JP7500836B2 - Ticket gates and station systems - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to ticket gates and station service systems.

In recent years, with the increase in foreign visitors to Japan, opportunities for foreign visitors to use station equipment have increased. In addition, station systems used by public transport such as railways are generally configured with station equipment capable of processing IC cards with electronic money functions. As a result, it has been proposed to issue IC cards specifically for foreign visitors to Japan.

Although IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan are subject to conditions such as an expiration date, they can be issued without a deposit (security deposit), and in actual use they have the same functions as regular IC cards. However, IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan can only be purchased by foreign visitors to Japan without a deposit, and the system is not designed to provide special services aimed at foreigners. In other words, there is a demand for something that can provide convenient services to users of IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan.

JP 2000-113232 A

The present invention aims to provide a ticket gate and station service system that can provide highly convenient services to foreign visitors to Japan.

According to an embodiment, the ticket gate has a display unit, a reader/writer, a passage control unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays guidance. The reader/writer communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card. The passage control unit controls the passage of the user based on the information acquired from the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates. If a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for a foreign visitor to Japan is set in the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates, the control unit displays guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in a default foreign language on the display unit if no language designation information is written in the IC card, and displays guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in a specific language indicated by the language designation information on the display unit if language designation information is written in the IC card.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an IC card processing system including a station service system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a higher-level device in a station service system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an attendant terminal in the station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a ticket gate in a station service system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a ticket vending machine in a station service system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of a process for handling IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan by a ticket vending machine of a station service system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of ticket examination processing for an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan by a ticket examination machine of a station service system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of information provision processing in response to the use of an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan by a higher-level device of the station service system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
A station service system according to an embodiment controls the passage of users at ticket gates at railway stations, etc., based on IC cards carried by the users. The IC cards that the station service system processes include IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan that are issued to foreign visitors to Japan. IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan are used for entrance and exit processing at ticket gates at stations (ticket gate processing using ticket gate machines). IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan can be used not only for entrance and exit at ticket gates at stations, but also as cards for making payments with electronic money. In this embodiment, an IC card processing system including a station service system that can be used with IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan is described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an IC card processing system including a station service system according to an embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 1, in the station service system, a higher-level device (server) 2 is connected via a network to station service equipment such as an attendant terminal 3, a ticket vending machine 5, and a ticket gate 4. The station service system according to this embodiment provides services for foreign visitors to Japan to users who use IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan at each piece of station service equipment. The IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan can also be used as a medium for making payments with electronic money at payment terminals 6 located at retail stores and other locations separate from the station service system.

The higher-level device 2 is connected to each piece of station service equipment in the station service system via a network. The higher-level device 2, for example, controls the operation of each piece of station service equipment and acquires log data indicating the processing results of each piece of station service equipment.
The staff terminal 3 is a device operated by a staff member. In this embodiment, the staff terminal 3 has a function of issuing IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan. The staff terminal 3 is, for example, a ticket issuing device installed in a staff window.

The ticket gate 4 has a function of performing ticket gate processing to control the passage of users through the ticket gate based on the information recorded on the IC card presented by the user. The ticket gate 4 controls the passage of users who present their IC cards and also provides information such as the remaining balance available on the IC card and whether or not the user can pass through.

The ticket vending machine 5 is a card processing machine operated by the user himself. The ticket vending machine 5 functions to charge an IC card with electronic money (transportation electronic money) that can be used to settle fares or purchase goods. The ticket vending machine 5 may also have a function to issue tickets such as passenger tickets or commuter passes using a magnetic recording medium or the like when operated by the user himself. The ticket vending machine 5 may also be a fare adjustment machine that has a function to issue fare adjustment tickets using a magnetic recording medium or the like in response to the user's operation. The card processing machine may also be a device that does not have a function to issue passenger tickets or fare adjustment tickets, but has a function to charge electronic money, etc.

