JP2023061891A - Transportation fare calculation system and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a system configured to allow a user to unconsciously use a service prepared by a transportation business operator.SOLUTION: A transportation fare calculation system 1 includes: an analysis unit 108 which determines whether a status of use of a user and a status of demand and supply in a predetermined period satisfy conditions for a user of transportation to receive a privilege including fare discount; and a fare calculation unit 109 which calculates, when the conditions are not satisfied, every time the status of use of the user in the predetermined period is acquired, a collective fare which is a total amount of individual fares to be paid by the user for the use of the transportation, and calculates, when the conditions are satisfied, a privilege fare obtained by subtracting the privilege from the collective fare.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a transportation fee calculation system for performing deferred payment fare calculation for billing transportation usage fees in arrears.

The usage fee of the transportation facility is determined in advance by the transportation operator who manages the transportation facility. Transportation companies prepare various services and urge users to use transportation means. For example, transportation companies provide users with commuter passes, coupon tickets, one-day tickets, etc., and offer discounts on usage fees. Also, in recent years, a point-giving service has been provided to users who use public transportation during off-peak commuting hours when there are fewer passengers. By using such a service, the user can enjoy discounts on usage fees and privileges by utilizing points. Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose techniques for applying a discount fare such as a commuter pass charge ex post based on monthly usage records.

JP-A-09-115017 JP 2003-162741 A

When using a discount fare, the user needs to purchase a commuter pass, a coupon ticket, a one-day ticket, etc. in advance. In addition, the points given by using transportation are limited in opportunities to be used, and currently it is difficult for users to use them. Even if the fare discount is applied after the fact based on the usage record, the fare is statically determined in advance, so the return amount does not change when using a crowded train or when using a train with many empty seats. .

These are one of the reasons why users do not appropriately use various services provided by transportation companies. Since users do not know all the services provided by transportation companies, they lose opportunities to use services at low prices, for example. In this way, there is a mismatch between demand and supply between transportation operators and users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Under the above background, the main object of the present invention is to provide a system that enables users to use services provided by transportation companies without being aware of them.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a condition holding means for holding conditions under which a user of one or a plurality of transportation facilities that can be used with post-payment can enjoy a predetermined usage privilege; communication means for enabling communication with a mobile terminal that uses any of the means of transportation; acquisition means for acquiring the usage status of the user who used any of the means of transportation and the supply and demand status of the means of transportation at the time of use; analysis means for determining whether the usage status and the supply and demand status by the user during the period satisfy the conditions; and processing means for calculating a privilege fee after deducting the privilege, and transmitting information to the mobile terminal indicating that the condition is not satisfied if the condition is not met. .
Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for operating a computer having a communication function as the usage fee calculation system of the above aspect.

According to the present invention, the user can use the service prepared by the transportation company without being aware of it.

Explanatory drawing of the whole system including the usage charge calculation system of a means of transportation. (a) and (b) are configuration explanatory diagrams of a usage fee calculation system. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a default price list; FIG. 4 is an illustration of a condition table; FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of user information; An exemplary view of deposit information. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of transportation management information; (a) and (b) are configuration explanatory diagrams of a mobile terminal. (a) and (b) are configuration explanatory diagrams of a transportation system. 4 is a processing flow chart representing registration processing; 4 is a processing flow chart showing processing when a user uses transportation. 4 is a processing flow chart showing settlement processing; FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of an image showing the usage status of the closing date; FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a confirmation screen at the time of payment; 4 is a processing flow chart showing route search processing for proposing a service; FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a display screen for route search results; An exemplary view of a display screen when there is a special offer.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(whole system)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall system including a transportation fee calculation system according to the present embodiment. The usage charge calculation system 1 can communicate with a mobile terminal 2 owned by a user and a transportation system 3 that manages transportation 4 via a network N. FIG. Although two transportation systems 3 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of transportation systems 3 is not limited to this, and may be one or more. A large number of mobile terminals 2 may also be able to communicate with the usage charge calculation system 1 via the network N. FIG. Network N is a communication line network such as the Internet.

The means of transportation 4 can be used after payment, and provides users with means of transportation such as railroads, airplanes, buses, taxis, rental cars, and car sharing. The transportation facility 4 is operated by a transportation operator. The transportation system 3 manages operations and fees so that users can move smoothly by means of the transportation 4 .

A user installs application software (hereafter referred to as "AP") for using the usage charge calculation system 1 on the portable terminal 2 owned by the user. The user uses the transportation facility 4 carrying the portable terminal 2 that has activated the AP. The usage status of the transportation facility 4 by the user is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 or from the transportation system 3 of the transportation facility 4 to the usage fee calculation system 1 . The usage status includes the start date and time of use of the transportation facility 4, the end date and time of use, the start position of use, the end position of use, and other information used for analysis of the use section.
The usage status transmitted from the transportation system 3 may include an individual usage fee to be paid by the user using the transportation facility 4 for each usage status. Transmission of the usage status from the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 to the usage charge calculation system 1 is performed in real time, for example, immediately after the transportation 4 has been used.

