Transportation fare calculation system and computer program

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation fare calculation system for performing deferred fare calculation, in which transportation fare is billed in arrears. [Background technology]

[0002] Transportation fares are determined in advance by transportation companies that operate the transportation facilities. Transportation companies provide various services to encourage users to use transportation facilities. For example, transportation companies offer commuter passes, coupon tickets, one-day passes, and other services to users, offering discounts on transportation fares. In recent years, point-granting services have also been offered to users who commute off-peak, using transportation facilities during times when there are fewer passengers. By using such services, users can receive discounts on transportation fares and benefits from the use of points. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose technologies for retroactively applying discount fares, such as commuter pass fares, based on monthly usage records. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-115017 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-162741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To use discount fares, users must purchase a commuter pass, coupon, or one-day pass in advance. Furthermore, the points awarded for using public transport services are only available for limited use, making them difficult for users to use. Even when discounts are applied retroactively based on usage history, the fare is statically determined in advance, so the amount of cashback remains the same whether a train is full or empty.

[0005] These are some of the reasons why users are not properly using the various services provided by transportation operators. Users, for example, are not aware of all the services that transportation operators offer, and therefore miss out on opportunities to use services at low prices. In this way, a mismatch of supply and demand occurs between transportation operators and users.

[0006] In light of the above-mentioned background, a main object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows users to use services provided by transportation companies without being aware of it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem comprises a communication means that enables communication with a portable terminal carried by a user of a means of transport; an acquisition means that acquires route search results based on search conditions entered into the portable terminal, and acquires the supply and demand situation for one or more of the means of transport shown in the route search results, and special offers set by the means of transport; and a processing means that, when a route for which a special offer corresponding to the supply and demand situation is set is found in the route search results, causes the portable terminal to display the set content together with the route, wherein the supply and demand situation includes the supply situation on the user's side relative to the demand on the side of the means of transport. The special offer includes a usage benefit for the user that is determined by the transportation facility and identified from the supply and demand situation, and the system further comprises a storage means for storing conditions under which the user can enjoy the usage benefit, and the processing means displays the set content including the usage benefit together with the route on the mobile terminal when the conditions are met, and displays the usage benefit for which the conditions are not met on the mobile terminal in a manner different from that of the usage benefit for which the conditions are met. This is a transportation fare calculation system characterized by the above. Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer having a communication function to operate as the usage fee calculation system of the above aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, users can use services provided by transportation companies without even being aware of it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]An explanatory diagram of the entire system including the transportation fare calculation system. [Figure 2] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the usage fee calculation system. [Figure 3] An example of the standard fee schedule. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating deposit information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an example diagram of transportation management information. [Figure 8] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams explaining the configuration of the transportation system. [Figure 10] 10 is a process flow diagram showing a registration process. [Figure 11] 1 is a process flow diagram showing the process when a user uses a means of transportation. [Figure 12] 10 is a process flow diagram showing a settlement process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image showing the usage status for the closing date. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a confirmation screen at the time of payment. [Figure 15] 10 is a process flow diagram showing a route search process for proposing a service. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of route search results. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen when a special offer is available. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (whole system) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall system including a transportation fare calculation system according to this embodiment. The fare calculation system 1 is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 2 carried by a user and a transportation system 3 that manages transportation 4 via a network N. While FIG. 1 illustrates two transportation systems 3, the number of transportation systems 3 is not limited to this and may be one or more. A large number of mobile terminals 2 may also be capable of communicating with the fare calculation system 1 via the network N. The network N is a communications network such as the Internet.

[0012] The transportation facilities 4 are available on a postpaid basis and provide users with transportation options such as trains, airplanes, buses, taxis, rental cars, and car sharing. The transportation facilities 4 are operated by transportation businesses. The transportation facility system 3 manages operations and fares to ensure smooth travel by users of the transportation facilities 4.

[0013] A user installs application software (hereinafter referred to as "AP") for using the fare calculation system 1 on the mobile terminal 2 that the user owns. The user carries the mobile terminal 2 with the AP activated and uses the transportation facility 4. The user's usage status of the transportation facility 4 is sent to the fare calculation system 1 from the mobile terminal 2 or from the transportation facility system 3 of the transportation facility 4. The usage status includes the start date and time of use of the transportation facility 4, the end date and time of use, the start location of use, the end location of use, and other information used to analyze the section of use. The usage status transmitted from the transportation system 3 may include individual usage fees for each usage that must be paid by the user who used the transportation 4. The transmission of the usage status from the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 to the usage fee calculation system 1 is performed in real time, for example, immediately after the user finishes using the transportation 4.

