Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of enhancing the convenience of a passenger.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment comprises a distance acquisition unit, a data acquisition unit, an association unit, a determination unit, and a settlement unit. The distance acquisition unit acquires a distance between an exit of a mobile body and a passenger on the basis of a distance between a first terminal associated with the mobile body and arranged at a relative position determined with respect to the exit of the mobile body, and a second terminal associated with the passenger. The data acquisition unit acquires first terminal identification data and second terminal identification data. The association unit associates the first terminal with the second terminal. The determination unit determines, on the basis of the acquired distance, whether or not the passenger has an intention to get off the mobile body. The settlement unit settles a fare of the mobile body on the condition that the intention to get off the mobile body has been confirmed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, the development of technology for performing settlement for services without using cash by using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a user is progressing. Such technology is also used for, for example, settlement of the fare (usage fee) of a shared bus. When performing settlement of the usage fee of a shared mobile body such as a shared bus, operating a mobile terminal imposes inconvenience on the user and also increases the possibility that the user may fall, thereby impairing the convenience of the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can enhance the convenience of passengers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing device of this embodiment includes a distance acquisition unit, a data acquisition unit, a linking unit, a determination unit, and a settlement unit. The distance acquisition unit acquires the distance between the exit and the passenger based on the distance between a first terminal, which is associated with a mobile body that transports passengers and is positioned at a predetermined relative position to the exit of the mobile body, and a second terminal, which is associated with the passenger. The data acquisition unit acquires first terminal identification data indicating the first terminal and second terminal identification data indicating the second terminal. The linking unit links the first terminal, indicated by the first terminal identification data, and the second terminal, indicated by the second terminal identification data. The determination unit determines whether the passenger intends to disembark based on the acquired distance. The settlement unit settles the usage fee for the mobile body, provided that the intention to disembark has been confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a bus where payment for the usage fee is processed using the information processing system of the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating an example of a scenario in which bus fare payment is processed using the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating an example of a scenario in which bus fare payment is processed using the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating an example of a scenario in which bus fare payment is processed using the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating an example of a scenario in which bus fare payment is processed using the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the second terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the second terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the determination unit according to the embodiment determines the user C's intention to alight. [Figure 14] A sequence diagram showing an example of the processing performed by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and program of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] The overall configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes, for example, a first terminal 10, a second terminal 20, and an information processing device 30.

[0009] The first terminal 10 and the information processing device 30 are connected in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other via a network NA. The second terminal 20 and the information processing device 30 are connected in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other via a network NB. The network NA and network NB are, for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wireless LAN, and it is preferable that they have a certain level of information security. The first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, and the information processing device 30 may be connected by a single network.

[0010] Figure 2 shows an example of a bus in which payment of usage fees is performed using the information processing system of the embodiment. Bus BU is, for example, a passenger bus. A passenger bus is an example of a passenger transport vehicle. The first terminal 10 is associated with, for example, a transport vehicle that transports passengers, such as a bus BU. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle is a passenger bus, but it may be any other transport vehicle. The transport vehicle may be, for example, a bus other than a passenger bus, or a tram, taxi, taxi, ship, aircraft (flying vehicle), etc.

[0011] The first terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet carried by a bus crew member, such as driver D. A passenger entrance E1 is provided in the rear of the bus BU, in the center of the bus body in the longitudinal direction, and a passenger entrance E1 is provided in the front of the bus BU, in the vicinity of the driver's seat. Driver D is an example of a crew member.

[0012] The first terminal 10 is positioned at a terminal mounting position P1 located near the driver's seat while the passenger bus is in operation. The terminal mounting position P1 is defined relative to the passenger bus's entrance E1 and exit E2, and while the bus BU is in operation, the position of the first terminal 10 is defined relative to the bus BU's entrance E1 and exit E2.

[0013] Terminal 10 has an application program (fare collection app) installed for collecting fares from passengers. Terminal 10 can perform the process of collecting fares from passengers when the fare collection app is running.

[0014] The second terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet stored in a bag carried by a user boarding the bus BU, in a pocket of clothes worn by the user, etc. An application program (fare payment app) for the passenger to pay the fare is installed in the second terminal 20. The second terminal 20 can execute processing for paying the fare when the fare payment app is running.

[0015] A signal transmitter is provided on one of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, and a signal receiver is provided on the other. Here, the signal transmitter is provided on the first terminal 10, and the signal receiver is attached to the second terminal 20. The first terminal 10 continuously transmits a signal that transmits identification data indicating its own unique identification code and provided settlement method data indicating the settlement method provided by itself to other devices. This signal is, for example, a radio wave or a sound wave.

[0016] In the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, the signal receiver receives the signal transmitted by the signal transmitter. The information processing device 30 calculates the distance between the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 based on the signal received by the signal receiver provided in the second terminal 20. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a server.

[0017] Next, usage examples of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 according to the embodiment will be described while referring to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of a scene where the fare for using a bus is settled using the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0018] For example, as shown in Figure 3, user C boards bus BU from entrance E1. The information processing system 1 obtains the relative position of user C with respect to bus BU and obtains information indicating that user C has boarded bus BU based on the obtained relative position. The relative position of user C with respect to bus BU may be detected, for example, based on signals transmitted and received between the first terminal 10 and the second terminal, or it may be detected using a positioning system. Examples of positioning systems include GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), which is represented by GPS (Global Positioning System). User C is an example of a passenger.

[0019] Next, as shown in Figure 4, when user C approaches the driver's seat at the front of bus BU to alight, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 send and receive signals to each other and provide the obtained data to the information processing device 30. Based on the data provided by the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, the information processing device 30 obtains information that the second terminal 20 is approaching the exit E2 near the driver's seat.

[0020] Next, the second terminal 20 acquires the first terminal identification data and available payment method data transmitted by the first terminal 10. The payment processing device identification data is unique identification data assigned to the first terminal 10. The available payment method data is data indicating the payment methods available to the first terminal 10 itself.

[0021] The second terminal 20 determines the optimal payment method for user C from among the payment methods indicated by the available payment method data, taking into consideration factors such as discount rates and point redemption rates. The second terminal 20 provides the information processing device 30 with various data, such as the first terminal identification data acquired by the first terminal 10 and payment method data indicating the determined payment method, along with second terminal identification data indicating a unique identification code assigned to the second terminal.

[0022] Next, the information processing device 30 obtains the boarding location (boarding stop) and alighting location (alighting stop) of user C, and calculates the fare based on the obtained boarding and alighting locations. Subsequently, the information processing device 30 links the first terminal 10 and the second terminal.

[0023] Next, the information processing device 30 instructs the second terminal 20 to confirm the user's intention to purchase. In response to the instructions from the information processing device 30, the second terminal 20 performs a process to confirm with user C whether they intend to alight from bus BU. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the second terminal 20 outputs the voice message "You boarded in front of XX. Are you getting off?" from the speaker installed in the second terminal 20. Then, if the voice message "Yes" is input to the microphone installed in the second terminal 20, the second terminal 20 determines that user C intends to alight from bus BU.

[0024] Next, the information processing device 30 instructs the first terminal 10 to execute the payment. In response to the instruction from the information processing device 30, the first terminal 10 executes the payment for the bus BU usage fee. After the payment is completed, the second terminal 20 outputs the voice message "Payment completed" from the speaker installed in the second terminal 20, as shown in Figure 5. The second terminal 20 may also issue an electronic receipt after the payment of the usage fee is completed.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, user C, having completed payment of the fare, exits the bus BU through exit E2. In the example described above, the information processing device 30 detects that the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 are approaching each other, confirms user C's intention, and then processes the payment of the fare. Therefore, user C can keep the second terminal 20 in their bag or pocket while riding the bus BU and completing the payment of the fare from the time they board until they disembark. In the example described above, the payment of the fare can be processed without any contact between the user and the bus BU or driver D, making it easy to purchase goods while maintaining social distancing. The information processing device 30 may also instruct the second terminal 20 to process the payment of the fare after the user has disembarked from the bus BU.

[0026] Next, the hardware configuration of the payment processing device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first terminal according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the first terminal 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a main memory 12, a communication interface 13, an auxiliary memory 14, an input / output device 15, a signal transmitter 17, and a bus 19.

[0027] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which reads and executes the first terminal control program and implements the various functions of the first terminal 10. The processor 11 may also read and execute programs other than the first terminal control program and implement functions necessary for realizing the various functions of the first terminal 10. The main memory 12 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), which stores the first terminal control program and other programs that are read and executed by the processor 11.

[0028] The communication interface 13 is an interface circuit for performing communication with the second terminal 20 and the information processing device 30, etc., via the network NA, NB, or other networks. The auxiliary storage device 14 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), flash memory, or ROM (read-only memory). The input / output device 15 is, for example, a touch panel display and a speaker.

[0029] The signal transmitter 17 is a transmitter that transmits signals using information communication utilizing telecommunications technology. Examples of information communication utilizing telecommunications technology include UWB (Ultra Wide Band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, and NFC (Near Field Communication). The bus 19 connects the processor 11, main memory 12, communication interface 13, auxiliary memory 14, input / output device 15, and signal transmitter 17 so that they can send and receive data from each other.

[0030] Next, the hardware configuration of the second terminal according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the second terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the second terminal 20 includes, for example, a processor 21, a main memory 22, a communication interface 23, an auxiliary memory 24, an input / output device 25, a sensor 26, a signal receiver 28, and a bus 29.

[0031] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, which reads and executes the second terminal control program and implements the various functions of the second terminal 20. The processor 21 may also read and execute programs other than the second terminal control program and implement functions necessary for realizing the various functions of the second terminal 20. The main memory 22 is, for example, RAM, which stores the second terminal control program and other programs that are read and executed by the processor 21.

[0032] The communication interface 23 is an interface circuit for performing communication with the first terminal 10, information processing device 30, etc., via the network NA, NB, or other networks. The auxiliary storage device 24 is, for example, a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, or ROM. The input / output device 25 is, for example, a touch panel display and a speaker. The sensor 26 includes, for example, at least one of an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor. The sensor 26 further includes a GNSS sensor.

[0033] The signal receiver 28 is a receiver that receives signals transmitted using information communication utilizing telecommunications technology. Examples of information communication utilizing telecommunications technology include UWB, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, and NFC. The bus 29 connects the processor 21, main memory 22, communication interface 23, auxiliary memory 24, input / output device 25, sensor 26, and signal receiver 28 so that they can send and receive data from each other.

[0034] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the information processing device 30 includes, for example, a processor 31, a main memory 32, a communication interface 33, an auxiliary memory 34, an input / output device 35, and a bus 37.

[0035] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU, which reads and executes information processing programs and realizes the various functions of the information processing device 30. The processor 31 may also read and execute programs other than information processing programs and realize functions necessary for realizing the various functions of the information processing device 30. The main memory 32 is, for example, RAM, which stores information processing programs and other programs that are read and executed by the processor 31.

[0036] The communication interface 33 is an interface circuit for performing communication with the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, etc., via the network NA, network NB, and other networks. The auxiliary storage device 34 is, for example, a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, or ROM. The auxiliary storage device 34 stores a fare table showing the usage fee according to the boarding and alighting positions on the bus BU.

[0037] The input / output device 35 is, for example, a touch panel display. The bus 37 connects the processor 31, main memory 32, communication interface 33, auxiliary storage 34, and input / output device 35 so that they can send and receive data from each other.

[0038] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a first terminal according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the first terminal 10 includes, for example, a signal transmission unit 101, a data provision unit 102, a payment execution unit 103, and a transmission unit 104. The signal transmission unit 101 transmits signal data. The signal data includes first terminal device identification data and available payment method data. The signal transmission unit 101 continuously transmits signal data to the surroundings at regular intervals, for example, from several hundred ms to several ms.

[0039] The payment execution unit 103 executes payment processing at the first terminal 10 in accordance with instructions from the information processing device 30. The payment execution unit 103 generates payment completion data on the condition that payment for the bus BU usage fee has been completed. The payment execution unit 103 transmits the generated payment completion data to the information processing device 30.

[0040] When the transmission unit 104 receives the intention confirmation information transmitted by the information processing device 30, it obtains the intention of user C to alight. In this case, the transmission unit 104 uses the speaker of the input / output device 15 to transmit the obtained intention of user C to alight to the driver D by voice. The transmission unit 104 may also use the touch panel display of the input / output device 15 to transmit the obtained intention of user C to alight to the driver D by displaying an image.

[0041] Figure 11 shows an example of the functional configuration of a second terminal according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the second terminal 20 includes, for example, a signal receiving unit 201, a boarding / alighting position calculation unit 202, a payment method determination unit 203, a data provision unit 204, an intention confirmation unit 205, and a payment execution unit 206. The signal receiving unit 201 receives signal data transmitted by the signal transmission unit 101 of the first terminal 10.

[0042] The signal receiving unit 201 acquires first terminal identification data, available payment method data, etc., by receiving first signal data. The signal receiving unit 201 measures the radio wave strength of the received signal data (hereinafter referred to as signal radio wave strength). The signal receiving unit 201 generates signal radio wave strength data indicating the measured signal radio wave strength.

[0043] The boarding / alighting position calculation unit 202 calculates the boarding position (boarding stop) where user C boards the bus BU and the alighting position (alighting stop) where user C alights from the bus BU. For example, when the boarding / alighting position calculation unit 202 first receives the first signal data after the payment of the bus BU fare has been completed, it calculates the boarding position based on the position of the second terminal 20 detected by the GNSS device in the sensor 26. The boarding / alighting position calculation unit 202 may also calculate the boarding position based on the received first signal data.

[0044] The boarding / alighting position calculation unit 202 calculates the alighting position based on the position of the second terminal 20 detected by the GNSS device in the sensor 26, for example, when it receives alighting intention confirmation data transmitted by the information processing device 30. The boarding / alighting position calculation unit 202 provides the information processing device 30 with boarding / alighting position data indicating the calculated boarding position and alighting position.

[0045] The payment method determination unit 203 determines the payment method to be used by user C to pay the bus BU fare and generates payment method data indicating that payment method. The payment method determination unit 203 provides the generated payment method data to the information processing device 30. The payment method referred to here is, for example, electronic payment using a smartphone or tablet, and may be a prepaid or postpaid method. However, the payment method referred to here may also be credit card payment or cash payment. Specifically, it is preferable that the payment method determination unit 203 determines the most advantageous payment method for user C from among the payment methods indicated by the available payment method data represented by the signal transmitted by the first terminal 10, taking into consideration factors such as discount rate and point redemption rate.

[0046] The data provision unit 204 provides the information processing device 30 with signal strength data, first terminal identification data, second terminal identification data, and payment method data determined by the payment method determination unit 203. The intention confirmation unit 205 performs a process to confirm with user C that they intend to purchase the product. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the intention confirmation unit 205 outputs the voice message "You boarded in front of XX. Are you getting off?" from the speaker installed in the second terminal 20.

[0047] Then, if the intention confirmation unit 205 receives the voice input "yes" into the microphone installed in the second terminal 20, it determines that user C intends to get off the bus. If the intention confirmation unit 205 determines that user C intends to get off the bus, it transmits the intention confirmation information to the information processing device 30.

[0048] The payment execution unit 206 executes the payment of the bus BU usage fee in accordance with the instructions of the information processing device 30. After the payment is completed, the payment execution unit 206 outputs the voice message "Payment completed" from the speaker installed in the second terminal 20, as shown in Figure 5. The payment execution unit 206 generates payment completion data, conditional on the payment being completed. The payment execution unit 206 transmits the generated payment completion data to the information processing device 30.

[0049] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the information processing device 30 includes an acquisition unit 301, a determination unit 303, a fare calculation unit 304, a linking unit 305, an intention confirmation unit 306, and a settlement unit 307. The acquisition unit 301 includes, for example, a distance acquisition unit 311, a data acquisition unit 312, and a boarding / alighting position acquisition unit 313.

[0050] The distance acquisition unit 311 in the acquisition unit 301 calculates and acquires the distance between the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 based on the signal strength of the first signal indicated by the signal strength data provided by the second terminal 20. The distance acquisition unit 311 calculates and acquires the distance between the exit E2 and the second terminal 20 based on the calculated distance between the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, and the position of the first terminal 10 in the bus BU relative to the exit E2.

[0051] The distance acquisition unit 311 estimates the position of the second terminal 20 as the position of user C and acquires the distance between the exit E2 and user C (hereinafter referred to as the target distance). The distance acquisition unit 311 is an example of a relative relationship acquisition unit. Distance is an example of a relative relationship. The information processing device 30 may, in place of or in addition to the distance acquisition unit 311, include an acceleration acquisition unit that acquires the acceleration indicated by the acceleration data provided by the second terminal 20. In this case, the second terminal 20 provides the information processing device 30 with acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor included in the sensor 26. Acceleration is an example of a relative relationship, and the acceleration acquisition unit is an example of a relative relationship acquisition unit.

[0052] The data acquisition unit 312 acquires the first terminal identification data provided by the first terminal 10, the second terminal identification data provided by the second terminal 20, and payment method data. The boarding / alighting position acquisition unit 313 acquires the boarding and alighting positions of user C based on the acquired boarding / alighting position data. The boarding / alighting position acquisition unit 313 is an example of a boarding position acquisition unit.

[0053] The determination unit 303 determines user C's intention to alight based on the target distance acquired by the distance acquisition unit 311. For example, the determination unit 303 determines that user C intends to alight when the time it takes for the target distance to decrease is long. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the determination unit according to this embodiment determines user C's intention to alight.

[0054] The determination unit 303 determines that user C intends to alight if the period during which the target distance exceeds a predetermined distance is longer than or equal to a predetermined upper limit period. The upper limit period here is, for example, the time required for user C to prepare to alight. For example, in the case shown in Figure 13, user C, who intends to alight, will need to pay the fare, so the period during which the target distance remains below the threshold TH10 will be long. Therefore, the determination unit 303 determines that user C intends to alight if the period T10 during which the target distance is less than or equal to the predetermined distance is longer than or equal to a predetermined upper limit period. The target distance threshold is an example of a relative relationship threshold. The upper limit period is an example of a time threshold.

[0055] If the determination unit 303 determines that user C intends to alight, the fare calculation unit 304 refers to the user's boarding and alighting positions obtained by the boarding / alighting position acquisition unit 313 in the fare table stored in the auxiliary storage device 34 and calculates the fare for user C to ride bus BU. The fare calculation unit 304 generates fare data corresponding to the calculated fare.

[0056] The linking unit 305 associates the first terminal 10, indicated by the first terminal identification data, with the second terminal 20, indicated by the second terminal identification data. The linking unit 305 associates the payment method indicated by the payment method data with the usage fee indicated by the usage fee data generated by the fee calculation unit 304 for the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20.

[0057] If the determination unit 303 determines that user C intends to alight, the intention confirmation unit 306 generates intention confirmation instruction data and transmits it to the second terminal 20, causing the second terminal 20 to perform a process to confirm with user C that they intend to alight. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when user C, who is carrying the second terminal 20, approaches the exit E2, the intention confirmation unit 306 causes the second terminal 20 to perform a process to confirm with user C that they intend to alight from the bus BU before payment of the fare is made. When the intention confirmation unit 306 receives the intention confirmation information transmitted by the second terminal 20, it transmits the received intention confirmation information to the first terminal 10 as is.

[0058] When the settlement unit 307 receives confirmation information transmitted by the second terminal 20, it generates settlement instruction data that instructs the settlement execution unit 103 of the first terminal 10 and the settlement execution unit 206 of the second terminal 20 to perform the settlement. The settlement unit 307 transmits the generated settlement instruction data to the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, causing the settlement execution unit 103 of the first terminal 10 and the settlement execution unit 206 of the second terminal 20 to perform the settlement.

[0059] The settlement unit 307 acquires settlement completion data transmitted by the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. Based on the acquired settlement completion data, the settlement unit 307 confirms the completion of settlement for the bus BU usage fee.

[0060] Next, an example of processing performed by the information processing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed by the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0061] The first terminal 10 transmits signal data using the signal transmission unit 101 (step S101). The second terminal 20 receives the signal data transmitted by the first terminal 10 using the signal reception unit 201 (step S201). The second terminal 20 measures the intensity of the received signal data using the signal reception unit 201 and generates signal radio wave intensity data corresponding to the measured intensity (step S203). The second terminal 20 transmits the generated first signal radio wave intensity data, along with the second signal data and the received first signal data, to the information processing device 30.

[0062] Next, the information processing device 30 calculates and acquires the target distance in the distance acquisition unit 311 based on the signal strength data transmitted by the second terminal 20 (step S301). Then, the information processing device 30 determines that user C should disembark based on the calculated target distance (step S303). Subsequently, the second terminal 20 generates payment method data in the payment method determination unit 203 and transmits the generated payment method data to the information processing device 30 (step S205). The information processing device 30 acquires the transmitted payment method data.

[0063] Next, the information processing device 30 calculates the usage fee for user C to ride bus BU in the fare calculation unit 304 (step S305). Furthermore, the linking unit 305 links the payment method indicated by the payment method data with the usage fee indicated by the usage fee data generated by the fare calculation unit 304 for the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 (step S307).

[0064] Next, the information processing device 30 generates intention confirmation instruction data in the intention confirmation unit 306 and transmits it to the second terminal 20, causing the second terminal 20 to perform a process to confirm with user C whether or not they intend to alight (step S309). Upon receiving the intention confirmation instruction data, the second terminal 20 performs a process to confirm with user C that they intend to alight (step S207). If the intention confirmation unit 205 determines that user C intends to alight, it transmits the intention confirmation information to the information processing device 30.

[0065] Next, when the information processing device 30 receives the confirmation of intent information transmitted by the second terminal 20, the settlement unit 307 generates settlement instruction data and transmits the generated settlement instruction data to the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 to instruct them to execute the settlement (step S311). Upon receiving the settlement instruction data, the first terminal 10 executes the settlement in the settlement execution unit 103 in accordance with the instructions of the information processing device 30. After completing the settlement, the first terminal 10 generates settlement completion data (step S103) and transmits it to the information processing device 30.

[0066] Upon receiving the payment instruction data, the second terminal 20 executes the payment in the payment execution unit 206 in accordance with the instructions of the information processing device 30. After completing the payment, the second terminal 20 generates payment completion data (step S209) and transmits it to the information processing device 30. The information processing device 30, having received the payment completion data transmitted by the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, confirms the completion of the payment in the payment unit 307 (step S313).

[0067] The information processing system 1, including the first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, and the information processing device 30 according to the embodiment, has been described above. The information processing device 30 calculates the target distance based on the signal strength transmitted by the second terminal 20 and determines the user C's intention to alight based on the calculated target distance. Therefore, since the user C's intention to alight can be determined without any operation of the second terminal 20, the actions of receiving a bus ticket or taking out cash or a smartphone for payment when boarding or alighting from the bus can be omitted. Thus, passenger convenience can be improved.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 303 of the information processing device 30 determines the user C's intention to alight, but instead of or in addition to the determination unit 303, the first terminal 10 may be equipped with a determination unit that determines the user C's intention to alight. In this case, the determination unit may be provided, for example, in the first terminal 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user C's intention to alight is determined based on the target distance acquired by the distance acquisition unit 311. However, the user C's intention to alight may also be determined based on signal strength data provided by the second terminal 20 or acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. For example, when determining the user's intention to alight based on signal strength, it may be determined that the user C intends to alight when the signal strength is strong for a long period of time. The signal strength and acceleration in this case are examples of relative relationships.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, payment is made after confirming the user C's intention to alight. However, if, for example, the user C's intention to alight is presumed, payment may be made without confirming the intention to alight. For example, if user C, who has been determined to intend to alight, alights from bus BU, payment may be made based on the presumption of user C's intention to alight. In this case, payment is preferably made by credit card, for example.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the period T10 during which the target distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance is longer than or equal to a predetermined upper limit period, it is determined that user C intends to alight. In this case, if the bus BU departs after it has been determined that user C intends to alight but before the intention confirmation information is received, the determination that user C intends to alight may be revoked.

[0072] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1... Information processing system, 10... First terminal, 11, 21, 31... Processor, 12, 22, 32... Main memory, 13, 23, 33... Communication interface, 14, 24, 34... Auxiliary memory, 15, 25, 35... Input / output device, 17... Signal transmitter, 19, 29, 37... Bus, 20... Second terminal, 26... Sensor, 28... Signal receiver, 30... Information processing device, 101... Signal transmission unit, 102... Data provision unit, 103... Payment execution unit, 104... Transmission unit, 201... Signal Receiver, 202...Boarding / Alighting Position Calculation Unit, 203...Payment Method Determination Unit, 204...Data Provision Unit, 205...Intention Confirmation Unit, 206...Payment Execution Unit, 301...Acquisition Unit, 303...Determination Unit, 304...Fare Calculation Unit, 305...Linking Unit, 306...Intention Confirmation Unit, 307...Payment Unit, 311...Distance Acquisition Unit, 312...Data Acquisition Unit, 313...Boarding / Alighting Position Acquisition Unit, 313...Boarding / Alighting Position Acquisition Unit, BU...Bus, C...User, D...Driver, E1...Boarding Entrance, E2...Alighting Entrance, NA,NB...Network

Claims

1. A relative relationship acquisition unit that acquires distance information relating to the distance between a first terminal mounted on a mobile vehicle that transports passengers and a second terminal carried by the passenger, A data acquisition unit that acquires first terminal identification data indicating the first terminal and second terminal identification data indicating the second terminal, A determination unit determines whether the passenger intends to disembark based on whether the time during which the distance corresponding to the acquired distance information is less than or equal to a predetermined distance is greater than or equal to the upper limit time, The system includes a settlement unit that, on the condition that it is determined that the passenger intends to alight, executes a settlement process for the passenger's use of the vehicle. Information processing device.

2. The relative relationship acquisition unit acquires distance information based on a signal transmitted by a signal transmitter provided on either the first terminal or the second terminal, and received by a signal receiver provided on the other terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a boarding position acquisition unit that acquires the boarding position of the passenger when the passenger boards the mobile body, based on the relative position of the mobile body and the passenger, and the position of at least one of the passenger or the mobile body. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The boarding position acquisition unit acquires the relative position based on a signal transmitted by a signal transmitter provided on either the first terminal or the second terminal, and received by a signal receiver provided on the other of the first terminal or the second terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a fare calculation unit that calculates the fare for using the mobile vehicle based on the boarding position where the passenger boarded the mobile vehicle and the disembarking position where the passenger disembarked from the mobile vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further includes a communication unit that transmits the passenger's intention to disembark to the occupants of the mobile vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned mobile vehicle is a passenger transport vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A first terminal is associated with a mobile body that transports passengers, and is positioned at a predetermined relative position to the disembarking point of the mobile body. Including a second terminal associated with the aforementioned passenger, Information processing system.

9. The computer of the information processing device, Distance information relating to the distance between a first terminal mounted on a mobile vehicle transporting passengers and a second terminal carried by the passenger is acquired. First terminal identification data indicating the first terminal and second terminal identification data indicating the second terminal are obtained, Based on whether the time during which the distance corresponding to the acquired distance information is less than or equal to a predetermined distance is greater than or equal to the upper limit time, it is determined whether the passenger intends to disembark. Conditional on determining that the passenger intends to alight, the process for settling the passenger's fare for the vehicle is executed. Information processing methods.

10. In the computer of the information processing device, The system acquires distance information relating to the distance between a first terminal mounted on a mobile vehicle transporting passengers and a second terminal carried by the passenger. The system obtains first terminal identification data indicating the first terminal and second terminal identification data indicating the second terminal. Based on whether the time during which the distance corresponding to the acquired distance information is less than or equal to a predetermined distance is greater than or equal to the upper limit time, the system determines whether the passenger intends to disembark. On the condition that it is determined that the passenger intends to alight, the process for settling the passenger's fare for the use of the vehicle is executed. program.

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