Information processing device, information processing method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device that allows users to easily check billing information in accordance with the billing conditions when using facilities that have set such conditions. [Solution] The information processing device comprises an acquisition means and a display control means. The acquisition means acquires billing information according to the billing conditions of a first facility when a vehicle is located within an area that includes a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set. The display control means displays a first display screen that includes information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for presenting usage fees of paid facilities.

Background Art

[0002] Technologies for presenting usage fees of paid facilities have been proposed.

[0003] Specifically, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of displaying a fee guidance display screen including a fee structure for a parking lot used as a smart PA service.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In facilities such as service areas and parking areas of expressways and automobile-only roads, it has been studied to charge usage fees according to the charging conditions set for each facility. In such a case, it is desirable to present charging information related to the usage fee of the facility to the user.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, a main object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that allows a user to easily check charging information corresponding to charging conditions when using a facility for which the charging conditions are set.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The invention described in the claims is an information processing device comprising: acquisition means for acquiring billing information in accordance with the billing conditions of a first facility when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility where time-based billing conditions are set; and display control means for displaying a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information.

[0008] The invention described in the claims is an information processing method performed by a computer, wherein when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, the computer obtains billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of the first facility and displays a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information.

[0009] The invention described in the claims is a program executed by a computer, which, when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, causes the computer to execute a process to obtain billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of the first facility, and to display a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the guidance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of a billing table. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a vehicle's route. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the entry determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing another example of the entry determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of the dwell time determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing another example of the stay determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of display information that is displayed in accordance with the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A figure showing another example of display information that is displayed in accordance with the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A figure showing another example of display information that is displayed in accordance with the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] A figure showing another example of display information that is displayed in accordance with the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example configuration of a guidance system related to a modified version. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of a modified server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information processing device includes an acquisition means for acquiring billing information in accordance with the billing conditions of a first facility when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, and a display control means for displaying a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information.

[0012] The above-described information processing device comprises an acquisition means and a display control means. The acquisition means acquires billing information according to the billing conditions of a first facility when a vehicle is located within an area that includes a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set. The display control means displays a first display screen that includes information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information. This allows users to easily check billing information according to the billing conditions when using a facility for which billing conditions are set.

[0013] In one aspect of the information processing apparatus described above, the display control means causes, as the first display screen, a screen that further includes information related to a second facility located before the first facility to be displayed.

[0014] In one aspect of the information processing apparatus described above, the information processing apparatus further comprises a determination means that determines whether the second facility corresponds to a toll facility or a free facility, based on an estimated passing time when the vehicle is expected to pass through the second facility and a charging condition of the second facility.

[0015] In one aspect of the information processing apparatus described above, the display control means causes information related to each of a plurality of facilities including the first facility and the second facility to be displayed in different display modes according to differences in charging conditions of the plurality of facilities.

[0016] In one aspect of the information processing apparatus described above, the display control means causes information related to each of the plurality of facilities to be displayed in different display modes depending on which of the following categories the facility falls into: a facility where a usage fee is always charged, a facility where no usage fee is charged at all, and a facility where whether a usage fee is charged changes depending on the time zone or staying time.

[0017] In one aspect of the information processing apparatus described above, the acquisition means acquires, as the charging information, information indicating a charging amount corresponding to the charging condition.

[0018] In one aspect of the information processing apparatus described above, the acquisition means acquires, as the charging amount corresponding to the charging condition, a first charging amount corresponding to an accumulated usage fee from the time of entering the area to the current time, and a second charging amount corresponding to an accumulated charging amount when the usage fee is charged next time, and the display control means causes, as the first display screen, a screen including at least one of information indicating the first charging amount and information indicating the second charging amount to be displayed.

[0019] In one embodiment of the above-described information processing device, the display control means displays a screen as the first display screen that further includes information relating to the billing conditions of the first facility and information indicating the time when the vehicle entered the first facility.

[0020] In one embodiment of the above-described information processing device, the display control means causes the display control means to display a second display screen that includes information indicating a first charge amount, information indicating a second charge amount, information relating to the charging conditions of the first facility, and information indicating the time when the vehicle entered the first facility, when an instruction is given to select the first facility on the first display screen.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer-based information processing method, when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, acquires billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of the first facility and displays a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information. This allows users to easily check billing information corresponding to the billing conditions when using a facility for which billing conditions are set.

[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer, when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, retrieves billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of the first facility, and causes the computer to execute a process to display a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information. By executing this program on a computer, the above-described information processing device can be realized. This program can be stored and used on a storage medium. This makes it possible to easily check billing information corresponding to the billing conditions when using a facility for which billing conditions are set. [Examples]

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] [System Configuration] (Overall structure) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a guidance system according to an embodiment. The guidance system 100 has an information processing device 1 that moves together with the vehicle Ve in which the user is riding. The vehicle Ve can be treated as an example of a moving object.

[0025] (Information processing device) The information processing device 1 can provide the user with information such as the route of the vehicle Ve from its starting point to its destination. The information processing device 1 can also provide route guidance to the user, who is a passenger in the vehicle Ve, to a spot specified by the user. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can provide route guidance so that the vehicle Ve travels along the guided route. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can output various information related to the driving of the vehicle Ve in the form of voice and / or images. For example, the information processing device 1 can output information relating to guidance points corresponding to points on the route where guidance is needed. Here, guidance points include, for example, intersections where the vehicle Ve turns right or left, and other important passing points for the vehicle Ve to travel along the guided route. The information processing device 1 can provide guidance regarding guidance points, such as the distance from the vehicle Ve to the next guidance point and the direction of travel at that guidance point.

[0026] The information processing device 1 may be a navigation device installed in the vehicle Ve that provides route guidance to a set destination, or it may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the user. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be integrated into the vehicle Ve. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the information processing device 1 will be described as a mobile terminal.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, a sensor group 15, a display unit 16, a sound collection unit 17, a sound output unit 18, and an in-vehicle imaging unit 19. Each element of the information processing device 1 is interconnected via a bus line 10.

[0028] The communication unit 11 performs data communication with an external device based on the control of the control unit 14. For example, the communication unit 11 transmits driving data indicating the driving status and / or driving history of vehicle Ve as probe data to the external device. Driving data indicating the driving status and / or driving history of multiple vehicles, such as probe data, can be obtained from the external device. In addition, the communication unit 11 can obtain data used for route guidance, such as map data, road data, and billing tables, from the external device.

[0029] The memory unit 12 is composed of various storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and non-volatile memory (including hard disk drives, flash memory, etc.). The memory unit 12 also stores programs for the information processing device 1 to execute predetermined processes. Furthermore, the memory unit 12 is used as working memory for the control unit 14. Note that the programs executed by the information processing device 1 may be stored in storage media other than the memory unit 12.

[0030] The memory unit 12 stores the map DB (DataBase) 4 and the driving DB 5.