The payment terminal 6 is a terminal device for making payments 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 separate from the station service system. For example, the payment terminal 6 is realized as a payment device installed in a retail store or a payment processing unit mounted on a vending machine, and makes payments for goods and the like using transportation electronic money held by an IC card presented by a user. The payment terminal 6 may also have a display that shows a guide screen to the user, or may have the function of issuing receipts that print payment results, etc.

Next, the configuration of the higher-level device 2 in the station service system according to the practical embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the higher-level device 2 according to the embodiment.
The higher-level device 2 is communicatively connected to each station service equipment in the station service system. The higher-level device 2 manages information related to IC cards issued by the station service system. For example, the higher-level device 2 holds information related to IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan. The higher-level device 2 also distributes data to the station service equipment and acquires log data from the station service equipment. For example, the higher-level device 2 may distribute data for providing guidance in various languages to each station service equipment. The higher-level device 2 also acquires log data indicating processing results from station service equipment such as the ticket gates 4, and executes processing according to the acquired log data.

In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 2, the higher-level device 2 includes a processor 21 , a ROM 22 , a RAM 23 , a storage unit 24 , and a communication unit 25 .
The processor 21 is a computing element (e.g., 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 executes the programs stored in the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24, thereby functioning as a processing unit that realizes various processing functions.

The ROM 22 is a read-only non-volatile memory that stores programs and data used by the programs.
The 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 to be executed by the processor 21.

The memory unit 24 is a storage device that is a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the memory unit 24 is a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or another storage device. The memory unit 24 stores, for example, programs and data used in the programs. The memory unit 24 also has a database that stores information about IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan issued by the staff terminal 3. The memory unit 24 also has a database that stores log data collected from each station equipment such as the ticket gate 4. Note that the information about IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan or the log data collected from the station equipment only needs to be stored in a state accessible to the higher-level device 2, and may be stored in another server device with which communication is possible.

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 for transmitting data to an external system. For example, the communication unit 25 has a function for transmitting an email to an email address preset by a user via an external network.

Next, the configuration of the staff terminal 3 in the station service system according to the practical embodiment will be described below. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration 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 attendant terminal 3 has a function of issuing IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan. The IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan are issued to foreign visitors to Japan as IC cards that can be used as train tickets or electronic money. A specific bit (bit information indicating that the IC card is for a foreign visitor to Japan) is set in the IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan, and the IC cards are configured to be distinguishable from other IC cards. In addition, the IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan are set with usage conditions such as a validity period (e.g., 30 days).

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

The ROM 32 is a read-only non-volatile memory that stores programs and data used by the programs.
The 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 being executed by the processor 31.

The storage unit 34 is a storage device that is a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 34 is a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or another 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 higher-level device 2. The communication unit 35 is, for example, a network interface for connecting to a network such as a station service system.

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

The medium processing unit 38 has an issuing unit that issues IC cards that hold amount information and the like as electronic money (transportation electronic money) that can be used for payments such as fare adjustments and the purchase of goods. In this embodiment, the medium processing unit 38 has a function of issuing IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan as a type of IC card that holds transportation electronic money. The issuing unit of the medium processing unit 38 includes a storage unit that stores the initial state medium (IC card) to be issued, and a reader/writer that writes information onto the medium. The medium processing unit 38 may also include a printing unit that prints characters and the like on the face of the IC card to be issued. The reader/writer of the medium processing unit 38 also functions as a processing unit that can read and write information onto IC cards held by users.

