MANAGEMENT DEVICE, MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

In order to more improve a level of satisfaction of a passenger in transportation including a plurality of vehicles, a management apparatus (100A) includes: a detecting section (13A) which detects a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles; an obtaining section (11A) which obtains (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected by the detecting section (13A) and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and a setting section (12A) which sets a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a technique of managing boarding and alighting in transportation.

BACKGROUND ART

A technique for managing boarding and alighting in transportation is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which a vehicle-mounted system that is mounted on a vehicle reads biometric information relating to a passenger at a time of acceptance of boarding, and carries out fare adjustment at a time of determination of a section used, with reference to an effective section associated with biometric information registered in advance.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In transportation including a plurality of vehicles, it is possible that comfort varies depending on the vehicles because, for example, a specific vehicle is congested due to convenience such as the fact that the vehicle provides a good transit or the fact that the vehicle is close to a ticket gate. However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the fare adjustment is carried out regardless of comfort. Therefore, there is a problem that a passenger may feel unfairness.

An example aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and an example object thereof is to provide a technique for further improving a level of satisfaction of a passenger in transportation including a plurality of vehicles.

Solution to Problem

A management apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a management apparatus including: a detecting means for detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles; an obtaining means for obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected by the detecting means and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and a setting means for setting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

A management apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a management apparatus including: a setting means for setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger; a storage means for storing therein reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger; a detecting means for detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles; an obtaining means for obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and a determining means for determining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining means matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

A management system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a management system including: the management apparatus described above; and a detection apparatus which is provided in the vicinity of the doorway of the at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles and which detects the passenger, the detecting means detecting the passenger with use of the detection apparatus.

A method in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a method including: detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles; obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and setting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

A method in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a method including: setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger; storing reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger; detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles; obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and determining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

A program in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a management apparatus, the program causing the computer to function as: a detecting means for detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles; an obtaining means for obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected by the detecting means and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and a setting means for setting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

A program in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a management apparatus, the program causing the computer to function as: a setting means for setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger; a storage means for storing therein reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger; a detecting means for detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles; an obtaining means for obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; and a determining means for determining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining means matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to an example aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve a level of satisfaction of a passenger in transportation including a plurality of vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Example Embodiment

A first example embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to drawings.

<Configuration of Management System1A>

A configuration of a management system1A in accordance with the present example embodiment is described with reference toFIG.1.FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system1A. As illustrated inFIG.1, the management system1A includes a management apparatus100A and a detection apparatus200. The management apparatus100A includes an obtaining section11A, a setting section12A, and a detecting section13A. The obtaining section11A is an example of a configuration realizing an “obtaining means” recited in the claims. The setting section12A is an example of a configuration realizing a “setting means” recited in the claims. The detecting section13A is an example of a configuration realizing a “detecting means” recited in the claims. The management apparatus100A and the detection apparatus200are communicably connected to each other.

The detecting section13A detects a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles, with use of the detection apparatus200.

The detection apparatus200is an apparatus which detects a passenger. The detection apparatus200is provided in the vicinity of the doorway of the at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles.

The obtaining section11A obtains (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected by the detecting section13A and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected. Examples of the attribute of the passenger include, but are not limited to, his/her age and presence or absence of a companion. Examples of the attribute of the vehicle include, but are not limited to, assumed passenger brackets and types of company advertisements.

The setting section12A sets a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the vehicle.

<Flow of Management Method S1A>

A flow of a management method S1A carried out by the management system1A configured as described above is described with reference toFIG.2.FIG.2is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S1A. As illustrated inFIG.2, the management method S1A includes steps S11A to S13A.

In the step S11A, the detecting section13A detects a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of any vehicle, with reference to information received from the detection apparatus200. For example, in a case where the detection apparatus200is a camera, the detecting section13A may detect the passenger by receiving, from the detection apparatus200, an image including the passenger as a subject. Alternatively, for example, in a case where the detection apparatus200is an integrated circuit (IC) tag reader, the detecting section13A may detect the passenger carrying an IC tag, by receiving, from the detection apparatus200, information which has been read from the IC tag.

In the step S12A, the obtaining section11A of the management apparatus100A obtains (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected. For example, in a case where the detecting section13A has received the image including the passenger as a subject, the obtaining section11A may obtain the attribute of the passenger by analyzing the image and then estimating the attribute of the passenger. Alternatively, for example, in a case where the detecting section13A has received the information which has been read by the IC tag reader, the obtaining section11A may obtain the information which is indicative of the attribute of the passenger and which is included in the information. Further, for example, the obtaining section11A may store, in a memory (not illustrated) in advance, the information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to which the detection apparatus200is provided, and obtain the information by reading the information from the memory.

In the step S13A, the setting section12A sets a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the vehicle. For example, the setting section12A may store, in the memory, a rule under which the fare is calculated with use of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the vehicle, and sets the fare with use of the rule.

Effects of the Present Example Embodiment

In the present example embodiment, a fare is set in accordance with a combination of an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which the passenger has actually boarded. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved. Reasons for this are described.

Comfort which a passenger feels when the passenger boards any of a plurality of vehicles can vary depending on an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of the vehicle which the passenger boards. For example, a passenger having an attribute “with a child” often feels more comfortable when the passenger boards a vehicle having an attribute “for family” than when the passenger boards a vehicle having an attribute “for commute”. For example, a passenger having an attribute “general” often feels more comfortable when the passenger boards a vehicle having an attribute “for commute” than when the passenger boards a vehicle having an attribute “for family”. Therefore, in the present example embodiment, a passenger pays a fare which corresponds to comfort that the passenger feels in a vehicle that the passenger actually boards. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved as compared with a case where a fare does not vary regardless of comfort even in a case where the passenger boards any vehicle.

Second Example Embodiment

A second example embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to drawings.

<Configuration of Management System1B>

A configuration of a management system1B in accordance with the present example embodiment is described with reference toFIG.3.FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system1B. As illustrated inFIG.3, the management system1B includes a management apparatus100B and a detection apparatus200. The management apparatus100B includes an obtaining section11B, a setting section12B, a detecting section13B, a determining section14B, and a storage section15B. The determining section14B is an example of a configuration realizing a “determining means” recited in the claims. The storage section15B is an example of a configuration realizing a “storage means” recited in the claims. A configuration of the detection apparatus200is as described in the first example embodiment.

The setting section12B sets a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger.

The storage section15B stores therein reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger.

The detecting section13B detects the passenger relating to the reservation information, in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles.

The obtaining section11B obtains information indicative of an attribute of the vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger relating to the reservation information has been detected.

The determining section14B determines whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining section11B matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

<Flow of Management Method S1B>

A flow of a management method S1B carried out by the management system1B configured as described above is described with reference toFIG.4.FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S1B. As illustrated inFIG.4, the management method S1B includes steps S11B to S15B.

In the step S11B, the setting section12B sets a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger. For example, the setting section12B may obtain information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used and information indicative of the attribute of the passenger, on the basis of information inputted by the passenger or an operator via an input apparatus (not illustrated). Note that a detailed example of a process of setting the fare in accordance with the combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the vehicle, each of which attributes is indicated by the obtained information, is as described in the first example embodiment.

In the step S12B, the setting section12B stores, in the storage section15B, reservation information including the information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger. For example, the reservation information includes a passenger ID and the information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used. The reservation information may further include a face image of the passenger.

In the step S13B, the detecting section13B detects the passenger relating to the reservation information, in a vicinity of a doorway of any vehicle, with reference to information received from the detection apparatus200. For example, the detecting section13B may detect the passenger relating to the reservation information, by determining that a face image included in an image captured by the detection apparatus200and the face image included in the reservation information indicate an identical person. Alternatively, for example, the detecting section13B may detect the passenger relating to the reservation information, by determining that a passenger ID included in information read from an IC tag and the passenger ID included in the reservation information match each other.

In the step S14B, the obtaining section11B obtains information indicative of an attribute of the vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger relating to the reservation information has been detected. For example, the obtaining section11B may store, in a memory (not illustrated) in advance, the information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to which the detection apparatus200is provided, and obtain the information by reading the information from the memory.

In the step S15B, the determining section14B determines whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining section11B matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information. For example, in a case where the determining section14B determines that these pieces of information do not match, the determining section14B may output this determination result to a display apparatus (not illustrated) provided in the vicinity of the doorway. Thus, the passenger can recognize that the passenger is to board the vehicle which differs from the reservation information.

Effects of the Present Example Embodiment

In the present example embodiment, a fare is set which corresponds to a combination of an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved. Reasons for this are described.

As described as the effects of the first example embodiment, comfort which a passenger feels when the passenger boards any of a plurality of vehicles can vary depending on an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of the vehicle which the passenger boards. By the passenger reserving a vehicle having a desired attribute in advance, a fare which corresponds to comfort is set. In addition, when the passenger actually boards a vehicle, it is determined whether or not an attribute of the vehicle which the passenger boards matches reservation information. Therefore, it can be more certainly expected that the passenger boards a vehicle having an attribute which matches the reservation information. As a result, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved as compared with a case where a fare does not vary regardless of comfort even in a case where the passenger boards any vehicle.

Third Example Embodiment

A third example embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to drawings. The present example embodiment is an embodiment which realizes setting of a fare that corresponds to an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle, with use of an IC tag carried by the passenger and without the need of a reservation.

<Configuration of Management System2>

A configuration of a management system2in accordance with the present example embodiment is described with reference toFIG.5.FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system2. As illustrated inFIG.5, the management system2includes vehicle-mounted apparatuses20-1to20-3, reader/writers83-1to83-3, and display apparatuses84-1to84-3. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1, the reader/writer83-1, and the display apparatus84-1are provided to a vehicle80-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2, the reader/writer83-2, and the display apparatus84-2are provided to a vehicle80-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3, the reader/writer83-3, and the display apparatus84-3are provided to a vehicle80-3. The vehicles80-1to80-3are included in a composition of a train. The vehicle80-1has a door81-1and a doorway82-1. The vehicle80-2has a door81-2and a doorway82-2. The vehicle80-3has a door81-3and a doorway82-3.

Each of passengers U1to U3boards any of the vehicles80-1to80-3from any of the doorways82-1to82-3. The passenger U1carries an IC tag90-1. The passenger U2carries an IC tag90-2. The passenger U3carries an IC tag90-3.