The transportation system 3 also transmits the supply and demand situation of the transportation 4 to the charge calculation system 1 . The supply and demand situation is, for example, the demand from users who want to move quickly, cheaply, comfortably, and avoiding congestion, and the supply from business operators at the time of use (discounts or points for users such as off-peak commuters). It is the degree of conformity (congestion rate, operation troubles, presence or absence of alternative vehicles, etc.) with the provision of transportation capacity, undersupply or oversupply of transport capacity). Alternatively, the number of users at the time of use for demand such as transportation vehicles (carbon offset transportation vehicles) that the business operator wants to use, travel routes, usage periods or usage time slots, tickets to be sold, etc. It is the degree of compatibility (number of vacant seats, number of people staying in the station premises, etc.). The supply and demand situation can be detected, obtained or generated based on, for example, the following information.
・The magnitude of the on-board load exceeding the threshold obtained from the load-bearing device of the traffic vehicle ・The number of passengers exceeding the threshold obtained from the camera imaging device in the traffic vehicle ・The threshold obtained from the camera imaging device installed on the platform was exceeded Expected number of passengers ・Entry/exit information obtained from ticket gates, etc. ・Ticket sales status for reserved seats, etc. obtained from the ticket management system ・Special offers obtained from the ticket management system

When the transportation system 3 detects such a supply and demand situation, it may send it to the usage charge calculation system 1 together with the usage situation. , may be transmitted to the usage fee calculation system 1 at a predetermined timing (for example, at the end of work for the day).

The usage fee calculation system 1 acquires an individual usage fee to be paid by a user who has used the transportation facility 4 every time it acquires the usage situation and the supply and demand situation (usage situation, etc.). The individual usage fee is calculated according to the acquired usage status, etc., when the usage status, etc. obtained from the transportation system 3 does not include it, or when the usage status, etc. is obtained from the mobile terminal 2. .
The usage fee calculation system 1 calculates and accumulates the total amount of the user's individual usage fee for each transportation system 4 for each predetermined period. The total amount of individual usage charges will be described in detail later, but there are lump-sum payment charges that are simply aggregated individual usage charges, and benefit charges that are subtracted usage benefits from the lump-sum payment charges when predetermined conditions are met. Whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied is determined based on a collation between the user's usage status of the transportation system 4 or the analysis result of the usage status and the supply and demand status at the time of use and the conditions for enjoying the usage privilege. The usage fee calculation system 1 transfers the total calculated individual usage fee from the user's account to the transportation facility's account to settle the usage fee.

Each of the usage fee calculation system 1, the mobile terminal 2, and the transportation system 3 will be described in detail below.
(Usage fee calculation system)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the usage charge calculation system 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2(a) shows the hardware configuration of the usage fee calculation system 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of functional blocks of the usage fee calculation system 1. As shown in FIG. The usage charge calculation system 1 is an information processing device such as a server having a communication function and a large-capacity storage device, for example.

The usage fee calculation system 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 , a storage 13 and a network adapter 14 . The storage 13 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The network adapter 14 is a communication interface that performs communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the transportation system 3 via the network N. FIG. The CPU 10 controls the overall operation of the usage fee calculation system 1 by executing computer programs stored in the ROM 11 or storage 13 . The RAM 12 provides a work area when the CPU 10 executes processing.

As the CPU 10 executes the computer program, the usage fee calculation system 1 implements each functional block illustrated in FIG. 2(b). In this embodiment, a case where each functional block is realized by executing a computer program will be described, but at least part of each functional block may be configured by hardware.
The usage fee calculation system 1 includes a control unit 100, a communication unit 101, a predetermined fee table storage unit 102, a usage privilege condition storage unit 103, a user management unit 104, a setting unit 105, a deposit management unit 106, a transportation facility registration unit 107, It functions as an analysis unit 108 , a charge calculation unit 109 and a settlement unit 110 .

The control unit 100 operates as processing means for controlling the overall operation of the usage fee calculation system 1 . When the user registers the user information on the mobile terminal 2 in order to use this system, the control unit 100 sends to the mobile terminal 2 a common usage information that can be used in common by a plurality of transportation facilities 4 that can be used with postpaid. Display control information for displaying guarantee information for guaranteeing that it is a ticket is transmitted. The control unit 100 presents the guarantee information on the display of the mobile terminal 2 or the like, so that the user can use the transportation facility 4 with post-payment.

The communication unit 101 controls the operation of the network adapter 14 to control communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the transportation system 3 via the network N. FIG. The warranty information can be characters, designs, code images, or electronic data representing these. When the warranty information is an image, the image is printed on a paper medium or displayed on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smart phone for use. Also, when the warranty information is electronic data, the electronic data is linked to, for example, an IC card or a mobile terminal and stored. IC cards include IC card train tickets and credit cards.

The fixed price list holding unit 102 holds a fixed price list that defines fixed usage charges for each transportation system 4 . FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of the default price list. Although FIG. 3 exemplifies a fixed fare table for railroads, other types of transportation have substantially the same contents. A transportation facility ID, which is identification information for identifying the transportation facility 4, is attached to the predetermined price list. With the transportation facility ID, it is possible to identify which transportation facility 4 the default price list belongs to. The fixed fare table specifies the fixed fare between each station.

Predetermined toll table holding unit 102 acquires a predetermine usage fee from transportation system 3 via communication unit 101 . The default price list holding unit 102 creates a default price list by adding the transportation system ID of the transportation system 4 in which the transportation system 3 is provided to the obtained default usage fee, and stores it in the storage 13 . The default usage fee is determined in advance by the transportation company that operates the transportation facility 4 . When the default usage fee is revised by the transport operator, the transportation system 3 instructs the revised default usage fee. The default charge table holding unit 102 dynamically changes the default charge in the default charge list according to the instruction to revise the charge from the transportation system 3 .

