JP2007235658A - Information processor and method, program, as well as recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide more convenient settlement service in the case of using an automobile. <P>SOLUTION: A reader/writer control part 71 controls, for example, radio communication via an antenna by a reader/writer and an information acquisition part 72 acquires information such as a credit card number, prepaid balance required for the settlement from a non-contact IC card mounted to a communicable cellular phone. A storage control part 73 stores the acquired information required for the settlement in a memory in a microcomputer and a settlement processing part 74 executes processing regarding the settlement of tariffs performed with a settlement controller outside the automobile. An external communication control part 75 makes the automobile perform communication with the settlement controller via the antenna. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording medium, and in particular, an information processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording that can provide a more convenient settlement service in a scene where an automobile is used. It relates to the medium.

  In recent years, electronic devices attached to automobiles such as car navigation systems and ETC (electronic toll collection) have been widely spread.

  ETC is a system that automatically charges users tolls for toll roads, etc. using wireless communication, which enables users to pass through toll gates on toll roads non-stop. ing.

  In addition, a technology has been proposed in which charges for various services and goods are settled using a mobile phone (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-150875 A

  However, the types of services and goods that can be settled using ETC are limited, and the places where ETC can be used are also limited.

  On the other hand, payment of charges using mobile phones is also being carried out at convenience stores, etc., and services, goods, places, etc. that are available are becoming widespread, but the use of mobile phones while driving is strictly due to the Road Traffic Act Limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to provide a more convenient settlement service in a scene where an automobile is used.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention acquires information stored in a terminal when communication is possible between the terminal communication control unit that controls wireless communication performed with the terminal carried by the user and the terminal. An information acquisition unit, an information storage unit that stores information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a service providing apparatus that executes a process of providing a predetermined service to the user based on the information stored in the terminal. A device communication control means for controlling the wireless communication and a process for executing the process to be performed by the terminal on behalf of the terminal based on the information stored by the information storage means when there is a communication request from the service providing apparatus An information processing apparatus comprising execution means.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when wireless communication performed with a terminal carried by a user is controlled and communication with the terminal is possible, information stored in the terminal is acquired and acquired. Information is stored. In addition, when wireless communication performed with a service providing apparatus that executes processing for providing a predetermined service to a user based on information stored in the terminal is controlled, and there is a communication request from the service providing apparatus, Based on the stored information, processing to be performed by the terminal is executed on behalf of the terminal.

  Therefore, the user can receive the service without operating the terminal.

  The terminal is a mobile phone, and the terminal communication control means can perform wireless communication with a non-contact IC card as a terminal incorporated in the mobile phone.

  The information acquired by the information acquisition means may be information required for settlement using a non-contact IC card, and may include a prepaid balance of electronic money or a credit card number. it can.

  The process execution means may execute a payment process based on information necessary for payment when the service providing apparatus charges for the service provided to the user.

  Therefore, the existing payment mechanism can be used effectively.

  The apparatus communication control means attached to the automobile may perform wireless communication with the service providing apparatus when the wireless communication unit of the service providing apparatus is located within a preset distance from the automobile. it can.

  Therefore, the user can complete the settlement without operating the mobile phone during driving.

  The service providing device may be a parking fee settlement control device that charges a parking fee for a vehicle.

  The service providing apparatus may be a portable POS terminal that charges for the fuel supplied to the automobile.

  The information processing method according to the present invention determines whether or not wireless communication is possible with a terminal carried by a user. When communication with a terminal is possible, wireless communication is performed with the terminal, and wireless communication is performed. Was there a communication request from a service providing apparatus that acquires information stored in the terminal by communication, stores the acquired information, and executes processing for providing a predetermined service to the user based on the information stored in the terminal If there is a communication request from the service providing apparatus, wireless communication is performed with the service providing apparatus, and processing to be performed by the terminal is performed on the terminal based on information stored by wireless communication. It is an information processing method including a step executed instead.

  The program according to the present invention controls whether or not wireless communication is possible with a terminal carried by a user, and controls communication with a terminal when communication with the terminal is possible. Service providing apparatus that controls acquisition of information stored in terminal by wireless communication, controls storage of acquired information, and executes processing for providing predetermined service to user based on information stored in terminal Based on the information stored in the wireless communication, controlling the wireless communication with the service providing device when there is a communication request from the service providing device. A computer-readable program including a step of controlling to execute a process to be performed by a terminal on behalf of the terminal.

  The recording medium according to the present invention controls whether or not wireless communication is possible with a terminal carried by the user, and controls communication with the terminal when communication with the terminal is possible. Providing a service for controlling the acquisition of information stored in the terminal by wireless communication, controlling the storage of the acquired information, and executing a process of providing a predetermined service to the user based on the information stored in the terminal Controls whether or not there is a communication request from the device, and controls the wireless communication with the service providing device when there is a communication request from the service providing device, based on information stored by wireless communication The computer-readable recording medium stores a computer-readable program including a step of controlling the terminal to perform processing to be performed on behalf of the terminal.

