Charge management device, charge management system, and charge management program

Abstract

To provide a charge management device, a charge management system, and a charge management program capable of suppressing the burden of a user, and promoting purchase of a coupon ticket, in a coupon ticket system capable of moving a predetermined section by a taxi vehicle by using the coupon ticket.SOLUTION: A charge management device 100 comprises a communication unit 101, a charge calculation unit 117, a difference calculation unit 119, and a generation unit 121. The charge calculation unit, when a taxi vehicle 10 moves a use section movable at a use charge for one boarding among coupon ticket charges, calculates a metered charge, on the basis of at least one of a distance and a time on which the taxi vehicle has actually traveled, in the use section. The difference calculation unit, when the metered charge is lower than the use charge for one boarding, calculates a difference between the use charge for one boarding and the metered charge. The generation unit generates difference occurrence information including a user's identification information, the calculated difference, and date and time information on the time at which the difference was calculated. The communication unit transmits the difference occurrence information, to the outside of the taxi vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fee management device, a fee management system, and a fee management program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, when a taxi vehicle is used to travel a predetermined distance, a system is known in which the taxi fare for the predetermined distance is determined in advance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines the taxi fare for a specified distance in advance and presents it to the user as a confirmed fare. Since the user can pay the confirmed fare before getting into the taxi, the user can travel the specified distance by using the taxi without having to pay the taxi fare when getting off the taxi.

[0004] Recently, the introduction of a ticket system has been considered, which allows users to purchase a ticket for a specified distance and travel in a taxi vehicle within that distance using the ticket.

[0005] In this system, the taxi fare for a specified distance is determined in advance, and then the fee for multiple trips within that specified distance is determined. Users pay the fee for multiple trips in advance and purchase a coupon ticket for the specified distance. Users can travel within the specified distance using a taxi vehicle by presenting the purchased coupon ticket when boarding the taxi vehicle. The fee for multiple trips is also called the coupon ticket fee. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-63815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when a user travels a specified distance in a taxi using a multiple-ride ticket, depending on traffic conditions, the meter fare actually displayed on the taxi meter may be lower than the fare for one ride out of the multiple-ride ticket fare paid in advance.

[0008] In this case, the user will lose the difference between the fare for one ride and the fare actually displayed on the taxi meter.

[0009] In order to avoid such losses, users need to check the traffic conditions for a specific section before getting into a taxi, and decide whether or not to use a coupon ticket to travel the specific section in a taxi.

[0010] As such, the current multi-ride ticket system under consideration has the disadvantage that it could increase the burden on users, leading to dissatisfaction among users and preventing them from repurchasing tickets, which would hinder the spread of the multi-ride ticket system.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fare management device, a fare management system, and a fare management program that can reduce the burden on users and encourage them to purchase coupon tickets in a coupon ticket system that allows users to travel a specified distance in a taxi vehicle using coupon tickets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A fare management device according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a coupon ticket system that allows a user to travel by vehicle within a predetermined section using a coupon ticket, and includes a reading unit that reads coupon ticket information stored on a coupon ticket held by a user who travels in a vehicle, an extracting unit that extracts, from the coupon ticket information, a first usage fare for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon ticket, and a first usage fare for one ride when the vehicle travels within a first section that can be traveled with the first usage fare, based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the vehicle within the first section. The vehicle is equipped with a fee calculation unit that calculates a second usage fee, a difference calculation unit that calculates the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee, a generation unit that generates difference occurrence information that includes the user's identification information included in the multiple-ride ticket information, the difference, and date and time information at the time the difference is calculated, and a communication unit that transmits the difference occurrence information to the outside of the vehicle, where the difference and the date and time information included in the difference occurrence information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information.

[0013] A fee management system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the fee management device described above and an external device connected to the fee management device via wireless communication, wherein the external device receives the difference occurrence information from the fee management device, and the external device records the difference and the date and time information contained in the difference occurrence information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information contained in the difference occurrence information.

[0014] A fare management program according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a coupon ticket system that allows a user to travel by vehicle over a predetermined distance using a coupon ticket, and includes a reading step of reading coupon ticket information stored on a coupon ticket held by a user who is riding in a vehicle, an extraction step of extracting from the coupon ticket information a first usage fare for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon ticket, and when the vehicle travels over a first distance that can be traveled for the first usage fare, based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the vehicle over the first distance. The system comprises a fee calculation step for calculating a second usage fee, a difference calculation step for calculating the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee, a generation step for generating difference occurrence information including the user's identification information included in the multiple-ride ticket information, the difference, and date and time information at the time the difference is calculated, and a communication step for transmitting the difference occurrence information to the outside of the vehicle, wherein outside the vehicle, the difference and the date and time information included in the difference occurrence information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, in a multiple-ride ticket system in which multiple-ride tickets can be used to travel a specified distance in a taxi vehicle, a fare management device, a fare management system, and a fare management program can be provided that can reduce the burden on users and encourage them to purchase the multiple-ride tickets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a fee management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the fee management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the fee management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external phase of the taximeter according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the external server according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon ticket information table according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the collation information table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the difference information table according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the coupon ticket issuing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of coupon ticket information according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a fee management procedure according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the in-ride process according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the difference determination process according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the discount determination process according to this embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a first example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a second example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The fee management device, fee management system, and fee management program according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that identical or similar reference numerals are used to designate identical functions and configurations, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0018] [Overall outline of fee management system] First, we will explain the configuration of the fare management system 1 according to this embodiment. The fare management system 1 is used in a coupon ticket system that allows users to travel in a taxi vehicle within a specified section (hereinafter referred to as the usage section) using a coupon ticket.

[0019] In a multi-ride ticket system, the taxi fare for the route is determined in advance, and then the fare for multiple trips within that route is determined. Users pay the fare for multiple trips in advance and purchase a multi-ride ticket that contains the ticket information described below. The fare for multiple trips is also called the multi-ride ticket fare.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a fare management system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the fare management system 1 includes a taxi vehicle 10, an external server 20, and a coupon ticket issuing device 30. The taxi vehicle 10 is also referred to as a vehicle. The external server 20 is also referred to as an external device.

[0021] A fare management device 100 is installed in the taxi vehicle 10. When a user travels within a designated area using a coupon ticket, the user has the coupon ticket information stored on the coupon ticket read by the fare management device 100 when getting into the taxi vehicle 10.

[0022] The fare management device 100 performs the fare management procedure described below. Specifically, when a user boards a train, the fare management device 100 reads the coupon ticket information from the coupon ticket held by the user and then performs the boarding process described below. The boarding process includes user verification, boarding location verification, and acquisition of fare difference information.

[0023] When the fare management device 100 reads the coupon ticket information when the user boards the train, it performs a fare difference determination process and a discount determination process, which will be described later, when the user disembarks.

[0024] In the fare difference determination process, if the meter fare for the section of use is cheaper than the fare for one trip of the coupon ticket, the difference between the meter fare and the fare for one trip is calculated. The calculated difference is sent to the external server 20 and recorded in the fare difference information of the user.

[0025] In the discount determination process, when the user deviates from the usage zone and travels in the taxi vehicle 10, it is determined whether or not difference information exists. If difference information exists, the discount amount calculated using the difference information is deducted from the metered fare for the deviation zone.

[0026] The fare management device 100 includes a reader 161 and a taxi meter 200. When a user boards a taxi, the reader 161 reads coupon ticket information from the coupon ticket held by the user. The taxi meter 200 is communicably connected to the reader 161, and performs the above-described boarding process, fare difference determination process, and discount determination process.

[0027] In this embodiment, the coupon ticket is, for example, a paper ticket 70 or an electronic ticket 80. Coupon ticket information is stored as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code on the paper ticket 70 or the electronic ticket 80. When the coupon ticket is an electronic ticket 80, the electronic ticket 80 is downloaded to a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0028] The external server 20 is communicably connected to the coupon ticket issuing device 30 and the fare management device 100 via a network (Internet) 40. The external server 20 holds a coupon ticket information table, a verification information table, and a difference information table.

[0029] The external server 20 manages content information included in the coupon information for each user using a coupon information table (see FIG. 6). The external server 20 manages user passwords for each user using a verification information table (see FIG. 7). The external server 20 manages fare difference information for each user using a fare difference information table (see FIG. 8).