[0014] The transportation system 3 also transmits the supply and demand status of the transportation facility 4 to the fare calculation system 1. The supply and demand status is, for example, the degree of match (congestion rate, availability of operational troubles and alternative vehicles, etc.) between the user's demand for fast, cheap (good value), easy, and congestion-free travel and the operator's supply at the time of use (discounts or points given to users who commute off-peak, etc., and the undersupply or oversupply of transportation capacity). Alternatively, it is the degree of match (number of vacant seats, number of people waiting in stations, etc.) between the operator's demand for vehicles (carbon offset vehicles) and travel routes that the operator wants to use, the time or time slot for use, tickets to sell, etc., and the number of users at the time of use. The supply and demand status can be detected, acquired, or generated, for example, based on the following information: - The magnitude of the on-board load exceeding the threshold obtained from the load-applying device of the traffic vehicle - Number of passengers exceeding the threshold obtained from camera imaging devices inside transportation vehicles - The expected number of passengers exceeding the threshold obtained from the camera video equipment installed on the platform Entry and exit information obtained from ticket gates, etc. -Ticket sales status, such as reserved seats, obtained from the ticket management system Special offers retrieved from the ticket management system Information on operational disruptions Information on alternative and return services

[0015] The transportation system 3 may transmit such supply and demand conditions to the usage fee calculation system 1 along with the usage status when it detects them, but if it is not possible to obtain them at the time the user finishes using the transportation system 4, it may transmit them to the usage fee calculation system 1 at a predetermined time (for example, at the end of business hours for the day).

[0016] The usage fee calculation system 1 acquires the individual usage fee to be paid by a user who has used the transportation facility 4 each time it acquires usage status and supply-demand status (usage status, etc.). When the usage status, etc. acquired from the transportation facility system 3 does not include the individual usage fee, or when the usage status, etc. is acquired from the mobile terminal 2, the individual usage fee is calculated according to the acquired usage status, etc. The fare calculation system 1 calculates and accumulates the total amount of a user's individual usage fees for each transportation facility 4 for each specified period. The total amount of individual usage fees will be explained in detail later, but there are two types: a lump-sum settlement fee, which is simply an aggregate of individual usage fees, and a special fee, which is a lump-sum settlement fee minus usage benefits when specified conditions are met. Whether the specified conditions are met is determined based on a comparison of the user's usage status of the transportation facility 4 or the results of an analysis of the usage status and the supply and demand situation at the time of use with the conditions for receiving usage benefits. The fare calculation system 1 settles the usage fee by transferring the calculated total amount of individual usage fees from the user's settlement account to the transportation facility's settlement account.

[0017] The fare calculation system 1, the mobile terminal 2, and the transportation system 3 will each be described in detail below. (Usage fee calculation system) Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the usage fee calculation system 1. Fig. 2(a) shows the hardware configuration of the usage fee calculation system 1. Fig. 2(b) shows an example of a functional block of the usage fee calculation system 1. The usage fee calculation system 1 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server having a communication function and a large-capacity storage device.

[0018] The usage fee calculation system 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage 13, and a network adapter 14. The storage 13 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The network adapter 14 is a communication interface for communicating between the mobile terminal 2 and the transportation system 3 via a network N. The CPU 10 controls the overall operation of the usage fee calculation system 1 by executing computer programs stored in the ROM 11 or the storage 13. The RAM 12 provides a work area for the CPU 10 to execute processing.

[0019] The CPU 10 executes a computer program, and the usage fee calculation system 1 realizes each of the functional blocks illustrated in Fig. 2(b). Note that, although the present embodiment describes a case where each functional block is realized by executing a computer program, at least a part of each functional block may be configured by hardware. The usage fee calculation system 1 functions as a control unit 100, a communication unit 101, a default fare table storage unit 102, a usage benefit condition storage unit 103, a user management unit 104, a setting unit 105, a deposit management unit 106, a transportation registration unit 107, an analysis unit 108, a fare calculation unit 109, and a settlement unit 110.

[0020] The control unit 100 operates as a processing means for controlling the overall operation of the fare calculation system 1. When a user registers user information with a mobile terminal 2 in order to use this system, the control unit 100 transmits display control information to the mobile terminal 2 for displaying guarantee information to guarantee that the ticket is a common use ticket that can be used on multiple modes of transport 4 that can be used on a deferred payment basis. The control unit 100 presents the guarantee information on a display or the like of the mobile terminal 2, allowing the user to use the modes of transport 4 on a deferred payment basis.

[0021] The communication unit 101 controls the operation of the network adapter 14 to control communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the transportation system 3 via the network N. The warranty information can be text, a design, a code image such as a QR code, or electronic data representing these. If the warranty information is an image, the image is printed on a paper medium or displayed on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. If the warranty information is electronic data, the electronic data is linked to and stored in, for example, an IC card or a mobile terminal. IC cards include IC card tickets and credit cards.

[0022] The default fare table storage unit 102 stores a default fare table that defines the default fares for each transportation facility 4. Figure 3 is an example diagram of a default fare table. Figure 3 shows an example of a default fare table for railways, but the content is almost the same for other types of transportation facilities. A transportation facility ID, which is identification information that identifies the transportation facility 4, is attached to the default fare table. The transportation facility ID makes it possible to identify which transportation facility 4 the default fare table belongs to. The default fare table clearly indicates the default fares between each station.

[0023] The default fare table storage unit 102 acquires default usage fares from the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101. The default fare table storage unit 102 creates a default fare table by adding the transportation facility ID of the transportation facility 4 in which the transportation system 3 is installed to the acquired default usage fares, and stores this in the storage 13. The default usage fares are determined in advance by the transportation business operator that operates the transportation facility 4. When the transportation business operator revises the default usage fares, the transportation system 3 instructs the default usage fares after the revision. The default fare table storage unit 102 dynamically changes the default usage fares in the default fare table in accordance with the instruction to revise the default usage fares from the transportation system 3.