  In the information processing method and program of the present invention, it is determined whether or not wireless communication is possible with a terminal carried by a user. When communication with a terminal is possible, wireless communication is performed with the terminal. Information stored in the terminal by wireless communication is acquired, the acquired information is stored, and from the service providing apparatus that executes a process of providing a predetermined service to the user based on the information stored in the terminal It is determined whether or not there is a communication request. When there is a communication request from the service providing apparatus, wireless communication is performed with the service providing apparatus, and is performed by the terminal based on information stored by the wireless communication. Power processing is performed on behalf of the terminal.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the more convenient payment service can be provided in the scene which uses a motor vehicle.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an automobile to which an intermediary processing device of the present invention is attached. The intermediary processing apparatus of the present invention obtains necessary information from, for example, a mobile phone having a settlement function by credit card, prepaid, etc., and settles charges for services, goods, etc. provided by the driver, owner, etc. of the car. It is configured to perform processing.

  For example, the mediation processing apparatus is configured to be incorporated into the body of the automobile 10 and communicates with the mobile phone via the reader / writer antenna 51 attached in the vicinity of the steering wheel 11 of the automobile 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example according to an embodiment of the mediation processing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the mediation processing device 30 includes a microcomputer 31, a reader / writer 32, an external communication unit 33, and a bus 34 that connects the units to each other.

  The reader / writer 32 is a functional block that reads or writes information stored in a non-contact IC card mounted on a mobile phone, and is a non-contact IC card mounted on the mobile phone by wireless communication via an antenna 51. The information stored in is transmitted and received.

  The external communication unit 33 is a functional block that performs communication with a settlement control device outside the automobile 10. Here, the settlement control device is, for example, a device that manages entry and exit of a parking lot and automatically charges a parking fee, a device that automatically charges a fee for fuel supplied at a gas station, and an external communication device. 33 performs wireless communication via the antenna 52 with a payment control apparatus located within a predetermined range from the automobile 10 to transmit / receive information necessary for payment.

  The microcomputer 31 is configured as a small computer having a processor, a memory, and the like inside, and controls the reader / writer 32 and the external communication unit 33 via the bus 34 by software such as an installed program. For example, the microcomputer 31 controls the reader / writer 32 so as to acquire information necessary for settlement such as a credit card number and a prepaid balance from a non-contact IC card mounted on a mobile phone that can communicate via the antenna 51. The stored information is stored in its own internal memory. Further, the microcomputer 31 performs a process of controlling the external communication unit 33 so as to supply information necessary for payment stored in an internal memory or the like to a payment control apparatus capable of communication via the antenna 52.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of software installed in the microcomputer 31.

  The reader / writer control unit 71 controls, for example, wireless communication performed by the reader / writer 32 via the antenna 51.

  The information acquisition unit 72 controls the reader / writer 32 so as to acquire information necessary for settlement such as a credit card number and a prepaid balance from a non-contact IC card mounted on a communicable mobile phone.

  The storage control unit 73 stores the information necessary for the payment acquired by the information acquisition unit 72 in a memory inside the microcomputer 31 configured by, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

  The settlement processing unit 74 executes processing related to the settlement of charges performed with the settlement control device outside the automobile 10. For example, the payment processing unit 74 executes a process of transmitting a credit card number stored in the memory or reducing the prepaid balance in response to a request from the payment control device.

  The external communication control unit 75 controls the external communication unit 33 to perform communication with the settlement control device via the antenna 52.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mobile phone 100 having a settlement function. For example, when the power key is turned on by a user operation, the power supply circuit unit 135 illustrated in the figure can operate each unit of the mobile phone 100 by supplying power from the battery pack to each unit. To start.

  The main control unit 31 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like causes the audio codec 140 to convert the audio signal collected by the microphone 118 into digital audio data. The digital audio data is subjected to spread spectrum processing by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 139, subjected to digital analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing by the transmission / reception circuit unit 144, and then transmitted via the antenna 112.

  The received signal received by the antenna 112 is amplified and subjected to frequency conversion processing and analog-digital conversion processing. The modulation / demodulation circuit unit 139 performs spectrum despreading processing, and the audio codec 140 converts the received signal into an analog audio signal. Audio corresponding to the analog audio signal is output from the speaker 122.

  Furthermore, when sending an e-mail, text data input by operating the operation key 116 and the jog dial 119 is supplied to the main control unit 131 via the operation input control unit 132.

  When an e-mail is received, the received signal received from the mobile phone base station 2 via the antenna 112 is subjected to inverse spread spectrum processing by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 139 and restored to the original text data, and then the LCD control unit 136. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 115 as an e-mail.

  The non-contact IC card 146 is close to another device (for example, the mediation processing device 30) having a reader / writer (for example, the reader / writer 32), and receives an electromagnetic wave radiated from an antenna (for example, the antenna 51) of the reader / writer. When received, various information is provided to the reader / writer accordingly.

  The non-contact IC card 146 is configured using, for example, a Felica chip (registered trademark) or the like, and is configured as an IC in which a loop antenna, a capacitor, and the like are stored in one chip, and is provided in another device using electromagnetic induction. It communicates various data with the reader / writer, and is not necessarily configured as a card.