[0031] Map DB4 contains map data and road data obtained by the communication unit 11. The map data includes, for example, data necessary for map display based on a predetermined location such as the current location of vehicle Ve. The road data includes, for example, data representing the road network by combinations of nodes and links. The road data also includes, for example, data indicating the link length and attributes of roads corresponding to each link that constitutes the road network. The data indicating road attributes may include, for example, the type of road, facilities on the road, and the name of the road. The map data and road data contained in Map DB4 can be updated to the latest data, for example, at regular intervals, according to the control of the control unit 14. In this embodiment, links can be set as sections that divide the road network in any way. For example, links in this embodiment can be set as sections of any length and / or any shape. Also, links in this embodiment may be set as sections that include nodes, or as sections that do not include nodes.

[0032] The driving DB5 contains driving data obtained by the communication unit 11. The driving data is acquired, for example, as probe data showing the driving status and / or driving history of multiple vehicles. The driving data included in the driving DB5 can be updated to the latest data, for example, at regular intervals, according to the control of the control unit 14.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the billing table. The storage unit 12 stores a billing table 6 that defines the billing conditions for each facility such as service areas and parking areas on expressways (hereinafter also referred to as "expressway parking facilities"). Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a billing table 6 as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, expressways can be treated as an example of toll roads.

[0034] The billing table 6 includes, for example, a route ID, a facility ID, a POI (Point of Interest) ID, a start time, an end time, a fee, and a billing type. The route ID in billing table 6 indicates the identification information of the highway route. The facility ID indicates the identification information of the highway parking facility. The POI ID in billing table 6 indicates the identification number corresponding to the highway parking facility. The start time in billing table 6 indicates the start time of billing at the highway parking facility. The end time in billing table 6 indicates the end time of billing at the highway parking facility. The fee in billing table 6 indicates the fee charged when using the highway parking facility. The billing type in billing table 6 indicates the billing method. If the billing type is "fixed," a fee is charged for each use. If the billing type is "every X minutes," a fee is charged for every X minutes of use. If the billing type is "stay of Y minutes or more," a fee is charged for stays of Y minutes or more. If the billing type is "free," no fee is charged.

[0035] According to the billing table 6 described above, if a vehicle stays within the area of ​​a highway parking facility during the time period from the start time to the end time, the usage fee for the highway parking facility will be charged according to the billing type. Furthermore, according to the billing table 6 described above, the billing conditions for a highway parking facility corresponding to a facility ID are defined as a combination of start time, end time, fee, and billing type. Note that the fees in billing table 6 may be defined as fees that include the parking fee for the highway parking facility.

[0036] The input unit 13 has a user interface that accepts user input. The input unit 13 may include at least one user interface, such as a button, a touch panel, and a remote controller. The display unit 16 displays information based on the control of the control unit 14. The display unit 16 may include at least one device, such as a display and a projector. The sound collection unit 17 collects sounds from inside the vehicle Ve, especially the driver's speech. The sound collection unit 17 may include a device such as a microphone. The sound output unit 18 outputs sound based on the control of the control unit 14. The sound output unit 18 may include a device such as a speaker. The in-vehicle camera unit 19 has at least one camera for capturing images of the interior of the vehicle Ve.

[0037] The sensor group 15 includes various sensors that perform sensing of the vehicle Ve or the environment outside the vehicle. The sensor group 15 has an external sensor 20 and an internal sensor 21.

[0038] The external sensor 20 has one or more sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment of the vehicle Ve. The external sensor 20 may include, for example, a lidar, radar, ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, sonar, and camera.

[0039] The internal sensor 21 has one or more sensors for positioning the vehicle Ve. The internal sensor 21 may include, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, a gyro sensor, a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and a vehicle speed sensor.

[0040] Furthermore, the sensor group 15 only needs to include sensors from which the control unit 14 can directly or indirectly derive the position, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle Ve from the output of the sensor group 15 (i.e., by performing estimation processing).

[0041] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and other components, and controls the entire information processing device 1. For example, the control unit 14 acquires position data, attitude data, and speed data of the vehicle Ve based on the output of one or more sensors included in the sensor group 15. The control unit 14 may also acquire data including the direction of travel of the vehicle Ve as the position data of the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, when a destination is specified by the input unit 13 or the sound collection unit 17, the control unit 14 generates route information indicating the guidance route to the destination, and provides route guidance based on this route information, the estimated position information of the vehicle Ve, and the map DB4. In this case, the control unit 14 outputs audio related to the guidance route from the sound output unit 18 and displays information related to the guidance route on the display unit 18. The control unit 14 also controls the display unit 16 to display information about the music being played, video content, or a map of the area around the current location. The control unit 14 can also be treated as an example of a computer. Furthermore, the control unit 14 has the functions of an acquisition means, a notification means, an information output means, a display control means, and a determination means.

[0042] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 14 is not limited to being implemented by software through a program, but may also be implemented by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Also, the processing performed by the control unit 14 may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program executed by the control unit 14 in this embodiment may be implemented using this integrated circuit. Thus, the control unit 14 may be implemented using hardware other than a processor.

[0043] The configuration of the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and various modifications may be made to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, instead of the storage unit 12 storing the map DB4, the control unit 14 may receive information equivalent to the map DB4 from a map management server (not shown) via the communication unit 11. In another example, at least one of the input unit 13, display unit 16, and sound output unit 18 may be provided inside the target vehicle as an external device to the information processing device 1, and the generated signals may be supplied to the information processing device 1. Also, at least some of the sensors in the sensor group 15 may be sensors installed on the vehicle Ve. In this case, the information processing device 1 may acquire information output by the sensors installed on the vehicle Ve from the vehicle Ve based on a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0044] [Specific example] Next, we will describe a specific example of the processing performed by the information processing device 1.

[0045] (Admission judgment) Figure 4 shows an example of a route taken by a vehicle. The control unit 14 determines, for example, whether vehicle Ve has entered area AS, which includes a highway parking facility, when vehicle Ve is traveling along link ML, which corresponds to the main line of the highway, on a route such as the one shown in Figure 4. Area AS includes links BL1, BL2, and BL3, which are assigned attributes indicating highway facilities. Link ML can be rephrased as a link assigned attributes indicating the main line of the highway.

[0046] Link BL1 is connected to Link ML on the entrance side of Area AS. Link BL3 is connected to Link ML on the exit side of Area AS. Link BL2 is connected to Links BL1 and BL3, but not to Link ML. The white circles in Figure 4 represent nodes. Also, in Figure 4, for the sake of explanation and illustration, Link ML is represented as a single link. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, Link ML will be described as belonging to the expressway with route ID = "1" in the billing table 6.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of entry determination processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 detects a link corresponding to the current location of the vehicle Ve by referring to, for example, map data and road data stored in the storage unit 12 (step S101).

