Patent Description:
A ticketing system for transportation is a system that supports appropriate fare payments by passengers for their usages of the transportation. Conventionally, the passengers have utilized the transportation after their pre-purchases of paper tickets, magnetic cards, or the like.

Nowadays, with the developments of sensor technology and communication technology, systems are appearing, which, by leveraging such technologies, detect the movements of passengers and support automatic fare payments according to the statuses of usages of transportation by the passengers. Such a system does not need any particular actions such as ticket showing and card touching, and thus is called a hand-free ticketing system, a Be-in/Be-out ticketing system, or the like.

Recently, a technology has been disclosed, which, by utilizing wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), allows a mobile terminal possessed by a passenger to communicate with an on-vehicle terminal of transportation, and detects information regarding the passenger on the basis of establishment information and disconnection information regarding the communication (see <CIT>).

<CIT> refers to a method for managing location information, related relay device, location information management device and mobile communication system. <CIT> describes a position management system which is provided with an identification information transmitter, a relaying mobile terminal, and a management device. <CIT> refers to a wireless communication system, management server, mobile base station apparatus and mobile base station control method.

The technology described in <CIT> assumes a situation in which the communication between the terminal of the passenger and the on-vehicle terminal is stable. Thus, in a case where the communication between the terminal of the passenger and the on-vehicle terminal is unavailable because of a crowded condition of the transportation, the technology does not work correctly. In particular, for radio waves in the <NUM> band used in BLUETOOTH, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, under such a crowed condition of transportation, the radio waves do not sufficiently carry because passengers become shield objects, and thus, the communication sometimes becomes unavailable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and is intended to provide a movement management system and the like that are capable of further accurately grasping the movements of users by mobilities.

In order to solve the above problem, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. The dependent claims describe optional embodiments of the invention.

The invention, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, on the basis of complementary information indicating that terminals being on a mobility have performed near-field communication with each other, identify a situation in which users possessing the terminals are moving by the mobility, and thus, further accurately grasp the movements of the users by the mobility even when the mobility is crowded.

The present invention enables achievement of a highly reliable system.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail referring to the drawings.

Note that, in the following description, in the case where elements of the same kind are to be collectively described with no distinction, a common portion of a reference sign including a branch number (i.e., a portion other than the branch number) may be used, whereas in the case where the elements of the same kind are to be individually described with distinctions, the reference sign including the branch number may be used. For example, in the case where terminals are to be collectively described with no particular distinction, the terminals may be described such as "terminal <NUM>," whereas in the case where the terminals are to be individually described with distinctions, the terminals may be described such as "terminal <NUM>-<NUM>" and "terminal <NUM>-<NUM>.

In <FIG>, <NUM> indicates, as a whole, a movement management system according to a first embodiment. The movement management system <NUM> manages the movements of users by mobilities <NUM>.

Each of the mobilities <NUM> is a vehicle (mobility) by which a plurality of users moves together. The mobilities <NUM> are transportation such as trains and/or buses.

The movement management system <NUM> includes position information <NUM> having been acquired by a position information acquisition system <NUM>; processing units <NUM> each constituting a corresponding one of terminals <NUM> each possessed by a corresponding one of users; and a management unit <NUM> equipped in a computing machine <NUM> that performs calculation regarding the movements of the users.

The position information acquisition system <NUM> is a device that acquires position information that enables identification of the positions of mobilities, and is, for example, a GPS (global positioning system), a beacon terminal, WIFI (registered trademark), an information processing terminal that acquires position information from these systems, or a train terminal (a train operation management system, a signal system, a train itself, or the like that calculates position information regarding trains by using track circuits, treadles, axle counters, check-in check-out methods, or the like).

Each of the terminals <NUM> is a computer capable of performing various kinds of processing, and communicating with external devices, and is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a smartwatch.

The computing machine <NUM> is a computing machine capable of performing various kinds of processing, and communicating with external devices, and is, for example, a server device.

In the movement management system <NUM>, the position information acquisition system <NUM> and each of the terminals <NUM> are communicably connected to each other. Further, each of the terminals <NUM> and the computing machine <NUM> are communicably connected to each other.

Basically, the terminal <NUM> acquires position information from the position information acquisition system <NUM>, and transmits the acquired position information and identification information that enables identification of the terminal <NUM> to the computing machine <NUM>. The computing machine <NUM> is capable of identifying the position of a user possessing the terminal <NUM> from the position information and the identification information of the terminal <NUM>. For example, the computing machine <NUM> may identify a position at which the user has started a movement utilizing a mobility <NUM>, and a position at which the user has ended the movement. Further, for example, the computing machine <NUM> may calculate fare, according to one or more sections where the user has utilized the mobility <NUM>. Here, the computing machine <NUM> may manage the position information and the identification information of the terminal <NUM> in a state in which these two kinds of information are associated with time information. The time information may be instantaneous-time information having no time width or may be period-of-time information having a time width. Such time information, for example, allows the position information regarding the user to be compared with actual operation information regarding transportation, thereby enabling further accurate identification of the positions of the user.

In this case, however, a situation (namely, a situation in which the inside of the mobility <NUM> is crowed with users, a situation in which the standing position of the user inside the mobility <NUM> is inappropriate, or the like) may disable the terminal <NUM> to acquire the position information from the position information acquisition system <NUM>. In view of such a situation, the terminal <NUM> is broadcasting complementary information for complementing the position information toward one or more terminals <NUM> existing around the terminal <NUM>.