[0030] As will be described later, the external server 20 receives the coupon information from the coupon issuing device 30. The external server 20 associates the content information included in the coupon information with the user's identification information included in the coupon information, and adds the content information to the coupon information table as the coupon information for that user. The content information includes the coupon identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the section to be used, and the distance of the section to be used (see FIG. 6).

[0031] As will be described later, the external server 20 receives a registration request including the user's identification information and the user's password from the coupon ticket issuing device 30. The external server 20 associates the user's password included in the registration request with the user's identification information included in the registration request, and adds the result to a verification information table as the user's verification information (see FIG. 7).

[0032] As will be described later, the external server 20 receives difference information including the user's identification information, the calculated difference, and the date and time information at which the difference was calculated from the fee management device 100. Upon receiving the difference information, the external server 20 determines whether or not there is difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference information.

[0033] If there is no difference information linked to the user's identification information, the external server 20 links the difference and date and time information included in the difference occurrence information to the user's identification information and adds it to the difference information table as the difference information for that user. If there is difference information linked to the user's identification information, the external server 20 records the difference and date and time information included in the difference occurrence information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information (see Figure 8).

[0034] A user pays the fare for a multi-ride ticket and purchases a multi-ride ticket using the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30. The fare for a multi-ride ticket can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. Alternatively, a user may access the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 via the network 40 to pay the fare for a multi-ride ticket and purchase a multi-ride ticket.

[0035] When a user pays the fare for a coupon ticket, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 generates user identification information and further generates coupon ticket information. After generating the coupon ticket information, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 issues a coupon ticket that holds the generated coupon ticket information. At this time, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 transmits the generated coupon ticket information to the external server 20.

[0036] When the coupon tickets are paper tickets 70, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 issues a plurality of paper tickets 70. Each paper ticket 70 holds coupon ticket information as a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code.

[0037] When the coupon tickets are electronic tickets 80, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 issues a plurality of electronic tickets 80. Each electronic ticket 80 holds coupon ticket information as a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code.

[0038] When a user repurchases a multiple-use ticket, the multiple-use ticket issuing device 30 obtains the user's fare difference information linked to the user's identification information from the external server 20, and deducts the discount amount calculated using the fare difference information from the multiple-use ticket price.

[0039] When paying for the coupon ticket, the user sets a password in the coupon ticket issuing device 30. When the user's password is set, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 transmits a registration request including the generated user identification information and the set user password to the external server 20.

[0040] [Function block configuration of the fee management device] Next, we will explain the functional block configuration of the fee management device 100. Fig. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the fee management device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the fee management device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 103, a memory unit 105, a reading unit 107, a measurement unit 109, a settlement unit 111, an extraction unit 113, a matching unit 115, a fee calculation unit 117, a difference calculation unit 119, a generation unit 121, a display unit 123, and a tariff detection unit 125.

[0041] The communication unit 101 executes communication between the fare management device 100 and the external server 20. The communication unit 101 transmits an authentication instruction to the external server 20 during boarding processing. The authentication instruction includes the user's identification information contained in the coupon ticket information held on the coupon ticket and the user's password input by the user via an input unit (not shown). The communication unit 101 receives the matching result from the external server 20.

[0042] In the boarding process, the communication unit 101 receives position information of the boarding location of the user from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite (not shown).

[0043] The communication unit 101 receives the fare difference information when the external server 20 authenticates the user and stores the fare difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction. The fare difference information includes all fare differences incurred up to the last time the user used the coupon ticket and the date and time information when each fare difference was calculated (see FIG. 8).

[0044] In the fare difference determination process, the communication unit 101 transmits fare difference information to the external server 20. The fare difference information includes the fare difference incurred for the current ride using a coupon ticket and the date and time information at which the fare difference was calculated.

[0045] The control unit 103 controls the overall processing in the fee management device 100. Specifically, the control unit 103 controls the operation of each of the communication unit 101, the storage unit 105, the reading unit 107, the measurement unit 109, the settlement unit 111, the extraction unit 113, the matching unit 115, the fee calculation unit 117, the difference calculation unit 119, the generation unit 121, the display unit 123, and the tariff detection unit 125.

[0046] The control unit 103 determines whether the taxi vehicle 10 has deviated from the usage zone. The control unit 103 determines whether the reading unit 107 has read the coupon ticket information stored in the coupon ticket. When the taxi vehicle 10 has traveled through a deviation zone, the control unit 103 determines whether the difference information is stored in the memory unit 105.

[0047] The memory unit 105 stores the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket. The memory unit 105 stores the password entered by the user. The memory unit 105 stores the location information of the user's boarding location received from a GPS satellite. The memory unit 105 stores the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117. The memory unit 105 stores the fare difference calculated by the fare difference calculation unit 119. The memory unit 105 stores the fare difference information received from the external server 20.

[0048] In the boarding process, the reading unit 107 reads the coupon information stored on the coupon held by the user.

[0049] The measurement unit 109 measures the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 when the taxi vehicle is in operation, which are used to calculate the taxi fare included in the meter charge. The travel distance corresponds to the distance actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10. The travel time corresponds to the time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10. The travel time may also include the time that elapses when the taxi vehicle 10 is stopped due to traffic congestion or a red light, or when the taxi vehicle 10 is made to wait for the convenience of the user, when the taxi vehicle is in operation.

[0050] When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a utilization section that can be traveled within the utilization section that can be traveled for the usage fee of a single ride and travels in the middle of the utilization section, the measurement unit 109 measures the distance of the deviation section. The measurement unit 109 receives, for example, position information of both end points of the deviation section (for example, points D and E in FIG. 15B) from a GPS satellite via the communication unit 101. The measurement unit 109 calculates the distance between the end points of the deviation section from the position information of the end points of the deviation section received from the GPS satellite, and acquires the distance of the deviation section. Note that the measurement unit 109 may also calculate the distance between the end points of the deviation section using map information stored in the memory unit 105, and acquire the distance of the deviation section.

[0051] When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a utilization section that can be traveled within the utilization section for a single ride fee, the measurement unit 109 measures the distance of an intermediate utilization section from the user's boarding location to the middle of the utilization section. The measurement unit 109 receives, for example, position information of both end points of the intermediate utilization section (e.g., points A and D in FIG. 15B) from a GPS satellite via the communication unit 101. The measurement unit 109 calculates the distance between both end points of the intermediate utilization section from the position information of the both end points of the intermediate utilization section received from the GPS satellite, and acquires the distance of the intermediate utilization section. Note that the measurement unit 109 may also calculate the distance between both end points of the intermediate utilization section using map information stored in the memory unit 105, and acquire the distance of the intermediate utilization section.

[0052] The settlement unit 111 accepts payment of the meter fee to be paid by the user from the user at the time of payment. The meter fee can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. The meter fee to be paid by the user is also called the payment fee.

[0053] The extraction unit 113 extracts the user's identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the section used, and the distance of the section used from the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket during the boarding process. The extraction unit 113 extracts, from the fare difference information received from the external server 20 during the boarding process, all fare differences incurred up to the previous ride using the coupon ticket and the date and time information at which each fare difference was calculated.

[0054] The matching unit 115 matches the boarding location of the user in the boarding process. Specifically, the matching unit 115 extracts the location information of both end points of the usage section (for example, points A and B in FIG. 15A or 15B ) from the location information of the usage section extracted from the coupon ticket information by the extraction unit 113. The matching unit 115 compares the location information of both end points of the extracted usage section with the location information of the user's boarding location received from a GPS satellite.

[0055] The matching unit 115 permits the use of the coupon ticket when the location information of either of the end points of the usage section matches the location information of the user's boarding location. Note that the matching unit 115 may also permit the use of the coupon ticket when the user's boarding location is included within a certain range from the location of either of the end points of the usage section.

[0056] The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 during actual driving. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the taxi fare included in the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

[0057] When calculating the taxi fare, the fare calculation unit 117 determines whether additional charges such as a pick-up fee or a reservation fee have been set. If additional charges have been set, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the metered fare by adding the additional charges to the calculated taxi fare. If additional charges have not been set, the fare calculation unit 117 sets the calculated taxi fare as the metered fare.