The use privilege condition holding unit 103 holds a condition table representing the conditions under which the user of the transportation facility 4 can enjoy the use privilege including the fare reduction or exemption. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a condition table. The condition table is saved in storage 13 . Since the use privilege is provided for each transportation facility 4, the transportation facility ID is associated with the condition table. In the example of FIG. 4, the "privileges" include, for example, commuter pass sections free of charge, excursion section fixed rates, one-day tickets, fixed-price travel plans designated by the means of transportation to be used, and discounts for mutual rides with other means of transportation (mutual rides). admission discounts), senior citizen discounts, etc. "Condition" is set for each use privilege. For example, the condition for enjoying the privilege of free use of a regular section is to use the same section a predetermined number of times (eg, 12 times) in a predetermined period (eg, January).

Although FIG. 4 exemplifies the conditions of the use privilege according to the usage situation, it is also possible to set example conditions according to only the supply and demand situation or a combination of the usage situation and the supply and demand situation. For example, at the time of use, when the congestion rate, platform congestion rate, delay time, etc. exceeding a predetermined value is detected (conditions), or when the fact that a detour route is used due to a failure or disaster is detected ( condition), the individual use fee of the transportation facility 4 can be discounted by 5% to 100% (use privilege).

The user management unit 104 manages users whose user information is registered. The user management unit 104 manages the history of the use of transportation facilities by users based on the user information for each user. User information is stored in the storage 13 . FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of user information.
The user management unit 104 creates user information by adding a user ID, which is identification information for identifying the user, to the user's personal information acquired from the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 101. do. Each time the user uses the transportation system, the transportation ID of the transportation system used, the usage status, the supply and demand status at the time of use, and the individual usage fee for using the transportation system are added to the user information. The user's personal information acquired from the mobile terminal 2 includes, for example, the user's name, address, mobile terminal contact information (telephone number, e-mail address, etc.), and the user's account information for payment. The account information for payment includes bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and the like.

The usage status is transmitted in real time from either the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 . The user management unit 104 acquires usage status information including the usage status, the transportation ID, and the user ID from the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101. The usage status is added to the user information corresponding to the user ID obtained.

The supply and demand situation is assumed to be transmitted from the transportation system 3 in this example. The transportation facility registration unit 107 , which will be described later, acquires supply and demand status information including the supply and demand status, detection time or generation date and time of the supply and demand status, and a transportation facility ID from the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101 . The transportation facility registration unit 107 adds the acquired supply and demand information to the transportation facility management information described later and stores it in the storage 13 .

The user management unit 104 stores the usage status (usage start date and time, usage end date and time, usage start location, usage end location) and transportation facility ID included in the user information, and the supply and demand status detection time included in the supply and demand status information ( Alternatively, the date and time of acquisition or generation) and the transportation system ID specify the supply and demand situation to be added to the user information. The supply and demand situation from the start date and time of use to the end date and time of use with the same transportation system ID is added to the user information. When the demand/supply situation and the usage status are simultaneously acquired from the transportation system 3, the user management unit 104 adds the acquired demand/supply status and usage status to the user information. Also, if the supply and demand situation corresponding to the usage situation can be specified from the transportation management information, it is not necessary to store the demand and supply situation as it is in the user information.

The user management unit 104 identifies an individual usage fee each time usage information is acquired. The user management unit 104 identifies the individual usage fee based on the usage status, for example, by referring to the predetermined fee table. Further, the user management unit 104 may specify the individual usage fee by communication from the transportation system 3 . For example, when the user uses a taxi, a rental car, a car share, or the like, communication of the individual usage fee may be made by the transportation system 3 such as a taxi, a rental car, or a car share. In this case, the user management unit 104 acquires the transportation facility ID, usage status, supply and demand status, and individual usage fee from the transportation facility system 3, and adds some or all of them to the user information.
In this manner, the user management unit 104 can accumulate individual usage charges in the storage 13 in association with the usage status, supply and demand status, and user ID.

The setting unit 105 receives settings such as the purpose of use when the user uses the transportation facility 4 from the portable terminal 2 via the communication unit 101 for each user. The purpose of use is, for example, public use, private use, use by others, business use, etc., and is set as distinguishing information for distinguishing the purpose of use of the transportation facility 4 after the fact. The setting unit 105 associates the above distinguishing information with the usage status included in the user information. Note that if the purpose of use is included in advance in the usage status acquired from the mobile terminal 2, the setting unit 105 can avoid setting the distinguishing information associated with the usage status.

A deposit management unit 106 records the deposit received from the user in an updatable manner. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of deposit information representing the contents of deposits for each user. The deposit information is recorded in the storage 13 by associating the deposit with the user ID. The deposit management unit 106, when the cumulative amount of the individual usage fee exceeds a predetermined ratio with respect to the latest deposit, does not wait for the end of the settlement period to limit the use of the transportation system 4. output to the mobile terminal 2 of the person via the communication unit 101 . The deposit management unit 106 prevents fraudulent actions by the user. Note that the deposit information may be one of the user information illustrated in FIG.

The transportation facility registration unit 107 generates transportation facility management information and manages the transportation facility 4 using this system. Transportation management information is stored in the storage 13 . FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of transportation management information. The transportation facility registration unit 107 adds a transportation facility ID, which is identification information for identifying the transportation facility, to the transportation facility information acquired from the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101, and the transportation operator providing the transportation facility 4. Create transportation management information by associating payment methods for users. The settlement means is, for example, a settlement account prepared by the transportation company. The transportation management information stores payment account information representing the payment account. Transportation information is information such as the contact information of a transportation company. The supply and demand situation of the transportation facility 4 is stored in the transportation management information. The transportation facility registration unit 107 adds the supply and demand situation to the transportation facility management information each time it acquires the supply and demand situation from the transportation system system 3 .

