Transportation usage history management system, transportation usage history management method, and transportation usage history management program

Abstract

To provide system that stores usage history of a user using transportation when a terminal carried by the user reads predetermined information, while allowing the user to easily delete the stored usage history.SOLUTION: A transportation usage history management system includes: first acquisition means (communication unit 13) which acquires first tag storage information D1 read by a user terminal 6; second acquisition means (communication unit 13) which acquires second tag storage information D9 read by the user terminal 6; first storage control means (control unit 11) which causes, when the first acquisition means acquires the first tag storage information D1, a storage unit 12 to store usage history information (bus identification information D1-1, passenger count information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, use date and time information D6, and fare information D7); and second storage control means (control unit 11) which deletes, when the second acquisition means acquires the second tag storage information D9, the usage history information stored in the storage unit 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation utilization history management system, a transportation utilization history management method, and a transportation utilization history management program.

Background Art

[0002] When using transportation such as trains and buses, a user of the transportation holds an IC card up to a predetermined device such as an automatic ticket gate installed at a station or a terminal installed inside a bus, and the information stored in the IC card is read. As a result, the transportation utilization history is often stored in a server or the like connected to the device. However, in order to enable this, it is necessary to install a dedicated device that can read the information stored in the IC card at each station, inside each bus, etc., which requires a large cost.

[0003] Therefore, instead of such a device, only a storage medium that can be read by a terminal such as a smartphone, such as an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag, is provided at the ticket gate of the station or inside the bus, etc. The information stored in such a storage medium is read by the user of the transportation using a terminal such as a smartphone held by the user. Then, the read information is transmitted from the terminal to a predetermined server, and at the server, the transportation utilization history is stored, and a system for performing processes such as payment of fares based on this has been developed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] When using such a system, users of public transport services are required to configure settings, such as the number of users, using their own devices before having the information stored on a storage medium such as an NFC tag read by the device. However, if the information is read with incorrect settings, these incorrect settings will be sent to the server, and the usage history of public transport services will be stored according to these incorrect settings. In this case, it is necessary to cancel such usage history, but in the conventional system, there was no mechanism for cancellation. Therefore, in order to cancel usage history that had been stored, it was necessary to, for example, request someone with the authority to access the server and perform the cancellation process, and ask them to cancel each transaction individually, which was extremely time-consuming.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to make it easier for a user to cancel a previously stored transportation history in a system in which a user's transportation usage history is stored when the user has a terminal read predetermined information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Claim 1 The invention described herein relates to a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user, A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device, When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means, Equipped with, The second acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of the transportation cancellation information when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times within a predetermined time period by the terminal device. The second memory control means is characterized by deleting the usage history information stored in the first memory means in order from the most recent stored date and time, in a number that matches the number of times the second acquisition means acquired the transportation usage cancellation information.

[0009] Claim 2 The invention described herein relates to a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user, A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device; and a first storage control means for storing usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means when the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means, Equipped with, The second acquisition means, when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times in the terminal device within a predetermined time period, acquires, in addition to the transportation cancellation information, reading count information, which is information relating to the number of times the transportation cancellation information is read in the terminal device within the predetermined time period. The second storage control means is characterized by deleting the usage history information stored in the first storage means in order from the most recent stored date and time, by a number that matches the number of reads.

[0010] Claim 3The invention described herein relates to a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user, A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device, When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means, Third acquisition means for acquiring user number information, which is information relating to the number of users of the transportation service, from the terminal device. and, Equipped with, The usage history information stored by the first memory control means is characterized in that it includes the number of users information.

[0012] Claim 8 The invention described herein relates to a method for managing transportation usage history using a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition step involves acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a specific transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition step of acquiring transportation usage cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device; and a first storage control step of storing usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in a first storage means when the transportation usage information is acquired in the first acquisition step. In the second acquisition step, when the transportation cancellation information is acquired, a second storage control step is performed to delete the usage history information stored in the first storage means, Includes, The second acquisition step acquires a plurality of pieces of the transportation means use cancellation information when the transportation means use cancellation information is read a plurality of times in the terminal device for a predetermined period of time. The second storage control step is characterized in that, from the use history information stored in the first storage means in order from the one with the latest stored date and time, the number of pieces that match the number of times the second acquisition step acquired the transportation means use cancellation information is deleted.

[0013] Claim 9 The invention according to claim In a transportation means use history management method by a transportation means use history management system, a first acquisition step of acquiring transportation means use information which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation means read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by a user; A second acquisition step of acquiring transportation means use cancellation information which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation means read in the terminal device; [[ID=I4]]A first storage control step of causing the first storage means to store use history information which is information related to the use history of the transportation means by the user when the transportation means use information is acquired in the first acquisition step; A second storage control step of deleting the use history information stored in the first storage means when the transportation means use cancellation information is acquired in the second acquisition step; including The second acquisition step acquires, in addition to the transportation means use cancellation information, read count information which is information related to the number of times the transportation means use cancellation information is read in the terminal device for the predetermined period of time when the transportation means use cancellation information is read a plurality of times in the terminal device for a predetermined period of time. The second storage control step is characterized in that, from the use history information stored in the first storage means in order from the one with the latest stored date and time, the number of pieces that match the read count information is deleted.

[0014] Claim 10 The invention according to claim A first acquisition step of acquiring traffic agency usage information, which is information indicating the usage of a predetermined traffic agency read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by a user; A second acquisition step of acquiring traffic agency usage cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the usage of a predetermined traffic agency read in the terminal device; A first storage control step of storing, in a first storage means, usage history information, which is information related to the usage history of a traffic agency by the user, when the traffic agency usage information is acquired in the first acquisition step; A second storage control step of deleting the usage history information stored in the first storage means when the traffic agency usage cancellation information is acquired in the second acquisition step; A third acquisition step of acquiring usage number information, which is information related to the number of users of the traffic agency, from the terminal device and, including, The usage history information stored by the first storage control step includes the usage number information.

[0015] request Claim 11 The invention according to [claim number] is, in a traffic agency usage history management program, a computer is caused to function as a first acquisition means for acquiring traffic agency usage information, which is information indicating the usage of a predetermined traffic agency read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by a user; a second acquisition means for acquiring traffic agency usage cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the usage of a predetermined traffic agency read in the terminal device; a first storage control means for storing, in a first storage means, usage history information, which is information related to the usage history of a traffic agency by the user, when the first acquisition means acquires the traffic agency usage information; a second storage control means for deleting the usage history information stored in the first storage means when the second acquisition means acquires the traffic agency usage cancellation information; and function as, The second acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of the transportation cancellation information when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times within a predetermined time period by the terminal device. The second memory control means is characterized by deleting the usage history information stored in the first memory means in order from the most recent stored date and time, in a number that matches the number of times the second acquisition means acquired the transportation usage cancellation information.