For the broadcasting of the complementary information, there are various cases such as a case where the complementary information is broadcasted by a terminal <NUM> incapable of acquiring the position information, a case where the complementary information is broadcasted by a terminal <NUM> having successfully acquired the position information, and a case where the complementary information is broadcasted by a terminal <NUM> incapable of accessing the position information. The complementary information differs according to an occurred case, and is identification information of the terminal <NUM> or the acquired position information.

The movement management system <NUM> is characterized in that, for example, for a terminal <NUM> incapable of acquiring the position information, position information regarding the terminal <NUM> is indirectly identified from the complementary information.

For example, communication among adjacent terminals <NUM> is performed in a crowded condition, and thereby pair information showing that two or more users exist at the same place is generated. A terminal <NUM> capable of communicating with a beacon terminal (an example of the position information acquisition system <NUM>) installed at a station, a train, or the like and used for identifying position information generates position information of the terminal <NUM> itself on the basis of beacon information from the beacon terminal, and transmits the generated position information regarding the terminal <NUM> itself to the computing machine <NUM>. By combining the pair information with the position information regarding the terminal <NUM> having succeeded in the direct communication with the beacon terminal, the computing machine <NUM> is capable of, even for a terminal <NUM> incapable of directly communicating with the beacon terminal, generating position information regarding a user possessing such a terminal <NUM>, and detecting the movements of the user.

The following description will be made by taking, as an example, a case where the movement management system <NUM> is a hand-free ticketing system that performs fare calculation by detecting the movements of a user and thereby grasping the statuses of the usages of transportation by the user. Further, the description will be made by taking a train as an example of the mobility, and taking the beacon terminal as an example of the position information acquisition system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of the movement management system <NUM>.

A beacon terminal <NUM> is installed at a train, facilities such as a station, or the like, and broadcasts beacon information by utilizing wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH. The beacon information is an example of position information that enables identification of the position of a train.

The terminal <NUM> is a mobile terminal possessed by each of passengers (an example of the users). A terminal for a passenger A is denoted by a terminal <NUM>-<NUM>, and a terminal for a passenger B may be denoted by a terminal <NUM>-<NUM>.

The terminal <NUM> includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, an input/output unit <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, and a sensor unit <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> performs various kinds of arithmetic operations. The memory <NUM> is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores temporal information related to the arithmetic operation by the CPU <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various kinds of data, and various kinds of programs such as a beacon information processing program <NUM>. The input/output unit <NUM> is, for example, a touch panel, and performs inputting/outputting. The communication unit <NUM> performs communication with other terminals <NUM>, the computing machine <NUM>, and other devices via a network such as BLUETOOTH or a wireless LAN. The sensor unit <NUM> is, for example, an acceleration sensor.

The functions (the processing unit <NUM>, and the like) of the terminal <NUM> may be implemented by allowing the CPU <NUM> to read a program stored in the storage unit <NUM> into the memory <NUM> and execute the program (that is, may be implemented by software), may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits, or may be implemented by combination of the software and the hardware. Further, partial functions of the functions of the terminal <NUM> may be implemented by one or more other computers capable of communicating with the terminal <NUM>.

The computing machine <NUM> collects movement information regarding passengers and performs fare calculation. The computing machine <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, an input/output unit <NUM>, and a communication unit <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> performs various kinds of arithmetic operations. The memory <NUM> is, for example, a RAM, and stores temporal information related to the arithmetic operation by the CPU <NUM>.

The storage unit <NUM> is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various kinds of data and various kinds of programs. The storage unit <NUM> stores, as the programs, for example, a passenger terminal information registration program <NUM>, a passenger usage status calculation program <NUM>, and a passenger usage status confirmation program <NUM>. Further, the storage unit <NUM> stores, as data, for example, a train position information table <NUM>, a beacon information table <NUM>, a pair information table <NUM>, a passenger position information table <NUM>, a passenger movement information table <NUM>, a passenger fare information table <NUM>, a passenger charge information table <NUM>, and passenger reservation information table <NUM>.

The input/output unit <NUM> corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a display, and other inputting components, and performs inputting/outputting. The communication unit <NUM> performs communication with the terminals <NUM> and the like via a network such as a wireless LAN.

The functions (the management unit <NUM>, and the like) of the computing machine <NUM> may be implemented by allowing the CPU <NUM> to read a program stored in the storage unit <NUM> into the memory <NUM> and execute the program (that is, may be implemented by software), may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits, or may be implemented by combination of the software and the hardware. Further, partial functions of the functions of the computing machine <NUM> may be implemented by one or more other computers capable of communicating with the computing machine <NUM>.

The beacon terminal <NUM> and each of the terminals <NUM> communicate with each other by using a wireless communication means such as BLUETOOTH. Further, each of the terminals <NUM> and the computing machine <NUM> communicate with each other by using a wireless communication means.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the train position information table <NUM>. The train position information table <NUM> stores position information associated with trains and transmitted from the train terminals. For the granularity of the position, there are some units such as a unit of the latitude and longitude of the GPS, and a unit of the management by the signal system. In order to make the position information usable in the fare calculation, the position information is converted into position information having granularity defined according to relations with the positions of stations and the like that become points in the definition, and then is stored.

For example, the train position information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a train <NUM>, a time of day <NUM>, and a position <NUM> are associated with one another. The train <NUM> is identification information (for example, an ID (identifier)) that enables identification of a train. The time of day <NUM> is time information that enables identification of a time at which the train has been located at the position <NUM>. For example, the time of day <NUM> may be a time at which the position <NUM> has been acquired by the train terminal, may be a time at which the position information has been transmitted from the train terminal to the computing machine <NUM>, may be a time at which the computing machine <NUM> has received the time information, or may be a time at which the computing machine <NUM> has stored the position information into the train position information table <NUM>. The position <NUM> is position information that enables identification of the position of the train. Note that, in the present example, for the purpose of the fare calculation, position information having been data-processed is registered, but without being limited to such data-processed position information, position information having not been data-processed, such as the latitude and longitude, may be registered. Additionally, in the case where the position <NUM> is position information indicating a section (range), the time of day <NUM> may be time information indicating a period of time.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the beacon information table <NUM>. The beacon information table <NUM> stores information associated with the beacon terminal <NUM> and having been received by the terminal <NUM> (for example, beacon information).

