In-vehicle devices, in-vehicle systems, application systems, application methods, and programs

Abstract

The present invention provides an in-vehicle device that, if a user determines that they have been affected by a specific event that has reduced the quality of service on a toll road, generates evidence information indicating that specific event and allows them to apply for a refund of the usage fee. [Solution] The in-vehicle device includes an evidence information acquisition unit that receives instructions from the user and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road, and an application information generation unit that generates application information including the acquired evidence information and rebate destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device, an in-vehicle system, an application system, an application method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As a technology for collecting tolls on toll roads, an automatic toll collection system (also referred to as an Electronic Toll Collection System. In Japan, it is also referred to as an ETC (registered trademark) system.) is used. The automatic toll collection system performs wireless communication with an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle at a toll gate of a toll road, and automatically collects a toll corresponding to the driving distance (driving section) from the entrance toll gate to the exit toll gate where the vehicle has traveled.

[0003] The toll corresponding to the driving distance from the entrance toll gate to the exit toll gate is defined in a toll table, for example, and is distributed from a center server to a toll gate (for example, an exit toll gate) that collects tolls. In addition, a discount may be applied to the toll. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for applying a time zone discount to a vehicle that has passed through an entrance toll gate during a specific time zone. A toll table to which a time zone discount is applied, a (normal) toll table to which a time zone discount is not applied, etc. are distributed from the center server to each toll gate at necessary timings such as the start and end timings of the discount time zone. Each toll gate calculates the toll for each vehicle using the distributed toll table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Furthermore, suppose a road operator decides to offer a discount on vehicle tolls at toll booths when a specific event is detected. However, if the detection of the specific event is delayed, the vehicle may exit the toll road before the discount can be applied. In this case, users who were affected by the specific event but did not receive the discount may feel that they have been disadvantaged.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle device, in-vehicle system, application system, application method, and program that, if a user determines that they have been affected by a specific event that degrades the quality of services on a toll road, can generate evidence information indicating that specific event and apply for a refund of the usage fee. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the in-vehicle device includes an evidence information acquisition unit that receives instructions from a user and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road, and an application information generation unit that generates application information including the acquired evidence information and rebate destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle system includes: a driving information recording unit that records driving information of a vehicle while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road; an evidence information acquisition unit that receives instructions from a user and acquires evidence information including the driving information recorded by the driving information recording unit; an application information generation unit that generates application information by associating the acquired evidence information with rebate destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee rebate; and a wide-area communication unit that uses the communication function of the information and communication device held by the user to transmit the application information to a center server that accepts applications for rebates of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the application system is an application system comprising an in-vehicle device and a center server, wherein the in-vehicle device includes: an evidence information acquisition unit that receives instructions from a user and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road; an application information generation unit that generates application information by associating the acquired evidence information with refund destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee; and a wide-area communication unit that uses the communication function of the information and communication device possessed by the user to transmit the application information to a center server that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road, wherein the center server includes: an application information receiving unit that receives the application information from the in-vehicle device; a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle has been affected by a specific event based on the evidence information contained in the received application information; and a refund processing unit that, if it is determined that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, refunds at least a portion of the usage fee to a refund destination identified by the refund destination identification information contained in the application information.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the application method is an application method using an application system comprising an in-vehicle device and a center server, comprising the steps of: the in-vehicle device receiving instructions from a user and acquiring evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road; the in-vehicle device generating application information that associates the acquired evidence information with rebate destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee; the in-vehicle device transmitting the application information to a center server that accepts applications for rebates of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road, using the communication function of an information and communication device possessed by the user; the center server receiving the application information from the in-vehicle device; the center server determining whether the vehicle has been affected by a specific event based on the evidence information included in the received application information and specific event information that records the specific event that occurred on the toll road; and, if the center server determines that the vehicle has been affected by the specific event, rebating at least a portion of the usage fee to a recipient identified by the rebate destination identification information included in the application information.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the program causes the in-vehicle device to perform the following steps: receiving instructions from a user, obtaining evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road, and generating application information that associates the obtained evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the above configuration, if a user determines that they have been affected by a specific event that degrades the quality of services on a toll road, they can generate evidence information indicating the specific event and apply for a refund of the usage fee. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the application system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the central server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the application system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the application system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the application system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to one of the embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0016] (Overall structure) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the application system according to the first embodiment. The application system 100 is a system for users to apply for a refund of usage fees based on self-declaration by the user when they determine that they have been affected by a specific event on a toll road. The application system 100 may also be configured as a function of an automated toll collection system that collects vehicle tolls. As shown in Figure 1, the application system 100 comprises an in-vehicle system 10 and a central server 30.

[0017] The in-vehicle system 10 is installed in vehicles traveling on toll roads. The in-vehicle system 10 includes at least an in-vehicle unit 11. In addition to the in-vehicle unit 11, the in-vehicle system 10 further includes information and communication equipment 12, a driving information recording unit 13, and a UI (User Interface) unit 14.