Hereinafter, in a case where it is not particularly necessary to distinguish between the vehicle-mounted apparatuses20-1to20-3, between the reader/writers83-1to83-3, and between the display apparatuses84-1to84-3, each of the vehicle-mounted apparatuses20-1to20-3is simply referred to as “vehicle-mounted apparatus20”, each of the reader/writers83-1to83-3is simply referred to as “reader/writer83”, and each of the display apparatuses84-1to84-3is simply referred to as “display apparatus84”. Further, in a case where it is not particularly necessary to distinguish between the vehicles80-1to80-3, between the doors81-1to81-3, and between the doorways82-1to82-3, each of the vehicles80-1to80-3is referred to as “vehicle80”, each of the doors81-1to81-3is referred to as “door81”, and each of the doorways82-1to82-3is referred to as “doorway82”. Further, in a case where it is not particularly necessary to distinguish between the passengers U1to U3and between the IC tags90-1to90-3, each of the passengers U1to U3is referred to as “passenger U”, and each of the IC tags90-1to90-3is referred to as “IC tag90”.

Note thatFIG.5illustrates three vehicles80and three passengers U, but this does not limit the number of vehicles and the number of passengers in the present example embodiment. Moreover, this does not impose a limitation that the number of vehicles and the number of passengers are the same. Furthermore, a single vehicle80is not limited to including a single door81and a single doorway82, and may include a plurality of doors81and a plurality of doorways82. Further,FIG.5illustrates three vehicle-mounted apparatuses20, three reader/writers83, and three display apparatuses84, but this does not limit the numbers of these apparatuses in the present example embodiment. It is desirable that at least one vehicle-mounted apparatus20and at least one display apparatus84be provided to a single vehicle80. A plurality of vehicle-mounted apparatuses20and a plurality of display apparatuses84may be provided to a single vehicle80. Further, it is desirable that at least one reader/writer83be provided in a vicinity of a single doorway82. A plurality of reader/writers83may be further provided in a vicinity of a single doorway82.

In the vehicle80, the door81is typically closed while the train is running, and is typically open at a stop. The doorway82is an opening in the vehicle80which opening enables boarding and alighting when the door81is open.

The passenger U is a passenger who uses the vehicle80. The passenger U has an attribute. The passenger U carries the IC tag90. The passenger U may use any of a plurality of vehicles80. A configuration of the IC tag90will be described later.

The reader/writer83is installed in a vicinity of the doorway82. The reader/writer83is an apparatus which carries out near field communication with the IC tag90possessed by the passenger. The reader/writer83drives, by a transmission wave transmitted from an antenna section (not illustrated), the IC tag90which is in close proximity therewith, and reads information stored in a storage section93of the IC tag90or writes information in the storage section93. The reader/writer83is an example of a configuration realizing a “detection apparatus” recited in the claims.

(Configuration of Display Apparatus84)

The display apparatus84is installed in the vehicle80. The display apparatus84is preferably installed at a position at which the display apparatus84can be viewed from the passenger who is on board the vehicle80. The display apparatus84displays advertisement information which corresponds to an attribute of the vehicle. For example, the display apparatus84is constituted by a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this example.

The vehicle-mounted apparatus20is an example of a configuration realizing a “management apparatus” recited in the claims. A configuration of the vehicle-mounted apparatus20is described with reference toFIG.6.FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle-mounted apparatus20. As illustrated inFIG.6, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20includes a control section210and a storage section250. The control section210includes an obtaining section211, a setting section212, a detecting section213, a providing section214, a stop managing section221, and a boarding and alighting information generating section222. The storage section250stores therein vehicle attribute information, fare setting information, advertisement information, and stop information.

The obtaining section211obtains passenger attribute information included in the information read by the reader/writer83from the IC tag90. The obtaining section211also obtains the vehicle attribute information stored in the storage section250by reading the vehicle attribute information from the storage section250.

The setting section212sets a fare in accordance with boarding information relating to a boarding station of the passenger U, alighting information relating to an alighting station of the passenger U, and a combination of the vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information.

The detecting section213detects the passenger by reading, with use of the reader/writer83, the information stored in the IC tag90.

The providing section214provides, in the vehicle80, a service which corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle80. Specifically, the providing section214displays, on the display apparatus84, the advertisement information which corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle80. Display of the advertisement information is an example of a “service which corresponds to the attribute of the at least any vehicle” recited in the claims. The providing section214is an example of a configuration realizing a “providing means” recited in the claims.

The stop managing section221detects a current stop at which the vehicle80is stopping, and updates the stop information stored in the storage section250. For example, the stop managing section221may detect the current stop by referring to (i) a current position detected with use of a positioning sensor and (ii) predetermined operation information. The operation information includes, for example, (i) a stop at which the vehicle80is to stop and (ii) positional information relating to the stop.

The boarding and alighting information generating section222generates the boarding information relating to the boarding station of the passenger U and the alighting information relating to the alighting station of the passenger U. Details of the boarding information and the alighting information will be described later.

The vehicle attribute information is information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle80. The vehicle attribute information is determined for each vehicle80. In the present embodiment, the vehicle attribute information indicates a classification of the service provided in the vehicle80. The service provided in the vehicle80is classified by, for example, a passenger bracket assumed as a target of provision of the service. In other words, in the present embodiment, the vehicle attribute information indicates the passenger bracket that is a target of provision. As a detailed example, the vehicle attribute information indicates one of “for family”, “for elderly people”, and “for commute”. Hereinafter, the vehicle80with respect to which the vehicle attribute information indicates “X” may be referred to as simply “vehicle80for X”.

The fare setting information indicates a rule for setting the fare in accordance with the combination of the vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information. The fare setting information is information common to the plurality of vehicles80. The fare setting information is described with reference toFIG.7.FIG.7is a drawing illustrating an example of the fare setting information. In the example inFIG.7, the fare setting information is constituted by information in which the vehicle attribute information, the passenger attribute information, and discount information are associated with each other. With reference toFIG.7, for example, the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people”, the passenger attribute information “elderly person”, and the discount information “senior discount” are associated with each other. This indicates that, in a case where the passenger U who is an “elderly person” boards the vehicle80“for elderly people”, the senior discount is applied. Further, the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people”, the passenger attribute information “other than an “elderly person””, and the discount information “normal fare” are associated with each other. This indicates that, in a case where the passenger U other than an “elderly person” boards the vehicle80“for elderly people”, the normal fare is applied.

The advertisement information indicates an advertisement of which a content corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle80. For example, in a case where the attribute of the vehicle80is “for elderly people”, the advertisement information includes an advertisement for elderly people.

The stop information includes information indicative of the current stop. The stop information is updated to the latest information by the stop managing section221.

The IC tag90stores therein information for the passenger U to use the vehicle80. The IC tag90may be, for example, a transportation IC card or may be embedded in a mobile terminal. The IC tag90is an example of a configuration realizing a “storage medium carried by the passenger” recited in the claims. In the present embodiment, the IC tag90is a passive type radio-frequency tag which does not include a power supply source. A configuration of the IC tag90is described with reference toFIG.8.FIG.8is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the IC tag90. As illustrated inFIG.8, the IC tag90has an antenna section91, a transmitting and receiving section92, and the storage section93.

The antenna section91receives the transmission wave from the reader/writer83, and drives the transmitting and receiving section92and the storage section93.

The transmitting and receiving section92carries out A/D conversion, demodulation, decoding, and the like of a signal received via the antenna section91. The transmitting and receiving section92thus writes, in the storage section93, the information received from the reader/writer83. The transmitting and receiving section92also carries out encoding, modulation, A/D conversion, and the like with respect to the information stored in the storage section93. The transmitting and receiving section92thus transmits the information to the reader/writer83via the antenna section91.

The storage section93stores therein a tag ID, the passenger attribute information, a charge balance, the boarding information, and the alighting information.

The tag ID is identification information relating to the IC tag90.

The passenger attribute information is information indicative of the attribute of the passenger. In the present embodiment, the passenger attribute information indicates the passenger bracket assumed for the service provided by the providing section214. For example, the passenger attribute information indicates “commuter”, “with a child” or “elderly person”, but is not limited to such examples. It is desirable that the passenger attribute information be, for example, information written on presentation of a certifying document when the IC tag90is issued to the passenger U. The certifying document is a document which certifies that the passenger U has the attribute indicated by the passenger attribute information. For example, the certifying document for the attribute “elderly person” may be a silver pass (i.e., senior card) issued by a local government. Alternatively, for example, the certifying document for the attribute “with a child” may be a maternal and child health handbook. However, the certifying document is not limited to the above-described examples. Hereinafter, the passenger U with respect to which the passenger attribute information indicates “X” may be referred to as simply “passenger U who is X”.

The charge balance indicates a balance of electronic money charged in the IC tag90by the passenger paying a charge amount in advance. By paying the charge amount, addition to the charge balance is carried out. By deducting the fare, subtraction from the charge balance is carried out.

The boarding information is information which indicates that the passenger U has boarded the vehicle80. The boarding information includes information indicative of a boarding station and information indicative of a boarding time.

The alighting information is information which indicates that the passenger U has alighted from the vehicle80. The alighting information includes information indicative of an alighting station and information indicative of an alighting time.

<Flow of Management Method S2>

A flow of a management method S2carried out by the management system2configured as described above is described with reference toFIG.9.FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S2. As illustrated inFIG.9, the management method S2includes steps S21to S30.

In the step S21, the detecting section213detects the passenger U who boards the vehicle80, by reading information from the IC tag90with use of the reader/writer83.

In the step S22, the boarding and alighting information generating section222generates boarding information. Specifically, the boarding and alighting information generating section422reads the latest stop information from the storage section250. The boarding and alighting information generating section222generates the boarding information including information indicative of (i) a boarding station which is a stop indicated by the stop information and (ii) a boarding time which is a current time.

In the step S23, the boarding and alighting information generating section222writes the boarding information in the IC tag90with use of the reader/writer83.

In the step S24, the obtaining section211obtains passenger attribute information included in the information read by the reader/writer83.

In the step S25, the obtaining section211obtains vehicle attribute information by reading the vehicle attribute information from the storage section250.

In the step S26, the detecting section213detects the passenger U who alights from the vehicle80, by reading the information from the IC tag90with use of the reader/writer83.

In the step S27, the boarding and alighting information generating section222generates alighting information. Specifically, the boarding and alighting information generating section222reads the latest stop information from the storage section250. The boarding and alighting information generating section222generates the alighting information including information indicative of (i) an alighting station which is a stop indicated by the stop information and (ii) an alighting time which is a current time.

In the step S28, the setting section212sets a fare by applying, to a normal fare which is determined with respect to a section in which the passenger U boards the vehicle80, a discount which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information. Specifically, the setting section212calculates the normal fare in accordance with a given fare rule on the basis of the boarding station indicated by the boarding information and the alighting station indicated by the alighting information. The setting section212also refers to fare setting information, and obtains discount information associated with the combination of the vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information. The setting section212then calculates the fare which is obtained by applying the discount information to the normal fare.

In the step S29, the setting section212deducts the fare from a charge balance included in the information read by the reader/writer83, and calculates the charge balance after deduction.

In the step S30, the boarding and alighting information generating section222writes, in the IC tag90, the alighting information and the charge balance after the deduction, with use of the reader/writer83.

