JP7337745B2 - Station service equipment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to station service equipment .

In recent years, as the number of foreigners visiting Japan has increased, the opportunities for foreigners to use station service equipment have increased. Further, station service systems used in transportation facilities such as railways are generally composed of station service equipment having a function of processing an IC card having a function of electronic money. Therefore, it has been proposed to issue an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan to foreigners visiting Japan.

IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan are subject to certain conditions such as expiration dates, but they can be issued without deposits and can be used with the same functions as normal IC cards in actual operation. However, IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan can only be purchased by foreigners visiting Japan without a deposit, and the system does not provide special services for foreigners. That is, there is a demand for highly convenient services for users of IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan.

JP-A-2000-113232

An object of the present invention is to provide station service equipment capable of providing highly convenient services to foreign visitors to Japan.

According to the embodiment, the station service equipment has a display unit, an operation unit, a reader/writer, and a control unit. The display unit displays guidance. The operation unit receives operation instructions. The reader/writer communicates with the IC card presented by the user and acquires information from the IC card. When the IC card communicated by the reader/writer has a specific bit set to indicate that the IC card is for foreigners visiting Japan, the control unit sets the language setting to the default foreign language and displays guidance for foreigners visiting Japan. If a specific language is specified by the operation part, the language setting is changed to the specific language and guidance for foreigners visiting Japan is displayed on the display part. When a specific language is designated by the operation section, the control section writes language designation information indicating the designated specific language to the IC card by the reader/writer.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an IC card processing system including a station service system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a host device in the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an attendant terminal in the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ticket gate in the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ticket vending machine in the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of processing corresponding to IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan by the ticket vending machine of the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of ticket examination processing for IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan by the ticket examination machine of the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of information provision processing according to the use of an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan by the host device of the station service system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
A station service system according to an embodiment controls passage of users through ticket gates of railway stations based on IC cards possessed by users. IC cards to be processed by the station service system include IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan issued to foreigners visiting Japan. IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan are used for entering and exiting at ticket gates of stations (ticket examination processing by ticket gates). In addition, IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan can be used not only for entry and exit at ticket gates at stations, but also for payment with electronic money. In this embodiment, an IC card processing system including a station service system that can be used with an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an IC card processing system including a station service system according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, in a station service system, a host device (server) 2 is connected to station service equipment such as attendant terminals 3, ticket vending machines 5, and ticket gates 4 via a network. The station service system according to the present embodiment provides services for foreign visitors to Japan to users who use IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan in station service equipment. In addition, the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan can be used as a medium for making payments with electronic money even at payment terminals 6 located at retail stores other than the station service system.

The host device 2 is connected to each station service device in the station service system via a network. The host device 2, for example, controls the operation of each station service device and acquires log data indicating the processing results of each station service device.
The attendant terminal 3 is a device operated by an attendant. In this embodiment, the staff terminal 3 has a function of issuing IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan. The clerk terminal 3 is, for example, a ticket issuing device installed in a clerk window.

The ticket gate 4 has a function of performing ticket gate processing for controlling the passage of the user through the ticket gate based on the information recorded in the IC card presented by the user. The ticket gate 4 performs traffic control for the user who presents the IC card, and also provides guidance indicating the remaining amount that can be used with the IC card and whether or not the user can pass.

The ticket vending machine 5 is a card processing machine operated by the user himself/herself. The ticket vending machine 5 functions to charge an IC card with electronic money (transportation electronic money) that can be used for payment of fare or purchase of goods. Further, the ticket vending machine 5 may have a function of issuing a ticket such as a train ticket or a commuter pass on a magnetic recording medium or the like by the user's own operation. Further, the ticket vending machine 5 may be a fare adjustment machine having a function of issuing a fare adjustment ticket using a magnetic recording medium or the like according to the user's operation. Note that the card processing machine may be a device that does not have the function of issuing train tickets or fare adjustment tickets, but has the function of charging electronic money.

The settlement terminal 6 is a terminal device for settlement using electronic money held by an IC card that can be used at the ticket gate 4 . Here, the payment terminal 6 is assumed to be separated from the station service system. For example, the payment terminal 6 is implemented as a payment device installed in a retail store or a payment processing unit installed in a vending machine. make the payment for Moreover, the payment terminal 6 may have a display for displaying a guidance screen to the user, or may have a function of issuing a receipt for printing the payment result.