The attendant terminal 3 may also be equipped with a payment processing unit that settles fees. The payment processing unit provided in the attendant terminal 3 may be a cash processing unit that processes cash, or a card processing unit that makes payments by credit card. For example, if the attendant terminal 3 is equipped with a payment processing unit, the attendant terminal 3 may use the payment processing unit to settle the amount related to the issuance of an IC card or the amount to be 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 an example of the configuration of the ticket gate 4 according to the embodiment.
The ticket gate 4 is a device that controls the passage of a user according to the ticket medium presented by the user. The ticket gate 4 has, for example, a pair of parallel-arranged housings that form an aisle, and a door for controlling passage is provided on the aisle side. The ticket gate 4 controls the passage of a user based on information read from an IC card presented by the user passing through the aisle.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the ticket gate 4 has a processor 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a memory unit 44, a communication unit 45, a media processing unit 46, a display unit 47, and a passage control unit 48. The processor 41 is connected to the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the memory unit 44, the communication unit 45, the media processing unit 46, the display unit 47, and the passage control unit 48 in a state in which they can communicate with each other.

The processor 41 is a computing element (e.g., 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 realizes various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 42 or the storage unit 44.

The ROM 42 is a read-only non-volatile memory that stores programs and data used by the programs.
The 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 being 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 a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 44 stores programs and data used in the programs. In this embodiment, the storage unit 44 also stores data for providing guidance in each language that can be set as a language setting (for example, display data for providing a guidance screen in each language).

The communication unit 45 is configured to be connectable to a network serving as a station service system. For example, the communication unit 45 is connected to a monitoring panel that allows an attendant to monitor the operation of each ticket gate 4 installed at a ticket gate. In this case, the communication unit 45 may be configured to communicate with the higher-level device 2 via the monitoring panel.

The media processing unit 46 processes the IC card presented by the user. In this embodiment, the media processing unit 46 has a reader/writer that reads and writes data to the IC card. The reader/writer reads information from the IC card presented by the user who wishes to pass through. The reader/writer also writes data to the IC card in accordance with the passage determination control for the user.

The display unit 47 displays information related to ticket gate processing. The 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 that passage is permitted. The display unit 47 may also display information on the remaining amount available on the ticket medium presented by the user.
The passage control unit 48 has an opening/closing function for opening and closing a door provided on the passage side. The passage control unit 48 opens and closes the door in response to an operation command 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 an example of the configuration 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 that processes IC cards, in addition to the function of issuing tickets such as passenger tickets and fare adjustment tickets. In this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 5 is described as being operated by the user himself, but it may also be operated by an attendant.

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

The ROM 52 is a read-only non-volatile memory that stores programs and data used by the programs.
The 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 being executed by the processor 51.

The storage unit 54 is a storage device that is a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 54 is a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or another 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 higher-level device 2.

The operation unit 56 generates an operation signal based on the operation of an operation member. The operation member is, for example, a touch sensor, a numeric keypad, or a keyboard. The touch sensor acquires information indicating a specified (touched) position within a certain area. The touch sensor is configured as a touch screen integral with the display unit 57, and inputs a signal indicating the touched position on the display unit 57 to the processor 51. The display unit 57 displays a screen in response to a video signal input from the processor 51 or a display control unit such as a graphics 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 the IC card. For example, the medium processing unit 58 performs a process of charging the IC card presented by the user with an amount that can be used as electronic money. The medium processing unit 58 also includes a ticket issuing mechanism for issuing magnetic tickets as passenger tickets or fare adjustment tickets.

The payment processing unit 59 is a unit that settles fees. For example, the payment processing unit 59 has a cash processing unit that processes cash. The payment processing unit 59 may also be a processing unit for making payments by credit card. For example, when a user charges an IC card held by the user with an amount of electronic money, the amount paid by the payment processing unit 59 is charged to the IC card by the medium processing unit 58.

Next, the operation of the station service system according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of IC card processing by the ticket vending machine 5.
In the standby state, the ticket vending machine 5 accepts operation instructions or the presentation of an IC card from a user. For example, the user selects a desired process from an 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 user presents an IC card held by the user at the predetermined reading position, the processor 51 of the ticket vending machine 5 reads the information recorded on the IC card presented by the user using a reader/writer in the medium processing unit 58 (ST11).