[0058] When calculating the taxi fare, the fare calculation unit 117 may determine whether or not a surcharge or discount, such as a late-night / early-morning surcharge or a discount for persons with disabilities, is set. If a surcharge or discount is set, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare by applying a surcharge or discount to the calculated taxi fare. If a surcharge or discount is not set, the fare calculation unit 117 sets the calculated taxi fare as the meter fare.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the taxi vehicle 10 travels in a section of use that can be traveled for the fee of a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance traveled and the travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in that section of use.

[0060] When the taxi vehicle 10 travels beyond the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance traveled and the travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in the deviation section.

[0061] When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the usage section in the middle of the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee of a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance traveled and the travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in the deviated section.

[0062] When the difference information is stored in the storage unit 105, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount using all of the differences that have occurred up to the last ride using the coupon ticket, extracted by the extraction unit 113. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the number of days that have elapsed since the calculation of each difference, based on the date and time information at the time each difference was calculated, for each difference that has occurred up to the last ride using the coupon ticket, extracted by the extraction unit 113. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount by discounting each difference according to the number of days that have elapsed for each difference and adding up the discounted differences.

[0063] For example, if the number of days that have passed is within one week (7 days), fee calculation unit 117 does not discount the difference, and sets 100% of the difference as the discount amount. In this case, 100% of the difference is returned to the user. If the number of days that have passed is within one month (e.g., 30 days), fee calculation unit 117 discounts 50% of the difference, and sets 50% of the difference as the discount amount. In this case, 50% of the difference is returned to the user. If the number of days that have passed is more than one month, fee calculation unit 117 discounts 80% of the difference, and sets 20% of the difference as the discount amount. In this case, 20% of the difference is returned to the user.

[0064] In the discount determination process, the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fee to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the meter fee for the deviation section described above. Note that if the difference information is not stored in the storage unit 105, the meter fee for the deviation section described above is used as the meter fee to be paid by the user.

[0065] When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the usage section midway through the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee of a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance traveled and the travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in the intermediate usage section.

[0066] In this case, in the difference determination process, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the intermediate usage fare from the usage fare for one ride, based on the ratio between the distance of the usage section extracted by the extraction unit 113 and the distance of the intermediate usage section measured by the measurement unit 109. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the ratio of the distance of the intermediate usage section to the distance of the usage section, and calculates the intermediate usage fare by multiplying the usage fare for one ride by the calculated ratio.

[0067] In the difference determination process, the difference calculation unit 119 compares the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 with the usage fare for one ride. If the meter fare is cheaper than the usage fare for one ride, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare and the usage fare for one ride.

[0068] When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage section that can be traveled within the usage section for a single ride fee, the difference calculation unit 119 performs the following process in the difference determination process. Specifically, the difference calculation unit 119 compares the meter charge for the intermediate usage section calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 with the intermediate usage fee. If the meter charge for the intermediate usage section is cheaper than the intermediate usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter charge for the intermediate usage section and the intermediate usage fee.

[0069] In the difference determination process, the generation unit 121 generates difference occurrence information including the user's identification information extracted from the multiple-ride ticket information by the extraction unit 113, the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 119, and the date and time information at the time the difference was calculated.

[0070] The display unit 123 displays the difference information received from the external server 20 in the boarding process. The fare calculation unit 117 may calculate the above-mentioned discount amount in the boarding process. In this case, the display unit 123 displays the discount amount calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 in the boarding process. The fare calculation unit 117 may calculate the above-mentioned discount amount in response to a display request from the user.

[0071] The display unit 123 displays the meter fee to be paid by the user in the discount determination process.

[0072] The display unit 123 displays tariffs such as "empty vehicle", "occupied vehicle", "payment", "surcharge", and "pick-up" that indicate the status of the taxi vehicle 10. For example, when a tariff is specified by an operation from the driver of the taxi vehicle 10, the display unit 123 lights up the display of the specified tariff.

[0073] "Vacant" indicates a state in which a user is not in the taxi vehicle 10. "Actual vehicle" indicates a state in which a user is in the taxi vehicle 10 and the taxi vehicle 10 is calculating the taxi fare. "Payment" indicates a state in which the taxi vehicle 10 confirms the taxi fare when the user gets off the taxi vehicle 10. "Surcharge" indicates a state in which the taxi vehicle 10 calculates an increased taxi fare. "Pick-up" indicates a state in which the taxi vehicle 10 has been called by a user and is picking up the user. For example, if the taxi vehicle 10 is equipped with a taxi dispatch tablet, it will pick up the user in response to a call from a taxi dispatch app.

[0074] The tariff detection unit 125 detects the tariff designated by the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 via the display unit 123 .

[0075] [Hardware configuration of the fee management device] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the fare management device 100. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the fare management device 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the fare management device 100 includes a reader 161 and a taximeter 200, but the taximeter 200 has the same hardware configuration as the fare management device 100 shown in Fig. 3 except for the reader 161.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, the fee management device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151, a non-volatile memory 153, a volatile memory 155, and a hard disk 157.

[0077] The CPU 151 executes a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 153. The CPU 151 performs arithmetic processing on data loaded into the volatile memory 155 in accordance with the program, and controls each unit of the fee management device 100 in an integrated manner.

[0078] The nonvolatile memory 153 stores programs and the like executed by the CPU 151. The volatile memory 155 temporarily holds calculation data when the CPU 151 executes the programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 153.

[0079] The hard disk 157 stores basic software such as an OS (Operating System), application programs, and data related to these. The hard disk 157 stores coupon ticket information read from coupon tickets, passwords entered by users, and location information of the user's boarding location received from GPS satellites. The hard disk 157 also stores the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117, the fare difference calculated by the fare difference calculation unit 119, and the like. The hard disk 157 also stores fare difference information received from the external server 20.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the fee management device 100 includes a communication device 159, a reader 161, an RTC (real-time clock) 163, and a touch panel 171.

[0081] The communicator 159 performs wireless communication via the network 40 between the fee management device 100 and the external server 20. The communicator 159 performs wireless communication between the fee management device 100 and a GPS satellite.

[0082] The reader 161 is configured with a reader or the like, and reads the coupon information stored on the coupon from the coupon held by the user. The RTC 163 generates time information.

[0083] The touch panel 171 displays the above-mentioned difference information, the discount amount, the meter fee to be paid by the user, etc. The touch panel 171 displays tariffs such as "empty vehicle," "occupied vehicle," "payment," "surcharge," and "pick-up," which indicate the status of the taxi vehicle 10. For example, the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 can specify "occupied vehicle" as the status of the taxi vehicle 10 by pressing an area on the touch panel 171 where the word "occupied vehicle" is displayed.

[0084] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external state of the taxi meter 200. As shown in Fig. 4, the touch panel 171 is provided on the front of the taxi meter 200. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the meter fare to be paid by the user, "1160 yen", is displayed at the upper center of the touch panel 171. On the right side of the touch panel 171, tariffs indicating the status of the taxi vehicle 10, such as "empty", "occupied", "payment", "surcharge", and "pick-up" are displayed.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 3, the fee management device 100 includes a sensor I / F 165, a settlement device I / F 167, and a card I / F 169 as interfaces.

[0086] The sensor I / F 165 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 210. The sensor I / F 165 receives a speed pulse from the vehicle speed sensor 210 as an input.

[0087] The CPU 151 executes a corresponding program stored in the non-volatile memory 153 or the hard disk 157, using, for example, the speed pulse input from the sensor I / F 165 and the time information input from the RTC 163. This allows the fare management device 100 to measure the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

[0088] The settlement unit I / F 167 is connected to a settlement unit 220. The fee management device 100 accepts payment of the meter fee that should be paid by the user via the settlement unit 220.

[0089] A memory card 230 is removably attached to the card I / F 169. The memory card 230 stores, for example, operation information of the taxi vehicle 10.

[0090] 2 is realized by a communicator 159. The control unit 103 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by a CPU 151, a nonvolatile memory 153, and a volatile memory 155. The storage unit 105 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by a hard disk 157. The reading unit 107 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by a reader 161.

[0091] 2 are realized by the CPU 151 executing the corresponding program stored in the non-volatile memory 153 or the hard disk 157. The display unit 123 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the touch panel 171.

[0092] [External server functional block configuration] Next, we will explain the functional block configuration of the external server 20. Fig. 5 is a functional block configuration diagram of the external server 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the external server 20 includes a communication unit 301, a control unit 303, a memory unit 305, a matching unit 307, a coupon ticket information storage unit 309, a matching information storage unit 311, and a difference information storage unit 313.