Next, the configuration of the host device 2 in the station service system according to the actual embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the host device 2 according to the embodiment.
The host device 2 is connected for communication with each station service device in the station service system. The host device 2 manages information about IC cards issued by the station service system. For example, the host device 2 holds information about IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan. The host device 2 also distributes data to station service equipment and acquires log data from the station service equipment. For example, the host device 2 may distribute data for providing guidance in various languages to each station service device. In addition, the host device 2 acquires log data indicating processing results from station service equipment such as the ticket gate 4, and executes processing according to the acquired log data.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2 , the host device 2 has a processor 21 , a ROM 22 , a RAM 23 , a storage section 24 and a communication section 25 .
The processor 21 is an arithmetic element (for example, a CPU) that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 21 performs various processes based on data such as programs stored in the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24 . The processor 31 functions as a processing unit that implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 22 or storage unit 24 .

The ROM 22 is a read-only nonvolatile memory. The ROM 22 stores programs and data used in the programs.
A RAM 23 is a volatile memory that functions as a working memory. The RAM 23 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 21 . The RAM 23 also temporarily stores programs executed by the processor 21 .

The storage unit 24 is a storage device as a rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, storage unit 24 is a solid state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (HDD), or other storage device. The storage unit 24 stores, for example, programs and data used in the programs. The storage unit 24 also has a database that stores information on IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan issued by the staff terminal 3 . The storage unit 24 also has a database that stores log data collected from each station service device such as the ticket gate 4 . Information on IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan or log data collected from station equipment may be saved in a state accessible by the host device 2, and is saved in another server device capable of communication. You can do it.

The communication unit 25 is an interface for data communication with each station service device. The communication unit 25 is, for example, a network interface for connecting to a network as a station service system. The communication unit 25 has a function of transmitting data to an external system. For example, the communication unit 25 has a function of sending an e-mail to an e-mail address preset by the user via an external network.

Next, the configuration of the attendant terminal 3 in the station service system according to the actual mode will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the staff terminal 3 according to the embodiment.
The attendant terminal 3 is a terminal device operated by an attendant. In this embodiment, the staff terminal 3 has a function of issuing IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan. An IC card for foreigners visiting Japan is issued as an IC card that can be used as a train ticket or electronic money. A specific bit (bit information indicating that the IC card is for foreigners visiting Japan) is set in the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan so that the IC card can be distinguished from other IC cards. Also, IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan are set with usage conditions such as a validity period (for example, 30 days).

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3 , the attendant terminal 3 has a processor 31 , a ROM 32 , a RAM 33 , a storage section 34 , a communication section 35 , an operation section 36 , a display section 37 and a medium processing section 38 .
The processor 31 is an arithmetic element (for example, a CPU) that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 31 performs various processes based on data such as programs stored in the ROM 32 or the storage unit 34 . The processor 31 functions as a processing unit that implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 32 or storage unit 34 .

The ROM 32 is a read-only non-volatile memory. The ROM 32 stores programs and data used in the programs.
A RAM 33 is a volatile memory that functions as a working memory. The RAM 33 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 31 . The RAM 33 also temporarily stores programs executed by the processor 31 .

The storage unit 34 is a storage device as a rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, storage unit 34 is a solid state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (HDD), or other storage device. The storage unit 34 stores, for example, programs and data used in the programs.

The communication unit 35 is an interface for data communication with the host device 2 . The communication unit 35 is, for example, a network interface for connecting to a network as a station service system.

The operation unit 36 generates an operation signal based on the operation of the operation member. The operating member is, for example, a touch sensor, numeric keypad, keyboard, or the like. A touch sensor acquires information indicating a specified (touched) position within a certain area. The touch sensor is integrated with the display unit 37 as a touch screen, and inputs a signal indicating the touched position on the display unit 37 to the processor 31 . The display unit 37 displays a screen according to a video signal input from the processor 31 or a display control unit such as a graphic controller (not shown).

The medium processing unit 38 has an issuing unit that issues an IC card that holds amount information and the like as electronic money (transportation electronic money) that can be used for payment such as fare adjustment and purchase of goods. In the present embodiment, the medium processing unit 38 has a function of issuing an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan as a type of IC card that holds transportation electronic money. The medium processing unit 38 includes, as a configuration of an issuing unit, an accommodating unit that accommodates an initial medium (IC card) to be issued, and a reader/writer that writes information to the medium. Moreover, the medium processing unit 38 may include a printing unit that prints characters on the surface of the IC card to be issued. The reader/writer of the medium processing unit 38 also functions as a processing unit capable of reading information from and writing information to the IC card possessed by the user.

