WO2020217451A1

WO2020217451A1 - Central server, area server, fee collection system, fee collection method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2020217451A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/017914
Authority: WO
Inventors: 祥史早川; 一欽北嶋
Original assignee: 三菱重工機械システム株式会社
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2019-04-26
Publication date: 2020-10-29
Also published as: JPWO2020217451A1; JP7333389B2

Abstract

A central server (2) is provided with: a recording medium (21) for recoding account information of a user who uses a plurality of areas operated by different business operators; a usage information acquisition unit (201) that acquires, from a plurality of area servers, usage information of the user in areas associated with the respective area servers; and a charge processing unit (202) that carries out a charging process of usage fees in accordance with usage by the user in the areas on the basis of the usage information and the account information.

Description

Central server, area server, toll collection system, toll collection method, and program

The present invention relates to a central server, an area server, a toll collection system, a toll collection method, and a program.

As a system for collecting tolls on toll roads, for example, an electronic toll collection system (ETC: Electronic Toll Collection System (registered trademark), also called "automatic toll collection system") is known. The electronic toll collection system communicates between the on-board unit mounted on the vehicle and the wireless communication device installed at the toll booth, thereby providing a preset payment method (withdrawal from a bank account, credit card). It is a system for automatically collecting tolls using payment, prepaid card payment, etc.).

In recent years, not only toll roads but also businesses that operate service-providing facilities such as refueling stands and parking lots may collect usage fees using an electronic toll collection system (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). At this time, each of the plurality of business operators stores the customer ID, which is different for each business operator, and the vehicle number that can identify the on-board unit of the user in association with each other in the roadside server. Then, when the user uses the service providing facility, the roadside server identifies the customer ID for each business operator from the vehicle number used and requests the center server for payment processing.

JP-A-2009-228656

In the conventional technology, the user's account information must be managed individually on the roadside server owned by each of the plurality of businesses. For this reason, it has been a factor that the management cost of account information in the business operator increases. In addition, since the center server performs the payment processing of the usage fee for each business operator, it has been a factor of increasing the load of the payment processing on the center server.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and can reduce the cost required for managing user account information and billing processing. Central server, area server, toll collection system, toll collection. Provide methods and programs.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the central server (2) is a recording medium (21) that records account information of users who use a plurality of areas operated by different businesses and each of which has an area server installed. ), A usage information acquisition unit (201) that acquires usage information of the user in the area associated with each of the area servers (3) from the plurality of area servers (3), the usage information, and the above. A billing processing unit (202) that performs billing processing of usage fees according to the use of the user in the area based on the account information is provided.
In the conventional technology, when a plurality of areas are operated by different businesses, it is necessary to manage account information and charge usage fees individually on the area server for each business. However, the central server according to this aspect has the above-mentioned configuration, and thus manages account information used in a plurality of areas operated by different businesses, and charges usage fees in the plurality of areas. be able to. As a result, the central server can reduce the cost for each of the plurality of businesses to individually manage the account information and perform the billing process.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the central server (2) according to the first aspect, the billing processing unit (202) refers to the user in the area or the area based on the usage information. Give incentives according to the use of facilities in the area.
By doing so, the central server can give the user an incentive common to a plurality of areas and facilities within the area. As a result, the central server can effectively promote the use of a plurality of areas and facilities within the area by the user.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the central server (2) according to the first or second aspect acquires area information relating to each of the plurality of said areas from each of the plurality of said area servers (3). It further includes an acquisition unit (205) and a recommended route proposing unit (206) that proposes recommended routes in the plurality of areas based on the plurality of area information.
By doing so, the central server can guide the user to a specific area or route.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, whether or not the central server (2) according to the third aspect acquires the position information of the user and the user moves along the recommended route. A movement route determination unit (207) for determining the above is further provided. The billing processing unit (202) gives a predetermined incentive to the user when it is determined that the user has moved along the recommended route.
By doing so, the central server can increase the probability that the user will move along the recommended route. As a result, the central server can suppress the concentration or depopulation of users in a specific area or route.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the central server (2) according to the first to fourth aspects further includes a communication processing unit (203) that communicates with the plurality of area servers (3). The billing processing unit (202) adds the vehicle information to the fraudulent vehicle list when the account information having information matching the vehicle information included in the usage information is not stored in the recording medium. The communication processing unit (203) transmits the fraudulent vehicle list to each of the plurality of area servers (3).
In the conventional technology, vehicle information regarding an illegal vehicle that has traveled illegally is registered and managed in each of a plurality of areas. However, the central server according to this aspect can centrally manage vehicle information regarding illegal vehicles in a plurality of areas by having such a configuration. As a result, the central server can provide information on the fraudulent vehicle to the area where the fraudulent vehicle has not arrived, while reducing the cost required for managing the fraudulent vehicle in each of the plurality of businesses.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the central server (2) according to the fifth aspect, when the billing processing unit (202) cannot pay by the payment means included in the usage information (insufficient balance or Suspension of use), the vehicle information included in the usage information is added to the fraudulent vehicle list.
By doing so, the central server can manage the vehicles for which the billing process has not been completed by the fraudulent vehicle list.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the area server (3) associated with one of a plurality of areas operated by different businesses and installed in the area is located at a predetermined point in the area. The vehicle information acquisition unit (300) that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle on which the user is boarding via the vehicle detection device (32) provided, and the toll charge as the usage charge for the passage of the user in the area. The facility usage information acquisition unit (302) that acquires facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility of the user from the toll calculation unit (301) to be calculated and the facility terminal (33) owned by the facility in the area. And a usage information transmission unit (303) that creates usage information including the vehicle information, the toll of the area, or the usage fee of the facility, and transmits the usage information to the central server (2).
By doing so, the area server can have a simple configuration in which the usage information including the toll of the area and the usage fee of the facilities in the area is only transmitted to the central server. As a result, the cost for developing and maintaining the area server can be reduced.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the area server (3) according to the seventh aspect further includes an area information transmission unit (304) that transmits area information regarding the area to the central server.
By doing so, the area server can aggregate the area information related to the area associated with the own machine to the central server.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the area server (3) according to the seventh or eighth aspect is information registered in advance among vehicle information regarding a vehicle traveling in any of the plurality of the areas. A list acquisition unit (305) that acquires a list of fraudulent vehicles in which vehicle information that does not match the above is recorded from the central server, and a vehicle whose vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit (300) is included in the fraudulent vehicle list. A warning output unit (306) that outputs warning information to the user when the information matches is further provided.
By doing so, when the area server detects that an illegal vehicle has entered the area associated with the own machine, the area server can issue a warning to the illegal vehicle. As a result, the area server can reduce the number of users who perform illegal driving.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the toll collection system (100) has a central server (2) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and any one of the seventh to ninth aspects. The area server (3) according to the above is provided.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the toll collection method is provided with a step of recording account information of a user who uses a plurality of areas operated by different businesses and a predetermined point in the area. A step of acquiring vehicle information about a vehicle on which a user is boarding via a vehicle detection device, a step of calculating a toll as a usage fee for the user to pass through the area, and a facility in the area have. From the facility terminal, a step of acquiring facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility of the user, a step of creating usage information including the toll of the area or the usage fee of the facility, and the usage information. It has a step of totaling usage charges according to the usage of the user in a plurality of the areas and performing a billing process based on the account information.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the program for operating the computer (900) of the central server (2) is a plurality of programs operated by different operators and each having an area server installed on the computer (900). A step of recording account information of a user who uses an area, a step of acquiring usage information of the user in an area associated with each of the area servers from a plurality of the area servers, the usage information, and the above. Based on the account information, the step of totaling the usage charges according to the usage of the user in the plurality of the areas and performing the billing process is executed.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a program for operating the computer (900) of the area server (3) associated with one area among a plurality of areas operated by different businesses and installed in the area. Is a step of acquiring vehicle information about a vehicle on which a user is boarding on the computer (900) via a vehicle detection device (32) provided at a predetermined point in the area, and the area of the user. A step of calculating a toll as a usage fee for the toll of the user, a step of acquiring facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility of the user from the facility terminal (33) of the facility in the area, and the step of obtaining the facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility. The step of creating usage information including the toll of the area or the usage fee of the facility and transmitting it to the central server (2) is executed.