[0093] The communication unit 301 executes communication between the external server 20 and the fee management device 100, and between the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30.

[0094] The communication unit 301 receives an authentication instruction and difference information from the fee management device 100. The communication unit 301 transmits the collation result and difference information to the fee management device 100.

[0095] The communication unit 301 receives a registration request, coupon ticket information, and coupon ticket repurchase information from the coupon ticket issuing device 30. The coupon ticket repurchase information includes the user's identification information and password. The communication unit 301 transmits the matching result and fare difference information to the coupon ticket issuing device 30.

[0096] The control unit 303 controls the overall processing in the external server 20. Specifically, the control unit 303 controls the operation of each of the communication unit 301, the memory unit 305, the matching unit 307, the coupon ticket information storage unit 309, the matching information storage unit 311, and the difference information storage unit 313.

[0097] The storage unit 305 stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the external server 20 .

[0098] When the communication unit 301 receives an authentication instruction from the fee management device 100, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction and obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the authentication instruction with the user's password obtained from the matching information table and transmits the matching result to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301.

[0099] If the user password included in the authentication instruction matches the user password acquired from the verification information table, the verification unit 307 transmits the user authentication to the fee management device 100 as the verification result.

[0100] If the user password included in the authentication instruction does not match the user password acquired from the verification information table, the verification unit 307 transmits to the fee management device 100 a verification result indicating that the user is not authenticated.

[0101] The matching unit 307 authenticates the user, and if the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, it transmits the difference information to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301.

[0102] When the communication unit 301 receives multi-ride ticket repurchase information from the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the multi-ride ticket repurchase information and obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the multi-ride ticket repurchase information with the user's password obtained from the matching information table and transmits the matching result to the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301.

[0103] If the user password included in the authentication instruction matches the user password acquired from the verification information table, the verification unit 307 transmits the user authentication to the coupon-ticket issuing device 30 as the verification result.

[0104] If the user password included in the authentication instruction does not match the user password obtained from the verification information table, the verification unit 307 transmits a verification result indicating that the user is not authenticated to the coupon-ticket issuing device 30.

[0105] The matching unit 307 authenticates the user, and if the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, it transmits the difference information to the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301.

[0106] The coupon ticket information storage unit 309 stores a coupon ticket information table. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon ticket information table. As shown in FIG. 6, user identification information ID1 is linked to content information consisting of coupon ticket identification information N1, a single-ride fare value of 1600, location information A1-B1 of the usage zone, and a distance value of 5000 of the usage zone. Similarly, user identification information ID1 is linked to content information consisting of coupon ticket identification information N2, a single-ride fare value of 1600, location information A1-B1 of the usage zone, and a distance value of 5000 of the usage zone. Thus, in the example of FIG. 6, the coupon ticket information storage unit 309 stores coupon ticket information for multiple coupon tickets for user identification information ID1.

[0107] When the communication unit 301 receives the coupon information from the coupon issuing device 30, the coupon information storage unit 309 performs the following process: Specifically, the coupon information storage unit 309 links the content information included in the coupon information to the user identification information included in the coupon information, and adds it to the coupon information table as coupon information for that user.

[0108] The matching information storage unit 311 stores a matching information table. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the matching information table. As shown in Fig. 7, the user identification information ID1 is linked to the password aaabb.

[0109] When the communication unit 301 receives a registration request from the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the matching information storage unit 311 performs the following process: Specifically, the matching information storage unit 311 associates the user's password included in the registration request with the user's identification information included in the registration request, and adds the result to the matching information table as the user's matching information.

[0110] The difference information storage unit 313 stores a difference information table. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a difference information table. As shown in Figure 8, user identification information ID1 is linked to a difference value of 100 and date and time information 2021 / 9 / 1. Similarly, user identification information ID1 is linked to a difference value of 30 and date and time information 2021 / 9 / 15. Thus, in the example of Figure 8, the difference information storage unit 313 stores multiple difference values ​​and multiple date and time information for user identification information ID1.

[0111] When the communication unit 301 receives price difference information from the fee management device 100, the price difference information storage unit 313 determines whether or not there is price difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the price difference information. If there is no price difference information linked to the user's identification information, the price difference information storage unit 313 links the price difference and date and time information included in the price difference information to the user's identification information and adds it to the price difference information table as the price difference information for that user. If there is price difference information linked to the user's identification information, the price difference information storage unit 313 records the price difference and date and time information included in the price difference information in the price difference information linked to the user's identification information.

[0112] [Ticket issuing device] Next, we will explain the functional block configuration of the coupon ticket issuing device 30. Fig. 9 is a functional block configuration diagram of the coupon ticket issuing device 30. As shown in Fig. 9, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 includes a communication unit 401, a control unit 403, a storage unit 405, a payment unit 407, an input unit 409, an identification information generation unit 411, a coupon ticket information generation unit 413, a coupon ticket issuing unit 415, a repurchase processing unit 417, and a calculation unit 419.

[0113] The communication unit 401 transmits the registration request, the coupon ticket information, and the coupon ticket repurchase information to the external server 20. The communication unit 401 receives the collation result and the difference information from the external server 20.

[0114] The control unit 403 controls the overall processing in the coupon ticket issuing device 30. Specifically, the control unit 403 controls the operation of each of the communication unit 401, the storage unit 405, the payment unit 407, the input unit 409, the identification information generation unit 411, the coupon ticket information generation unit 413, the coupon ticket issuing unit 415, the repurchase processing unit 417, and the calculation unit 419.

[0115] The storage unit 405 stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the external server 20 .

[0116] The settlement unit 407 accepts payment of the ticket fare from the user. The ticket fare can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like.

[0117] When purchasing a coupon ticket, the input unit 409 accepts a password setting from the user when the user pays the coupon ticket fee. The input unit 409 outputs the set password of the user to the identification information generation unit 411.

[0118] When a user repurchases a coupon ticket, the input unit 409 receives the user's identification information and password from the user. The input unit 409 outputs the user's identification information and password to the repurchase processing unit 417.

[0119] When a user's password is input via the input unit 409, the identification information generation unit 411 generates the user's identification information. After generating the user's identification information, the identification information generation unit 411 transmits a registration request including the generated user's identification information and the input user's password to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401.

[0120] After generating the user's identification information, the identification information generating unit 411 outputs the generated user's identification information to the coupon ticket information generating unit 413 .

[0121] The identification information generating unit 411 presents the generated user identification information to the user via an output unit (not shown). The user uses the identification information to repurchase the coupon ticket.

[0122] When the user's identification information is input from the identification information generation unit 411, the coupon ticket information generation unit 413 generates coupon ticket information by linking the user's identification information with the coupon ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the section to be used, and the distance of the section to be used. The coupon ticket information generation unit 413 also generates coupon ticket information when a coupon ticket is repurchased.

[0123] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of coupon ticket information. As shown in Fig. 10, user identification information ID1 is linked to coupon ticket identification information N1, a single ride fare value of 1600, location information A1-B1 of the usage section, and a distance value of 5000 of the usage section.

[0124] After generating the coupon information, the coupon information generating unit 413 transmits the generated coupon information to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401.

[0125] The coupon issuing unit 415 holds the coupon information generated by the coupon information generating unit 413 in the coupon, and issues the coupon.

[0126] When a coupon ticket is repurchased, the repurchase processing unit 417 transmits coupon ticket repurchase information, which includes the user's identification information and the user's password, input from the input unit 409 to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401.

[0127] When the calculation unit 419 receives the matching result and the difference information from the external server 20 via the communication unit 401, it calculates the discount amount using the difference information. The calculation unit 419 calculates the multi-ride ticket fare that the user must pay by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the multi-ride ticket fare. The calculated multi-ride ticket fare is displayed on a display unit (not shown). Note that if the calculation unit 419 does not receive the difference information from the external server 20, the multi-ride ticket fare is not discounted. The multi-ride ticket fare that the user must pay, calculated by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the multi-ride ticket fare, is also referred to as the discount applied amount.

[0128] [Operation of the fee management system] Next, we will explain the operation of the fee management system 1. Specifically, we will explain the fee management procedure by the fee management device 100, the procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket by the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30, and the procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket by the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30 in that order.

[0129] [Fee Management Procedures] First, the fare management procedure by the fare management device 100 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the fare management procedure. As shown in Fig. 11, when a user gets into a taxi vehicle 10, the fare management device 100 executes a boarding process (see Fig. 12) (S1). In this embodiment, the user travels in the taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket.

[0130] After the boarding process is executed, when the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 specifies the tariff of "actual vehicle" displayed on the display unit 123, the tariff detection unit 125 in the fare management device 100 detects that the tariff of "actual vehicle" has been specified. As a result, the status of the taxi vehicle 10 is set to "actual vehicle" (S3). When the status of the taxi vehicle 10 is set to "actual vehicle" in the fare management device 100, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the taxi fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

[0131] When the taxi vehicle 10 arrives at the destination of the user, the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 selects the "Payment" tariff displayed on the display unit 123.

[0132] In the fare management device 100, the tariff detection unit 125 determines whether or not a "payment" tariff has been specified (S5). If the tariff detection unit 125 determines that a "payment" tariff has not been specified, the fare calculation unit 117 continues to calculate the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

[0133] When the tariff detection unit 125 determines that the tariff "Pay" has been specified, the fare calculation unit 117 stops calculating the meter fare. When the fare calculation unit 117 stops calculating the taxi fare, the fare management device 100 executes a fare difference determination process (see FIG. 13) (S7).

[0134] After the difference determination process is executed, the control unit 103 in the fare management device 100 determines whether the taxi vehicle 10 has deviated from the usage section (S9). Specifically, the control unit 103 receives the location information of both end points of the usage section and the location information of the user's drop-off point from a GPS satellite via the communication unit 101.

[0135] The control unit 103 determines that the user has not deviated from the usage section when the location information of the user's drop-off location matches the location information of either of the endpoints of the usage section. The control unit 103 determines that the user has deviated from the usage section when the location information of the user's drop-off location does not match the location information of either of the endpoints of the usage section. The control unit 103 may also determine whether the user's drop-off location is within a certain range from the position of either of the endpoints of the usage section.

[0136] When the control unit 103 determines that the taxi 10 has deviated from the utilization zone, the fare management device 100 executes a discount determination process (see FIG. 14) (S11).

[0137] When the user gets off the taxi after paying the meter charge (payment amount) due to the user, the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 selects the tariff of "empty vehicle" displayed on the display unit 123.

[0138] After the discount determination process is executed, in the fare management device 100, when the tariff detection unit 125 detects that the "empty" tariff has been specified (S13), the control unit 103 deletes the various pieces of information stored in the memory unit 105 in the boarding process, the difference determination process, and the discount determination process. When the control unit 103 deletes the various pieces of information, the fare management device 100 ends the fare management procedure. Note that when the control unit 103 is instructed from outside to save the information, it may maintain the various pieces of information stored in the memory unit 105 in the boarding process, the difference determination process, and the discount determination process.

[0139] [Processing upon boarding] Next, the boarding process in the fare management procedure will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the boarding process. As shown in Fig. 12, when a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 (S21), the user has the reading unit 107 of the fare management device 100 read the coupon ticket information stored in the coupon ticket, and inputs a password into an input unit (not shown).

[0140] In the fare management device 100, the control unit 103 determines whether the reading unit 107 has read the coupon information stored on the coupon ticket (S23). If the control unit 103 determines that the reading unit 107 has not read the coupon ticket information, it ends the boarding process.

[0141] When the control unit 103 determines that the reading unit 107 has read the coupon ticket information, it instructs the extraction unit 113 to extract the user's identification information from the coupon ticket information. In response to this instruction, the extraction unit 113 extracts the user's identification information from the coupon ticket information. When the reading unit 107 reads the coupon ticket information, it stores the coupon ticket information in the storage unit 105. When the extraction unit 113 extracts the user's identification information, it stores the user's identification information in the storage unit 105.

[0142] The control unit 103 instructs the communication unit 101 to transmit an authentication instruction including the extracted user identification information and the input user password to the external server 20. In response to the instruction, the communication unit 101 transmits the authentication instruction to the external server 20 (S25).

[0143] In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives an authentication instruction from the fee management device 100, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction. The matching unit 307 obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table stored in the matching information storage unit 311. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the authentication instruction with the user's password obtained from the matching information table (S27). The matching unit 307 transmits the matching result to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301 (S29).

[0144] If the user is authenticated and the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, the matching unit 307 transmits the difference information to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301 (S31). If the user is not authenticated or the difference information storage unit 313 does not store difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, the matching unit 307 does not transmit the difference information to the fee management device 100.

[0145] In the fare management device 100, when the communication unit 101 receives user authentication as a matching result from the external server 20, the control unit 103 instructs the matching unit 115 to match the boarding location of the user. In response to the instruction, the matching unit 115 matches the boarding location of the user (S33).

[0146] When the communication unit 101 receives the result of the verification indicating that the user is not authenticated from the external server 20, the control unit 103 ends the boarding process. In this case, the user cannot travel in the taxi vehicle 10 within the area of ​​use using the coupon ticket.

[0147] In the fare management device 100, when the matching unit 115 matches the boarding location of the user and permits the use of the coupon ticket, the control unit 103 instructs the extraction unit 113 to extract the usage fare for one ride from the coupon ticket information stored in the memory unit 105. In response to this instruction, the extraction unit 113 extracts the usage fare for one ride from the coupon ticket information stored in the memory unit 105 (S35). When the extraction unit 113 extracts the usage fare for one ride, it stores the usage fare for that one ride in the memory unit 105.

[0148] If the verification unit 115 verifies the boarding location of the user and does not permit the use of the coupon ticket, the control unit 103 terminates the boarding process. In this case, the user cannot travel in the taxi vehicle 10 within the usage section using the coupon ticket.

[0149] In the fare management device 100, when the communication unit 101 receives the fare difference information, it stores the fare difference information in the storage unit 105. When the communication unit 101 receives the fare difference information, the control unit 103 instructs the extraction unit 113 to extract, from the fare difference information stored in the storage unit 105, all fare differences that have occurred up to the last time a passenger used a coupon ticket and the date and time information at which each fare difference was calculated. In response to this instruction, the extraction unit 113 extracts, from the fare difference information stored in the storage unit 105, all fare differences that have occurred up to the last time a passenger used a coupon ticket and the date and time information at which each fare difference was calculated (S37). After extracting all fare differences that have occurred up to the last time a passenger used a coupon ticket and the date and time information at which each fare difference was calculated, the extraction unit 113 stores the fare differences and the date and time information in the storage unit 105.

[0150] In the fee management device 100, the control unit 103 causes the display unit 123 to display the coupon ticket information stored in the storage unit 105 (S39).

[0151] [Difference determination process] Next, the fare difference determination process in the fare management procedure will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the fare difference determination process. As shown in Fig. 13, in the fare management device 100, the control unit 103 instructs the fare difference calculation unit 119 to determine whether the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 is cheaper than the usage fare for one trip stored in the memory unit 105. In response to this instruction, the fare difference calculation unit 119 determines whether the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 is cheaper than the usage fare for one trip stored in the memory unit 105 (S51).

[0152] In the fare management device 100, when the fare difference calculation unit 119 determines that the meter fare is not cheaper than the fare for one ride, the control unit 103 ends the fare difference determination process.

[0153] In the fare management device 100, when the difference calculation unit 119 determines that the meter fare is cheaper than the usage fare for one ride, the control unit 103 instructs the difference calculation unit 119 to calculate the difference between the meter fare and the usage fare for one ride. In response to this instruction, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare and the usage fare for one ride (S53). After calculating the difference, the difference calculation unit 119 stores the calculated difference in the storage unit 105.

[0154] In the fare management device 100, when the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare and the usage fee for one ride, the control unit 103 instructs the generation unit 121 to generate difference occurrence information. In response to this instruction, the generation unit 121 generates the difference occurrence information. The difference occurrence information includes the user's identification information stored in the storage unit 105, the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 119, and date and time information at the time the difference was calculated.

[0155] In the fee management device 100, when the generation unit 121 generates the difference occurrence information, the control unit 103 instructs the communication unit 101 to transmit the difference occurrence information to the external server 20. In response to the instruction, the communication unit 101 transmits the difference occurrence information to the external server 20 (S55).

[0156] In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives the difference occurrence information, the difference information storage unit 313 determines whether there is difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference occurrence information. If there is no difference information linked to the user's identification information, the difference information storage unit 313 links the difference and date and time information included in the difference occurrence information to the user's identification information and adds it to the difference information table as the difference information for that user. If there is difference information linked to the user's identification information, the difference information storage unit 313 records the difference and date and time information included in the difference occurrence information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information (S57).

[0157] The usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the first usage fee. The meter fee calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 is also referred to as the second usage fee. The usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the first section.

[0158] Furthermore, in S53, when the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage section midway through a usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for a single ride, the difference calculation unit 119 performs the following process. Specifically, the difference calculation unit 119 compares the meter fee for the intermediate usage section calculated by the fee calculation unit 117 with the intermediate usage fee calculated by the fee calculation unit 117. When the meter fee for the intermediate usage section is cheaper than the intermediate usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fee for the intermediate usage section and the intermediate usage fee.

[0159] As mentioned above, the intermediate usage section is a section partway through the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fare for a single ride (for example, the section between points A and D in Figure 15B). Also, as mentioned above, the intermediate usage fare is a fare calculated from the usage fare for a single ride based on the ratio between the distance of the usage section and the distance of the intermediate usage section.

[0160] In this case, the section (intermediate usage section) that is partway within the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the fourth section. The fare (intermediate usage fare) calculated from the usage fare for one ride based on the ratio between the distance of the usage section and the distance of the intermediate usage section is also referred to as the fifth usage fare. The meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 for the section (intermediate usage section) that is partway within the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the sixth usage fare.

[0161] [Discount determination process] Next, the discount determination process in the fee management procedure will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the discount determination process. As shown in FIG. 14, in the fee management device 100, the control unit 103 instructs the fee calculation unit 117 to calculate the meter fee for the deviation section. In response to this instruction, the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fee for the deviation section (S71). After calculating the meter fee for the deviation section, the fee calculation unit 117 stores the meter fee in the memory unit 105.

[0162] 15A is a diagram showing a first example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process is applied. Points A and B in FIG. 15A represent the two ends of the usable section that can be traveled by taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket. In this way, the usable section is the section between points A and B.

[0163] Point C in Figure 15A represents the point where the taxi vehicle 10 traveled beyond the utilization section and the passenger got off. Thus, the first example of a deviation section shows a case where the taxi vehicle 10 travels beyond the utilization section that can be traveled for the usage fare for a single ride. In this case, the deviation section is the section between point B and point C.

[0164] In the first example of the deviation section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in the section between point B and point C.

[0165] 15B is a diagram showing a second example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process is applied. Points A and B in FIG. 15B represent the two end points of the usable section that can be traveled by taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket. In this way, the usable section is the section between points A and B.

[0166] Point D in Figure 15B represents the point where the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the utilization section midway through the utilization section. Point E in Figure 15B represents the point where the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the utilization section midway through the utilization section and the passenger gets off. Thus, the second example of a deviation section shows a case where the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the utilization section midway through the utilization section that can be traveled for the usage fare of a single ride. In this case, the deviation section is the section between point D and point E. Furthermore, the intermediate utilization section is the section between point A and point D.

[0167] In the second example of the deviation section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in the section between point D and point E.

[0168] When the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare for the deviation section, the control unit 103 determines whether or not difference information is stored in the storage unit 105 (S73). If difference information is stored in the storage unit 105, the control unit 103 instructs the fare calculation unit 117 to calculate a discount amount. In response to this instruction, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount (S75).

[0169] Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount using all of the fare differences that occurred up to the previous ride using a coupon ticket, which are stored in the storage unit 105. Note that if only one fare difference that occurred up to the previous ride using a coupon ticket is stored in the storage unit 105, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount using that one fare difference.

[0170] When the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount, the control unit 103 instructs the fee calculation unit 117 to calculate the meter fee to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the meter fee for the deviation section stored in the storage unit 105. In response to the instruction, the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fee (payment amount) to be paid by the user by subtracting the discount amount from the meter fee for the deviation section (S77). The fee calculation unit 117 stores the calculated payment amount in the storage unit 105.

[0171] If the difference information is not stored in the memory unit 105, the control unit 103 instructs the fee calculation unit 117 to set the meter fee for the deviation section stored in the memory unit 105 as the meter fee (payment amount) to be paid by the user.

[0172] The control unit 103 causes the display unit 123 to display the payment amount stored in the storage unit 105 (S79).

[0173] A section that exceeds the usable section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride (for example, the section between points B and C in FIG. 15A) is also referred to as a second section. The meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 for a section that exceeds the usable section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride (for example, the section between points B and C in FIG. 15A) is also referred to as a third usage fee.

[0174] Furthermore, a section that deviates from the usage section that can be traveled within the usage section for the usage fee of one trip (for example, the section between points D and E in FIG. 15B) is also referred to as a third section. The meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 for a section that deviates from the usage period that can be traveled within the usage section for the usage fee of one trip (for example, the section between points D and E in FIG. 15B) is also referred to as a fourth usage fare.

[0175] [Procedure for purchasing a multi-ticket] Next, a description will be given of a procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket using the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket. As shown in Fig. 16, a coupon ticket issuing process is carried out in the coupon ticket issuing device 30 (S91).

[0176] Specifically, the settlement unit 407 accepts payment of the coupon ticket fee from the user, and the input unit 409 accepts password setting from the user.

[0177] When a user's password is input from input unit 409, identification information generation unit 411 generates identification information for the user. Identification information generation unit 411 presents the generated user's identification information to the user via an output unit (not shown).

[0178] When the user's identification information is input from the identification information generation unit 411, the coupon ticket information generation unit 413 generates coupon ticket information by linking the user's identification information with the coupon ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the usage section, and the distance of the usage section. The coupon ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the usage section, and the distance of the usage section are referred to as content information.

[0179] The coupon issuing unit 415 holds the coupon information generated by the coupon information generating unit 413 in the coupon, and issues the coupon.

[0180] In the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30, when the identification information generation unit 411 generates the user's identification information, it sends a registration request including the generated user's identification information and the input user's password to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401 (S93).

[0181] In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives a registration request from the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the matching information storage unit 311 performs the following process: Specifically, the matching information storage unit 311 associates the user's password included in the registration request with the user's identification information included in the registration request, and adds the result to the matching information table as the user's matching information (S95).

[0182] In the coupon issuing device 30, when the coupon information generating unit 413 generates the coupon information, it transmits the generated coupon information to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401 (S97).

[0183] In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives the coupon information from the coupon issuing device 30, the coupon information storage unit 309 performs the following process: Specifically, the coupon information storage unit 309 links the content information included in the coupon information to the user's identification information included in the coupon information, and adds it to the coupon information table as coupon information for that user (S99).

[0184] [Procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket] Next, a procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket using the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30 will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket. As shown in Fig. 17, input by the user is performed in the coupon ticket issuing device 30 (S111). Specifically, the input unit 409 accepts the user's identification information and password from the user.

[0185] In the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30, the repurchase processing unit 417 transmits the multiple-ride ticket repurchase information, which includes the user's identification information and the user's password, input into the input unit 409 to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401 (S113).

[0186] In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives the coupon ticket repurchase information from the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket repurchase information. The matching unit 307 obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table stored in the matching information storage unit 311. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the authentication instruction with the user's password obtained from the matching information table (S115). The matching unit 307 transmits the matching result to the coupon ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301 (S117).

[0187] If the user is authenticated and the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket repurchase information, the collating unit 307 transmits the difference information to the coupon ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301 (S119). If the user is not authenticated or the difference information storage unit 313 does not store difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket reissue information, the collating unit 307 does not transmit the difference information to the coupon ticket issuing device 30.

[0188] In the coupon ticket issuing device 30, when the communication unit 401 receives the user authentication as a collation result from the external server 20 and also receives the fare difference information from the external server 20, the calculation unit 419 calculates the discount amount using the fare difference information (S121). Note that the discount rate for the fare difference differs depending on the period from the purchase of the coupon ticket to the repurchase of the coupon ticket.

[0189] In the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the calculation unit 419 further calculates the coupon ticket fee (discounted amount) to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the coupon ticket fee (S123). The calculated coupon ticket fee (discounted amount) is displayed on a display unit (not shown) (S125).

[0190] [Actions and Effects] According to this embodiment, the fare management device 100 is used in a multiple-ride ticket system in which a multiple-ride ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, and is equipped with a communication unit 101, a reading unit 107, an extraction unit 113, a fare calculation unit 117, a difference calculation unit 119, and a generation unit 121.

[0191] The reading unit 107 reads the coupon information stored on the coupon held by the user who will ride the taxi vehicle 10. The extraction unit 113 extracts, from the coupon information, a first usage fee for one ride from the amount (coupon ticket fee) paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon. When the taxi vehicle 10 travels a first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates a second usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the first section. When the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee.

[0192] The generation unit 121 generates fare difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the fare difference, and the date and time information when the fare difference was calculated. The communication unit 101 transmits the fare difference information to an outside of the taxi vehicle 10. Outside the taxi vehicle 10, the fare difference and the date and time information included in the fare difference information are recorded in the fare difference information linked to the user's identification information.

[0193] With this configuration, if the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee, the difference between the first and second usage fees can be refunded to the user. This eliminates the need for the user to check the traffic conditions in the first section before boarding the vehicle and decide whether or not to use a coupon ticket to travel the first section by vehicle, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0194] Furthermore, by storing the difference between the first and second usage fees for the current ride in difference information linked to the user's identification information outside the taxi vehicle 10, the difference can be used to pay for the next ride or to purchase the next coupon ticket, which can encourage users to purchase coupon tickets.

[0195] Therefore, in a coupon ticket system in which a coupon ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, the burden on users can be reduced and the purchase of coupon tickets can be promoted.

[0196] According to this embodiment, the fare management device 100 further includes a display unit 123 that displays the amount to be paid by the user when the user gets off the taxi. The communication unit 101 transmits the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information to the outside of the taxi vehicle 10, and receives fare difference information linked to the user's identification information. The extraction unit 113 extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride.

[0197] When the taxi vehicle 10 travels beyond the first section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates a third usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in a second section beyond the first section. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the payment amount by subtracting a discount amount calculated using one or more differences from the third usage fee. The display unit 123 displays the calculated payment amount.

[0198] In the current coupon ticket system, a user can travel in taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket only when he or she boards taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the section of use and gets off taxi vehicle 10 at the other of the endpoints of the section of use. Therefore, if a user boards taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the section of use and then gets off at a point other than the other of the endpoints of the section of use for his or her own convenience, he or she cannot travel in taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket. In this case, the user must pay the meter fare for the section between one point and a point other than the other point using cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like.

[0199] In contrast, in this embodiment, with the above-described configuration, a user can use a coupon ticket even if he or she boards a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the usage section and then, for his or her own convenience, gets off at a point other than the other endpoint of the usage section. Specifically, in the usage section (first section), the user pays the first usage fare for one ride out of the coupon ticket fare. In a section (second section) beyond the usage section, the user can pay at least a portion of the meter fare for the second section with a discount amount calculated using the difference recorded in the difference information up to the previous ride.

[0200] Therefore, in a coupon ticket system in which a coupon ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, the convenience of the user in using the coupon ticket can be improved.

[0201] In addition, if a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the two end points of the usage area and then gets off at a point within the usage area for their own convenience, the first usage fee for one ride out of the multiple-ride ticket fee will be charged, and the above-mentioned discount amount will not be applied.

[0202] According to this embodiment, when the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the first section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates a fourth usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in a third section that deviates from the first section. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the payment amount by subtracting a discount amount calculated using one or more differences from the fourth usage fee. The display unit 123 displays the calculated payment amount.

[0203] With this configuration, even if a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the usage section, deviates midway through the usage section for his or her own convenience, and gets off at a point different from the other endpoint, the user can still use the coupon ticket. Specifically, the user pays part of the first usage fare for one ride out of the coupon ticket fare up to the middle of the usage section. In the section (third section) that deviates from the usage section, the user can pay at least part of the meter fare for the third section with a discount amount calculated using the difference recorded in the difference information up to the previous ride.

[0204] Therefore, in a coupon ticket system in which a coupon ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, the convenience of the user in using the coupon ticket can be further improved.

[0205] According to this embodiment, the fare management device 100 further includes a measurement unit 109 that measures the distance of a fourth section that is partway through the first section. An extraction unit 113 extracts the distance of the first section from the coupon ticket information. A fare calculation unit 117 calculates a fifth usage fee from the first usage fee based on the ratio between the distance of the first section and the distance of the fourth section. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates a sixth usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the vehicle in the fourth section.

[0206] If the sixth usage fee is lower than the fifth usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the fifth usage fee and the sixth usage fee. The generation unit 121 generates difference occurrence information including the user identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the difference, and date and time information at which the difference is calculated.

[0207] With this configuration, even if a user boards the taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the usage section, deviates from the usage section for his / her own convenience, and gets off at a point different from the other endpoint, the difference can be refunded. Specifically, if the sixth usage fee is cheaper than the fifth usage fee, the difference between the sixth usage fee and the fifth usage fee can be refunded to the user.

[0208] According to this embodiment, the extraction unit 113 extracts date and time information for when each of one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up until the previous ride was calculated. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the number of days that have elapsed since each fare difference was calculated based on the date and time information. The fare calculation unit 117 discounts each fare difference according to the number of days that have elapsed since each fare difference was calculated to calculate the discount amount.

[0209] With this configuration, if the number of days that have passed since the calculation of each difference is small, the amount of the difference can be increased. This can encourage users to use the coupon tickets early and encourage them to repurchase coupon tickets.

[0210] According to this embodiment, the fee management system 1 includes the fee management device 100 described above and an external server 20. The external server 20 is connected to the fee management device 100 via wireless communication. The external server 20 receives difference occurrence information from the fee management device 100. The external server 20 records the difference and date and time information included in the difference occurrence information in difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference occurrence information.

[0211] With this configuration, the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee for the current ride is stored in the difference information linked to the user's identification information in the external server 20. This allows the difference to be used for payment for the next ride or for purchasing the next coupon ticket, thereby encouraging users to purchase coupon tickets.

[0212] According to this embodiment, the fare management system 1 further includes a multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30. When a user pays the amount to purchase a multiple-ride ticket, the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 generates multiple-ride ticket information including the user's identification information, the multiple-ride ticket identification information, a first fare for one ride, location information for the first section, and the distance of the first section. The multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 issues multiple-ride tickets that hold the generated multiple-ride ticket information.

[0213] The multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 transmits the generated multi-ride ticket information to the external server 20. The external server 20 associates the multi-ride ticket identification information, the first fare for one ride, the location information of the first section, and the distance of the first section with the user's identification information and stores the information.

[0214] With this configuration, the external server 20 can manage the content information of the coupon ticket information for each user. Therefore, the fare management device 100 can extract the user's identification information from the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket and transmit the extracted user's identification information to the external server 20, thereby confirming the content information of the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket.

[0215] According to this embodiment, when a user repurchases a coupon ticket, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 receives the user's identification information from the user. The coupon ticket issuing device 30 transmits the user's identification information to the external server 20 and receives fare difference information linked to the user's identification information. The coupon ticket issuing device 30 extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride. The coupon ticket issuing device 30 calculates the discount amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using one or more fare differences from the total amount. The coupon ticket issuing device 30 displays the discount amount.

[0216] With this configuration, the difference between the first and second usage fees for the current ride can be used to purchase a multiple-ride ticket for the next ride, thereby encouraging users to purchase multiple-ride tickets.

[0217] According to this embodiment, the fare management program is used in a multiple-ride ticket system that allows a taxi vehicle 10 to travel within a designated area using a multiple-ride ticket, and includes a reading step, an extraction step, a fare calculation step, a difference calculation step, a generation step, and a communication step.

[0218] The reading step reads the coupon information stored on the coupon held by the user riding in the taxi vehicle 10. The extraction step extracts, from the coupon information, a first usage fee for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon. The fare calculation step calculates a second usage fee, when the taxi vehicle 10 travels a first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee, based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the first section. The difference calculation step calculates the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee, when the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee.

[0219] The generation step generates difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the difference, and the date and time information when the difference was calculated. The communication step transmits the difference information to an outside of the taxi vehicle 10. Outside the taxi vehicle 10, the difference and date and time information included in the difference information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information.

[0220] With this configuration, the configuration of the fare management device 100 described above can be realized as software by a program loaded into memory. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by having a computer execute the fare management program, in a coupon ticket system in which a coupon ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, the burden on users can be reduced and the purchase of coupon tickets can be promoted.

[0221] [Variations]

[0222] In the above-described embodiment, the fare management device 100 calculates the discount amount at S75 of the discount determination process, but this is not limiting. The fare management device 100 may also calculate the discount amount during boarding processing. In this case, the fare management device 100 may use the discount amount to display an estimate of the distance that can be traveled in the deviation section. Furthermore, the fare management device 100 may display discount details such as the discount amount and the return period in response to a user request.

[0223] Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount when the user gets in the taxi, and the display unit 123 displays the calculated discount amount when the user gets in. With this configuration, the user can check the discount amount when getting in the taxi vehicle 10, which makes it possible to prevent trouble with the user regarding the application of the discount amount in advance.

[0224] In the above-described embodiment, the external server 20 verified the user at S27 of the boarding process, but this is not limiting. The fare management device 100 may also verify the user. In this case, the fare management device 100 receives from the external server 20 the password of the user linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction.

[0225] In the above-described embodiment, the fee management device 100 calculates the discount amount in S75 of the discount determination process, and the coupon ticket issuing device 30 calculates the discount amount in S121 of the coupon ticket repurchase procedure. In this case, the discount rate of the difference applied in S75 may be different from the discount rate of the difference applied in S121.

[0226] In the above-described embodiment, in step S123 of the multi-ride ticket repurchase procedure, the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 calculates the multi-ride ticket price to be paid by the user by subtracting the discount amount from the multi-ride ticket price. In this case, if the discount amount is equal to or greater than the multi-ride ticket price, the user may be allowed to repurchase the multi-ride ticket using the discount amount.

[0227] In the above-described embodiment, the fare difference due to the use of a coupon ticket is added to the fare difference due to the use of other coupon tickets in the same use section, but this is not limited to this. For example, the fare difference due to the use of a coupon ticket may be added to the fare difference due to the use of other coupon tickets in the same use section, as long as they are within the same service area.

[0228] In the above-described embodiment, in the boarding process, the external server 20 may verify whether the coupon ticket is unused. In this case, the external server 20 manages coupon ticket verification information for each user. The coupon ticket verification information is linked to the user's identification information and includes the coupon ticket identification information and information indicating whether the coupon ticket has been used. The fare management device 100 extracts the coupon ticket identification information from the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket, includes it in an authentication instruction, and sends it to the external server 20. The external server 20 uses the coupon ticket verification information linked to the coupon ticket identification information included in the authentication instruction to verify whether the coupon ticket has been used.

[0229] In the above-described embodiment, the coupon ticket information includes the distance of the usage section, but is not limited to this. For example, if the deviation section to which the discount amount is reflected is only the section beyond the usage section, the coupon ticket information does not need to include the distance of the usage section. Also, if the fare management device 100 can separately acquire the distance of the usage section during the boarding process, the coupon ticket information does not need to include the distance of the usage section.

[0230] In the above-described embodiment, the external server 20 separately stores the coupon ticket information table, the verification information table, and the fare difference information table, but is not limited to this. For example, the external server 20 may store the content information in the coupon ticket information, the user password in the verification information, and the fare difference information in a single table, linked to the user's identification information.

[0231] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0232] 1 Fee Management System 1 10 Taxi vehicles 20 External Servers 30. Ticket issuing device 100 Fee Management Device 101 Communications Department 107 Reading unit 109 Measuring section 113 Extraction part 117 Fee Calculation Department 119 Difference Calculation Department 121 Generation part 123 Display section

Claims

1. A fare management device used in a coupon ticket system that allows passengers to travel by vehicle within a predetermined section using a coupon ticket, a reading unit that reads coupon information stored on a coupon ticket from the coupon ticket held by a user who boards a vehicle; an extraction unit that extracts, from the coupon ticket information, a first use fee for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon ticket; a fee calculation unit that calculates a second usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in the first section when the vehicle travels in the first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee; a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee when the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee; a generating unit that generates difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon information, the difference, and date and time information at the time the difference is calculated; a communication unit that transmits the difference occurrence information to an outside of the vehicle; Equipped with A fare management device outside the vehicle records the difference and the date and time information included in the difference generation information as difference information linked to the user's identification information.

2. a display unit that displays an amount to be paid by the user when the user gets off the vehicle; the communication unit transmits the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information to an outside of the vehicle, and receives the difference information linked to the user's identification information; The extraction unit extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the last ride, When the vehicle travels beyond the first section, the fee calculation unit calculates a third usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in a second section that exceeds the first section; the fee calculation unit calculates the payment amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using the one or more differences from the third usage fee; The fee management device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the calculated payment amount.

3. a display unit that displays an amount to be paid by the user when the user gets off the vehicle; the communication unit transmits the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information to an outside of the vehicle, and receives the difference information linked to the user's identification information; The extraction unit extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the last ride, When the vehicle deviates from the first section midway through the first section, the fare calculation unit calculates a fourth usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in a third section deviating from the first section; the fee calculation unit calculates the payment amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using the one or more differences from the fourth usage fee; The fee management device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the calculated payment amount.

4. a measuring unit that measures the distance of a fourth section up to the middle of the first section, The extraction unit extracts the distance of the first section from the coupon ticket information, the fee calculation unit calculates a fifth usage fee from the first usage fee based on a ratio between the distance of the first section and the distance of the fourth section; the fee calculation unit calculates a sixth usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in the fourth section; the difference calculation unit calculates a difference between the fifth usage fee and the sixth usage fee when the sixth usage fee is lower than the fifth usage fee; The fee management device described in claim 3, wherein the generation unit generates difference information including the user's identification information included in the multiple-ride ticket information, the difference, and date and time information at which the difference was calculated.

5. The extraction unit extracts date and time information of when each of one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride was calculated, The fee calculation unit calculates the number of days that have elapsed since the calculation of each difference based on the date and time information, 5. The fee management device according to claim 2, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the discount amount by discounting each difference in accordance with the number of days that have passed since the difference.

6. The fare management device according to claim 5 , wherein the display unit displays the discount amount calculated by the fare calculation unit when the user gets on the train.

7. A fee management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; an external device connected to the fee management device via wireless communication; Equipped with The external device receives the difference information from the fee management device, The external device is a fee management system that records the difference and the date and time information included in the difference generation information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference generation information.

8. Further provided with a coupon ticket issuing device, when the user pays the amount to purchase the coupon ticket, the coupon ticket issuing device generates the coupon ticket information including the user's identification information, the coupon ticket identification information, the first fare for one ride, location information of the first section, and the distance of the first section, and issues the coupon ticket holding the generated coupon ticket information; The coupon issuing device transmits the generated coupon information to the external device, The fare management system described in claim 7, wherein the external device stores the user's identification information, the identification information of the multiple-ride ticket, the first fare for the single ride, the location information of the first section, and the distance of the first section, linked to the user's identification information.

9. the coupon issuing device receives user identification information from the user when the user repurchases the coupon; the coupon ticket issuing device transmits the user's identification information to the external device, and receives the difference information linked to the user's identification information; The coupon ticket issuing device extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride, the coupon ticket issuing device calculates a discounted amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using the one or more differences from the total amount; The fee management system according to claim 8, wherein the coupon ticket issuing device displays the discounted amount.

10. A fare management program used in a coupon ticket system that allows a user to travel by vehicle within a predetermined section using a coupon ticket, a reading step of reading coupon information stored on a coupon ticket held by a user who boards a vehicle; an extraction step of extracting, from the coupon ticket information, a first use fare for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon ticket; a fee calculation step of calculating a second usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in the first section when the vehicle travels in the first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee; a difference calculation step of calculating a difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee; a generating step of generating difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon information, the difference, and date and time information at the time the difference was calculated; a communication step of transmitting the difference occurrence information to the outside of the vehicle; Equipped with A fare management program in which, outside the vehicle, the difference and the date and time information included in the difference occurrence information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information.

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