For example, when acquiring transportation information from the transportation system 3, the transportation registration unit 107 may also acquire a predetermined price list and a condition table. In this case, the transportation facility registration unit 107 stores the acquired default price list in the storage 13 by the default price list holding unit 102 and saves the acquired condition table in the storage 13 by the use privilege condition holding unit 103 . It should be noted that the procedures for communicating the default price list, use benefits, condition list, and individual use charges are determined for each transport operator.

The analysis unit 108 extracts the usage situation and supply and demand situation for each user of the transportation system 4 from various information acquired from the transportation system 3 etc. Quantitatively analyze the usage status and supply and demand status for each user on a predetermined date preceding the (end period).
For example, the analysis is based on the number of times the user uses the train in a predetermined period, usage trends . . ) and the like. Then, the analysis unit 108 determines that the usage status, supply and demand status, or a combination of the usage status and supply and demand status for each user is one or more conditions indicated in the condition table held by the privilege condition holding unit 103. determine whether it is satisfied. When the conditions are satisfied, the usage privilege corresponding to the conditions is specified and used as the basis for fee calculation.

If none of the conditions are satisfied, the analysis unit 108 also generates information to that effect. The information to that effect is information to alert the user to the existence of the use privilege, and may be a message, image, character/symbol, or the like. Guidance information on benefits and/or guidance information for satisfying any of the conditions is used.
Guidance information includes, for example, the contents of some usage benefits that may satisfy the conditions by the closing date of the reference period based on usage trends (in descending order of likelihood), and the use of other stations instead of the previously used station. Contents of usage benefits that could be obtained by using, but not limited to this.
Guidance information is, for example, a message that guides users to obtain benefits by the closing date of the reference period based on the usage trends of the user (e.g., you can use the benefits of ○○ by using the ○ line more times). ), a guidance message to a route that avoids congestion or a route that is discounted by dynamic pricing, etc., but is not limited to these. Note that guidance information may also be generated when one or more conditions are met.

The fee calculation unit 109 calculates the user's usage fee for a predetermined period, which fluctuates according to the analysis and determination results of the analysis unit 108 . If even one of the conditions for enjoying the privilege of use is not satisfied, the charge calculation unit 109 calculates a lump-sum charge calculated by aggregating the individual use charges for a predetermined period as the use charge. On the other hand, if one or a plurality of conditions are satisfied, the fee calculation unit 109 calculates the privilege fee by subtracting the fee for the benefit that satisfies the condition from the batch settlement fee as the usage fee. Note that when multiple conditions are satisfied, the privilege charges determined for each condition may be added up.

Further, when the usage status includes distinguishing information indicating the purpose of use, the charge calculation unit 109 may calculate the charge for each purpose of use distinguished by the distinguishing information. For example, in the case of public use, it is possible not to deduct the usage privilege even if the conditions are met. In the case of commercial use, a condition table for commercial use different from that for private use may be used to determine whether the conditions are met.

The predetermined period during which the analysis unit 108 makes the determination and the predetermined period during which the fee calculation unit 109 calculates the usage fee may be the same period. The predetermined period referred to here is, for example, a period in which the start and end periods are predetermined according to a calendar, a period arbitrarily specified by the user using the mobile terminal 2, a period uniquely determined by the system (the end of the deferred payment reference period). to a predetermined date retroactively). In order to assist the processing by the deposit management unit 106, the charge calculation unit 109 calculates and holds the cumulative amount of individual usage charges each time the usage status is acquired. The deposit management unit 106 can compare the accumulated amount with the latest deposit each time the usage status is acquired, and can determine restrictions on the use of the transportation facility 4 by the user.

When the usage fee for the user is paid by the user, the settlement unit 110 uses the payment account of the transportation operator corresponding to the transportation facility ID associated with the usage fee to pay the user of the transportation facility 4 Complete the payment of the usage fee paid by For example, the settlement unit 110 deducts the usage fee from the account indicated by the account information for settlement of the user, and performs the payment processing to the account indicated by the account information for settlement of the transportation operator.

(mobile terminal)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the mobile terminal 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8A shows the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8B shows functional blocks of the mobile terminal 2. As shown in FIG. The mobile terminal 2 is an information terminal device having an information display function and an information processing function, such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a smart watch. In addition, the mobile terminal 2 can be used to pass through ticket gates (including devices that perform ticket gate processing by reading IC cards and two-dimensional codes) provided in stations and buses of transportation facilities 4 .

The mobile terminal 2 includes a CPU 20 , ROM 21 , RAM 22 , memory 23 , NFC (Near Field Communication) 24 , user interface 25 and communication antenna 26 . The CPU 20 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 2 by executing a predetermined terminal computer program (including the AP) stored in the ROM 21 or memory 23 . The RAM 22 provides a work area when the CPU 20 executes processing. The memory 23 is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory.

The NFC 24 performs short-range wireless communication. The NFC 24 of the present embodiment can perform short-range wireless communication with the ticket gate when passing through the ticket gate, for example, and can exchange various data necessary for the ticket gate processing. The user interface 25 comprises an input interface and an output interface. The input interface is, for example, a touch panel or various buttons. An output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The communication antenna 26 is a communication interface that communicates with the usage fee calculation system 1 via the network N. FIG.