Note that the attendant terminal 3 may be equipped with a settlement processing unit for performing settlement of fees. The settlement processing unit provided in the attendant terminal 3 may be a cash processing unit for processing cash, or may be a card processing unit for settlement by credit card. For example, if the attendant terminal 3 has a settlement processing unit, the attendant terminal 3 may use the settlement processing unit to settle the amount related to the issuance of the IC card or the amount charged to the IC card.

Next, the configuration of the ticket gate 4 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ticket gate 4 according to the embodiment.
The ticket gate 4 is a device that controls passage of the user according to the ticket medium presented by the user. The ticket gate 4 forms, for example, a passage with a pair of housings arranged in parallel, and a door for traffic control is provided on the passage side. The ticket gate 4 controls the passage of the user based on the information read from the IC card presented by the user passing through the passage.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 , the ticket gate 4 has a processor 41 , a ROM 42 , a RAM 43 , a storage section 44 , a communication section 45 , a media processing section 46 , a display section 47 and a traffic control section 48 . The processor 41 is connected to the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the storage unit 44, the communication unit 45, the media processing unit 46, the display unit 47, and the traffic control unit 48 in a communicable state.

The processor 41 is an arithmetic element (for example, a CPU) that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 41 performs various processes based on data such as programs stored in the ROM 42 or the storage unit 44 . The processor 41 functions as a processing unit that implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 42 or storage unit 44 .

The ROM 42 is a read-only nonvolatile memory. The ROM 42 stores programs and data used in the programs.
A RAM 43 is a volatile memory that functions as a working memory. The RAM 43 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 41 . The RAM 43 also temporarily stores programs executed by the processor 41 .

The storage unit 44 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 44 is a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 44 stores programs, data used in the programs, and the like. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 44 also stores data for providing guidance in each language that can be set as language settings (for example, display data for providing guidance screens in each language).

The communication unit 45 is configured to be connectable to a network as a station service system. For example, the communication unit 45 is connected to a monitoring panel for staff to monitor the operation of each ticket gate 4 placed at a certain ticket gate. In this case, the communication unit 45 may be configured to communicate with the host device 2 via a monitoring panel.

The medium processing unit 46 processes the IC card presented by the user. In this embodiment, the medium processing unit 46 has a reader/writer for reading and writing data on the IC card. A reader/writer reads information from an IC card presented by a user who is about to pass. In addition, the reader/writer writes data to the IC card according to passage determination control for the user.

The display unit 47 displays information regarding the ticket examination process. Display contents of the display unit 47 are controlled by the processor 41 . For example, when passage is permitted, the display unit 47 displays information indicating passage permission. In addition, the display unit 47 may display available balance information on the ticket medium presented by the user.
The traffic control unit 48 has an opening/closing function for opening and closing a door provided on the passage side. The traffic control unit 48 opens and closes the door according to the operation instruction from the processor 41 .

Next, the configuration of the ticket vending machine 5 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ticket vending machine 5 in the station service system according to the embodiment.
The ticket vending machine 5 functions as a card processing machine for processing IC cards, in addition to the function of issuing tickets such as train tickets or fare adjustment tickets. In this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 5 is described as being operated by the user, but may be operated by a staff member.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5 , the ticket vending machine 5 has a processor 51 , a ROM 52 , a RAM 53 , a storage section 54 , a communication section 55 , an operation section 56 , a display section 57 , a medium processing section 58 and a payment processing section 59 .
The processor 51 is an arithmetic element (for example, a CPU) that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 51 performs various processes based on programs stored in the ROM 52 or storage unit 54 . The processor 51 functions as a processing unit that implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 52 or storage unit 54 .

The ROM 52 is a read-only nonvolatile memory. The ROM 52 stores programs and data used in the programs.
A RAM 53 is a volatile memory that functions as a working memory. The RAM 53 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 51 . The RAM 53 also temporarily stores programs executed by the processor 51 .

The storage unit 54 is a storage device as a rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, storage unit 54 is a solid state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (HDD), or other storage device. The storage unit 54 stores, for example, programs and data used in the programs.

The communication unit 55 is a network interface for connecting to a network serving as a station service system. For example, the communication unit 55 functions as an interface for data communication with the host device 2 .