For beacon information, there are two kinds of beacon information, one kind being beacon information broadcasted from the beacon terminal <NUM>, the other kind being beacon information broadcasted from a terminal <NUM>, and the beacon information table <NUM> stores the beacon information broadcasted from the beacon terminal <NUM>.

The beacon information broadcasted from the beacon terminal <NUM> includes identification information (for example, a beacon ID) that enables identification of the beacon terminal <NUM> having broadcasted the beacon information. A terminal <NUM> having received the beacon information having been broadcasted from the beacon terminal <NUM> transmits the received beacon information (for example, the beacon ID) to the computing machine <NUM>. Here, in the case where the computing machine <NUM> has received the beacon information (for example, the beacon ID), the computing machine <NUM> is capable of identifying a train equipped with the beacon terminal <NUM> having broadcasted the beacon information, from information indicating beacon terminals <NUM> equipped in trains (namely, information in which trains and beacon IDs are associated with each other, the illustration of this information being omitted). That is, the computing machine <NUM> is capable of determining that a passenger possessing the terminal <NUM> having transmitted the beacon information is on the train.

The beacon information broadcasted from the terminal <NUM> includes identification information (for example, a terminal ID) that enables identification of the terminal <NUM> having broadcasted the beacon information. A second terminal <NUM> having received beacon information having been broadcasted from a first terminal <NUM> transmits the terminal ID of the self-terminal and the received terminal ID of the first terminal <NUM> to the computing machine <NUM>. The computing machine <NUM> is capable of, in the case where the beacon information of the first terminal is registered, determining that a passenger possessing the first terminal <NUM> is on the same train as that of a passenger possessing the second terminal <NUM>, on the basis of the beacon information of the first terminal.

For example, the beacon information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM>, a time of day <NUM>, and a beacon <NUM> are associated with one another. The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a passenger. The time of day <NUM> is time information that enables identification of a time at which the passenger acquired beacon information. The time of day <NUM> may be time information at which the beacon terminal <NUM> has broadcasted beacon information, may be time information at which a terminal <NUM> has received the beacon information of the beacon terminal <NUM>, may be time information at which the terminal <NUM> has transmitted the beacon information of the beacon terminal <NUM> to the computing machine <NUM>, or may be time information at which the computing machine <NUM> has received the beacon information of the beacon terminal <NUM>. The beacon <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a beacon terminal <NUM> having broadcasted the beacon information having been acquired by the passenger (or identification information that enables identification of a train equipped with the beacon terminal <NUM> having broadcasted the beacon information).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the pair information table <NUM>. The pair information table <NUM> stores information indicating that two or more passengers have been at the same place at the same time of day (namely, pair information).

The pair information includes identification information that enables identification of one passenger, identification information that enables identification of the other one passenger, and time information indicating a time at which the one passenger and the other one passenger have been on the same train.

For example, the pair information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM>, a time of day <NUM>, and a pair passenger <NUM> are associated with one another. The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of one passenger. The time of day <NUM> is time information that enables identification of a time at which the one passenger has been at the same place as that of the other one passenger. For example, the time of day <NUM> may be a time at which a terminal <NUM> has transmitted pair information to the computing machine <NUM>, may be a time at which the computing machine <NUM> has received the pair information having been transmitted from the terminal <NUM>, or may be a time at which the computing machine <NUM> has stored the pair information having been transmitted from the terminal <NUM>. The pair passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of the other one passenger having been at the same place as that of the one passenger. The present example indicates that a passenger A and a passenger B have been at the same place at a time of day T2 and a time of day T3.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the passenger position information table <NUM>. The passenger position information table <NUM> stores position information regarding passengers (namely, passenger position information).

For the passenger position information, there are two kinds of position information, one kind being position information associated with a terminal <NUM> and identified by the receipt of beacon information by the terminal <NUM> (namely, direct position information), the other kind being position information associated with a first terminal <NUM> and identified by both of complementary information having been transmitted from the first terminal <NUM> to a second terminal and beacon information having been received by the second terminal (namely, indirect position information). Note that, although detailed description will be made later, the direct position information is identified from the train position information table <NUM> and the beacon information table <NUM>, and the indirect position information is identified from the passenger position information table <NUM> (or the train position information table <NUM> and the beacon information table <NUM>) and the pair information table <NUM>.

For example, the passenger position information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM>, a time of day <NUM>, a train <NUM>, a position <NUM>, and an accuracy class <NUM> are associated with one another. The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a passenger. The time of day <NUM> is time information indicating a time at which the passenger has been located at a position indicated by the position <NUM>. The train <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a train that the passenger has utilized. The position <NUM> is position information that enables identification of a position at which the train has been at the time of day <NUM>. The accuracy class <NUM> is information indicating by which of direct identification from the beacon information and the like and indirect identification by the combination with the pair information the position of the passenger has been identified. In addition, for the train <NUM>, information is stored in the case where a corresponding passenger is in the middle of a movement by a train and the identification of the train is already achieved.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the passenger movement information table <NUM>. The passenger movement information table <NUM> stores information regarding the movements of passengers by trains (namely, passenger movement information).

