Passenger Management System Using Image Recognition for Real-Time Fare Settlement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passengers using paid seats on trains often face inconvenience as they need to pay the fare either before boarding or after getting on the train, especially when time is limited, and there is a lack of efficient systems for tracking and settling fares in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A passenger management system that includes image transmission units, processing devices, and storage units to identify and track passengers through imaging units on trains, allowing for real-time settlement processing of fares based on getting-on and getting-off stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If passengers purchase tickets before boarding or pay crew after boarding, then fare collection is achieved, but passenger convenience deteriorates due to time constraints and additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger convenienceVSAvoidtime for payment processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing passenger images at boarding and automatically recording the boarding station and seat assignment before the passenger even boards the train. This eliminates the need for passengers to manually purchase tickets or interact with crew members, as the fare calculation and settlement are prepared in advance based on pre-captured data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by using automated image recognition and data processing to complete fare collection without requiring passenger intervention. The imaging units automatically capture passenger information, the system processes the data to determine fare, and settlement is handled automatically, freeing passengers from time-consuming payment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual fare collection by crew is used, then fare payment is ensured, but crew workload increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidfare collection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical manual fare collection process with an automated electronic system. Instead of crew members manually collecting fares, checking tickets, and handling payments, the system uses imaging units to capture passenger data, processes information electronically, and automatically manages fare collection, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated fare collection system that acts as a mediator between passengers and the railway company. This intermediary system handles all fare collection tasks including image capture, data processing, fare calculation, and settlement management, thereby relieving crew members of these duties and allowing them to focus on other operational tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pre-purchase ticket system is implemented, then fare settlement is simplified, but passenger flexibility is reduced when travel plans change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel plan flexibilityVSAvoidticket management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic fare management by capturing passenger images at the actual boarding station and calculating fares based on real-time boarding and alighting locations. This dynamic approach allows fare settlement to adapt to changing travel plans, as the system automatically adjusts the fare calculation based on where the passenger actually boards and alights from the train, providing flexibility without requiring complex pre-purchase arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11501565B2Passenger management device, passenger information processing device, passenger management method, and program

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 NEC CORP

AI summary

To improve convenience of a passenger using a paid seat.An image transmission unit transmits a plurality of images generated by a first camera to a passenger information processing device. The passenger information processing device performs person specifying processing using the image. A processing result acquisition unit acquires a processing result by the passenger information processing device. This processing result is obtained by associating person specifying information that specifies a person included in the image with attribute information of the passenger. A getting-on station management unit generates getting-on station information using the person specifying information and the attribute information associated with the person specifying information. A getting-off station management unit generates getting-off station information using the person specifying information and the attribute information associated with the person specifying information. The getting-on station information and the getting-off station information are stored in a first storage unit in association with the person specifying information of the passenger.