The operation unit 56 generates an operation signal based on the operation of the operation member. The operating member is, for example, a touch sensor, numeric keypad, keyboard, or the like. A touch sensor acquires information indicating a specified (touched) position within a certain area. The touch sensor is integrated with the display unit 57 as a touch screen, and inputs a signal indicating the touched position on the display unit 57 to the processor 51 . The display unit 57 displays a screen according to a video signal input from the processor 51 or a display control unit such as a graphic controller (not shown).

The medium processing unit 58 processes the IC card presented by the user. The medium processing unit 58 includes a reader/writer capable of reading and writing information to/from the IC card. For example, the medium processing unit 58 performs a process of charging an IC card presented by the user with an amount of money that can be used as electronic money. The medium processing unit 58 also has a ticket issuing mechanism for issuing magnetic tickets as passenger tickets or fare adjustment tickets.

The settlement processing unit 59 is a unit that performs charge settlement. For example, the settlement processing unit 59 has a cash processing unit that processes cash. Moreover, the payment processing unit 59 may be a processing unit for performing payment by credit card. For example, when charging an IC card possessed by a user with the amount of electronic money, the medium processing unit 58 charges the IC card with the amount settled by the payment processing unit 59 .

Next, operation of the station service system according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of IC card processing by the ticket vending machine 5. As shown in FIG.
The ticket vending machine 5 accepts an operation instruction or an IC card presentation from a user in a standby state. For example, the user selects desired processing from the operation menu displayed on the display unit 57 of the ticket vending machine 5 and presents the IC card at a predetermined reading position. When the IC card possessed by the user is presented at a predetermined reading position, the processor 51 of the ticket vending machine 5 reads the information recorded on the IC card presented by the user by the reader/writer of the medium processing unit 58 (ST11). .

After reading the information from the IC card, the processor 51 determines whether or not the IC card contains a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for foreigners visiting Japan (ST12). For example, the processor 51 determines whether the IC card holds transportation-related electronic money that can be processed by the ticket vending machine 5 as station service equipment. If it is determined that the IC card holds transport electronic money that can be processed, the processor 51 determines whether or not a specific bit is set in the IC card.

If the specific bit is set in the IC card presented by the user (ST12, YES), processor 51 accepts the user's language designation (ST13). For example, the processor 51 displays on the display unit 57 a guidance indicating that the default foreign language (for example, English) can be specified, and a key for specifying a specific language. Moreover, the processor 51 may display on the display unit 57 a guide to the effect that language designation from the user is accepted in a plurality of languages.

Here, languages that can be designated by the user (foreign languages that can be set as language settings) may be displayed on the display section 57 as selection keys that allow selection instructions by means of a touch sensor as the operation section 56 . The language that can be specified by the user may be set in advance in the storage unit 54 of the ticket vending machine 5, or may be inquired of the host device 2. FIG.

If the user does not specify a specific language or if the user specifies a default foreign language (ST14, NO), the processor 51 sets the language setting to the default foreign language (ST15).

When the user designates a specific language other than the default foreign language (ST14, YES), the processor 51 writes information indicating the specific language designated by the user into the IC card as language designation information (ST16). ). When the user designates a specific language other than the default foreign language, the processor 51 sets the language used by the ticket vending machine 5 for guidance and the like to the language designated by the user (ST17).

When the set language is set according to the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan presented by the user, the processor 51 provides guidance in the language in which the expiration date (expiration date) of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan is set (ST18). . As for the expiration date, it is possible to indicate the expiration date when the device can be used, or the number of remaining days, or the like. Also, the usage period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be written in the IC card on the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 may read the expiration date from the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. Also, the validity period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be set to be valid for a predetermined number of days from the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 writes the date of issue in the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan at the time of issue, and determines the expiration date based on the number of days elapsed from the date of issue read from the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan.

Further, the processor 51 executes the process instructed by the user while providing guidance in the set language (ST19). Processing executed by the processor 51 as the ticket vending machine 5 includes processing for charging an IC card with the amount of electronic money (charging processing), and ticket issuing processing for issuing a boarding ticket or a fare adjustment ticket. Further, information for providing guidance in the set language associated with the process to be executed is stored in the storage unit 54 . The storage unit 54 may store information for providing guidance in a language that can be set in advance, or may be downloaded from the host device 2 each time. As a result, a user who has an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan can receive information such as charge processing or ticket issuing processing while receiving guidance in the language specified by the user.