[0018] When the vehicle arrives at a toll booth on a toll road, the in-vehicle unit 11 performs wireless communication with toll booth equipment (such as a lane server) via a roadside antenna provided at the toll booth, and automatically executes various processes related to the collection of tolls. Since these processes are the same as those of the in-vehicle unit in the conventional electronic toll collection system, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0019] In addition, when the user (occupant of the vehicle) of the toll road determines that they have been affected by a specific event occurring on the toll road, the in-vehicle unit 11 according to this embodiment accepts the user's instruction operation and applies to the road operator for a reduction of the usage fee corresponding to the specific event. Specific events are, for example, events that degrade the quality of the driving service on the toll road, such as traffic jams, lane restrictions or road closures due to accidents, construction, weather, etc., and closures of toll booths. In this embodiment, the usage fee is the toll for the toll road.

[0020] The information communication device 12 connects to a wide area network NW such as the Internet or a cellular network and communicates with the center server 30. The information communication device 12 is, for example, a mobile terminal 12A or a PC 12B held by the user. In FIG. 1, an example where the information communication device 12 has both the mobile terminal 12A and the PC 12B is shown, but it may have at least one of them. The mobile terminal 12A has a wide area wireless communication function capable of communicating with the center server 30 via a cellular network. The mobile terminal 12A is, for example, a smartphone held by the user. The PC 12B has a wide area communication function capable of communicating with the center server 30 via the Internet.

[0021] The driving information recording unit 13 records driving information that can identify which section of the toll road the vehicle has traveled on and when. The driving information recording unit 13 is, for example, a driving recorder mounted on the vehicle, a car navigation system, a smartphone, or the like.

[0022] Driving information is positioning information output by the GNSS receiver (not shown) of the driving information recording unit 13, or the driving route that can be identified from the positioning information. The driving route is information indicating the section of the toll road that the vehicle traveled and the entry / exit times. Driving information may also be vehicle speed information indicating the vehicle's speed at each time. The driving information recording unit 13 can acquire the vehicle speed at each time based on the positioning information of the GNSS receiver and data output from the vehicle's sensors. Furthermore, driving information may also be images of the road that the vehicle traveled on, taken by the camera (not shown) of the driving information recording unit 13. The driving information recording unit 13 records one or more of the following as driving information: positioning information, driving route, vehicle speed, and images.

[0023] The UI unit 14 receives instructions and operations from the user and notifies the user of information. The UI unit 14 may be, for example, a touch panel or speaker on an external device such as a car navigation system. Alternatively, the UI unit 14 may be a button or notification device (speaker, LED, etc.) on the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0024] The central server 30 is a server owned by the road operator of the toll road, and is responsible for recording specific incidents that occur on the toll road and receiving applications from users for refunds of usage fees related to those specific incidents.

[0025] (Functional configuration of in-vehicle devices) Next, the functional configuration of the in-vehicle unit 11 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The in-vehicle unit 11 comprises a narrow-area communication unit 111, an evidence information acquisition unit 112, an application information generation unit 113, and a wide-area communication unit 114.

[0026] The narrow-area communication unit 111 communicates with roadside antennas installed at toll booths using narrow-area wireless communication (e.g., DSRC communication) to communicate regarding the collection of tolls. The narrow-area communication unit 111 may also communicate with roadside antennas of ITS spots that a vehicle passes while traveling on a toll road. In this case, the narrow-area communication unit 111 records information that can identify the ITS spot, as well as a communication history including the time of communication.

[0027] The evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using the toll road. In this embodiment, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires information that can identify the vehicle's travel route as evidence information. Specifically, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires the travel information recorded by the travel information recording unit 13 as evidence information. On toll roads equipped with ITS spots, it is possible to identify when and which ITS spot the vehicle passed through (the vehicle's travel route) from the communication history with the ITS spot recorded by the narrow-area communication unit 111. Therefore, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 may acquire the communication history recorded by the narrow-area communication unit 111 as evidence information in lieu of, or in addition to, the travel information recorded by the travel information recording unit 13.

[0028] The application information generation unit 113 generates application information that includes acquired evidence information and information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee refund. The information that identifies the recipient of the refund is, for example, information linked to the payment method for the usage fee (credit card, bank account, etc.) or a point card. In this embodiment, the information that identifies the recipient of the refund is the IC card information of the IC card 20 inserted into the onboard unit 11 (for example, an ETC card used in Japan's ETC system). In this embodiment, an example of refunding usage fees by awarding points is described. In other embodiments, the refund may be made by partially refunding or discounting the usage fee. The application information may also include identification information that identifies the onboard unit 11 (onboard unit ID, etc.).

[0029] The wide-area communication unit 114 transmits application information to the center server 30 using the communication function of the information and communication device 12 possessed by the user. In other embodiments, the in-vehicle unit 11 may have a communication function that allows it to connect to the wide-area network NW and communicate with the center server 30. In this case, the wide-area communication unit 114 transmits application information to the center server 30 using the communication function of the in-vehicle unit 11, so the information and communication device 12 may be omitted.

[0030] (Functional configuration of the central server) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the center server according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the center server 30 includes a specific event recording unit 301, an application information receiving unit 302, a determination unit 303, and a reduction processing unit 304.