[0024] The privilege conditions storage unit 103 stores a condition table that indicates the conditions under which users of the transportation facility 4 can receive privileges, including fare reductions and exemptions. FIG. 4 is an example of the condition table. The condition table is saved in the storage 13. Since privileges are provided for each transportation facility 4, the condition table is associated with a transportation facility ID. In the example of FIG. 4, "privileges" include, for example, a free commuter pass section, a fixed-price round-trip section, a one-day pass, a fixed-price travel plan specified by the transportation facility used, a discount for mutual use with other transportation facilities (mutual use discount), a senior citizen discount, etc. "Conditions" are set for each use benefit. For example, the condition for enjoying the use benefit of free commuter pass sections is to use the same section a specified number of times (e.g., 12 times) within a specified period (e.g., one month).

[0025] 4 shows an example of conditions for use privileges according to the usage situation, but examples of conditions may be determined according to the supply and demand situation alone, or a combination of the usage situation and the supply and demand situation. For example, when a condition (condition) is detected at the time of use that the in-car congestion rate, platform congestion rate, delay time, etc. exceed a predetermined value, or when a condition (condition) is detected that a detour route has been used due to an obstacle or disaster, a 5% to 100% discount (use privilege) on the individual use fare for the transportation facility 4 can be provided.

[0026] The user management unit 104 manages users who have registered their user information. The user management unit 104 manages the history of users' use of transportation facilities based on the user information for each user. The user information is stored in the storage 13. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating user information. The user management unit 104 creates user information by adding a user ID, which is identification information for identifying the user, to the user's personal information acquired from the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 101. Each time the user uses a form of transportation, the user information is updated with the transportation facility ID of the transportation facility used, the usage status, the supply and demand situation at the time of use, and the individual usage fee for using the transportation facility. The user's personal information acquired from the mobile terminal 2 includes, for example, the user's name, address, mobile terminal contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.), and the user's payment account information. The payment account information is, for example, a bank account number or a credit card number.

[0027] The usage status is transmitted in real time from either the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3. The user management unit 104 acquires usage status information including the usage status, transportation ID, and user ID from the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101, and adds the usage status to the user information corresponding to the user ID included in the acquired usage status information.

[0028] In this example, the supply and demand situation is assumed to be transmitted from the transportation system 3. The transportation registration unit 107, which will be described later, acquires supply and demand situation information including the supply and demand situation, the detection time or generation date and time of the supply and demand situation, and the transportation ID from the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101. The transportation registration unit 107 adds the acquired supply and demand situation information to the transportation management information, which will be described later, and saves it in the storage 13.

[0029] The user management unit 104 identifies the supply and demand situation to be added to the user information based on the usage status (usage start date and time, usage end date and time, usage start location, usage end location) and transportation facility ID included in the user information, and the detection time of the supply and demand situation (or acquisition or generation date and time) and transportation facility ID included in the supply and demand situation information. The supply and demand situation for the same transportation facility ID detected between the usage start date and time and the usage end date and time is added to the user information. Note that when the supply and demand situation and usage status are acquired simultaneously from the transportation facility system 3, the user management unit 104 adds the acquired supply and demand situation and usage status to the user information. Furthermore, if the supply and demand situation corresponding to the usage status can be identified from the transportation facility management information, there is no need to store the supply and demand situation directly in the user information.

[0030] The user management unit 104 identifies an individual usage fee each time it acquires usage status information. The user management unit 104 identifies an individual usage fee based on the usage status, for example, by referring to a predetermined fare table. The user management unit 104 may also identify an individual usage fee through communication from the transportation system 3. For example, when a user uses a taxi, rental car, car share, or the like, communication of the individual usage fee may be made by the transportation system 3 for taxi, rental car, car share, or the like. In this case, the user management unit 104 acquires the transportation ID, usage status, supply and demand status, and individual usage fee from the transportation system 3, and adds some or all of these to the user information. In this way, the user management unit 104 can store the individual usage fees in the storage 13 in association with the usage status, the supply and demand status, and the user ID.

[0031] The setting unit 105 receives settings such as the purpose of use when the user uses the transportation facility 4 from the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 101 for each user. The purpose of use is, for example, official use, private use, use by another person, business use, etc., and is set as distinguishing information for distinguishing the purpose of use of the transportation facility 4 after the fact. The setting unit 105 associates the distinguishing information with the usage status included in the user information. Note that if the purpose of use is included in advance in the usage status acquired from the mobile terminal 2, the setting unit 105 can avoid setting distinguishing information to associate with the usage status.

[0032] The deposit management unit 106 records deposits received from users in an updateable manner. FIG. 6 is an example diagram of deposit information showing the details of a deposit for each user. The deposit information is recorded in storage 13 by associating the deposit with a user ID. When the cumulative amount of individual usage fees exceeds a predetermined percentage of the latest deposit, the deposit management unit 106 outputs information for restricting the use of transportation 4 to the user's mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 101, without waiting for the end of the settlement period. The deposit management unit 106 prevents fraudulent acts by users. The deposit information may be one of the user information exemplified in FIG. 5.