When the information is read from the IC card, the processor 51 determines whether or not a specific bit is recorded on the IC card indicating that the IC card is for a foreign visitor to Japan (ST12). For example, the processor 51 determines whether the IC card holds transportation 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 processable transportation electronic money, the processor 51 determines whether or not a specific bit is set on the IC card.

If a specific bit is set in the IC card presented by the user (ST12, YES), processor 51 accepts the language designation by the user (ST13). For example, processor 51 displays on display unit 57 a message indicating that the language to be displayed (guidance) can be designated as a default foreign language (e.g., English) and a key for designating a specific language. Processor 51 may also display on display unit 57 a message indicating that language designation from the user will be accepted in multiple languages.

The languages that can be specified by the user (foreign languages that can be set as language settings) may be displayed on the display unit 57 as selection keys that can be selected by a touch sensor serving as the operation unit 56. The languages that can be specified by the user may be set in advance in the memory unit 54 of the ticket vending machine 5, or may be queried from the higher-level device 2.

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).

If the user specifies a specific language other than the default foreign language (ST14, YES), the processor 51 writes information indicating the specific language specified by the user to the IC card as language specification information (ST16). If the user specifies a specific language other than the default foreign language, the processor 51 sets the language setting used by the ticket vending machine 5 for announcements, etc. to the language specified by the user (ST17).

When the user sets the set language according to the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan presented by the user, the processor 51 notifies the use period (expiration date) of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan in the set language (ST18). The use period may be the date until which the card can be used, or the number of days remaining. The use period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be written to the IC card on the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 may read the use period from the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. The validity period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be a predetermined number of days from the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 writes the issue date to the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan at the time of issue, and determines the use period based on the number of days that have passed since the issue date read from the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

The processor 51 also executes processes instructed by the user while providing guidance in the set language (ST19). Processes executed by the processor 51 as the ticket vending machine 5 include a process for charging an IC card with an amount of electronic money (charging process), or a ticket issuing process for issuing a boarding ticket or a fare adjustment ticket. Information for providing guidance in the set language associated with the processes executed is stored in the memory unit 54. The memory unit 54 may store information for providing guidance in a settable language in advance, or the information may be downloaded each time from the higher-level device 2. This allows a user who has an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan to receive guidance in the language they specify while undergoing processes such as charging or ticket issuing.

Furthermore, when processing using 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 above process, when an IC card with a specific bit set (an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan) is presented, the ticket vending machine can provide (display) guidance in a default foreign language or a specific language designated by the user. In addition, when a user designates a specific language, the ticket vending machine can write language designation information indicating the specific language designated by the user onto the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. As a result, when an IC card with the language designation information designated by the user written on it is used with another station equipment such as a ticket gate, it becomes possible to receive guidance in the designated language.

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 examiner 4 according to the embodiment.
In a 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 an IC card presented by a user entering the passage. For example, when a user who has entered the passage presents an IC card at the reading position, the processor 41 executes a reading process to read information from the IC card presented by the user using a reader/writer in the medium processing unit 46 (ST41).

When the medium processing unit 46 reads the IC card, the processor 51 judges whether or not a specific bit is set in the IC card based on the result of reading the IC card by the medium processing unit 46 (ST42). For example, the processor 51 judges whether the IC card holds transportation electronic money that can be processed by the ticket gate 4. If it is judged that the IC card holds transportation electronic money, the processor 51 judges whether or not a specific bit is set in the IC card. Note that if the IC card presented by the user is not an IC card that holds transportation electronic money, the processor 51 may display on the display unit 47 that the IC card cannot be processed through the ticket gate, and may prevent the user from passing through the ticket gate by the passage control unit 48.

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 a default foreign language (e.g., English) (ST44). Here, it is assumed that the default foreign language is preset for the ticket gate 4. However, it is assumed that a default setting language (e.g., Japanese) and a default foreign language (e.g., English) are each set for the ticket gate 4.