First Detailed Example

Detailed examples of the present example embodiment are described.

Here, the attribute of the vehicle80-1is “for elderly people”. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1stores therein the vehicle attribute information indicative of “for elderly people”. A facility (handrail, etc.) for elderly people is installed in the vehicle80-1. The facility for elderly people is an example of the “service which corresponds to the attribute of the at least any vehicle” recited in the claims. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1stores therein, as the advertisement information, information for elderly people, such as information relating to health and information relating to inheritance, and displays the information on the display apparatus84-1.

The attribute of the vehicle80-2is “for family”. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2stores therein the vehicle attribute information indicative of “for family”. A facility for family (e.g., stroller placement space) is installed in the vehicle80-2. The facility for family is an example of the “service which corresponds to the attribute of the at least any vehicle” recited in the claims. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2stores therein, as the advertisement information, information relating to amusement, and displays the information on the display apparatus84-2.

The attribute of the vehicle80-3is “for commute”. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3stores therein the vehicle attribute information indicative of “for commute”. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3stores therein, as the advertisement information, information relating to news, and displays the information on the display apparatus84-3.

The passenger U1is assumed to be an elderly person. The IC tag90-1carried by the passenger U1stores therein the passenger attribute information indicative of “elderly person”. This information has been written by the passenger U1presenting a silver pass at a time of issuance of the IC tag90-1.

In a case where the passenger U1boards the vehicle80-1, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1reads the information stored in the IC tag90-1. The management system2carries out the management method S2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1thus obtains the passenger attribute information “elderly person” stored in the IC tag90-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1also obtains the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” stored in the storage section250. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1writes the boarding information in the IC tag90-1.

Thereafter, when the passenger U1alights from the vehicle80-1, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1reads the information stored in the IC tag90-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1also generates the alighting information. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1then calculates the fare by applying the discount information “senior discount” to the normal fare. The discount information “senior discount” corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” and the passenger attribute information “elderly person”. The normal fare has been calculated in accordance with the boarding information and the alighting information. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1then deducts the fare from the charge balance. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-1writes, in the IC tag90-1, the charge balance after deduction and the alighting information.

Note that in a case where the passenger U1boards the vehicle80-2, the “normal fare” is applied which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for family” and the passenger attribute information “elderly person”. Similarly, in a case where the passenger U1boards the vehicle80-3, the “normal fare” is applied which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for commute” and the passenger attribute information “elderly person”.

Thus, the passenger U1who is an “elderly person” can receive the service for elderly people at the senior discount, by boarding the vehicle80-1“for elderly people” which is included in the plurality of vehicles80. Therefore, a level of satisfaction is improved.

In a case where the passenger U2boards the vehicle80-2, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2reads the information stored in the IC tag90-2. The management system2carries out the management method S2. Thus, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2obtains the passenger attribute information “with a child” stored in the IC tag90-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2also obtains the vehicle attribute information “for family” stored in the storage section250. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2writes the boarding information in the IC tag90-2.

In a case where the passenger U2alights from the vehicle80-2, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2reads the information stored in the IC tag90-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2also generates the alighting information. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2then calculates the fare by applying the discount information “parent-child discount” to the normal fare. The discount information “parent-child discount” corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for family” and the passenger attribute information “with a child”. The normal fare has been calculated in accordance with the boarding information and the alighting information. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2then deducts the fare from the charge balance. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-2writes, in the IC tag90-2, the charge balance after deduction and the alighting information.

Note that in a case where the passenger U2boards the vehicle80-1, the “normal fare” is applied which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” and the passenger attribute information “with a child”. Similarly, in a case where the passenger U2boards the vehicle80-3, the “normal fare” is applied which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for commute” and the passenger attribute information “with a child”.

Thus, the passenger U2who is “with a child” can receive the service for family at the parent-child discount, by boarding the vehicle80-2“for family” which is included in the plurality of vehicles80. Therefore, a level of satisfaction is improved.

It is assumed that the passenger U3is a commuter. The IC tag90-3carried by the passenger U3stores therein the passenger attribute information indicative of “general”.

In a case where the passenger U3boards the vehicle80-3, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3reads the information stored in the IC tag90-3. The management system2carries out the management method S2. Thus, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3obtains the passenger attribute information “general” stored in the IC tag90-3. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3also obtains the vehicle attribute information “for commute” stored in the storage section250. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3writes the boarding information in the IC tag90-3.

Then, in a case where the passenger U3alights from the vehicle80-3, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3reads the information stored in the IC tag90-3. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3also generates the alighting information. Note, here, that the discount information which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for commute” and the passenger attribute information “general” is the “normal fare”. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3deducts, from the charge balance, the normal fare calculated in accordance with the boarding information and the alighting information. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3writes, in the IC tag90-3, the charge balance after deduction and the alighting information.

Note that in a case where the passenger U3boards the vehicle80-1, the “normal fare” is applied which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” and the passenger attribute information “general”. Similarly, in a case where the passenger U3boards the vehicle80-2, the “normal fare” is applied which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for family” and the passenger attribute information “general”.

Thus, since the passenger U3who is “general” is provided with the service for commute by boarding the vehicle80-3“for commute” which is included in the plurality of vehicles80, a level of satisfaction is improved.

In the present detailed example, the passengers U1to U3are expected to board, out of the plurality of vehicles80, respective different vehicles80each of which has an attribute that allows a discount to be applied in combination with the attribute of a corresponding one of the passengers U1to U3. Therefore, even in a case where convenience of the vehicle80-3is higher than that of the other vehicles80, a degree of congestion on the vehicle80-3is reduced as compared with those on the other vehicles80. Therefore, a level of satisfaction in a case where the passenger U3who is “general” boards the vehicle80-3“for commute” is also improved.

Effects of the Present Example Embodiment

In the present example embodiment, the discount information is applied which corresponds to the combination of (i) the passenger attribute information that has been read from the IC tag90carried by the passenger U and (ii) the vehicle attribute information that relates to the vehicle80in which the passenger U has been detected. This makes it possible for the passenger U to board, at an appropriate discount fare, the vehicle80which is suitable for his/her attribute, simply by holding the IC tag90over the reader/writer83when boarding and alighting from the vehicle80. As a result, a level of satisfaction is improved.

Moreover, in the present example embodiment, the service which corresponds to the vehicle attribute information is provided in each vehicle80, and the discount information is set in accordance with the target of provision of the service. This makes it possible to compose a train in which the plurality of vehicles80having different fare systems are mixed.

Furthermore, in the present example embodiment, it is expected that the passenger U boards the vehicle80which provides the service suitable for his/her attribute. This reduces congestion without bias of passengers U on a particular vehicle80.

In addition, in the present example embodiment, the reader/writer83provided to the doorway82has a ticket checking function. Therefore, it is not necessary to install a ticket gate for entry into a station. As a result, it is expected that people other than the passenger U of the vehicle80use a facility in the station. This leads to higher profits.

Fourth Example Embodiment

A third example embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to drawings. The present example embodiment is an embodiment which realizes setting of a fare which corresponds to an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle, with use of face recognition with respect to a passenger who has made a reservation.

<Configuration of Management System3>

A configuration of a management system3in accordance with the present example embodiment is described with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system3. As illustrated inFIG.10, the management system3includes a management server30, a terminal71, vehicle-mounted apparatuses40-1to40-3, cameras85-1to85-3, opening and closing apparatuses86-1to86-3, and display apparatuses84-1to84-3. The vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1, the camera85-1, the opening and closing apparatus86-1, and the display apparatus84-1are provided to a vehicle80-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus40-2, the camera85-2, the opening and closing apparatus86-2, and the display apparatus84-2are provided to a vehicle80-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus20-3, the camera85-3, the opening and closing apparatus86-3, and the display apparatus84-3are provided to a vehicle80-3. The display apparatuses84, the vehicles80, doors81, doorways82, and passengers U are as described in the third example embodiment. The management server30, the vehicle-mounted apparatuses40-1to40-3, and the terminal71are communicably connected to each other via a network N1. A detailed example of the network N1is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a WAN, a public network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks. Note, however, that a configuration of the network N1is not limited to these examples. Hereinafter, in a case where it is not particularly necessary to distinguish between the vehicle-mounted apparatuses40-1to40-3, between the cameras85-1to85-3, and between the opening and closing apparatuses86-1to86-3, each of the vehicle-mounted apparatuses40-1to40-3is simply referred to as “vehicle-mounted apparatus40”, each of the cameras85-1to85-3is simply referred to as “camera85”, and each of the opening and closing apparatuses86-1to86-3is simply referred to as “opening and closing apparatus86”. Note thatFIG.10illustrates a single management server30and a single terminal71, but this does not limit the numbers of these apparatuses included in the present example embodiment. It is desirable that at least one camera85be provided in a vicinity of a single doorway82. A plurality of cameras85may be further provided in a vicinity of a single doorway82.

The camera85is installed in a vicinity of a doorway82-1. The camera85-2is installed in a vicinity of a doorway82-2. The camera85-3is installed in a vicinity of a doorway82-3. The camera85is an apparatus which converts light condensed by a lens into an image signal by an image sensor and which generates a captured image on the basis of the image signal. The camera85is installed such that the lens faces in a direction in which the camera85can capture both an image of the passenger who boards from the doorway82and an image of the passenger who alights from the doorway82. The camera85is an example of the “detection apparatus” recited in the claims.

(Configuration of Opening and Closing Apparatus86)

The opening and closing apparatus86is an apparatus which controls opening and closing of the door81. The opening and closing apparatus86controls opening and closing of the door81in accordance with control information received from an opening and closing control section415(described later). The opening and closing apparatus86also detects whether the door81is open or closed, and transmits this detected information to the opening and closing control section415.

The terminal71is a computer operated by the passenger U. The terminal71functions as a terminal on which a reservation service provided by the management server30is used. Specifically, an input apparatus (not illustrated), a display apparatus (not illustrated), and a camera72are connected to the terminal71. Alternatively, a part or all of the input apparatus, the display apparatus, and the camera72may be embedded in the terminal71. The terminal71displays, on the display apparatus, information received from the management server30. The terminal71transmits, to the management server30, information obtained via the input apparatus or the camera72.

(Configuration of Management Server30)

The management server30is an example of a configuration realizing at least a part of the “management apparatus” recited in the claims. A configuration of the management server30is described with reference toFIG.11.FIG.11is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server30. As illustrated inFIG.11, the management server30includes a control section310, a storage section350, and a communication section330. The control section310includes an obtaining section311, a setting section312, a determining section316, a registering section317, a payment section318, and a recognizing section319. The storage section350includes fare setting information, passenger information, and reservation information. The communication section330transmits and receives information to and from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40and the terminal71on the basis of control by the control section310. Hereinafter, transmitting and receiving various kinds of information by the communication section330are referred to as simply transmitting and receiving various kinds of information.