[0033] The transportation registration unit 107 generates transportation management information and manages the transportation 4 that use this system. The transportation management information is saved in the storage 13. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating transportation management information. The transportation registration unit 107 creates transportation management information by associating the transportation information acquired from the transportation system 3 via the communication unit 101 with a transportation ID, which is identification information for identifying the transportation, and a payment method for the transportation company that provides the transportation 4. The payment method is, for example, a payment account prepared by the transportation company. The transportation management information stores payment account information that represents the payment account. The transportation information includes information such as contact details of the transportation company. The transportation management information stores the supply and demand status of the transportation 4. Each time the transportation registration unit 107 acquires the supply and demand status from the transportation system 3, it adds the supply and demand status to the transportation management information.

[0034] For example, the transportation facility registration unit 107 may also acquire the default fare table and condition table when acquiring transportation facility information from the transportation facility system 3. In this case, the transportation facility registration unit 107 stores the acquired default fare table in storage 13 using the default fare table holding unit 102, and stores the acquired condition table in storage 13 using the usage benefit condition holding unit 103. Note that the procedures for communicating the default fare table, usage benefits, condition table, and individual usage fees are determined for each transportation business operator.

[0035] The analysis unit 108 extracts the usage status and supply and demand status for each user of the transportation 4 from various information obtained from the transportation system 3, etc., and quantitatively analyzes the usage status and supply and demand status for each user during a specified period (a reference period for deferred payment, or a specified date going back from the closing date (end) of the reference period). The analysis may involve, for example, the number of times the user uses the service in a specified period, usage trends (frequent / few fixed-route usage, frequent / few express usage, frequent / few off-peak usage, frequent / few get-offs along the way, frequent / few usage perks, etc.), etc. Then, the analysis unit 108 determines whether the usage status, supply and demand status, or a combination of the usage status and supply and demand status for each user satisfies one or more conditions shown in the condition table stored in the usage perk condition storage unit 103. If the condition is satisfied, the usage perks corresponding to the condition are identified and used as the basis for calculating the fare.

[0036] If none of the conditions are satisfied, the analysis unit 108 generates information indicating that fact. The information indicating that fact is information to alert the user who is unaware of the existence of the use privilege, and may be a message, an image, characters, symbols, etc., but in this embodiment, information to guide the user about the use privilege that the user can enjoy and / or information to guide the user to satisfy any of the conditions is used. The guidance information may include, but is not limited to, for example, the contents of several usage benefits (in order of likelihood) that may meet the conditions by the closing date of the reference period based on usage trends, the contents of usage benefits that could be obtained by using a station other than the station used last time, etc. The guidance information may be, but is not limited to, a message that guides the user to obtain a usage benefit by the closing date of the reference period based on the user's usage tendency (e.g., if you use ○ line ○ more times, you can obtain ○ usage benefit), a message that guides the user to a route that avoids congestion or a route that offers a discount through dynamic pricing, etc. Note that the guidance information may also be generated when one or more conditions are met.

[0037] The fee calculation unit 109 calculates the user's usage fee for a specified period, which varies depending on the results of the analysis and determination by the analysis unit 108. If none of the conditions for receiving a usage benefit are met, the fee calculation unit 109 calculates the usage fee as a lump-sum settlement fee calculated by aggregating the individual usage fees for the specified period. On the other hand, if one or more conditions are met, the fee calculation unit 109 calculates the usage fee as a privilege fee, which is the lump-sum settlement fee minus the fee for the usage benefit for which the conditions are met. Note that if multiple conditions are met, the privilege fees set for each condition may be added together.

[0038] Furthermore, when the usage status includes distinction information indicating the purpose of use, the fee calculation unit 109 may calculate a usage fee for each purpose of use distinguished by the distinction information. For example, in the case of official use, it is possible not to deduct the usage privilege even if the conditions are met. In the case of business use, it may be possible to determine whether the conditions are met using a condition table for business use that is different from that for personal use.

[0039] The predetermined period used by the analysis unit 108 to make the above determination may be the same as the predetermined period used by the fare calculation unit 109 to calculate the usage fee. The predetermined period referred to here may be, for example, a period whose start and end are determined in advance according to a calendar, a period arbitrarily specified by the user via the mobile terminal 2, or a period independently determined by the system (up to a predetermined date prior to the end of the reference period for deferred payment). The fare calculation unit 109 calculates and stores the cumulative amount of individual usage fees each time usage status is acquired, in order to assist processing by the deposit management unit 106. The deposit management unit 106 compares the cumulative amount with the latest deposit each time usage status is acquired, and can determine whether to restrict the user's use of the transportation facility 4.

[0040] When the user pays the usage fee, the settlement unit 110 completes the settlement of the usage fee paid by the user of the transportation facility 4, using the transportation service provider's payment account corresponding to the transportation facility ID associated with the usage fee. For example, the settlement unit 110 deducts the usage fee from the account indicated in the user's payment account information, and deposits the amount into the account indicated in the transportation service provider's payment account information.

[0041] (Mobile device) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. 8(a) shows the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. 8(b) shows the functional blocks of the mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 is an information terminal device having an information display function and an information processing function, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or smartwatch. The mobile terminal 2 can also be used to pass through ticket gates (including devices that perform ticket gate processing by reading IC cards or two-dimensional codes) provided at stations and inside buses at transportation facilities 4.