If language setting information is written to 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 text information in the guidance displayed on the display unit 47 to text in the set language.

When the user sets the set language according to the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan presented by the user, the processor 51 notifies the use period (expiration date) of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan in the set language (ST46). The use period may be the date until which the card can be used, or the number of days remaining. The use period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be written to the IC card on the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 may read the use period from the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. The validity period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may be a predetermined number of days from the date of issue. In this case, the processor 51 writes the issue date to the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan at the time of issue, and determines the use period based on the number of days that have passed since the issue date read from the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

The processor 51 also executes passage control as ticket gate processing while providing guidance in the set language (ST47). The processor 51 judges whether or not the user is permitted to pass based on the ticket information read from the IC card, and controls the passage control of the user according to whether or not the user is permitted to pass. For example, the processor 51 allows the user to pass by paying the fare and other charges with the remaining balance charged to the IC card. The processor 51 also denies the user permission if the fare cannot be paid with the remaining balance charged to the IC card. Information for providing guidance in the set language in conjunction with the passage control is stored in the storage unit 54. The storage unit 54 may store information for providing guidance in a settable language in advance, or may download the information from the higher-level device 2 each time.

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

When the user exits the passage (ST48, YES), the processor 51 transmits log data indicating the results of the ticket gate processing corresponding to the IC card to the higher-level device 2 (ST49). The processor 51 transmits log data including the entry or exit station, the entry or exit date and time, the presence or 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 higher-level device 2.

In addition, when a user who has presented an IC card exits, the processor 51 resets the language setting (ST50). For example, if the default language setting (different from the default foreign language) is Japanese, the processor 51 sets (resets) the language setting for 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 above process, when an IC card with a specific bit set (an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan) is presented, the ticket gate will provide (display) guidance in a default foreign language if a specific language is not set, and will provide (display) guidance in the specified specific language if a specific language is set. This allows the ticket gate to provide guidance in a language that is easy for users to understand when they present an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

Furthermore, when the ticket gate 4 performs ticket gate processing using an IC card with a specific bit set (an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan), it supplies log data to the higher-level device, including the IC card's identification information, the entry/exit station, the entry/exit date and time, the presence or absence of the specific bit, and language designation information. This allows the higher-level device to manage the results of ticket gate processing using an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan, and to provide services according to the use of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

Next, an information provision process for providing information to users in response to the use of IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan in the station service system will be described.
The station service system according to this embodiment realizes a function (information provision process) of providing guidance (guidance for foreign visitors to Japan) according to the usage to a preset destination when an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is used with station service equipment. For example, when a foreign visitor passes through a ticket gate using an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan, guidance according to the usage is sent by email or the like to a destination preset in association with the IC card.

Guidance for users of IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan is information provided to foreign visitors to Japan in connection with processing carried out by station service equipment. For example, when a user enters a station by processing an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan at ticket gate 4, information about the station they entered (such as a map of the station, line information, or travel time to major stations) is provided as guidance. In addition, when a user leaves a station using an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan at ticket gate 4, information about the station they exited from (such as a map of the area around the station, information about facilities around the station, or transfer information) is provided as guidance.

In addition, guidance for users is generated in a language corresponding to the language setting information written on the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. For example, if language setting information indicating Chinese is written on an IC card on which a specific bit is set, guidance in Chinese is sent to the user for the destination associated with that IC card. In addition, if language setting information is not written on an IC card on which a specific bit is set, guidance in a default foreign language is sent to the user for the destination associated with that IC card.