The obtaining section311obtains (i) a face image of the passenger U who has been detected in the vicinity of the doorway82of the vehicle80and (ii) vehicle attribute information, by receiving the face image and the vehicle attribute information from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40. The obtaining section311also obtains passenger attribute information associated with the face image of the passenger U, by referring to the passenger information.

The setting section312sets a fare in accordance with a combination of vehicle attribute information relating to the vehicle80which is to be used by the passenger U and the passenger attribute information included in the passenger information.

The determining section316determines whether or not the vehicle attribute information relating to the vehicle80having the doorway82in which the camera85has detected the passenger U matches the vehicle attribute information included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U. The determining section316also determines whether or not to permit boarding of the passenger U, on the basis of this determination result. Specifically, in the case where the determining section316permits boarding, the determining section316controls the door81to be open. In the case where the determining section316does not permit boarding, the determining section316controls the door81to be closed.

The registering section317receives, from the terminal71, information for use of the reservation service, and registers the passenger information and the reservation information. Note that registering is storing in the storage section350. Details of the passenger information and the reservation information will be described later.

The payment section318performs payment of the fare. Specifically, the payment section318requests payment of the passenger fare with respect to a payment server (not illustrated) indicated by payment information specified by the passenger U. The payment section318thus performs the payment.

The recognizing section319carries out recognition by face images. A known technique can be applied to a face recognition technique. The recognizing section319determines whether or not a face image which has been received from the terminal71or the vehicle-mounted apparatus40and a face image which is included in the passenger information indicate an identical person.

A configuration of the fare setting information in the present example embodiment is as described with reference toFIG.7in the third example embodiment.

The passenger information is information indicative of the passenger U. The passenger information is described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12is a drawing illustrating an example of the passenger information. The passenger information includes information indicative of a passenger ID, information indicative of a passenger attribute, and information indicative of a face image. In this example, passenger IDs of the passengers U1to U3are respectively U1to U3. For example, the passenger attribute of the passenger U1is “elderly person”. An image IMG001is registered as the face image of the passenger U1. Note that the storage section350which stores therein the passenger information including the face image and the passenger attribute information is an example of the configuration realizing the “storage means” recited in the claims.

The reservation information is information indicative of a reservation of use of the vehicle U by the passenger U. The reservation information is described with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a drawing illustrating an example of the reservation information. The reservation information includes information indicative of a reservation ID, information indicative of boarding date and time, information indicative of a passenger ID, information indicative of a vehicle attribute, information indicative of a boarding section, and information indicative of a fare. These are information determined at a time of reservation. The reservation information further includes boarding information and alighting information. These are information determined by the passenger U boarding and alighting from the vehicle80in accordance with the reservation indicated by the reservation information.

For example, the reservation information of the reservation ID001indicates that the passenger U1is to board the vehicle80for elderly people in the boarding section A-B at 9:00 on 2021/4/1. The reservation information of the reservation ID003includes information indicative of a period as the boarding date and time. In this case, the reservation information of the reservation ID003indicates information relating to a commuter ticket which is valid for the period registered as the boarding date and time. That is, the reservation information of the reservation ID003indicates the information relating to the commuter ticket with which the passenger U3boards the vehicle80for commute in the boarding section X-Z, and an effective period of the commuter ticket is 2021/4/1 to 2021/9/30.

The vehicle-mounted apparatus40is an example of a configuration realizing at least a part of the “management apparatus” recited in the claims. A configuration of the vehicle-mounted apparatus40is described with reference toFIG.14.FIG.14is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle-mounted apparatus40. As illustrated inFIG.14, the vehicle-mounted apparatus40includes a control section410, a storage section450, and a communication section430. The control section410includes a detecting section413, a providing section414, the opening and closing control section415, a stop managing section421, and a boarding and alighting information generating section422. The storage section450stores therein the vehicle attribute information, advertisement information, and stop information. The communication section430transmits and receives information to and from the management server30on the basis of control by the control section410. Hereinafter, transmitting and receiving various kinds of information by the communication section430are referred to as simply transmitting and receiving various kinds of information. The stop managing section421and the boarding and alighting information generating section422are configured similarly to respective functional blocks having the same names in the third example embodiment. The vehicle attribute information, the advertisement information, and the stop information are as described in the third example embodiment.

The detecting section413detects the passenger U by extracting the face image from an image captured by the camera85. Here, the face image is an example of “biometric information” recited in the claims.

The opening and closing control section415controls opening and closing of the door81by transmitting control information to the opening and closing apparatus86. The opening and closing control section415also receives, from the opening and closing apparatus86, information indicative of whether the door81is open or closed.

<Flow of Reservation Method S3>

A flow of a reservation method S3carried out in the reservation service by the management system3configured as described above is described with reference toFIG.15.FIG.15is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reservation method S3for reserving use of the vehicle80. As illustrated inFIG.15, the reservation method S3includes steps S31to S39.

In the step S31, the terminal71obtains a face image of the passenger U and passenger attribute information, and transmits the face image and the passenger attribute information to the management server30. For example, the terminal71may obtain the face image of the passenger U by extracting the face image from an image captured by the camera72. Alternatively, the terminal71may obtain the face image stored in a memory of the terminal71by reading the face image. Further, for example, the terminal71may obtain the passenger attribute information which is inputted with use of the input apparatus of the terminal71. The terminal71may further obtain certification information in addition to the passenger attribute information, and transmit the certification information to the management server30. The certification information is information indicative of a certifying document which certifies an attribute of the passenger U. For example, the certification information may be an image including, as a subject, a silver pass or a maternal and child health handbook each of which is an example of the above-described certifying document.

In the step S32, the registering section317of the management server30generates passenger information including the passenger attribute information and the face image, on the basis of the information received from the terminal71. The registering section317registers the generated passenger information. Note that, in a case where the certification information is received, the registering section317may determine whether or not the received passenger attribute information is appropriate, with reference to the certification information. In this case, in a case where the registering section317determines that the passenger attribute information is appropriate, the registering section317registers the passenger information. In a case where the registering section317determines that the passenger attribute information is not appropriate, the registering section317ends the reservation method S3.

In the step S33, the terminal71obtains boarding date and time, a boarding section, and vehicle attribute information each of which is desired by the passenger U, and transmits the boarding date and time, the boarding section, and the vehicle attribute information to the management server30. For example, the terminal71may obtain these pieces of information which are inputted with use of the input apparatus of the terminal71.

In the step S34, the setting section312of the management server30sets a fare which corresponds to a combination of the passenger attribute information and the vehicle attribute information, on the basis of the boarding date and time, the boarding section, and the vehicle attribute information received from the terminal71. The setting section312transmits the set fare to the terminal71.

Specifically, the setting section312refers to the boarding section, and calculates a normal fare in accordance with a given fare rule. The setting section312also obtains discount information associated with the combination, with reference to fare setting information. The setting section312sets the fare by applying the discount information to the normal fare.

In the step S35, the terminal71displays the received fare on the display apparatus.

In the step S36, the terminal71obtains payment information, and transmits the payment information to the management server30. For example, the terminal71may obtain payment information which is inputted with use of the input apparatus of the terminal71. The payment information is information necessary to collect the fare from the passenger U, and is, for example, information relating to a credit card, electronic money, or the like. However, the payment information is not limited to these examples.

In the step S37, the payment section318of the management server30performs payment with use of the received payment information.

In the step S38, the registering section317generates reservation information including a reservation ID, a passenger ID, the boarding date and time, the boarding section, and the vehicle attribute information. The registering section317registers the generated reservation information.

<Flow of Management Method S4at a Time of Boarding>

A flow of a management method S4carried out by the management system3is described with reference toFIG.16.FIG.16is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S4which is carried out at a time of boarding of the passenger U. As illustrated inFIG.13, the management method S4includes steps S41to S50.

In the step S41, the detecting section413of the vehicle-mounted apparatus40detects the passenger who boards the vehicle80, by extracting a face image of the passenger U from an image captured by the camera85.

In the step S42, the boarding and alighting information generating section422generates boarding information. Specifically, the boarding and alighting information generating section422reads the latest stop information from the storage section450. The boarding and alighting information generating section422generates the boarding information including information indicative of (i) a boarding station which is a stop indicated by the stop information and (ii) a boarding time which is a current time.

In the step S43, the detecting section413transmits, to the management server30, the boarding information which has been generated in the step S42, vehicle attribute information which is stored in the storage section450, and the face image which has been obtained in the step S41.

In the step S44, the recognizing section319carries out face recognition with use of the received face image. Specifically, in a case where the recognizing section319can determine that the received face image and the face image included in the passenger information stored in the storage section350indicates an identical person, the recognizing section319determines that the face recognition has succeeded. Hereinafter, the passenger U indicated by such passenger information is also referred to as “passenger U who has succeeded in the face recognition”. Further, the passenger ID included in such passenger information is also referred to as “passenger ID which has succeeded in the face recognition”. Note that, in a case where the face recognition is not successful, the management server30ends the management method S4.

In the step S45, the determining section316obtains, from the storage section350, the reservation information including the passenger ID which has succeeded in the face recognition.

In the step S46, the determining section316determines whether or not the vehicle attribute information and the boarding information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40match the reservation information. Specifically, in a case where the vehicle attribute information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40matches the vehicle attribute information included in the reservation information, the determining section316determines that the vehicle attribute information matches the reservation information. In a case where the vehicle attribute information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40does not match the vehicle attribute information included in the reservation information, the determining section316determines that the vehicle attribute information does not match the reservation information. In a case where the boarding station indicated by the boarding information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40is included in the section indicated by the reservation information, the determining section316determines that the boarding information matches the reservation information. In a case where the boarding station is not included in the section, the determining section316determines that the boarding information does not match the reservation information. In a case where both of the vehicle attribute information and the boarding information match the reservation information, the determining section316makes a determination of “YES” in this step. In a case where at least one of the vehicle attribute information and the boarding information does not match the reservation information, the determining section316makes a determination of “NO”.

In a case where a determination of YES is made in the step S46, the determining section316transmits permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40in the step S47.

In the step S48, the registering section317updates the reservation information stored in the storage section350so that the reservation information includes the boarding information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40.

In a case where a determination of NO is made in the step S46, the determining section316transmits non-permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40in the step S49.

In the step S50, the opening and closing control section415of the vehicle-mounted apparatus40controls opening and closing of the door81, in accordance with the received information. Specifically, in a case where the permission information has been received, the opening and closing control section415controls an opening and closing control apparatus to open the door81. Note that, in a case where the permission information has been received and the door81is already open, the opening and closing control section415leaves the door81open without controlling the opening and closing control apparatus. In a case where the non-permission information has been received, the opening and closing control section415controls the opening and closing control apparatus to close the door81. Note that, in a case where the non-permission information has been received and the door81is already closed, the opening and closing control section415leaves the door81closed without controlling the opening and closing control apparatus.