The CPU 20 of the mobile terminal 2 executes the terminal computer program, thereby realizing the functional blocks shown in FIG. 8B. The mobile terminal 2 functions as a control section 200 , a communication section 201 , a ticket examination processing section 202 , a usage situation generation section 203 , a registration processing section 204 , a route search section 205 and a display section 206 . The control unit 200 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 2 . The communication unit 201 controls communication with the usage charge calculation system 1 via the network N using the communication antenna 26 .

The ticket examination processing unit 202 performs ticket examination processing using the NFC 24 and the display of the user interface 25 . In this system, usage fees are paid in arrears. Therefore, information such as the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the position of start of use, and the end position of use is exchanged during the ticket examination process. The user may pass through the ticket gate by displaying the aforementioned guarantee information (for example, an image) on the display. The usage status generation unit 203 generates usage status information based on the ticket examination processing by the ticket examination processing unit 202 . The usage status generating unit 203 generates usage status information when leaving the station or getting off the bus, and transmits the usage status information to the usage fee calculation system 1 in real time by the communication unit 201 .

The registration processing unit 204 registers user information in the usage charge calculation system 1 . The registration processing unit 204 displays a registration screen on the display of the user interface 25 to prompt the user to register user information. The registration processing unit 204 acquires personal information for registration when the user inputs necessary information on the registration screen through the input interface. The registration processing unit 204 transmits personal information for registration to the usage fee calculation system 1 via the communication unit 201 . The user management unit 104 of the usage fee calculation system 1 creates user information based on the personal information for registration. When the user registration is completed, the usage fee calculation system 1 transmits the user ID of the user to the portable terminal 2 owned by the user. The portable terminal 2 stores the user ID obtained from the usage fee calculation system 1 in the memory 23 and uses it when generating user information.

The route search unit 205 searches for a route using a known technique, and proposes to the user an optimum route for movement using the transportation system 4 . The route search unit 205 acquires a departure point (positional information) by using an input from an input interface or GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires a destination (positional information) by input from an input interface. The input through the input interface may be obtained by receiving input according to instructions on a map, in addition to text input. The route search unit 205 searches for the optimum route from the obtained departure point to the destination using the means of transportation 4 and displays the search results on the display of the user interface 25 .

A display unit 206 displays a screen necessary for the display. For example, the display unit 206 displays guarantee information (for example, an image) when passing through a ticket gate. Further, when the display unit 206 acquires information for restricting the use of the transportation facility 4 from the usage fee calculation system 1, the display unit 206 can display an image based on this information to prompt the user to add a deposit. can.

(transportation system)
FIG. 9 is a configuration explanatory diagram of the transportation system 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9A shows the hardware configuration of the transportation system 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9(b) shows functional blocks of the transportation system 3. As shown in FIG. The transportation system 3 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server having a large-capacity storage device. The transportation system 3 includes a CPU 30 , ROM 31 , RAM 32 , user interface 33 , storage 34 , input interface 35 and network adapter 36 .

The CPU 30 controls the overall operation of the transportation system 3 by executing computer programs stored in the ROM 21 or storage 34 . The RAM 32 provides a work area when the CPU 30 executes processing. The storage 34 is a large-capacity storage device such as HDD and SSD. The input interface 35 acquires data by communicating with the transportation facility 4 using, for example, a dedicated line. The network adapter 36 is a communication interface that communicates with the usage fee calculation system 1 via the network N. FIG.

The transportation system 3 realizes each functional block in FIG. 9B by the CPU 30 executing the computer program. In this embodiment, a case where each functional block is realized by executing a computer program will be described, but at least part of each functional block may be configured by hardware.

The transportation system 3 functions as a control unit 300, a communication unit 301, a fixed price list storage unit 302, a use privilege condition storage unit 303, a usage situation generation unit 304, a supply and demand situation generation unit 305, an input unit 306, and an output unit 307. do. The control unit 300 controls the overall operation of the transportation system 3 . The communication unit 301 controls the operation of the network adapter 36 to control communication with the usage charge calculation system 1 via the network N. FIG.

The fixed price list holding unit 302 holds a fixed price list that defines the fixed use charges of the transportation facilities 4 that it manages. The control unit 300 transmits the default price list held in the default price list holding unit 302 to the usage fee calculation system 1 through the communication unit 301 . The use privilege condition holding unit 303 holds a condition table representing the conditions under which the managed transportation facility 4 allows the user to enjoy the use privilege. The control unit 300 transmits the condition table held in the usage privilege condition holding unit 303 to the usage charge calculation system 1 through the communication unit 301 .

The operator of the transportation system 3 inputs update contents through the input interface 35 when updating the predetermined price list and condition list. The control unit 300 updates the default price list held by the fixed price list holding unit 302 and the condition table held by the usage privilege condition holding unit 303 according to the input from the user interface 33 . When the usage fee table and the condition table are updated, the control unit 300 transmits the update contents to the usage fee calculation system 1 through the communication unit 301 . Therefore, the usage fee calculation system 1 holds the latest usage fee table and condition table.

The usage status generation unit 304 generates usage status information representing the usage status, and transmits the generated usage status information to the usage fee calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301 . The usage information is generated, for example, based on information on the ticket examination process that is acquired each time the ticket examination process for entering and exiting the transportation facility 4 is performed. Information about the ticket examination process can be acquired via the input interface 35 . The demand/supply situation generation unit 305 generates demand/supply situation information representing the demand/supply situation, and transmits the produced demand/supply situation information to the usage fee calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301 .