For example, the passenger movement information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM>, a train <NUM>, a getting-on time of day <NUM>, a getting-on position <NUM>, a getting-off time of day <NUM>, and a getting-off position <NUM> are associated with one another.

The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a passenger. The train <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a train that the passenger utilized. The getting-on time of day <NUM> is time information indicating a time at which the passenger has got on the train. The getting-on position <NUM> is position information indicating a position at which the passenger has got on the train. The getting-off time of day <NUM> is time information indicating a time at which the passenger has got off the train. The getting-off position <NUM> is position information indicating a position at which the passenger has got off the train.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the passenger fare information table <NUM>. The passenger fare information table <NUM> stores information regarding fare having been incurred in connection with the usages of trains by passengers.

For example, the passenger fare information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM>, a date and time <NUM>, and usage fare <NUM> are associated with one another.

The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a passenger. The date and time <NUM> is time information indicating a time at which the passenger has utilized a train. The usage fare <NUM> is fare information indicating fare having been incurred in connection with the usage of the train by the passenger.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the passenger charge information table <NUM>. The passenger charge table <NUM> is used in the case where the hand-free ticketing system employs a prepaid method, and money-received from an account (charge to an account) is performed in advance. The passenger charge information table <NUM> stores an amount of money having been charged to the passenger (namely, a charge amount).

For example, the passenger charge information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM> and a charge amount <NUM> is associated with each other.

The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a passenger. The charge amount <NUM> is information indicating an amount of money having been charged to the passenger.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the passenger reservation information table <NUM>. The passenger reservation information table <NUM> is used in the case where the hand-free ticketing system employs a pre-reservation method. The passenger reservation information table <NUM> stores information regarding the reservations of trains by passengers.

For example, the passenger reservation information table <NUM> stores sets of information in which a passenger <NUM>, a reservation date <NUM>, a reserved train <NUM>, a getting-on position <NUM>, and a getting-off position <NUM> are associated with one another.

The passenger <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a passenger. The reservation date <NUM> is reservation date information indicating a date on which the passenger has reserved a train. The reserved train <NUM> is identification information that enables identification of a train having been reserved by the passenger. The getting-on position <NUM> is position information indicating a position (for example, a getting-on station) at which the passenger is to get on the reserved train. The getting-off position <NUM> is position information indicating a position (for example, a getting-off station) at which the passenger is to get off the reserved train.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of processing (in-movement processing) executed by the processing unit <NUM> during a movement of a passenger. The processing unit <NUM> is activated by, for example, a passenger that is a user. Note that a screen displayed at the time of the activation of the processing unit <NUM> will be described later in detail by using <FIG>.

In step S1101, the processing unit <NUM> performs the reception of beacon information. Note that beacon information having been broadcasted from the beacon terminal <NUM> includes a beacon ID, whereas beacon information having been broadcasted from a terminal <NUM> includes a terminal ID.

In step S1102, the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not beacon information has been received within a constant period of time. In the case where the result of the judgement is that the beacon information has been received, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1103, whereas in the case where the result of the judgement is that the beacon information has not been received, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1107.

In step S1103, the processing unit <NUM> makes a judgement about received data. More specifically, in the case where the result of the judgement is that the received beacon information is beacon information from the beacon terminal <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1104, whereas in the case where the result of the judgment is that the received beacon information is beacon information from a terminal <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1105.

In step S1104, the processing unit <NUM> transmits the received beacon information to the computing machine <NUM>. At this time, the processing unit <NUM> may transmit identification information (which is, for example, a passenger ID, or may be a terminal ID or the like) that enables identification of a passenger. The management unit <NUM> of the computing machine <NUM> receives the beacon information, and registers the received beacon information into the beacon information table <NUM>.

In step S1105, the processing unit <NUM> transmits pair information to the computing machine <NUM>. For example, in the case where a terminal <NUM>-<NUM> of a passenger A has received beacon information from a terminal <NUM>-<NUM> of a passenger B, pair information in which identification information of the passenger A is associated with identification information of the passenger B is generated. At this time, the management unit <NUM> of the computing machine <NUM> receives the pair information, and registers the received pair information into the pair information table <NUM>.

In step S1106, the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts beacon information (beacon information of itself) from the self-terminal <NUM>. The beacon information having been broadcasted here may be received by terminals <NUM> of other passengers.

For example, when predetermined conditions are satisfied (for example, as illustrated in conditions <NUM> of <FIG>, when the result of a passenger terminal beacon information judgement is valid and the result of a movement mode judgement is valid), the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts the beacon information of itself.

More specifically, when the number of pieces of beacon information being broadcasted from terminals <NUM> of other passengers is less than a constant number (threshold value) (namely, when the result of the passenger terminal beacon information judgement is valid), and when a judgement about whether or not the passenger is on a train is made by using a sensor value of an acceleration sensor or the like and its result is that the passenger is on a train (namely, when the result of the movement mode judgement is valid), the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts the beacon information. Note that the above configuration may be implemented such that, in the case where any one of the results of the above judgements is valid, the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts the beacon information. Additionally, in the case where a large number of pieces of beacon information from other terminals <NUM> are being broadcasted, the processing unit <NUM> does not need to broadcast the beacon information so as to prevent interferences among the pieces of beacon information. Further, in the case where the movement of the passenger by a train is not being made, the situation in which the beacon information cannot be acquired because of the crowded condition of a train is unlikely to arise, and thus, the processing unit <NUM> does not need to broadcast the beacon information so as to reduce unnecessary communication.

In step S1107, the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts the beacon information of itself. The beacon information having been broadcasted here may be received by terminals <NUM> of other passengers.

In step S1108, the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not there is an end request. In the case where the result of the judgement is that there is an end request, the processing unit <NUM> ends the in-movement processing, whereas in the case where the result of the judgement is that there is no end request, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1101.

Note that, although the processing unit <NUM> sequentially transmits pieces of information to the computing machine <NUM> in each of steps S1104 and S1105, this configuration may be implemented such that the processing unit <NUM> accumulates a constant number of the pieces of information, and then transmits the accumulated pieces of information.

Further, although, while being activated, the processing unit <NUM> performs the reception of beacon information in step S1101, this configuration may be implemented such that the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not the passenger is on a train, by using an acceleration sensor or the like included in the sensor unit <NUM>, and performs the reception of beacon information when the passenger is on a train.

Further, when the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts beacon information in step S1106, the processing unit <NUM> may include, in the beacon information to be broadcasted, information (for example, a beacon ID) associated with the beacon terminal <NUM> and having been received most recently by the processing unit <NUM>. In this case, when the processing unit <NUM> of a different terminal <NUM> has received the beacon information having been broadcasted by such the terminal <NUM>, in step S1105, the processing unit <NUM> of the different terminal <NUM> may generate, in addition to or in substitution for the pair information, position information (beacon information to be broadcasted from the beacon terminal <NUM>) from the received beacon information and may transmit the generated position information to the computing machine <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of processing (movement calculation processing) that the management unit <NUM> executes to perform calculation regarding the movements of passengers. The movement calculation processing may be executed in a batch at each interval of a constant period, or may be executed at a timing at which information has been received from a terminal <NUM>.

In step S1301, the management unit <NUM> determines the position of a passenger from beacon information. More specifically, the management unit <NUM> generates position information regarding the passenger by referring to the train position information table <NUM> and the beacon information table <NUM>, and registers the generated position information into the passenger position information table <NUM>.

For example, according to the beacon information table <NUM>, a passenger A received, at a time of day T1, beacon information of a beacon terminal <NUM>, which indicates a train R. It can be found that the position of the train R at this time has been at a station X, by referring to the train position information table <NUM>. Thus, the management unit <NUM> generates passenger position information indicating that the passenger A has been on the train R and has been located at the station X at the time of day T1, and registers the generated passenger position information into the passenger position information table <NUM>.

In step S1302, the management unit <NUM> determines (identifies) position information regarding a passenger from pair information. More specifically, the management unit <NUM> generates position information regarding the passenger by referring to the passenger position information table <NUM> (which may be the train position information table <NUM> and the beacon information table <NUM>) and the pair information table <NUM>, and registers the generated position information into the passenger position information table <NUM>.

For example, according to the pair information table <NUM>, it can be found that a passenger B has been located near the passenger A at a time of day T2. By referring to the passenger position information table <NUM>, it can be found that, at this time, the passenger A has been on the train R and has been located between the station X and a station Y. Thus, the management unit <NUM> generates passenger position information indicating that the passenger B has been on the train R and has been located between the station X and the Y station at the time of day T2, and registers the generated passenger position information into the passenger position information table <NUM>.

In step S1303, the management unit <NUM> generates passenger movement information from the passenger position information. More specifically, by referring to the passenger position information table <NUM>, the management unit <NUM> generates passenger movement information indicating how each passenger moved from which station to which station, and registers the generated passenger movement information into the passenger movement information table <NUM>.

For example, according to the passenger position information table <NUM>, it can be found that the passenger B has been located at the station X at the time of day T1; has been located between the station X and the station Y at the time of day T2; and has been located at the station Y at a time of day T3, and thereafter there is no record of getting on. Thus, the management unit <NUM> generates passenger movement information indicating that the passenger B has got on at the station X at the time of day T1 and has got off at the station Y at the time of day T3.

In step S1304, the management unit <NUM> calculates fare from the passenger movement information. The management unit <NUM> calculates fare by referring to the passenger movement information table <NUM>, and reflects the calculated fare into the passenger fare information table <NUM>.

For example, according to the passenger movement information table <NUM>, the passenger B having used the train R as a transportation means from the station X to the station Y, and thus, the management unit <NUM> calculates usage fare P2, which is fare according to the usage. The fare calculation takes into account a capping system, which, in the case where a passenger has got on trains a predetermined times, does not charge to the passenger anymore, fare differences due to routes and/or train classes, and the like. In the case where, by referring to the passenger reservation information table <NUM>, it has been found that a ticket has been reserved and prepayment therefor has already been made, charge for the ticket is not added to a billing amount.

In step S1305, the management unit <NUM> performs payment processing. In the case of a postpaid method, the management unit <NUM> makes a fare payment request on the basis of bank account information, credit card information, or the like that a passenger that is a user has registered in advance. In the case of a prepaid method, the management unit <NUM> reduces the charge from a charge amount by referring to the passenger charge information table <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (screen <NUM>) displayed on each terminal <NUM>. The screen <NUM> includes a display region <NUM>. A status indicating whether or not a passenger is on a train, or the like is displayed on the display region <NUM>.

For example, while the terminal <NUM> of a passenger has been receiving beacon information of a beacon terminal <NUM> installed at a train, a message "Passenger is on train" is displayed on the display region <NUM>. Further, in the case where it is deemed that the passenger is on a train according to information from the acceleration sensor or the like included in the sensor unit <NUM> but the terminal <NUM> of the passenger has been incapable of receiving the beacon information of the beacon terminal <NUM>, a message "Probably passenger is on train" or the like is displayed on the display region <NUM>. In the case where it cannot be determined that the passenger is on a train even according to the information from the acceleration senor or the like and the terminal <NUM> of the passenger has been also incapable of receiving another beacon information, a message "Unclear" or the like is displayed on the display region <NUM>.