[0048] The control unit 14 detects whether the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from a link on the main highway to a link on the highway facility (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 14 detects whether the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from link ML to link BL1. In addition, as the processing in step S102, the control unit 14 may, for example, perform processing based on the temporal change in the detection result of the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve.

[0049] When the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from a link on the main highway to a link on the highway facility (step S102: YES), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has entered the area including the highway facility (step S103). Specifically, when the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from link ML to link BL1, it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has entered area AS.

[0050] If the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve remains unchanged as a link on the main line of the expressway (step S102: NO), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has not entered the area including the expressway facilities (step S104). Specifically, if the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve remains unchanged as link ML, it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has not entered area AS.

[0051] In this specific example, objects such as the vehicle Ve and area AS may be represented as surface data using polygons or the like. In such a case, the control unit 14 can, for example, determine whether or not the vehicle Ve has entered area AS, which includes a high-speed parking facility, based on the positional relationship between the objects represented as surface data.

[0052] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the entry determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 refers to the map data and road data stored in the storage unit 12 and determines the data VD of the vehicle Ve corresponding to the current position of the vehicle Ve, The data AD of area AS corresponding to the location of the highway facilities is obtained (step S201). Data VD and data AD correspond to surface data using polygons, etc.

[0053] Based on the positional relationship between the data acquired in step S201, the control unit 14 detects whether the front end of the vehicle Ve has come into contact with the portion corresponding to the entrance of the area including the highway facilities (step S202). Specifically, the control unit 14 detects whether the front end of data VD has come into contact with the entrance-side edge of link BL1 of data AD.

[0054] When the control unit 14 detects that the front end of vehicle Ve has come into contact with a portion corresponding to the entrance of an area including highway facilities (step S202: YES), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has entered the area including the highway facilities (step S203). Specifically, when the front end of data VD comes into contact with a portion corresponding to the entrance of link BL1 of data AD, the control unit 14 obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has entered area AS.

[0055] If the control unit 14 detects that the front end of the vehicle Ve is not in contact with the part corresponding to the entrance of the area including the highway facilities (step S202: NO), it obtains a determination result that the vehicle Ve has not entered the area including the highway facilities (step S204). Specifically, if the front end of the data VD is not in contact with the part corresponding to the entrance of link BL1 of the data AD, the control unit 14 obtains a determination result that the vehicle Ve has not entered the area AS.

[0056] In this specific example, a gate GT1 for detecting entry into area AS may be provided on the road corresponding to link BL1. In such a case, the control unit 14 can, for example, obtain a determination result that the vehicle Ve has entered area AS when it detects that the vehicle Ve has passed through gate GT1 based on information or signals transmitted from gate GT1 to the information processing device 1.

[0057] According to this specific example, a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) roadside unit for detecting entry into area AS may be installed on the road corresponding to link BL1. In such a case, the control unit 14 can, for example, obtain a determination result that the vehicle Ve has entered area AS based on information or signals transmitted from the DSRC roadside unit to the DSRC on-board unit of the vehicle Ve.

[0058] When the control unit 14 obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has entered area AS, it refers to the billing table 6 to identify the facility ID and billing type of the express parking facility into which vehicle Ve entered.

[0059] The control unit 14, for example, if the charge type of the express parking facility identified from the charge table 6 is "free", obtains a determination result that the express parking facility is not a paid facility, or a determination result that the express parking facility is a free facility, and terminates processing. Alternatively, if the charge type of the express parking facility identified from the charge table 6 is anything other than "free", the control unit 14 obtains a determination result that the express parking facility is a paid facility, and stores entry information EJ, including the facility ID of the express parking facility and the time NT at which the determination result was obtained, in the storage unit 12. Time NT can be treated as the entry time when vehicle Ve entered area AS. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, it will be assumed that vehicle Ve entered area AS containing the express parking facility with facility ID = "105" in the charge table 6.

[0060] (Determination of stay) After storing the entry information EJ in the storage unit 12, the control unit 14 makes a determination as to whether or not the vehicle Ve is staying within area AS.

[0061] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a stay determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 detects a link corresponding to the current location of the vehicle Ve by referring to, for example, map data and road data stored in the storage unit 12 (step S301).

[0062] The control unit 14 detects whether the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from a link in the highway facility to a link on the main highway (step S302). Specifically, the control unit 14 detects whether the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from link BL3 to link ML. In addition, as the processing in step S302, the control unit 14 may, for example, perform processing based on the temporal change in the detection result of the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve.

[0063] When the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from a link of the highway facility to a link of the main highway (step S302: YES), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has left the area including the highway facility (step S303). Specifically, when the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve has changed from link BL3 to link ML, it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has left area AS.

[0064] If the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve remains a link of the highway facility and has not changed (step S302: NO), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve is staying within the area including the highway facility (step S104). Specifically, if the control unit 14 detects that the link corresponding to the current position of vehicle Ve is one of link BL1, link BL2, or link BL3, it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve is staying within area AS.

[0065] In this specific example, objects such as the vehicle Ve and area AS may be represented as surface data using polygons or the like. In such a case, the control unit 14 can, for example, determine whether or not the vehicle Ve is staying within area AS based on the positional relationship between the objects represented as surface data.

[0066] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the stay determination process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 refers to the map data and road data stored in the storage unit 12 to obtain the data VD of the vehicle Ve corresponding to the current position of the vehicle Ve, The data AD of the area AS corresponding to the location of the highway facilities is obtained (step S401).

[0067] Based on the positional relationship between the data acquired in step S401, the control unit 14 detects whether the rear end of the vehicle Ve has moved away from the part corresponding to the exit of the area including the highway facilities (step S402). Specifically, the control unit 14 detects whether the rear end of data VD has moved away from the exit-side edge of link BL3 of data AD.

[0068] When the control unit 14 detects that the rear end of vehicle Ve has moved away from the part corresponding to the exit of the area including the highway facilities (step 402: YES), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has left the area including the highway facilities (step S403). Specifically, when the rear end of data VD has moved away from the part corresponding to the exit of link BL3 of data AD, the control unit 14 obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve has left area AS.

[0069] When the control unit 14 detects that the rear end of vehicle Ve is not far from the part corresponding to the exit of the area including the highway facilities (step S402: NO), it obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve is staying within the area including the highway facilities (step S404). Specifically, when the rear end of data VD is in contact with data AD, the control unit 14 obtains a determination result that vehicle Ve is staying within area AS.

[0070] In this specific example, a gate GT3 for detecting exit from area AS may be provided on the road corresponding to link BL3. In such a case, the control unit 14 can, for example, obtain a determination result that the vehicle Ve has exited area AS when it detects that the vehicle Ve has passed through gate GT3 based on information or signals transmitted from gate GT3 to the information processing device 1.