In this embodiment, guidance for users of IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan is sent by email or other means to a preset destination from the higher-level device 2, which receives log data from station service equipment such as the ticket gate 4. For example, in this embodiment, a destination (notification destination) for notifying information is set in association with the identification information of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan, and the higher-level device 2 manages the destination corresponding to the identification information of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. However, guidance for users may also be sent to a preset destination directly from station service equipment such as the ticket gate 4 that has processed the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

In addition, the address corresponding to the IC card for a foreign visitor to Japan can be set on the staff terminal 3 when issuing the IC card for the foreign visitor to Japan. In addition, the address corresponding to the IC card for a foreign visitor to Japan can be set by the user himself on the ticket vending machine 5, or can be registered using a mobile terminal carried by the user.
Next, an example of the operation of an information providing process for providing information to users of IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan in a station service system will be described.
Here, an example of operation will be described in which the higher-level device 2 sends information for foreign visitors to Japan in response to the use of an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan at the ticket gate 4 by email to a pre-registered address.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the higher-level device 2 in the station service system according to the embodiment.
In response to a user's request, the higher-level device 2 performs a process of registering destination information indicating a destination to which guidance corresponding to an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is to be notified (information destination). That is, the processor 21 of the higher-level device 2 accepts a setting request for providing information (notification of guidance by e-mail) to a user who possesses an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan from a station service device such as the attendant terminal 3 or the ticket machine 5 (ST61).

When a request to set information provision is received (ST61, YES), the processor 21 of the higher-level device 2 acquires the identification information of the IC card for the foreign visitor to Japan to be set, as well as the destination information indicating the destination to which the guidance is to be notified (ST62). When the destination information indicating the destination to which the guidance is to be notified is acquired, the processor 21 stores the acquired destination information in the memory unit 24 in association with the identification information of the IC card (ST63).

For example, at the staff terminal 3, in response to a request from a user who has been issued (or possesses) an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan, the staff inputs a destination (e.g., an email address) to which information will be sent. The staff terminal 3 sends the destination information indicating the destination input by the staff, along with a request to set up information provision, to the higher-level device 2 in association with the identification information of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. In response, the higher-level device 2 stores the destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan from the staff terminal 3 in the memory unit 24.

A user who holds an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan may also input the address to which the information should be sent 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 foreign visitors to Japan presented by the user with the address information indicating the address entered by the user, and supplies this to the higher-level device 2. As a result, the higher-level device 2 may store the address information associated with the identification information of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan from the ticket vending machine 5 in the memory unit 24.

The destination to which the notification is sent may be inputted by the user using an information processing device such as a mobile terminal owned by the user. For example, the IC card and destination information for foreign visitors to Japan inputted using a dedicated application executed on the mobile terminal may be registered in the higher-level device 2.

By the processing of ST61-63 above, the higher-level device 2 can set the destination to which guidance will be sent to users who possess an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan and who wish to receive information (guidance). The processing of ST61-63 above may be performed as appropriate during the period in which the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is valid. In addition, the processor 21 of the higher-level device 2 may delete information stored in the memory unit 24 that has exceeded the validity period of the IC card for foreign visitors to Japan.

On the other hand, the higher-level device 2 is configured to acquire log data from each ticket gate 4 in the station service system. When the processor 21 of the higher-level device 2 acquires the log data from the ticket gate 4 (ST64, YES), it determines whether the medium that was the subject of the processing indicated by the acquired log data is an IC card with a specific bit set (i.e., an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan) (ST65).

If a specific bit is set in the IC card that is the subject of processing (ST65, YES), processor 21 determines whether or not to notify the destination set corresponding to the IC card of the guidance (ST66). For example, processor 21 determines whether or not destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card contained in the log data is stored in memory unit 24. If destination information associated with the identification information of the IC card exists, processor 21 determines that guidance according to the processing content indicated by the log data should be notified to the destination indicated by the destination information.

When it is determined that the guidance should be sent to the destination corresponding to the IC card being processed (ST66, YES), the processor 21 determines whether language designation information is written in the IC card being processed, which is indicated by the acquired log data (ST67). Here, as described above, the log data supplied from the ticket gate 4 includes information indicating the results of the ticket gate processing, such as the entry/exit station and the date and time of entry/exit, as well as information indicating the presence or absence of a specific bit in the IC card being processed, language setting information, etc.