[0042] The mobile terminal 2 includes a CPU 20, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a memory 23, an NFC (Near Field Communication) 24, a user interface 25, and a communication antenna 26. The CPU 20 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 2 by executing a predetermined terminal computer program (including the above-mentioned AP) stored in the ROM 21 or the memory 23. The RAM 22 provides a work area when the CPU 20 executes processing. The memory 23 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0043] The NFC 24 performs short-range wireless communication. For example, when passing through the ticket gate, the NFC 24 of this embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with the ticket gate, and can exchange various data required for ticket gate processing. The user interface 25 has an input interface and an output interface. The input interface is, for example, a touch panel or various buttons. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The communication antenna 26 is a communication interface that communicates with the usage fee calculation system 1 via the network N.

[0044] The mobile terminal 2 realizes each functional block of Fig. 8(b) by the CPU 20 executing the terminal computer program. The mobile terminal 2 functions as a control unit 200, a communication unit 201, a ticket gate processing unit 202, a usage status generation unit 203, a registration processing unit 204, a route search unit 205, and a display unit 206. The control unit 200 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 2. The communication unit 201 controls communication with the usage fee calculation system 1 via the network N using the communication antenna 26.

[0045] The ticket gate processing unit 202 performs ticket gate processing using the NFC 24 and the display of the user interface 25. In this system, usage fees are paid after the fact. Therefore, information such as the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the start location of use, and the end location of use is exchanged during the ticket gate processing. Note that users may pass through the ticket gate by displaying the aforementioned guarantee information (e.g., an image) on the display. The usage status generation unit 203 generates usage status information based on the ticket gate processing by the ticket gate processing unit 202. The usage status generation unit 203 generates usage status information when a user exits a station or gets off a bus, and transmits the information to the usage fare calculation system 1 in real time via the communication unit 201.

[0046] The registration processing unit 204 registers the user information in the usage fee calculation system 1. The registration processing unit 204 displays a registration screen on the display of the user interface 25 to prompt the user to register the user information. When the user inputs the necessary information on the registration screen using the input interface, the registration processing unit 204 acquires the personal information for registration. The registration processing unit 204 transmits the personal information for registration to the usage fee calculation system 1 via the communication unit 201. The user management unit 104 of the usage fee calculation system 1 creates user information based on the personal information for registration. When the user registration is complete, the usage fee calculation system 1 transmits the user ID of the user to the mobile terminal 2 carried by the user. The mobile terminal 2 stores the user ID acquired from the usage fee calculation system 1 in memory 23 and uses it when generating user information.

[0047] The route search unit 205 performs a route search using known technology and proposes to the user the optimal route using the public transport 4. The route search unit 205 acquires the departure point (location information) using input from an input interface or a GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires the destination (location information) from input from the input interface. Input via the input interface may be acquired by accepting input based on instructions on a map, in addition to text input. The route search unit 205 searches for the optimal route from the acquired departure point to the destination using the public transport 4, and displays the search results on the display of the user interface 25.

[0048] The display unit 206 displays the necessary screens on the display. For example, the display unit 206 displays guarantee information (e.g., an image) when passing through a ticket gate. Furthermore, when the display unit 206 acquires information for restricting the use of the transportation facility 4 from the fare calculation system 1, it can display an image based on this information to prompt the user to add a deposit.

[0049] (Transportation System) Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the transportation system 3. Figure 9(a) shows the hardware configuration of the transportation system 3. Figure 9(b) shows the functional blocks of the transportation system 3. The transportation system 3 is an information processing device such as a server having a large-capacity storage device. The transportation system 3 includes a CPU 30, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a user interface 33, storage 34, an input interface 35, and a network adapter 36.

[0050] The CPU 30 controls the overall operation of the transportation system 3 by executing computer programs stored in the ROM 21 or storage 34. The RAM 32 provides a work area for the CPU 30 when it executes processing. The storage 34 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The input interface 35 acquires data by communicating with the transportation 4, for example, using a dedicated line. The network adapter 36 is a communication interface that communicates with the fare calculation system 1 via the network N.

[0051] The transportation system 3 realizes each of the functional blocks shown in Fig. 9(b) by the CPU 30 executing a computer program. Note that, although the present embodiment describes a case where each functional block is realized by executing a computer program, at least a part of each functional block may be configured by hardware.

[0052] The transportation system 3 functions as a control unit 300, a communication unit 301, a default fare table storage unit 302, a usage benefit condition storage unit 303, a usage status generation unit 304, a supply and demand status generation unit 305, an input unit 306, and an output unit 307. The control unit 300 controls the overall operation of the transportation system 3. The communication unit 301 controls the operation of the network adapter 36 and controls communication with the usage fee calculation system 1 via the network N.

[0053] The default fare table storage unit 302 stores a default fare table that defines the default usage fares of the transportation facilities 4 that it manages. The control unit 300 transmits the default fare table stored in the default fare table storage unit 302 to the usage fare calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301. The usage benefit condition storage unit 303 stores a condition table that indicates the conditions under which the transportation facilities 4 that it manages allow users to enjoy usage benefits. The control unit 300 transmits the condition table stored in the usage benefit condition storage unit 303 to the usage fare calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301.