Also, when the processing by the presented IC card is completed (ST20, YES), the processor 51 resets the language setting (ST21). For example, if the default language (different from the default foreign language) is Japanese, the processor 51 sets (resets) the language setting in the ticket vending machine 5 to Japanese. This allows the processor 51 to provide guidance in the default language when the ticket vending machine 5 is on standby.

According to the process described above, when an IC card with specific bits set (an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan) is presented, the ticket vending machine displays the information in the default foreign language or in a specific language specified by the user. Guidance (display) can be performed. Further, when the user designates a specific language, the ticket vending machine can write language designation information indicating the specific language designated by the user to the IC card for the foreigner visiting Japan. As a result, it is possible to receive guidance in the language specified by the user when the IC card in which the language specification information specified by the user is written is used in another station service device such as a ticket gate.

Next, the operation of the ticket gate 4 in the station service system according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of ticket examination processing in the ticket examination machine 4 according to the embodiment.
In the standby state, the processor 41 of the ticket gate 4 displays passage guidance on the display unit 47 and accepts ticket gate processing based on the IC card presented by the user entering the passage. For example, when a user who has entered the aisle presents an IC card at the reading position, the processor 41 executes reading processing for reading information from the IC card presented by the user using the reader/writer of the medium processing unit 46 (ST41). .

When the medium processing unit 46 reads the IC card, the processor 51 determines whether or not the specific bit is set in the IC card based on the reading result of the IC card by the medium processing unit 46 (ST42). For example, the processor 51 determines whether the IC card holds transportation electronic money that can be processed by the ticket gate 4 . When determining that the IC card holds transportation electronic money, the processor 51 determines whether or not a specific bit is set in the IC card. If the IC card presented by the user is not an IC card that holds transportation electronic money, the processor 51 displays on the display unit 47 that the IC card cannot be processed for ticket examination, and the traffic control unit 48 You may make it block|block the passage of the said user.

If the specific bit is set in the IC card presented by the user (ST42, YES), the processor 51 further determines whether or not language designation information is stored in the IC card (ST43).
If the language setting information is not written (ST43, NO), the processor 51 sets the language setting to the default foreign language (for example, English) (ST44). Here, it is assumed that the default foreign language is preset for the ticket gate 4 . However, it is assumed that the ticket gate 4 is set with a default language (for example, Japanese) and a default foreign language (for example, English).

If language setting information is written in the IC card (ST43, YES), the processor 51 sets the language setting to a specific language (foreign language) indicated by the language setting information stored in the IC card. (ST45). For example, the processor 51 changes the character information in the guidance displayed on the display unit 47 to characters of the set language.

When the set language is set according to the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan presented by the user, the processor 51 provides guidance in the language in which the expiration date (expiration date) of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan is set (ST46). . As for the expiration date, it is possible to indicate the expiration date when the device can be used, or the number of remaining days, or the like. Also, the usage period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be written in the IC card on the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 may read the expiration date from the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. Also, the validity period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be set to be valid for a predetermined number of days from the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 writes the date of issue in the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan at the time of issue, and determines the expiration date based on the number of days elapsed from the date of issue read from the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan.

Further, the processor 51 executes passage control as ticket examination processing while providing guidance in the set language (ST47). The processor 51 determines whether or not passage is permitted based on the ticket information read from the IC card, and controls passage control of the user in accordance with whether or not passage is permitted. For example, the processor 51 permits the user to pass by using the remaining amount charged in the IC card to settle charges such as fares. In addition, the processor 51 disallows the user if the charge cannot be settled with the remaining amount charged in the IC card. In addition, information for performing guidance in the set language accompanying traffic control is stored in the storage unit 54 . The storage unit 54 may store information for providing guidance in a language that can be set in advance, or may be downloaded from the host device 2 each time.

The processor 51 performs traffic control based on the ticket information and determines whether or not the user has left the passage (ST48). For example, the processor 51 detects that the user has left the aisle based on a detection signal from a human detection sensor (not shown) installed in the case of the ticket gate 4 .

When the user leaves the passage (ST48, YES), the processor 51 transmits log data indicating the result of the ticket examination process corresponding to the IC card to the host device 2 (ST49). The processor 51 stores log data including entry/exit station, entry/exit date/time, presence/absence of a specific bit, and language setting information (if a specific bit is present) in association with the identification information of the IC card, to the host device. 2.

Also, when the user who presented the IC card leaves, the processor 51 resets the language setting (ST50). For example, if the default language (different from the default foreign language) is Japanese, the processor 51 sets (resets) the language setting in the ticket gate 4 to Japanese. This allows the processor 51 to provide guidance in the default language when the ticket gate 4 is on standby.