[0071] According to this specific example, a DSRC roadside unit for detecting departure from area AS may be installed on the road corresponding to link BL3. In such a case, the control unit 14 can, for example, obtain a determination result that the vehicle Ve has left area AS based on information or signals transmitted from the DSRC roadside unit to the DSRC on-board unit of the vehicle Ve.

[0072] When the control unit 14 determines that vehicle Ve has left area AS, it deletes the entry information EJ stored in the memory unit 12 and terminates processing. Furthermore, when the control unit 14 determines that vehicle Ve is still within area AS, it performs processing related to the calculation of usage fees, etc., as described below.

[0073] (Calculation of usage fees) The control unit 14 identifies the billing conditions for the express parking facility corresponding to the facility ID included in the entry information EJ by referring to the billing table 6.

[0074] The control unit 14 identifies that for the express parking facility with facility ID="105", a usage fee of 200 yen will be charged if vehicle Ve stays in area AS between "9:00" and "12:00" as billing condition BC1. The control unit 14 also identifies that for the express parking facility with facility ID="105", a usage fee of 200 yen will be charged if vehicle Ve stays in area AS between "16:00" and "19:00" as billing condition BC2. The control unit 14 also identifies that for the express parking facility with facility ID="105", a usage fee of 100 yen will be charged every 10 minutes if vehicle Ve stays in area AS between "23:00" and "5:00". The control unit 14 also identifies that for time periods that do not fall under any of the billing conditions BC1, BC2, or BC3, no usage fee will be charged even if vehicle Ve stays in area AS.

[0075] The control unit 14 calculates the usage fee for the express parking facilities within area AS based on the billing conditions BC identified from the billing table 6 and at least one of the time NT and the current time CT.

[0076] For example, when the time NT is "8:30" and the current time CT is "8:50", the control unit 14 obtains a calculation result that the usage charges incurred to date are 0 yen, based on the billing condition BC1 identified from the billing table 6, and also obtains a calculation result that the next usage charge to be incurred is 200 yen. Furthermore, when the time NT or current time CT is "10:00", the control unit 14 obtains a calculation result that the usage charges incurred to date are 200 yen, based on the billing condition BC1 identified from the billing table 6, and also obtains a calculation result that the next usage charge to be incurred is 0 yen.

[0077] For example, when the time NT is "15:30" and the current time CT is "15:50", the control unit 14 obtains a calculation result that the usage charges incurred to date are 0 yen, based on the billing condition BC2 identified from the billing table 6, and also obtains a calculation result that the next usage charge to be incurred is 200 yen. Furthermore, when the time NT or current time CT is "17:00", the control unit 14 obtains a calculation result that the usage charges incurred to date are 200 yen, based on the billing condition BC2 identified from the billing table 6, and also obtains a calculation result that the next usage charge to be incurred is 0 yen.

[0078] For example, when the time NT is "22:30" and the current time CT is "22:50", the control unit 14 calculates that the usage charges incurred to date are 0 yen based on the billing condition BC3 identified from the billing table 6, and also calculates that the next usage charge to be incurred is 100 yen. Similarly, when the time NT is "22:30" and the current time CT is "23:25", the control unit 14 calculates that the usage charges incurred to date are 200 yen based on the billing condition BC3 identified from the billing table 6, and also calculates that the next usage charge to be incurred is 100 yen. Furthermore, when the time NT is "23:30" and the current time CT is "0:05", the control unit 14 calculates that the usage charges incurred to date are 300 yen based on the billing condition BC3 identified from the billing table 6, and also calculates that the next usage charge to be incurred is 100 yen.

[0079] (Method of presenting information regarding usage fees, etc.) (1) Display according to user instructions Figure 9 shows an example of display information displayed in response to processing by the information processing device according to the embodiment. When the control unit 14 detects that a user has instructed the display unit 13 to display information regarding the usage fee for the highway parking facility where the vehicle Ve is staying, for example, in response to the display content of a predetermined application, it displays the display information HJ1 shown in Figure 9 on the display unit 16. The display information HJ1 in Figure 9 shows an example of displaying information corresponding to the billing condition BC3. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the example will be given when the user's instruction in response to the operation of the input unit 13 is made at the same time as the current time CT, which is later than time NT.

[0080] Display information HJ1 includes information indicating the total charge amount TB11, which is the cumulative charge amount for usage fees from the time of entry into area AS to the present, and information indicating the total charge amount TB12, which is the cumulative charge amount for the next time usage fees are charged. Display information HJ1 also includes information indicating the charge condition BC and information indicating the time NT.

[0081] The control unit 14 can calculate the total charge amount TB11 using, for example, the billing condition BC and the calculation result of the usage fee corresponding to the billing condition BC. The control unit 14 can also display information indicating the total charge amount TB11, such as the phrase "Current charge: 300 yen". The total charge amount TB11 can be treated as billing information corresponding to the billing condition BC.

[0082] The control unit 14 can calculate the total charge amount TB12 using, for example, at least one of the time NT and the current time CT, the billing condition BC, and the calculation result of the usage fee corresponding to the billing condition BC. The control unit 14 can also display information indicating the total charge amount TB12, such as the phrase "Charge after 5 minutes: 400 yen". The total charge amount TB12 can be treated as billing information corresponding to the billing condition BC.

[0083] The "P minutes later" portion in the information showing the total charge amount TB12 indicates that P minutes remain until the next usage charge is billed. The control unit 14 can calculate the remaining time RT1 until the next usage charge is billed based on the time period of the billing condition BC and at least one of the time NT and the current time CT. The control unit 14 can also display information showing the total charge amount TB12 P minutes later, corresponding to the remaining time RT1.

[0084] The control unit 14 can, for example, calculate the remaining time RT1 as the time from the current time CT to the start time of billing condition BC1 if time NT and the current time CT do not belong to the time period of billing condition BC1. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can, for example, calculate the remaining time RT1 as the time from the current time CT to the start time of billing condition BC2 if time NT and the current time CT do not belong to the time period of billing condition BC2. Also, the control unit 14 can, for example, omit displaying information indicating the total billed amount TB2 if any of the times between time NT and the current time CT belong to the time period of billing condition BC1 or billing condition BC2, because billing for the usage fee for that time period has already been completed.

[0085] The control unit 14 can, for example, calculate the remaining time RT1 as the remainder of the elapsed time from time NT to time CT divided into 10-minute increments if time NT and current time CT belong to the time period of billing condition BC3. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can, for example, calculate the remaining time RT1 as the time from current time CT to the start time of billing condition BC3 if time NT and current time CT do not belong to the time period of billing condition BC3. Also, the control unit 14 can, for example, calculate the remaining time RT1 as the remainder of the elapsed time from the start time of billing condition BC3 to current time CT divided into 10-minute increments if time NT does not belong to the time period of billing condition BC3, and current time CT belongs to the time period of billing condition BC3. Additionally, the control unit 14 can, for example, omit displaying the information indicating the total billed amount TB12 if time NT belongs to the time period of billing condition BC3, and current time CT does not belong to the time period of billing condition BC3, because billing for the usage fee for that time period has already been completed.