The input unit 306 and the output unit 307 control the operation of the user interface 33 , receive input from the user interface 33 , transmit the input to the control unit 300 , and output information from the user interface 33 .

(Operation form)
FIG. 10 is a process flow chart showing the registration process performed by the user and the transport operator when using this system. The user and the transportation company each carry out registration processing in the usage fee calculation system 1 . The operator of the transportation company uses the user interface 33 of the transportation system 3 to instruct the transmission of the information required for registration to the charge calculation system 1 (S30). Information required for registration includes, for example, transportation information, settlement account, default usage fee, condition table, and the like.

When the usage fee calculation system 1 acquires information necessary for registration from the transportation system 3, it performs registration processing of the transportation 4 (S10). In the registration processing of the transportation facility 4, the transportation facility ID is attached to the transportation facility information, and the transportation facility management information illustrated in FIG. 7 is created. The transportation management information also includes settlement account information indicating a settlement account. The same transport system ID as the transport system information is attached to the default usage fee, and the default toll table illustrated in FIG. 3 is created. The condition table is given the same transportation ID as the transportation information, and the condition table illustrated in FIG. 4 is created. The created transportation facility management information, default price list, and condition list are stored in the storage 13 .
Note that the transportation facility ID is transmitted from the usage fee calculation system 1 to the transportation facility system 3 . The transportation system 3 stores the transportation ID in the storage 34 . The transportation facility 4 is registered in the usage fee calculation system 1 in this way.

Before registration, the user of the mobile terminal 2 activates the above-mentioned installed AP and instructs transmission of information required for registration to the usage fee calculation system 1 through the user interface 25 of the mobile terminal 2 (S20). Information necessary for registration is personal information including a settlement account, etc., and is input to the portable terminal 2 where the user activates the AP through the user interface 25 .

When the usage fee calculation system 1 acquires information necessary for registration from the portable terminal 2, it performs user registration processing (S11). In the user registration process, a user ID is attached to personal information, and user information illustrated in FIG. 5 is created. The created user information is saved in the storage 13 . Note that the user ID is transmitted from the usage fee calculation system 1 to the mobile terminal 2 . The mobile terminal 2 stores the user ID in the memory 23 . The mobile terminal 2 is registered in the usage fee calculation system 1 in this way.

FIG. 11 is a processing flow chart showing the processing when the user uses the transportation system 4. As shown in FIG. This process is started when the user activates the AP and uses the transportation facility 4 .
When the transportation facility 4 is a railway, the user passes through the ticket gate using the mobile terminal 2, and ticket examination processing is performed by the mobile terminal 2 and the ticket gate provided in the transportation facility 4 (S21, S31). The portable terminal 2 acquires the transportation system ID stored in the transportation system 3, the use start position (boarding station), and the use end position (getting off station) by the ticket examination process. The transportation system 3 acquires the user ID and the usage start position stored in the mobile terminal 2 by the ticket examination process.
Similarly, when the transportation facility 4 is a taxi or a bus, the user passes through a fare adjustment machine installed in the taxi or bus using the mobile terminal 2, and the mobile terminal 2 receives the transportation facility ID, the usage start position (the bus stop) and the usage end position (stop where you got off). In the case of a taxi, the mobile terminal also acquires the individual usage fee.

When the ticket examination process ends, the usage status is transmitted from either the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 (S22, S32). In the case of railways, either the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 may transmit the usage status. In the case of a taxi or bus, the portable terminal 2 transmits the usage status. The usage fee calculation system 1 collects the usage status from the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 (S12). The usage fee calculation system 1 adds the acquired usage status to the corresponding user information.

When the usage status is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2, the mobile terminal 2 receives the transport facility ID acquired in the ticket examination process, the user ID stored in the memory 23, the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the start position of use, and the end of use. The position is transmitted to the usage charge calculation system 1 as the usage status.
When the usage status is transmitted from the transportation system 3, the transportation system 3 receives the user ID acquired in the ticket examination process, the transportation ID stored in the storage 34, the usage start date and time, the usage end date and time, the usage start position, and The usage end position is transmitted to the usage charge calculation system 1 as the usage status. When the usage status is transmitted from the transportation system 3, the transportation system 3 may transmit the supply and demand status together with the usage status.

After acquiring the usage status, the usage fee calculation system 1 acquires an individual usage fee according to the usage status (S13). The usage fee calculation system 1 calculates an individual usage fee based on the usage start date/time, usage end date/time, usage start position, and usage end position included in the usage status, and the default price list. The usage fee calculation system 1 stores the calculated individual usage fee in association with the corresponding usage status of the corresponding user information. When using a taxi, the usage status obtained from the mobile terminal 2 includes an individual usage fee.

A series of processes from the ticket examination process to the acquisition process of the individual usage fee are repeated each time the ticket examination process is performed. As a result, the record of using the transportation system 4 is accumulated in the user information. In addition, an individual usage fee is calculated and accumulated each time the service is used.

If the transport facility system 3 does not transmit the supply and demand status at the same time as the usage status, it transmits the supply and demand status together with the transportation facility ID stored in the storage 34 to the usage fee calculation system 1 at a predetermined timing (S32). When the usage fee calculation system 1 acquires the supply and demand situation, it adds it to the corresponding transportation management information (S14). The transportation system 3 transmits the demand-supply situation, for example, after the end of work for the day. The usage charge calculation system 1 adds the supply and demand situation for one day to the transportation management information.