According to the processing described above, when an IC card with a specific bit set (an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan) is presented, if no specific language is set, the ticket gate will default to foreign language. If a specific language is set, the guidance (display) is performed in the specified specific language. As a result, the ticket gate can provide guidance in a user-friendly language to the user who presents the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

Furthermore, when the ticket gate 4 executes the ticket gate processing using an IC card (IC card for foreign visitors to Japan) in which a specific bit is set, the ticket gate 4 sets the identification information of the IC card, the entry/exit station, the date/time of entry/exit, and the specific bit. and log data including language designation information to the host device. As a result, the host device can manage the result of the ticket examination process using the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan, and can provide services according to the use of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan.

Next, information providing processing for providing information to the user according to the use of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan in the station service system will be described.
The station service system according to the present embodiment provides guidance (guidance for foreigners visiting Japan) to a preset destination according to the content of use when an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan is used on station service equipment. Realize the function (information provision processing). For example, when an IC card for a foreign visitor to Japan is used to pass through a ticket gate, an e-mail or the like is sent to a destination preset in association with the IC card with guidance according to the content of use.

Information for users of IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan is information provided to foreigners visiting Japan in relation to the processing performed by the station service equipment. For example, when entering a station by processing an IC card for a foreign visitor to Japan at the ticket gate 4, information about the station (map of the station, route information, required time to major stations, etc.) Provided as a guide. In addition, when exiting from the station premises using an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan at the ticket gate 4, information on the exited station (map around the station, information on facilities around the station, or information such as transfer information) will be displayed. provided as

Also, the guidance for the user is generated in a language corresponding to the language setting information written in the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. For example, when language setting information indicating Chinese is written in an IC card in which a specific bit is set, guidance in Chinese is sent to the destination associated with the IC card to the user. Also, if no language setting information is written in the IC card in which the specific bit is set, the user is notified of guidance in the default foreign language for the destination associated with the IC card.

In the present embodiment, guidance to the user of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is sent by e-mail or the like to a preset destination from the host device 2 that receives log data from station service equipment such as the ticket gate 4. shall be For example, in the present embodiment, a destination (notification destination) to which information is notified is set in association with the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan, and the destination corresponding to the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan is placed at the top. It is assumed that the device 2 manages. However, the guidance to the user may be sent directly to a preset destination from a station service device such as the ticket gate 4 that processed the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

Also, the address corresponding to the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan can be set in the staff terminal 3 when issuing the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan. In addition, the destination corresponding to the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan may be set by the user himself/herself at the ticket vending machine 5, or may be registered using the portable terminal possessed by the user.
Next, an operation example of information provision processing for providing information to the user of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan in the station service system will be described.
Here, an operation example will be described in which the host device 2 sends an e-mail to a pre-registered destination with guidance for foreigners visiting Japan according to the use of an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan at the ticket gate 4. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the host device 2 in the station service system according to the embodiment.
In response to the user's request, the host device 2 performs a process of registering destination information indicating a destination of guidance (information provision destination) corresponding to the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan. In other words, the processor 21 of the host device 2 requests information provision (notification of guidance by e-mail) from the attendant terminal 3 or station service equipment such as the ticket vending machine 5 to the user who has an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan. Accept (ST61).

Upon receipt of the information provision setting request (ST61, YES), the processor 21 of the host device 2 receives the identification information of the IC card for the foreigner visiting Japan to be set and the destination information indicating the destination to which the guidance is to be notified. is acquired (ST62). After obtaining the destination information indicating the destination of the notification of the guidance, the processor 21 associates the obtained destination information with the identification information of the IC card and stores it in the storage unit 24 (ST63).

For example, at the attendant terminal 3, the attendant inputs an address (e.g., e-mail address) to be notified of guidance in response to a request from a user who issues (or possesses) an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. The attendant terminal 3 sends the setting request for information provision and the address information indicating the address input by the attendant to the host device 2 in association with the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan. In response to this, the host device 2 stores destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan from the terminal 3 in charge in the storage unit 24 .

In addition, a user who has an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan may input a destination to be notified of guidance in a card processing machine such as the ticket vending machine 5 . In this case, the ticket vending machine 5 associates the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan presented by the user with the destination information indicating the destination input by the user, and supplies them to the host device 2 . As a result, the host device 2 may store the destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan from the ticket vending machine 5 in the storage unit 24 .