[0031] The specific event recording unit 301 creates specific event information that records specific events that occurred on toll roads. The specific event information includes information such as the type of specific event, the scope of the impact of the specific event, the time of occurrence of the specific event, and the time of resolution. For example, if the type of specific event is traffic congestion, the scope of the impact of the specific event includes information that allows for the identification of the congested section. The specific event recording unit 301 creates specific event information based on the content entered by the operator. The operator detects the occurrence and resolution of specific events through monitoring by roadside equipment (sensors, surveillance cameras, etc.) installed on roads and toll booths, reports from monitors and users, and information provided by external systems (traffic congestion information provision systems, etc.). Alternatively, the specific event recording unit 301 may automatically create specific event information based on information provided by external systems, etc., without operator intervention.

[0032] The application information receiving unit 302 receives the application information generated by the in-vehicle device 11.

[0033] The determination unit 303 determines whether the vehicle was affected by a specific event based on the evidence information included in the received application information and the specific event information that records the specific event that occurred on the toll road.

[0034] If the reduction processing unit 304 determines that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, it will return the funds to the designated recipient specified by the recipient identification information included in the application information.

[0035] (Example of processing in the application system) Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the application system according to the first embodiment. The processing flow of the application system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 3. In addition, Figure 3 describes an example in which the in-vehicle unit 11 acquires the driving information recorded by the driving information recording unit 13 as evidence information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example in which the in-vehicle unit 11 uses the mobile terminal 12A as an information and communication device 12 will be described.

[0036] Suppose a vehicle travels on a toll road where the usage fee has been changed (discounted, etc.) according to a specific event. At this time, the driving information recording unit 13 records the vehicle's driving information (step S101). This process is repeated until the vehicle exits the toll road.

[0037] Furthermore, suppose a traffic jam occurs in section A of the toll road. When the specific event recording unit 301 of the center server 30 receives information indicating a traffic jam, it creates and records specific event information related to this traffic jam (step S102). The specific event information includes the type of specific event (traffic jam), the section affected by the traffic jam (section A), and the time the traffic jam occurred. The information indicating a traffic jam is information input from an operator or an external system. Each time the specific event recording unit 301 receives information indicating a specific event in this way, it executes the process of recording the specific event information (step S102). In addition, if information indicating that the traffic jam in section A has been resolved is newly input, the specific event recording unit 301 adds the time the traffic jam was resolved to the specific event information related to the traffic jam in section A and records (overwrites) it. The center server 30 can determine that vehicles that traveled through section A during the period from the time the traffic jam occurred to the time it was resolved, as recorded in the specific event information, are eligible for a change in the usage fee or a refund.

[0038] If a user's vehicle was traveling through congested section A but did not receive a change (discount) on the toll fee (for example, if they exited the toll road before specific event information was recorded), the user applies to the road operator for a refund of the toll fee to compensate for the impact (delay) of the congestion in section A. The user can find out that the toll fee has not been changed by checking the toll statement. The user operates the UI unit 14 while the vehicle is parked at home or elsewhere and instructs the on-board unit 11 to apply for the refund. At this time, the user specifies the date on which they traveled on the toll road including section A. The on-board unit 11 receives the user's instructions via the UI unit 14 (step S103). Then, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 of the on-board unit 11 acquires the driving information recorded by the driving information recording unit 13 for the date specified by the user as evidence information (step S104). Furthermore, the user may specify the time during which they traveled on the toll road including section A. In this case, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 may narrow down the travel information to be acquired as evidence information based on the date and time specified by the user.

[0039] Next, the application information generation unit 113 of the in-vehicle unit 11 acquires information identifying the recipient of the usage fee refund (step S105). In this embodiment, the information identifying the recipient of the refund is obtained from the IC card information of the IC card 20 inserted into the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0040] Furthermore, the application information generation unit 113 of the in-vehicle device 11 generates application information including evidence information and information identifying the recipient of the rebate (step S106).

[0041] Once the application information is generated, the wide-area communication unit 114 of the in-vehicle unit 11 transmits the application information to the center server 30 via the mobile terminal 12A to apply for a refund of the usage fee (step S107).

[0042] When the application information receiving unit 302 of the center server 30 receives application information from the in-vehicle device 11 (step S108), the determination unit 303 compares this application information with the specific event information recorded in step S102 to determine whether the vehicle was actually affected by the specific event (step S109).

[0043] For example, if the specific event information records that section A was congested from 10:00 to 12:00 on a specific day, and the driving information records that the vehicle entered section A at 10:05 on the same day, the determination unit 303 determines that the vehicle was actually affected by the specific event (step S109; YES). In this case, the redemption processing unit 304 performs a redemption process to award points to the redemption destination specified in the redemption destination identification information of the application information (step S110). The points to be awarded may be predetermined according to the type of specific event, etc., or the value specified by the operator in step S102 may be recorded in the specific event information. The redemption processing unit 304 also notifies the redemption destination that points have been awarded. In this embodiment, the IC card 20 in the on-board unit 11 is the redemption destination, so the redemption processing unit 304 notifies the on-board unit 11 into which the IC card 20 is inserted that points have been awarded. When the application information generation unit 113 of the in-vehicle unit 11 receives this notification via the mobile terminal 12A, it records the awarded points on the IC card 20.