[0054] When updating the default fare table and condition table, the operator of the transportation system 3 inputs the update contents via the input interface 35. The control unit 300 updates the default fare table stored in the default fare table storage unit 302 and the condition table stored in the usage benefit condition storage unit 303 in response to input from the user interface 33. When the control unit 300 updates the usage fare table or condition table, it transmits the update contents to the usage fare calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301. For this reason, the usage fare calculation system 1 stores the latest usage fare table and condition table.

[0055] The usage status generation unit 304 generates usage status information that represents the usage status, and transmits the generated usage status information to the usage fee calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301. The usage status information is generated, for example, based on information about ticket gate processing that is acquired each time a ticket gate process is performed for entering and exiting the transportation facility 4. The information about ticket gate processing can be acquired via the input interface 35. The supply and demand status generation unit 305 generates supply and demand status information that represents the supply and demand status, and transmits the generated supply and demand status information to the usage fee calculation system 1 via the communication unit 301.

[0056] The input unit 306 and the output unit 307 control the operation of the user interface 33 , receive input from the user interface 33 , transmit it to the control unit 300 , and output information from the user interface 33 .

[0057] (operation form) 10 is a process flow diagram showing the registration process performed by a user and a transportation company when using this system. The user and transportation company each perform registration processing with the fare calculation system 1. An operator of the transportation company instructs the user interface 33 of the transportation system 3 to send the information required for registration to the fare calculation system 1 (S30). The information required for registration includes, for example, transportation information, payment account, default fare, condition table, etc.

[0058] When the fare calculation system 1 acquires the information necessary for registration from the transportation system 3, it performs a registration process for the transportation 4 (S10). In the registration process for the transportation 4, a transportation ID is assigned to the transportation information to create transportation management information as shown in FIG. 7. The transportation management information also includes payment account information indicating the payment account. The same transportation ID as the transportation information is assigned to the default usage fare, and a default fare table as shown in FIG. 3 is created. The same transportation ID as the transportation information is assigned to the condition table, and a condition table as shown in FIG. 4 is created. The created transportation management information, default fare table, and condition table are saved in storage 13. The transportation facility ID is transmitted from the fare calculation system 1 to the transportation facility system 3. The transportation facility system 3 stores the transportation facility ID in storage 34. In this manner, the transportation facility 4 is registered in the fare calculation system 1.

[0059] Before registration, the user of the mobile terminal 2 starts the installed AP and instructs the user interface 25 of the mobile terminal 2 to send the information required for registration to the usage fee calculation system 1 (S20). The information required for registration is personal information including a settlement account, and is input by the user via the user interface 25 into the mobile terminal 2 on which the user has started the AP.

[0060] When the usage fee calculation system 1 acquires the information required for registration from the mobile terminal 2, it performs a user registration process (S11). In the user registration process, a user ID is attached to the personal information to create user information as shown in FIG. 5. The created user information is saved in storage 13. The user ID is sent from the usage fee calculation system 1 to the mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 stores the user ID in memory 23. In this way, the mobile terminal 2 is registered in the usage fee calculation system 1.

[0061] 11 is a process flow diagram showing the process when a user uses the transportation facility 4. This process starts when the user starts the AP and uses the transportation facility 4. When the transportation facility 4 is a railway, the user passes through a ticket gate using the mobile terminal 2, and ticket inspection processing is carried out between the mobile terminal 2 and a ticket gate installed at the transportation facility 4 (S21, S31). Through the ticket inspection processing, the mobile terminal 2 acquires the transportation facility ID, the start location of use (boarding station), and the end location of use (disembarking station) stored in the transportation facility system 3. Through the ticket inspection processing, the transportation facility system 3 acquires the user ID and start location of use stored in the mobile terminal 2. Similarly, when the means of transport 4 is a taxi or bus, the user passes the mobile terminal 2 through a fare adjustment machine installed in the taxi or bus, and the mobile terminal 2 acquires the means of transport ID, the start location of the trip (the stop where the user boarded), and the end location of the trip (the stop where the user disembarked). In the case of a taxi, the mobile terminal also acquires the individual fare.

[0062] When the ticket inspection process is complete, the usage status is transmitted from either the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 (S22, S32). In the case of trains, the usage status may be transmitted from either the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3. In the case of taxis or buses, the usage status is transmitted by the mobile terminal 2. The fare calculation system 1 collects the usage status from the mobile terminal 2 or the transportation system 3 (S12). The fare calculation system 1 adds the acquired usage status to the corresponding user information.

[0063] When usage status is sent from the mobile terminal 2, the mobile terminal 2 sends the transportation ID obtained during the ticket gate process, the user ID stored in memory 23, the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the start location of use, and the end location of use to the fare calculation system 1 as usage status. When the transportation system 3 transmits the usage status, the transportation system 3 transmits the user ID acquired in the ticket gate process, the transportation ID stored in storage 34, the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the start location of use, and the end location of use as the usage status to the fare calculation system 1. When the transportation system 3 transmits the usage status, the transportation system 3 may also transmit the supply and demand status together with the usage status.