  The non-contact IC card 146 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like, and information such as a prepaid balance such as electronic money and a credit card number is stored in the EEPROM.

  Next, the storage process by the mediation processing device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, for example, a driver of the automobile 10 stores information necessary for settlement stored in the mobile phone 100 (non-contact IC card 146) in the mediation processing device 30 prior to driving the automobile 10. Executed when you want to.

  In step S101, the microcomputer 31 determines whether or not there is a notification from the reader / writer 32 that communication is possible, and waits until it is determined that there is a notification.

  As described above, when the non-contact IC card 146 receives an electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna 51 of the reader / writer 32, the non-contact IC card 146 provides various information to the reader / writer 32 accordingly. In response, the microcomputer 31 is notified. When the mobile phone 100 owned by the driver of the automobile 10 is brought close to the antenna 51, it is determined in step S101 that there is a notification that communication is possible.

  In step S102, the microcomputer 31 starts communication with the mobile phone 100 (non-contact IC card 146) to which the reader / writer 32 can communicate based on the notification by the processing in step S101. At this time, for example, prior to the communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the mobile phone 100 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. You may do it.

  In step S103, the microcomputer 31 controls the reader / writer 32 to acquire information necessary for settlement from the mobile phone 100 (non-contact IC card 146). At this time, for example, information such as a prepaid balance such as electronic money and a credit card number stored in the non-contact IC card 146 is acquired.

  In step S104, the microcomputer 31 stores information necessary for the settlement acquired in step S103 in the internal EEPROM.

  In step S105, the microcomputer 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed since the information was stored in the process of step S104. If it is determined in step S105 that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, the process returns to step S101, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S106, and the microcomputer 31 deletes information such as a prepaid balance and a credit card number stored in the process of step S104. Then, the process returns to step S101 again.

  In this way, the driver of the automobile 10 stores information necessary for settlement stored in the mobile phone 100 (non-contact IC card 146) in the mediation processing device 30 prior to driving the automobile 10. Can do. In addition, information required for payment is deleted after a predetermined period of time, so that, for example, when a driver is changed, payment is made by mistake using another person's prepaid balance or credit card. Is suppressed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the mobile phone 100 that is executed in conjunction with the storage processing of the mediation processing device 30 described above with reference to FIG.

  In step S121, the main control unit 131 determines whether or not there is a communication start request, and waits until it is determined that there is a communication start request. For example, when the mobile phone 100 is brought close to the antenna 51 and the non-contact IC card 146 receives an electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna 51, it is determined in step S121 that a communication start request has been made.

  In step S122, the main control unit 131 starts communication with the reader / writer 32 with which the non-contact IC card 146 can communicate based on the processing in step S121. At this time, for example, prior to the communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the mobile phone 100 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. You may do it.

  In step S123, the main control unit 131 determines whether there is an information acquisition request, and waits until it is determined that there is an information acquisition request. For example, when an information acquisition request is transmitted from the intermediary processing device 30 with the processing of step S103 in FIG. 5 and the non-contact IC card 146 receives this information acquisition request, it is assumed that there is an information acquisition request in step S123. Determined.

  If it is determined in step S123 that there has been an information acquisition request, the process proceeds to step S124, and the main control unit 131 determines the prepaid balance such as electronic money stored in the non-contact IC card 146 and the credit card number. And the like are transmitted to the mediation processing device 30 (reader / writer 32). As a result, information necessary for settlement is acquired in the process of step S103 in FIG.

  In step S125, the main control unit 131 updates information related to the settlement of the non-contact IC card 146. At this time, for example, a process of reducing the prepaid balance or a process of writing information for recording the transmission of information necessary for the settlement to an EEPROM or the like is executed.

  Then, the process returns to step S121, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed.

  In this way, the processing of the mobile phone 100 is executed.

  By performing the processing described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, information as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is stored in a memory such as an EEPROM in the microcomputer 31 of the mediation processing device 30. Will be.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the memory by the process of step S104 when, for example, a prepaid balance of electronic money is acquired in the process of step S103 of FIG. In this example, the stored information is composed of “accumulation time” and “accumulation information”, and is described as “2006/2/3/13: 45” corresponding to the accumulation time. "ID (a331)" and "billing information (10000)" are described. This indicates that the ID unique to the mobile phone 100 is “a331” and the prepaid balance for 10,000 yen (points) is stored at 13:45 on February 3, 2006.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the memory by the process of step S104 when, for example, a credit card number is acquired in the process of step S103 of FIG. In this example, the stored information is composed of “accumulation time” and “accumulation information”, and is described as “2006/2/3/13: 45” corresponding to the accumulation time. Corresponding to the information, “ID (a331)” and “billing information (1234-2345-3456-4567)” are described. This is because the ID unique to the mobile phone 100 is “a331” and 1234-2345-3456-4567 was stored at 13:45 on February 3, 2006 as the credit card number used for payment. Represents.

  Next, an example of settlement performed by the mediation processing device 30 will be described. First, an example in which a parking fee is automatically settled will be described.