[0086] The control unit 14 can display information indicating the billing condition BC in the display information HJ1, such as the phrase "Billing condition: Every 10 minutes." The control unit 14 can also display information indicating the time NT in the display information HJ1, such as the phrase "Billing condition: Every 10 minutes."

[0087] (2) Notifications based on the set amount The control unit 14 obtains the upper limit amount MA, which is set as a notification condition when notifying about the usage fee for the high-speed parking facility within area AS, by referring to the billing notification setting information CJ stored in the memory unit 12, for example. That is, the billing notification setting information CJ includes the upper limit amount MA. In this specific example, "upper limit amount" can be replaced with "set amount".

[0088] The upper limit MA can be set to a desired amount by the user by operating the input unit 13 in accordance with the display content of a predetermined application. The upper limit MA may be set to 0 yen or may not be set at all.

[0089] The control unit 14 uses at least one of the time NT and the current time CT, and the time period of the billing condition BC, to calculate the remaining time RT2 until the next billing period. The control unit 14 can calculate the remaining time RT2 using, for example, the same method as the method for calculating the remaining time RT1.

[0090] When the control unit 14 detects that the remaining time RT2 has fallen below a predetermined time ST, it decides whether or not to issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility within area AS, based on the total charge amount TB12 and the upper limit amount MA.

[0091] The control unit 14 will not issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facilities within area AS if, for example, the total charge amount TB12 is less than or equal to the upper limit amount MA. The control unit 14 will also issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facilities within area AS if, for example, the upper limit amount MA is set to 0 yen, the upper limit amount MA is not set, or the total charge amount TB12 is greater than the upper limit amount MA.

[0092] Figure 10 shows another example of display information displayed according to the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 can, for example, when the upper limit amount MA is set to 0 yen, or when the upper limit amount MA is not set, display the display information HJ2 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 16 based on the remaining time RT2 and the billing condition BC. The display information HJ2 in Figure 10 shows an example of displaying information corresponding to either the billing condition BC1 or the billing condition BC2.

[0093] The display information HJ2 includes a message MS21 that indicates that the start time for billing according to the billing condition BC is approaching, and information indicating the said billing condition BC.

[0094] The control unit 14 can display a message MS21, for example, "Facility usage fees are expected to be incurred in 5 minutes." The "Q minutes remaining" part of message MS21 indicates that Q minutes are the remaining time until billing for usage fees begins. Such a message MS21 can notify the user that Q minutes remain until the first billing occurs, in cases where the upper limit MA is set to 0 yen, or where the upper limit MA is not set.

[0095] The control unit 14 can display information indicating the billing condition BC in the display information HJ2, such as the phrase "Fee: 200 yen (fixed)".

[0096] Figure 11 shows another example of display information displayed according to the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. For example, when the total charge amount TB12 is greater than the upper limit amount MA, the control unit 14 can display the display information HJ3 shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 16 based on the remaining time RT2, the upper limit amount MA, and the charge condition BC. The display information HJ3 in Figure 11 shows an example of displaying information corresponding to the charge condition BC3.

[0097] Display information HJ3 includes a message MS31 indicating that the time MT is approaching when the total charge amount TB12 will exceed the upper limit amount MA, information indicating the upper limit amount MA, and information indicating the time MT.

[0098] The control unit 14 can display a message MS31, for example, "The set amount is expected to be exceeded in 5 minutes." The "W minutes remaining" part of message MS31 indicates that W minutes is the remaining time until the total charge amount TB12 becomes equal to or greater than the upper limit amount MA. Such a message MS31 can, for example, notify the user that W minutes are remaining until the next charge occurs when the upper limit amount MA is set to an amount greater than 0 yen, the total charge amount TB12 exceeds the upper limit amount MA.

[0099] The control unit 14 can display information indicating the upper limit amount MA, such as the phrase "Set amount: 450 yen". The control unit 14 can also display information indicating the time MT, such as the phrase "Expected time of exceeding limit: 23:50". For example, if the control unit 14 is to issue a notification at the same time as the current time CT, it can obtain the time MT by adding the remaining time RT2 to the current time CT.

[0100] (3) Display according to highway mode The control unit 14 can provide route guidance in highway mode when the vehicle Ve is traveling on a highway. Highway mode is a mode in which information relating to a highway parking facility where the vehicle Ve is staying, and information relating to other highway parking facilities located beyond that facility, can be displayed in a list or other display format. Facilities displayed in highway mode can include, for example, interchanges (IC), junctions (JCT), service areas (SA), and parking areas (PA).

[0101] For example, when the current location of vehicle Ve is on a highway including link ML, the control unit 14 obtains information on a predetermined number of facilities located in the direction of travel of vehicle Ve from the current location by referring to map data stored in the memory unit 12. In other words, when vehicle Ve is staying at a highway parking facility, the control unit 14 can obtain information on a predetermined number of facilities including that highway parking facility. The aforementioned "determined number" corresponds to the number of facilities displayed in highway mode.

[0102] The control unit 14 determines whether or not a high-speed parking facility is a toll facility, based on the high-speed parking facility included in each facility displayed in highway mode. For example, the control unit 14 calculates the predicted travel time PT from the current position of the vehicle Ve to each high-speed parking facility, based on the current position and travel speed of the vehicle Ve. For example, the control unit 14 can use the average speed of the vehicle Ve when traveling on a highway including link ML as the aforementioned travel speed to calculate the predicted travel time PT. The control unit 14 can also calculate the travel time from the current time CT as the predicted travel time PT.

[0103] The control unit 14 determines that a particular expressway parking facility is a paid facility if the time after the predicted travel time PT has elapsed falls within the time period specified by the charging conditions BC for that expressway parking facility. Conversely, the control unit 14 determines that a particular expressway parking facility is not a paid facility if the time after the predicted travel time PT has elapsed does not fall within the time period specified by the charging conditions BC for that expressway parking facility. For example, if a vehicle Ve is staying at an expressway parking facility, the control unit 14 can determine whether or not the expressway parking facility is a paid facility based on the charging conditions BC when the predicted travel time PT is set to 0.

[0104] The control unit 14 performs an emphasis process to highlight highway parking facilities that it has determined to be toll facilities among the facilities displayed in highway mode. Specifically, as part of the aforementioned emphasis process, the control unit 14 performs a process to change the color, pattern, and / or size of the highway parking facilities that it has determined to be toll facilities to be different from those of other facilities. In addition, as part of the aforementioned emphasis process, the control unit 14 performs a process to add text, marks, and / or icons to the highway parking facilities that it has determined to be toll facilities.

