrance ticket gate machine, Procedure for obtaining identification information from the boarding pass, A procedure for transmitting an entry record, including the aforementioned identification information and entry information, to a server, Make it run, Furthermore, the second processor of the connecting ticket gate, A procedure for obtaining the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A procedure for transmitting a contact record including the identification information and contact information to the server, Make it run, Furthermore, the third processor of the exit ticket gate, A procedure for obtaining the identification information from the aforementioned boarding medium, A procedure for transmitting an exit record, including the identification information and exit information, to a server that stores an entry record including the identification information and entry information, and receiving encoded data corresponding to the entry information, contact information, and exit information from the server, A procedure for determining whether passage is permitted based on the aforementioned encoded data, Procedure for outputting the result of determining whether passage is permitted or not, This is a program to execute, The procedure for making the determination includes a procedure for determining the fare based on fare data including the fare for the section determined by the entry station, connecting station and exit station, the entry station included in the entry information, the connecting station included in the connecting information, and the exit station included in the exit information. The output procedure includes a program that includes a procedure for outputting the fare.

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