[0044] The determination unit 303 determines that the vehicle is not affected by the specific event if the driving information included in the application information does not match the specific event information (step S109; NO). In other words, for example, if the road operator determines that section A has not reached a specific event (congestion) and therefore no specific event information for section A is recorded, or if the driving information does not record that section A was traveled, or if the driving information records that section A was traveled during a time when there was no congestion (before congestion started or after congestion cleared), then the vehicle is determined not to be affected by the specific event. In this case, the reduction processing unit 304 does not perform reduction processing on the application information (step S112).

[0045] Furthermore, the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 notifies the in-vehicle device 11 of the processing result for the application information (step S113). If the determination unit 303 determines that the application has been affected by a specific event, the processing result may include information on points assigned by the reduction processing unit 304.

[0046] The wide-area communication unit 114 of the in-vehicle unit 11 receives the processing result via the mobile terminal 12A. Then, the application information generation unit 113 of the in-vehicle unit 11 notifies the user of the processing result (step S114). For example, the application information generation unit 113 notifies the user of the processing result by outputting voice or messages to the UI unit 14.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an example in which the in-vehicle unit 11 continuously generates application information and transmits it to the center server 30, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the in-vehicle unit 11 may temporarily suspend processing when the generation of application information (step S106) is completed, and then resume processing from the transmission of application information (step S107) when the user makes the next instruction operation. For example, a user may perform the generation of application information (step S106) while parked (stopped) in a service area or parking area before exiting a toll road, and then resume processing from step S107, when they check their toll statement and find that they have not received a refund for the usage fee due to the impact of congestion.

[0048] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows an example in which the in-vehicle unit 11 transmits application information to the central server 30 via a mobile terminal 12A (information and communication device 12), but the system is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the in-vehicle unit 11 may be able to transfer the application information generated in step S106 to the mobile terminal 12A or PC 12B via a portable recording medium or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth®). In this case, the mobile terminal 12A or PC 12B performs step S107, which transmits the application information to the central server 30, instead of the in-vehicle unit 11. In other words, in the in-vehicle system 10 according to this embodiment, the mobile terminal 12A or PC 12B may function as a wide-area communication unit 114.

[0049] In another embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 11 may temporarily suspend processing when the generation of application information (step S106) is completed, and when the vehicle arrives at a toll booth or ITS spot, the narrow-area communication unit 111 may transmit the application information via the roadside antenna (step S107). The narrow-area communication unit 111 also receives notification of the processing result from the center server 30 via the roadside antenna at the toll booth or ITS spot. In this case, the configuration of the information and communication equipment 12 and the wide-area communication unit 114 of the in-vehicle unit 11 may be omitted.

[0050] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows an example in which the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 matches the driving information included in the application information with the specific event information to determine whether the vehicle was actually affected by the specific event, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the determination unit 303 may use the vehicle speed information or images included in the driving information to determine whether the vehicle was affected by the specific event. For example, if the road operator is unable to detect congestion in section A due to a malfunction of the surveillance camera, the specific event information will not be recorded. Taking such cases into consideration, in step S109 of Figure 3, even if the specific event is not recorded, if the determination unit 303 can determine from the driving information (driving route and vehicle speed information) that the vehicle drove in section A for a certain period of time or longer at a predetermined speed or less, it may determine that the vehicle was affected by the specific event (congestion) in section A. In this case, the determination unit 303 may, for example, use known image processing techniques to determine whether section A is congested or not based on the traffic volume in section A detected from the image, or the speed and movement of vehicles detected from consecutive images. Furthermore, the determination unit 303 may make a determination by combining vehicle speed information and information detected from the image, for example, determining that the section is not affected by congestion if congestion is not detected from the image, even if the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed.

[0051] In another embodiment, if the evidence information includes the communication history recorded by the narrow-range communication unit 111 of the in-vehicle unit 11 and the identification information of the in-vehicle unit 11, the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 may, in step S109, acquire the communication history with the in-vehicle unit 11 from the roadside antenna of the ITS spot and compare it with the communication history included in the evidence information. If both communication histories do not match, the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 determines that the communication history included in the evidence information has been tampered with and that it is not affected by the specific event (step S109; NO). In this case, the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 may also register the identification information of this in-vehicle unit 11 in a blacklist and, if it receives fraudulent (tampered) evidence information from the same in-vehicle unit 11 more than a predetermined number of times, it may issue a warning or report to the enforcement agency. If both communication histories match, it determines that the communication history is an application and proceeds to compare it with the specific event information or make a determination based on vehicle speed information and images. By doing so, fraudulent activity by users can be more effectively deterred.

[0052] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows an example in which, after the center server 30 receives the application information, it successively performs the following steps: reviewing whether or not there is an impact from a specific event (step S109), processing to redeem points (step S110), and notifying the processing result (step S113), but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the processing in steps S109 to S113 may be performed at a later date. For example, it may take some time from the time the center server 30 receives the application information until it completes the review of whether or not there is an impact from a specific event (step S109). In this case, the in-vehicle device 11 transmits the application information in step S107 and terminates the processing. Also, once the center server 30 has completed the processing in steps S109 to S110, it records the data so that the processing result can be displayed (notified) on the road operator's website. The user accesses the road operator's website (for example, the screen after logging in with the user's ID) to check whether or not the points have been redeemed.