[0064] The usage fee calculation system 1, which has acquired the usage status, acquires an individual usage fee according to the usage status (S13). The usage fee calculation system 1 calculates an individual usage fee based on the usage start date and time, usage end date and time, usage start location, and usage end location included in the usage status, and a predetermined fare table. The usage fee calculation system 1 stores the calculated individual usage fee in association with the corresponding usage status of the corresponding user information. Note that when using a taxi, the individual usage fee is included in the usage status acquired from the mobile terminal 2.

[0065] The above series of processes from the ticket gate process to the process of acquiring the individual usage fare is repeated each time the ticket gate process is performed. As a result, the user information is accumulated with the actual usage of the transportation facility 4. In addition, the individual usage fare is calculated and accumulated each time the transportation facility 4 is used.

[0066] If the transportation system 3 does not transmit the supply and demand status at the same time as transmitting the usage status, it transmits the supply and demand status together with the transportation ID stored in storage 34 to the fare calculation system 1 at a predetermined timing (S32). When the transportation system 1 acquires the supply and demand status, it adds it to the corresponding transportation management information (S14). The transportation system 3 transmits the supply and demand status, for example, after the end of business for the day. The fare calculation system 1 adds the supply and demand status for the day to the transportation management information.

[0067] The usage fee calculation system 1 extracts a supply and demand situation that matches the usage situation from the supply and demand situations added to the transportation management information based on the transportation facility ID and usage situation (usage start date and time, usage end date and time) added to the user information. The usage fee calculation system 1 associates the extracted supply and demand situation with the usage situation and adds it to the user information.

[0068] If the means of transport 4 is an airplane, rental car, or car sharing, payment processing is performed by the mobile terminal 2 to the transport system 3 of the airline, rental car company, or car sharing company, instead of the ticket gate processing of S21 and S31. However, no actual settlement processing is performed at this time. In response to the payment processing, the transport system 3 transmits the individual usage fare along with the transport facility ID and user ID to the usage fare calculation system 1. The usage fare calculation system 1 adds the acquired usage status to the corresponding user information. The supply and demand status in this case is collected using the same processing as in the case of railways.

[0069] Fig. 12 is a process flow diagram showing the settlement process. The usage fee calculation system 1 repeats the process of Fig. 11 until the closing date (S100:N). In other words, the usage status of the transportation facility 4 and the like can be output to the mobile terminal 4 in real time. When the next closing date arrives (S100:Y), the usage fee calculation system 1 calculates the final usage fee for each transportation means for each user. To do this, the usage fee calculation system 1 extracts the individual usage fees for each transportation means for each user (S101). The usage fee calculation system 1 aggregates the individual usage fees extracted for each transportation means for each user and calculates a lump-sum settlement fee (total amount) for each transportation means (S102).

[0070] After calculating the lump-sum settlement fare, the fare calculation system 1 determines whether the usage status, supply and demand status, or combination of usage status and supply and demand status associated with the extracted individual usage fares satisfies one or more conditions shown in the condition table for the transportation facility 4 (S103). If at least one condition is met (S103: Y), the fare calculation system 1 calculates a bonus fare by deducting the usage bonus corresponding to the met condition from the lump-sum settlement fare (S104). The fare calculation system 1 settles the fare from the user's payment account to the payment account of the transportation facility, using the bonus fare as the total amount for the reference period (S105). If the condition is not met (S103: N), the fare calculation system 1 settles the fare from the user's payment account to the payment account of the transportation facility, using the lump-sum settlement fare as the usage fare (S105).

[0071] In the above process, each time a usage status is added, an individual usage fee is extracted and tallied. This allows the user to view the usage status of each transportation facility 4 from the previous closing date to the next closing date in the reference period in real time. FIG. 13 is an example of an image showing the usage status. This image is displayed when an instruction to check the usage status is sent from the mobile terminal 2 to the usage fee calculation system 1. FIG. 13 shows an example of the usage status from August 1 to August 31.

[0072] The usage status image includes, for example, a price display section 1301, a map display section 1302, and a graph display section 1303. The price display section 1301 displays the total amount of individual usage fees at that time, the payment method, the discount rate when usage benefits are applied, and the regular fare. The map display section 1302 displays a map plotting the results for each day / week / month. By default, the results for the current day are plotted. The map is scrollable. The graph display section 1303 displays a graph showing the results for each day / week / month. The graph is scrollable horizontally. By tapping a bar on the graph, the results are plotted on the map. The color of the bar on the graph changes depending on the type of transportation 4.

[0073] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen at the time of settlement. The confirmation screen at the time of settlement can be displayed, for example, when the total amount is determined in the settlement process of Fig. 12. When the user instructs the usage fee calculation system 1 to display the confirmation screen using the mobile terminal 2, the confirmation screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 2.

[0074] The confirmation screen includes a payment method display section 1401, an applicable fee display section 1402, and a usage details display section 1403. The payment method and closing date are displayed in the payment method display section 1401. The payment method can be changed by tapping "Change payment method" in the payment method display section 1401.

[0075] The applied fee display section 1402 displays the details of the applicable usage benefit and plan. The three usage benefits from the top of the applied fee display section 1402 have already been applied, and the two usage benefits from the bottom are, for example, plans whose conditions will soon be met and will become applicable. When a usage benefit is selected, details of that usage benefit are displayed. The usage details display section 1403 can display details of the use of transportation 4.