<Flow of Management Method S5at a Time of Alighting>

A flow of a management method S5carried out by the management system3is described with reference toFIG.17.FIG.17is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S5which is carried out at a time of alighting of the passenger U. As illustrated inFIG.17, the management method S5includes steps S51to S59.

In the step S51, the detecting section413of the vehicle-mounted apparatus40detects the passenger who boards the vehicle80, by extracting a face image of the passenger U from an image captured by the camera85.

In the step S52, the boarding and alighting information generating section422generates alighting information. Specifically, the boarding and alighting information generating section422reads the latest stop information from the storage section450. The boarding and alighting information generating section422generates the alighting information including information indicative of (i) an alighting station which is a stop indicated by the stop information and (ii) an alighting time which is a current time.

In the step S53, the boarding and alighting information generating section422transmits, to the management server30, the alighting information which has been generated in the step S52and the face image which has been obtained in the step S51.

In the step S54, the recognizing section319carries out face recognition with use of the received face image. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S44. Note that, in a case where the face recognition is not successful, the management server30ends the management method SS.

In the step S55, the determining section316obtains, from the storage section350, the reservation information including the passenger ID which has succeeded in the face recognition.

In the step S56, the determining section316determines whether or not the alighting information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40matches the reservation information. Specifically, in a case where the alighting station indicated by the alighting information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus is included in the section indicated by the reservation information, the determining section316determines that the alighting information matches the reservation information. In a case where the alighting station is not included in the section, the determining section316determines that the alighting information does not match the reservation information.

In a case where a determination of NO is made in the step S56, the determining section316transmits error information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40and also stores the error information in the storage section550in the step S57. For example, the determining section316may update the reservation information stored in the storage section350by including the error information, in place of the alighting information, in reservation information. The fact that the alighting station does not match the reservation information is thus recorded.

In the step S58, the vehicle-mounted apparatus40outputs the received error information. For example, the vehicle-mounted apparatus40may output the error information to the display apparatus or a speaker (both not illustrated) each of which is installed in the vicinity of the doorway82. The passenger U can thus recognize that the alighting station does not match the reservation information.

In a case where a determination of YES is made in the step S56, the registering section317updates, in the step S59, the reservation information stored in the storage section350so that the reservation information includes the alighting information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40.

Second Detailed Example

Detailed examples of the present example embodiment are described. Here, the vehicle attribute information relating to the vehicles80-1to80-3respectively indicate “for elderly people”, “for family” and “for commute”, similarly to the first detailed example of the third example embodiment. The passengers U1to U3are respectively an elderly person, a passenger with a child, and a commuter, similarly to the detailed examples of the third example embodiment.

The passenger U1reserves use of the vehicle80-1with use of the terminal71. Specifically, the passenger U1inputs, into the terminal71, a face image, the passenger attribute information “elderly person”, and an image including a silver pass as a subject. The passenger U1also inputs, into the terminal71, the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people”, the boarding date and time “9:00 on 2021/4/1”, and the boarding section “A-B”, as contents of a reservation. The management system3carries out the reservation method S3.

The management server30thus determines that the certification information is appropriate, and, with respect to the passenger U1, the management server30registers the passenger information including the passenger ID “U1”, the face image, and the passenger attribute information “elderly person”. Further, the management server30applies the discount information “senior discount” in accordance with a combination of the passenger attribute information “elderly person” which is included in the passenger information relating to the passenger U1and the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” which has been received as a content of the reservation from the terminal71, and then performs payment.

The management server30also issues the reservation ID “R001”, and registers the reservation information including the passenger ID “U1”, the boarding date and time “9:00 on 2021/4/1”, the boarding section “A-B”, and the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people”.

The passenger U1boards the vehicle80-1at a station “A” on the boarding date and time “9:00 on 2021/4/1”. The management system3carries out the management method S4. The vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1thus extracts a face image of the passenger U1from an image captured by the camera85-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1transmits, to the management server30, the face image, the boarding information, and the vehicle attribute information relating to the vehicle80-1. The management server30obtains the reservation information relating to the passenger U1by recognizing the face image of the passenger U1. The management server30determines that the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1matches the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” transmitted from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1. The management server30also determines that the boarding station “A” is included in the boarding section “A-B” included in the reservation information. Therefore, the management server30transmits the permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1controls the door80-1to be open. Further, the management server30updates the reservation information relating to the passenger U1so that the reservation information includes the boarding information.

Thereafter, the passenger U1alights from the vehicle80-1at a station “B”. The management system3carries out the management method SS. The vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1thus extracts a face image of the passenger U1from an image captured by the camera85-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1transmits, to the management server30, the face image and the alighting information. The management server30obtains the reservation information relating to the passenger U1by recognizing the face image of the passenger U1, as in a case of boarding. The management server30also determines that the alighting station “B” is included in the boarding section “A-B” included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1. Thus, the management server30transmits the permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1updates the reservation information relating to the passenger U1so that the reservation information includes the alighting information, without outputting the error information.

Note that, in a case where the passenger U1boards the vehicle80-2or80-3at the station A, the management server30determines that the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” which is included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1does not match the vehicle attribute information “for family” or “for commute” which has been transmitted from the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1. Therefore, the management server30transmits the non-permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1controls the door80-1to be closed.

Also in a case where the passenger U1boards the vehicle80-1at a station “C” which is not included in the boarding section “A-B”, the management server30determines that the boarding station “C” is not included in the boarding section “A-B”which is included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1. Therefore, the management server30transmits the non-permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1controls the door80-1to be closed.

Also in a case where the passenger U1boards the vehicle80-1at the station “A” and then alights from the vehicle80-1at a station “D” which is not included in the boarding section “A-B”, the management server30determines that the alighting station “D” is not included in the boarding section “A-B” which is included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1. Therefore, the management server30transmits the non-permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus40-1controls the door80-1to be closed.

The passenger U1who is an “elderly person” can thus board the vehicle80-1“for elderly people” only with the face recognition in accordance with the reservation with respect to which payment has been performed with the senior discount, and receive the service for elderly people. Therefore, a level of satisfaction is improved.

(Reservation for Passenger with Child)

The passenger U2reserves use of the vehicle80-2with use of the terminal71. Specifically, the passenger U2inputs, into the terminal71, a face image, the passenger attribute information “with a child”, and an image including a maternal and child health handbook as a subject. The passenger U2also inputs, into the terminal71, the vehicle attribute information “for family”, the boarding date and time “10:00 on 2021/4/1”, and the boarding section “A-B”, as contents of a reservation. The management system3carries out the reservation method S3. The management server30thus determines that the certification information is appropriate, and, with respect to the passenger U2, the management server30registers the passenger information including the passenger ID “U2”, the face image, and the passenger attribute information “with a child”. Further, the management server30applies the discount information “discount for a passenger with a child” in accordance with a combination of the passenger attribute information “with a child” which is included in the passenger information relating to the passenger U2and the vehicle attribute information “for family” which has been received as a content of the reservation from the terminal71, and then performs payment. The management server30also issues the reservation ID “R002”, and registers the reservation information including the passenger ID “U2”, the boarding date and time “10:00 on 2021/4/1”, the boarding section “A-B”, and the vehicle attribute information “for family”.

Detailed examples of the management methods S4and SS carried out when the passenger U2boards and alights from the vehicles80-1to80-3are described substantially similarly by replacing, with “2”, “1” at the end of the reference sign in the detailed example of the “Boarding of elderly person” described above. Therefore, detailed descriptions are not repeated.

The passenger U2who is “with a child” can thus board the vehicle80-2“for family” only with the face recognition in accordance with the reservation with respect to which payment has been performed with the parent-child discount, and receive the service for family. Therefore, a level of satisfaction is improved.

(Purchase of Commuter Ticket by Commuter)

The passenger U3purchases a commuter ticket for use of the vehicle80-3with use of the terminal71. Specifically, the passenger U3inputs, into the terminal71, a face image and the passenger attribute information “general”. The passenger U3also inputs, into the terminal71, the vehicle attribute information “for commute”, the effective period “2021/4/1 to 2021/9/30”, and the boarding section “X-Y”, as information relating to the commuter ticket. The management system3carries out the reservation method S3. The management server30thus registers, with respect to the passenger U3, the passenger information including the passenger ID “U3”, the face image, and the passenger attribute information “general”. Further, the management server30applies “normal fare” in accordance with a combination of the passenger attribute information “general” which is included in the passenger information relating to the passenger U3and the vehicle attribute information “for commute” which has been received as the information relating to the commuter ticket from the terminal71, and then performs payment. The management server30also issues the reservation ID “R003”, and registers the reservation information including the passenger ID “U3”, the effective period “2021/4/1 to 2021/9/30”, the boarding section “X-Z”, and the vehicle attribute information “for commute”.

(Boarding of Commuter with Commuter Ticket)

Detailed examples of the management methods S4and SS carried out when the passenger U3boards and alights from the vehicles80-1to80-3are described substantially similarly by replacing, with “3”, “1” at the end of the reference sign in the detailed example of the “Boarding of elderly person” described above. Therefore, detailed descriptions are not repeated.

The passenger U3can thus board the vehicle80-3only with the face recognition during the effective period, in accordance with the information relating to the commuter ticket with respect to which payment has been performed with the normal fare. Therefore, a level of satisfaction is improved.

Effects of the Present Example Embodiment

In the present example embodiment, the vehicle80is reserved with use of the face image of the passenger U, the passenger attribute information, and the vehicle attribute information desired by the passenger U, and the face recognition is carried out at a time of actual boarding and alighting. The passenger U can thus board, only with the face recognition at a time of boarding and alighting, the vehicle80which has been reserved, and receive the service which corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle80, at the fare which corresponds to a combination of the attribute of the passenger U and the attribute of the vehicle80that has been reserved. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved.

Further, with regard to (i) a composition of a train in which a plurality of vehicles80having different fare systems are mixed and (ii) a reduction of congestion, effects similar to those brought about in the third example embodiment are brought about. Furthermore, since the camera85provided at the doorway82has a ticket checking function, there is no need to install a ticket gate at a station. As a result, it is expected that people other than the passenger U of the vehicle80use a facility in the station, and an effect of an increase in profits is brought about.

Fifth Example Embodiment

The following description will discuss, in detail, a fourth example embodiment of the present invention with reference to drawings. The present example embodiment includes (i) an embodiment which realizes setting of a fare which corresponds to an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle, with use of an IC tag carried by the passenger who has made a reservation and (ii) an embodiment which realizes the setting of the fare with use of face recognition and without the need of a reservation.