  Conventionally, parking fees for time-determined parking lots are paid as follows. That is, when the user (driver) enters the car into the parking lot (enters), the user (driver) obtains and stores a card or the like on which the entry time is written from a device installed in the parking lot. And when leaving the store, the card is inserted into a device installed in the parking lot, and the fee for the parked time is settled.

  In this way, in the conventional settlement of parking fees, when entering and leaving the car, for example, the window next to the driver's seat is opened and the card is taken out of the device, or the card is inserted into the device. It was necessary to do. In the present invention, the parking fee can be automatically settled without opening a window.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot entry / exit gate. The entry / exit gate shown in the figure is provided, for example, at the entrance or exit of a parking lot. When the automobile 10 is parked, the driver opens and closes the bar 203 that restricts entry / exit of the automobile 10. The automobile 10 is driven and moved into a predetermined space divided by the opening / closing control device 201 to be controlled and the frame 202.

  A settlement control device 221 is incorporated in the opening / closing control device 201, and the settlement control device 221 is configured to perform wireless communication with the mediation processing device 30 via the antenna 222. The settlement control device 221 is configured as a small computer having a processor, a memory, and the like inside, executes predetermined processing by software such as an installed program, and performs the operation of the opening / closing control device 201 based on the processing result. By outputting a control signal to be controlled, the bar 203 can be opened and closed.

  The settlement control device 221 communicates with the external communication unit 33 of the mediation processing device 30 using a predetermined frequency and a predetermined protocol set in advance via the antenna 222. That is, the settlement control device 221 is configured such that the antenna 52 embedded in the door on the side of the driver's seat of the automobile 10 and the antenna 222 attached to the right side surface of the opening / closing control device 201 transmit or receive radio waves, respectively. And wireless communication is performed with the mediation processing device 30. Note that the strength of radio waves output from the antenna 52 and the antenna 222 is set to such a strength that communication is possible only when the antenna 52 and the antenna 222 are sufficiently close (for example, when they are close to each other within 1 m). Has been.

  Further, the payment control device 221 is connected to an image sensor 223 configured using, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices) image sensor, and takes an image of the license plate of the automobile 10 as necessary. The vehicle number of the automobile 10 can be acquired by analyzing the captured image.

  Next, parking lot entry processing by the settlement control device 221 that is executed when the automobile 10 enters the parking lot will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed when, for example, a radar sensor detects that an automobile has entered a space surrounded by the opening / closing control device 201 and the frame 202 installed at the entrance of the parking lot.

  In step S201, the settlement control device 221 performs polling. At this time, a predetermined polling signal set in advance is output.

  In step S202, the settlement control apparatus 221 determines whether or not there is a response to polling by the process of step S201. When the external communication unit 33 (mediation processing device 30) is attached to the automobile 10 that has entered the space surrounded by the opening / closing control device 201 and the frame 202, the response to the polling transmitted from the settlement control device 221 is external communication. This is transmitted by the unit 33 and received by the settlement control device 221.

  If it is determined in step S202 that there is a response, the process proceeds to step S203, and the settlement control device 221 starts communication with the mediation processing device 30. At this time, for example, prior to the communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the payment control device 221 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. You may make it do.

  In step S204, the settlement control device 221 requests the mediation processing device 30 to transmit automatic settlement information. As a result, the mediation processing device 30 transmits the information stored therein to the settlement control device 221.

  Here, the automatic settlement information is information necessary for the settlement control device 221 to automatically settle the parking fee. For example, the automatic settlement information is one piece of information stored in the mediation processing device 30 by the storage processing in FIG. The ID of the mobile phone 100 and the payment method (for example, information indicating whether payment is made from a prepaid balance or payment by credit card).

  In step S205, the settlement control apparatus 221 determines whether or not the automatic settlement information corresponding to the request in step S204 has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. If it is determined in step S205 that the automatic settlement information corresponding to the request in step S204 has been received, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the settlement control device 221 reads the vehicle number of the automobile 10 by causing the image sensor 223 to capture an image of the license plate of the automobile 10 and analyzing the captured image.

  In step S207, the settlement control apparatus 221 stores the current time, the automatic settlement information determined to have been received in the process of step S205, and the vehicle number read in the process of step S206 in a database. The database is generated and stored on a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) provided in the settlement control device 221.

  In step S208, the settlement control device 221 opens a gate by outputting a control signal for controlling the opening / closing control device 201 so as to raise (open) the bar 203. Thereby, the bar 203 is opened, and the automobile 10 can be advanced in the direction of the arrow 231 (in this case, in the parking lot).

  If it is determined in step S202 that there is no response to the polling in step S201, the process proceeds to step S209, and the settlement control apparatus 221 executes a conventional process. That is, a process is performed in which the driver obtains a card or the like on which the warehousing time is written from a predetermined part of the opening / closing control device 201.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the process of the mediation processing device 30 executed in association with the parking lot entry process described above with reference to FIG. 10 will be described.

  In step S221, the external communication control unit 75 determines whether or not polling from the settlement control device 221 has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. For example, when polling transmitted by the process of step S201 in FIG. 10 is received, the process proceeds to step S222.

