The present application relates to a passenger train and a method that are configured for assisting a passenger in finding a vacant or reserved seat.

BACKGROUND ART

Public transport vehicles, such as trains or airplanes have a large number of seats marked in rows or simply by numbers. In particular with trains there can be large number of traincars that stretch along a considerable distance along a platform when the train halts/stops at a railway station for passengers to board and disembark the train. Due to the large number of traincars and the large number of seats therein it can be challenging for passengers to find a vacant seat or to find their reserved seat. JP2006018573 discloses a method for guiding a person to his seat using a mobile phone that transmits its location to a first server. The first server transmits location and seat info to a route server that determines a route and transmits the route to the first server that transmits the route to the mobile phone.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

On this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a passenger train that overcomes or at least reduces the problem above.

This object is achieved by providing a passenger train, the passenger train comprising a plurality of passenger seats systematically arranged in a seating arrangement in the passenger train, an individual optical machine readable code provided on a known location on the passenger train at a location that is readable with a mobile device for a passenger located in the passenger train or on a train platform next to the passenger train, a train server on board of the passenger train, the server comprising a processor and a memory connected to the processor, a wireless access point connected to the train server and configured for establishing a wireless network for allowing passenger owned mobile devices to access to the train server, a wireless modem connected to the train server and configured to providing access to a wide area network such as the internet, preferably to establish a connection with a booking server, the train server having the location of the individual optical machine readable code stored in the memory, the train server having information representing the seating arrangement stored in the memory, the train server being configured to keep a record of seat occupancy of the passenger seats in the seating arrangement, the train server being configured to receive location request via the wireless access point or wireless modem from a mobile device used by a requesting passenger for assistance in locating a vacant or reserved passenger seat in the seating arrangement for the requesting passenger, the train server being configured to determine at least one vacant or reserved seat from the passenger seats in the seating arrangement upon receipt of the seat location request, the train server being configured to send a message with information about the location of at least one vacant passenger seat relative to the location of the individual optical machine readable code to the mobile device of the requesting passenger via the wireless access point or via the wireless modem.

By providing a passenger train with an individual optical machine readable code located on the passenger train at a location that is known to the train server and located such that is can be read by a mobile device of a passenger in the passenger train or on a platform next to the passenger train, it is possible for the train server to determine the position of the passenger relative to the passenger train accurately because the passenger needs to hold his/her mobile device closely in front of the optical machine readable code in order to read the optical machine readable code with his/her mobile device. On the basis of this accurate location information of the passenger the train server is capable of providing accurate navigational guidance and advice on a vacant or a reserved passenger seat. This problem could not have been solved with using GPS or other satellite based navigation systems since commercially available navigation systems do not provide position information that is sufficiently accurate .

In an embodiment the passenger train further comprises at least one door for passengers to board or to disembark the passenger train, whereby the individual optical machine readable code is associated with the at least one door and provided on or near the associated door.

In an embodiment the passenger train further comprises an individual optical machine readable code associated with a passenger seat and provided at or near the associated passenger seat, preferably at an easily visible location, wherein the server is configured to receive a message that a passenger seat in the seating arrangement is occupied from the mobile device used by the requesting passenger via the wireless access point or wireless modem.

In an embodiment the train server is configured to determine on receipt of the message that a passenger seat in the seating arrangement is occupied whether the requesting passenger occupies the seat that was allocated to him or her, and if this is not the case the server being configured to send a message to the passenger informing him or her about not occupying the allocated seat.

In an embodiment the train server is configured to synchronize the seat occupancy with the booking server when a connection via a wide area network such as the internet is established.

In an embodiment the train server attempts to synchronize the seat occupancy with the booking server before and/or after each major train station where the train stops to allow passenger to board and disembark the train. In an embodiment the message with information about the determined vacant seat includes a graphical representation of at least a portion of the seating arrangement that includes the allocated vacant seat, the graphical representation may include an indication of the location of the optical machine readable code.

In an embodiment the message with information about the determined vacant seat includes navigational directions for guiding the requesting passenger from the location of the individual optical machine readable code to the vacant or reserved passenger seat.