<Configuration of Management System4>

A configuration of a management system4in accordance with the present example embodiment is described with reference toFIG.18.FIG.18is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system4. As illustrated inFIG.18, the management system4includes a management server50, a terminal73, vehicle-mounted apparatuses60-1to60-3, reader/writers83-1to83-3, cameras85-1to85-3, opening and closing apparatuses86-1to86-3, and display apparatuses84-1to84-3. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1, the reader/writer83-1, the camera85-1, the opening and closing apparatus86-1, and the display apparatus84-1are provided to a vehicle80-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-2, the reader/writer83-2, the camera85-2, the opening and closing apparatus86-2, and the display apparatus84-2are provided to a vehicle80-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-3, the reader/writer83-3, the camera85-3, the opening and closing apparatus86-3, and the display apparatus84-3are provided to a vehicle80-3. The reader/writers83, the display apparatuses84, the vehicles80, doors81, doorways82, passengers U, and IC tags90are as described in the third example embodiment. The cameras85and the opening and closing apparatuses86are as described in the fourth example embodiment. The management server50, the vehicle-mounted apparatuses60-1to60-3, and the terminal73are communicably connected to each other via a network N1. Detailed examples of the network N1are as described in the fourth example embodiment. Note thatFIG.18illustrates a single management server50and a single terminal73, but this does not limit the numbers of these apparatuses included in the present example embodiment.

The terminal73is a computer operated by the passenger U. The terminal73functions as a terminal on which a reservation service and a passenger registration service which are provided by the management server50is used. In the present example embodiment, the IC tag90of the passenger U is used in the reservation service. In the passenger registration service, a face image of the passenger U is used. Specifically, an input apparatus, a display apparatus, a camera72, and a reader/writer74are connected to the terminal73. Alternatively, a part or all of the input apparatus, the display apparatus, the camera72, and the reader/writer74may be embedded in the terminal73. The terminal73displays, on the display apparatus, information received from the management server50. The terminal73transmits, to the management server50, information obtained via the input apparatus, the camera72, or the reader/writer74.

(Configuration of Management Server50)

The management server50is an example of a configuration realizing at least a part of the “management apparatus” recited in the claims. A configuration of the management server50is described with reference toFIG.19.FIG.19is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server50. As illustrated inFIG.19, the management server50includes a control section510, a storage section550, and a communication section530. The control section510includes an obtaining section511, a setting section512, a determining section516, a registering section517, a payment section518, and a recognizing section519. The storage section550includes fare setting information, passenger information, and reservation information.

The determining section516, the payment section518, the recognizing section519, and the communication section530are configured similarly to respective functional blocks having the same names in the fourth example embodiment. The fare setting information is as described with reference toFIG.7in the third example embodiment. A configuration different from that in the fourth example embodiment is described below.

The registering section517receives, from the terminal73, information for use of the reservation service in which the IC tag90is used, and registers the reservation information. The registering section517also receives, from the terminal73, information for use of the passenger registration service in which the face image is used, and registers the passenger information. The passenger information and the reservation information to be registered are different, in detail, from the passenger information and the reservation information in the fourth example embodiment. Details of these pieces of information are described later.

In a case where the passenger U who has used the reservation service has been detected in a vicinity of the doorway82, the obtaining section511obtains a passenger ID of the passenger U and vehicle attribute information by receiving the passenger ID and the vehicle attribute information from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60. The obtaining section511also obtains passenger attribute information associated with the passenger ID by referring to the passenger information.

In a case where the passenger U who has used the passenger registration service has been detected in the vicinity of the doorway82, the obtaining section511obtains a face image of the passenger U and the vehicle attribute information by receiving the face image and the vehicle attribute information from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60. In a case where face recognition in which the received face image and the registered passenger information are used is successful, the obtaining section511also obtains the passenger attribute information included in the passenger information.

The setting section512sets a fare in accordance with a combination of vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information in the reservation service. In a case where the passenger U who has used the passenger registration service has been detected in the vicinity of the doorway82, the setting section512sets the fare, in accordance with boarding information, alighting information, and a combination of the vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information.

The reservation information is information indicative of a reservation which has been made with use of the IC tag90. The reservation information is configured substantially similarly to the reservation information described with reference toFIG.13in the fourth example embodiment. Note, however, that the reservation information in the present example embodiment differs in that the reservation information includes a tag ID of the IC tag90, instead of the passenger ID.

The passenger information is information indicative of the passenger U. The passenger information is described with reference toFIG.20.FIG.20is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration of the passenger information. As illustrated inFIG.20, the passenger information includes the passenger ID, a passenger attribute, the face image, a charge balance, boarding information i (i=1, 2, . . . ), and alighting information i. The passenger ID, the passenger attribute, and the face image are each information determined at a time of registration of the passenger information. The charge balance is information determined at the time of registration of the passenger information and at a time of update of the passenger information. The boarding information i and the boarding information i are information determined at a time of boarding and alighting of the passenger U, and indicate a boarding history of the passenger U. In a case where the passenger information already includes boarding information 1 to k (k=1, 2, . . . ) and alighting information 1 to k, the passenger information is updated so as to include boarding information k+1 and alighting information k+1, in accordance with boarding and alighting of the passenger U. Hereinafter, updating the passenger information so that the passenger information includes the passenger information k+1 or the alighting information k+1 is also referred to as simply “updating the passenger information so that the passenger information includes the passenger information or the alighting information”.

The vehicle-mounted apparatus60is an example of a configuration realizing at least a part of the “management apparatus” recited in the claims. A configuration of the vehicle-mounted apparatus60is described with reference toFIG.21.FIG.21is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle-mounted apparatus60. As illustrated inFIG.21, the vehicle-mounted apparatus60includes a control section610, a storage section650, and a communication section630. The control section610includes a detecting section613, a providing section614, an opening and closing control section615, a stop managing section621, and a boarding and alighting information generating section622. The storage section650stores therein the vehicle attribute information, advertisement information, and stop information. The providing section614, the opening and closing control section615, the stop managing section621, the boarding and alighting information generating section622, and the communication section630are configured similarly to respective functional blocks having the same names in the fourth example embodiment. The vehicle attribute information, the advertisement information, and the stop information are as described in the fourth example embodiment. A configuration different from that in the fourth example embodiment is described below.

The detecting section613detects the passenger U by extracting the face image from an image captured by the camera85. The detecting section613also detects the passenger by reading, with use of the reader/writer83, information stored in the IC tag90.

<Flow of Reservation Method S6in which IC Tag90is Used>

A flow of a reservation method S6carried out in the reservation service by the management system4configured as described above is described with reference toFIG.22.FIG.22is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reservation method S6in which the IC tag90is used. As illustrated inFIG.22, the management method S6includes steps S61to S67.

In the step S61, the terminal73obtains information stored in the IC tag90with use of the reader/writer74, and transmits the information to the management server50. The information read from the IC tag90includes a tag ID and passenger attribute information.

In the step S62, the terminal73obtains boarding date and time, a boarding section, and vehicle attribute information, and transmits the boarding date and time, the boarding section, and the vehicle attribute information to the management server50. For example, the terminal73may obtain these pieces of information which are inputted with use of the input apparatus.

Processes in the steps S63to S67are substantially similar to the processes in the steps S34to S38in the fourth example embodiment. The management system4thus sets a fare which corresponds to a combination of the passenger attribute information and the vehicle attribute information, on the basis of the boarding date and time, the boarding section, the vehicle attribute information, and the passenger attribute information received from the terminal73. The management system4performs payment of the set fare, and registers reservation information. Note, however, that the registering section517differs from a corresponding section in the fourth example embodiment in that the registering section517registers the reservation information which includes the tag ID, instead of a passenger ID.

<Flow of Management Method S7at a Time of Boarding>

A flow of a management method S7carried out by the management system4is described with reference toFIG.23.FIG.23is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S7which is carried out when the passenger U who has made a reservation with use of the IC tag90boards the vehicle80. As illustrated inFIG.23, the management method S7includes steps S71to S79.

In the step S71, the detecting section613of the vehicle-mounted apparatus60detects the passenger U who boards the vehicle80, by reading the information from the IC tag90with use of the reader/writer83. The information read from the IC tag90includes the tag ID.

In the step S72, the boarding and alighting information generating section622generates boarding information. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S42in the fourth example embodiment.

In the step S73, the detecting section613transmits, to the management server50, the boarding information which has been generated in the step S72, vehicle attribute information which is stored in the storage section650, and the tag ID which has been obtained in the step S71.

In the step S74, the determining section516obtains the reservation information including the tag ID received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60.

Processes in the steps S75to S79are substantially similar to the processes in the steps S46to S50described in the fourth example embodiment. Thus, in a case where the vehicle attribute information and the boarding information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60matches the reservation information, the management system4controls the door81to be open. In a case where the vehicle attribute information and the boarding information do not match the reservation information, the management system4controls the door81to be closed.

<Flow of Management Method S8at a Time of Alighting>

A flow of a management method S8carried out by the management system4is described with reference toFIG.24.FIG.24is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S8which is carried out when the passenger U who has made the reservation with use of the IC tag90alights from the vehicle80. As illustrated inFIG.24, the management method S8includes steps S81to S88.

In the step S81, the detecting section613of the vehicle-mounted apparatus60detects the passenger U who boards the vehicle80, by reading the information from the IC tag90with use of the reader/writer83. The information read from the IC tag90includes the tag ID.

In the step S82, the boarding and alighting information generating section622generates alighting information. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S52in the fourth example embodiment.

In the step S83, the detecting section613transmits, to the management server50, the alighting information which has been generated in the step S82and the tag ID which has been obtained in the step S81.

In the step S84, the determining section516obtains the reservation information including the tag ID received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60.

Processes in the steps S85to S88are substantially similar to the processes in the steps S56to S59described in the fourth example embodiment. Thus, in a case where the alighting information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60matches the reservation information, the management system4stores the alighting information. In a case where the alighting information does not match the reservation information, the management system4transmits error information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus60, and also stores the error information in the management server50.

<Flow of Registration Method S9>

A flow of a registration method S9carried out in the registration service by the management system4is described with reference toFIG.25.FIG.25is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the registration method S9which is carried out in advance for face recognition at a time of boarding and alighting. As illustrated inFIG.25, the registration method S9includes steps S91to S99.

In the step S91, the terminal71extracts a face image of the passenger U from an image captured by the camera72, and transmits the extracted face image to the management server50.

In the step S92, the recognizing section519of the management server50carries out face recognition with use of the received face image. Specifically, in a case where the recognizing section519can determine that the received face image and a face image included in passenger information stored in the storage section550indicates an identical person, the recognizing section519determines that the face recognition has succeeded.

In the step S93, in a case where the recognition has succeeded, the recognizing section519obtains, from the storage section550, the passenger information including the face image which has been determined to indicate an identical person. The recognizing section519transmits, to the terminal73, this recognition result which indicates whether or not the face recognition has succeeded.

In the step S94, the terminal73determines whether or not the passenger information relating to the passenger U is already registered. Specifically, in a case where the recognition result received from the management server50indicates success, the terminal73determines that the passenger information is already registered. In a case where the recognition result indicates a failure, the terminal73determines that the passenger information is not registered.