  In step S222, the external communication control unit 75 transmits a response to the polling determined to be received in step S221, and starts communication with the settlement control apparatus 221. Prior to the communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the settlement control device 221 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. May be.

  In step S223, the external communication control unit 75 determines whether an automatic settlement information transmission request has been received, and waits until it is determined that the request has been received. For example, when the process of step S204 in FIG. 10 is executed, an automatic settlement information transmission request is transmitted to the mediation processing device 30, and when this is received, in step S223, the automatic settlement information transmission request is received. As a result, the process proceeds to step S224.

  In step S224, the payment processing unit 74 reads information stored in the memory inside the microcomputer 31 via the storage control unit 73, and transmits the read information to the payment control device 221. The information transmitted here is received in the process of step S205 in FIG.

  By executing the processing described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, information as shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the database of the settlement control device 221. In the figure, the information stored in the database of the settlement control device 221 is a record composed of items of “ID”, “entry time”, “exit time”, “parking fee”, and “settlement flag”. Is shown as

  The first record in FIG. 12 has an ID of “a101”, a vehicle number of “Shinagawa 33-Ta 1234”, an entry time of “2006/2/3/15: 30”, and an exit time of “2006/2 / 3/17: 00 ”, the parking fee is“ ¥ 1500 ”, and the settlement flag is“ ON ”. This is because an automobile with the driver's mobile phone ID “a101” and the vehicle number “Shinagawa 33-Ta 1234” arrived at 15:30 on February 3, 2006 AD, This indicates that the store was shipped at 17:00 on February 3, 2006. The parking fee to be charged for this car is 1500 yen, and the settlement flag indicating that the settlement has already been made is “ON”.

  The second record in FIG. 12 describes that the ID is “a202”, the vehicle number is “Shinagawa 33-ke 4321”, and the warehousing time is “2006/2/3/16: 00”. The contents corresponding to the parking fee and the settlement flag are not described. This is because the car with the driver's mobile phone ID “a201” and the vehicle number “Shinagawa 33-ke 4321” arrived at 16:00 on February 3, 2006, and is still It indicates that the parking fee to be charged for this car has not been decided yet and the settlement has not been completed.

  Note that FIG. 12 shows an example in which payment is made from a prepaid balance. When payment is made by credit card, information necessary for payment by credit card is also stored.

  Such information is stored by the settlement control device 221.

  Next, a parking lot delivery process by the settlement control device 221 that is executed in association with the delivery from the parking lot of the automobile 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed when, for example, a radar sensor detects that an automobile has entered the space surrounded by the opening / closing control device 201 and the frame 202 installed at the exit of the parking lot.

  In step S251, the settlement control device 221 performs polling. At this time, a predetermined polling signal set in advance is output.

  In step S252, the settlement control apparatus 221 determines whether or not there is a response to polling by the process of step S251. When the external communication unit 33 (mediation processing device 30) is attached to the automobile 10 that has entered the space surrounded by the opening / closing control device 201 and the frame 202, the response to the polling transmitted from the settlement control device 221 is external communication. This is transmitted by the unit 33 and received by the settlement control device 221.

  If it is determined in step S252 that there is a response, the process proceeds to step S253, and the settlement control device 221 starts communication with the mediation processing device 30. At this time, for example, prior to the communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the payment control device 221 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. You may make it do.

  In step S254, the settlement control device 221 requests the mediation processing device 30 to transmit automatic settlement information. Thereby, the mediation processing device 30 transmits the automatic settlement information stored therein to the settlement control device 221.

  In step S255, the settlement control device 221 determines whether or not automatic settlement information corresponding to the request in step S254 has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. If it is determined in step S255 that the automatic settlement information corresponding to the request in step S254 has been received, the process proceeds to step S256.

  In step S256, the settlement control device 221 reads the vehicle number of the automobile 10 by causing the image sensor 223 to capture an image of the license plate of the automobile 10 and analyzing the captured image.

  In step S257, the settlement control device 221 searches the database using the automatic settlement information determined to have been received in the process of step S255 and the vehicle number read in the process of step S256 as keys. At this time, for example, the database described above with reference to FIG. 12 is searched.

  In this way, the amount of money to be charged is calculated by adding not only the automatic payment information (such as the ID of the mobile phone 100) obtained from the intermediary processing device 30 but also the vehicle number of the automobile 10, so that, for example, the same mobile phone Even when a parking fee for a different car is settled by using the telephone 100, it is possible to prevent an accidental charge.

  In step S258, the settlement control apparatus 221 describes the current time in the shipping time of the record searched in the processing of step S257 (for example, the second record in FIG. 12), and the parking time (“shipping time” − “Receiving time”) is calculated. Then, a parking fee is calculated based on the calculated parking time.

  In step S259, the settlement control device 221 charges the mediation processing device 30 for the parking fee calculated in the process of step S258. At this time, for example, information is transmitted and received according to a preset procedure, and information indicating whether or not charging is completed is acquired from the mediation processing device 30.

  In step S260, the settlement control apparatus 221 determines whether or not the accounting performed in the process of step S259 has been completed. For example, when the billing cannot be performed due to a shortage of balance or the like, information indicating that is notified from the mediation processing device 30, and it is determined in step S260 that the billing could not be performed, and the process proceeds to step S262, and the error processing is performed. Executed. Thereby, for example, it is notified that a car that cannot be charged to a parking lot manager is about to leave.