[0053] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the in-vehicle device 11 according to this embodiment includes an evidence information acquisition unit 112 that receives instructions from the user and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road, and an application information generation unit 113 that generates application information including the acquired evidence information and rebate destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle usage fee.

[0054] In this way, when a user determines that a toll road service has deteriorated due to a specific event, the in-vehicle device 11 can generate application information that includes evidence that allows for the fair identification of whether or not a specific event had an impact, without including the user's subjective opinion.

[0055] Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 11 is equipped with a wide-area communication unit 114 that transmits application information to a center server 30 that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of toll roads, using the communication functions of the in-vehicle unit 11 or the communication functions of the information and communication device 12 connected to the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0056] In this way, after generating the application information, the in-vehicle device 11 can then request the center server 30 to refund the usage fee. As a result, the user can have the in-vehicle device 11 perform a series of processes, including obtaining evidence information, generating application information, and sending the application information, with just one operation.

[0057] Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 11 may also include a narrow-area communication unit 111 instead of the wide-area communication unit 114, which communicates wirelessly with roadside antennas installed at ITS spots or toll booths on toll roads and transmits application information to the center server 30.

[0058] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 11 can transmit application information via the narrow-area communication unit 111 and roadside antenna used in conventional automated toll collection systems. This eliminates the need for the wide-area communication unit 114 and information and communication equipment 12 of the in-vehicle unit 11, resulting in a simpler configuration.

[0059] Furthermore, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information that includes driving information capable of identifying the vehicle's driving route, which is recorded by the driving information recording unit 13 installed in the vehicle.

[0060] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 11 can use the driving information recorded in the driving information recording unit 13 as evidence that proves which section of the toll road the vehicle traveled on.

[0061] Furthermore, when the narrow-area communication unit 111 performs wireless communication with the roadside antenna of an ITS spot, it records a communication history that includes information that can identify the ITS spot, and the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information that includes the communication history recorded by the narrow-area communication unit 111.

[0062] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 11 can use the communication history between the conventional narrow-area communication unit 111 and the roadside antenna of the ITS spot to obtain evidence that proves which ITS spot locations the vehicle passed through and in what order, that is, the vehicle's travel route. Furthermore, the data transmitted and received via wireless communication between the roadside antenna and the narrow-area communication unit 111 may be encrypted so that only road operators can decrypt it. This can deter users from tampering with the data (driving information) of the in-vehicle unit 11 and making fraudulent applications.

[0063] Furthermore, the application system 100 according to this embodiment includes the above-described in-vehicle unit 11 and a center server 30. The center server 30 includes an application information receiving unit 302 that receives application information from the in-vehicle unit 11, a determination unit 303 that determines whether or not the vehicle has been affected by a specific event based on the evidence information contained in the received application information, and a refund processing unit 304 that, if it is determined that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, refunds at least a portion of the usage fee to a refund recipient identified by the refund recipient identification information contained in the application information.

[0064] In this way, the application system 100 can deter users from making false applications by requiring them to submit application information that includes evidence information. Furthermore, the application system 100 can ensure that the center server 30 makes a judgment based on the evidence information, which is objective evidence, and therefore does not provide refunds for false applications, but appropriately refunds usage fees only to vehicles that were actually affected by the specific event.

[0065] Furthermore, the center server 30 is equipped with a specific event recording unit 301 that creates specific event information recording specific events that occurred on toll roads, and the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 matches the evidence information with the specific event information to determine whether or not the vehicle was affected by the specific event.

[0066] When multiple users utilize a section A of a toll road at the same time, their subjective opinions may differ in determining whether or not section A was congested. However, the application system 100 according to this embodiment can objectively and fairly determine whether or not a vehicle was affected by congestion, regardless of the user's subjective opinion, by further referring to specific event information recorded by the road operator as indicating that section A was congested.

[0067] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle unit 11, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information including the communication history recorded by the narrow-area communication unit 111, and the application information generation unit 113 generates application information including identification information that can identify the in-vehicle unit 11. In the center server 30, the determination unit 303 determines whether the vehicle was affected by a specific event based on the evidence information when the communication history included in the application information matches the communication history of the roadside antenna of the ITS spot linked to the identification information of the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0068] In this way, the application system 100 allows users to verify whether the evidence information (communication history) has been tampered with, and prevents users from fraudulently receiving refunds of usage fees through tampering.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Components common to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, a specific event is an event in which services provided at the toll road facilities are unavailable, and includes, for example, events such as service areas or parking areas being full and unavailable for parking, or service area facilities (showers, etc.) being out of order and unavailable. In this embodiment, the usage fee may also be a facility usage fee.