The usage fee calculation system 1 matches the usage situation from the supply and demand situation added to the transportation facility management information based on the transportation facility ID and usage status (usage start date and time, usage end date and time) added to the user information. Extract the supply and demand situation. The usage charge calculation system 1 adds the extracted supply and demand situation to the user information in association with the usage situation.

If the means of transportation 4 is an aircraft, a rental car, or a car-sharing company, the portable terminal 2 performs payment processing for the transportation system 3 of the airline company, the car-rental company, or the car-sharing company, instead of the ticket examination process of S21 and S31. done. However, the actual settlement process is not performed at this time. The transportation system 3 transmits the transportation facility ID, the user ID, and the individual usage fee to the usage fee calculation system 1 in response to the payment processing. The usage fee calculation system 1 adds the acquired usage status to the corresponding user information. The supply and demand situation in this case is collected by the same process as in the case of railways.

FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram representing the settlement process. The usage fee calculation system 1 repeats the processing of FIG. 11 until the closing date (S100: N). In other words, it is possible to output the usage status of the means of transportation 4 to the portable terminal 4 in real time.
When the next closing date comes (S100: Y), the charge calculation system 1 calculates the final charge for each transportation system for each user. For this purpose, the usage fee calculation system 1 extracts an individual usage fee for each transportation facility for each user (S101). The usage charge calculation system 1 sums up the individual usage charges extracted for each transportation facility for each user, and calculates the lump sum settlement fee (total amount) for each transportation facility (S102).

After calculating the lump sum settlement fee, the usage fee calculation system 1 calculates the usage status, the supply and demand status, or the combination of the usage status and the supply and demand status associated with the extracted individual usage fee as one shown in the condition table of the transportation facility 4. It is determined whether or not the above conditions are satisfied (S103). If at least one of the conditions is satisfied (S103: Y), the usage charge calculation system 1 calculates a privilege fee by subtracting the usage privilege corresponding to the satisfied condition from the collective settlement fee (S105). Using the privilege charge as the total amount within the reference period, the usage charge calculation system 1 settles the charge from the account for settlement of the user to the account for settlement of the transportation facility (S105). If the conditions are not met (S103: N), the usage fee calculation system 1 uses the lump-sum payment fee as the usage fee as it is, and settles the fee from the payment account of the user to the payment account of the transportation facility ( S105).

In the process described above, the individual usage fee is extracted and tallied each time a usage status is added. Therefore, the user can display, in real time, the usage status of each means of transportation 4 from the previous closing date to the next closing date in the reference period. FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of an image showing usage status and the like. This image is displayed when the mobile terminal 2 transmits an instruction to confirm the usage status and the like to the usage charge calculation system 1 . FIG. 13 exemplifies usage conditions and the like from August 1st to August 31st.

The usage status image includes, for example, an amount display portion 1301, a map display portion 1302, and a graph display portion 1303. FIG. The amount display portion 1301 displays the total amount of the individual usage fee at that time, the payment method, the discount rate due to the application of the usage privilege, and the normal fee. The map display portion 1302 displays a map plotting the results for each day/week/month. By default, the results for the current day are plotted. The map is scrollable. The graph display portion 1303 displays graphs showing results for each day/week/month. The graph can be horizontally scrolled. Achievements are plotted on the map by tapping the graph bar. The color of the bars in the graph is changed according to the type of transportation system 4 .

FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram of a confirmation screen at the time of payment. The confirmation screen at the time of settlement can be displayed, for example, when the total amount is found in the settlement processing of FIG. 12 . When the user instructs the usage fee calculation system 1 to display a confirmation screen using the mobile terminal 2 , the confirmation screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 2 .

The confirmation screen includes a payment method display portion 1401 , an applicable fee display portion 1402 and a usage detail display portion 1403 . A payment method and a closing date are displayed in the payment method display area 1401 . The payment method can be changed by tapping “change payment method” from the payment method display area 1401 .

The applied charge display portion 1402 displays the details of the applicable benefits and plans. The top three usage privileges in the applied charge display portion 1402 have already been applied, and the bottom two usage privileges are, for example, plans that will soon be applicable because the conditions will be met. When a usage privilege is selected, details of the usage privilege are displayed. In the usage details display section 1403, the details of using the transportation facility 4 can be displayed.

The usage details display section 1403 displays the name of the transport facility 4 used. When the name of a transportation facility is selected, the start date and time of usage, the end date and time of usage, and the normal fare of the transportation facility are displayed.
The user can confirm the usage fee (payment amount) based on the usage record of the closing date (for one month) on the confirmation screen at the time of payment. In addition, it is possible to know whether or not a plan for services prepared by the transportation facility 4 is compatible after using the transportation facility 4 without knowing the plan.

In this way, the user can enjoy the benefit of the plan after the fact without knowing (or forgetting) the plan provided by the transportation facility 4 . In other words, the user can pay the usage fee reflecting the service in arrears without missing an opportunity to enjoy the service.

By using the route search function of the mobile terminal 2, more convenient services can be presented to the user. FIG. 15 is a processing flow chart showing route search processing for proposing a service. The mobile terminal 2 receives the departure point and the destination, and performs route search processing by the route search unit 205 (S200, S201). The route search unit 205 retrieves one or more route search results from the departure station to the destination station by route search. The mobile terminal 2 starts communication with the usage fee calculation system 1 and determines whether a usage privilege (advantageous plan) is applied to one or more route search results (S202).