(YES in Step S94)

In a case where it is a determination of YES is made in the step S94, the terminal73carries out the step S96without carrying out the next step S95.

In a case where a determination of NO is made in the step S95, the terminal73obtains the passenger attribute information indicative of the attribute of the passenger U, and transmits the passenger attribute information to the management server50, in the step S95. The terminal73may further obtain the above-described certification information in addition to the passenger attribute information, and transmit the certification information to the management server50. Details of the certification information are as described in the fourth example embodiment.

In the step S96, the terminal73obtains information indicative of a charge amount, and transmits the information to the management server50. For example, the terminal73may obtain the information indicative of the charge amount via the input apparatus.

In the step S97, the terminal73obtains payment information, and transmits the payment information to the management server50. For example, the terminal73may obtain the payment information via the input apparatus. Details of the payment information are as described in the fourth example embodiment.

In the step S98, the payment section518of the management server50performs payment with use of the received payment information.

In the step S99, the registering section517registers or updates the passenger information.

Here, a case where the passenger information is not registered is described. In this case, the registering section517stores new passenger information including a passenger ID, the passenger attribute information, the face image, and a charge balance. As the passenger ID, a newly issued ID is applied. As the passenger attribute information and the face image, these pieces of information received from the terminal73are applied. As the charge balance, the charge amount received from the terminal73is applied. Note that, in a case where the certification information is received from the terminal73, the registering section517may determine whether or not the received passenger attribute information is appropriate, with reference to the certification information. In this case, in a case where the registering section517determines that the passenger attribute information is appropriate, the registering section517registers the passenger information. In a case where the registering section517determines that the passenger attribute information is not appropriate, the registering section517ends the registration method S9.

A case where the passenger information is already registered is described. In this case, the registering section517adds the charge amount received from the terminal73to the charge balance included in the passenger information relating to the passenger who succeeded in the face recognition, and thereby calculates a new charge balance. The registering section517also updates the charge balance included in the registered passenger information to the new charge balance.

<Flow of Management Method S10at a Time of Boarding and Alighting>

A flow of a management method S10carried out by the management system4is described with reference toFIG.26.FIG.26is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the management method S10which is carried out at a time of boarding and alighting of the passenger U whose face image has been registered in advance. As illustrated inFIG.26, the management method S10includes steps S101to S114.

In the step S101, the detecting section613of the vehicle-mounted apparatus60detects the passenger who boards the vehicle80, by extracting a face image of the passenger U from an image captured by the camera85.

In the step S102, the boarding and alighting information generating section622generates boarding information. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S42in the fourth example embodiment.

In the step S103, the detecting section613transmits, to the management server50, the boarding information which has been generated in the step S102and the face image which has been obtained in the step S101.

In the step S104, the recognizing section519of the management server50carries out face recognition with use of the received face image. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S44in the fourth example embodiment. Note that, in a case where the face recognition is not successful, the management server50ends the management method S10.

In the step S105, the setting section512obtains, from the storage section550, the passenger information which relates to the passenger U and which includes the passenger ID that has succeeded in the face recognition.

In the step S106, the setting section512updates the passenger information relating to the passenger U so that the passenger information includes the boarding information received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60.

In the step S107, the detecting section613of the vehicle-mounted apparatus60detects the passenger who alights from the vehicle80, by extracting a face image of the passenger U from an image captured by the camera85.

In the step S108, the boarding and alighting information generating section622generates alighting information. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S52in the fourth example embodiment.

In the step S109, the detecting section613transmits, to the management server50, the alighting information which has been generated in the step S108and the face image which has been obtained in the step S107.

In the step S110, the recognizing section519carries out face recognition with use of the received face image. Details of this step are as described in connection with the step S44. Note that, in a case where the face recognition is not successful, the management server50ends the management method S10.

In the step S111, the setting section512obtains the passenger information which relates to the passenger U and which includes the passenger ID that has succeeded in the face recognition. The obtained passenger information includes the boarding information relating to the passenger U.

In the step S112, the setting section512sets a fare with reference to (i) the latest boarding information and the passenger attribute information which are included in the passenger information and (ii) the alighting information and the vehicle attribute information which have been received from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60. Specifically, the setting section512calculates a normal fare in accordance with a given fare rule on the basis of a boarding station indicated by the boarding information and an alighting station indicated by the alighting information. The setting section512also refers to fare setting information, and obtains discount information associated with a combination of the vehicle attribute information and the passenger attribute information. The setting section512then sets the fare which is obtained by applying the discount information to the normal fare.

In the step S113, the setting section512deducts the fare from the charge balance included in the passenger information, and calculates a new charge balance934.

In the step S114, the setting section512updates the passenger information so that the passenger information includes the alighting information and the new charge balance934.

Third Detailed Example

In the present example embodiment, a detailed example in which a reservation and boarding are made with use of the IC tag90is described. Here, the attributes of the vehicles80-1to80-3are respectively “for elderly people”, “for family” and “for commute”, similarly to the detailed examples of the third example embodiment. The passengers U1to U3are respectively an elderly person, a passenger with a child, and a commuter, similarly to the detailed examples of the third example embodiment.

Here, in particular, the passenger U1is described as an example.

The passenger U1reserves use of the vehicle80-1with use of the terminal73. Specifically, the passenger U1causes the reader/writer74to read the IC tag90-1in which the passenger attribute information “elderly person” is stored. The passenger U1also inputs, into the terminal73, the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people”, the boarding date and time “9:00 on 2021/4/1”, and the boarding section “A-B”, as contents of a reservation. The management system4carries out the reservation method S6. The management server50thus registers, with respect to the passenger U1, the passenger information including the tag ID and the passenger attribute information “elderly person”. Further, the management server50applies the discount information “senior discount” in accordance with a combination of the passenger attribute information “elderly person” which is included in the passenger information relating to the passenger U1and the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” which has been received as a content of the reservation from the terminal73, and then performs payment. The management server50also issues the reservation ID “R001”, and registers the reservation information including the tag ID, the boarding date and time “9:00 on 2021/4/1”, the boarding section “A-B”, and the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people”.

The passenger U1boards the vehicle80-1at a station “A” on the boarding date and time “9:00 on 2021/4/1”. The management system4carries out the management method S7. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1thus reads the tag ID from the IC tag90-1with use of the reader/writer83, and transmits the tag ID to the management server50. The management server50obtains the reservation information which relates to the passenger U1and which includes the tag ID. The management server50determines that the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1matches the vehicle attribute information “for elderly people” transmitted from the vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1. The management server50also determines that the boarding station “A” is included in the boarding section “A-B” included in the reservation information. Therefore, the management server50transmits the permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1controls the door81-1to be open. Further, the management server50updates the reservation information relating to the passenger U1so that the reservation information includes the boarding information.

Thereafter, the passenger U1alights from the vehicle80-1at a station “B”. The management system4carries out the management method S8. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1thus extracts a face image of the passenger U1from an image captured by the camera85-1. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1transmits, to the management server50, the face image and the alighting information. The management server50obtains the reservation information relating to the passenger U1by recognizing the face image of the passenger U1, as in a case of boarding. The management server50also determines that the alighting station “B” is included in the boarding section “A-B” included in the reservation information relating to the passenger U1. Thus, the management server50transmits the permission information to the vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus60-1updates the reservation information relating to the passenger U1so that the reservation information includes the alighting information, without outputting the error information.

Note that detailed examples of the management methods S7and S8which are carried out when the passenger U1boards and alights from the vehicles80-1to80-3are substantially similar to the detailed example of the “Boarding of elderly person” in the above-described second detailed example. Therefore, detailed descriptions are not repeated.

The passenger U1who is an “elderly person” can thus board the vehicle80-1“for elderly people” only by carrying the IC tag90used for the reservation, in accordance with the reservation with respect to which payment has been performed with the senior discount, and receive the service for elderly people. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger U1is improved.

Fourth Detailed Example

In the present example embodiment, a detailed example in which the passenger U boards the vehicle80with use of a face image and without making a reservation is described. Here, the attributes of the vehicles80-1to80-3are respectively “for elderly people”, “for family” and “for commute”, similarly to the detailed examples of the third example embodiment. The passengers U1to U3are respectively an elderly person, a passenger with a child, and a commuter, similarly to the detailed examples of the third example embodiment.

Here, in particular, the passenger U2is described as an example.

(Pre-Registration of Passenger with Child)

The passenger U2registers the passenger information in advance with use of the terminal73. Specifically, the passenger U2inputs, into the terminal73, a face image, the passenger attribute information “with a child”, and an image including a maternal and child health handbook as a subject. The passenger U2also inputs the charge amount and the payment information into the terminal73. The management system4carries out the registration method S9. The management server50thus determines that the certification information is appropriate, and, with respect to the passenger U2, the management server50registers the passenger information including the passenger ID “U2”, the face image, the passenger attribute information “with a child”, and the charge balance.

In a case where the passenger U2boards the vehicle80-2, the management system4carries out the management method S10. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-2thus extracts a face image of the passenger U2from an image captured by the camera85-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-2transmits, to the management server50, the face image and the boarding information. The management server50obtains the passenger information relating to the passenger U2by recognizing the face image of the passenger U2, and updates the passenger information so that the passenger information includes the boarding information.

Thereafter, when the passenger U2alights from the vehicle80-2, the vehicle-mounted apparatus60-2extracts a face image of the passenger U2from an image captured by the camera85-2. The vehicle-mounted apparatus60-2transmits, to the management server50, the face image, the alighting information, and the vehicle attribute information “for family” relating to the vehicle80-2. The management server50obtains the passenger information relating to the passenger U2by recognizing the face image of the passenger U2, and obtains the passenger attribute information “with a child” included in the passenger information. Thus, the management server50deducts, from the charge balance, the fare which is obtained by applying the discount information “parent-child discount” which corresponds to a combination of the vehicle attribute information “for family” and the passenger attribute information “with a child”. The management server50updates the passenger information relating to the passenger U2so that the passenger information includes the charge balance after the deduction and the alighting information.

The passenger U2who is “with a child” can thus board the vehicle80-2“for a family” only with the face recognition and without the need of making a reservation, by registering the face image in advance, and receive the service for family at the fare with the parent-child discount. Therefore, a level of satisfaction is improved.

Effects of the Present Example Embodiment

In the present example embodiment, the vehicle80having the vehicle attribute information desired by the passenger U is reserved with use of the IC tag90in which the passenger attribute information relating to the passenger U is stored. Then, it is determined whether or not the vehicle80which the passenger U has actually boarded matches the reservation information, with use of the IC tag90carried by the passenger U. The passenger U can thus board the vehicle80which has been reserved, only by carrying the IC tag90used for the reservation. Then, the passenger U can receive the service which corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle80, at the fare which corresponds to a combination of the attribute of the passenger U and the attribute of the vehicle80that has been reserved. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger U is improved.