[0070] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the application system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the facility manager presents the user with a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code®) on which facility information indicating that the facility's services are unavailable is recorded. The user reads the facility information from this two-dimensional code using their mobile terminal 12A. The evidence information acquisition unit 112 of the in-vehicle device 11 acquires the facility information read by the mobile terminal 12A as evidence information.

[0071] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the application system according to the second embodiment. The processing flow of the application system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 5. Note that the processing of the driving information recording unit 13 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its explanation will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0072] For example, suppose the equipment in service area B malfunctions and becomes unusable. In this case, the administrator of service area B notifies the central server 30 of the facility information indicating that the equipment in service area B is unusable. Alternatively, the administrator of service area B may notify an operator by telephone, etc., and the operator may input the facility information into the central server 30. In this case, the specific event recording unit 301 of the central server 30 records the notified (input) facility information as specific event information (step S201). The facility information includes information indicating the facility (service area B), the type of specific event (equipment unusable), and the period of impact (time when the unusable condition occurred). The specific event recording unit 301 executes the process of recording specific event information (step S201) each time facility information is notified. If new information indicating that the equipment in service area B has become usable is input, the specific event recording unit 301 adds the time when the unusable condition was resolved to the period of impact of this specific event information and records (overwrites) it. This allows us to determine, by referring to specific event information, that only vehicles (users) that attempted to use the facilities in Service Area B during the period from when the facilities became unavailable until the unavailability was resolved were affected by the unavailability.

[0073] Suppose a vehicle (user) stops at service area B and attempts to use the facilities. However, the facilities are out of order and unavailable. In this case, the manager of service area B presents the user with a QR code containing facility information. For example, the QR code may be presented to the user by a sign indicating that the facilities are out of order (unavailable). The user operates their mobile terminal 12A to scan the QR code. The mobile terminal 12A reads and records the facility information from the QR code (step S202). However, with the sign method, even those who do not intend to use the facilities can scan the QR code. Therefore, it is preferable for the manager to present the QR code to those who wish to use the facilities only when they have received an inquiry from such a person. This would limit the scanning of the QR code to only those who intend to use the facilities.

[0074] Furthermore, the user operates the UI unit 14 while the vehicle is stopped to instruct the on-board unit 11 to apply to the road operator that they were unable to use the facilities at service area B. At this time, the user may specify the date on which they were unable to use the facilities. The on-board unit 11 receives the user's instructions via the UI unit 14 (step S203). Then, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 of the on-board unit 11 acquires as evidence information the facility information recorded by the mobile terminal 12A that was recorded on the date specified by the user (step S204).

[0075] The processing in steps S205 to S214 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment (steps S105 to S114 in Figure 3). The application information generated in step S206 includes the facility information obtained in step S204 as evidence information. In step S209, the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 matches the facility information recorded as specific event information with the facility information included in the application information to determine whether the vehicle was actually unable to use the facilities of service area B.

[0076] As described above, in the in-vehicle device 11 according to this embodiment, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information, including facility information provided by the facility manager, when the services of the toll road facilities are unavailable.

[0077] In this way, the in-vehicle device 11 can generate application information that objectively proves that the user was actually unable to use the facility's services, based on facility information provided by the facility manager.

[0078] <Computer Configuration> Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to one embodiment. The computer 900 comprises a processor 901, main memory 902, auxiliary memory 903, and interface 904. The above-mentioned in-vehicle unit 11 and center server 30 are each implemented in different computers 900. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the auxiliary memory 903 in the form of a program. The processor 901 reads the program from the auxiliary memory 903, expands it into the main memory 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The processor 901 also allocates memory area in the main memory 902 to be used for the above processing according to the program.

[0079] The program may be for implementing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 900. For example, the program may perform functions in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer may be equipped with a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to, or in place of, the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0080] Examples of auxiliary storage devices 903 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device 903 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 900, or it may be an external medium (external storage device 910) connected to the computer 900 via an interface 904 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the distribution may expand the program into the main memory 902 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 903 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0081] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes are possible. In other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel.

[0082] <Note> The above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0083] (1) According to the first embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 11 includes an evidence information acquisition unit 112 that receives instructions from the user and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road, and an application information generation unit 113 that generates application information including the acquired evidence information and information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee.

[0084] In this way, when a user determines that a toll road service has deteriorated due to a specific event, the in-vehicle device 11 can generate application information that includes evidence that allows for the fair identification of whether or not a specific event had an impact, without including the user's subjective opinion.

[0085] (2) According to the second embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 11 according to the first embodiment further comprises a wide-area communication unit 114 that transmits application information to a center server 30 that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of toll roads, using the communication function of the in-vehicle unit 11 or the communication function of the information and communication device 12 connected to the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0086] In this way, after generating the application information, the in-vehicle device 11 can then request the center server 30 to refund the usage fee. As a result, the user can have the in-vehicle device 11 perform a series of processes, including obtaining evidence information, generating application information, and sending the application information, with just one operation.

[0087] (3) According to the third embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 11 according to the first embodiment further comprises a narrow-area communication unit 111 that communicates wirelessly with roadside antennas installed at ITS spots or toll booths on toll roads and transmits application information to a center server 30 that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of toll roads.

[0088] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 11 can transmit application information via the narrow-area communication unit 111 and roadside antenna used in conventional automated toll collection systems. This eliminates the need for the wide-area communication unit 114 and information and communication equipment 12 of the in-vehicle unit 11, resulting in a simpler configuration.

[0089] (4) According to the fourth embodiment, in the in-vehicle device 11 according to any one of the first to third embodiments, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information which includes driving information that can identify the driving route of the vehicle, and which is recorded by the driving information recording unit 13 installed in the vehicle.

[0090] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 11 can use the driving information recorded in the driving information recording unit 13 as evidence that proves which section of the toll road the vehicle traveled on.

[0091] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 11 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments further comprises a narrow-area communication unit 111 that wirelessly communicates with a roadside antenna installed at an ITS spot on a toll road and records a communication history including information that can identify the ITS spot, and the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information including the communication history recorded by the narrow-area communication unit 111.

[0092] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 11 can use the communication history between the conventional narrow-area communication unit 111 and the roadside antenna of the ITS spot to obtain evidence that proves which ITS spot the vehicle passed through, in what location and in what order, that is, the vehicle's travel route.

[0093] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the in-vehicle device 11 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 acquires evidence information, including facility information provided by the facility manager, when the services of the toll road facilities are unavailable.

[0094] In this way, the in-vehicle device 11 can generate application information that objectively proves that the user was actually unable to use the facility's services, based on facility information provided by the facility manager.

[0095] (7) According to the seventh aspect, the in-vehicle system 10 includes a driving information recording unit 13 that records driving information of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, an evidence information acquisition unit 112 that receives instructions from the user and acquires evidence information including the driving information recorded by the driving information recording unit 13, an application information generation unit 113 that generates application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee refund, and a wide-area communication unit 114 that uses the communication function of the information and communication device 12 held by the user to transmit the application information to a center server 30 that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of toll roads.

[0096] In this way, when a user determines that a toll road service has deteriorated due to a specific event, the in-vehicle system 10 can use the records from the driving information recording unit 13 installed in the vehicle to generate application information that includes evidence information that can fairly determine whether or not the specific event had an impact, without including the user's subjective opinion, and transmit it to the center server 30.

[0097] (8) According to the eighth aspect, the application system 100 comprises an in-vehicle unit 11 and a center server 30, wherein the in-vehicle unit 11 includes an evidence information acquisition unit 112 that receives instructions from a user and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is driving on a toll road, an application information generation unit 113 that generates application information by associating the acquired evidence information with refund destination identification information that can identify the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee, and a wide-area communication unit 114 that uses the communication function of an information and communication device 12 possessed by the user to transmit the application information to the center server 30 that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of toll roads, and the center server 30 includes an application information receiving unit 302 that receives application information from the in-vehicle unit 11, a determination unit 303 that determines whether or not the vehicle has been affected by a specific event based on the evidence information contained in the received application information, and a refund processing unit 304 that, if it is determined that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, refunds at least a portion of the usage fee to a refund destination identified by the refund destination identification information contained in the application information.

[0098] In this way, the application system 100 can deter users from making false applications by requiring them to submit application information that includes evidence information. Furthermore, the application system 100 can ensure that the center server 30 makes a judgment based on the evidence information, which is objective evidence, and therefore does not provide refunds for false applications, but appropriately refunds usage fees only to vehicles that were actually affected by the specific event.

[0099] (9) According to the ninth aspect, in the application system 100 according to the eighth aspect, the center server 30 further comprises a specific event recording unit 301 that creates specific event information recording specific events that occurred on a toll road, and the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 matches evidence information with specific event information to determine whether or not the vehicle was affected by the specific event.

[0100] When multiple users utilize a section A of a toll road at the same time, their subjective opinions may differ in determining whether or not section A was congested. However, the application system 100 according to this embodiment can objectively and fairly determine whether or not a vehicle was affected by congestion, regardless of the user's subjective opinion, by further referring to specific event information recorded by the road operator as indicating that section A was congested.

[0101] (10) According to the tenth embodiment, in the application system 100 according to the eighth or ninth embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 11 further comprises a narrow-area communication unit 111 that wirelessly communicates with a roadside antenna installed at an ITS spot on a toll road and records a communication history including information that can identify the ITS spot, the evidence information acquisition unit 112 of the in-vehicle unit 11 acquires the evidence information including the communication history recorded by the narrow-area communication unit 111, the application information generation unit 113 of the in-vehicle unit 11 generates application information including identification information that can identify the in-vehicle unit 11, and the determination unit 303 of the center server 30 determines whether the vehicle was affected by a specific event based on the evidence information when the communication history included in the application information matches the communication history of the roadside antenna of the ITS spot linked to the identification information of the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0102] In this way, the application system 100 allows users to verify whether the evidence information (communication history) has been tampered with, and prevents users from fraudulently receiving refunds of usage fees through tampering.

[0103] (11) According to the eleventh embodiment, the application method is an application method using an application system 100 comprising an in-vehicle unit 11 and a center server 30, comprising the steps of: the in-vehicle unit 11 receiving instructions from a user and acquiring evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road; the in-vehicle unit 11 generating application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle's usage fee; the in-vehicle unit 11 using the communication function of an information and communication device 12 possessed by the user to transmit the application information to a center server 30 that accepts applications for the refund of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of toll roads; the center server 30 receiving the application information from the in-vehicle unit 11; the center server 30 determining whether the vehicle has been affected by a specific event based on the evidence information contained in the received application information; and, if the center server 30 determines that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, refunding at least a portion of the usage fee to the recipient identified by the information that identifies the recipient of the usage fee contained in the application information.

[0104] (12) According to the 12th aspect, the program causes the in-vehicle device 11 to take instructions from the user and to perform the steps of: acquiring evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road; and generating application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 100 Application System 10 In-vehicle systems 11 Onboard equipment 111 Narrow-area communications section 112 Evidence Information Acquisition Department 113 Application information generation department 114 Wide-Area Communications Department 12. Information and communication equipment 12A Mobile terminal (information and communication equipment) 12B PC (information communication equipment) 13. Driving Information Recording Unit 14 UI section 20 IC cards 30 Center Server 301 Specific Event Recording Section 302 Application Information Receiving Unit 303 Judgment section 304 Reduction Processing Unit

Claims

1. An evidence information acquisition unit that receives user instructions and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road, An application information generation unit generates application information that includes the acquired evidence information and information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee, An in-vehicle device equipped with this feature.

2. The system further includes a wide-area communication unit that transmits the application information to a central server that accepts applications for the reimbursement of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road, using the communication function of the in-vehicle unit or the communication function of an information and communication device connected to the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a narrow-area communication unit that communicates wirelessly with roadside antennas installed at ITS spots or toll booths on the aforementioned toll roads and transmits the application information to a center server that accepts applications for refunds of the aforementioned usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the aforementioned toll roads. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

4. The evidence information acquisition unit acquires the evidence information, which includes driving information that can identify the driving route of the vehicle, and which is recorded by the driving information recording unit installed in the vehicle. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further includes a narrow-area communication unit that communicates wirelessly with roadside antennas installed at ITS spots on the aforementioned toll road and records communication history including information that can identify the ITS spots. The evidence information acquisition unit acquires the evidence information, including the communication history recorded by the narrow-area communication unit. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The evidence information acquisition unit acquires the evidence information, including facility information provided by the facility manager, when the services of the toll road facilities are unavailable. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A driving information recording unit records the driving information of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, An evidence information acquisition unit that receives user instructions and acquires evidence information including driving information recorded by the aforementioned driving information recording unit, An application information generation unit generates application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee, A wide-area communication unit that transmits the application information to a center server that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road, using the communication function of the information and communication equipment owned by the user, An in-vehicle system equipped with the following features.

8. An application system comprising an in-vehicle device and a central server, The aforementioned in-vehicle device is An evidence information acquisition unit that receives user instructions and acquires evidence information recorded while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, An application information generation unit generates application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee, A wide-area communication unit that transmits the application information to a center server that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road, using the communication function of the information and communication equipment owned by the user, Equipped with, The aforementioned central server is An application information receiving unit that receives the application information generated by the in-vehicle device, A determination unit that determines whether the vehicle was affected by a specific event based on the evidence information contained in the received application information, A refund processing unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, refunds at least a portion of the usage fee to a recipient identified by the recipient identification information included in the application information, Equipped with, Application system.

9. The aforementioned center server further comprises a specific event recording unit that creates specific event information recording specific events that occurred on the toll road, The determination unit of the central server compares the evidence information with the specific event information to determine whether the vehicle was affected by the specific event. The application system according to claim 8.

10. The in-vehicle unit further comprises a narrow-area communication unit that communicates wirelessly with roadside antennas installed at ITS spots on the toll road and records communication history including information that can identify the ITS spots. The evidence information acquisition unit of the in-vehicle device acquires the evidence information, including the communication history recorded by the narrow-range communication unit, The application information generation unit of the in-vehicle device generates the application information, which includes identification information that can identify the in-vehicle device. The determination unit of the center server determines, based on the evidence information, whether the vehicle was affected by a specific event when the communication history included in the application information matches the communication history of the roadside antenna of the ITS spot linked to the identification information of the in-vehicle device. The application system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. An application method using an application system that includes an in-vehicle device and a central server, The in-vehicle device receives instructions from the user and obtains evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using a toll road. The in-vehicle device generates application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee, The in-vehicle device transmits the application information to a center server that accepts applications for refunds of usage fees for specific events affecting the use of the toll road, using the communication function of the information and communication device owned by the user. The steps include: the center server receiving the application information from the in-vehicle device; The center server determines, based on the evidence information contained in the received application information, whether or not the vehicle was affected by a specific event. The steps include: when the central server determines that the vehicle has been affected by a specific event, it returns at least a portion of the usage fee to a recipient identified by the recipient identification information included in the application information; Application method that includes [specific details].

12. The steps include receiving instructions from the user and obtaining evidence information recorded while the vehicle is using the toll road, A step of generating application information that associates the acquired evidence information with information that identifies the recipient of the vehicle usage fee, A program that causes the in-vehicle device to execute.

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