It should be noted that the destination to be notified of the guidance may be input by the information processing device such as a portable terminal owned by the user himself/herself. For example, an IC card for a foreigner visiting Japan and destination information input by a dedicated application executed on a mobile terminal may be registered in the host device 2 .

Through the processing of ST61 to ST63, the higher-level device 2 can set destinations to be notified of guidance to users who wish to be provided with information (guidance) among users who have IC cards for foreigners visiting Japan. The processing of ST61 to ST63 may be performed appropriately during the period when the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is valid. Further, the processor 21 of the host device 2 may delete the information stored in the storage unit 24 for which the validity period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan has passed.

On the other hand, the host device 2 is configured to acquire log data from each ticket gate 4 in the station service system. When the processor 21 of the host device 2 acquires the log data from the ticket gate 4 (ST64, YES), the medium to be processed indicated by the acquired log data is an IC card in which a specific bit is set (that is, a visitor to Japan It is determined whether or not it is an IC card for foreigners (ST65).

If the IC card to be processed has the specific bit set (ST65, YES), the processor 21 determines whether or not to notify the destination set corresponding to the IC card ( ST66). For example, the processor 21 determines whether or not the destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card included in the log data is stored in the storage unit 24 . If there is destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card, the processor 21 determines to notify the destination indicated by the destination information of guidance according to the processing content indicated by the log data.

If it is determined that the guidance is to be sent to the destination corresponding to the IC card to be processed (ST66, YES), the processor 21 writes the language designation information to the IC card to be processed indicated by the acquired log data. (ST67). Here, as described above, the log data supplied from the ticket gate 4 includes information indicating the result of the ticket gate processing, such as the entry/exit station and the date/time of entry/exit, as well as the specific bits of the IC card to be processed. Information indicating presence/absence, language setting information, etc. shall be included.

If language designation information is not written in the IC card to be processed (ST67, NO), the processor 21 notifies the destination corresponding to the IC card in the default foreign language (for example, English). do. In this case, the processor 21 generates guidance for foreigners visiting Japan according to the processing content indicated by the log data in the default foreign language (for example, English) (ST68).

Also, if language designation information is written in the IC card to be processed (ST67, YES), the processor 21 notifies the destination corresponding to the IC card in the language designated by the language designation information. and In this case, the processor 21 generates guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in the language designated by the language designation information according to the processing content indicated by the log data (ST69).

Here, since the log data from the ticket gate 4 is assumed, the content of guidance corresponding to the processing content indicated by the log data can be information related to the station at which the passenger entered or exited. For example, if the processing content indicated by the log data is entrance processing, the content of guidance for foreign visitors to Japan may include route information for the station, timetables for each route at the station, travel time from the station to each major station, etc. It may be information indicating the time, guidance in the station premises, and the like. In addition, if the processing content indicated by the log data is exit processing, the content of guidance for foreign visitors to Japan includes transfer information from the station, map around the station, facility information around the station, information such as event information.

When guidance is generated in the default foreign language or in the language designated by the language designation information, the processor 21 stores the information in the storage unit 24 in association with the identification information of the IC card to be processed, which is included in the log data. Identify the destination information that is After specifying the destination information, processor 21 transmits the generated guidance to the destination indicated by the destination information (ST69).
By the above processing, the user can receive guidance in the default foreign language or the specified language at the destination registered in advance each time the user passes through the ticket gate 4 .

According to the above-described processing, when the host device acquires log data indicating the processing result of an IC card (IC card for foreigners visiting Japan) in which a specific bit is set from the ticket gate, the IC card is supported. If there is destination information attached, the destination indicated by the destination information is notified of guidance for foreigners visiting Japan. As a result, users who have an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan will be able to register the destination information in advance, so that each time they use the ticket gate with the IC card, can receive guidance.

In addition, when the host device acquires log data for processing an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan from a ticket gate, if the IC card does not contain language designation information, the host device notifies the destination corresponding to the IC card. If the language designation information is written, the guidance for notifying the destination corresponding to the IC card is generated in a specific language designated by the language designation information. As a result, the ticket gate can provide guidance in a user-friendly language to the user who presents the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

It should be noted that the functions described in each of the above-described embodiments can be implemented not only by using hardware, but also by making a computer read a program describing each function using software. Also, each function may be configured by selecting either software or hardware as appropriate.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The content described in the scope of claims as originally filed for this application will be added below.
[1]
Station service equipment that performs station service processing,
a display unit for displaying guidance;
an operation unit that receives an operation instruction;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
When the IC card communicated by the reader/writer is set with a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for foreigners visiting Japan, the language setting is set to a default foreign language, and guidance for foreigners visiting Japan is displayed on the display unit. , and if a specific language is specified by the operation unit, the language setting is changed to the specific language and guidance for foreigners visiting Japan is displayed on the display unit;
station service equipment.
[2]
The control unit changes the language setting to Japanese after completing the processing for the IC card in which the specific bit is set.
The station service equipment according to [1].
[3]
When a specific language is designated by the operation unit, the control unit writes language designation information indicating the designated specific language to the IC card by the reader/writer.
The station service equipment according to any one of [1] and [2].
[4]
When a specific bit is set in the IC card communicated by the reader/writer, the control unit displays information indicating the expiration date of the IC card on the display unit.
The station service equipment according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5]
A ticket gate that performs ticket gate processing,
a display unit for displaying guidance;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a traffic control unit that controls traffic of the user based on information acquired from the IC card communicated by the reader/writer;
When the IC card communicated by the reader/writer is set with a specific bit indicating that it is an IC card for foreigners visiting Japan, if language designation information is not written in the IC card, the default setting foreign language is used. Guidance for foreigners visiting Japan is displayed on the display unit, and if language designation information is written in the IC card, guidance for foreigners visiting Japan in a specific language indicated by the language designation information is displayed on the display unit. a control unit that
A ticket gate with
[6]
The control unit changes the guidance displayed on the display unit to Japanese guidance after the user who presented the IC card in which the specific bit is set passes through.
The ticket gate according to [5].
[7]
When a specific bit is set in the IC card communicated by the reader/writer, the control unit displays information indicating the expiration date of the IC card on the display unit.
The ticket gate according to any one of [5] and [6].
[8]
A station service system having a ticket gate that performs ticket examination processing and a host device,
The ticket gate is
a first communication unit that communicates with the host device;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a traffic control unit that controls traffic of the user based on information acquired from the IC card communicated by the reader/writer;
log data indicating the results of traffic control processing by the traffic control unit, including identification information of the IC card communicated by the reader/writer and information indicating the presence or absence of a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for foreigners visiting Japan; a first control unit that transmits to the host device by the first communication unit;
The upper device is
a second communication unit that communicates with the ticket gate;
a storage unit that associates and stores the identification information of the IC card for foreigners visiting Japan with destinations to be notified of guidance for foreigners visiting Japan;
When there is an IC card in which a specific bit is set in the log data from the ticket gate acquired by the second communication unit, the destination stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information of the IC card A second control unit that notifies guidance for foreigners visiting Japan according to the processing result,
station system.
[9]
If the log data containing the specific bit does not contain language designation information, the second control unit notifies a guide for foreigners visiting Japan generated in a default foreign language, and logs the log containing the specific bit. If language setting information is included in the data, the generated guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in the specific language indicated by the language specifying information is notified.
The station service system according to [8].

2... Host device 3... Attendant terminal 4... Ticket gate 5... Ticket vending machine 21... Processor 24... Storage unit 25... Communication unit 31... Processor 34... Storage unit 35... Communication unit 38... Medium processing unit 41 Processor 44 Storage unit 45 Communication unit 46 Reading unit 47 Display unit 48 Traffic control unit 51 Processor 54 Storage unit 55 Communication unit 56 Operation unit 57 Display unit 58 Medium processing unit.

Claims (3)

Station service equipment that performs station service processing,
a display unit for displaying guidance;
an operation unit that receives an operation instruction;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
When the IC card communicated by the reader/writer is set with a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for foreigners visiting Japan, the language setting is set to a default foreign language, and guidance for foreigners visiting Japan is displayed on the display unit. and a control unit that changes the language setting to the specific language if a specific language is specified by the operation unit and displays guidance for foreigners visiting Japan on the display unit ,
When a specific language is designated by the operation unit, the control unit writes language designation information indicating the designated specific language to the IC card by the reader/writer.
station equipment. The control unit changes the language setting to Japanese after completing the processing for the IC card in which the specific bit is set.
The station service equipment according to claim 1. When a specific bit is set in the IC card communicated by the reader/writer, the control unit displays information indicating the expiration date of the IC card on the display unit.
The station service equipment according to claim 1 or 2 .