According to the central server, area server, toll collection system, toll collection method, and program according to any one of the above aspects, it is possible to reduce the cost required for the management of the user's account information and the billing process.

It is 1st schematic diagram of the charge collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd schematic diagram of the toll collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the central server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the area server and the vehicle detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the vehicle detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the use registration process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the account information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the toll charge processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the incentive information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st sequence diagram which shows an example of the charge processing of the facility use charge which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd sequence diagram which shows an example of the charge processing of the facility use charge which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of facility use information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the creation process of the usage statement which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage specification which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the central server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the area server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the proposal processing of the recommended route which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the incentive giving processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the area server which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the fraudulent vehicle registration process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the fraudulent vehicle list which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the fraudulent vehicle detection processing which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the central server and area server which concerns on at least one Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

(Overall configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 1 is a first schematic view of a toll collection system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a second schematic view of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toll collection system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system for collecting usage charges from users according to the use of a plurality of areas A, B, and C. In the present embodiment, the plurality of areas A, B, and C are operated by different area operators (for example, local public bodies), and the vehicles V passing through the area for the purpose of alleviating traffic congestion have a predetermined passage. It is a paid area where charges are levied. Therefore, the toll collection system 100 according to the present embodiment collects the tolls according to the passage of the vehicle V in the areas A, B, and C from the user who is the passenger of the vehicle A. The toll charge in the toll area is one aspect of the usage charge according to the use of the user in the area in the present embodiment.

Further, in the toll collection system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user passes through the toll areas A, B, and C, the user can identify the vehicle V on which the user is boarding in advance (for example, a license plate number). It is necessary to register the usage to register the account information including the plate information) and the payment method of the toll (bank account, credit card, prepaid card, electronic money, etc.). As a result, the user can automatically pay the toll by the designated payment means when entering or leaving the areas A, B, and C. In the conventional technology, each of a plurality of businesses individually performs usage registration and billing processing, but in the present embodiment, the service provider acts as a proxy for usage registration and billing processing of each of the plurality of businesses. And carry out.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toll collection system 100 includes a central server 2 owned by a service provider, an area server 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) owned by each of a plurality of area operators, and a plurality of users. Each has a user terminal 4 and a user terminal 4. Further, the central server 2, the area server 3, and the user terminal 4 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW such as the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 2, the central server 2 communicates with the user terminal 4 and registers the use to register the account information including the payment method of the user. In addition, the central server 2 communicates with the server 5 of the financial institution specified by the registered payment means, and performs toll charge processing (transmission of remittance request, reception of remittance result, etc.).

Further, when the vehicle V of the user who is not registered for use passes through the areas A, B, and C, the central server 2 transmits the information of the owner of the vehicle V to the server 6 of the Land Transport Bureau as shown in FIG. Inquiries may be made and the owner may be billed for tolls. The contact information for the owner information of the vehicle V may be a database of information in which the vehicle and the owner information are associated with each other, such as the Land Transport Bureau or the tax office.

Note that, in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, an example in which only one central server 2 is provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, a plurality of central servers 2 may be provided.

The area server 3 is associated with one of a plurality of areas A, B, and C and is installed in the area. As shown in FIG. 1, vehicle detection devices 32 for detecting the passage of vehicle V are provided at predetermined points in a plurality of areas A, B, and C, and are communicably connected to the area server 3. Ru. The area server 3 detects the existence of the vehicle V in the area based on the detection signal output from the vehicle detection device 32, and calculates the toll for the vehicle V. In addition, in FIG. 1, vehicle detection devices 32 are provided in the entrances PA1 to PA8, PB1 to PB8, and PC1 to PC8 of the areas A, B, and C set as predetermined points, and the area server 3 (3A, 3B, 3C). ) Is shown as an example of detecting the entry and exit of the vehicle V into the areas A, B, and C, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, for example, the vehicle detection device 32 may be provided at a point where traffic congestion frequently occurs. In this case, the area server 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) may further charge a toll to the vehicle V passing through a point where congestion frequently occurs in the toll area.

In addition, the area operator provides a predetermined incentive to users who use these facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 for the purpose of promoting the use of facilities for providing various services in areas A, B, and C. It may be given. Facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 are, for example, retail stores such as shopping malls, restaurants, parking lots, tourist facilities, and the like. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the area server 3 acquires facility usage information including user usage fees for facilities FA1, FB1, and FC1 from the facility terminal 33, and responds to the content of the facility usage information. Give incentives.

The user terminal 4 is a terminal owned by the user, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. Further, the user terminal 4 may be an on-board unit of the vehicle V.

(Functional configuration of central server)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the central server according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the central server 2 includes a CPU 20 and a recording medium 21.

The CPU 20 is a processor that controls the entire operation of the central server 2, and by operating according to a predetermined program, the registration processing unit 200, the usage information acquisition unit 201, the billing processing unit 202, the communication processing unit 203, and the usage statement creation unit 204. Demonstrate the function as.

The registration processing unit 200 registers, changes, and deletes the account information of users who use a plurality of areas A, B, and C operated by different area operators. For example, when the registration processing unit 200 receives a request for registration of account information from a user via the user terminal 4, the registration processing unit 200 receives the account information of the user and records it on the recording medium 21. Further, when the registration processing unit 200 receives a request for changing or deleting the account information from the user via the user terminal 4, the registration processing unit 200 changes or deletes the account information of the user recorded on the recording medium 21. ..

The usage information acquisition unit 201 acquires user usage information in areas A, B, and C associated with each of the area servers 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) from the area server 3.

The billing processing unit 202 performs billing processing of usage charges (traffic charges) according to the usage of users in areas A, B, and C based on the usage information and account information.

Further, the billing processing unit 202 gives the user an incentive according to the use of the areas A, B, C, or the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 in the area based on the usage information.

The communication processing unit 203 transmits the result of the charge processing in the charge processing unit 202 to the area server 3. Further, the communication processing unit 203 may transmit the result of the billing process to the user terminal 4 or the e-mail address designated as the contact information of the account information.

The usage statement creation unit 204 creates a usage statement that aggregates usage charges in each of a plurality of areas A, B, and C for each user. The usage statement created by the usage statement creation unit 204 may be mailed to the address of the account information, or may be sent to the e-mail address designated as the contact by the communication processing unit 203. ..

A program for operating the CPU 20 is recorded in advance on the recording medium 21. Further, various data (account information, usage information, etc.) acquired and created by each part of the CPU 20 are recorded on the recording medium 21.

(Functional configuration of area server and vehicle detection device)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the area server and the vehicle detection device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the area server 3 includes a CPU 30 and a recording medium 31.

The CPU 30 is a processor that controls the entire operation of the area server 3, and by operating according to a predetermined program, the CPU 30 serves as a vehicle information acquisition unit 300, a toll calculation unit 301, a facility usage information acquisition unit 302, and a usage information transmission unit 303. Demonstrate function.

The vehicle information acquisition unit 300 acquires vehicle information regarding the vehicle V on which the user is boarding via the vehicle detection device 32 provided at predetermined points in areas A, B, and C.

The toll calculation unit 301 calculates the toll as the usage fee for the user's areas A, B, and C.