  On the other hand, when the parking fee can be charged without any problem by the intermediary processing device 30, information indicating that fact is notified to the settlement control device 221, and in step S260, it is determined that the fee has been charged, and the process proceeds to step S261. .

  In step S261, the settlement control device 221 opens a gate by outputting a control signal for controlling the opening / closing control device 201 so as to raise (open) the bar 203. Thereby, the bar 203 is opened, and the automobile 10 can be advanced in the direction of the arrow 231 (in this case, outside the parking lot).

  If it is determined in step S252 that there is no response to the polling in step S251, the process proceeds to step S263, and the settlement control apparatus 221 executes a conventional process. That is, a process of accepting insertion of a card or the like with the entry time issued along with the process of step S209 from a predetermined part of the opening / closing control apparatus 201, calculating a parking fee, and causing the driver to make a settlement is performed. Is called.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the process of the mediation processing device 30 executed in accordance with the parking lot delivery process described above with reference to FIG. 13 will be described.

  In step S281, the external communication control unit 75 determines whether or not polling from the settlement control device 221 has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. For example, when the polling transmitted by the process of step S251 in FIG. 13 is received, the process proceeds to step S282.

  In step S282, the external communication control unit 75 transmits a response to the polling determined to be received in step S281, and starts communication with the settlement control device 221. Prior to the communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the settlement control device 221 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. May be.

  In step S283, the external communication control unit 75 determines whether or not an automatic settlement information transmission request has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. For example, when the process of step S254 in FIG. 13 is executed, an automatic payment information transmission request is transmitted to the mediation processing device 30, and when this is received, in step S283, the automatic payment information transmission request is received. The determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S284.

  In step S 284, the payment processing unit 74 reads information stored in the internal memory of the microcomputer 31 via the storage control unit 73 and transmits the read information to the payment control device 221. The automatic settlement information transmitted here is received in the process of step S255 in FIG.

  In step S285, the settlement processing unit 74 determines whether or not charging information has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. For example, when the processing of step S259 in FIG. 13 is executed, billing information is transmitted to the mediation processing device 30, and when this is received, it is determined in step S285 that the billing information has been received, The process proceeds to step S286.

  In step S286, the settlement processing unit 74 performs processing corresponding to the billing information determined to be received in step S285. For example, information stored in the internal memory of the microcomputer 31 is read via the storage control unit 73, and a process for reducing the parking fee from the prepaid balance is executed. Alternatively, when the prepaid balance is insufficient, a message indicating that charging cannot be performed due to insufficient balance is created and transmitted to the payment control apparatus 221.

  In this way, the parking fee is automatically settled.

  Here, an example in which only the payment of the parking fee is performed has been described. However, it is also possible to charge for other services and goods together with the parking fee. For example, if the car 10 is parked in a hotel parking lot or the like, the hotel records the price of drinks and souvenirs provided to the driver of the car 10 as a guest, You may make it charge with a parking fee when the motor vehicle 10 leaves.

  Next, another example of settlement performed by the intermediary processing device 30 will be described, in which an oil fee is automatically settled at a gas station.

  Conventionally, the refueling fee has been paid as follows. That is, the user (driver) stops the car at a predetermined location of the gas station and receives refueling by a clerk at the gas station. Then, when leaving from the gas station, the refueling fee is settled by cash or credit card.

  Thus, in the conventional settlement of the refueling fee, for example, it has been necessary to open a window next to the driver's seat and exchange cash and credit cards with the store clerk. In the present invention, the refueling fee can be automatically settled without particularly opening a window.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for automatically paying a refueling fee upon receiving refueling at a gas station. A refueling machine is installed at the gas station, and a car that receives refueling stops beside the refueling machine. In the figure, refueling machines 301-1 to 301-3 are installed at a gas station, and the automobile 10-1 and the automobile 10-2 are stopped to receive refueling. In addition, the oiling machines 301-1 to 301-3 are provided with nozzles for oiling on both the upper and lower sides in the figure, and can be supplied to two cars at the same time by one oiling machine.

  Here, the clerk at the gas station inserts the nozzle of the refueling machine into the refueling port of the car and refuels the car. The car 10-1 is refueled by the shop clerk 310-1, and the car 10-2 contains The clerk 310-2 is refueling.

  The refueling machines 301-1 to 301-3 calculate the amount of fuel (gasoline or the like) ejected from the nozzles and notify a predetermined POS terminal or the like of the amount of fuel refueled to each automobile. Here, it is assumed that the clerks 310-1 and 310-2 at the gas station carry handy terminals 321-1 and 321-2 which are portable POS terminals, respectively.

  The handy terminals 321-1 and 321-2 communicate with the external communication unit 33 of the mediation processing device 30 by using a predetermined frequency and a predetermined protocol that are set in advance via an antenna (not shown) or the like provided in each of the handy terminals 321-1 and 321-2. . That is, the antenna 52-1 or 52-2 embedded in the vicinity of the fuel filler of the automobile 10-1 or 10-2 and the antenna of the handy terminal 321-1 or 321-2 transmit or receive radio waves, respectively. Wireless communication is performed between the handy terminal 321-1 or 321-2 and the mediation processing device of the automobile 10-1 or 10-2.