Further, the position information is related to the privacy of a passenger, and thus, in order to allow the passenger to specify whether or not to enable a trace function for capturing the position of the passenger by receiving beacon information and transmitting the received beacon information to the computing machine <NUM>, a switch icon <NUM> for turning ON/OFF of the trace function is provided on the screen <NUM>. Turning OFF of the trace function when the passenger is not using any train, that is, when being at home, office, or the like enables achievement of the elimination of waste communication and the protection of privacy.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (screen <NUM>) for allowing a passenger to confirm his or her usage status. The screen <NUM> is displayed on a terminal <NUM>, a personal computer (its illustration being omitted) of a passenger, or the like. When a terminal <NUM> or the like has made access to the computing machine <NUM>, the computing machine <NUM> sends back information by referring to the passenger movement information table <NUM>, the passenger fare information table <NUM>, and the like. The terminal <NUM> or the like displays the resulting information.

The screen <NUM> displays information regarding a section, where a passenger has utilized a train, fare, and the like. An accuracy <NUM> is, for example, set to "A" in a sense that the accuracy is high in the case where the movement has been able to be estimated from the beacon information table <NUM>, to "B" in a sense that the accuracy is slightly low in the case where the movement has been estimated in combination with the pair information table <NUM>, and to any other class. In this case, the accuracy <NUM> may be set to a lower class in the case where the number of lacks of beacon information in the middle of a movement is large.

The present movement management system <NUM> is configured to, even in the case where the beacon information of the beacon terminal <NUM> cannot be stably received because of a crowded condition of a train, or the like, estimate the position of a passenger on the basis of pair information indicating that another passenger is on the same train as that of the passenger. This configuration enables enhancement of an accuracy of the capture of the movement of a passenger. Further, the terminal <NUM> is configured not to constantly broadcast beacon information, but to broadcast the beacon information in the case where beacon information of the beacon terminal <NUM> cannot be received during a movement means is utilized. This configuration enables achievement of the suppression of congestion of the beacon information and battery consumption of the terminal <NUM>.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in that position information is broadcasted as the complementary information. In the present embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted from description, and mainly, different configurations will be described.

In the present embodiment, the description will be made by taking, as an example, a case where the position information acquisition system <NUM> is the GPS.

<FIG> is an example of a flowchart of processing (in-movement processing) that the processing unit <NUM> executes during a movement of a passenger.

In step S1601, the processing unit <NUM> performs the reception of position information from the GPS.

In step S1602, the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not the position information has been received within a constant period of time. In the case where the result of the judgement is that the position information has been received, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1603, whereas in the case where the result of the judgement is that the position information has not been received, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1607.

In step S1603, in the case where the processing unit <NUM> has judged that the received position information (received data) is position information from the GPS, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1604, whereas in the case where the processing unit <NUM> has judged that the received position information is position information from a different terminal <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1606.

In step S1604, the processing unit <NUM> transmits the position information received from the GPS to the computing machine <NUM>. At this time, the processing unit <NUM> may transmit the received position information together with additional information such as identification information that enables identification of a passenger possessing the self-terminal <NUM>, and information indicating that the position information has been received from the GPS. The management unit <NUM> of the computing machine <NUM> receives the position information, and registers the received position information in a state in which the position information is associated with the identification information that enables identification of the passenger possessing the self-terminal <NUM>. In addition, the management unit <NUM> may manage the position information in a state in which the position information is associated with time information indicating a time at which the position information has been received, and any other kind of information.

In step S1605, the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts the position information having been received by the self-terminal <NUM> (namely, position information of itself). The position information having been broadcasted here may be received by terminals <NUM> of other passengers.

In step S1606, the processing unit <NUM> transmits, to the computing machine <NUM>, the position information having been received from the different terminal <NUM>. At this time, the processing unit <NUM> may transmit the received position information together with additional information such as identification information that enables identification of the passenger possessing the self-terminal <NUM>, and information indicating that the position information has been received from the different terminal <NUM>. The management unit <NUM> of the computing machine <NUM> receives the position information, and registers the received position information in a state in which the received position information is associated with the identification information that enables identification of the passenger possessing the self- terminal <NUM>. In addition, the management unit <NUM> may manage the position information in a state in which the position information is associated with time information indicating a time at which the position information has been received.

In step S1607, the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not there is an end request. In the case where the result of the judgement is that there is an end request, the processing unit <NUM> ends the in-movement processing, whereas in the case where the result of the judgement is that there is no end request, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1601.

Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described content. For example, the above configuration may be implemented such that a terminal <NUM> incapable of receiving position information from the GPS broadcasts complementary information from itself.

For example, in the case where, in step S1602, a first terminal <NUM> incapable of receiving position information from the GPS has judged that no position information has been received, the first terminal <NUM> broadcasts identification information (for example, a passenger ID) of the self-terminal <NUM>. The identification information having been broadcasted here may be received and stored by a second terminal <NUM>. In the case where the second terminal <NUM> has acquired position information from the GPS, at a timing prior to or posterior to step S1604, the second terminal <NUM> transmits the acquired position information to the computing machine <NUM> in a state in which the acquired position information is associated with the stored identification information of the passenger possessing the first terminal.

The present embodiment, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, even in the case where a terminal is incapable of acquiring position information regarding a mobility from a position information acquisition system, identify the position of a user possessing the terminal.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in that the position information acquisition system <NUM> associates complementary information with position information. In the present embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted from description, and mainly, different configurations will be described.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a movement management system <NUM>.

In the movement management system <NUM>, communication is performed among terminals <NUM>, communication is performed between each of the terminals <NUM> and the position information acquisition system <NUM>, and communication is performed between the position information acquisition system <NUM> and the computing machine <NUM>. The following description will be made by taking, as an example, a case where the position information acquisition system <NUM> is a train terminal.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of processing (pair-information generation processing) that the processing unit <NUM> performs to generate pair information. The pair-information generation processing is periodically performed during the processing unit <NUM> is activated.

In step S1801, the processing unit <NUM> performs the reception of identification information of a passenger of a different terminal <NUM>, from the different terminal <NUM>.

In step S1802, the management unit <NUM> generates pair information. For example, the management unit <NUM> generates the pair information by associating identification information of a passenger of the self-terminal with the identification information of the passenger of the different terminal <NUM>.

In step S1803, the processing unit <NUM> stores the generated pair information into the storage unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of processing (in-movement processing) that the processing unit <NUM> performs during a movement of a passenger.

In step S1901, the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not a connection to a train terminal has been made. In the case where the result of the judgement is that the connection has been made, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1902, whereas in the case where the result of the judgement is that the connection has not been made, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1904.

In step S1902, the processing unit <NUM> transmits identification information of a passenger of the self-terminal <NUM> to the computing device <NUM>.

In step S1903, the processing unit <NUM> transmits the stored pair information to the computing machine <NUM>.

In step S1904, the processing unit <NUM> broadcasts, from itself, identification information (identification information of a passenger of the self-terminal <NUM>).

In step S1905, the processing unit <NUM> judges whether or not there is an end request. In the case where the result of the judgement is that there is an end request, the processing unit <NUM> ends the in-movement processing, whereas in the case where the result of the judgement is that there is no end request, the processing unit <NUM> moves the processing to step S1901.

Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described content. For example, the present embodiment may be configured such that a terminal <NUM> capable of connecting to the train terminal broadcasts complementary information from itself.

For example, in step S1901, in the case where a first terminal <NUM> capable of connecting to the train terminal has judged that a connection to the train terminal has been made, the first terminal <NUM> broadcasts identification information (for example, a passenger ID) of a passenger of the self-terminal <NUM>. The identification information having been broadcasted here may be received and stored by a second terminal <NUM>. In the case where the connection to the train terminal has not been made, at a timing prior to or posterior to step S1904, the second terminal <NUM> generates pair information by associating the stored identification information of the passenger of the first terminal <NUM> to identification information of a passenger of the second terminal <NUM>, and transmits the generated pair information to the computing machine <NUM>. Here, just like in the first embodiment, the computing machine <NUM> identifies the position of the second user from the pair information.

The present embodiment, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, even in the case where a terminal is incapable of communicating with a position acquisition system, identify the position of a user possessing the terminal.

Note that, in the above embodiments, cases where the present invention is applied to the movement management system and the hand-free ticketing system have been described, but without being limited to such cases, the present invention can be widely applied to other various kinds of systems, methods, and programs.

Further, in the above embodiments, the configurations of the individual tables are just examples, and any one of the tables may be separated into two or more tables, or the entire or a portion of any two or more of the tables may constitute one table.

Further, in the above embodiments, for the convenience of the description, the various kinds of data have been described using the XX tables, but the data structures thereof are not limited to those illustrated in the XX tables, and the various kinds of data may be each denoted by XX information or the like.

Further, in the above description, information, such as programs, tables, and files, which implements the individual functions can be placed on at least one of storage devices such as a memory, a hard disk, and an SSD (Solid State Drive), and/or at least one of recording media such as an IC card, an SD card, and a DVD.

Further, the present invention includes, for example, characteristic configurations as described below.

For example, the present invention is characterized in that a movement management system (for example, the movement management system <NUM>, the movement management system <NUM>, or the hand-free ticketing system) includes processing units (for example, the processing units <NUM>) each constituting a corresponding one of terminals (for example, the terminals <NUM>), and a management unit (for example, the management unit <NUM>) that manages movements that are made by mobilities (the trains, buses, taxies, or the like) used by users (the passengers, travelers, drivers, or the like) each possessing a corresponding one of the terminals, and the movement management system is configured such that a first processing unit (for example, the processing unit <NUM>-<NUM>) that constitutes a first terminal (for example, the terminal <NUM>-<NUM>) possessed by a first user being moving by a mobility broadcasts complementary information (for example, identification information of a user of the terminal <NUM>-<NUM> (see the first and third embodiments)) for complementing a user's position (which may be the position itself, or may be an object (a place, a section, a movement route, or the like) associated with the position) and position information acquired from the position information acquisition system by the terminal <NUM>-<NUM> (see the second embodiment) toward one or more terminals existing around the first terminal; a second processing unit (for example, the processing unit <NUM>-<NUM>) that constitutes a second terminal (for example, the terminal <NUM>-<NUM>) possessed by a second user being different from the first user and being moving by the mobility is configured to, upon receipt of the complementary information, transmit the received complementary information to the management unit; and the management unit identifying a situation in which the second processing unit receives pair information generated based on the complementary information and the first user and the second user are moving by the mobility, on a basis of the pair information, and the pair information being information indicating that the first user and the second user were at the same place at the same time of day, and the pair information being configured to include identification information of the first user who owns the first terminal, identification information of the second user who owns the second terminal, and time information indicating time when the first user and the second user were at the same place.

The above configuration, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, on the basis of complementary information indicating that terminals being on a mobility have performed near-field communication with each other, identify a situation in which users possessing the terminals are moving by the mobility, and thus, further accurately grasp the movements of the users by the mobility even when the mobility is crowded.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the first processing unit broadcasts, as the complementary information, identification information (for example, a user ID or a terminal ID) of the first user toward one or more terminals existing around the first terminal; the second processing unit acquires position information regarding the mobility from a position information acquisition system (for example, the beacon terminal <NUM>, the GPS, the WIFI, the information processing terminal that acquires position information from these systems, or the train terminal), and transmits the acquired position information and identification information of the second user to the management unit in a state in which the acquired position information is associated with the identification information of the second user; in a case where the second processing unit has received the identification information of the first user, the second processing unit transmits the received identification information to the management unit in a state in which the received identification information is associated with the identification information of the second user; the management unit identifies a position of the first user by, from the identification information of the second user, with which the identification information of the first user is associated, identifying the position information with which the identification information of the second user is associated, and determining the identified position information as position information regarding the first user; and the management unit identifies a position of the second user by determining the position information associated with the identification information of the second user as position information regarding the second user.

The above configuration, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, even in the case where the first terminal is incapable of acquiring the position information regarding the mobility from the position information acquisition system, identify the position of the first user.

Further, for example, the present invention is characterized in that the first processing unit broadcasts, as the complementary information, identification information (for example, a terminal ID) of the first user to the one or more terminals existing around the first terminal; the second processing unit transmits identification information (for example, a terminal ID) of the second user to a position information acquisition information system (for example, the information processing terminal that acquires position information from the beacon terminal <NUM>, the GPS, the WIFI, or the like, or the train terminal) configured to acquire position information regarding the mobility; in a case where the second processing unit has received the identification information of the first user, the second processing unit transmits the received identification information of the first user to the position information acquisition system; the position information acquisition system transmits the received identification information of the first user and acquired position information to the management unit in a state in which the received identification information of the first user is associated with the acquired position information, and transmits the received identification information of the second user and the acquired position information to the management unit in a state in which the received identification information of the second user is associated with the acquired position information; and the management unit identifies a position of the first user by determining the position information associated with the identification information of the first user as position information regarding the first user, and identifies a position of the second user by determining the position information associated with the identification information of the second user as position information regarding the second user.

The above configuration, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, even in the case where the first terminal is incapable of communicating with the position information acquisition system, identify the position of the first user.

Further, for example, the present invention is characterized in that the first processing unit broadcasts the complementary information in a case where the position information is unavailable to accessing by the first processing unit (in a case where the position information regarding the mobility cannot be acquired from the position information acquisition system or in a case where communication with the position information acquisition system cannot be performed).

The above configuration, for example, makes it possible for the first processing unit to reduce communication amount by limiting the opportunity of broadcasting the complementary information to within a necessary range, and further, makes it possible to suppress the battery consumption in each of the terminals.

Further, for example, the present invention is characterized in that the first processing unit acquires position information regarding the mobility from a position information acquisition system (for example, the beacon terminal <NUM>, the GPS, the WIFI, the information processing terminal that acquires position information from these systems, or the train terminal) to transmit the acquired position information and identification information of the first user to the management unit in a state in which the acquired position information is associated with the identification information of the first user, and to broadcast, as the complementary information, the acquired position information to the one or more users existing around the first terminal; in a case where the second processing unit has received the position information having been broadcasted from the first terminal, the second processing unit transmits the received position information and identification information regarding the second user to the management unit in a state in which the received position information is associated with the identification information of the second user; and the management unit identifies a position of the first user by determining the position information associated with the identification information of the first user as position information regarding the first user, and identifies a position of the second user by determining the position information associated with the identification information of the second user as position information regarding the second user.

The above configuration, for example, makes it possible for the management unit to, even in the case where the second terminal is incapable of acquiring the position information regarding the mobility from the position information acquisition system, identify the position of the second user.

Further, for example, the present invention is characterized in that the first terminal includes an acceleration sensor, and the first processing unit broadcasts the complementary information in a case where the first processing unit has detected a movement of the mobility from sensor information having been measured by the acceleration sensor.

Further, for example, the present invention is characterized in that the management unit outputs information regarding the position of the first user (for example, information of the passenger position information table <NUM>, information of the passenger movement information table <NUM>, information of the passenger fare information table <NUM>, the screen <NUM>, or the like) (the information may be output in the form of displaying in the input/output unit <NUM>, displaying in the input/output unit <NUM>, sending of an e-mail to a specified e-mail address, printing by a printing device, outputting by a file, outputting by speech, or any other outputting form).

Claim 1:
A movement management system comprising:
a plurality of processing units (<NUM>) each constituting a corresponding one of a plurality of terminals (<NUM>); and
a management unit (<NUM>) adapted to manage movements that are made by mobilities (<NUM>) used by a plurality of users each possessing a corresponding one of the terminals (<NUM>), wherein
a first processing unit (<NUM>-<NUM>) that constitutes a first terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>) possessed by a first user being moving by a mobility (<NUM>), is adapted to broadcast complementary information for complementing a user's position toward one or more terminals (<NUM>) being among the terminals (<NUM>) and existing around the first terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>),
the complementary information being identification information of the first terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>) or position information acquired by the first terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>),
a second processing unit (<NUM>-<NUM>) that constitutes a second terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>) possessed by a second user being different from the first user and being moving by the mobility (<NUM>), is configured to, upon receipt of the complementary information, transmit the received complementary information to the management unit (<NUM>),
the management unit (<NUM>) identifying a situation in which the second processing unit (<NUM>-<NUM>) is configured to receive pair information generated based on the complementary information and the first user and the second user are moving by the mobility (<NUM>), on a basis of the pair information, and
the pair information being information indicating that the first user and the second user were at the same place at the same time of day, and the pair information being configured to include identification information of the first user who owns the first terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>), identification information of the second user who owns the second terminal (<NUM>-<NUM>), and time information indicating time when the first user and the second user were at the same place.