[0105] Figure 12 shows another example of display information displayed in accordance with the processing of the information processing device according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 generates display information according to the highway mode based on the processing results of the aforementioned enhancement process, etc., and displays the generated display information on the display unit 16. Through this processing, the control unit 14 can display, for example, the display information HJ4 shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 16 as display information according to the highway mode. Display information HJ4 shows an example of display when vehicle Ve is staying at an AAA service area corresponding to the highway parking facility with facility ID = "105" in the billing table 6.

[0106] The control unit 14 sets the display positions of multiple facility display units SH4 corresponding to multiple facilities based on the positional relationship between the current position of the vehicle Ve and the positions of multiple facilities to be displayed in highway mode. Specifically, for example, the control unit 14 sets the display position of one facility display unit SH4 corresponding to a facility close to the current position of the vehicle Ve to the lower part of the display screen, and sets the display positions of other facility display units SH4 corresponding to facilities far from the current position to the upper part of the display screen. Through this process, the control unit 14 can display facility display units SH41, SH42, SH43, and SH44 having the display configuration shown in Figure 12.

[0107] The facility display unit SH41 contains information related to the AAA service area. The "SA" and "AAA" inside the facility display unit SH41 represent the words corresponding to the name "AAA service area." In addition, a frame WK41 with a pattern (hatching) corresponding to the processing result of the aforementioned emphasis process is added to the outer perimeter of the facility display unit SH41.

[0108] Inside the facility display unit SH41, a mark MK41 is added according to the processing result of the aforementioned emphasis process. Mark MK41 includes the words "Paid Parking" to indicate that the AAA service area is a paid facility.

[0109] Inside the facility display unit SH41, mark MK42 is added to indicate that vehicle Ve is staying at an AAA service area. Mark MK42 includes the words "on-site" as information indicating that vehicle Ve is staying at an AAA service area.

[0110] The facility display unit SH41 contains information showing the total charge amount TB11 when vehicle Ve is staying at an AAA service area. The information showing the total charge amount TB11 in the facility display unit SH41 includes phrases such as "Current charge: 200 yen".

[0111] The facility display unit SH42 contains information related to the BBB Junction, which is the next point of passage after the AAA service area. The "JCT" and "BBB" inside the facility display unit SH42 represent the words corresponding to the name "BBB Junction". The facility display unit SH42 also contains information such as the distance from the vehicle Ve's current position to the BBB Junction and the predicted time when the vehicle Ve will pass through the BBB Junction. When the vehicle Ve is staying in the AAA service area, the control unit 14 can calculate the predicted time when the vehicle Ve will pass through the BBB Junction based on the predicted travel time PT from the AAA service area to the BBB Junction.

[0112] The BBB Junction corresponds to a facility for which no billing conditions are specified by billing table 6, and is therefore excluded from the aforementioned emphasis processing. Thus, according to the display method of the facility display section SH42 in display information HJ4, it can be indicated that the BBB Junction is a free facility.

[0113] The facility display unit SH43 contains information related to the CCC Parking Area, which is the next passing point after the BBB Junction. The "PA" and "CCC" inside the facility display unit SH43 represent the words corresponding to the name "CCC Parking Area". The facility display unit SH43 also contains information such as the distance from the vehicle Ve's current location to the CCC Parking Area, and the predicted time when the vehicle Ve will pass through the CCC Parking Area. When the vehicle Ve is staying in the AAA Service Area, the control unit 14 can calculate the predicted time when the vehicle Ve will pass through the CCC Parking Area based on the predicted travel time PT from the AAA Service Area to the CCC Parking Area.

[0114] The control unit 14 can determine whether a CCC parking area is a paid or free facility based on the predicted time TX at which vehicle Ve passes through the CCC parking area and the charging conditions BC4 for the CCC parking area. Specifically, for example, the control unit 14 can determine that the CCC parking area is a paid facility if the predicted time TX falls within the time period of the charging conditions BC4. Conversely, the control unit 14 can determine that the CCC parking area is a free facility if the predicted time TX does not fall within the time period of the charging conditions BC4.

[0115] In display information HJ4, the same pattern as frame WK41 is not added to the outer perimeter of facility display unit SH43. Also, in display information HJ4, the same mark as mark MK41 is not added inside facility display unit SH43. With this display configuration of facility display unit SH43, for example, it can be shown that CCC Parking Area is a free facility corresponding to the express parking facility with facility ID = "201" in the billing table 6.

[0116] The facility display unit SH44 contains information related to the DDD Interchange, which is the next point of passage after the CCC Parking Area. The "IC" and "DDD" inside the facility display unit SH44 represent the words corresponding to the name "DDD Interchange". The facility display unit SH44 also contains information such as the distance from the vehicle Ve's current position to the DDD Interchange and the predicted time when the vehicle Ve will pass through the DDD Interchange. When the vehicle Ve is staying in the AAA service area, the control unit 14 can calculate the predicted time when the vehicle Ve will pass through the DDD Interchange based on the predicted travel time PT from the AAA service area to the DDD Interchange.

[0117] The DDD Interchange is a facility for which no billing conditions are specified by billing table 6, and is therefore excluded from the aforementioned emphasis processing. Thus, according to the display method of the facility display section SH44 in display information HJ4, it can be indicated that the DDD Interchange is a toll-free facility.

[0118] According to the process described above, the control unit 14 can display a screen on the display unit 16 that includes information relating to a facility where the vehicle Ve is staying, and billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of that facility. Furthermore, according to the process described above, the control unit 14 can display a screen on the display unit 16 that includes information relating to a facility where the vehicle Ve is staying, and information relating to other facilities that exist prior to that facility.

[0119] The control unit 14 may display each of the multiple facility display units SH4 included in the display information in highway mode in a different display manner according to the differences in the billing conditions BC. Specifically, the control unit 14 may display each of the multiple facility display units SH4 in a different display manner depending on whether it corresponds to a permanently tolled facility corresponding to a highway parking facility where a usage fee is always charged, a permanently free facility corresponding to a highway parking facility where no usage fee is charged at all, or a variable billing facility corresponding to a facility where the presence or absence of usage fees changes depending on the time of day or length of stay. Permanently tolled facilities may include, for example, a highway parking facility with facility ID = "202" in the billing table 6. Permanently free facilities may include, for example, a highway parking facility with facility ID = "201" in the billing table 6. Variable billing facilities may include a highway parking facility with facility ID = "105" in the billing table 6.

[0120] The control unit 14 may display information indicating the billing condition BC inside the facility display unit SH41 in addition to, or instead of, the mark MK41. The control unit 14 may also display information indicating the total billing amount TB12 inside the facility display unit SH41 instead of the information indicating the total billing amount TB11. The control unit 14 may also display information indicating the total billing amount TB11 and information indicating the total billing amount TB12 inside the facility display unit SH41. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may, for example, display text corresponding to the name of the express parking facility where the vehicle Ve is staying, information indicating the total billing amount TB11 and / or total billing amount TB12, information indicating the billing condition BC, and information indicating the time NT inside the facility display unit SH41.

[0121] The control unit 14 may, for example, if it detects that an instruction has been given to select the facility display unit SH41 on a display screen where display information HJ4 is displayed, display another display screen that includes information indicating the total amount charged TB11 or TB12 when the vehicle Ve is staying at a certain express parking facility, information indicating the charging conditions BC for the said express parking facility, and information indicating the time NT when the vehicle Ve entered the said express parking facility.

[0122] [Processing flow] Next, we will explain the processing flow performed by the information processing device 1. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0123] First, if the vehicle Ve is currently located on a highway, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the vehicle Ve has entered an area on the highway that includes a highway parking facility (step S11).

[0124] If the information processing device 1 determines that vehicle Ve has not entered an area including a highway parking facility (step S11: NO), it terminates processing. If the information processing device 1 determines that vehicle Ve has entered an area including a highway parking facility (step S11: YES), it refers to the billing table 6 to determine whether the highway parking facility is a toll facility (step S12).

[0125] If the information processing device 1 determines that the highway parking facility into which vehicle Ve entered is not a paid facility (step S12: NO), it terminates processing. If the information processing device 1 determines that the highway parking facility into which vehicle Ve entered is a paid facility (step S12: YES), it acquires entry information corresponding to the vehicle Ve (step S13), stores the acquired entry information in the storage unit 12, and then performs the processing of step S14 described below. The entry information acquired in step S13 includes, for example, the facility ID of the highway parking facility into which vehicle Ve entered, and the entry time when vehicle Ve entered the area including the highway parking facility.

[0126] The information processing device 1 determines whether or not vehicle Ve is staying in an area that includes a high-speed parking facility (step S14).

[0127] If the information processing device 1 determines that vehicle Ve is not staying in an area including a high-speed parking facility (step S14: NO), it deletes the entry information acquired in step S13 from the storage unit 12 (step S21) and then terminates the process.

[0128] If the information processing device 1 determines that vehicle Ve is staying in an area including a highway parking facility (step S14: YES), it calculates the usage fee for the highway parking facility based on the billing conditions for the highway parking facility identified from the billing table 6 (step S15). Specifically, in step S15, the information processing device 1 calculates, for example, the total billing amount TB11 and the total billing amount TB12.

[0129] Next, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the user has instructed it to display information regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility where the vehicle Ve is staying (step S16).

[0130] If the user does not instruct the information processing device 1 to display information regarding the usage fees for the express parking facility (step S16: NO), the device 1 performs the process described in step S18 below. If the user instructs the device to display information regarding the usage fees for the express parking facility (step S16: NO), the device 1 displays the information (step S17) and then performs the process described in step S18 below. Specifically, by performing the process in step S17, the information processing device 1 can display information on the display unit 16 that includes, for example, the total charge amount TB11 and total charge amount TB12 obtained as the calculation result of step S15, the charge conditions for the express parking facility identified from the charge table 6, and the entry time included in the entry information.

[0131] The information processing device 1 obtains the upper limit amount set as a notification condition when notifying about the usage fee for the express parking facility by referring to the billing notification setting information stored in the storage unit 12 (step S18).

[0132] After performing the processing in step S18, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not to issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility where the vehicle Ve is staying (step S19).

[0133] If the information processing device 1 determines that it will not issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility (step S19: NO), it returns to step S14 to process the data. The information processing device 1 can determine that it will not issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility if, for example, the remaining time until the next charge is greater than a predetermined time, or if the total charge amount TB12 calculated in step S15 does not exceed the upper limit amount obtained in step S18.

[0134] If the information processing device 1 determines that it should issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility (step S19: YES), it issues the notification (step S20) and then returns to step S14 to process the data. For example, the information processing device 1 can determine that it should issue a notification regarding the usage fee for the express parking facility if the remaining time until the next charge is less than or equal to a predetermined time, and the total charge amount TB12 calculated in step S15 exceeds the upper limit amount obtained in step S18. Furthermore, through the processing in step S20, the information processing device 1 can display on the display unit 16, for example, a message informing that the start time of the charge condition is approaching, and information indicating the charge condition. Furthermore, through the processing in step S20, the information processing device 1 can display on the display unit 16, for example, a message informing that the time when the total charge amount TB12 exceeds the upper limit is approaching, information indicating the upper limit amount, and information indicating the time.

[0135] The information processing device 1 repeatedly performs the series of processes shown in Figure 13 while the vehicle Ve is currently located on the highway. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 repeatedly performs the processes from step S14 to step S20 while the vehicle Ve is staying in an area including a highway parking facility. Additionally, the information processing device 1 can display information related to highway parking facility usage fees, etc., in a display format appropriate to the highway mode, for example, by modifying at least a portion of the processes from step S14 to step S20.

[0136] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a vehicle Ve is staying at a high-speed parking facility where billing conditions are defined, display information including the total billing amounts TB11 and TB12 at the time the user gives instructions can be displayed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when using a facility where billing conditions are set, billing information corresponding to those billing conditions can be output at the timing desired by the user.

[0137] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a vehicle Ve is staying at a high-speed parking facility where billing conditions are defined, it is possible to display information including a message indicating that the billing for the first or second use will exceed the upper limit MA. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when using a facility where billing conditions are set, it is possible to provide notifications regarding billing information in accordance with those billing conditions.

[0138] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a vehicle Ve is staying at a highway parking facility where billing conditions are defined, the total billing amount TB11 can be displayed in a display format corresponding to highway mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when using a facility where billing conditions are set, billing information corresponding to those billing conditions can be easily checked.

[0139] <Variation> Next, a suitable modification of the above-described embodiment will be explained. For simplicity, detailed explanations of the parts to which the previously described processes can be applied will be omitted as appropriate.

[0140] According to the embodiment described above, at least some of the processes performed by the information processing device 1 may be performed by a server device that communicates data with the information processing device 1.

[0141] Figure 14 shows an example configuration of a modified guidance system. The guidance system 100A includes an information processing device 1A and a server device 200. The information processing device 1A and the server device 200 communicate data via a network 150.

[0142] The information processing device 1A has the same configuration as the information processing device 1 described in the above embodiment (see Figure 2). Note that if the server device 200 performs processing based on data stored in the map DB4, the information processing device 1A does not need to store that data. Also, if the server device 200 performs processing based on the billing table 6, the information processing device 1A does not need to store the billing table 6. Furthermore, the information processing device 1A transmits the information input in the input unit 13, and the information obtained by the sensor group 15, etc., to the server device 200.

[0143] Figure 15 shows a schematic configuration of a modified server device. As shown in Figure 15, the server device 200 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a control unit 304. The communication unit 301, the storage unit 302, and the control unit 304 are interconnected via a bus line 300.

[0144] The communication unit 301 transmits and receives various data via the network 150 based on the control of the control unit 304. The storage unit 302 is composed of, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 302 also stores data that can be used to calculate the usage fees for the express parking facility, such as the map DB4 and the billing table 6. The control unit 304 has a CPU, ROM, RAM and other memory, and performs overall control of the server device 200 by executing programs stored in memory. The control unit 304 can also be treated as an example of a computer.

[0145] With the configuration described above, the control unit 304 can, for example, determine whether or not vehicle Ve has entered area AS based on the current location of vehicle Ve received from information processing device 1A. The control unit 304 can also, for example, determine whether or not vehicle Ve is staying within area AS based on the current location of vehicle Ve received from information processing device 1A. The control unit 304 can also, for example, calculate the total charge amounts TB11 and TB12 based on the charge conditions BC. The control unit 304 can also, for example, calculate the remaining time RT1 and remaining time RT2 based on the charge conditions BC. The control unit 304 can also, for example, send an instruction signal to information processing device 1A to display display information corresponding to the charge conditions BC.

[0146] According to this modified example, the same processing performed in server device 200 may be performed in a server system having multiple server devices.

[0147] This specification discloses inventions relating to the following means 1 to 3.

[0148] (Measure 1) In facilities such as service areas and parking areas on expressways and other limited-access roads, there is a consideration to charge usage fees according to the billing conditions set for each facility. In such cases, it is expected that users will want to keep usage fees as low as possible.

[0149] In view of the above circumstances, the main objective of the invention of Means 1 is to provide an information processing device that can provide notifications regarding billing information in accordance with the billing conditions when using a facility for which billing conditions have been set.

[0150] The information processing device of means 1 includes an acquisition means for acquiring billing information corresponding to a billing condition when a vehicle is located within an area that includes a facility for which a time-based billing condition is set, and a notification means for notifying a user of the billing information based on the content of notification conditions set by the user.

[0151] In the information processing device of means 1 described above, the acquisition means acquires billing information corresponding to the billing conditions when a vehicle is located within an area that includes a facility for which time-based billing conditions are set. The notification means notifies the user of the billing information based on the notification conditions set by the user. This makes it possible to notify a user of billing information corresponding to the billing conditions when they are using a facility for which billing conditions are set.

[0152] (Measure 2) In facilities such as service areas and parking areas on expressways and other limited-access roads, there is a consideration to charge usage fees according to the billing conditions set for each facility. In such cases, it is expected that users will want to keep usage fees as low as possible.

[0153] In view of the above circumstances, the main objective of the invention of Means 2 is to provide an information processing device that can output billing information corresponding to the billing conditions at a timing desired by the user when using a facility for which billing conditions have been set.

[0154] The information processing device of means 2 includes an acquisition means for acquiring billing information corresponding to a billing condition when a vehicle is located within an area that includes a facility where a time-based billing condition is set, and an information output means for outputting the billing information to a user when instructed to do so by the user.

[0155] The information processing device described in means 2 above comprises an acquisition means and an information output means. The acquisition means acquires billing information corresponding to the billing conditions when a vehicle is present in an area that includes a facility for which time-based billing conditions are set. The information output means outputs the billing information to the user when instructed to do so by the user. This makes it possible to output billing information corresponding to the billing conditions at the timing desired by the user when using a facility for which billing conditions are set.

[0156] (Measure 3) In facilities such as service areas and parking areas on expressways and other limited-access roads, there is a consideration to charge usage fees according to the billing conditions set for each facility. In such cases, it is expected that users will want to keep usage fees as low as possible.

[0157] In view of the above circumstances, the main objective of the invention of means 3 is to provide an information processing device that allows users to easily check billing information corresponding to the billing conditions when using a facility where such billing conditions are set.

[0158] The information processing device of means 3 includes an acquisition means for acquiring billing information in accordance with the billing conditions of a first facility when a vehicle is located within an area including a first facility where time-based billing conditions are set, and a display control means for displaying a first display screen including information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information.

[0159] The information processing device of means 3 described above comprises an acquisition means and a display control means. The acquisition means acquires billing information according to the billing conditions of a first facility when a vehicle is located within an area that includes a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set. The display control means displays a first display screen that includes information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information. This makes it possible to easily check billing information according to the billing conditions when using a facility for which billing conditions are set.

[0160] In each of the embodiments described above, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium and supplied to a control unit, which is a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage medium (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage medium (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)).

[0161] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and various modifications and alterations that those skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical idea. Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents and other references is incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1. 1A Information Processing Device 11, 301 Communications Department 12, 302 Storage section 13 Input section 14, 304 Control Unit 15 Sensor Groups

Claims

1. When a vehicle is located within an area that includes a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, an acquisition means for acquiring billing information in accordance with the billing conditions of the first facility, A display control means for displaying a first display screen that includes information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information, An information processing device having

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a screen as the first display screen that further includes information relating to a second facility that exists prior to the first facility.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising determination means for determining whether the second facility is a paid facility or a free facility, based on the predicted time of passage of the vehicle passing the second facility and the billing conditions of the second facility.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the display control means displays information relating to each of a plurality of facilities, including the first facility and the second facility, in different display modes according to the differences in the billing conditions of the plurality of facilities.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the display control means displays information relating to each of the plurality of facilities in different display modes depending on whether it is a facility where a usage fee is always charged, a facility where no usage fee is charged at all, or a facility where whether or not a usage fee is charged changes depending on the time of day or length of stay.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires information indicating the amount of charge according to the charge conditions as the charge information.

7. The acquisition means acquires, as the amount charged according to the billing conditions, a first charge amount corresponding to the cumulative amount of usage fees charged from the time of entry into the area to the present, and a second charge amount corresponding to the cumulative amount of usage fees charged when usage fees are charged next. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display control means causes the display to display a screen as the first display screen that includes at least one of the information indicating the first charge amount and the information indicating the second charge amount.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the display control means displays a screen as the first display screen that further includes information relating to the billing conditions of the first facility and information indicating the time when the vehicle entered the first facility.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the display control means causes the display to display a second display screen which includes information indicating a first charge amount, information indicating a second charge amount, information relating to the billing conditions of the first facility, and information indicating the time when the vehicle entered the first facility, when an instruction is given to select the first facility on the first display screen.

10. A method of information processing performed by a computer, When a vehicle is located within an area that includes a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, the system obtains billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of the first facility. An information processing method for displaying a first display screen that includes information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying, and the billing information.

11. A program executed by a computer, When a vehicle is located within an area that includes a first facility for which time-based billing conditions are set, the system obtains billing information corresponding to the billing conditions of the first facility. A program that causes a computer to perform a process of displaying a first display screen that includes information relating to the first facility where the vehicle is staying and the billing information.

12. A storage medium storing the program described in claim 11.

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