If no language designation information is written in the IC card to be processed (ST67, NO), the processor 21 will notify the destination corresponding to the IC card of the guidance in a default foreign language (e.g., English). In this case, the processor 21 will generate guidance for foreign visitors to Japan according to the processing content indicated by the log data in the default foreign language (e.g., English) (ST68).

In addition, if language designation information is written in the IC card to be processed (ST67, YES), the processor 21 will notify the destination corresponding to the IC card of the guidance in the language designated by the language designation information. In this case, the processor 21 will generate 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, log data from the ticket gate 4 is assumed, and therefore the content of the guidance corresponding to the processing content indicated by the log data may be information related to the station at which the person entered or exited. For example, if the processing content indicated by the log data is entry processing, the content of the guidance for foreign visitors to Japan may be information indicating line information for the station, timetables for each line at the station, the travel time required from the station to each major station, guidance within the station, etc. Also, if the processing content indicated by the log data is exit processing, the content of the guidance for foreign visitors to Japan may be information such as transfer information from the station, a map of the area around the station, information about facilities around the station, and information about events around the station.

When the guidance in the default foreign language or the language specified by the language specification information is generated, the processor 21 identifies the destination information stored in the storage unit 24 in association with the identification information of the IC card that is the processing target and is included in the log data. When the destination information is identified, the processor 21 transmits the generated guidance to the destination indicated by the destination information (ST69).
By the above process, each time the user passes through the ticket gate 4, the user can receive guidance in the default foreign language or the language that he or she has specified, at a pre-registered address.

According to the above process, when the higher-level device obtains log data from the ticket gate indicating the processing results using an IC card with a specific bit set (an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan), if there is destination information associated with the IC card, it notifies the destination indicated by the destination information of guidance for foreign visitors to Japan. This allows users who hold an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan to receive guidance for foreign visitors to Japan according to the processing content each time they use the ticket gate with the IC card, if they register the destination information for guidance in advance.

Furthermore, when the higher-level device acquires log data from the ticket gate that is to be processed by an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan, if no language designation information is written on the IC card, it generates guidance to be sent to the destination corresponding to the IC card in a default foreign language, and if language designation information is written on the IC card, it generates guidance to be sent to the destination corresponding to the IC card in a specific language designated by the language designation information. This allows the ticket gate to provide guidance to users who present their IC cards for foreign visitors to Japan in a language that is easy for the user to understand.

The functions described in each of the above embodiments can be realized not only by using hardware, but also by loading a program that describes each function into a computer using software. Also, each function may be configured by selecting either software or hardware as appropriate.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
Some of the matters described in this application will be supplemented below.
[1]
A station service device that performs station service processing,
A display unit that displays guidance;
an operation unit that accepts operation instructions;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a control unit that, when a specific bit indicating that the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates is an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is set, displays information for foreign visitors to Japan on the display unit with a language setting set to a default foreign language, and when a specific language is specified by the operation unit, changes the language setting to the specific language and displays information for foreign visitors to Japan on the display unit;
Station equipment having the above features.
[2]
the control unit changes the language setting to Japanese after completing the process for the IC card in which the specific bit is set.
The station equipment described in [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;
A station equipment according to either [1] or [2].
[4]
the control unit, when a specific bit is set in the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates, displays information indicating an expiration date of the IC card on the display unit.
A station equipment according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5]
A ticket gate for performing ticket gate processing,
A display unit that displays guidance;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a passage control unit that controls passage of the user based on information acquired from the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates;
a control unit that, when a specific bit indicating that the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates is an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is set, displays on the display unit guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in a default foreign language if language designation information is not written in the IC card, and displays on the display unit guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in a specific language indicated by the language designation information if language designation information is written in the IC card;
A ticket gate having the above structure.
[6]
the control unit changes the guidance displayed on the display unit to Japanese guidance after a user who presents an IC card in which the specific bit is set passes through.
The ticket gate according to [5].
[7]
the control unit, when a specific bit is set in the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates, displays information indicating the expiration date of the IC card on the display unit.
A ticket gate according to either [5] or [6].
[8]
A station service system having a ticket gate that performs ticket gate processing and a higher-level device,
The ticket gate is
a first communication unit that communicates with the higher-level device;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a passage control unit that controls passage of the user based on information acquired from the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates;
a first control unit that transmits log data indicating a processing result of the passage control by the passage control unit, the log data including identification information of the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates and information indicating the presence or absence of a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for a foreign visitor to Japan, to the upper device via the first communication unit;
The higher-level device is
A second communication unit that communicates with the ticket gate;
A storage unit that stores identification information of an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan and a destination to which information for foreign visitors to Japan is to be sent in association with each other;
and a second control unit that, when an IC card having a specific bit set is present in the log data from the ticket gate acquired by the second communication unit, notifies a destination stored in a storage unit in association with the identification information of the IC card of a guide for foreign visitors to Japan according to the processing result.
Station service system.
[9]
The second control unit notifies a guide for foreign visitors to Japan generated in a default foreign language if the log data including the specific bit does not include language designation information, and notifies a guide for foreign visitors to Japan generated in a specific language indicated by the language designation information if the log data including the specific bit includes language setting information.
A station service system as described in [8].