  In addition, the intensity of the radio wave output from the antenna 52-1 or 52-2 and the antenna of the handy terminal 321-1 or 321-2 is the same as that of the antenna 52-1 or 52-2 and the handy terminal 321-1 or 321-2. The intensity is set such that communication is possible only when the antenna is sufficiently close (for example, close to within 50 cm). By setting in this way, for example, it is possible to prevent the automobile 10-1 from being charged for the refueling charge of the automobile 10-2 by mistake.

  Next, processing of the handy terminal 321-1 or 321-2 that is executed in association with refueling the automobile 10-1 or 10-2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, for example, the processing of the handy terminal 321-1 of the store clerk 310-1 who refueled the car 10-1 will be described. When it is not necessary to individually distinguish the car, the handy terminal, etc. , Such as a handy terminal 321.

  This process is executed, for example, when refueling of the automobile 10 is completed and the store clerk 310 presses a button for executing an automatic billing process provided in the handy terminal.

  In step S301, the handy terminal 321 performs polling. At this time, a predetermined polling signal set in advance is output.

  In step S302, the settlement control apparatus 321 determines whether or not there is a response to polling by the process in step S301. When the external communication unit 33 (mediation processing device 30) is attached to the vehicle 10 that has received fuel, a response to polling transmitted from the handy terminal 321 is transmitted by the external communication unit 33 and received by the handy terminal 321. The

  If it is determined in step S302 that there is a response, the process proceeds to step S303, and the handy terminal 321 starts communication with the mediation processing device 30. At this time, for example, prior to communication, the intermediary processing device 30 and the handy terminal 321 are mutually authenticated, and communication is started only when it is authenticated that they are valid communication partners. You may do it.

  In step S304, the handy terminal 321 requests the mediation processing device 30 to transmit automatic payment information. As a result, the mediation processing device 30 transmits information stored therein to the handy terminal 321.

  In step S305, the handy terminal 321 determines whether or not automatic settlement information corresponding to the request in step S304 has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. If it is determined in step S305 that the automatic settlement information corresponding to the request in step S304 has been received, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S <b> 306, the handy terminal 321 calculates a fueling fee based on the amount of fuel supplied from the fueling machine 301 and supplied to the automobile 10.

  In step S307, the handy terminal 321 charges the refueling fee calculated in the processing of step S306 to the mediation processing device 30. At this time, for example, information is transmitted and received according to a preset procedure, and information indicating whether or not charging is completed is acquired from the mediation processing device 30.

  In step S308, the handy terminal 321 determines whether or not the accounting performed in the process of step S307 has been completed. For example, when charging cannot be performed due to a shortage of balance or the like, information indicating that is notified from the mediation processing device 30, and it is determined in step S308 that charging could not be performed, and the process proceeds to step S390, where error processing is performed. Executed. Thereby, for example, a message notifying that charging could not be made is displayed on the display of the handy terminal 321 or the like.

  On the other hand, if the parking fee can be charged without any problem by the intermediary processing device 30, information indicating that is notified to the handy terminal 321, and it is determined in step S308 that the fee has been charged, and the processing ends.

  As the handy terminal process of FIG. 16 is executed, the process of the intermediary processing device 30 is also executed. This process is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  In this way, the refueling fee is automatically settled.

  As described above, in the present invention, it is possible to automatically make a payment without opening a car window or the like.

  For example, in recent years, there has been a concern about the deterioration of security, and there are some users who do not want to easily open a car window even when paying a fee. In addition, for example, a winter gas station has a low temperature, and there is a case where it is not desired to open a window in order to enhance the heating effect in the vehicle. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, the settlement can be completed easily and reliably.

  Further, in the present invention, since the mobile phone 100 having a payment function that is widely used and widely used in convenience stores and the like is used for making a payment, it is possible to effectively use an existing payment system or the like. It becomes. In particular, while the use of mobile phones while driving is strictly restricted by the Road Traffic Law, in the present invention, there is no need to operate the mobile phone 100 while driving, and payment can be completed easily and reliably. It becomes possible to make it.

  In the above, an example of an intermediary processing device that acquires payment information from a contactless IC card of a mobile phone and mediates payment processing has been described. However, targets for acquiring payment information are mobile phones and contactless IC cards. It is not limited to.

  In the above description, an example of an intermediary processing device that acquires settlement information and mediates settlement processing has been described. However, the mediation processing device may mediate exchange of information other than settlement. Further, in the above, an example in which the mediation processing device is attached to a car has been described. For example, when a mediation processing device is attached to a building and there are visitors, a person and a visitor in the building It is also possible to use it for the purpose of exchanging information or for exchanging information without a person or robot entering or leaving a security-controlled room.