The facility usage information acquisition unit 302 acquires facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility FA1, FB1, FC1 of the user from the facility terminal 33 possessed by the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 in the areas A, B, and C. ..

The usage information transmission unit 303 creates usage information including vehicle information and tolls for areas A, B, and C, or usage charges for facilities FA1, FB1, and FC1, and transmits the usage information to the central server 2.

A program for operating the CPU 30 is recorded in advance on the recording medium 31. Further, various data (vehicle information, toll, facility usage information, usage information, etc.) acquired and created by each part of the CPU 30 are recorded on the recording medium 31.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle detection device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vehicle detection device 32 includes an NP reading device 320, a wireless communication device 321 and a roadside display board 322.

As shown in FIG. 5, the NP reading device 320 is provided at predetermined points in areas A, B, and C, for example, on a gantry.

The NP reader 320 photographs the area including the license plate of the vehicle V passing through the areas A, B, and C. Further, the NP reading device 320 detects the vehicle V included in the image by performing a predetermined process on the captured image, and the license plate information of the vehicle V (classification number etc. written on the license plate, etc.) , Also referred to as "NP information"). The NP reader 320 may capture an image including the vehicle body of the vehicle V and the driver. Further, the NP reading device 320 associates the read NP information, the captured image, the time when the image was captured, and the detection information including the device ID capable of identifying the own machine with the area where the own machine is provided. It is transmitted to the created area server 3. For example, when the NP reading device 320 is provided at a predetermined point in the area A, the detection information including the read NP information is transmitted to the area server 3A associated with the area A.

As shown in FIG. 5, the wireless communication device 321 is provided at predetermined points in areas A, B, and C, for example, on a gantry.

The wireless communication device 321 performs wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device (user terminal 4) mounted on the vehicle V, so that information such as the vehicle-mounted device ID and the vehicle model of the vehicle V recorded in advance in the vehicle-mounted device is performed. To get. Further, the wireless communication device 321 transmits the detection information including the vehicle-mounted device ID and the vehicle type acquired from the vehicle-mounted device and the device ID capable of identifying the own device to the area server 3 associated with the area where the own device is provided. Send. For example, when the wireless communication device 321 is provided at a predetermined point in the area A, the detection information is transmitted to the area server 3A associated with the area A.

As shown in FIG. 5, the roadside display board 322 is provided at a position on the downstream side of the NP reader 320 so that the passengers of the vehicle V, such as the side of the road, can see it. Various information transmitted from the area server 3 is displayed on the roadside display board 322.

Note that FIG. 5 shows an example in which only one lane exists at a predetermined point, but the present invention is not limited to this. There may be a plurality of lanes at a predetermined point. In this case, one vehicle detection device 32 (NP reading device 320, wireless communication device 321 and roadside display board 322) may be provided in each of the plurality of lanes. For example, the vehicle detection device 32 may be provided in each of the lane for entering the area A and the lane for exiting the area A at a certain point PA4 (FIG. 1) in the area A.

(Usage registration process)
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the usage registration process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of account information according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the usage registration process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user first registers the use via the user terminal 4. At this time, the user terminal 4 accepts the account information registration operation from the user (step S01).

When the input operation by the user is completed, the user terminal 4 transmits the "account information registration request" together with the input account information to the central server 2 (step S02).

Next, when the registration processing unit 200 of the central server 2 receives the account information registration request and the account information from the user terminal 4, the registered account information is added to the account list D1 (FIG. 7) of the recording medium 21 and registered. (Step S03).

As shown in FIG. 7, the account list D1 includes account information of a plurality of users. The account information is information in which a "user ID", "personal information", "payment means", and "vehicle information" entered by the user via the user terminal 4 are associated with each other.

The user ID is identification information that can identify the user. The user ID according to the present embodiment can be registered by the user via the user terminal 4, but is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the registration processing unit 200 may automatically assign a different user ID for each user.

Personal information includes the user's name, address, and contact information. The contact information is a telephone number, an e-mail address, or the like.

The payment method is information for specifying how the user pays the tolls in areas A, B, and C. For example, payment methods include "bank account (bank name, branch name, account number, etc.)", "credit card (card number, expiration date, etc.)", "prepaid card (card number, etc.)", and "electronic money (electronic money). Identification number, etc.) ”etc. are included.

The vehicle information includes the vehicle identification information of the vehicle V on which the user is boarding and the vehicle type of the vehicle V. The vehicle identification information is information that can identify the vehicle V, and in the present embodiment, is NP information of the vehicle V. In another embodiment, the vehicle identification information may be an on-board unit ID capable of identifying the on-board unit mounted on the vehicle V. The vehicle type is a type based on the external characteristics of the vehicle V, and is, for example, an oversized vehicle, a large vehicle, a medium-sized vehicle, an ordinary vehicle, a light vehicle, a motorcycle, or the like. Further, the vehicle information may include information indicating the vehicle size (whether large, medium, small, etc.) instead of the vehicle type.

Next, when the registration of the account information is completed, the registration processing unit 200 of the central server 2 sends a registration completion notification to the user terminal 4 (step S04). After receiving the registration completion notification, the user terminal 4 may output a message (display or voice) notifying the user of the registration completion.

When the account information is added, the communication processing unit 203 of the central server 2 distributes the latest account information (account list D1) to each of the plurality of area servers 3 (step S05).

Then, a copy of the account information (account list D1) is recorded on the recording medium 31 of each of the plurality of area servers 3 (step S06).

In addition, the user can change or delete the registered account information via the user terminal 4. At this time, the user terminal 4 accepts the operation of changing (deleting) the account information from the user (step S07).

When the user terminal 4 completes the input operation of the changed contents by the user, the user terminal 4 sends an "account information change (deletion) request" to the central server 2 together with the input changed account information (step S08).

Next, when the registration processing unit 200 of the central server 2 receives the account information change request and the changed account information from the user terminal 4, the account information having the same user ID as the changed account is recorded as a recording medium. Search from the account list D1 of 21. Then, the registration processing unit 200 overwrites the searched account information with the changed account information received from the user terminal 4 and updates the account list D1 (step S09). When the registration processing unit 200 receives the account information deletion request from the user terminal 4, the registration processing unit 200 deletes the searched account information and updates the account list D1.

Next, when the change (deletion) of the account information is completed, the registration processing unit 200 of the central server 2 sends a change (deletion) completion notification to the user terminal 4 (step S10). After receiving the change (deletion) completion notification, the user terminal 4 may output a message (display or voice) notifying the user of the change (deletion) completion.

When the account information is changed or deleted, the communication processing unit 203 of the central server 2 distributes the latest account information (account list D1) to each of the plurality of area servers 3 (step S11).

Then, a copy of the latest account information (account list D1) is recorded on the recording medium 31 of each of the plurality of area servers 3 (step S06).

The central server 2, the area server 3, and the user terminal 4 execute each process shown in FIG. 6 each time a request for user registration or a request for changing (deleting) account information is received from the user.

(Toll billing process)
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of toll charge processing according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the toll billing process will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the user's vehicle V enters the area A from the point PA4 in the area A. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle detection device 32 provided at the point PA4 detects that the vehicle V has entered the area A and reads the NP information of the vehicle V (step S100). For example, the NP reader 320 of the vehicle detection device 32 constantly photographs the road at the point PA4. The NP reading device 320 detects the vehicle V included in the image by performing a predetermined process on the captured image, and reads the NP information of the vehicle V. Further, at this time, the NP reader 320 may specify the vehicle type (or vehicle size) of the vehicle V based on the external features of the vehicle V included in the image. Further, the NP reader 320 may specify the number of passengers on the vehicle V from the image.

Next, the NP reading device 320 obtains the detected information including the read NP information, the captured image, the device ID capable of identifying the own device, and the time (shooting time) when the vehicle V is detected, in the area server 3A. (Step S101). When the vehicle type (or vehicle size) of the vehicle V and the number of passengers are specified, the NP reader 320 may include such information in the detection information.

Next, the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 of the area server 3A acquires the detection information including the vehicle information of the vehicle V from the area server 3A (step S120). Further, the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 records and accumulates the acquired detection information on the recording medium 31.

Next, the toll calculation unit 301 of the area server 3A calculates the toll of the vehicle V in the area A (step S103).

Specifically, the toll calculation unit 301 determines from the "device ID" included in the detection information the point where the vehicle V has passed (point PA4 in FIG. 1) and whether the vehicle V has entered the area A or the area. Identify if you have left A. A table in which the device IDs of the plurality of NP readers 320 and the installation positions (latitude / longitude and lane number) are associated with each other is recorded in advance on the recording medium 31, and the toll calculation unit 301 uses this table. The position information (latitude / longitude) of the vehicle V and the traveling lane (the lane entering the area A or the lane exiting the area A) are specified by using. When the toll calculation unit 301 detects that the vehicle V has entered the area A from the detection information, the toll calculation unit 301 calculates the toll of the vehicle V with reference to the toll table pre-recorded on the recording medium 31.

Note that the toll calculation unit 301 may calculate different tolls for each time zone. For example, the toll calculation unit 301 specifies the time when the vehicle V enters the area A from the "time when the vehicle V is detected" included in the detection information. Then, the toll calculation unit 301 calculates the toll according to the time when the vehicle V enters the area A with reference to the toll table for each time zone recorded in advance on the recording medium 21. For example, the area server 3 sets a high toll during the time when traffic congestion is likely to occur in the area A to suppress the entry of the vehicle V, and sets a low toll during the time when the area A is vacant. It is possible to promote the entry of the vehicle V. As a result, the area server 3 can equalize the traffic volume in the area.

Further, for example, when the toll calculation unit 301 includes vehicle information indicating a vehicle type (or vehicle size) in the detection information, the toll table of the vehicle type (or vehicle size) recorded in advance on the recording medium 31. To calculate the toll for vehicle V with reference to.

Further, for example, when the toll charge calculation unit 301 includes vehicle information indicating the number of passengers in the detection information, the toll charge calculation unit 301 refers to the toll table for each number of passengers recorded in advance on the recording medium 31 to pass the vehicle V. Calculate the charge. By setting the toll toll lower as the number of passengers increases, for example, the area server 3 can prevent the user from sharing the vehicle V on a plurality of vehicles V and increasing the traffic volume of the vehicle V in the area A. ..

Further, the recording medium 21 may record a charge table for each combination of the time zone of entering the area A, the vehicle type (or vehicle size), and the number of passengers. As a result, the area server 3 can finely set the charge according to various conditions.

The fare table for each time zone, vehicle type (or vehicle size), and number of passengers is set with a discount amount or discount rate for the regular toll (the amount charged each time you enter Area A). You may be. In this case, the toll calculation unit 301 may calculate the toll by combining a plurality of discount amounts or discount rates according to the time zone, vehicle type (or vehicle size), and number of passengers.

Next, the toll calculation unit 301 notifies the roadside display board 322 of the vehicle detection device 32 of the calculated toll (step S104). Further, the toll calculation unit 301 may notify the user terminal 4 of the similarly calculated toll.

Then, the roadside display board 322 of the vehicle detection device 32 displays the toll received from the area server 3 and notifies the user of the amount to be charged (step S105). Further, the user terminal 4 may also display the toll received from the area server 3 (step S106).

Next, the usage information transmission unit 303 of the area server 3 creates the usage information D2 (FIG. 9) and transmits it to the central server 2 (step S107).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of usage information according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the usage information D2 includes "usage time", "location information", "user ID", "vehicle information", "usage fee" and the like.

The usage time is, for example, the "time when the vehicle V is detected" included in the detection information acquired from the vehicle detection device 32 (NP reading device 320).

The position information is position information (latitude / longitude, lane number) specified from the "device ID" included in the detection information acquired from the vehicle detection device 32 (NP reading device 320).

The user ID is a user ID included in the account information. For example, the usage information transmission unit 303 is an account in which the account information having the same NP information as the "NP information" included in the detection information acquired from the vehicle detection device 32 (NP reading device 320) is duplicated on the recording medium 31. Search from the list D1 to specify the user ID.

The vehicle information includes "NP information", "vehicle type (or vehicle size)", "number of passengers", etc. included in the detection information acquired from the vehicle detection device 32 (NP reading device 320).

The usage fee is the toll calculated by the toll calculation unit 301.

Next, when the usage information acquisition unit 201 of the central server 2 acquires the usage information from the area server 3A, it records it on the recording medium 21 (step S108).

Next, the billing processing unit 202 of the central server 2 extracts account information having the same NP information as the NP information included in the acquired usage information from the account list D1 stored in the recording medium 21 (step S109). ).

Next, the billing processing unit 202 performs a billing process of charging the usage fee included in the usage information using the payment means included in the extracted account information (step S110). For example, when the payment method of the account information is the "bank account", the billing processing unit 202 charges the server 5 of the bank based on the information (bank name, branch name, account number) included in the payment method. Request to send the amount indicated by.

Next, the billing processing unit 202 performs incentive processing for giving an incentive according to the use (traffic) of the user's area A (step S111). For example, it is assumed that an incentive table in which incentives according to usage charges are set is recorded in advance on the recording medium 21. The billing processing unit 202 determines the incentive to be given to the user with reference to this incentive table, and updates the incentive information D3 (FIG. 10) recorded on the recording medium 21.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of incentive information according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, incentive information D3 records incentives for each user ID. Incentives are, for example, points, discount coupons, and the like. The user can deduct the amount equivalent to the points from the usage fee at the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 and the like in areas A, B, and C. In addition, the user can deduct the discount amount set in the discount coupon or the amount corresponding to the discount rate from the tolls in areas A, B, and C, or the usage charges in facilities FA1, FB1, and FC1. ..

Next, the communication processing unit 203 transmits the processing results of the billing process and the incentive process in the billing processing unit 202 to the area server 3A and the user terminal 4 (step S112). The processing result includes a toll charged to the user, an incentive to be given, and the like.

The user terminal 4 displays the billing process and incentive process results received from the central server 2 and notifies the user (step S113). Further, the area server 3A may give an instruction to display the processing result on the roadside display board 322 of the vehicle detection device 32 installed at the point where the user is located.

In the above example, a mode in which a fixed toll is charged each time the vehicle V enters the area A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, different toll charges may be charged according to the time (stay time) from when the vehicle V enters the area A to when the vehicle V exits the area A. For example, when the toll calculation unit 301 detects that the vehicle V has left the area A from the vehicle information, the toll calculation unit 301 reads out the vehicle information recorded in the recording medium 31 when the vehicle V enters the area A. Then, the toll calculation unit 301 differs between the "time when the vehicle V is detected" included in the vehicle information when the vehicle V enters and the "time when the vehicle V is detected" included in the vehicle information when the vehicle V leaves. From, the staying time in the area A of the vehicle V is calculated. Then, the toll calculation unit 301 calculates the toll of the vehicle V by referring to the toll table for each staying time recorded in advance.

(Billing processing of facility usage fee)
FIG. 11 is a first sequence diagram showing an example of the billing process of the facility usage fee according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a second sequence diagram showing an example of the billing process of the facility usage fee according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the billing process for the facility usage fee will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

For example, suppose a user uses facility FA1 in area A. At this time, the user presents the user ID via, for example, the user terminal 4 when paying the usage fee at the facility FA1 in order to indicate the user who has registered the use. For example, the facility terminal 33 of the facility FA1 identifies the user ID from the user terminal 4 via wireless communication or reading a two-dimensional code or the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the facility terminal 33 transmits the facility usage information D4 (FIG. 13) to the area server 3A (step S120).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of facility use information according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, the facility usage information D4 is information in which the usage time (processing time at the facility terminal 33), the facility ID, the user ID, the usage fee, and the payment means are associated with each other. If the facility FA1 is a facility from which vehicle information can be acquired (for example, a parking lot having a vehicle detection device), the facility terminal 33 includes the vehicle information (NP information, vehicle type, number of passengers, etc.) in the facility usage information D4. You may.

Next, the facility usage information acquisition unit 302 of the area server 3 acquires the facility usage information D4 from the facility terminal 33 (step S121). Further, the facility use information acquisition unit 302 records and stores the acquired facility use information D4 on the recording medium 31.

Next, the usage information transmission unit 303 creates the usage information D2 (FIG. 9) and transmits it to the central server 2 (step S122). At this time, the usage information transmission unit 303 sets the usage time included in the facility usage information D4 as the usage time, and sets the facility ID in the location information. Further, the usage information transmission unit 303 may omit the vehicle information when the facility usage information D4 does not include the vehicle information. Further, the usage information transmission unit 303 sets the usage fee of the facility FA1 included in the facility usage information D4 as the usage fee. When the facility usage information D4 includes a payment means, the usage information transmission unit 303 adds the payment means to the usage information D2.

Next, the central server 2 and the user terminal 4 perform steps S108 to S113 similar to the toll charge processing in FIG. Since the processing is the same as the content described above, it is omitted.

In addition, the user may use the incentive given when paying the usage fee of the facility FA1, for example. At this time, the user can browse the incentive information via the user terminal 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the user performs an operation for viewing the incentive information, the user terminal 4 transmits the user ID and the incentive information provision request to the central server 2. (Step S123).

Then, the communication processing unit 203 of the central server 2 uses the incentive information D3 (FIG. 10) recorded on the recording medium 21 to provide incentive information (point balance and incentive information) associated with the user ID transmitted from the user terminal 4. The discount coupon) is read out and transmitted to the user terminal 4 (step S124).

Then, the user terminal 4 displays the incentive information received from the central server 2 (step S125). The user refers to the incentive information and decides whether or not to use the incentive when paying the facility usage fee.

When the user decides to use the incentive, the user terminal 4 accepts the incentive use operation from the user (step S126). Here, the user terminal 4 receives an input from the user for specifying whether or not to use the points, and if the points are used, how many points to use. In addition, the user terminal 4 may accept an input from the user to specify whether or not to use the discount coupon.

The user terminal 4 transmits an incentive use request to the facility terminal 33 of the facility FA1 according to the contents specified by the user (step S127). At this time, the facility terminal 33 identifies the user ID from the user terminal 4 via wireless communication or reading a two-dimensional code or the like, and accepts the designation of the incentive to be used.

Then, the facility terminal 33 performs a process of applying the designated incentive (step S128). For example, when the facility terminal 33 is designated to use points, the facility terminal 33 sets "point use (number of points used)" in the "payment means" of the facility use information D4. When the point balance is less than the usage fee, the facility terminal 33 uses "point usage (number of points used)" and other payment means ("cash (payment amount)") as payment means, as shown in FIG. A plurality of means may be set. When the use of a discount coupon is specified, the "payment method" of the facility usage information D4 includes, for example, a "discount coupon (discount amount)" and a payment method for the discounted usage fee (for example, "cash (after discount)". Usage fee) ”) is set.

When the facility terminal 33 creates the facility usage information D4 to which the incentive is applied, the facility terminal 33 transmits the facility usage information D4 to the area server 3 (step S120). Since this process and the subsequent processes are the same as those in steps S120 to S122 and S108 to S113 of FIG. 11, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Creation process of usage statement)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a usage detail creation process according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the process in which the usage statement creation unit 204 of the central server 2 creates the usage statement for each user will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the usage statement creation unit 204 determines whether it is time to create the usage statement (step S130). For example, in the present embodiment, the usage statement creation unit 204 creates a usage statement once a day at a predetermined time (0:00). In this case, if the current time is not a predetermined time, the usage statement creation unit 204 determines that it is not the timing to create the usage statement (step S130: NO), and waits until the predetermined time is reached.

On the other hand, when the current time is a predetermined time, the usage statement creation unit 204 determines that it is the timing to create the usage statement (step S130: YES), and proceeds to the next step S131.

Next, the usage statement creation unit 204 extracts usage information associated with a certain user (user ID) from the plurality of usage information D2 stored in the recording medium 21 (step S131).

Next, the usage statement creation unit 204 aggregates the extracted plurality of usage information and creates a usage statement D5 (FIG. 15) for each user (step S132).

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of usage details according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, the usage statement D5 is information summarizing usage information about a certain user (“user ID: ID0001”). The usage statement D5 includes usage time, location information, vehicle information, usage fee, and payment means in each of the plurality of areas.

Next, the usage statement creation unit 204 determines whether the usage details of all users have been created (step S133). If the usage details of all users have not been created (step S133: NO), the usage details creation unit 204 returns to step S131. Further, when the usage details of all the users have been created (step S133: YES), the usage details creation unit 204 ends the process.

Note that the communication processing unit 203 may further perform a process of transmitting the usage details of the user to the e-mail address registered as the contact information of the account information.

(Action effect)
As described above, the central server 2 according to the present embodiment is a recording medium that records account information of users who use a plurality of areas A, B, and C operated by different area operators and each of which has an area server installed. The usage information acquisition unit 201 that acquires the user usage information D2 in the areas A, B, and C associated with each of the area servers 3 from the 21 and the plurality of area servers 3 (3A, 3B, 3C), and the usage information. A billing processing unit 202 that performs billing processing of usage fees according to the usage of users in areas A, B, and C based on D2 and account information is provided.
In the conventional technology, when a plurality of areas are operated by different businesses, it is necessary to manage account information and charge usage fees individually on the area server for each business. However, the central server 2 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, so that it can manage account information used in a plurality of areas A, B, and C operated by different area operators, and a plurality of areas. It is possible to perform billing processing for usage charges in A, B, and C. As a result, the central server 2 can reduce the cost for each of the plurality of area operators to individually manage the account information and perform the billing process.

Further, the billing processing unit 202 gives the user an incentive according to the use of the areas A, B, C, or the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 in the area based on the usage information.
By doing so, the central server 2 can give the user an incentive common to the plurality of areas A, B, C and the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 in the area. As a result, the central server 2 can effectively promote the use of the plurality of areas A, B, C by the user and the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 in the area.

Further, the central server 2 creates a usage statement that aggregates usage charges in each of the plurality of areas A, B, and C for each user.
By doing so, the procedure for sending the usage details to the user can be collectively performed on the central server 2, so that the cost of the area operator can be further reduced. In addition, the user can collectively refer to the details of the usage fee spanning a plurality of areas by the usage statement.

Further, the area server 3 according to the present embodiment acquires vehicle information regarding the vehicle V on which the user is boarding via the vehicle detection device 32 provided at predetermined points in areas A, B, and C. From the unit 300, the toll charge calculation unit 301 that calculates the toll charge as the usage charge for the user's areas A, B, and C, and the facility terminal 33 of the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1 in the area, the user. The facility usage information acquisition unit 302 that acquires the facility usage information D4 including the usage fee of the relevant facility, the vehicle information, and the usage information including the area toll or the facility usage fee are created and stored on the central server 2. It includes a usage information transmission unit 303 for transmission.
By doing so, the area server 3 can have a simple configuration in which the usage information including the toll of the area and the usage fee of the facilities in the area is only transmitted to the central server 2. As a result, the cost for developing and maintaining the area server 3 can be reduced.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the toll collection system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19.
The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Functional configuration of central server)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the central server according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 20 of the central server 2 according to the present embodiment further exerts functions as an area information acquisition unit 205, a recommended route proposal unit 206, and a movement route determination unit 207.

The area information acquisition unit 205 acquires area information related to each of the plurality of areas A, B, and C from each of the plurality of area servers 3. The area information is, for example, traffic information, facility information, etc. in areas A, B, and C. The traffic information includes information such as the degree of traffic volume (traffic congestion) at each point in the area and the presence or absence of traffic regulation. In addition, the traffic information may include a predicted value for each date and time based on the traffic volume for each area in the past. The facility information includes services provided by the facilities FA1, FB1, FC1, events to be carried out, information on the availability of parking lots, and the like. In addition, the facility information may include predicted values for each date and time based on past parking lot fullness information.

The recommended route proposal unit 206 proposes recommended routes in a plurality of areas A, B, and C based on a plurality of area information.

The movement route determination unit 207 acquires the position information of the user and determines whether or not the user has moved along the recommended route.

Further, when it is determined that the user has moved along the recommended route, the billing processing unit 202 according to the present embodiment gives the user a predetermined incentive.

(Functional configuration of area server)
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the area server according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 30 of the area server 3 according to the present embodiment further exhibits the function as the area information transmission unit 304.

The area information transmission unit 304 acquires traffic information in the area associated with the area server 3 from the traffic information DB 34 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every hour) and transmits the traffic information to the central server 2. Further, the area information transmission unit 304 acquires the facility information in the area associated with the area server 3 from the facility information DB 35 at predetermined time intervals and transmits the facility information to the central server 2.

(Proposal processing of recommended route)
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the recommended route proposal processing according to the second embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the proposal processing of the recommended route will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a mode in which the central server 2 proposes a recommended route when the user goes around each of the plurality of areas A, B, and C will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, the area information transmission unit 304 of the plurality of area servers 3 according to the present embodiment periodically transmits the area information of the areas A, B, and C associated with each to the central server 2 ( Step S200).

When the area information acquisition unit 205 of the central server 2 acquires the area information from the plurality of area servers 3, it records the area information on the recording medium 21 for each area (step S201).

Further, when the user wishes to go around a plurality of areas A, B, and C, the user terminal 4 accepts an operation of selecting a tour route from the user and makes a request for using the tour route to the central server 2. (Step S202). For example, here, it is assumed that the user terminal 4 receives an operation from the user to select a tour route that moves in the order of Area A, Area B, and Area C. Then, the user terminal 4 transmits a usage request including the user ID and the selected tour route to the central server 2.

Next, the recommended route proposal unit 206 of the central server registers the vehicle V on which the user is boarding as the target vehicle of the tour route based on the usage request of the tour route received from the user terminal 4 (step S203). At this time, the recommended route proposal unit 206 extracts the account information associated with the user ID of the user from the account list D1 of the recording medium 21. Then, the target vehicle information in which the NP information of the vehicle V on which the user is boarding and the tour route selected by the user are associated with each other is recorded in the recording medium 21.

Next, it is assumed that the user's vehicle V has entered area A. Then, the area server 3 and the central server 2 in the area A perform the same processing as in steps S102 to S108 of FIG.

Next, the recommended route proposal unit 206 of the central server 2 targets the vehicle V related to the usage information D2 on the tour route based on the vehicle information (NP information) and the position information included in the acquired usage information D2. It is determined whether the vehicle is a vehicle and has started moving along the tour route (step S204). If the NP information included in the usage information D2 and the NP information of the vehicle V stored as the target vehicle do not match, the recommended route proposal unit 206 determines that the vehicle V related to the usage information D2 is not the target vehicle. (Step S204: NO). In this case, since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment (steps S109 to S113 in FIG. 8), the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, in the recommended route proposal unit 206, when the NP information included in the usage information D2 and the NP information of the vehicle V stored as the target vehicle match, the vehicle V related to the usage information D2 is the target vehicle. Judge. At this time, the recommended route proposal unit 206 further confirms the position information included in the usage information D2. For example, when the position information included in the usage information D2 is included in an area different from the areas A, B, and C included in the tour route, the recommended route proposal unit 206 moves the target vehicle along the tour route. Is determined not to have started (step S204: NO). Also in this case, since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment (steps S109 to S113 in FIG. 8), the description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the recommended route proposal unit 206 determines that the target vehicle has started moving along the tour route when the position information included in the usage information D2 is included in the area A which is the start area of the tour route (step). S204; YES). In this case, the recommended route proposing unit 206 creates a recommended route based on the area information of the areas A, B, and C included in the excursion route stored in the recording medium 21, and transmits the recommended route to the user terminal 4 (step). S205). For example, the recommended route proposal unit 206 avoids a point with heavy traffic or a point with traffic regulation based on the traffic information included in the area information of areas B and C that move after area A, and determines the traffic volume. We propose recommended routes to guide you to a small number of points. For example, the recommended route proposal unit 206 is expected to have a large amount of traffic (congestion occurs) in the area B from the present to a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) based on the traffic information, and the traffic volume in the area C is high. Suppose that it is determined that the number is likely to decrease. In this case, the recommended route proposal unit 206 creates a recommended route that moves from area A to area C and then moves to area B, and transmits the recommended route to the user terminal to make a proposal. In addition, the recommended route proposal unit 206 is based on the facility information included in the area information, and the recommended route including the facility for which the use is to be promoted (to increase the rate of attracting customers for the event) or the parking lot is full. It is also possible to propose a recommended route or the like to avoid the existing facility.

The user terminal 4 displays the recommended route received from the central server 2 and notifies the user (step S206).

Further, the recommended route proposal unit 206 adds the proposed recommended route to the target vehicle information and stores it (step S207). Hereinafter, the recommended route proposal unit 206 proposes a recommended route based on the recommended route stored in the target vehicle information.

Further, since the processing in the central server, the area server 3, and the user terminal 4 after the recommended route proposal is the same as in steps S109 to S113 of FIG. 8, the description is omitted.

(Incentive grant processing)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the incentive giving process according to the second embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the incentive giving process for the user who has moved along the recommended route on the central server 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that the user moves to another area after passing through the area A. At this time, first, as shown in FIG. 19, the usage information D2 is acquired from the usage information acquisition unit 201 and the area server 3 of the central server 2 (step S210).

Next, the movement route determination unit 207 of the central server 2 determines whether the vehicle V related to the usage information D2 is the target vehicle of the tour route (recommended route) based on the NP information included in the usage information D2. (Step S211). When the NP information included in the usage information D2 and the NP information of the vehicle V stored as the target vehicle do not match, the movement route determination unit 207 determines that the vehicle V related to the usage information D2 is not the target vehicle. (Step S211: NO). In this case, the movement route determination unit 207 ends the process.

On the other hand, when the movement route determination unit 207 matches the NP information included in the usage information D2 with the NP information of the vehicle V stored as the target vehicle, the vehicle V related to the usage information D2 is the target vehicle. (Step S211: YES). In this case, the movement route determination unit 207 further determines whether the target vehicle is moving along the recommended route (step S212).

For example, according to the recommended route, it is recommended that the target vehicle move to area C. Here, when the movement route determination unit 207 identifies that the target vehicle has moved to the area B from the position information included in the usage information D2, it determines that the target vehicle has not moved along the recommended route (). Step S212: NO). In this case, the movement route determination unit 207 does not give an incentive to the user of the target vehicle.

On the other hand, when the movement route determination unit 207 identifies that the target vehicle has moved to the area C from the position information included in the usage information D2, it determines that the target vehicle has moved along the recommended route (step S212: YES). In this case, the billing processing unit 202 gives a predetermined incentive to the user of the target vehicle (step S213). In addition, the communication processing unit 203 notifies the user terminal 4 that the incentive has been given (step S214).

If the recommendation route proposal unit 206 determines NO in step S212, or after completing the process of step S214, the recommended route proposal unit 206 performs steps S205 to S207 of FIG. 18 to create and use a new recommended route. The person terminal 4 may be used.

(Action effect)
As described above, the central server 2 according to the present embodiment is based on the area information acquisition unit 205 that acquires the area information related to each of the plurality of areas A, B, and C from each of the plurality of area servers 3, and the area information. It further includes a recommended route proposing unit 206 that proposes recommended routes in a plurality of areas A, B, and C.
By doing so, the central server 2 can guide the user to a specific area or route.

Further, the central server 2 further includes a movement route determination unit 207 that acquires the position information of the user and determines whether or not the user has moved along the recommended route. When it is determined that the user has moved along the recommended route, the billing processing unit 202 gives the user a predetermined incentive.
By doing so, the central server 2 can increase the probability that the user will move along the recommended route. As a result, the central server 2 can suppress the concentration or depopulation of users in a specific area or route.

Further, the area server 3 according to the present embodiment further includes an area information transmission unit 304 that transmits area information regarding areas A, B, and C to the central server 2.
By doing so, the area server 3 can aggregate the area information about the area associated with the own machine into the central server 2.

<Third embodiment>
Next, the toll collection system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23.
The components common to the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Functional configuration of central server)
The billing processing unit 202 according to the present embodiment uses the account information having NP information matching the NP information included in the usage information D2 acquired from the area server 3 when the account information is not stored in the account list D1 of the recording medium 21. The NP information included in the information D2 is added to the fraudulent vehicle list. The list of fraudulent vehicles is recorded on the recording medium 21.

Further, the communication processing unit 203 transmits the fraudulent vehicle list to each of the plurality of area servers 3.

(Functional configuration of area server)
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the area server according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 30 of the area server 3 according to the present embodiment further exerts the functions as the list acquisition unit 305 and the warning output unit 306.

The list acquisition unit 305 centralizes a list of fraudulent vehicles in which NP information that does not match the NP information included in the account information is recorded among the NP information related to the vehicle V that has traveled in any of the plurality of areas A, B, and C. Get from 2. Further, the fraudulent vehicle list acquired by the list acquisition unit 305 is recorded on the recording medium 31.

When the NP information acquired by the warning output unit 306 and the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 matches the NP information included in the fraudulent vehicle list, the warning information is output to the user via the roadside display board 322.

(Unauthorized vehicle registration process)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the fraudulent vehicle registration process according to the third embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the unauthorized vehicle registration process in the central server 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, suppose a vehicle V enters area A. Then, the usage information acquisition unit 201 of the central server 2 acquires the usage information D2 of the vehicle V (step S300).

Next, the billing processing unit 202 determines whether the NP information included in the usage information D2 has been registered as account information (step S301).

For example, if the NP information included in the usage information D2 is the same as any of the account information, the billing processing unit 202 determines that the vehicle V is a registered vehicle (step S301: YES). In this case, the billing processing unit 202 further determines whether the vehicle model included in the usage information D2 is the same as the vehicle model registered in the account information (step S302). When the vehicle types are the same (step S302: YES), the charge processing unit 202 further determines whether or not this NP information is registered in the fraudulent vehicle list D6 (FIG. 22) (step S303).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an illegal vehicle list according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 22, the fraudulent vehicle list D6 includes NP information of fraudulent vehicles, position information in which fraudulent vehicles are detected, detection time, fraudulent contents, and the like.

When this NP information is registered in the fraudulent vehicle list D6 (step S303: YES), the billing processing unit 202 determines that the vehicle type registered in the account information has been updated to the correct one, and fraudulently determines the NP information. It is deleted from the vehicle list D6 and updated (step S304). Then, the communication processing unit 203 transmits the updated fraudulent vehicle list D6 to each of the plurality of area servers 3 (step S305). If the NP information is not registered in the fraudulent vehicle list D6 (step S303: NO), the billing processing unit 202 ends the processing.

The billing processing unit 202 indicates that the NP information included in the usage information D2 is not the same as any of the account information (step S301: NO), or the vehicle type included in the usage information D2 is the same as the vehicle type of the account information. If not (step S302: NO), it is further determined whether or not this NP information is registered in the fraudulent vehicle list D6 (step S306). When this NP information is registered in the fraudulent vehicle list D6 (step S306: YES), the billing processing unit 202 determines that the vehicle type registered in the account information has not been updated to the correct one, and ends the process. (That is, the NP information remains in the fraudulent vehicle list D6). On the other hand, when this NP information is not registered in the fraudulent vehicle list D6 (step S306: NO), the billing processing unit 202 adds the NP information to the fraudulent vehicle list D6 and updates it (step S308). At this time, if the NP information included in the usage information D2 is not the same as any of the account information (step S301: NO), as shown in FIG. 22, "account not registered" is input as an illegal content. If the vehicle type included in the usage information D2 is not the same as the vehicle type in the account information (step S302: NO), "vehicle type fraud" is input as the fraudulent content. Then, the communication processing unit 203 transmits the updated fraudulent vehicle list to each of the plurality of area servers 3 (step S308).

Each part of the central server 2 executes each of the above processes each time it acquires usage information D2 from each of the plurality of area servers 3 and monitors the presence or absence of an unauthorized vehicle.

(Unauthorized vehicle detection process)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the fraudulent vehicle detection process according to the third embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow of the fraudulent vehicle detection process in the area server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

As shown in FIG. 23, the list acquisition unit 305 of the area server 3 acquires the fraudulent vehicle list from the central server 2 (step S310).

Next, for example, suppose that a certain vehicle V enters the area A. Then, the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 of the area server 3 acquires the NP information of the vehicle V from the vehicle detection device 32 (step S311).

Next, the warning output unit 306 determines whether the NP information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 is registered in the fraudulent vehicle list (step S312).

When the NP information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 is not registered in the fraudulent vehicle list (step S312: NO), the warning output unit 306 determines that the vehicle V is not a fraudulent vehicle and ends the process. ..

On the other hand, when the NP information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 is registered in the fraudulent vehicle list (step S312: YES), the warning output unit 306 performs the warning output process. For example, the warning output unit 306 outputs an instruction to display a message warning that the vehicle V is not registered for use on the roadside display board 322 or that different information is registered in the account information. Further, when the vehicle model registered in the account information is different, the warning output unit 306 prompts the e-mail address, which is the contact information of the user registered in the account information, to change the account information correctly. May be sent. Further, the warning output unit 306 may output a control request to the control organization. In this case, the NP information of the vehicle V, the image taken by the NP reader 320, the position information of the point where the vehicle V is detected, and the like may be transmitted to the computer, mobile terminal, or in-vehicle device of the control agency. Good. As a result, the staff of the control organization can detect and control the illegal vehicle while referring to the NP information, the image, the position information, and the like.

(Action effect)
As described above, in the central server 2 according to the present embodiment, the billing processing unit 202 stores the account information having the information matching the vehicle information (NP information, vehicle type) included in the usage information D2 in the recording medium 21. If not, this vehicle information is added to the fraudulent vehicle list D6. The communication processing unit 203 transmits the fraudulent vehicle list D6 to each of the plurality of area servers 3.
In the conventional technology, vehicle information regarding an illegal vehicle that has traveled illegally is registered and managed in each of a plurality of areas. However, the central server 2 according to this aspect can centrally manage vehicle information (NP information, vehicle type) regarding illegal vehicles in a plurality of areas A, B, and C by having such a configuration. As a result, the central server 2 can provide information on the fraudulent vehicle to the area where the fraudulent vehicle has not arrived, while reducing the cost required for managing the fraudulent vehicle in each of the plurality of area operators.

Further, the area server 3 according to the present embodiment is a vehicle that does not match the information included in the account information among the vehicle information (NP information, vehicle type) related to the vehicle V that has traveled in any of the plurality of areas A, B, and C. When the list acquisition unit 305 that acquires the fraudulent vehicle list D6 in which the information is recorded from the central server 2 and the NP information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 300 match the NP information included in the fraudulent vehicle list D6, the user A warning output unit 306 that outputs warning information to the server is further provided.
By doing so, when the area server 3 detects that an illegal vehicle has entered the area associated with the own machine, the area server 3 can issue a warning to the illegal vehicle. As a result, the area server 3 can reduce the number of users who perform illegal driving.

In this embodiment, as an example, the billing processing unit 202 registers the NP information of the vehicle V for which the account information is not registered or the vehicle V for which the correct vehicle type is not registered in the account information in the fraudulent vehicle list D6. As explained, it is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the billing processing unit 202 may add the NP information included in the usage information D2 to the fraudulent vehicle list D6 when payment cannot be made by the payment means included in the usage information D2. The case where payment cannot be made by the payment method is, for example, a case where the balance of the prepaid card is insufficient or the use of a credit card or the like is suspended.
By doing so, the central server 2 can manage the vehicles for which the billing process has not been completed by the fraudulent vehicle list D6.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the central server and the area server according to at least one embodiment.
Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the central server 2 and the area server 3 according to at least one embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. 24.

The computer 900 includes a CPU 901, a main storage device 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, and an interface 904.

The central server 2 and the area server 3 described above are each mounted on the computer 900. Then, the operations of the respective parts of the central server 2 and the area server 3 described above are stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 of each computer 900 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, expands it to the main storage device 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the CPU 901 secures a storage area in the main storage device 902 for storing various information acquired and generated in association with the processing according to the program. Further, the CPU 901 secures a storage area for storing the data being processed in the auxiliary storage device 903 according to the program.

The computer 900 is connected to the external storage device 910 via the interface 904, and the storage area may be secured in the external storage device 910.

Note that, in at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 903 is an example of a non-temporary tangible medium. Other examples of non-temporary tangible media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memories, etc. connected via interface 904. When this program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the distributed computer 900 may expand the program to the main storage device 902 and execute the above processing.

Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Further, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the above-mentioned function in combination with another program already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, they are not limited to these as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention, and some design changes and the like are possible.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which NP information is used as vehicle identification information that can identify the vehicle V has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The central server 2 and the area server 3 may use the on-board unit ID of the on-board unit as the vehicle identification information that can identify the vehicle V. Further, the central server 2 and the area server 3 may be set according to the area, whether the NP information is used as the vehicle identification information or the on-board unit ID is used. In this case, for example, when only the NP information is used as the vehicle identification information in the area A, the vehicle detection device 32 in the area A may omit the wireless communication device 321.

According to the central server, area server, toll collection system, toll collection method, and program according to the above aspects, it is possible to reduce the cost required for managing the user's account information and billing processing.

100 Toll collection system 2 Central server 20 CPU
200 Registration processing unit 201 Usage information acquisition unit 202 Billing processing unit 203 Communication processing unit 204 Usage details creation unit 205 Area information acquisition unit 206 Recommended route proposal unit 207 Movement route determination unit 21

Recording media

3, 3A, 3B, 3C Area server 30 CPU
300 Vehicle information acquisition unit 301 Toll charge calculation unit 302 Facility usage information acquisition unit 303 Usage information transmission unit 304 Area information transmission unit 305 List acquisition unit 306 Warning output unit 31 Recording medium 32 Vehicle detection device 320 NP reader 321 Wireless communication device 322 Roadside display board 33 Facility terminal 4 User terminal

Claims

A recording medium that records account information of users who use multiple areas operated by different businesses and each has an area server.
A usage information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the user in the area associated with each of the area servers from the plurality of area servers.
A billing processing unit that performs billing processing of usage charges according to the usage of the user in the area based on the usage information and the account information.
Central server with.
Based on the usage information, the billing processing unit gives the user an incentive according to the use of the area or facilities in the area.
The central server according to claim 1.
An area information acquisition unit that acquires area information related to each of the plurality of areas from each of the plurality of area servers,
A recommended route suggestion unit that proposes recommended routes in a plurality of the areas based on the plurality of area information,
The central server according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising.
Further provided with a movement route determination unit that acquires the position information of the user and determines whether or not the user has moved along the recommended route.
When it is determined that the user has moved along the recommended route, the billing processing unit gives the user a predetermined incentive.
The central server according to claim 3.
Further equipped with a communication processing unit that communicates with a plurality of the area servers.
When the account information having information matching the vehicle information included in the usage information is not stored in the recording medium, the billing processing unit adds the vehicle information to the fraudulent vehicle list.
The communication processing unit transmits the fraudulent vehicle list to each of the plurality of area servers.
The central server according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The billing processing unit adds the vehicle information included in the usage information to the fraudulent vehicle list when payment cannot be made by the payment means included in the usage information.
The central server according to claim 5.
An area server associated with one of multiple areas operated by different operators.
A vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle on which the user is boarding via a vehicle detection device provided at a predetermined point in the area.
A toll charge calculation unit that calculates a toll as a usage charge for the user to pass through the area,
The facility usage information acquisition unit that acquires facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility of the user from the facility terminal owned by the facility in the area.
A usage information transmission unit that creates usage information including the vehicle information, a toll for the area, or a usage fee for the facility, and transmits the usage information to the central server.
Area server with.
An area information transmission unit that transmits area information about the area to the central server is further provided.
The area server according to claim 7.
Among the vehicle information related to the vehicle traveling in any of the plurality of areas, the list acquisition unit that acquires the fraudulent vehicle list in which the vehicle information that does not match the information registered in advance is recorded from the central server.
When the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit matches the vehicle information included in the fraudulent vehicle list, a warning output unit that outputs warning information to the user and a warning output unit.
The area server according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising.
The central server according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and
The area server according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
Toll collection system equipped with.
Steps to record account information of users who use multiple areas operated by different businesses,
A step of acquiring vehicle information about the vehicle on which the user is boarding via a vehicle detection device provided at a predetermined point in the area, and
A step of calculating a toll as a usage fee for the user to pass through the area, and
A step of acquiring facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility of the user from the facility terminal of the facility in the area, and
A step of creating usage information including the vehicle information, a toll of the area, or a usage fee of the facility, and
Based on the usage information and the account information, a step of aggregating usage charges according to the usage of the user in a plurality of the areas and performing a billing process.
How to collect tolls.
A program that makes the computer of the central server function, and the computer
Steps to record account information of users who use multiple areas operated by different businesses,
A step of acquiring usage information of the user in the area associated with each of the area servers from a plurality of area servers, and
Based on the usage information and the account information, a step of aggregating usage charges according to the usage of the user in a plurality of the areas and performing a billing process.
A program that executes.
A program that activates an area server computer associated with one of a plurality of areas operated by different operators.
A step of acquiring vehicle information about the vehicle on which the user is boarding via a vehicle detection device provided at a predetermined point in the area, and
A step of calculating a toll as a usage fee for the user to pass through the area, and
A step of acquiring facility usage information including the usage fee of the facility of the user from the facility terminal of the facility in the area, and
A step of creating usage information including the toll of the area or the usage fee of the facility and sending it to the central server.
A program that executes.