The determination of the application of the privilege for use is made, for example, by transmitting all route search results together with the user ID from the mobile terminal 2 to the usage charge calculation system 1 . That is, the usage fee calculation system 1 uses the analysis unit 108 to determine the usage status of all the route search results based on the user information specified by the user ID of the mobile terminal 2. It is determined whether or not one or more of the conditions shown in the condition table are satisfied.

The portable terminal 2 acquires the determination result for each route search result from the usage fee calculation system 1, edits the route search result according to the determination result, and displays the edited route search result on the display (S203, S204). For example, it is possible to edit so that the benefits for which the above conditions are satisfied and the benefits for which the above conditions are not satisfied at the time of determination are added to the route search result in different manners. In addition, if the above conditions are not met, edit the route search results so that they can be distinguished from special offers (recommended routes, free products, etc.) for users. may

Note that the route search may be performed by the usage fee calculation system 1 . In this case, the usage fee calculation system 1 has a route search unit similar to the route search unit 205 of the mobile terminal 2, receives input of the departure point and the destination from the mobile terminal 2, and performs route search processing. The usage fee calculation system 1 determines whether or not the route search result is eligible for a benefit, edits the route search result as described above according to the determination result, and displays the route search result on the display of the portable terminal 2 .

FIG. 16 is an exemplary diagram of a display screen of edited route search results. In this route search result display screen, four route search results are displayed. In the second route search result, "A bargain plan is applied" is displayed. The user can thereby know that he/she can enjoy some privilege by moving according to the second route search result (condition). In addition, the messages added to the route search results for which the benefits are almost applied are: "The discount conditions will be met soon," "I'm always on board and the benefits will be given," and "It's getting cheaper now." There is a route" etc. can be used. The user can check such a message and select a more advantageous moving route.

When one of the route search results is selected from the route search results, the selection result is transmitted from the portable terminal 2 to the usage charge calculation system 1 together with the user ID. The usage charge calculation system 1 reads out and edits the contents of usage benefits and special offers based on the user information of the user and the selected route, and displays them on the mobile terminal 2 . FIG. 17 is an exemplary diagram of a display screen when there is a special offer. The user can know from this display screen that a special service is set for the route to be selected.

As described above, the usage fee calculation system 1 of the present embodiment allows the user to enjoy usage privileges (discounts, etc.) obtained by using the transportation facility 4 without being aware of it. In other words, it is possible to provide the user with options and special offers for transportation that are "unique to you now" reflecting the usage situation and the demand-supply situation up to now.
In addition, even if you enter through the ticket gate without searching for a route, information on travel options and special offers that are “unique to you now” is mapped on the display screen of the mobile terminal 2, and it is possible to pass through each node. The information may be updated at that point in time.

Claims (8)

a condition holding means for holding conditions under which a user of one or a plurality of transportation facilities that can be used with post-payment can enjoy a predetermined use privilege;
a communication means that enables communication with a mobile terminal carried by the user;
Acquisition means for acquiring the usage status of the user using any of the transportation facilities and the supply and demand status of the transportation facility at the time of use;
analysis means for determining whether the usage status and the supply and demand status by the user in a predetermined period satisfy the conditions;
If the above conditions are met, the privilege fee is calculated by subtracting the above benefits from the total amount of individual usage fees for the above period, and if the above conditions are not met, information to that effect is sent to the mobile terminal. a processing means for transmitting;
A transportation fee calculation system, characterized by comprising: The analysis means determines whether the usage status and the supply and demand status meet the conditions before a predetermined date and time before the expiration of the period,
The processing means is characterized in that, if the condition is not satisfied at the time of determination, the processing means transmits guidance information of the condition or guidance information for guiding the condition to be satisfied to the mobile terminal. 1. The usage fee calculation system according to 1. There are multiple conditions and benefits,
The processing means is characterized in that, at the time of the determination, a use privilege that satisfies the conditions and a use privilege that does not satisfy the conditions are transmitted to the mobile terminal in different manners.
The usage fee calculation system according to claim 2. The processing means accumulates the utilization status of the transportation system and the discount rate by applying any of the utilization benefits until the next settlement closing date for deferred payment, and stores the accumulated information in real time. characterized by being able to display on the terminal,
The usage fee calculation system according to claim 3. The acquisition means acquires one or more route search results from the mobile terminal having a route search function,
The analysis means analyzes the one or more route search results at the time of acquisition so that the usage status and the demand-supply status of the transportation system indicated by the route search result of the user of the portable terminal meet the conditions. determine whether it satisfies
2. The usage fee calculation system according to claim 1, wherein said processing means edits said one or more route search results in accordance with said determination result and transmits said result to said portable terminal. There are multiple conditions and benefits,
The analysis means determines whether the usage status and the supply and demand status meet the conditions at the time of obtaining the search results,
The processing means may add, to the route search result, a use privilege that satisfies the condition at the time of the determination and a use privilege that does not satisfy the condition in a different manner, and transmit the route search result to the portable terminal. The usage fee calculation system according to claim 5, characterized by: The processing means adds a special offer to the route search result and transmits it to the mobile terminal regardless of whether the condition is satisfied at the time of the determination.
The usage fee calculation system according to claim 5. A computer program for causing a computer having a communication function to operate as the transportation fee calculation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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