  It does not matter whether the above-described series of processing is realized by hardware or software. When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer 500 as shown in FIG. 17 is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  In FIG. 17, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 or a program loaded from a storage unit 508 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503. To do. The RAM 503 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 501 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 are connected to each other via a bus 504. An input / output interface 505 is also connected to the bus 504.

  The input / output interface 505 includes an input unit 506 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal display), an output unit 507 including a speaker, a hard disk, and the like. A communication unit 509 including a storage unit 508, a network interface card such as a modem and a LAN card, and the like is connected. A communication unit 509 performs communication processing via a network including the Internet.

  A drive 510 is connected to the input / output interface 505 as necessary, and a removable medium 511 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately attached, and a computer program read from them is loaded. It is installed in the storage unit 508 as necessary.

When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network such as the Internet or a recording medium such as the removable medium 511.

  The recording medium shown in FIG. 17 is a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk (registered trademark)) on which a program is recorded, which is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, Removable media consisting of optical disks (including CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disks (including MD (mini-disk) (registered trademark)), or semiconductor memory In addition to the components configured by 511, the configuration includes a ROM 502 in which a program is recorded and a hard disk included in the storage unit 508, which is distributed to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance.

  In addition, the steps of executing the series of processes described above in this specification are performed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes performed in time series in the order described. The processing to be performed is also included.

It is a figure which shows the example of the motor vehicle in which the mediation processing apparatus of this invention is attached. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example which concerns on one embodiment of the mediation processing apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the software mounted in the microcomputer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a mobile telephone. It is a flowchart explaining a memory | storage process. It is a flowchart explaining the process of a mobile telephone. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored by the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored by the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the entrance or exit gate of a parking lot. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a parking lot warehousing process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the process of the mediation processing apparatus performed with the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored by the payment control apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a parking lot delivery process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the process of the mediation processing apparatus performed with the process of FIG. It is a figure explaining the mechanism which receives refueling in a gas station and settles a refueling fee automatically. It is a flowchart explaining the process of a handy terminal. And FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

10 cars,
30 Mediation processing device,
31 microcomputer,
32 Reader / Writer,
33 External communication department,
51 antenna,
52 antenna,
71 reader / writer control unit,
72 Information acquisition unit,
73 storage controller,
74 payment processing unit,
75 external communication control unit,
100 mobile phone,
221 payment control device,
321 Handy Terminal,
501 CPU,
502 ROM,
508 storage unit,
511 Removable media

Claims (10)

Terminal communication control means for controlling wireless communication performed with a terminal carried by a user;
If communication is possible with the terminal, information acquisition means for acquiring information stored in the terminal;
Information storage means for storing information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Device communication control means for controlling wireless communication performed with a service providing device that executes processing for providing a predetermined service to the user based on information stored in the terminal;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a processing execution unit that executes processing to be performed by the terminal on behalf of the terminal based on information stored by the information storage unit when there is a communication request from the service providing device . The terminal is a mobile phone;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the terminal communication control unit performs wireless communication with a contactless IC card as the terminal incorporated in the mobile phone. The information acquired by the information acquisition means is information necessary for a settlement performed using the contactless IC card, and includes a prepaid balance of electronic money or a credit card number. The information processing apparatus described. The process execution means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the service providing apparatus charges for the service provided to the user, the payment processing for the price is executed based on information necessary for the payment. Attached to the car,
The device communication control means performs wireless communication with the service providing device when a wireless communication unit of the service providing device is located within a preset distance from the automobile. Information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the service providing apparatus is a parking fee settlement control device that charges a parking fee to the automobile. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the service providing apparatus is a portable POS terminal that charges a fee for fuel supplied to the automobile. Determine whether wireless communication is possible with the terminal carried by the user,
If communication with the terminal is possible, perform wireless communication with the terminal,
Obtaining information stored in the terminal by the wireless communication;
Storing the acquired information;
It is determined whether there is a communication request from a service providing apparatus that executes processing for providing a predetermined service to the user based on information stored in the terminal,
When there is a communication request from the service providing device, wireless communication is performed with the service providing device,
An information processing method including a step of executing a process to be performed by the terminal on behalf of the terminal based on the stored information by the wireless communication. Controls whether wireless communication is possible with the terminal that the user carries,
If communication with the terminal is possible, control wireless communication with the terminal,
Controlling the acquisition of information stored in the terminal by the wireless communication;
Controlling storage of the acquired information;
Controlling whether or not there is a communication request from a service providing apparatus that executes a process of providing a predetermined service to the user based on information stored in the terminal;
When there is a communication request from the service providing device, control wireless communication with the service providing device,
A computer-readable program including a step of controlling to execute a process to be performed by the terminal on behalf of the terminal based on the stored information by the wireless communication. Controls whether wireless communication is possible with the terminal that the user carries,
If communication with the terminal is possible, control wireless communication with the terminal,
Controlling the acquisition of information stored in the terminal by the wireless communication;
Controlling storage of the acquired information;
Controlling whether or not there is a communication request from a service providing apparatus that executes a process of providing a predetermined service to the user based on information stored in the terminal;
When there is a communication request from the service providing device, control wireless communication with the service providing device,
A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded, including a step of performing control on behalf of the terminal based on the stored information by the wireless communication.

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