[0076] The name of the transportation facility 4 used is displayed in the usage details display section 1403. When the name of the transportation facility is selected, the start date and time of use of that transportation facility, the end date and time of use, and the regular fare are displayed. The user can check the usage fee (amount to be paid) based on the usage record up to the closing date (for one month) on the confirmation screen at the time of settlement. In addition, the user can find out whether the plan for the services, etc. prepared by the transportation facility 4 is suitable for them after using the transportation facility 4, even if they are not familiar with the plan.

[0077] In this way, users can enjoy the benefits of the plan after the fact even if they are unaware of (or have forgotten about) the plan offered by transportation facility 4. In other words, users can pay the usage fee that reflects the service after the fact without missing the opportunity to enjoy the service.

[0078] By using the route search function of the mobile terminal 2, it is possible to present more convenient services to the user. FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram showing the route search process for proposing services. The mobile terminal 2 accepts the departure point and destination, and then performs the route search process using the route search unit 205 (S200, S201). The route search unit 205 retrieves one or more route search results from the departure station to the destination station through the route search. The mobile terminal 2 starts communication with the usage fee calculation system 1, and determines whether or not a usage benefit (discount plan) applies to one or more route search results (S202).

[0079] The application of the usage benefit is determined, for example, by transmitting all route search results together with the user ID from the mobile terminal 2 to the usage fee calculation system 1. That is, the usage fee calculation system 1 determines, in the analysis unit 108, based on the user information identified by the user ID of the mobile terminal 2, whether the usage status, etc., for all route search results satisfy one or more conditions shown in the condition table for the transportation facility 4.

[0080] The mobile terminal 2 acquires the determination result for each route search result from the usage fee calculation system 1, edits the route search result according to the determination result, and displays the edited route search result on the display (S203, S204). For example, the route search result can be edited so that a usage benefit for which the above conditions are met at the time of determination and a usage benefit for which the above conditions are not met are added to the route search result in different forms. Furthermore, if the above conditions are not met, the route search result for which a usage benefit is almost applied can be edited so that a special offer for the user (such as a recommended route or a free product) can be distinguished.

[0081] The route search may be performed by the usage fee calculation system 1. In this case, the usage fee calculation system 1 has a route search unit similar to the route search unit 205 of the mobile terminal 2, and performs route search processing by accepting input of the departure point and destination from the mobile terminal 2. The usage fee calculation system 1 determines whether a usage benefit is applicable to the route search results, and edits the route search results as described above according to the determination result and displays them on the display of the mobile terminal 2.

[0082] FIG. 16 is an example of a display screen of edited route search results. This route search result display screen displays four route search results. The second route search result displays the message "Discount plan applies." This lets the user know that by traveling (condition) using the second route search result, they will be able to enjoy some kind of benefit. Note that messages that can be added to route search results for which a benefit is almost applied include "Discount conditions will soon be met," "You are a regular rider and a benefit will be granted," and "There is a route that is currently cheaper." Users can check such messages and select a more advantageous travel route.

[0083] When one of the route search results is selected, the selection result is sent from the mobile terminal 2 to the usage fee calculation system 1 together with the user ID. The usage fee calculation system 1 reads and edits the contents of usage benefits and special offers based on the user's user information and the selected route, and displays them on the mobile terminal 2. Figure 17 is an example diagram of the display screen when a special offer is available. This display screen allows the user to know that a special service is set for the route they selected.

[0084] As described above, the fee calculation system 1 of this embodiment allows a user to calculate the benefits (discounts, etc.) that can be obtained by using the transportation facility 4. recognition In other words, users can be provided with transportation options and special offers that are unique to them right now, taking into account their past usage and the supply and demand situation. Even if you enter through the ticket gate without searching for a route, information on travel options and special offers that are "unique to you at this time" can be mapped onto the display screen of the mobile terminal 2, and the information can be updated as you pass through each node.

Claims

1. a communication means for enabling communication with a mobile terminal carried by a user of the means of transport; an acquisition means for acquiring route search results based on search conditions input to the mobile terminal, and acquiring supply and demand conditions for each of the one or more transportation facilities shown in the route search results, and special offers determined by the transportation facilities; a processing means for displaying the set content of the special offer according to the supply and demand situation together with the route when the route search result includes the route for which the special offer is set according to the supply and demand situation, The supply and demand situation includes a supply situation on the user side relative to the demand on the transportation facility side, the special offer includes a benefit for the user that is determined by the transportation facility and identified based on the supply and demand situation; further comprising a storage means for storing conditions under which the user can enjoy the use privilege; A transportation fare calculation system characterized in that the processing means displays the set content including the usage benefits on the mobile terminal together with the route when the conditions are met, and displays the usage benefits for which the conditions are not met on the mobile terminal in a manner different from that of the usage benefits for which the conditions are met.

2. The supply and demand situation includes a supply situation of the transportation facility side relative to the demand of the user side. The usage fee calculation system according to claim 1 .

3. The supply and demand situation for which the special offer is set is a supply and demand situation before a predetermined time before the expiration of a predetermined period available to the user. The usage fee calculation system according to claim 1 .

4. The transportation facility is available on a deferred payment basis. The usage fee calculation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A computer program for causing a computer having a communication function to operate as the transportation fare calculation system according to claim 1 or 4.

Images