2... higher-level device, 3... attendant terminal, 4... ticket gate, 5... ticket vending machine, 21... processor, 24... memory unit, 25... communication unit, 31... processor, 34... memory unit, 35... communication unit, 38... media processing unit, 41... processor, 44... memory unit, 45... communication unit, 46... reading unit, 47... display unit, 48... passage control unit, 51... processor, 54... memory unit, 55... communication unit, 56... operation unit, 57... display unit, 58... media processing unit.

Claims (5)

A ticket gate for performing ticket gate processing,
A display unit that displays guidance;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a passage control unit that controls passage of the user based on information acquired from the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates;
a control unit that, when a specific bit indicating that the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates is an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan is set, displays on the display unit guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in a default foreign language if language designation information is not written in the IC card, and displays on the display unit guidance for foreign visitors to Japan in a specific language indicated by the language designation information if language designation information is written in the IC card;
A ticket gate having the above structure. the control unit changes the guidance displayed on the display unit to Japanese guidance after a user who presents an IC card in which the specific bit is set passes through.
The ticket gate according to claim 1. the control unit, when a specific bit is set in the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates, displays information indicating the expiration date of the IC card on the display unit.
A ticket gate according to claim 1 or 2. A station service system having a ticket gate that performs ticket gate processing and a higher-level device,
The ticket gate is
a first communication unit that communicates with the higher-level device;
a reader/writer that communicates with an IC card presented by a user and acquires information from the IC card;
a passage control unit that controls passage of the user based on information acquired from the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates;
a first control unit that transmits log data indicating a processing result of the passage control by the passage control unit, the log data including identification information of the IC card with which the reader/writer communicates and information indicating the presence or absence of a specific bit indicating that the IC card is for a foreign visitor to Japan, to the upper device via the first communication unit;
The higher-level device is
A second communication unit that communicates with the ticket gate;
A storage unit that stores identification information of an IC card for foreign visitors to Japan and a destination to which information for foreign visitors to Japan is to be sent in association with each other;
and a second control unit that, when an IC card having a specific bit set is present in the log data from the ticket gate acquired by the second communication unit, notifies a destination stored in a storage unit in association with the identification information of the IC card of a guide for foreign visitors to Japan according to the processing result.
Station service system. The second control unit notifies a guide for foreign visitors to Japan generated in a default foreign language if the log data including the specific bit does not include language designation information, and notifies a guide for foreign visitors to Japan generated in a specific language indicated by the language designation information if the log data including the specific bit includes language setting information.
A station service system according to claim 4.