In an embodiment the passenger train comprises one or more railcars, each railcar being numbered and comprising a plurality of passenger seats systematically arranged in a seating arrangement, with all railcars of the passenger train and all seating arrangements therein being stored in the memory.

The object above is also solved by providing a method of providing guidance to a passenger of a passenger train, the method comprising providing a train server on board of a the passenger train, the server comprising a processor and a memory connected to the processor, providing a seating arrangement in the passenger train, storing and maintaining in the train server a record of seat occupancy of the seats in the seating arrangement, providing an individual optical machine readable code located on the train at a location that is easily visible to a passenger, storing the location of the individual optical machine readable code stored in the memory, the train server receiving a seat location request via the wireless access point or wireless modem from a mobile device used by a requesting passenger to locate a vacant or reserved passenger seat from the passenger seats in the seating arrangement, the train server determining at a vacant or reserved seat from the passenger seats in the seating arrangement upon receipt of the seat location request, the train server sending a message with information about the location of at least one vacant or reserved passenger seat relative to the location of the individual optical machine readable code to the mobile device of the requesting passenger via the wireless access point or via the wireless modem.

In an embodiment the method further comprises providing an individual optical machine readable code associated with a passenger seat and provided at or near the associated passenger seat (easily visible), and the train server being configured to receive a message that a passenger seat in the seating arrangement is occupied from the mobile device used by the requesting passenger via the wireless access point or wireless modem.

The object above is also solved by providing a software product for a mobile computer device, such as e.g. a mobile telephone or a tablet computer, the software product comprising a program of instructions for assisting a passenger of a passenger train to locate a vacant or reserved passenger seat in a seating arrangement in the passenger train, wherein the program of instructions upon being executed on the mobile computer device causes the mobile computer device to prompt a passenger to scan an individual optical machine readable code located on the train that the passenger intends to board, scan the individual optical machine readable code, wirelessly send the result of the scan to a server or service, wirelessly receive information about the location of a vacant- or reserved passenger seat on the passenger train from the server, and to display information about the location of the vacant or reserved passenger seat relative to the location of the optical machine readable code on a display of the mobile device.

In an embodiment the program of instructions upon being executed on the mobile computer device causes the mobile computer device to obtain information about a specific train journey by prompting the passenger to scan an individual optical machine readable code on a train ticket.

The object above is also solved by providing a system for assisting a passenger in finding a vacant or reserved seat, the system comprising a server on a computer, an individual optical machine readable code and provided on a passenger train at known location on the passenger train and such that the optical machine readable code is readable with a mobile device for passengers located in the passenger train or on a train platform next to the passenger train, the server being connected to a wireless network that is accessible to a mobile device of a passenger, the server having access to information associating the individual optical machine readable code to a passenger train and to the location of the optical machine readable code on the passenger train, the server having access to information representing a seating arrangement in the passenger train, the server having access to a seat occupancy record including information on vacant and/or reserved passenger seats in the seating arrangement, the server being configured receive via the wireless network a seat finding assist message from a mobile device of a passenger requesting assistance in locating a reserved or allocated seat, the message identifying the individual optical machine readable code on the passenger train, the server being configured to determine at least one vacant or reserved passenger seat from the passenger seats in the seating arrangement upon receipt of the seat finding assist message, and the server being configured to send a message identifying the determined one or more vacant or reserved seats back to the mobile device of the requesting passenger.

In an embodiment the wireless network is a local network such as e.g. a WiFi network and/or wide area network such as e.g. a 3G or a 4G network.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of providing guidance to a passenger of a passenger train to locate a vacant or reserved seat in a seating arrangement aboard the train, the method comprising providing an optical readable code at or near the doors of the passenger train, providing a seat management server having the location of the optically readable codes that are provided at or near the doors of the train stored in a memory associated with the sever and the seat management server having the seating arrangement aboard the train stored in a memory associated with the seat management server, keeping a record of the status of the seats in the seating arrangement om a memory associated with the server, providing an app to be installed on a mobile device of a passenger, the app having a functionality to request guidance to find a reserved or available seat on the passenger train, the seat management server being configured to inform the app on the mobile device with information representing the seating arrangement, with the location of a reserved or available seat in the seating arrangement and with the locations of the optical readable codes an optical readable code at or near the doors of the passenger train, upon the passenger activating the functionality, the mobile device prompting the passenger to scan the nearest machine readable optical code provided on the train using the mobile device or to enter the coach/railroad car number, the app being configured to determine the present position of the passenger relative to the reserved or available seat using the information related to the scanned optical readable code or using the entered coach/railroad car number, the app being configured to present a map on the display screen of the mobile device showing the position of a reserved or available seat in the seating arrangement and showing a route from the passengers present position to the reserved or available seat.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of providing guidance to a passenger of a passenger train, the method comprising providing a seat management server comprising a processor and a memory connected to the processor, establishing a local wireless network for allowing passenger owned mobile devices to access to the train server, providing a wireless modem connected to the train server that is configured for providing access to a wide area network such as the internet, providing a seating arrangement in the passenger train, storing and maintaining in the train server a record of seat occupancy of the seats in the seating arrangement, providing an individual optical machine readable code located on the train at a location that is easily visible to a passenger, storing the location of the individual optical machine readable code stored in the memory, the train server receiving a seat location request via the wireless access point or wireless modem from a mobile device used by a requesting passenger to locate a vacant or reserved passenger seat from the passenger seats in the seating arrangement, the train server determining at a vacant or reserved seat from the passenger seats in the seating arrangement upon receipt of the seat location request, the train server sending a message with information about the location of at least one vacant or reserved passenger seat relative to the location of the individual optical machine readable code to the mobile device of the requesting passenger via the wireless access point or via the wireless modem. According to an implementation of the latter aspect the method further comprises providing an individual optical machine readable code associated with a passenger seat and provided at or near the associated passenger seat (easily visible), and the train server being configured to receive a message that a passenger seat in the seating arrangement is occupied from the mobile device used by the requesting passenger via the wireless access point or wireless modem.

According to another aspect there is provided a system for assisting a passenger in locating a vacant or reserved seat, the system comprising a seat management server on a computer, a passenger train provided with individual optical machine readable code provide at several known locations on the passenger train such that an optical machine readable code is readable with a mobile device for a passenger located in the passenger train or located on a train platform next to the passenger train, the seat management server having access to information associating the individual optical machine readable code to the location of the optical machine readable code on the passenger train, the seat management server having access to information representing a seating arrangement in the passenger train, the seat management server having access to or keeping a seat occupancy record including information on vacant and/or reserved passenger seats in the seating arrangement, and the seat management server being configured to send information about a reserved or available seat in a seating arrangement in the passenger train, information representing the seating arrangement and information about the optical machine readable codes and their location on the train to the mobile device.

According to a first implementation of latter aspect the system further comprises a download server configured to allow a passenger to download an app that is provided with a functionality to request assistance in locating a reserved or free seat in the seating arrangement.

According to a second implementation of latter aspect the seat management server is configured to send a link to the mobile device for downloading the app from the download server.

According to a third implementation of latter aspect the app is configured provide a functionality to find a reserved or vacant seat in the seating arrangement, the app being configured to prompt the passenger to scan the nearest optical machine readable code on the train or to enter the couch ID, and the app being configured to present a graphical representation of the seating arrangement including and indicating the reserved or available seat on a display screen of the mobile device. According to a fifth implementation of latter aspect the app is further configured to show a route from the passenger's position to the reserved or available seat on the display screen of the mobile device.

According to a sixth implementation of latter aspect the passenger train is provided with an optical machine readable code at or near each of the seats in the seating arrangement, and wherein information associating each optical machine readable code to a seat in the seating arrangement is stored a memory coupled to the seat management server.

According to a seventh implementation of latter aspect the app is configured to prompt the passenger to scan the optical machine readable code associated with the seat taken by the passenger with the mobile device, and wherein the app is configured to send information identifying the machine readable code associated with the seat taken by the passenger to the seat management server.

According to an eighth implementation of latter aspect the seat management server is configured to change the status of the reserved of free seat to available if the server does not receive information identifying the machine readable code associated with the seat taken by the passenger from the mobile device within a predetermined time after departure of the passenger train.

Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the passenger train, method, software product and system according to the invention will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of passenger train according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows the passenger train of Fig. 1 in a partially cut-open top view at a railway platform;

Fig 3 is a diagram of components involved in an example of an embodiment;

Fig 4 is system diagram according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 5 is an overview of a method according to an example embodiment for assisting a passenger to find a vacant seat,

case according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an overview of a method according to another example embodiment for assisting a passenger to find a reserved seat, Fig. 7 a further part of the overview of Fig. 6, and

Figs. 8 to 11 are diagrammatic representations of further embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, example embodiments of the passenger train, system, method and software product, will be described in detail and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a passenger train 1 with a train car for a railroad car 8 and a seating arrangement with a plurality of seats 5. The passenger train can consist of a combination of one or more locomotives and attached railroad cars or coaches, or the passenger train can be a self-propelled multiple unit. The seats 5 are placed in a fixed arrangement and preferably said passenger seats are numbered. The passenger train 1 is provided with doors 3,4 on both sides of the passenger train 1 for allowing passengers to embark and disembark the passenger train 1 when the passenger train 1 stops at a train station.

A train server 2 is provided on board of the passenger train 1. The train server 2 includes a processor, memory, a wireless access point 9, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and software for operating the train server. The wireless access point 9 provides for a wireless network in and around the train that can be accessed a mobile device 7 used by the passenger 6 in order to give passengers access to the train server 2.

The train server 2 is also provided with a wireless modem for wirelessly connecting to a wide area network, such as via cells 14 of a mobile data network that connects to the Internet.

The train server 2 is configured for intermittent connection to the wide area network, i.e. it does not need to be continuously connected to the wide area network or to the Internet. One of the reasons for the train server 2 to connect to a wide area network is to establish data, communication with a booking server 12 that includes an online database having stored therein train configuration, train numbers seating arrangements, seat numbering, seat occupancy, train schedules, journey bookings, seat reservations, etc.

The train server 2 is configured to attempt to connect with the booking server

12 after or before each train station so as to update seat occupancy in a particular train to the booking server and to receive new bookings and reservations from the booking server 12 on the train server 2 does not need to be on line (is connected to the wider network/Internet) continuously in order to carry out its functionality properly.

An individual optical machine readable code 20, such as a two-dimensional barcode is provided on the side of the passenger train 1, preferably near a door 3. Alternatively, the optical machine readable code 20 can be placed anywhere on the side of the train as long as it can be easily scanned by a passenger on a train platform 10. It is also possible to locate the optical machine readable code 20 inside the passenger train 1. The train server has the location of the optical machine readable code 20 stored in its memory. The optical machine readable code 20, like any other optical machine readable codes mentioned can be provided as printed matter that is attached to the train, or can be shown on a display screen that is provided at a suitable location, such as near a door 3. The other door 4 of the passenger train and also the doors on the other side of the passenger train 1 can also be provided with individual optical machine readable codes 21.

As shown in Fig. 3, train tickets, for passenger train journeys can also be provided with an individual optical machine readable code 23. Further, each or at least a plurality of said seats 5 can have a machine readable optical code 30 associated therewith and this machine readable optical code is located on or close to the seat to which it is associated.

The seating arrangement including the seats 5 of the train is stored in the train server 1. The train server 1 one keeps a record of seat occupancy.

Fig. 4 shows a system architecture according to an embodiment. The architecture is based on three types of optical machine readable code, such as two- dimensional barcode or QR code. One type of optical machine-readable code is the optical machine-readable code 23 on and associated with the train tickets. Another type of optical machine-readable code is the optical machine-readable code 20,21 on the passenger train 1, e.g. on or near a door 3,4 of the passenger train 1 and associated with the specific location on the train at which the optical machine-readable codes 20, 21 is located. A third type of optical machine-readable code is the optical machine readable code 30 placed on or near a passenger seat 5 and associated with the passenger seat concerned.

The architecture includes a QR code backend 33, the booking server 12, a train server 2, an online app software backend 35 and an off-line/online in train software on media server 37. The optical machine -readable codes (QR codes) 20, 21, 23, 30 are managed by the QR code back end 33.

The booking server 12 includes an online database and has stored therein the information described above. The online database is kept up-to-date about all existing and newly issued optical readable machine codes by the QR code back end 33. The QR code back end 33 can be an integral part of a computer or several connected computers on which the booking server 12 and the QR code back and run. The booking server 12 is connects via a wide area network to the train server 2. However, since the train server is connected to the wide area network via a wireless modem 9 and since the passenger train is that many times moving the connection between the booking server 12 and the train server to may often be interrupted, but this is not pose a problem for the operation of the system. At least one computer on board the passenger train 1 runs the train server 2. The same or another computer runs the also offline/online in train app software on media server 37. The various components of the system architecture communicate with one another via a local or wide area network, including wireless connections. The online app software backend 35 provides online service to mobile devices 7 of passengers. The mobile device 7, such as a smart phone is configured with a display and a camera. A seating app 27 is installed on the mobile device 7, and its code is stored on a memory of said mobile device 7 as a software product. The seating app 27 provides the functionality required for assisting a passenger in finding a vacant or reserved seat.

Fig. 5 illustrates the functionality of the system, the seating app 27 and the process of assisting a passenger 6 to find a vacant seat. The passenger starts the seating app 27 and the seating app prompts the passenger 6 to type in the number of the train car 8 or to scan the machine-readable code 20,21 on the train car 8. The passenger 6 enters the train car number or scans the optical machine-readable code 20,21. Thereupon, the seating app 26 communicates with the train server 2 via the wireless network of the train server 2 or seating app communicates with the booking server 12 via a wireless wide area network, such as a 3G network and sends a request to the train server 2 or to the booking server 12 for finding a vacant seat 5. Upon receipt of the request, the train server 2 or the booking server 12 determines one or more vacant seats, and sends a message with information about one or more vacant seats to the mobile device 7 of the requesting passenger 6. Upon receipt of this message the mobile device 7 shows a graphical representation in its display indicating one or more vacant passenger seats in the seating arrangement in the passenger train 1. In an embodiment the booking server 2 or the train server 12 sends a message including a plurality of vacant passenger seats from which the passenger can choose. Upon receipt of such a message the mobile device 7 displays a graphical representation showing seating arrangement and indicating vacant seats from which the request passenger can choose. The seating app 27 is configured to allow the passenger to mark or highlight one of the vacant passenger seats and the seating app 27 sends thereupon a message back to the train server 2 or to the booking server 12 indicating a selected passenger seat 5. Upon receipt of the message with the selected passenger seat 5 from the mobile device 7 the booking server 12 or the train server 2 allocates the selected seat to the requesting passenger 6.

Next, the train server 2 or the booking server 12 may automatically or upon request from the mobile device 7 send a message with navigational information about the location of the selected passenger seat 5 relative to the location of the scanned optical machine-readable code 20. Upon receipt of this message with navigational information the seating app 27 provides navigational assistance via the display and/or the loudspeaker of the mobile device 27.

The seating app 27 prompt the passenger to scan an optical readable code 30 associated with and located on or near the passenger seat 5 when the passenger has found the vacant passenger seat 5. When the passenger has scanned the optical readable code 30 with his/her mobile device 7, the mobile device 7 sends a message to the train server 2 or to the booking server 12 indicating that the requesting passenger 6 occupies the allocated passenger seat 5. Upon receipt of this message the train server 2 or the booking server 12 updates its seat occupancy record.

Fig. 6 and 7 illustrates the functionality of the system, seating app 27 and the process of assisting a passenger 6 to find a reserved seat. The passenger buys a ticket online, for example using a personal computer connected to the Internet and in communication with the booking server 12, payment for example via credit card. The passenger receives, e.g. via email, a printable train ticket 15, that includes an optical machine-readable code 23. The passenger prints the train ticket 15 and scans the optical machine-readable code 23 with his or her mobile device 7. The machine -readable code is registered in the seating app 27. In an embodiment the seating app includes the scan function for the machine-readable code. The seating app on the 27 communicates with the database of the booking server 12 and receives information showing where the passenger is seated once they get on board. In an embodiment a seat finder function is highlighted. Alternatively, the passenger buys the ticket online using the seating app 27, so that the information about the journey and seat reservation are communicated from the booking server to the mobile device 7 is a part of the online booking procedure. When the passenger arrives on the platform 10 he or she starts the seating app 27 and the seating app 27 prompts the passenger 6 to type in the number of the train car 8 or to scan the machine-readable code 20,21 on the train car 8. The passenger 6 enters the train car number or scans the optical machine-readable code 20,21. Thereupon, the seating app 26 communicates with the train server 2 via the wireless network of the train server 2 or seating app communicates with the booking server 12 via a wireless wide area network, such as a 3G network and sends a request to the train server 2 or to the booking server 12 for assisting in locating the reserved passenger seat 5. Upon receipt of this request from the mobile device 7 the train server 2 or the booking server 12 sends a message with navigational information about the location of the selected passenger seat 5 relative to the location of the scanned optical machine-readable code 20. Upon receipt of this message with navigational information the seating app 27 provides navigational assistance via the display and/or the loudspeaker of the mobile device 27. The seating app 27 prompts the passenger to scan an optical readable code 30 associated with and located on or near the passenger seat 5 when the passenger has found the vacant passenger seat 5. When the passenger has scanned the optical readable code 30 with his/her mobile device 7, the mobile device 7 sends a message to the train server 2 or to the booking server 12 indicating that the requesting passenger 6 occupies the allocated passenger seat 5. Upon receipt of this message the train server 2 or the booking server 12 updates its seat occupancy record. Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment with reference to a scenario where the customer buys a ticket at the counter 0, and a vending machine 0a or online Ob and the seat reservation is issued by said person at the train station. This is the Scenario: the customer is at the train station and has bought ticket at the ticket machine, ticket-counter or via the web. He would like to reserve a seat for himself and/or his family of 4 (max total 10) prior to boarding the train. The passenger goes to the ticket counter to reserve seats. In step 1 the customer asks for a seat-reservation, and he hands over his ticket(s) to the sales clerk. In step 2 to the sales clerk accesses the seat management server 12 via a WWW-portal and checks for available seats on the train. Available seats are marked in green on a display screen of the WWW-portal. It available, the sales clerk assigns seats to the passengers and sends status red (occupied) to the seat management server. The salesclerk asks how to deliver reservation info - as SMS and/or e-mail w/pdf. Both confirmations contain one link, issued with the reservation and for app download, i.e. for downloading the app to the mobile device of the passenger. The app has the functionality to assist the passenger in finding the reserved seat passenger has arrived at the train. There is no step designated step 3. In the next step, step 4, at the train, the passenger opens the app, and on the display screen of the mobile device the act displays the details of the reservation. The app is provided with the functionality, e.g. a button on the touchscreen to request for assistance in locating the research seat or seats in the train. If the passenger presses the button, the passenger is in step 5 prompted by the app to scan the nearest optical readable code (QR code) on the train. Typically these optical readable codes are provided at or near the doors of the coaches (or railroad cars) 8 of the train 1. In step 6 a map with the coach layout (seating arrangement layout) and route from the present position of the passenger to the reserved seat is displayed on the screen of the mobile device 7. If the passenger does not request assistant and goes to the reserved seat without obtaining assistance the process also continues at step seven. In step 7, the passenger takes his/her seat and scans an optical readable code 30 associated with the seat with his/her mobile device 7. Hereto, a notification sign can be provided at the seats 5 in the seating arrangement that ask the passenger to scan the optical readable code associated with the seat occupied by the passenger using the seat finder app on the mobile device 7 of the passenger. Upon the scan of the optical readable code associated with seat occupied by the passenger the app in the mobile device 7 sends the information associated with the optical readable code to the seat management server 12. If step 7 is not completed within five minutes after the departure of the train 1, the seat management server sends in step 8 a message to all the passengers with reserved seats where passengers have not yet docked, i.e. have not yet confirmed that they've taken their seats by scanning the optical readable code 30 and changes the status of the seats to "yellow", i.e. unclaimed seats and the seat management server 12 sends a message to the mobile devices of the passengers that have not confirmed that they have taken their seat asking if they are in their designated/reserved seat. The passenger concerned can then confirm, indicate that he or she is in transit or cancel the reservation. If the seats are not confirmed or in transit canceled after 10 additional minutes after the first message from the seat management server 12, the passenger is asked again to confirm their status. If the passenger concern does not answer within two minutes the seat status turns from red (reserved) to green (available). The passenger concern is informed about this status change via SMS (text) push message with a text informing that the seat concern is no longer reserved. The system includes a train manager tablet with an app with an enhanced functionality compared to the seat finder app for the mobile devices of the passengers. The seat management server updates the train manager tablet and the WWW-portal automatically with seat reservation data. The system also comprises a train server 50 that that manages the operation of the trains of a railroad company. The train server maintains the train schedule and the coach IDs (railroad car IDs) and keeps the seat management server updated with this information.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment with reference to a scenario where the passenger enters a train 1 and would like to reserve a seat for him/herself or the group that he/she is in. The passenger has already downloaded the seat finder app to his/her mobile device 7 or passenger downloads the app using an optical readable code provided on the train and provide with a label that informs the passenger of the possibility to download the seat finder app using the optical readable code. In step 1 the passenger opens the app, that is provided with a button labeled "I have no reservation" and upon pressing this button the passengers prompted to scan the nearest optical readable code 20 on the train 1, or to entered the coach number manually. The app sends the information associated with the optical readable code 20 two the seat management server 12. The passenger is then prompted to enter the destination station, for example by selection from a drop-down menu and to indicate the number of seats required. Through the scan of the optical readable code the seat management server 12 is aware of the train idea and therefore the seat management server can determine the possible destination stations. In step 2 the seat management server 12 suggests available seats to the app (green seat status) and the seat management server 12 sends a map with directions from the present position off the passenger to the nearest available seat(s) 5. Is a passenger or group needs to change coach this is instructed on the screen of the mobile device 7. The passenger confirms via the app to reserve the seat and confirms thereby also that he/she is on his/her way to the suggested seat(s) 5. This point the seat management server 12 updates the status of the allocated seat(s) to reserved (red). Step 2A applies in the situation where the passenger requests to reserve a high number of seats for a group of passengers then can be accommodated as one cluster of seats, i.e. the available seats will cause the group to be scattered over the seating arrangement. In this situation the app on the mobile device seven allows the passenger to be notified in case free seats 5 are registered by the server after departure. In step 2B the passenger is notified that seats are available via a push message (text message). In step 3 the passenger can request assistance in finding the reserved seat(s) by means of a map that is shown on the display of the mobile device seven. Hereto the app prompts the passenger to scan the nearest optical readable code 2 on the train 1. In step 3 A a map with the coach layout (seating arrangement layout) and the route is shown on the screen of the mobile device 7. In case more than one seat is reserved and seats are not next to each other, a list with options for the seats to view appears on the display of the mobile device 7. In step 4 the app shows the coach number and the train layout on the screen. Direction to the allocated or reserved seat is provided. In step 5 the passenger goes to his/her seat(s) 5 scans the optical readable code(s) 30 associated with the reserved seat(s) and thereupon the app sends the information related to the scanned optical code 30 to the seat management server 12 to confirm that the passenger(s) has taken the reserved seat(s). The seat management server 12 sends a message to the mobile device 7 of the passenger concerned when the letter is not taken the correct seat and the app on the mobile device 7 will show a message requesting the passenger to go to the correct (reserved) seat 5. If step 5 is not completed within five minutes after departure of the train (step 4A), the seat management server sends a message to all the mobile devices 7 of the passengers with reserved seats 5 that have not confirmed that they have taken the correct seat 5 by scanning the optical readable code 30 associated with the reserved seat 5. The message requests the passengers concerned to confirm that they are occupying the reserved seat, or to confirm that they are in transit or two canceled their reservation. If reserved seats are not confirmed, or the passenger concerned has not indicated that he/she is in transit, or canceled after 10 additional minutes after the first server message, the passenger is asked again to confirm their status. If the passenger does not respond within two minutes the seat status in the seat management server changes from reserved (RED) to available (Green). The passengers concerned are confirmed about the status change via a push message (SMS/text) with the text informing them that their seat 5 is no longer reserved. In step 7 (there is no step 6) the seat management server updates 12 the train manager tablet and the WWW-portal automatically with seat reservation data. The system also comprises a trains server 50 that that manages the operation of the trains of a railroad company. The trains server 50 maintains the train schedule and the coach IDs (railroad car IDs) and keeps the seat management server 12 updated with this information.

Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment with reference to a scenario where a passenger enters a train and would like to reserve a seat for him/herself and or a group of people associated with him/her. The passenger concerned does not possess a smart phone so he asks the train manager to assist him. In step 1 the train manager opens a seat management app on his/her tablet and enters the train code. He/she can then choose a list of all coaches and seats available. He/she asks for the destination station and allocates the number of seats required the status of the allocated seats is changed to occupied (red). The seat IDs and the new status are sent to the seat management server 12. If the seat management server is not available (step 2) the train manager's tablet stores the status information and sends it to the server as soon as a mobile data connection becomes available. If the mobile data connection is not available within 10 minutes data is pushed using a text message as a carrier. The train manager tablet also sends a text message with the confirmation of the seat reservation to the passenger with the seat reservation number, coach number, see number etc. In step 3 the passenger receives the text message and goes to his/her seat(s) 5. The passenger is requested to respond to the text message by sending a text message to confirm that he or she has arrived at the allocated or reserved seat 5 in order to claim the allocated or reserved seat(s). If the confirming text message is not received within 10 minutes from the first text message issued to the passenger, the passenger is asked to respond when they have arrived at their seat. If still no confirmation is received from the passengers within two minutes of the second text message issued to the passenger, the status of the seat(s) concerned is changed from reserved (red) to available (green). The passenger concerned is informed about the status change via a push text message stating "your seat is no longer reserved".

Fig. 11 illustrates an embodiment with reference to a scenario where the passenger is at home and would like to reserve a seat for him/herself and/or for a group of persons associated with him/her prior to going to the train station. In step 1 the passenger books tickets on the website of the railway company. In step 2 the passenger is asked on the website portal of the railway company if he/she would like to reserve seats. The passenger clicks a link, which takes him/her to the Railway Company seat reservation site. In step 3 the passenger enters the training ID, one way or return, departure and arrival station, number of seats desired and the passengers email address and cell phone number. The seat management server 12 returns the reservation screen, and in the form of a text message to the cell phone number and a PDF file to the email registered address. In the text message the passenger is requested to download the seat finder app prior to the journey. In step 4, at the train, the passenger opens the seat finder app on his mobile device 7 and is given the choice to find or to claim the reserved seat. If the passenger chooses assistant to find the reserved seat (step 5) the passenger is requested to scan the nearest optical readable code 30 on the train 1. In step 6, a map with coach layout and route is shown on the screen of the mobile device 7, in case more than one seat is reserved and seats are not next to each other, a list of options for which seeks to view appears. The next step is step 7, also if the passenger directly decides to claim his seat in step 4. In step 7 the passenger goes to the reserved or allocated seat(s) 5 and scans the optical readable code 30 associated with the reserved for allocated seat(s). Upon this scan the app on the mobile device 7 sends a confirmation message containing information relating to the scanned optical code 32 the seat management server 12. The seat management server 12 verifies that the passengers in the correct seat and 12 if sends a message to the passenger and requests the passenger to try to find the correct seat. If step 7 is not completed within five minutes after departure of the train (step 8), the seat management server 12 sends a message to all the mobile devices of passengers with a reserved seat that has not been confirmed by scanning the optical readable code associated with the seats. Server change the status of the seats to not docked (yellow), i.e. unclaimed seats and this message requested passengers to confirm that there in their seat, or to indicate that they are in transit or two cancel the reservation. If the seats are not confirmed or the passenger has not indicated that he/she is in transit or if the passenger has not canceled his/her reservation after 10 minutes from the first message from the seat management server 12, the app prompts the passenger again for the status. If the passengers concerned about answer within 2 minutes the seed status is changed from reserved (red) to available (green). The passengers concerned are informed about this status change via a push text message saying "your seat is no longer reserved. In step 9 the seat management server 12 updates the train manager tablet and the WWW-portal automatically with seat reservation data. The system also comprises a trains server 50 that that manages the operation of the trains of a railroad company. The trains server 50 maintains the train schedule and the coach IDs (railroad car IDs) and keeps the seat management server 12 updated with this information.

Although the teaching of this application has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application.

The term "comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality. The single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims.