WO2023203499A1 - System for recognising passengers in transit - Google Patents

System for recognising passengers in transit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023203499A1
WO2023203499A1 PCT/IB2023/053991 IB2023053991W WO2023203499A1 WO 2023203499 A1 WO2023203499 A1 WO 2023203499A1 IB 2023053991 W IB2023053991 W IB 2023053991W WO 2023203499 A1 WO2023203499 A1 WO 2023203499A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
passenger
vehicle
mobile device
control
passengers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/053991
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alessio GRISOLI
Giuseppe LABANCA
Matteo NATI
Original Assignee
Fstechnology S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fstechnology S.P.A. filed Critical Fstechnology S.P.A.
Publication of WO2023203499A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023203499A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50—Network services
    • H04L67/52—Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B15/00—Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points
    • G07B15/02—Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50—Network services
    • H04L67/535—Tracking the activity of the user
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50—Network services
    • H04L67/54—Presence management, e.g. monitoring or registration for receipt of user log-on information, or the connection status of the users
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/06—Authentication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/023—Services making use of location information using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/30—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
    • H04W4/40—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P]
    • H04W4/42—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for mass transport vehicles, e.g. buses, trains or aircraft
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
    • H04L63/0815—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities providing single-sign-on or federations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a system and a method for recognising a passenger travelling on a predetermined stretch of a vehicle.
  • patent document WO2015083134 illustrates a system in which gateways positioned inside a train communicate with a remote server, connected to a remote control station.
  • the gateway sends a set of information to the remote server to save in a database.
  • the user can make a query using their smartphone in which this information is retrieved.
  • this system does not provide in any way for detecting whether the passengers are allowed to stay on the train but simply allows for an increase in services for the passenger.
  • the aim of this invention is to provide a system and a method which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the invention provides a system for recognising a passenger travelling, along a predetermined transport stretch, in a vehicle designed to transport a plurality of passengers.
  • the system comprises a mobile device.
  • the mobile device can be worn by the passenger, that is to say, it can be positioned in a pocket or on the wrist or around the neck in such a way as to remain connected to the passenger in a portable manner.
  • the mobile device is configured to generate a presence signal, representing a passenger code uniquely associated with the passenger.
  • the system comprises a control passage.
  • the control passage is associated with the vehicle.
  • the system comprises a remote server (that is to say, a middleware), communicating with the control passage through a wireless communication.
  • the remote server is configured for receiving the control data from the control passage.
  • the system comprises a database.
  • the database includes information relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes.
  • the database comprises, for each predetermined transport stretch, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle travelling along that stretch.
  • the database comprises, for each predetermined transport section, a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding section.
  • the remote server includes a processing unit.
  • the processing unit is programmed to process the control data and identify, depending on the vehicle code included in the control data and on the planning data, the corresponding predetermined route.
  • the processing unit is programmed for recovering from the database, based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers.
  • the processing unit is programmed to process the control data to check for the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.
  • the control passage comprises a communication system.
  • the communication system is configured for receiving the presence signal.
  • the communication system is configured for generating control data including a list of passenger codes and/or a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle, on the basis of the presence signal(s).
  • the list of passenger codes is derived from the presence signals received.
  • the communication system is configured for sending the control data to the remote server.
  • control data is centralised and performed by the control passage, which may comprise a long range connection which is much more stable than the individual mobile devices.
  • the data is grouped together, optimised and then sent from the control passage to the remote server, avoiding redundancy in the data sent.
  • the data transmission is therefore also optimised.
  • the mobile device is configured to scan passage signals, representing signals emitted by the control passage, for example scanning the Wi-Fi networks present on the vehicle. Downstream of said scanning, the mobile device is configured to derive, on the basis of the passage signal, identification data of the control passage, between which are present, inter alia, vehicle identification data. For this reason, in that way, the mobile device recognises that they are on board a specific vehicle.
  • the mobile device is programmed to send to the remote server (middleware) the control data, including the passenger code and the vehicle identification data.
  • control data which in this case include a single passenger code
  • the processing unit is programmed to recover from the database, on the basis of the section identified by means of the vehicle identification data, the corresponding list of paying passengers.
  • the processing unit is programmed to process the control data to check for the presence of the passenger code received in the list of paying passengers recovered.
  • the processing unit is programmed to associate a corresponding control value to each passenger code and to each predetermined route, on the basis of the presence or absence of the passenger code in the list of paying passengers for the route identified.
  • the remote server is aware of the fact that a control has been performed or not, on the basis of the fact that the control value is set or not.
  • the processing unit is configured for sending a notification to a control device in the vehicle, for passenger codes not present in the list of paying passengers, in such a way as to alert the train guard of the presence of a passenger not entitled to the journey.
  • control unit is programmed to check for the presence of passenger codes having a control value set on a first value, representing the fact that the paying passenger has not already been verified.
  • the processing unit or the control passage is programmed to count the number of identification codes.
  • the processing unit or the control passage are programmed to estimate a crowding of the train on the basis of said number of identification codes and/or on the basis of a reference value, identifying a maximum capacity of the train and/or of a carriage of the train (of the vehicle and/or of a specific zone of the vehicle).
  • each presence signal represents a distance of the corresponding mobile device from the control passage.
  • the distance signal includes a time for emitting the signal from which to determine the distance of the mobile device from the communication system of the control passage.
  • the control passage or the processing unit are configured for determining positioning data, indicating a position (a localisation, a zone in which each passenger is located) of each passenger in the means of transport, on the basis of the corresponding presence signal.
  • the control opening is configured for sending the positioning data to the processing unit.
  • the processing unit is configured for providing indications regarding the distribution of the passengers in the means of transport, on the basis of the positioning data.
  • the control passage can also derive information about the distribution of passengers on the means of transport on the basis of positioning data.
  • This solution allows information to be provided, also to passengers, regarding empty seats and more comfortable and less crowded areas for suitably distributing the passengers on the vehicle.
  • the system comprises a boarding signalling device, configured to indicate to the passengers positioned outside the means of transport which zone of the means of transport is less crowded.
  • the boarding signalling device is connected with the remote server and/or with the control passage of the vehicle.
  • the boarding signalling device is configured for receiving, from the remote server and/or from the control passage, sorting signals, representing a distribution of the passengers inside the means of transport.
  • sorting signals representing a distribution of the passengers inside the means of transport.
  • the boarding signalling device could receive from the remote server or from the control passage the number of the carriage which includes less passengers.
  • the boarding signalling device would be configured to illustrate the number of the carriage, for example, on a screen, or it might be announced on the platform by means of a loudspeaker just before the arrival of the train.
  • the presence signal is a wireless signal (that is to say, Wi-Fi).
  • the presence signal is a Bluetooth signal.
  • the presence signal is a UWB signal. More specifically, the use of a UWB system makes it possible to greatly increase the precision in the localisation of the passenger in the vehicle.
  • the processing unit is programmed to update the list of passenger codes after each stop. In fact, only after a stop does the passenger code list undergo changes.
  • the list of passenger codes is updated by keeping the new passenger codes and eliminating (by comparing with the old list of passenger codes) those already present before the stop and, presumably, already checked. In this case, the processing unit also avoids assessing the control value.
  • the processing unit and/or the control passage are configured for identifying, for each passenger, a boarding station, in which the control passage receives the first presence signal. This recognition may be performed in various modes, for example, by geo-locating the vehicle or comparing the time with the planning data in the database (in the absence of delays). Regardless of the method by which the boarding station is determined, the processing unit and/or the control passage are configured for identifying, for each passenger, a disembarkation station, in which the control passage no longer receives the presence signal of the corresponding passenger.
  • the mobile device comprises a processor, programmed to start an automatic payment procedure, on the basis of the boarding station and the disembarkation station.
  • the mobile device receives from the control passage and/or from the processing unit a payment request, the amount of which depends on the boarding station and the predetermined disembarkation station.
  • the mobile device can execute the payment automatically if the passenger has previously authorised this process or, if the automatic payment is not enabled, notifies the passenger of the payment request and the passenger, having checked the amount, accepts the transaction.
  • the system does not even need to provide tickets prior to the trip, but the check-in and check-out on the vehicle are used to determine the route performed and allow a payment after the service has been used, making the transport on the vehicle extremely smooth.
  • the system also comprises, for example, a control terminal, positioned on the means of transport.
  • the control terminal is used by an operator for monitoring the means of transport.
  • each passenger identifier is associated with a corresponding role.
  • the control passage is programmed to send the passenger codes to the control terminal, which, on the basis of said codes, is programmed to illustrate on the control terminal the presence or absence of passengers with specific roles on the means of transport.
  • the system comprises a plurality of tracking devices, each physically associated with a respective baggage of a passenger. Moreover, the tracking device is associated with the respective passenger code. In other words, the tracking device is identified by a respective unique code which is associated (in the database) with the corresponding passenger code. The tracking device is configured for emitting a position signal.
  • the mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured to receive the position signal of the tracking device associated with their baggage.
  • the mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured to determine, based on the position signal, a baggage distance, identifying a distance between the passenger’s baggage and the passenger’s mobile device.
  • the baggage distance identifies the distance between the baggage and the passenger.
  • the mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured for comparing the value of baggage distance calculated with a limit distance value.
  • the mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured for generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device, for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
  • the passenger is alerted as soon as possible to various situations which may occur within a transport section, including, inter alia, the theft or loss of baggage.
  • the mobile device is configured for calculating a passage distance, identifying a distance between the mobile device and the control passage.
  • the mobile device is configured to generate the notification on the basis of a variation of the baggage distance and/or the passage distance.
  • the mobile device is configured to generate a notification of theft of the baggage, for constant passage distance values and baggage distance values increasing over time. Moreover, the mobile device is configured for generating a notification of loss or abandonment of baggage, for increasing baggage distance values and passage distance values.
  • the invention provides a method for recognising a passenger travelling, along a predetermined transport section, in a vehicle designed to transport a plurality of passengers.
  • the method comprises a step of generating a presence signal, representing a passenger code uniquely associated with a passenger, by means of a mobile device, which can be worn by the passenger.
  • the method comprises a step of generating a presence signal, representing a passenger code uniquely associated with a passenger, by means of a mobile device, which can be worn by the passenger.
  • the method comprises a step of storing one or more of the following information items in a database:
  • the method comprises a step of receiving the signal indicating the presence in a control passage, associated with the vehicle.
  • the method comprises a step of generating control data including a list of passenger codes and a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle, by means of the control passage.
  • the method comprises a step of sending control data from the control passage to a remote server, communicating with the control passage through a wireless communication.
  • the method comprises a step of processing control data, by means of a processing unit of the remote server.
  • the method comprises a step of identifying the predetermined route corresponding to the control data, depending on the vehicle code included in the control data and on the planning data.
  • the method comprises a step of recovering from the database, based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers.
  • the method comprises a step of subsequent processing of the control data, for deriving each passenger code.
  • the method comprises a step of checking the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.
  • the processing unit or the control passage counts the number of identification codes and estimate a crowding of the train on the basis of said number of identification codes.
  • each presence signal represents a distance of the corresponding mobile device from the control passage.
  • the control passage or the processing unit determine a position (a localisation, a zone in which they are positioned) of each passenger in the means of transport, on the basis of the corresponding presence signal.
  • control passage or the processing unit provide information regarding the distribution of the passengers in the means of transport.
  • the method comprises a step of emitting a position signal, emitted by a plurality of tracking devices, each physically associated with a respective baggage of a passenger and associated with the respective passenger code.
  • the method comprises the following steps, performed by a processor of the mobile device of the passenger:
  • the method comprises the following steps, performed by the processor of the mobile device of the passenger:
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for recognising a passenger travelling in a vehicle according to the invention
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 .
  • the numeral 1 denotes a system for recognising a passenger travelling in a vehicle V.
  • the system 1 comprises a mobile device 10, for example a smartphone or a tablet.
  • the system 1 comprises a plurality of mobile devices 10.
  • Each mobile device 10 can be worn by the passenger, in such a way as to remain connected with it and in such a way that the position of the device can be directly related to the position of the passenger.
  • the mobile device 10 is configured to emit a presence signal S1 , identifying a passenger code which uniquely identifies the passenger. In that way, all the data associated with the passenger code is associated with the corresponding passenger.
  • the mobile device 10 is programmed to scan the surrounding environment for detecting any Wi-Fi signals.
  • the system 1 comprises a control passage 11.
  • the control passage 11 is configured for communicating with said plurality of mobile devices 10.
  • the control passage 11 is configured to receive the presence signal S1 from the mobile device 10.
  • the system 10 comprises a remote server 12 (also known as middleware 12), configured for transmitting signals to the control passage 11 and/or to said plurality of mobile devices 10.
  • the remote server 12 comprises a processing unit, including a memory and having a computing capacity for performing processing on the data received.
  • control passage 11 comprises a Wi-Fi passage 111 , that is to say, a Wi-Fi access point 1 11 , that is to say, a WiFi modem 111.
  • the Wi-Fi passage 111 is configured to generate a Wi-Fi signal which strikes the mobile devices 10.
  • the Wi-Fi passage 111 is configured for communicating with the remote server 12, for sending to the latter data relating to the passengers and/or the vehicle.
  • control passage 11 comprises a Bluetooth passage 112, configured for detecting and transmitting Bluetooth signals.
  • control passage 11 comprises an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) passage 113, configured for detecting and transmitting UWB signals.
  • UWB Ultra Wide Band
  • each mobile device 10 is configured for detecting the Wi-Fi signal, which includes information regarding the vehicle V on which the Wi-Fi passage is positioned.
  • the mobile device 10 is programmed to communicate with the remote server 12, to send it information regarding the Wi-Fi signal received, that is to say, on the vehicle V on which the passenger is positioned.
  • the remote server 12 knows the localisation of each passenger by receiving from each mobile device 10 an identification code, which identifies the vehicle V on which the passenger is travelling.
  • the processing unit of the remote server can control that the passenger code received from the mobile device 10 is included in the list of paying passengers associated with the vehicle identified by a vehicle identification code sent by the mobile device 10 (which has received it by means of the vehicle Wi-Fi network).
  • control passage 11 has a vehicle code available, identifying the vehicle V on which the control passage 11 is positioned.
  • control passage 11 receiving from each mobile device 10 the respective passenger code, is programmed for generating control data S2 which comprises at least the following information:
  • the control passage 11 sends the control data S2 to the remote server 12.
  • the system 1 comprises a database 13 configured for storing data.
  • the database 13 comprises planning information D1 relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes.
  • the planning information D1 includes the times of each predetermined section and of the respective vehicle code, identifying the vehicle which travels along the section.
  • the planning information also includes the predetermined localisation of the vehicle V during transport, for example the track, the road stop or the metro stop at a certain time.
  • the database 13 comprises commercial information D2, including, for each predetermined transport route, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle travelling along that route, and a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding route.
  • the database 13 comprises passenger information D3, including one or more of the following items of information:
  • the processing unit of the remote server 12 is programmed to compare the list of passengers on the vehicle V, derived from the control data S2, with the list of paying passengers which is saved in the database 13.
  • the processing unit checks the presence in the list of paying passengers for said route.
  • the processing unit associates with each passenger in the vehicle V received from the control data S2 a corresponding control value which may vary between the following values:
  • the system 1 comprises a control terminal 14, associated with the vehicle V and preferably controlled by a person in charge of the vehicle V.
  • control unit of the remote server 12 is configured for generating a notification, in response to the identification of at least one passenger detected on the vehicle V who has not paid.
  • the notification is sent to the control terminal 14 to notify it of the presence of an unauthorised passenger.
  • the control data S2 includes, for each passenger code sent in the list of passenger codes, a corresponding localisation information, identifying a localisation of the passenger in the vehicle V. This allows the localisation of the non-paying passenger to be included in the notification, in such a way that they can be more easily identified.
  • the vehicle V may be divided into zones, for example carriages VG of a train.
  • the control passage 11 is configured to identify the localisation of the passenger using one of the following modes.
  • the control passage 11 receives the presence signal S1 which includes, in addition to the passenger code, also an instant of starting the presence signal S1.
  • the control passage 11 knowing the starting instant and detecting the arrival instant, determines the flight time and estimates a distance of the mobile device 10 from the control passage 11. In that way, the control passage 11 is able to determine the carriage on which each passenger is positioned.
  • This mode has a greater precision if the control passage 11 uses the UWB passage 113 for the exchange of signals with the mobile device 10 (even though the use of the UWB to obtain this advantage is not essential).
  • the control passage 11 comprises a plurality of control stations 11 ’, each associated with a respective zone ZN of the vehicle V.
  • the control data S2 include sub-sets of control data, each associated with a respective control station. Therefore, the remote server 12 receives the control data S2 which include a plurality of lists of passenger codes, each of which is associated with the respective station ZN.
  • the processing unit of the remote server 12 is programmed to check that the zone assigned to the passenger in the purchased ticket corresponds to the zone ZN in which the passenger is positioned in the vehicle V.
  • each passenger code is associated, in the database 13, with a role.
  • the remote server 12 is configured for sending to the control terminal 14 a list of qualified passengers who are on board the vehicle, on the basis of the role associated with the passenger codes received in the control data S2. In this way, the person in charge of the vehicle V, who has access to the control terminal 14, knows at any time whether, on the vehicle V, there are personnel useful in some situations such as, for example, a doctor and/or police.
  • the processing unit of the remote server 12 is configured for checking, for each of the passengers wherein the control value is set to the “accepted” value, that the corresponding passenger code is in the list of passenger codes progressively received in the control data. If the processing unit of the remote server 12 detects the absence of a passenger code to which a control value is associated (for that section) set on the “accepted” value, the processing unit derives information regarding the disembarking of the passenger from the vehicle V and, therefore, starts a check out procedure, associating the “disembarked” value with the control value.
  • the list of paying passengers included in the database 13 is associated with a specific section of the overall route in which there are no variations of passengers.
  • the list of paying passengers refers to passengers who have paid for the stretch between two consecutive stops.
  • the control passage 11 is programmed to send the control data S2 after each stop of the vehicle V, after which, potentially, there is a variation in the number of passengers on board.
  • the system 1 comprises an automatic payment process.
  • the mobile device 10 comprises the possibility of activating, using a dedicated module on the mobile device, an automatic payment, in response to a payment request sent by the processing unit of the remote server 12.
  • the database 13 comprises, in the context of the commercial information, the cost for each predetermined section and also for specific portions (stretches) of a predetermined section.
  • the processing unit is programmed for:
  • the processing unit of the remote server 2 is configured to derive, on the basis of the control data S2, information regarding the distribution of the passengers along the vehicle V, in the context of the zones ZN of the vehicle V.
  • the remote server 2 is configured to send to the mobile device 10 distribution data S3, representing a number of passengers present in each zone ZN of the vehicle V.
  • the mobile device 10 comprises a display, in which the distribution of the passengers in the vehicle V is illustrated.
  • the mobile device 10 is programmed to illustrate, on the display, a less crowded zone ZN to which the passenger can move when they are already inside the vehicle V or when they are outside and are about to enter the vehicle V.
  • the system 1 comprises a boarding signalling device 15, configured to show information on the zone ZN of the vehicle V in which the boarding is suggested.
  • the remote server 2 is connected by a wireless network to the boarding signalling device 15 to send it the distribution data S3.
  • the boarding signalling device 15 is configured to illustrate the information on the zone ZN of the vehicle V in which the boarding is suggested on the basis of the distribution data S3.
  • the information is, for example, the carriage number of a train.
  • the invention comprises at least one tracking device 16, preferably a plurality of tracking devices 16.
  • the tracking device 16 is physically associated (fixed) to a respective baggage BG, so as to move in a constrained fashion with the baggage BG.
  • the tracking device 16 is associated, in the database 13, with a respective passenger code. For this reason, preferably, the passenger purchases the tracking device 16 which is associated with them in the database 13 and it is fixed to their baggage BG.
  • the tracking device 16 is configured to emit a position signal S4.
  • the position signal S4 is preferably a Bluetooth signal or a UWB signal. The greatest advantages in terms of precision are achieved using a UWB signal.
  • the tracking device 16 sends the position signal S4 to the mobile device 10.
  • the mobile device 10 comprises a processor, configured for processing data and executing computer programs.
  • the processor is programmed to determine, on the basis of the position signal, a baggage distance, that is to say, a distance between the mobile device 10 and the tracking device 16 which identifies a distance between the passenger and the baggage.
  • This determining of the position may be performed in various modes, one of which is the determining the flight time of the signal, on the basis of which, when the speed of transmission of the signal is known, it is possible to deduce a distance from the mobile device 10.
  • the processor has access to a limit distance value, saved in a memory of the mobile device 10.
  • the processor of the mobile device 10 is programmed to compare the calculated baggage distance value with the limit distance value. In this way, the mobile device 10 can assess whether the baggage BG is too far from the passenger.
  • the processor is therefore programmed for generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device 10, for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
  • the processor of the mobile device 10 is programmed to distinguish the type of notification to be sent, since the moving away between the baggage BG and the passenger could occur for various reasons.
  • the processor is programmed to identify a theft of the baggage BG.
  • the mobile device 10 is configured to determine, on the basis of the presence signal S1 sent to the control passage 11 , a passage distance, that is to say, a distance of the mobile device 10 from the control passage 11 or from the vehicle V.
  • the processor has available, preferably in real time or at predetermined detection intervals, a value of the baggage distance and a value of the passage distance.
  • the processor is programmed to determine the type of notification to be generated and shown on the mobile device 10.
  • the processor is programmed to identify a theft of the baggage BG.
  • the processor generates a baggage theft notification for increasing baggage distance values and substantially constant passage distance or in any case oscillating within a certain tolerance range.
  • the constant passage distance indicates that the passenger is still on the vehicle V whilst the fact that the baggage distance increases identifies the fact that the tracking device 16 (the baggage BG) has been picked up by someone who, potentially, has got off the train or is moving away from the owner passenger.
  • the processor generates a baggage theft notification for values of the passage distance which are substantially constant or in any case oscillating within a certain tolerance range and if the position signal S4 is no longer detected. This means that the tracking device 16 has moved away from the mobile device 10 by a distance which can no longer be detected by the mobile device 10.
  • the processor is programmed to identify a notification of abandonment or loss of baggage.
  • the processor generates a baggage abandonment notification for values of the passage distance and the baggage distance which are both increasing. This in fact identifies the fact that the passenger has disembarked from the vehicle V in which the baggage BG has remained and, therefore, both the control passage 11 and the tracking device 16 are moving away from the mobile device 10.
  • the processor is programmed to emit a notification of abandonment if it no longer detects a control passage 11 or a position signal S4 from the tracking device 16, for example when the train is already very far away.
  • the processor is configured to assess a log of detections. In other words, the processor emits a notification of abandonment if it no longer detects a control passage 11 or a position signal S4 from the tracking device 16 if, in the previous detection, there was at least one signal and therefore a communication with the control passage 11 or with the tracking device 16. This makes it possible to avoid notifications on the mobile device 10 whilst no journeys are being made.
  • the processor of the mobile device 10 is programmed to send to the remote server 12 a recovery request.
  • the remote server 12 in response to the recovery request, transmits the request to the control terminal 14 of the vehicle V, to alert the person responsible for a abandoned and unattended baggage BG.
  • the tracking device 16 communicates with the control passage 11 , sending the position signal S4.
  • the control passage 11 is programmed to determine the localisation of the tracking device 16 and, therefore, of the baggage BG, on the basis of the position signal S4 received.
  • the control passage 11 communicates with the remote server 12, including in the control data also information relative to the tracking devices 16 present on the vehicle V. Said information relative to the tracking devices 16 may include the unique code of the tracking device 16 and/or a zone ZN in which the tracking device 16 is positioned in the vehicle V.

Abstract

Described is a system (1) for recognising a travelling passenger comprising: a mobile device (10), which can be worn by the passenger and configured to generate a presence signal (S1), representing a passenger code uniquely associated with the passenger; a control passage (11), associated with the vehicle (V); a remote server (12); a database (13), including planning information and, for each predetermined transport route, a corresponding vehicle code and a list of paying passengers. The control passage (11) comprises a communication system, programmed for: receiving the presence signal (S1) from the mobile device (10); generating control data (S2) including a list of passenger codes and a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle, on the basis of the presence signal (S1); sending the control data (S2) to the remote server (12). The remote server (12) including a processing unit, programmed for: identifying, depending on the vehicle code included in the control data (S2) and on the planning data, the corresponding predetermined route; recovering from the database (13), based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers; checking the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.

Description

SYSTEM FOR RECOGNISING PASSENGERS IN TRANSIT
Technical field
This invention relates to a system and a method for recognising a passenger travelling on a predetermined stretch of a vehicle.
Background art
In the sector relative to these systems and methods there are prior art solutions each having respective drawbacks.
For example, a system for recognising passengers is illustrated in patent document WO2015083134, which illustrates a system in which gateways positioned inside a train communicate with a remote server, connected to a remote control station. The gateway sends a set of information to the remote server to save in a database. The user can make a query using their smartphone in which this information is retrieved. However, this system does not provide in any way for detecting whether the passengers are allowed to stay on the train but simply allows for an increase in services for the passenger.
Another document which illustrates solutions similar to those of the present invention is patent document EP3726479, which illustrates a solution wherein passengers are recognised inside a train and the presence of specific tickets associated with said passengers is checked, in order to check that they have correctly paid. However, this system and this method are not very reliable, since this solution comprises the fact that the signals are exchanged with the databases by means of the mobile devices which can be subject to field loss and, above all, are not homogeneous in terms of the long range communication capacity. Moreover, the train information is sent by all the devices, with a redundancy of data which is unnecessary and which leads to a greater cost of the system.
Other examples of passenger recognition systems are described in patent documents US2018/293523A1 , GB2563016A, WO2018/0219958A1 and US2010/185486A1 . However, these solutions are also not without drawbacks and require a more effective recognition system to be set up.
Aim of the invention
The aim of this invention is to provide a system and a method which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.
Said aim is fully achieved by the system and method according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a system for recognising a passenger travelling, along a predetermined transport stretch, in a vehicle designed to transport a plurality of passengers.
The system comprises a mobile device. The mobile device can be worn by the passenger, that is to say, it can be positioned in a pocket or on the wrist or around the neck in such a way as to remain connected to the passenger in a portable manner. The mobile device is configured to generate a presence signal, representing a passenger code uniquely associated with the passenger.
The system comprises a control passage. The control passage is associated with the vehicle.
The system comprises a remote server (that is to say, a middleware), communicating with the control passage through a wireless communication. The remote server is configured for receiving the control data from the control passage.
The system comprises a database. The database includes information relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes. In addition or alternatively, the database comprises, for each predetermined transport stretch, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle travelling along that stretch. In addition or alternatively, the database comprises, for each predetermined transport section, a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding section.
The remote server includes a processing unit.
Preferably, according to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit is programmed to process the control data and identify, depending on the vehicle code included in the control data and on the planning data, the corresponding predetermined route.
The processing unit is programmed for recovering from the database, based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers. The processing unit is programmed to process the control data to check for the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.
The control passage comprises a communication system. The communication system is configured for receiving the presence signal. The communication system is configured for generating control data including a list of passenger codes and/or a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle, on the basis of the presence signal(s). The list of passenger codes is derived from the presence signals received.
The communication system is configured for sending the control data to the remote server.
This solution allows an increase in the reliability of the system, since the transmission of control data is centralised and performed by the control passage, which may comprise a long range connection which is much more stable than the individual mobile devices. Moreover, the data is grouped together, optimised and then sent from the control passage to the remote server, avoiding redundancy in the data sent. The data transmission is therefore also optimised.
It should be noted that, according to a further embodiment, the mobile device is configured to scan passage signals, representing signals emitted by the control passage, for example scanning the Wi-Fi networks present on the vehicle. Downstream of said scanning, the mobile device is configured to derive, on the basis of the passage signal, identification data of the control passage, between which are present, inter alia, vehicle identification data. For this reason, in that way, the mobile device recognises that they are on board a specific vehicle. The mobile device is programmed to send to the remote server (middleware) the control data, including the passenger code and the vehicle identification data.
Also in this case, on the basis of said control data (which in this case include a single passenger code), the processing unit is programmed to recover from the database, on the basis of the section identified by means of the vehicle identification data, the corresponding list of paying passengers.
The processing unit is programmed to process the control data to check for the presence of the passenger code received in the list of paying passengers recovered.
According to an embodiment, the processing unit is programmed to associate a corresponding control value to each passenger code and to each predetermined route, on the basis of the presence or absence of the passenger code in the list of paying passengers for the route identified. In this way, the remote server is aware of the fact that a control has been performed or not, on the basis of the fact that the control value is set or not.
According to an embodiment, the processing unit is configured for sending a notification to a control device in the vehicle, for passenger codes not present in the list of paying passengers, in such a way as to alert the train guard of the presence of a passenger not entitled to the journey.
Preferably, the control unit is programmed to check for the presence of passenger codes having a control value set on a first value, representing the fact that the paying passenger has not already been verified.
This makes it possible to optimise the control operations, so that the processing unit only controls those values which have not already been controlled previously, in the same way as the controller who, once the control has been passed, only controls the new passengers.
According to an embodiment, the processing unit or the control passage is programmed to count the number of identification codes. The processing unit or the control passage are programmed to estimate a crowding of the train on the basis of said number of identification codes and/or on the basis of a reference value, identifying a maximum capacity of the train and/or of a carriage of the train (of the vehicle and/or of a specific zone of the vehicle).
This gives an indication of how crowded the train actually is.
Preferably, each presence signal represents a distance of the corresponding mobile device from the control passage. For example, the distance signal includes a time for emitting the signal from which to determine the distance of the mobile device from the communication system of the control passage. For each control signal, the control passage or the processing unit are configured for determining positioning data, indicating a position (a localisation, a zone in which each passenger is located) of each passenger in the means of transport, on the basis of the corresponding presence signal. According to an embodiment, the control opening is configured for sending the positioning data to the processing unit. In this case, the processing unit is configured for providing indications regarding the distribution of the passengers in the means of transport, on the basis of the positioning data. According to the invention the control passage can also derive information about the distribution of passengers on the means of transport on the basis of positioning data.
This solution allows information to be provided, also to passengers, regarding empty seats and more comfortable and less crowded areas for suitably distributing the passengers on the vehicle.
In this regard, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a boarding signalling device, configured to indicate to the passengers positioned outside the means of transport which zone of the means of transport is less crowded. The boarding signalling device is connected with the remote server and/or with the control passage of the vehicle. The boarding signalling device is configured for receiving, from the remote server and/or from the control passage, sorting signals, representing a distribution of the passengers inside the means of transport. For example, in the case of a train, the boarding signalling device could receive from the remote server or from the control passage the number of the carriage which includes less passengers. In this case, the boarding signalling device would be configured to illustrate the number of the carriage, for example, on a screen, or it might be announced on the platform by means of a loudspeaker just before the arrival of the train.
According to an embodiment, the presence signal is a wireless signal (that is to say, Wi-Fi). According to an embodiment, the presence signal is a Bluetooth signal. According to an embodiment, the presence signal is a UWB signal. More specifically, the use of a UWB system makes it possible to greatly increase the precision in the localisation of the passenger in the vehicle.
Preferably, when the transport section comprises a plurality of stops, designed for the boarding and disembarkation of the passengers, the processing unit is programmed to update the list of passenger codes after each stop. In fact, only after a stop does the passenger code list undergo changes.
This makes it possible to check the presence of each passenger code in the list of paying passengers selected after each stop and therefore avoids unnecessary waste of resources in order to continue unnecessary checks. According to some embodiments, the list of passenger codes is updated by keeping the new passenger codes and eliminating (by comparing with the old list of passenger codes) those already present before the stop and, presumably, already checked. In this case, the processing unit also avoids assessing the control value.
According to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit and/or the control passage are configured for identifying, for each passenger, a boarding station, in which the control passage receives the first presence signal. This recognition may be performed in various modes, for example, by geo-locating the vehicle or comparing the time with the planning data in the database (in the absence of delays). Regardless of the method by which the boarding station is determined, the processing unit and/or the control passage are configured for identifying, for each passenger, a disembarkation station, in which the control passage no longer receives the presence signal of the corresponding passenger.
According to this embodiment, the mobile device comprises a processor, programmed to start an automatic payment procedure, on the basis of the boarding station and the disembarkation station. In other words, the mobile device receives from the control passage and/or from the processing unit a payment request, the amount of which depends on the boarding station and the predetermined disembarkation station. The mobile device can execute the payment automatically if the passenger has previously authorised this process or, if the automatic payment is not enabled, notifies the passenger of the payment request and the passenger, having checked the amount, accepts the transaction.
In this way, the system does not even need to provide tickets prior to the trip, but the check-in and check-out on the vehicle are used to determine the route performed and allow a payment after the service has been used, making the transport on the vehicle extremely smooth.
The system also comprises, for example, a control terminal, positioned on the means of transport. The control terminal is used by an operator for monitoring the means of transport. According to an embodiment, each passenger identifier is associated with a corresponding role. The control passage is programmed to send the passenger codes to the control terminal, which, on the basis of said codes, is programmed to illustrate on the control terminal the presence or absence of passengers with specific roles on the means of transport.
This allows the train guard to know, without wasting time, if there are railway personnel, doctors or individuals who, if necessary, could help.
According to an aspect of the invention, regardless of the other features described above, the system comprises a plurality of tracking devices, each physically associated with a respective baggage of a passenger. Moreover, the tracking device is associated with the respective passenger code. In other words, the tracking device is identified by a respective unique code which is associated (in the database) with the corresponding passenger code. The tracking device is configured for emitting a position signal.
The mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured to receive the position signal of the tracking device associated with their baggage.
The mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured to determine, based on the position signal, a baggage distance, identifying a distance between the passenger’s baggage and the passenger’s mobile device. Thus, the baggage distance identifies the distance between the baggage and the passenger.
The mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured for comparing the value of baggage distance calculated with a limit distance value.
The mobile device (its processor) of the passenger is configured for generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device, for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
In this way, the passenger is alerted as soon as possible to various situations which may occur within a transport section, including, inter alia, the theft or loss of baggage.
For example, according to an embodiment, the mobile device is configured for calculating a passage distance, identifying a distance between the mobile device and the control passage. The mobile device is configured to generate the notification on the basis of a variation of the baggage distance and/or the passage distance.
For example, the mobile device is configured to generate a notification of theft of the baggage, for constant passage distance values and baggage distance values increasing over time. Moreover, the mobile device is configured for generating a notification of loss or abandonment of baggage, for increasing baggage distance values and passage distance values.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for recognising a passenger travelling, along a predetermined transport section, in a vehicle designed to transport a plurality of passengers.
The method comprises a step of generating a presence signal, representing a passenger code uniquely associated with a passenger, by means of a mobile device, which can be worn by the passenger.
The method comprises a step of generating a presence signal, representing a passenger code uniquely associated with a passenger, by means of a mobile device, which can be worn by the passenger.
The method comprises a step of storing one or more of the following information items in a database:
- planning information relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes and,
- for each predetermined transport route, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle travelling along that route, and a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding route.
The method comprises a step of receiving the signal indicating the presence in a control passage, associated with the vehicle.
The method comprises a step of generating control data including a list of passenger codes and a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle, by means of the control passage.
The method comprises a step of sending control data from the control passage to a remote server, communicating with the control passage through a wireless communication.
The method comprises a step of processing control data, by means of a processing unit of the remote server.
The method comprises a step of identifying the predetermined route corresponding to the control data, depending on the vehicle code included in the control data and on the planning data.
The method comprises a step of recovering from the database, based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers.
The method comprises a step of subsequent processing of the control data, for deriving each passenger code.
The method comprises a step of checking the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.
Advantageously, the processing unit or the control passage counts the number of identification codes and estimate a crowding of the train on the basis of said number of identification codes.
Advantageously, each presence signal represents a distance of the corresponding mobile device from the control passage. For this reason, for each control signal, the control passage or the processing unit determine a position (a localisation, a zone in which they are positioned) of each passenger in the means of transport, on the basis of the corresponding presence signal.
Moreover, according to the method, the control passage or the processing unit provide information regarding the distribution of the passengers in the means of transport.
According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of emitting a position signal, emitted by a plurality of tracking devices, each physically associated with a respective baggage of a passenger and associated with the respective passenger code.
According to an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps, performed by a processor of the mobile device of the passenger:
- receiving position signal;
- determining, on the basis of the position signal, a baggage distance between the baggage of the passenger and the mobile device of the passenger.
Moreover, according to an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps, performed by the processor of the mobile device of the passenger:
- comparing the calculated baggage distance value with a limit distance value;
- generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device, for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
Brief
Figure imgf000013_0001
of the
Figure imgf000013_0002
These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system for recognising a passenger travelling in a vehicle according to the invention;
- Figure 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the system of Figure 1 .
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a system for recognising a passenger travelling in a vehicle V. The system 1 comprises a mobile device 10, for example a smartphone or a tablet. Preferably, the system 1 comprises a plurality of mobile devices 10. Each mobile device 10 can be worn by the passenger, in such a way as to remain connected with it and in such a way that the position of the device can be directly related to the position of the passenger.
According to an embodiment, the mobile device 10 is configured to emit a presence signal S1 , identifying a passenger code which uniquely identifies the passenger. In that way, all the data associated with the passenger code is associated with the corresponding passenger.
According to an embodiment, the mobile device 10 is programmed to scan the surrounding environment for detecting any Wi-Fi signals.
According to an embodiment, the system 1 comprises a control passage 11. The control passage 11 is configured for communicating with said plurality of mobile devices 10. The control passage 11 is configured to receive the presence signal S1 from the mobile device 10.
According to an embodiment, the system 10 comprises a remote server 12 (also known as middleware 12), configured for transmitting signals to the control passage 11 and/or to said plurality of mobile devices 10. The remote server 12 comprises a processing unit, including a memory and having a computing capacity for performing processing on the data received.
According to an embodiment, the control passage 11 comprises a Wi-Fi passage 111 , that is to say, a Wi-Fi access point 1 11 , that is to say, a WiFi modem 111. The Wi-Fi passage 111 is configured to generate a Wi-Fi signal which strikes the mobile devices 10. The Wi-Fi passage 111 is configured for communicating with the remote server 12, for sending to the latter data relating to the passengers and/or the vehicle.
According to an embodiment, the control passage 11 comprises a Bluetooth passage 112, configured for detecting and transmitting Bluetooth signals.
According to an embodiment, the control passage 11 comprises an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) passage 113, configured for detecting and transmitting UWB signals.
Still more advantageously, regardless of the type of signal sent and passage used, each of which has specific advantages, the control passage 11 receives the presence signal S1 from each mobile device 10. According to some embodiments, each mobile device 10 is configured for detecting the Wi-Fi signal, which includes information regarding the vehicle V on which the Wi-Fi passage is positioned. The mobile device 10 is programmed to communicate with the remote server 12, to send it information regarding the Wi-Fi signal received, that is to say, on the vehicle V on which the passenger is positioned. In that way, the remote server 12 knows the localisation of each passenger by receiving from each mobile device 10 an identification code, which identifies the vehicle V on which the passenger is travelling.
In this way, the processing unit of the remote server can control that the passenger code received from the mobile device 10 is included in the list of paying passengers associated with the vehicle identified by a vehicle identification code sent by the mobile device 10 (which has received it by means of the vehicle Wi-Fi network).
Moreover, the control passage 11 has a vehicle code available, identifying the vehicle V on which the control passage 11 is positioned.
For this reason, the control passage 11 , receiving from each mobile device 10 the respective passenger code, is programmed for generating control data S2 which comprises at least the following information:
- vehicle code, vehicle identification V;
- list of passenger codes, including a list of passenger codes identifying the passengers present in the vehicle V.
The control passage 11 sends the control data S2 to the remote server 12. The system 1 comprises a database 13 configured for storing data. The database 13 comprises planning information D1 relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes. The planning information D1 includes the times of each predetermined section and of the respective vehicle code, identifying the vehicle which travels along the section. The planning information also includes the predetermined localisation of the vehicle V during transport, for example the track, the road stop or the metro stop at a certain time.
The database 13 comprises commercial information D2, including, for each predetermined transport route, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle travelling along that route, and a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding route.
The database 13 comprises passenger information D3, including one or more of the following items of information:
- passenger identification data, such as name and surname;
- e-mail address of passenger;
- passenger code;
- passenger role, between standard passenger, police force, train guard, train personnel, doctor;
- routes paid for and/or tickets purchased.
The processing unit of the remote server 12 is programmed to compare the list of passengers on the vehicle V, derived from the control data S2, with the list of paying passengers which is saved in the database 13.
For this reason, for each passenger included in the list of passengers in the vehicle V, the processing unit checks the presence in the list of paying passengers for said route.
In this way, the passenger can be checked automatically.
The processing unit associates with each passenger in the vehicle V received from the control data S2 a corresponding control value which may vary between the following values:
- “to be accepted”, according to which the passenger has not yet been checked, for example because they have not yet boarded or have just boarded the vehicle V;
- “accepted”, according to which the passenger code is included in the list of paying passengers;
- “unauthorised”, according to which the passenger code is not included in the list of paying passengers;
- “disembarked”, according to which the passenger code, after taking the "accepted" value, is no longer on the passenger code list.
According to an embodiment, the system 1 comprises a control terminal 14, associated with the vehicle V and preferably controlled by a person in charge of the vehicle V.
According to an embodiment, the control unit of the remote server 12 is configured for generating a notification, in response to the identification of at least one passenger detected on the vehicle V who has not paid. The notification is sent to the control terminal 14 to notify it of the presence of an unauthorised passenger. Preferably, the control data S2 includes, for each passenger code sent in the list of passenger codes, a corresponding localisation information, identifying a localisation of the passenger in the vehicle V. This allows the localisation of the non-paying passenger to be included in the notification, in such a way that they can be more easily identified.
For example, the vehicle V may be divided into zones, for example carriages VG of a train. The control passage 11 is configured to identify the localisation of the passenger using one of the following modes.
According to a first embodiment, the control passage 11 receives the presence signal S1 which includes, in addition to the passenger code, also an instant of starting the presence signal S1. The control passage 11 , knowing the starting instant and detecting the arrival instant, determines the flight time and estimates a distance of the mobile device 10 from the control passage 11. In that way, the control passage 11 is able to determine the carriage on which each passenger is positioned.
This mode has a greater precision if the control passage 11 uses the UWB passage 113 for the exchange of signals with the mobile device 10 (even though the use of the UWB to obtain this advantage is not essential).
According to a second embodiment, the control passage 11 comprises a plurality of control stations 11 ’, each associated with a respective zone ZN of the vehicle V. In this case, the control data S2 include sub-sets of control data, each associated with a respective control station. Therefore, the remote server 12 receives the control data S2 which include a plurality of lists of passenger codes, each of which is associated with the respective station ZN. According to this embodiment, the processing unit of the remote server 12 is programmed to check that the zone assigned to the passenger in the purchased ticket corresponds to the zone ZN in which the passenger is positioned in the vehicle V.
According to an embodiment, each passenger code is associated, in the database 13, with a role. The remote server 12 is configured for sending to the control terminal 14 a list of qualified passengers who are on board the vehicle, on the basis of the role associated with the passenger codes received in the control data S2. In this way, the person in charge of the vehicle V, who has access to the control terminal 14, knows at any time whether, on the vehicle V, there are personnel useful in some situations such as, for example, a doctor and/or police.
According to an embodiment, the processing unit of the remote server 12 is configured for checking, for each of the passengers wherein the control value is set to the “accepted” value, that the corresponding passenger code is in the list of passenger codes progressively received in the control data. If the processing unit of the remote server 12 detects the absence of a passenger code to which a control value is associated (for that section) set on the “accepted” value, the processing unit derives information regarding the disembarking of the passenger from the vehicle V and, therefore, starts a check out procedure, associating the “disembarked” value with the control value.
It should be noted that the list of paying passengers included in the database 13 is associated with a specific section of the overall route in which there are no variations of passengers. For example, in the most common example of the train, the list of paying passengers refers to passengers who have paid for the stretch between two consecutive stops. In fact, preferably, the control passage 11 is programmed to send the control data S2 after each stop of the vehicle V, after which, potentially, there is a variation in the number of passengers on board.
According to a preferred embodiment, the system 1 comprises an automatic payment process. The mobile device 10 comprises the possibility of activating, using a dedicated module on the mobile device, an automatic payment, in response to a payment request sent by the processing unit of the remote server 12.
The database 13 comprises, in the context of the commercial information, the cost for each predetermined section and also for specific portions (stretches) of a predetermined section.
The processing unit is programmed for:
- identifying, for each passenger code, a boarding station of the respective passenger, corresponding to the last stop before the first identification of the passenger code;
- identifying, for each passenger code, a disembarkation station of the respective passenger, corresponding to the stop after the last identification of the passenger code;
- determining the portion of predetermined stretch travelled by the passenger;
- assessment of the cost associated with travelling along said predetermined portion of the stretch;
- sending the payment request to the mobile device 10 of the passenger;
- preferably, receiving a payment confirmation from the mobile device 10.
According to an embodiment, the processing unit of the remote server 2 is configured to derive, on the basis of the control data S2, information regarding the distribution of the passengers along the vehicle V, in the context of the zones ZN of the vehicle V. The remote server 2 is configured to send to the mobile device 10 distribution data S3, representing a number of passengers present in each zone ZN of the vehicle V.
The mobile device 10 comprises a display, in which the distribution of the passengers in the vehicle V is illustrated. The mobile device 10 is programmed to illustrate, on the display, a less crowded zone ZN to which the passenger can move when they are already inside the vehicle V or when they are outside and are about to enter the vehicle V.
According to an embodiment, in order to resolve the problem also in the case in which the passenger does not wear a mobile device 10, the system 1 comprises a boarding signalling device 15, configured to show information on the zone ZN of the vehicle V in which the boarding is suggested. The remote server 2 is connected by a wireless network to the boarding signalling device 15 to send it the distribution data S3. The boarding signalling device 15 is configured to illustrate the information on the zone ZN of the vehicle V in which the boarding is suggested on the basis of the distribution data S3. The information is, for example, the carriage number of a train.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention comprises at least one tracking device 16, preferably a plurality of tracking devices 16.
The tracking device 16 is physically associated (fixed) to a respective baggage BG, so as to move in a constrained fashion with the baggage BG.
The tracking device 16 is associated, in the database 13, with a respective passenger code. For this reason, preferably, the passenger purchases the tracking device 16 which is associated with them in the database 13 and it is fixed to their baggage BG.
The tracking device 16 is configured to emit a position signal S4. The position signal S4 is preferably a Bluetooth signal or a UWB signal. The greatest advantages in terms of precision are achieved using a UWB signal.
The tracking device 16 sends the position signal S4 to the mobile device 10. The mobile device 10 comprises a processor, configured for processing data and executing computer programs.
In particular, the processor is programmed to determine, on the basis of the position signal, a baggage distance, that is to say, a distance between the mobile device 10 and the tracking device 16 which identifies a distance between the passenger and the baggage.
This determining of the position may be performed in various modes, one of which is the determining the flight time of the signal, on the basis of which, when the speed of transmission of the signal is known, it is possible to deduce a distance from the mobile device 10.
The processor has access to a limit distance value, saved in a memory of the mobile device 10. The processor of the mobile device 10 is programmed to compare the calculated baggage distance value with the limit distance value. In this way, the mobile device 10 can assess whether the baggage BG is too far from the passenger.
The processor is therefore programmed for generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device 10, for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
According to an embodiment, the processor of the mobile device 10 is programmed to distinguish the type of notification to be sent, since the moving away between the baggage BG and the passenger could occur for various reasons.
In a first case, the processor is programmed to identify a theft of the baggage BG. In particular, the mobile device 10 is configured to determine, on the basis of the presence signal S1 sent to the control passage 11 , a passage distance, that is to say, a distance of the mobile device 10 from the control passage 11 or from the vehicle V.
For this reason, the processor has available, preferably in real time or at predetermined detection intervals, a value of the baggage distance and a value of the passage distance.
Based on the trend of these values over time, the processor is programmed to determine the type of notification to be generated and shown on the mobile device 10.
In a first case, the processor is programmed to identify a theft of the baggage BG.
The processor generates a baggage theft notification for increasing baggage distance values and substantially constant passage distance or in any case oscillating within a certain tolerance range.
In fact, the constant passage distance indicates that the passenger is still on the vehicle V whilst the fact that the baggage distance increases identifies the fact that the tracking device 16 (the baggage BG) has been picked up by someone who, potentially, has got off the train or is moving away from the owner passenger. According to an embodiment, the processor generates a baggage theft notification for values of the passage distance which are substantially constant or in any case oscillating within a certain tolerance range and if the position signal S4 is no longer detected. This means that the tracking device 16 has moved away from the mobile device 10 by a distance which can no longer be detected by the mobile device 10.
According to a second case, the processor is programmed to identify a notification of abandonment or loss of baggage.
The processor generates a baggage abandonment notification for values of the passage distance and the baggage distance which are both increasing. This in fact identifies the fact that the passenger has disembarked from the vehicle V in which the baggage BG has remained and, therefore, both the control passage 11 and the tracking device 16 are moving away from the mobile device 10.
It should be noted that the processor is programmed to emit a notification of abandonment if it no longer detects a control passage 11 or a position signal S4 from the tracking device 16, for example when the train is already very far away.
It should be noted that, in this case, the processor is configured to assess a log of detections. In other words, the processor emits a notification of abandonment if it no longer detects a control passage 11 or a position signal S4 from the tracking device 16 if, in the previous detection, there was at least one signal and therefore a communication with the control passage 11 or with the tracking device 16. This makes it possible to avoid notifications on the mobile device 10 whilst no journeys are being made.
According to an embodiment, in the case of abandonment of the baggage BG, the processor of the mobile device 10 is programmed to send to the remote server 12 a recovery request. The remote server 12, in response to the recovery request, transmits the request to the control terminal 14 of the vehicle V, to alert the person responsible for a abandoned and unattended baggage BG. Moreover, according to some embodiments, the tracking device 16 communicates with the control passage 11 , sending the position signal S4. The control passage 11 is programmed to determine the localisation of the tracking device 16 and, therefore, of the baggage BG, on the basis of the position signal S4 received. Preferably, the control passage 11 communicates with the remote server 12, including in the control data also information relative to the tracking devices 16 present on the vehicle V. Said information relative to the tracking devices 16 may include the unique code of the tracking device 16 and/or a zone ZN in which the tracking device 16 is positioned in the vehicle V.

Claims

1. A system (1 ) for recognising a passenger in transit, along a predetermined transport section, in a vehicle (V) designed to transport a plurality of passengers, the system comprising:
- a mobile device (10), which can be worn by the passenger and configured to generate a presence signal (S1), representing a passenger code uniquely associated with the passenger;
- a control passage (11 ), associated with the vehicle (V);
- a remote server (12), which communicates with the control passage (11 ) through a wireless communication;
- a database (13), including planning information relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes and, for each predetermined transport route, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle (V) travelling along that route, and a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding route, characterised in that the control passage (11 ) comprises a communication system, programmed for:
- receiving the presence signal (S1) from the mobile device (10);
- generating control data (S2) including a list of passenger codes and a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle, on the basis of the presence signal (S1 );
- sending the control data (S2) to the remote server (12), wherein the remote server (12) includes a processing unit, programmed for:
- processing the control data (S2) and identifying, depending on the vehicle code included in the control data (S2) and on the planning data, the corresponding predetermined route;
- recovering from the database (13), based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers; - processing the control data (S2) to check for the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.
2. The system (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is programmed to associate a corresponding control value to each passenger code and to each predetermined route, on the basis of the presence or absence of the passenger code in the list of paying passengers for the route identified.
3. The system (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is programmed to check for the presence of passenger codes having a control value set on a first value, representing the fact that the paying passenger has not already been verified.
4. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit or the control passage (11 ) are programmed to count the number of identification codes and to estimate a crowding of the vehicle (V) on the basis said number of identification codes.
5. The system (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein each presence signal (S1) represents a distance of the corresponding mobile device (10) from the control passage (11 ) and wherein, for each presence signal (S1), the control passage (11 ) or the processing unit are configured to determine a localisation of each passenger in the vehicle (V), on the basis of the corresponding presence signal (S1).
6. The system (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the control passage (1 ) or the processing unit are configured to provide indications regarding the distribution of the passengers in the vehicle (V).
7. The system (1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising an embarkation signaller, configured to indicate to the passengers positioned outside the vehicle (V) this zone of the vehicle (V) being less crowded and wherein the embarkation signaller is connected with the remote server (12) and configured to receive from the remote server (12) distribution data (S3), representing a distribution of the passengers inside the vehicle (V).
8. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the presence signal (S1) is a wireless, Bluetooth or UWB signal.
9. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined route comprises a plurality of stations, designed for the embarking and disembarking of the passengers, and wherein the processing unit is programmed for updating the list of passenger codes after each station and for checking the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers after each station.
10. The system (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the processing unit is configured to identify, for each passenger, an embarkation station, in which the control passage (11 ) receives the first presence signal (S1).
11. The system (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the processing unit is configured to identify, for each passenger, a disembarkation station, in which the control passage (11 ) no longer receives the presence signal (S1) of the corresponding passenger, and wherein the mobile device (10) comprises a processor, programmed to start an automatic payment procedure, on the basis of the embarkation station and the disembarkation station.
12. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control terminal (14), positioned on the vehicle (V) and used by an operator for monitoring the vehicle (V), and wherein each passenger identifier is associated with a corresponding role, and wherein the control passage (11 ) is programmed to send the passenger codes to the control terminal (14) and wherein the control terminal (14) is programmed to illustrate on a relative user interface the presence or absence of passengers with specific rules on the vehicle (V).
13. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of tracking devices (16), each physically associated with a respective baggage (BG) of a passenger and associated with the respective passenger code, the tracking device (16) being configured to emit a position signal (S4) and wherein the mobile device (10) of the passenger is configured for:
- receiving the position signal (S4);
- determining, on the basis of the position signal (S4), a baggage distance between the baggage (BG) of the passenger and the mobile device (10) of the passenger;
- comparing the calculated baggage distance value with a limit distance value;
- generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device (10), for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
14. The system (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the mobile device (10) is configured to calculate a passage distance, between the mobile device (10) and the control passage (11 ), and wherein the mobile device (10) is configured to generate the notification on the basis of a variation of the baggage distance and/or the passage distance, for alerting the passenger relative to one of the following notifications:
- theft of the baggage (BG), for constant passage distance values and increasing baggage distance values;
- loss or abandoning of baggage (BG), for baggage distance values and increasing passage distance values.
15. A method for recognising a passenger in transit, along a predetermined transport section, in a vehicle (V) designed to transport a plurality of passengers, the method comprising the following steps:
- generating a presence signal (S1), representing a passenger code uniquely associated with a passenger, by means of a mobile device (10), which can be worn by the passenger;
- storing one or more of the following information items in a database (13): planning information relating to a plurality of predetermined transport routes and, for each predetermined transport route, a corresponding vehicle code, relative to the vehicle (V) travelling along that route, and a list of paying passengers who have purchased a ticket for the corresponding route, the method being characterised by including the following steps:
- receiving the presence signal (S1) in a control passage (11 ), associated with the vehicle (V), and generating control data (S2) including a list of passenger codes and a vehicle code, uniquely associated with the vehicle (V), by means of the control passage (11);
- sending control data (S2) from the control passage (11 ) to a remote server (12), communicating with the control passage (11 ) through a wireless communication; wherein the method comprises the following steps, performed by a processing unit of the remote server (12):
- processing control data (S2);
- identifying the predetermined route corresponding to the control data (S2), depending on the vehicle code included in the control data (S2) and on the planning data;
- recovering from the database (13), based on the route identified, the corresponding list of paying passengers;
- processing control data (S2);
- checking the presence of each passenger code on the selected list of paying passengers.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit or the control passage (11 ) counts the number of identification codes and estimate a crowding of the vehicle (V) on the basis of said number of identification codes.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein each presence signal (S1) represents a distance of the corresponding mobile device (10) from the control passage (11 ) and wherein, for each presence signal (S1), the control passage (11 ) or the processing unit determine a position of each passenger in the vehicle (V), on the basis of the corresponding presence signal (S1), and wherein the control passage (11 ) or the processing unit provides indications regarding the distribution of the passengers in the vehicle (V).
18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a step of emitting a position signal (S4), emitted by a plurality of tracking devices (16), each physically associated with a respective baggage (BG) of a passenger and associated with the respective passenger code, wherein the method comprises the following steps, performed by a processor of the mobile device (10) of the passenger: - receiving the position signal (S4);
- determining, on the basis of the position signal (S4), a baggage distance between tracking device (16) associated with the baggage (BG) and the mobile device (10) of the passenger;
- comparing the calculated baggage distance value with a limit distance value;
- generating a notification to be shown on the mobile device (10), for values of the calculated baggage distance greater than the limit distance value.
PCT/IB2023/053991 2022-04-19 2023-04-19 System for recognising passengers in transit WO2023203499A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100185486A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Determining demand associated with origin-destination pairs for bus ridership forecasting
US20180293523A1 (en) * 2015-08-17 2018-10-11 Bytemark, Inc. Sensor fusion for transit applications
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