Further, in the present example embodiment, the face image of the passenger U and the passenger attribute information are registered in advance as the passenger information, and the face recognition is carried out at a time of actual boarding and alighting. The passenger U can thus board the vehicle80without making a reservation in advance and only with the face recognition at a time of boarding and alighting. Then, the passenger U can receive the service which corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle80, at the fare which corresponds to a combination of the attribute of the passenger U and the attribute of the vehicle80that has been reserved. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved.

Further, with regard to (i) a composition of a train in which a plurality of vehicles80having different fare systems are mixed, (ii) a reduction of congestion, and (iii) an increase in profits, effects similar to those brought about in the third or fourth example embodiment are brought about.

In each of the fourth and fifth example embodiments, an example has been described in which the detecting section413,613detects the passenger U by reading the face image as biometric information relating to the passenger U. The detecting section413,613is not limited to this example, and may detect the passenger U by reading another biometric information such as an iris, a fingerprint, or a vein. In this case, the management server30,50stores the passenger information including the corresponding biometric information.

In each example embodiment, an example has been described in which the plurality of vehicles80constitute a composition of a train. The plurality of vehicles80are not limited to this example, and may be, for example, vehicles operated as different units. For example, the plurality of vehicles80may be each a vehicle of a route bus or a taxi.

(Modification of Operator of Terminal)

In each of the fourth and fifth example embodiments, the terminal71,73has been described as a computer which is operated by the passenger U. The terminal71,73is not limited this example, and may be a computer operated by an operator at a window. In this case, the terminal71,73may not transmit the certificate information to the management server30,50, in a case where the certifying document presented to the operator by the passenger U is appropriate.

(Reader/Writers or Cameras for Boarding and Alighting)

In each of the third to fifth example embodiments, a single reader/writer83or a single camera85is illustrated for a single doorway82. A plurality of reader/writers83or a plurality of cameras85may be installed for a single doorway82. For example, a reader/writer83for boarding and a reader/writer83for alighting may be installed for a single doorway82. Further, for example, a camera85that has a lens directed in a direction in which the camera85can capture an image of the passenger U who boards the vehicle80and a camera85that has a lens directed in a direction in which the camera85can capture an image of the passenger U who alights from the vehicle80may be installed for a single doorway82.

(Doorways for Boarding and Alighting)

Further, in each of the third to fifth example embodiments, the doorway82has been described as being used at a time of boarding and at a time of alighting. The vehicle80may include a doorway82for boarding and a doorway82for alighting.

(Modification of Providing Section)

In each of the third to fifth example embodiments, the providing section414,614may output another information corresponding to the vehicle attribute information to another output apparatus, instead of or in addition to displaying the advertisement information on the display apparatus84. For example, the providing section414may output a voice corresponding to the vehicle attribute information to a speaker.

Further, in each of the third to fifth example embodiments, the determining section316,516has been described as controlling opening and closing of the door81, in accordance with the determination result of whether or not the boarding information and the vehicle attribute information match the reservation information. The determining section316,516is not limited to this example, and may carry out another process which corresponds to the determining result. For example, the determining section316,516may display the determining result on the display apparatus installed in the vicinity of the doorway82. The determining section316,516may determine an additional fee, in a case where the additional fee to be collected from the passenger occurs depending on the determination result.

(Omission of Process at a Time of Alighting)

Further, in each of the fourth and fifth example embodiments, the management system3,4may not carry out the management method S5, S8which is carried out at a time of alighting, in a case where the passenger U who has made a reservation boards the vehicle80.

(Modification of Disposition of Each Function Block)

The functional blocks included in the management server30, and50may be dispersed and disposed in a plurality of servers. For example, the functional blocks may be dispersed and disposed in a management server which has at least the setting section312,512, a registration server which has at least the registering section317,517, and a recognition server which has at least the recognizing section319,519.

In each of the fourth and fifth example embodiments, a part or all of the functional blocks included in the vehicle-mounted apparatus40,60may be included in the management server30,50. A part or all of the functional blocks included in the management server30,50may be included in the vehicle-mounted apparatus40,60.

Software Implementation Example

A part or all of the functions of each of the management apparatuses100A and100B, the vehicle-mounted apparatuses20,40, and60, and the management servers30and50may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip) or may be alternatively realized by software.

In the latter case, the management apparatuses100A and100B, the vehicle-mounted apparatuses20,40, and60, and the management servers30and50are each realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program that is software realizing the functions.FIG.27illustrates an example of such a computer (hereinafter, referred to as “computer C”). The computer C includes at least one processor C1and at least one memory C2. In the memory C2, a program P for causing the computer C to operate as each of the management apparatuses100A and100B, the vehicle-mounted apparatuses20,40, and60, and the management servers30and50is recorded. In the computer C, the functions of each of the management apparatuses100A and100B, the vehicle-mounted apparatuses20,40, and60, and the management servers30and50are realized by the processor C1reading the program P from the memory C2and executing the program P.

The processor C1can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2can be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

Note that the computer C may further include a random access memory (RAM) in which the program P is loaded when executed and/or in which various kinds of data are temporarily stored. The computer C may further include a communication interface via which the computer C transmits and receives data to and from another apparatus. The computer C may further include an input/output interface via which the computer C is connected to an input/output apparatus such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

The program P can also be recorded in a non-transitory tangible recording medium M from which the computer C can read the program P. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network, a broadcast wave, or the like. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing example embodiments, but may be altered in various ways by a skilled person within the scope of the claims. For example, the present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any example embodiment derived by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in the foregoing example embodiments.

The whole or part of the example embodiments disclosed above can be described as follows. Note, however, that the present invention is not limited to the following example aspects.

A management apparatus including:a detecting means for detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles;an obtaining means for obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected by the detecting means and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anda setting means for setting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

With the above configuration, a fare is set in accordance with a combination of an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which the passenger has actually boarded. The passenger thus pays the fare which corresponds to comfort that the passenger feels depending on a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the vehicle that the passenger has actually boarded. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved as compared with a case where a fare does not vary regardless of comfort even in a case where the passenger boards any vehicle.

A management apparatus including:a setting means for setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger;a storage means for storing therein reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger;a detecting means for detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles;an obtaining means for obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anda determining means for determining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining means matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

With the above configuration, a fare is set which corresponds to a combination of an attribute of a passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which the passenger is to board. The passenger thus pays the fare which corresponds to comfort that the passenger feels depending on a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the reserved vehicle when actually boarding the vehicle. Therefore, a level of satisfaction of the passenger is improved as compared with a case where a fare does not vary regardless of comfort even in a case where the passenger boards any vehicle.

Further, with the above configuration, when a passenger actually boards a vehicle, it is determined whether or not an attribute of the vehicle which the passenger boards matches reservation information. Therefore, it can be more certainly expected that the passenger boards a vehicle having an attribute which matches the reservation information.

The management apparatus as described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the detecting means detects the passenger by reading biometric information relating to the passenger.

With the above configuration, a passenger can board and alight from a vehicle by reading of biometric information at a doorway. Therefore, convenience is improved.

The management apparatus as described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the detecting means detects the passenger by reading information stored in a storage medium carried by the passenger.

With the above configuration, a passenger can board and alight from a vehicle by reading from a storage medium at a doorway. Therefore, convenience is improved.

The management apparatus as described in any one of Supplementary notes 1 through 4, wherein the setting means sets the fare by applying, to a normal fare which is determined with respect to a section in which the passenger boards the at least any vehicle/the vehicle, a discount which corresponds to the combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle/the vehicle.

With the above configuration, a passenger pays a fare which is discounted in accordance with comfort that the passenger feels depending on a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle. Therefore, passengers are expected to board a plurality of different vehicles, and congestion is reduced.

The management apparatus as described in any one of Supplementary notes 1 through 5, further includinga providing means for providing, in the at least any vehicle, a service which corresponds to the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

With the above configuration, by a passenger boarding a vehicle having an attribute which is suitable for an attribute of the passenger, the passenger can receive a service which corresponds to the attribute of the vehicle. As a result, a level of satisfaction is improved.

A management system including:the management apparatus described in any one of Supplementary notes 1 through 6; anda detection apparatus which is provided in the vicinity of the doorway of the at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles and which detects the passenger,the detecting means detecting the passenger with use of the detection apparatus.

With the above configuration, effects similar to those brought about by Supplementary Note 1 are brought about.

A method including:detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles;obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; andsetting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

With the above configuration, effects similar to those brought about by Supplementary Note 1 are brought about.

A method including:setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger;storing reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger;detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles;obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anddetermining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

With the above configuration, effects similar to those brought about by Supplementary Note 2 are brought about.

A program for causing a computer to function as a management apparatus, the program causing the computer to function as:a detecting means for detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles;an obtaining means for obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected by the detecting means and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anda setting means for setting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

With the above configuration, effects similar to those brought about by Supplementary Note 1 are brought about.

A program for causing a computer to function as a management apparatus, the program causing the computer to function as:a setting means for setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger;a storage means for storing therein reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger;a detecting means for detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles;an obtaining means for obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anda determining means for determining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining means matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

With the above configuration, effects similar to those brought about by Supplementary Note 2 are brought about.

The whole or part of the example embodiments disclosed above can also be expressed as follows.

A management apparatus including at least one processor, the at least one processor carrying out:a detecting process of detecting a passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in a plurality of vehicles;an obtaining process of obtaining (i) information indicative of an attribute of the passenger who has been detected in the detecting process and (ii) information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anda setting process of setting a fare to be collected from the passenger, in accordance with a combination of the attribute of the passenger and the attribute of the at least any vehicle.

Note that the management apparatus as described in Supplementary Note 12 may further include a memory, and, in this memory, a program may be stored which is for causing the at least one processor to carry out the detecting process, the obtaining process, and the setting process. Alternatively, this program may be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium.

A management apparatus including at least one processor, the at least one processor the at least one processor carrying out:a setting process of setting a fare to be collected from a passenger, in accordance with a combination of an attribute of the passenger and an attribute of a vehicle which is included in a plurality of vehicles and which is to be used by the passenger;a storing process of storing reservation information including information indicative of the attribute of the vehicle to be used by the passenger;a detecting process of detecting the passenger in a vicinity of a doorway of at least any vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles;an obtaining process of obtaining information indicative of an attribute of the at least any vehicle having the doorway in which the passenger has been detected; anda determining process of determining whether or not the information which is indicative of the attribute of the at least any vehicle and which has been obtained by the obtaining means matches the information which is indicative of the attribute of the vehicle and which is included in the reservation information.

Note that the management apparatus as described in Supplementary Note 13 may further include a memory, and, in this memory, a program may be stored which is for causing the at least one processor to carry out the setting process, the storing process, the detecting process, the obtaining process, and the determining process. Alternatively, this program may be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST