JP2001266185A - Taxi fare guide system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To present an estimate of taxi fare before a customer uses a taxi. SOLUTION: The destination of a taxi user is inputted through an information box 10 that is connected to a center device by communication. The center device retrieves the taxi running route to its inputted destination and calculates the distance of the route for calculating the taxi fare. The calculated taxi fare is sent back to the box 10 and shown on a display 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a taxi fare guidance system, and more particularly, to a taxi fare guidance system for estimating a taxi fare and guiding it to a taxi user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Taxi fares are calculated based on the traveling distance and traveling speed. That is, the passenger is carried to the predetermined distance by the initial ride fare, and thereafter, the predetermined fare is added for each predetermined distance. Also, the traveling speed of the taxi is a predetermined speed (for example, 1
0 km / h) or less, a predetermined fee is added at regular time intervals in addition to the addition based on the traveling distance. Such calculation of the taxi fare is performed in real time when using a taxi by a taxi meter provided in the taxi, and the calculated taxi fare is displayed to the passengers. In this way, the passenger can know at any time how much the taxi fare has been charged after getting on the taxi.

[0003]

However, since the taxi fare cannot be known unless the user rides a taxi, the user cannot use the taxi with confidence. Also,
Taxi fares are often higher than bus and train fares, but if multiple people use the taxi fare per person is often the same. For this reason, if a device that can provide an outline of a taxi fare prior to using a taxi is proposed, it is meaningful that a taxi can be used more easily than now.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a taxi fare guidance system capable of providing an estimate of a taxi fare prior to using a taxi.

[0005]

To solve the above-mentioned problems, a taxi fare guidance system according to the present invention searches for a destination of a taxi user and a taxi traveling route to the destination. Route search means; travel distance calculation means for calculating the distance of the taxi travel route; fee calculation means for calculating a taxi fare to the destination based on the distance of the taxi travel route; Charge notification means for notifying the user.

According to the present invention, a destination is obtained from, for example, a built-in input means or from a communication terminal via a network. Then, a taxi traveling route to the destination is searched. The starting point can be fixed,
For example, the information may be obtained from a built-in input means or a communication terminal. Then, the distance of the taxi travel route is calculated, and the taxi fare to the destination is calculated based on the calculated distance. The calculated taxi fare is notified to the taxi user by display or voice. In this way, a taxi fare to an arbitrary destination can be estimated, and the estimated taxi fare can be informed to the taxi user in advance, so that the taxi can be used easily.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes congestion information acquiring means for acquiring congestion information, and the fare calculation means calculates the taxi fare based on the congestion information. In this way, it is possible to predict a situation in which the taxi traveling speed is reduced due to traffic congestion, calculate the taxi fare in consideration of the situation, and more accurately estimate the taxi fare.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a fare system storing means for storing a plurality of taxi fare system data, and the fare calculating means calculates the taxi fare based on the taxi fare system data. In this way, it is possible to estimate the fares for a plurality of taxis with different fare structures.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a usage status storage unit for storing a past usage status of the taxi, and the fare calculation unit calculates the taxi fare based on the usage status of the taxi. In this way, it is possible to estimate a more practical taxi fare based on past taxi usage.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the use status of the taxi is generated based on a destination and a history of taxi fares to the destination. In this way, it is possible to estimate the taxi fare, taking into account the actual taxi fare to a destination.

In one aspect of the present invention, the taxi use status includes information relating to at least one of the weather, time, day of the week, or date when using each taxi.
Generally, weather, time, day, or date (eg, fifty days)
Depending on the road conditions, the difference often appears as a difference in taxi fare. In this embodiment, the taxi fare can be calculated in consideration of such a difference.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a route output means for outputting information for specifying the taxi traveling route. The information for specifying the taxi travel route is output by, for example, printing, display, or voice. In this case, the user can travel to the destination on the taxi traveling route by transmitting the output information to the taxi driver. As a result, it is possible to travel to the destination at a fare similar to the taxi fare calculated by the present system.

Further, the taxi fare guidance system according to the present invention comprises a destination obtaining means for obtaining a destination of a taxi user, a usage status storage means for storing past taxi usage status, and a taxi usage status based on the taxi usage status. A taxi fare calculating means for calculating a taxi fare to the destination, and a fare notifying means for notifying the taxi user of the taxi fare.

According to the present invention, the destination is obtained from, for example, the provided input means or from the communication terminal via the network. Then, a taxi traveling route to the destination is searched. The starting point can be fixed,
For example, the information may be obtained from a built-in input means or a communication terminal. On the other hand, in the present invention, the past taxi use status is stored, and the taxi fare to the destination is calculated based on this information. This will give you a more realistic taxi fare estimate. The calculated taxi fare is notified to the taxi user by display or voice. In this way, a taxi fare to an arbitrary destination can be estimated, and the estimated taxi fare can be informed to the taxi user in advance, so that the taxi can be used easily.

In one aspect of the present invention, the taxi usage status is generated based on a destination and a history of taxi fares to the destination. In this way, it is possible to estimate the taxi fare, taking into account the actual taxi fare to a destination.

In one aspect of the present invention, the taxi use status includes information relating to at least one of the weather, time, day of the week, or date when using each taxi.
Generally, weather, time, day, or date (eg, fifty days)
Depending on the road conditions, the difference often appears as a difference in taxi fare. In this embodiment, the taxi fare can be calculated in consideration of such a difference.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of an information box used in a taxi fare guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The taxi fare guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes this information box 10 and a center device (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 1, the information box 10 includes a touch panel display 12 positioned at the height of a person's chest. The information box 10 is installed, for example, near a taxi stand at a station rotary. When a taxi user inputs a destination on the touch panel display 12, a taxi fare estimate up to that point is displayed on the touch panel display 12. It is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information box 10 includes a communication unit 14, an input unit 16, a control unit 18, a display unit 20, and a map database (DB) 22. I have. The function of the information box 10 can be realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a predetermined program. The input unit 16 is configured to include a touch panel portion of the touch panel / display 12, and is used by a user to input a destination (destination). The input can be performed by, for example, character input, menu selection, instruction on a map, or the like. The communication unit 12
For example, the center device 24 is connected via a communication line such as a telephone line.
(FIG. 3) for data communication. The display unit 20 is configured to include a display portion of the touch panel display 12, and is for displaying a taxi fare (approximate estimate) to the user to the destination. In addition, a speaker may be provided in the information box 10 so that taxi fare notification and various kinds of guidance may be performed using the speaker. The map DB 22 stores map data in a storage device such as a hard disk device in a format known by, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, and includes at least an area where the information box 10 is installed. Map data is stored. In this system, when displaying the taxi fare, the taxi travel route is also displayed based on the map data.
The control unit 18 controls each unit of the information box 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a center device constituting a taxi fare guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the center device 24 includes a communication unit 26, a control unit 28, a road timetable DB 30, a map DB 32, a toll system DB 34, and a use status DB 36.
And is configured. This center device 24
The destination and the like entered in the information box 10 are received via a communication line, the taxi fare and the travel route up to that are calculated, and the calculated taxi fare and the traveling route are returned to the information box 10 again. In addition, travel records (histories) from taxis are accumulated in the center device 24, and usage data is generated based on the records, and the data is stored in the usage DB 36. The center device 24 can be realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a predetermined program.

The communication section 26 is for performing data communication with the information box 10 via a communication line such as a telephone line. The control unit 28 controls each unit of the center device 24. The road timetable DB 30 stores at least a road timetable of a region where the information box 10 is installed in a storage device such as a hard disk device. The road timetable records travel time (approximate average) for each road section in the target area, and is generated in advance based on travel records collected from taxis and trucks traveling around the station, for example. . The map DB 32 stores map data of at least an area where the information box 10 is installed (a plurality of areas when the plurality of information boxes 10 are installed in different areas) in a storage device such as a hard disk device. is there. The fee system DB 34 records the fee system of a plurality of taxis. This fee system D
An example of the recording content of B34 will be described later (FIG. 6).
The usage status DB 36 records the usage status of taxis in a storage device such as a hard disk device. This use situation is generated based on the travel records collected from the taxi. An example of the recorded contents of the usage status DB 36 will be described later (FIG. 5).

Here, data processing in the taxi fare guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, in this taxi fare guidance system, a taxi user first inputs a destination using the input unit 16 of the information box 10 (S101). In the information box 10, the current date and time are acquired (S102), and the weather is also acquired (S10).
3). The weather may be obtained from a weather information distribution center via a communication network, for example, weather information of a region where the information box 10 is installed, or the information box 10 includes a weather sensor using a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor. In advance, the output may be obtained. The data indicating the destination, date and time, and weather are transmitted to the center device 24 via the communication unit 14.

The center device 24 searches for a taxi travel route using the destination acquired from the information box 10 and the map data stored in the map DB 32.
This route search processing may be performed using a known technique. In this route search, a taxi stand near the information box 10 is set as a departure point. If it is reasonable to use a toll road such as an expressway, the route is also examined. Next, the center device 24 checks whether any of the usage conditions recorded in the usage status DB 36 is useful for calculating the taxi fare this time (S104). FIG.
Shows an example of the recorded contents of the usage status DB 36. Each time a taxi is used, a travel record including the destination, the weather, the date and time, and the taxi fare is transmitted to the center device 24. Based on the record, the use status data is generated and updated. You. At this time, the destination is sorted for each area, and the weather is sorted to one of sunny, rain, or snow. In addition, the date is sorted according to whether it falls on a special day such as the fifty days or the end of the month. Time is divided into commuting hours, daytime, nighttime, midnight, and the like. Then, an average taxi fare is calculated for each classification, and is included in the use status data. The usage status data is generated for each taxi type. That is,
In the usage status DB 36, if a destination area, weather, whether or not a specific day, a day of the week, a time zone, and a taxi type are given,
The average taxi fare in the past under such conditions can be obtained. In S105, the destination area acquired in S101, information on whether the date acquired in S102 belongs to a special day, the day of the date acquired in S102, S1
To which time zone the time acquired in 02 belongs,
The weather and taxi type obtained at 103 are used in the usage DB3
6 to check whether a taxi fare corresponding to the condition is stored. At this time, if there is a point that exists on the route searched in S104 and is close to the destination, it is determined that the data is also usable. It should be noted that the taxi type may be set to a standard value in the region as a default value. If there is a change in the taxi fare system, the contents of the usage status DB 36 in which the price system has been changed are deleted, and the fee guidance using the usage status DB 36 is not performed for that part. It is desirable. In addition, date information such as an update date is also recorded in each record of the usage status DB 36, and when the date information is older than the date of change of the fee system, the charge guidance using the usage status DB is not performed. Is also good. Alternatively, if the date information is older than the change date of the fee structure, the charge data generated and accumulated under the old charge structure is converted into that of the new charge structure by, for example, multiplying by a certain number.
The information may be used to provide a fee guidance.

If there is available data in the usage status DB 36, the taxi fare as a search result is corrected (S11).
4). That is, if the data obtained from the usage status DB 36 relates to a taxi fare up to the destination, the remaining distance is calculated and a predetermined unit price (obtained from the fee system data shown in FIG. 6). ) Is added to correct the taxi fare obtained in S105.

On the other hand, if there is no usable data in the use situation DB 36 (S106), the total distance is calculated for the taxi traveling route obtained in S104 (S107).
Next, the center device 24 reads the charge system data from the charge system DB 34 (S108). FIG. 6A shows the structure of the charge system data, and FIG. 6B shows an example of the contents of the charge system DB 34. As shown in FIG. 3A, generally, the taxi fare is B yen up to the initial ride fee of Akm, and the added distance is D per Cm.
F every E seconds when circle and time addition is 10km / h or less
It is calculated as follows. The fee system DB 34 records the data of A to F for each taxi type (region, company, taxi size (small / medium), etc.).

The center device 24 calculates a basic fee based on the fee system data acquired in S108 (S10).
9). It should be noted that a default value may be used as the taxi type, but in addition, a fee may be calculated for a plurality of taxi types, or a fee may be calculated for a taxi type desired by a taxi user. The base fare takes into account only the initial fare and the added distance, and among the data stored in the fare system DB 34, data relating to A to D is used for the calculation at this time.

Next, the center device 24 performs a fee correction process (S110). FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the charge correction processing. As shown in the figure, in the toll correction processing, first, the travel time (required time) of the taxi traveling route acquired in S104 from the road timetable DB30.
Is acquired (S201). Then, the average speed is calculated by dividing the travel route distance calculated in S107 by the travel time obtained in S201 (S202). Then, a running time at 10 km / h or less is calculated based on the calculated average speed (S203). In the process in S203, for example, a table is prepared in which the average speed is associated with the travel time at 10 km / h or less, and the travel time at 10 km / h or less corresponding to the average speed calculated at S202 is prepared. Should be obtained from the table.
Thereafter, a time addition is calculated based on the travel time and the fee system data (specifically, the data of E and F) acquired in S108, and is added to the basic fee already calculated in S109 (S204). . At this time, if the time acquired in S102 belongs to the midnight time zone, the taxi fare is increased (for example, an extra 30%). Further, S1
If the route searched in 04 uses a toll road, the toll is added (S205). Data relating to tolls may be stored in the map DB 32, for example. In this way, it is possible to correct the basic toll for the time addition and the toll road.

After the charge correction is completed (S110), the center device 24 determines whether the charge calculation is completed. That is, since the toll calculation is performed for all the routes searched in S104, if the toll calculation for the route using the toll road is not completed, the process returns to S105 and the toll calculation process is continued. On the other hand, if the fee calculation has been completed, the recommended route is determined from all the routes for which the fee has been calculated (S112). For example, a cheap route or a route that can arrive at the destination earliest is set as a recommended route. Thereafter, the center device 24 returns the calculated taxi fare, the acquired travel time, and the information specifying the searched route to the information box 10 via the communication unit 26, and the information box 10 returns the information based on the information. The display of the taxi fare is performed (S113). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a taxi fare guidance screen displayed on the display unit 20 of the information box 10. As shown in the figure, the information box 10 displays a map around the station based on the map data stored in the map DB 22, and identifies and displays the taxi travel route searched by the center device 24 thereon. This display is performed based on the information received from the center device 24 and specifying the search route. Furthermore, the taxi fare is displayed at the upper left of the guidance screen. At this time, the taxi fare received from the center device is not displayed as it is,
Display with a width such as "circle". In the case of a route using a toll road, a toll on the toll road is also displayed. Further, the required time to the destination is also displayed.

The information box 10 may be provided with a printing device so that the guide screen shown in FIG. 1 can be printed out. In this way, by handing out the printed matter, the taxi driver can easily be instructed on the taxi travel route. Then, the taxi driver can drive the passenger along the route described in the printed matter, and carry the passenger at the same amount as the estimate. In addition, on the guidance screen shown in the figure, information for specifying a traveling route, such as the name of a main intersection and the name of a toll road to be used, may be output by printing, text, or voice. Even so, by transmitting the information, the taxi driver can easily be instructed on the taxi driving route. Further, a fee guidance ID is issued for each fee guidance, and the guidance is issued to the user by printing, displaying, or voice, etc., so that the fee guidance I is provided to the information terminal provided in the taxi.
If D is input, route guidance for the taxi driving route corresponding to the toll guidance is output and displayed on the in-vehicle display,
Alternatively, the sound may be output from an in-vehicle speaker. Even in this case, the taxi driving route can be easily taught simply by transmitting the fare guidance ID to the taxi driver.

According to the taxi fare guidance system described above, when a taxi user inputs a destination in the information box 10, a taxi fare and a required time can be estimated, so that a taxi can be used easily. .

The present invention is not limited to the taxi fare guidance system according to the above embodiment. For example, in the above description, the taxi fare guidance system is configured to be separated into the information box 10 and the center device 24, but the functions of both may be integrally formed.

In the above description, the information box 10 is set near the taxi stand at the station rotary, and the taxi fare is guided there.
A taxi fee guidance service may be provided to various portable information processing terminals such as mobile phones. Alternatively, a taxi fare guidance service may be provided to an information processing terminal such as a computer installed at home or work. In this case, it is desirable that an input of a departure point is also accepted from various information processing terminals, and a taxi fare from the departure point to the destination is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of an information box constituting a taxi fare guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information box.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a center device constituting the taxi fare guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating data processing of the taxi fare guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of usage status data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of fee system data.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating data processing of the taxi fare guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen in the taxi fare guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 information box, 12 display (touch panel), 14, 26 communication unit, 16 input unit, 18, 28
Control unit, 20 display unit, 22, 32 map database, 24 center device, 30 road timetable database, 34 fee system database, 36 usage database.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. a destination obtaining means for obtaining a destination of a taxi user; a route searching means for searching for a taxi travel route to the destination; a travel distance calculating means for calculating a distance of the taxi travel route; A taxi fare guidance system comprising: a fare calculating means for calculating a taxi fare to the destination based on a distance of a traveling route; and a fare notifying means for notifying the taxi fare to the taxi user. 2. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 1, further comprising congestion information obtaining means for obtaining congestion information, wherein said fare calculation means calculates said taxi fare based on said congestion information. Characteristic taxi fare guidance system. 3. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 1, further comprising a fare system storage unit for storing a plurality of taxi fare system data, wherein said fare calculation unit is based on said taxi fare system data. A taxi fare guidance system, wherein the taxi fare is calculated. 4. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 1, further comprising a usage status storage unit for storing past usage status of the taxi, wherein said fee calculation unit includes a usage status of said taxi. And calculating the taxi fare based on the taxi fare. 5. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 4, wherein the taxi usage status is generated based on a destination and a history of taxi fares to the destination. system. 6. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 4, wherein the use status of the taxi includes information relating to at least one of weather, time, day of the week, and date when each taxi is used. Taxi fare guidance system characterized by the following. 7. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 1, further comprising a route output means for outputting information for specifying the taxi travel route. 8. A destination obtaining means for obtaining a destination of a taxi user, a usage status storing means for storing past taxi usage status, and calculating a taxi fare to the destination based on the taxi usage status. A taxi fare guidance system comprising: a fare calculating means; and a fare notifying means for notifying the taxi user of the taxi fare. 9. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 8, wherein the taxi usage status is generated based on a destination and a history of taxi fares to the destination. system. 10. The taxi fare guidance system according to claim 8, wherein the use status of the taxi includes information relating to at least one of weather, time, day of the week, and date when each taxi is used. Taxi fare guidance system characterized by the following.