[0016] Claim 12 The invention described herein relates to a transportation usage history management program, Computers, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device. When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means. To make it function as, The second acquisition means, when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times in the terminal device within a predetermined time period, acquires, in addition to the transportation cancellation information, reading count information, which is information relating to the number of times the transportation cancellation information is read in the terminal device within the predetermined time period. The second storage control means is characterized by deleting the usage history information stored in the first storage means in order from the most recent stored date and time, by a number that matches the number of reads. Claim 13 The invention described herein relates to a transportation usage history management program, Computers, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device. When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means. A third acquisition means for acquiring user number information, which is information relating to the number of users of the transportation, from the terminal device. To make it function as, The usage history information stored by the first memory control means is characterized in that it includes the number of users information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, in a system in which a user's transportation usage history is stored when a user has their terminal read predetermined information, it is possible to make it easier for the user to cancel the usage history once it has been stored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the configuration of a transportation usage history management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the operation flow when storing usage history in the transportation usage history management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the flow of operations when canceling the usage history of the transportation usage history management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the workflow during payment of usage fees for the transportation usage history management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]This flowchart shows the workflow when recording usage history in a modified version of the transportation usage history management system. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the workflow when recording usage history in a modified version of the transportation usage history management system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The transportation usage history management system 100, an embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in the following description, the case in which a user rides a bus on the same route with a flat fare regardless of the section traveled will be explained as an example, but the same content can also be applied to, for example, the case in which a user rides a one-man operated train on the same route with a flat fare regardless of the section traveled.

[0020] [Explanation of the Structure] The transportation usage history management system 100 is a system that stores information related to the history of transportation usage and, based on the stored information related to the history of transportation usage, allows bus operators to process payments for transportation usage fees from users. As shown in Figure 1, it is configured with a usage history management server 1 and a payment server 2, which are servers owned by a specific operator that manages and operates this system, and these servers are connected via a communication network N.

[0021] Furthermore, the transportation usage history management system 100 is configured such that the usage history management server 1 is connected via a communication network N to the driver terminal 5, which is a terminal held by each bus driver, and to the user terminal 6, which is a terminal held by each user who uses this system to ride the bus, and the payment server 2 is connected to the user terminal 6.

[0022] Furthermore, the above-mentioned servers do not necessarily need to be set up separately; a single PC (Personal Computer), WS (Workstation), or other information device may perform the functions of all of these servers. In this case, the program for operating the information device is stored in such a single PC, WS, or other information device, and according to this program, both the operation of the usage history management server 1 and the operation of the payment server 2, as described in the operation description below, are performed by the single information device. Conversely, each of the above servers does not necessarily have to be implemented by a single PC, workstation, or other information device. Multiple PCs, workstations, or other information devices may be connected via a communication network N, and the functions of each server may be implemented by multiple information devices.

[0023] [1. Usage History Management Server] The usage history management server 1 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or workstation owned by a company that manages and operates the transportation usage history management system 100, and as described below, it stores information related to the user's bus usage history based on information received from the user terminal 6. As shown in Figure 1, the usage history management server 1 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0024] [(1) Control Unit] The control unit 11 is the part that controls the operation of the usage history management server 1. For example, it is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and in cooperation with the CPU and the program data stored in the storage unit 12, it comprehensively controls each part of the usage history management server 1.

[0025] [(2) Storage section] The storage unit 12 is the part that stores various information necessary for the operation of the usage history management server 1. For example, it is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, etc., and stores data necessary for the operation of the usage history management server 1 in a read / write format from the control unit 11. The memory unit 12 stores a program that includes various commands to the control unit 11 for operating the usage history management server 1. The operation of the usage history management server 1, as described in the operation explanation below, will be performed according to the program stored in the memory unit 12.

[0026] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 includes a bus list information storage unit 121 in which bus list information D4 is stored, and a usage history storage unit 122 in which information relating to the user's bus usage history, such as bus identification information D1-1, passenger number information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6, and fare information D7, is stored in association with each other. Details of the information stored in each memory unit will be described in the operation explanation.

[0027] [(3) Communications Department] The communication unit 13 is the part used for communication between the usage history management server 1, the payment server 2, the driver terminal 5, and the user terminal 6. For example, it is a communication interface having a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and a communication connector, and under the control of the control unit 11, it performs data communication over the communication network N using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0028] [2 Payment Server] The payment server 2 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or workstation owned by a company that manages and operates the transportation usage history management system 100, and it performs processing related to the payment of transportation usage fees based on information related to transportation usage history obtained from the usage history management server 1. As shown in Figure 1, the payment server 2 is configured similarly to the usage history management server 1, for example, by comprising a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0029] The configurations of the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23 are identical to those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the usage history management server 1.

[0030] The storage unit 22, like the storage unit 12 in the usage history management server 1, is composed of, for example, an HDD, semiconductor memory, etc., and stores data necessary for the operation of the payment server 2 in a read / write format from the control unit 21. The memory unit 22 stores a program that includes various commands to the control unit 21 for operating the payment server 2, and the operation of the payment server 2, as described in the operation description below, will be carried out in accordance with the program stored in the memory unit 22.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 is equipped with a travel ticket / commuter pass information storage unit 221 in which user identification information D3 and travel ticket / commuter pass information D11 are stored in association, and a payment method information storage unit 222 in which user identification information D3 and payment method information D12 are stored in association. Details of the information stored in each memory unit will be described in the operation explanation.

[0032] [3. First Short-Range Wireless Communication Tag] The first near-field communication tag 3 is a near-field communication (NFC) tag installed inside the bus, and as described later, the first tag storage information D1, which is information indicating the user's use of the bus, is stored in a way that it can be read by the user terminal 6. The first short-range wireless communication tag 3 may be permanently installed in a designated location inside the bus, such as near the entrance, or it may be carried by the driver while the bus is in motion. Even if it is not permanently installed inside the bus, if the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 is located inside the bus, it is considered to be installed inside the bus.

[0033] [4. Second Short-Range Wireless Communication Tag] The second near-field communication tag 4 is a near-field communication (NFC) tag installed inside the bus, and as described later, the second tag storage information D9, which is information indicating the user's cancellation of bus use, is stored in a way that it can be read by the user terminal 6. The second short-range wireless communication tag 4, like the first short-range wireless communication tag 3, may be permanently installed in a designated location inside the bus, such as near the entrance, or it may be carried by the driver while the bus is in motion. Even if it is not permanently installed inside the bus, if the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 is located inside the bus, it shall be considered as being installed inside the bus.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first short-range wireless communication tag 3, which users will always use when boarding using this system, be permanently installed near the bus entrance, and the second short-range wireless communication tag 4, which is only used when users cancel their usage history due to input errors or other reasons, be carried by the bus driver while driving and taken out only when a user requests to use it.

[0035] [5 Driver terminals] Driver terminal 5 is, for example, an information device such as a smartphone or tablet held by a bus driver while driving the bus, and is used to notify the driver of information regarding whether or not a user can board the bus using this system, as described later. As shown in Figure 1, the driver terminal 5, like the usage history management server 1, for example, comprises a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53, and further comprises a display unit 54 and an operation unit 55.

[0036] The configurations of the control unit 51 and the communication unit 53 are identical to those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the usage history management server 1, respectively. The memory unit 12 stores a driver terminal application 521, which is a program containing various commands to the control unit 51 for operating the driver terminal 5, as will be described in the operation description below.

[0037] The display unit 54 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays an image on the display screen based on the display control signal output from the control unit 51.

[0038] The operation unit 55 includes, for example, a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, and receives operation input from a driver using the driver terminal 5 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 51. The operation unit 55 may be, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 54, and is not particularly limited as long as it can receive operation input from a driver.

[0039] [6 User terminals] User terminal 6 is, for example, an information device such as a smartphone or tablet held by each user who uses this system to board the bus, and is used, as described later, to read information from the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 or the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 and to transmit the read information to the usage history management server 1. As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 6, similar to the driver terminal 5, for example, is configured to include a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, a display unit 64, and an operation unit 65, and is further configured to include a tag reading unit 66 and a location information acquisition unit 67.

[0040] The configurations of the control unit 61, communication unit 63, display unit 64, and operation unit 65 are the same as those of the control unit 51, communication unit 53, display unit 54, and operation unit 55 in the driver terminal 5. The storage unit 62 stores a user terminal application 621, which is a program containing various commands to the control unit 61 for operating the user terminal 6, as will be described in the operation description below.

[0041] The tag reading unit 66 is a part for reading information stored in the short-range wireless communication tag, and is not particularly limited as long as it can read the first tag stored information D1 from the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 and the second tag stored information D9 from the second short-range wireless communication tag 4, as described later.

[0042] The location information acquisition unit 67 is the part that acquires information about the location of the user terminal 6, and for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver is used. The GPS receiver receives GPS signals, which are positioning radio waves provided from multiple GPS satellites that make up the GPS, and uses these to acquire location information of the user terminal 6, and by extension, the user who possesses it. Furthermore, the location information acquisition unit 67 can be any device capable of acquiring the location information of the user terminal 6, and is not limited to a GPS receiver. For example, a receiver for signals related to other satellite positioning systems, such as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) receiver, may be used.

[0043] [7 Communication Networks] The communication network N is, for example, the internet, a telephone network, a mobile phone network, a wireless LAN network, etc., and as shown in Figure 1, it connects each server, driver terminal 5, and user terminal 6 that make up the transportation usage history management system 100. The communication network N is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of connecting the servers, driver terminals 5 and user terminals 6 that constitute the transportation usage history management system 100 as described above, and enabling the transmission and reception of data between them.

[0044] [2. Explanation of Operation] The operation of the transportation usage history management system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained below, divided into three steps: storing usage history (step S1), canceling usage history (step S2), and settling usage fees (step S3).

[0045] [Step 1: Recording Usage History] First, the operation of this system when storing information related to the user's bus usage history in the usage history management server 1 will be explained according to the flowchart in Figure 2.

[0046] When a bus user possessing a user terminal 6 boards the bus using this system, they first perform a predetermined operation using the operation unit 65 according to the user terminal application 621 and input the number of passengers on the bus and whether they are adults or children (step S1-1). For example, if the user is traveling alone, enter "1 adult"; if they are traveling with a friend, enter "2 adults"; and if it's a family of four with two children, enter "2 adults, 2 children".

[0047] Next, the user holds the user terminal 6 over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 located inside the bus. When the user terminal 6 is held over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 causes the tag reading unit 66 to read the first tag storage information D1 (step S1-2).

[0048] The first tag storage information D1 is information stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 in a readable format by the user terminal 6, and includes bus identification information D1-1 and authentication information D1-2. Bus identification information D1-1 is information that can identify a bus equipped with the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 on which the information is stored, such as a number or identifier assigned to each bus. Furthermore, authentication information D1-2 is information used to determine whether the first tag storage information D1 is genuine or not. In this embodiment, the first tag storage information D1 is information indicating that the user will be using the bus related to the bus identification information D1-1, and corresponds to the transportation usage information in the present invention.

[0049] When the tag reading unit 66 reads the first tag storage information D1, the control unit 61 causes the communication unit 63 to transmit the information relating to the number of passengers (passenger number information D2) entered in step S1-1 and the first tag storage information D1 read in step S1-2, along with information that can identify the user, such as an ID assigned to each user (user identification information D3), to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N (step S1-3).

[0050] In the usage history management server 1, which receives the first tag storage information D1, passenger count information D2, and user identification information D3 transmitted from the user terminal 6 by the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the received first tag storage information D1 (whether the information is legitimate information, that is, whether it is information actually stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed in the bus) (step S1-4). In other words, since the first tag storage information D1 includes authentication information D1-2, which is information for determining whether the information is legitimate or not, the control unit 11 uses this information to determine whether the first tag storage information D1 is legitimate or not. The content of the authentication information D1-2 and the method of determination using this information are not particularly limited, and any existing method can be adopted.

[0051] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 identifies the route the user will be riding (step S1-5). In other words, the first tag storage information D1 includes bus identification information D1-1, which is information that can identify a bus equipped with the first short-range wireless communication tag 3, on which the number, identifier, and other information assigned to each bus are stored, as described above. Furthermore, the bus list information D4 stored in the bus list information storage unit 121 of the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 is information that links the bus identification information D1-1 for each bus, the name of the route on which the bus travels, and the fare for that route. Therefore, the control unit 11 can identify the route the user rode by extracting the route name stored in the bus list information D4 that is linked to the bus identification information D1-1 contained in the first tag storage information D1 received in step S1-3.

[0052] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 links the bus identification information D1-1, passenger number information D2, and user identification information D3 received in step S1-3 with the route information (route information D5) identified in step S1-5, the date and time information (usage date and time information D6) on which the information was received in step S1-3, and the fare information D7, which is information on the usage fee for the said route, and stores them in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 (step S1-6). In this embodiment, the linked bus identification information D1-1, passenger count information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6, and fare information D7 represent the user's transportation usage history, and therefore constitute the usage history information in this invention.

[0053] Once steps S1-6 are completed, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 generates boarding availability information D8, which is predetermined information indicating that the user is available to board, and transmits it from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the driver terminal 5 used by the driver operating the bus related to the bus identification information D1-1 contained in the first tag storage information D1 received in step S1-3 (step S1-7). Upon receiving the boarding availability information D8 transmitted from the usage history management server 1 by the communication unit 53, the control unit 51 causes the display unit 54 to display a predetermined indication that the user is available to board (step S1-8). This allows the bus driver to determine, based on whether or not the above display is shown on the display unit 54, whether or not the user who held the user terminal 6 over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 in step S1-2 is able to board the bus using this system.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 transmits the boarding availability information D8 from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the user terminal 6 that sent the information in step S1-3 (step S1-9). Upon receiving the boarding availability information D8 transmitted from the usage history management server 1 by the communication unit 63, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 64 to display a predetermined indication that the user is available to board (step S1-10). This allows the user to determine whether the process has been completed correctly and whether they are able to board the bus using this system, based on whether or not the above display is shown on the display unit 64.

[0055] [Step 2: Cancel Usage History] Next, the operation of this system when a user cancels an action after the usage history has been stored in the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 in step S1 will be explained according to the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0056] In step S1-10, after the display unit 64 of the user terminal 6 shows that boarding is possible, if the user wishes to cancel the stored usage history, for example, if the information regarding the number of passengers entered in step S1-1 was incorrect, the user holds the user terminal 6 over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 installed inside the bus. When the user terminal 6 is held over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 causes the tag reading unit 66 to read the second tag stored information D9 (step S2-1).

[0057] The second tag storage information D9 is information stored in the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 in a readable format by the user terminal 6, and includes bus identification information D9-1, authentication information D9-2, and a cancellation flag D9-3. The contents of bus identification information D9-1 and authentication information D9-2 are identical to those of bus identification information D1-1 and authentication information D1-2 contained in the first tag storage information D1, respectively. The cancellation flag D9-3 simply indicates that the information in question is for cancellation purposes. In this embodiment, the second tag storage information D9 is information indicating that the user has canceled the use of the bus related to the bus identification information D9-1, and corresponds to the transportation use cancellation information in the present invention. Furthermore, the second tag storage information D9 only needs to be something that allows the usage history management server 1 to identify the bus equipped with the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 on which the information is stored, and whether the information is for cancellation purposes; it is not necessary to include the cancellation flag 9-3. For example, it may include the tag number on which the information is stored, and the usage history management server 1 may use this number to identify whether the received information is for cancellation purposes.

[0058] When the tag reading unit 66 reads the second tag storage information D9, the control unit 61 causes the communication unit 63 to transmit the second tag storage information D9 read in step S2-1, along with the user identification information D3, to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N (step S2-2).

[0059] In the usage history management server 1, which receives the second tag storage information D9 and user identification information D3 transmitted from the user terminal 6 by the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the received second tag storage information D9 (whether the information is legitimate information, that is, whether it is information actually stored in the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 installed in the bus) (step S2-3). In other words, the second tag storage information D9 also contains authentication information D9-2, which is in the same format as the authentication information D1-2 contained in the first tag storage information D1, and is used to determine whether the second tag storage information D9 is legitimate or not. Therefore, the control unit 11 can use this information to determine whether the second tag storage information D9 is legitimate or not.

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 identifies the route for which the user wants to cancel their usage history (step S2-4). In other words, since the second tag storage information D9 also contains bus identification information D9-1 which is the same as the bus identification information D1-1 contained in the first tag storage information D1, the control unit 11 only needs to identify the route for which the user has canceled their usage history by extracting the route name stored in association with the bus identification information D9-1 contained in the second tag storage information D9 received in step S2-2 from the bus list information D4.

[0061] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 deletes the most recent usage history stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12, namely the information where bus identification information D1-1, passenger number information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6, and fare information D7 are linked and stored, from among the user identification information D3 that matches the user identification information D3 received in step S2-2 and route information D5 that matches the route identified in step S2-4, namely the most recent usage date and time information D6 (the one stored at the time closest to the time when the second tag storage information D9 was acquired in step S2-2) (step S2-5). Furthermore, it is also possible to determine whether the bus associated with bus identification information D1-1 matches the bus associated with bus identification information D9-1 included in the second tag storage information D9 received in step S2-2, and whether the date and time associated with usage date and time information D6 is within a predetermined time period, such as 2 hours. In this case, only information where the bus associated with bus identification information D1-1 matches the bus associated with bus identification information D9-1 included in the second tag storage information D9 received in step S2-2, and the date and time associated with usage date and time information D6 is within a predetermined time period, such as 2 hours, may be deleted.

[0062] Once steps S2-5 are completed, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 transmits cancellation completion information D10, which is predetermined information indicating that the cancellation of the usage history has been completed, from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the driver terminal 5 used by the driver operating the bus related to the bus identification information D9-1 contained in the second tag storage information D9 received in step S2-2 (step S2-6). Upon receiving the cancellation completion information D10 transmitted from the usage history management server 1 by the communication unit 53, the control unit 51 causes the display unit 54 to display a predetermined indication that the cancellation of the usage history has been completed (step S2-7).

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 transmits the cancellation completion information D10 from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the user terminal 6 that sent the information in step S2-2 (step S2-8). Upon receiving the cancellation completion information D10 transmitted from the usage history management server 1 by the communication unit 63, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 64 to display a predetermined indication that the cancellation of the usage history has been completed (step S2-9).

[0064] [Step 3: Payment of S3 usage fees] Next, the operation of this system when settling usage fees based on the information stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 will be explained according to the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0065] The control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 transmits, at predetermined intervals such as once every two weeks, the usage history information (excluding that deleted in step S2-5) stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 in step S1-6 during that period to the payment server 2 via the communication network N from the communication unit 13 (step S3-1).

[0066] In the payment server 2, when the communication unit 23 receives information transmitted from the usage history management server 1, the control unit 21 determines, for each usage history, i.e., the information stored linked together, namely bus identification information D1-1, passenger number information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6, and fare information D7, whether the user related to user identification information D3 possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a pass or commuter pass, for the route related to route information D5, that is, whether the fare for the bus use related to that usage history has been paid (step S3-2).

[0067] In other words, the sightseeing pass / commuter pass information storage unit 221 of the storage unit 22 of the payment server 2 stores sightseeing pass / commuter pass information D11, which is information about sightseeing passes, commuter passes, and other tickets that can be purchased before using the bus, linked to the user identification information D3 for each user. Furthermore, the sightseeing pass / commuter pass information D11 also includes information about the routes that can be used with the ticket. Therefore, the control unit 21 extracts, for each usage history, the user identification information D3 stored in the sightseeing pass / commuter pass information storage unit 221 from the sightseeing pass / commuter pass information D11, and matches the user identification information D3 included in each usage history. Then, it compares the route information D5 included in each usage history with the information related to the routes that can be ridden with the ticket included in the extracted sightseeing pass / commuter pass information D11. If they match, it determines that the user related to the user identification information D3 possesses a sightseeing pass or commuter pass, or other ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, for the route related to the route information D5.

[0068] Next, the control unit 21 of the payment server 2 processes the payment for the bus fare for the usage history information received in step S3-1 that, in step S3-2, determined not to be the user possessing a pass that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a sightseeing pass or commuter pass (step S3-3).

[0069] In other words, the payment method information storage unit 222 of the storage unit 22 stores payment method information D12, which is information relating to payment methods such as credit cards and various electronic money, for each user, linked to user identification information D3 for each user. Therefore, the control unit 21 excludes from the usage history information received in step S3-1 the information in step S3-2 in which it was determined that the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a round-trip ticket or commuter pass. Then, by subtracting the amount related to the fare information D7 for each usage history from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12 that matches the user identification information D3, the fares for the buses used by the user during the predetermined period are paid to the designated operator that operates the bus route, as determined for each bus route, excluding the usage history for routes in which the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a round-trip ticket or commuter pass, i.e., routes for which the fare has already been paid.

[0070] [Explanation of the third effect] Next, the effects of the transportation usage history management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0071] According to the transportation usage history management system 100 of this embodiment, when the usage history management server 1 obtains first tag storage information D1 from the user terminal 6, it stores the user's bus usage history (information linked to bus identification information D1-1, passenger number information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6, and fare information D7) in the storage unit 12, and deletes the user's bus usage history stored in the storage unit 12 when it obtains second tag storage information D9 from the user terminal 6. This makes it easy for users to cancel bus usage history that has been stored in the usage history management server 1, as they can simply obtain the second tag storage information D9 via the user terminal 6 and send it to the usage history management server 1 via the user terminal 6.

[0072] Furthermore, since the first tag storage information D1 is stored in a first short-range wireless communication tag 3, which is installed inside the bus and can read the information stored by the user terminal 6, and the second tag storage information D9 is stored in a second short-range wireless communication tag 4, which is installed inside the bus and can read the information stored by the user terminal 6, the user can perform operations such as canceling usage history while inside the bus. Furthermore, because the information storage medium installed inside the bus is a short-range wireless communication tag that requires a short time to be read by the user terminal 6, such operations can be performed quickly, thus reducing the risk of congestion at the bus entrance.

[0073] Furthermore, previously, if a user wished to cancel their usage history, they had to contact the transportation company's inquiry desk separately after disembarking from the bus, for example, to request the cancellation of their usage history. However, in this case, it was not easy for the transportation company's inquiry desk staff to accurately identify the usage history that the user wished to cancel, and there was a risk of errors such as mistakenly canceling the wrong usage history. According to the transportation usage history management system 100 of this embodiment, the usage history can be canceled simply by having the user terminal 6 read the second tag stored information D9 inside the bus before the user disembarks from the bus, thus solving such problems.

[0074] Furthermore, the first tag storage information D1 and the second tag storage information D9 include bus identification information D1-1 or D9-1, which is information that can identify a bus equipped with a first short-range wireless communication tag 3 on which the number, identifier, and other information assigned to each bus is stored. The usage history management server 1 stores bus list information D4 in the bus list information storage unit 121 of the storage unit 12, which is information that links the bus identification information D1-1 or D9-1 for each bus with the name of the route on which the bus travels. This makes it easy for the usage history management server 1, upon receiving the first tag storage information D1 or the second tag storage information D9 from the user terminal 6, to identify the route on which the user rode or wishes to cancel their usage history.

[0075] Furthermore, when the usage history management server 1 acquires the second tag storage information D9 from the user terminal 6, it deletes the most recent usage history stored in the storage unit 12, that is, the usage date and time information D6 that matches the user and route, which is the one stored at the time closest to the time the usage history management server 1 acquired the second tag storage information D9. This makes it possible to immediately cancel entries made by the user if they are incorrect.

[0076] Furthermore, when settling the usage fee, the payment server 2 identifies information on routes for which the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a round-trip ticket or commuter pass, i.e., information on buses for which the user has already paid the fare, from the user usage history information obtained from the usage history management server 1. By doing so, the payment of the bus fare is made only for usage history excluding this information. This makes it easy for a transportation usage history management system 100, which stores transportation usage history when the user terminal 6 reads the first tag storage information D1, to distinguish between transportation usage history for which the user has already paid the fare and transportation usage history for which the user has not paid the fare, and to pay the usage fee only for the latter.

[0077] [4. Variation] Next, a modified example of the transportation usage history management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0078] [1. Variation 1: Determination of whether or not a travel pass, commuter pass, etc. is held on the usage history management server] In the above, step S3-1 describes a case where the usage history information stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 for a predetermined period is sent in a batch from the usage history management server 1 to the payment server 2, and in step S3-2, the payment server 2 determines whether the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a round-trip ticket or commuter pass, for each route related to the usage history. However, instead, the usage history management server 1 may determine whether the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a round-trip ticket or commuter pass, for each route related to the usage history, and then send only the usage history for routes for which the user does not possess a round-trip ticket or commuter pass to the payment server 2.

[0079] In other words, the sightseeing pass / commuter pass information D11, which was stored in the storage unit 22 of the payment server 2 as described above, is stored in the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1. Then, in the usage history management server 1, the control unit 11 uses this information to determine, from the usage history information stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 in step S1-6 over a predetermined period, the usage history related to routes in which the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a sightseeing pass or commuter pass. After removing this information, the control unit 13 transmits the remaining information to the payment server 2 via the communication network N. In this case, the payment server 2, for all the usage history information received from the usage history management server 1, deducts the amount related to the fare information D7 from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12 that matches the user identification information D3. This ensures that the fares for the buses used by the user during the specified period are paid to the designated operator that operates each bus route, as determined for each bus route, excluding the usage history for routes for which the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a round-trip ticket or commuter pass, i.e., routes for which the fare has already been paid.

[0080] If a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a sightseeing pass or commuter pass, is closely linked to the use of the bus, for example, a bus commuter pass, it is preferable for the usage history management server 1 to determine whether the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a sightseeing pass or commuter pass, for each route related to the usage history. In contrast, if the ticket is a pass that can be used on a wide range of transportation methods other than buses and has little connection to bus use, it is preferable that the payment server 2 determines, as described in the above embodiment, whether the user possesses a pass or commuter pass or other ticket that can be purchased before using the bus for each route related to the usage history. Furthermore, while both methods are capable of making a determination, it is also possible to differentiate which method to use based on the type of ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a sightseeing pass or commuter pass.

[0081] [2 Variation 2: Application of metered billing to routes] The above example illustrates the management of bus usage history for buses with a flat fare regardless of the distance traveled. However, this method can also be applied to metered bus routes where fares vary depending on the distance traveled. Specifically, the following two methods are possible.

[0082] [(1) When using location information obtained from the user's terminal] The operation of this system (step S2A) when using location information acquired from the user terminal to support metered routes will be explained according to the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0083] In this case, when boarding the bus, the user inputs the number of passengers on the bus and whether they are adults or children using the operation unit 65 of the user terminal 6 (step S1-1A). Then, the user terminal 6 is held over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed inside the bus, and the tag reading unit 66 reads the first tag storage information D1 stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 (step S1-2A). After reading the first tag storage information D1, the location information acquisition unit 67 of the user terminal 6 then acquires the location information of the user terminal 6 (step S1-3A).

[0084] When the location information acquisition unit 67 acquires the location information of the user terminal 6, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 transmits the location information of the user terminal 6 (boarding location information D13) acquired in step S1-3A, along with the number of passengers information D2, the first tag storage information D1, and the user identification information D3, to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N from the communication unit 63 (step S1-4A).

[0085] In the usage history management server 1, which receives the first tag storage information D1, passenger count information D2, user identification information D3, and boarding location information D13 transmitted from the user terminal 6 by the communication unit 13 when the user boards, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the received first tag storage information D1 (whether the information is legitimate information, i.e., whether it is information actually stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed in the bus) (step S1-5A), and then identifies the route the user is riding (step S1-6A). The method for determining authenticity and the method for identifying the riding route are the same as those described in steps S1-4 and S1-5.

[0086] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 identifies the bus stop where the user boarded (step S1-7A). Specifically, the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 stores the location information of each bus stop in advance. The control unit 11 then compares the location information of the user terminal 6 received in step S1-4A when the user boarded with the location information of each bus stop stored in the storage unit 12, and identifies the bus stop closest to the location information of the user terminal 6 when the user boarded as the bus stop the user boarded. Alternatively, for example, the system may identify the bus stop that the user boarded as being located within a predetermined range from the location information of the user terminal 6 when the user boarded (the closest one if there are multiple bus stops), and may leave it as unidentifiable if no bus stops are located within the predetermined range.

[0087] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 links the bus identification information D1-1, the number of passengers information D2, the user identification information D3, the route information D5, the usage date and time information D6, and the information relating to the bus stop where the user identified in step S1-7A boarded, and stores it in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 (step S1-8A).

[0088] The subsequent steps S1-9A through S1-12A are the same as those described in steps S1-7 through S1-10.

[0089] When the user disembarks from the bus, they hold the user terminal 6 over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed inside the bus, and the tag reader 66 reads the first tag storage information D1 stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 (step S1-13A). After reading the first tag storage information D1, the location information acquisition unit 67 on the user terminal 6 then acquires the location information of the user terminal 6 (step S1-14A).

[0090] When the location information acquisition unit 67 acquires the location information of the user terminal 6, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 transmits the location information of the user terminal 6 (disembarking location information D14) acquired in step S1-14A, along with the first tag storage information D1 and user identification information D3, to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N from the communication unit 63 (step S1-15A).

[0091] In the usage history management server 1, which receives the first tag storage information D1, user identification information D3, and disembarkation location information D14 transmitted from the user terminal 6 by the communication unit 13 when the user disembarks, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the received first tag storage information D1 (whether the information is legitimate information, i.e., whether it is information actually stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed in the bus) (step S1-16A), and then identifies the bus stop where the user disembarks (step S1-17A). Specifically, in this case as well, the location information of each bus stop is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1, and the control unit 11 compares the location information of the user terminal 6 at the time of alighting received in step S1-15A with the location information of each bus stop stored in the storage unit 12, and identifies the bus stop closest to the location information of the user terminal 6 at the time of alighting as the bus stop where the user will alight. This allows both the bus stop where the user boarded and the bus stop where the user alights to be identified, thus determining the user's travel section.

[0092] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 stores the information relating to the bus stop where the user identified in step S1-17A will alight, and the fare information D7, linked to the bus identification information D1-1, passenger count information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6 stored in step S1-8A, and the information relating to the bus stop where the user identified in step S1-7A boarded, in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 (step S1-18A). In this case, the fare information D7 specifies the bus fare corresponding to the user's boarding section (between the bus stop specified in step S1-7A and the bus stop specified in step S1-17A), and stores the amount of that fare. This specification of the fare amount can be done, for example, by storing information related to a list of fares corresponding to boarding sections in the storage unit 12 in advance and then referring to that information.

[0093] As a result, the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 stores the bus fare corresponding to the section traveled by the user as fare information D7. Therefore, in step S3, the amount related to the fare information D7 stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 is deducted from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12, thereby allowing the user to pay the fare corresponding to the section traveled by the bus.

[0094] Furthermore, the transmission of the user's location information when boarding and alighting to the usage history management server 1 does not necessarily have to be performed from the user terminal 6. For example, the bus vehicle may be equipped with a device including a GPS receiver or other means for acquiring location information, and the location information when the user terminal 6 reads the first tag storage information D1 from the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 may be transmitted from the device to the usage history management server 1.

[0095] [(2) When installing short-range wireless communication tags at bus stops] The operation of this system (step S2B) when it is compatible with metered routes, by equipping the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 at bus stops where passengers board and alight from the bus, will be explained according to the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0096] In this case, the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 is installed at each bus stop instead of inside the bus, and stores first tag storage information D1A, which includes bus stop identification information D1-3, instead of bus identification information D1-1. The bus stop identification information D1-3 is information that can identify the bus stop to which the first short-range wireless communication tag 3, which stores the information such as a number and identifier assigned to each bus stop, is installed. In this case, the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 stores a list of bus stops, which is information that associates the bus stop identification information D1-3 for each bus stop with the bus stop name.

[0097] Before boarding the bus, the user inputs the number of passengers and whether they are adults or children using the operation unit 65 of the user terminal 6 at the bus stop where they will board the bus (step S1-1B). Then, the user holds the user terminal 6 over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 provided at the bus stop, causing the tag reader 66 to read the first tag storage information D1A stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 (step S1-2B). Upon reading the first tag storage information D1A, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 transmits the number of passengers information D2, the first tag storage information D1A, and the user identification information D3 from the communication unit 63 to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N (step S1-3B).

[0098] In the usage history management server 1, which receives the first tag storage information D1A, passenger count information D2, and user identification information D3 transmitted from the user terminal 6 when the user boards the bus by the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the received first tag storage information D1 (whether the information is legitimate information, i.e., whether it is information actually stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed in the bus) (step S1-4B), and then identifies the bus stop where the user boards (step S1-5B). In other words, the first tag storage information D1A includes, as described above, stop identification information D1-3, which is information that can identify a stop equipped with a first short-range wireless communication tag 3 that stores information such as a number and identifier assigned to each stop. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 stores stop list information, which is information that stores the stop identification information D1-3 for each stop and the stop name linked together. Therefore, the control unit 11 only needs to identify the stop the user will board by extracting the stop name stored in the stop list information that is linked to the stop identification information D1-3 contained in the first tag storage information D1A received in step S1-3B.

[0099] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 links the stop identification information D1-3, the number of passengers information D2, the user identification information D3, the usage date and time information D6, and the information relating to the stop where the user identified in step S1-5B boarded, and stores it in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 (step S1-6B).

[0100] Once steps S1-6B are completed, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 transmits the boarding availability information D8 from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the user terminal 6 that sent the information in step S1-3B (step S1-7B). Upon receiving the boarding availability information D8 transmitted from the usage history management server 1 by the communication unit 63, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 64 to display a predetermined indication that the user is available to board (step S1-8B).

[0101] When the user disembarks from the bus, they hold the user terminal 6 over the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 provided at the bus stop where they disembarked, causing the tag reader 66 to read the first tag storage information D1A stored on the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 (step S1-9B). Upon reading the first tag storage information D1A, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 transmits the first tag storage information D1A and user identification information D3 from the communication unit 63 to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N (step S1-10B).

[0102] In the usage history management server 1, which receives the first tag storage information D1A and user identification information D3 transmitted from the user terminal 6 when the user disembarks via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the received first tag storage information D1A (whether the information is legitimate information, i.e., whether it is information actually stored in the first short-range wireless communication tag 3 installed at the bus stop) (step S1-11B), and then identifies the bus stop where the user disembarked (step S1-12B). In this case as well, the control unit 11 can identify the bus stop where the user disembarked by extracting the bus stop name stored in association with the bus stop identification information D1-3 contained in the first tag storage information D1A received in step S1-10B from the bus stop list information. This allows both the bus stop where the user boarded and the bus stop where the user alighted to be identified, thus determining the user's travel section.

[0103] Next, the control unit 11 of the usage history management server 1 stores the information relating to the bus stop from which the user alighted, identified in step S1-12B, and the fare information D7, linked to the bus stop identification information D1-3, passenger count information D2, user identification information D3, usage date and time information D6 stored in step S1-6B and the information relating to the bus stop from which the user identified in step S1-5B boarded, in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 (step S1-13B). In this case as well, the fare information D7 will specify the bus fare corresponding to the user's boarding section (between the bus stop specified in step S1-5B and the bus stop specified in step S1-12B) and store the amount of that fare. This specification of the fare amount can be done, for example, by storing information related to a list of fares corresponding to boarding sections in the storage unit 12 in advance and then referring to that information.

[0104] As a result, the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1 stores the bus fare corresponding to the section traveled by the user as fare information D7. Therefore, in step S3, the amount related to the fare information D7 stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 is deducted from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12, thereby allowing the user to pay the fare corresponding to the section traveled by the bus.

[0105] [3 Variation 3: Bulk deletion of multiple usage history entries] In the above, we described a case where, when canceling the usage history in step S2, the user holds the user terminal 6 over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 in step S2-1, and in step S2-5, only the most recent usage history, i.e., the usage date and time information D6, is deleted. However, it is also possible to delete multiple usage histories at once.

[0106] In this case, the user holds the user terminal 6 over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 a number of times consecutively within a predetermined time period for the number of times the user wants to delete the usage history. The control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 causes the tag reading unit 66 to read the second tag storage information D9 stored in the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 each time the user terminal 6 is held over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4. As a result, the user terminal 6 acquires a number of second tag storage information D9 that matches the number of times the user has held the user terminal 6 over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4.

[0107] Each time the tag reading unit 66 reads the second tag storage information D9, the control unit 61 of the user terminal 6 causes the read second tag storage information D9, along with the user identification information D3, to be transmitted from the communication unit 63 to the usage history management server 1 via the communication network N.

[0108] In the usage history management server 1, if the communication unit 13 acquires the same second tag storage information D9 and user identification information D3 multiple times within a predetermined time period, the control unit 11 determines the authenticity of the second tag storage information D9 and identifies the routes for which the user cancels their usage history. Then, from the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12, which stores the usage history—that is, the information where bus identification information D1-1, passenger count information D2, user identification information D3, route information D5, usage date and time information D6, and fare information D7 are linked—the control unit 11 deletes the most recent ones, i.e., the ones with the most recent usage date and time information D6, in order of the number of times the same second tag storage information D9 and user identification information D3 were acquired within the predetermined time period.

[0109] This allows users to cancel multiple usage history entries in bulk, starting with the most recent one.

[0110] In the description of the above modified example 3, it was explained that each time the tag reading unit 66 of the user terminal 6 reads the second tag storage information D9, the read second tag storage information D9 is sent from the user terminal 6 to the usage history management server 1 together with the user identification information D3. However, instead, the user terminal 6 may count the number of times the second tag storage information D9 has been read during a predetermined period of time, and then send the information relating to the number of times the second tag storage information D9 has been read during such a predetermined period of time to the usage history management server 1, linked to the second tag storage information D9 and the user identification information D3. In this case, the usage history management server 1 will delete the usage history entries that match the number of reads of the second tag storage information D9 on the user terminal 6, starting with the most recent ones.

[0111] [4 Modification 4: Deleting arbitrary usage history] In the above, we described a case where, when canceling the usage history in step S2, the user holds the user terminal 6 over the second near-field wireless communication tag 4 in step S2-1, and in step S2-5, only the most recent usage history, i.e., the most recent usage date and time information D6, is deleted. However, it is also possible to allow the user to select any usage history and delete only that usage history.

[0112] In this case, the usage history management server 1 transmits a list of usage history related to the user using the user terminal 6, which is stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12, to the user terminal 6. On the user terminal 6, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 64 to display the list of usage history related to that user. The list of usage history may include all past usage history, but since this could be an enormous amount of data, the usage history management server 1 may transmit only the information related to usage history within a predetermined period to the user terminal 6 and display it on the display unit 64.

[0113] Then, the user uses the operation unit 65 to select the usage history they wish to cancel from the usage history displayed in a list on the display unit 64, and then holds the user terminal 6 over the second short-range wireless communication tag 4 to read the second tag storage information D9 stored in the second short-range wireless communication tag 4.

[0114] Then, in addition to the second tag storage information D9 and user identification information D3, information relating to the usage history that the user has selected to cancel is transmitted from the user terminal 6 to the usage history management server 1. Based on the received information, the usage history management server 1 identifies the usage history that the user wishes to cancel, and then performs a cancellation process for that usage history (deletion of the information stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 of the usage history management server 1).

[0115] This allows users to delete any usage history, not just the most recent one.

[0116] [5. Modification 5: Application to modes of transport other than buses] The above describes the case of managing bus usage history using the transportation usage history management system 100. However, the transportation systems to which this system can be applied are not limited to buses. It can also be used for other transportation systems that can be equipped with short-range wireless communication tags inside the transportation system or at boarding / alighting locations such as bus stops.

[0117] For example, if used in a railway system, the station ticket gates could be equipped with a first short-range wireless communication tag 3 and a second short-range wireless communication tag 4 instead of automatic ticket gates, and the user's travel section could be identified in the same manner as described in (2) of Modification 2, and the user's fare could be paid according to the section traveled by the railway.

[0118] [6 Modification 6: Use of storage media other than short-range wireless communication tags] The above describes a case in which short-range wireless communication tags (first short-range wireless communication tag 3 and second short-range wireless communication tag 4) are used as storage media for storing the first tag storage information D1 and the second tag storage information D9, which are installed inside buses or at bus stops. In this regard, it is preferable to use short-range wireless communication tags because the time required for reading by the user terminal 6 is short, and especially when continuous reading is required as described in Modification 3, reading can be completed in a short time. However, the information storage medium provided inside a bus or other vehicle or at a bus stop can store the first tag storage information D1 or the second tag storage information D9 and allow it to be read by the user terminal 6, and is not limited to short-range wireless communication tags.

[0119] Other usable storage media besides short-range wireless communication tags include, for example, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) and IC cards.

[0120] [7 Modification 7: Application to tickets other than excursion tickets and commuter passes] In the above explanation, we cited excursion tickets and commuter passes as examples of tickets that users can purchase before using public transportation. However, the tickets that are excluded from the history of public transportation that users have already paid for are not limited to excursion tickets or commuter passes, when the amount related to the fare information D7 is deducted from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12 during the settlement of the usage fee (step S3).

[0121] For example, in addition to round-trip tickets and commuter passes, information regarding single-ride tickets for which the user has already paid the fare may be stored in the storage unit 22 of the payment server 2, and the usage history for routes for which such single-ride tickets are held may also be excluded from the items for which payment of usage fees is made in step S3. In addition, unlike passes such as excursion tickets and commuter passes, the term "single-ride ticket" broadly includes tickets that are used only once and then expire. For example, even tickets that are valid for a specified number of rides, such as 10 rides, are included in the definition of a single-ride ticket in this case, as the portion of the ticket corresponding to a specific number of rides is used only once and then expires.

[0122] In the case of a single-ride ticket for which the fare has been paid in advance, the number of single-ride tickets purchased and paid for by the user should be stored in the usage history management server 1 for each type (for example, per route if the fare is the same for each route, or per route and per section if the fare differs for each section), and the usage history should be recorded and canceled by increasing or decreasing the number.

[0123] For example, if a user possesses 10 single-ride tickets for a particular route (where the fare is uniform within the route), the usage history management server 1 stores the number of single-ride tickets (10) for that route in the storage unit 12, linked to information that can identify the user (user identification information D3) and information that can identify the route. In this case, the usage history management server 1 will decrease the number of items it possesses when it acquires the first tag memory information D1 related to a bus traveling on the route from the user terminal 6 possessed by the user (for example, if the first tag memory information D1 is linked to passenger information D2 for two people, it will subtract 2 from 10 to make it 8). If the usage history related to the first tag memory information D1 is canceled, it will restore the number of items it possesses (for example, if the usage history including passenger information D2 for two people is canceled, it will add 2 to 8 to make it 10). Thus, for one-time use of public transportation by users, it is possible to accommodate both prepaid (paying the fare in advance) and postpaid (paying the fare afterward) rides.

[0124] [8 Variation 8: Changing the frequency of payments] In the above, step S3-1 describes a case where, at predetermined intervals such as once every two weeks, the usage history information stored in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12 is sent in a batch from the usage history management server 1 to the payment server 2, and payment is made in a batch for the usage history during the predetermined period. However, the frequency of payment is not limited to this. For example, each time a user uses public transportation, information related to the usage history may be sent from the usage history management server 1 to the payment server 2, and each time the server uses the service, it may determine whether the user has already paid the fare for that usage history. Payment may only be made if it is determined that the fare has not been paid.

[0125] However, even when payment is made each time the service is used, it is preferable that, in order to enable the user to cancel the usage history as described in step S2 before payment, the usage history management server 1 stores information related to the usage history of transportation services in the usage history storage unit 122 of the storage unit 12, and then transmits the information from the usage history management server 1 to the payment server 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed for the user to cancel the service.

[0126] [9 Modification 9: Automatic conversion to a commuter pass] In the above, we explained the case where, at the time of payment of the usage fee in step S3, the information related to the usage history received in step S3-1 is excluded from the information determined in step S3-2 that the user possesses a ticket that can be purchased before using the bus, such as a sightseeing pass or commuter pass. Then, for each usage history, the amount related to the fare information D7 is deducted from the credit card, electronic money, etc., related to the payment method information D12 that matches the user identification information D3, thereby settling the usage fee.

[0127] In this case, the sum of the amounts related to the fare information D7 for each individual use will be deducted from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12. However, if the payment amount related to the usage history including the same user identification information D3 and the same route information D5 exceeds a predetermined amount (if the number of times a particular user uses a particular route exceeds a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period), the system may automatically switch to a commuter pass fare system (a flat amount cheaper than the sum of the amounts related to the fare information D7) for the user's use of that route, and instead of the sum of the amounts related to the fare information D7, a flat amount based on such a commuter pass fare system will be deducted from the credit card, electronic money, etc. related to the payment method information D12. This will allow users who use the same route more than a specified number of times within a specified period to be automatically charged the fare under a commuter pass system, thus benefiting users who frequently use the same route. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 100 Transportation Usage History Management System 1. Usage history management server 11 Control Unit (First memory control means, Second memory control means) 12 Storage unit (first storage means, second storage means) 13 Communication Department (first acquisition means, second acquisition means) 2 Payment Server 3. First short-range wireless communication tag (first storage medium) 4. Second Short-Range Wireless Communication Tag (Second Storage Medium) 5. Driver terminal 6. User terminal (terminal device) N Communication Network D1, D1A: First tag memory information (transportation usage information) D1-1 Bus identification information (identification information) D1-2 Authentication Information D1-3 Bus Stop Identification Information D2 Passenger information (number of users information) D3 User Identification Information D4 Bus List Information D5 Route Information D6 Usage date and time information D7 Fare Information D8 boarding information D9 Second Tag Memory Information (Transportation Reservation Cancellation Information) D9-1 Bus Identification Information (Identification Information) D9-2 Authentication Information D9-3 Cancellation Flag D10 Cancellation completion information D11 Tourist pass / commuter pass information D12 Payment Method Information D13 Location information at the time of boarding D14 Disembarking location information

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring traffic utilization information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation means read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by a user; A second acquisition means for acquiring traffic utilization cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation means read in the terminal device; A first storage control means for storing utilization history information, which is information related to the traffic utilization history of the user, in a first storage means when the first acquisition means acquires the traffic utilization information; A second storage control means for deleting the utilization history information stored in the first storage means when the second acquisition means acquires the traffic utilization cancellation information; Comprising: When the traffic utilization cancellation information is read a plurality of times in the terminal device within a predetermined time, the second acquisition means acquires a plurality of the traffic utilization cancellation information; The second storage control means deletes the utilization history information stored in the first storage means in the order from the one with the most recent stored date and time, the number corresponding to the acquisition of the traffic utilization cancellation information by the second acquisition means. A traffic utilization history management system characterized by this.

2. A first acquisition means for acquiring traffic utilization information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation means read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by a user; A second acquisition means for acquiring traffic utilization cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation means read in the terminal device; A first storage control means for storing utilization history information, which is information related to the traffic utilization history of the user, in a first storage means when the first acquisition means acquires the traffic utilization information; A second storage control means for deleting the utilization history information stored in the first storage means when the second acquisition means acquires the traffic utilization cancellation information; Comprising: When the traffic utilization cancellation information is read a plurality of times in the terminal device within a predetermined time, in addition to the traffic utilization cancellation information, the second acquisition means acquires read count information, which is information related to the number of reads of the traffic utilization cancellation information in the terminal device during the predetermined time; The second storage control means deletes the utilization history information stored in the first storage means in the order from the one with the most recent stored date and time, the number corresponding to the read count information. A traffic utilization history management system characterized by this.

3. A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user, A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device, When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means, A third acquisition means for acquiring user number information, which is information relating to the number of users of the transportation service, from the terminal device, Equipped with, A transportation usage history management system characterized in that the usage history information stored by the first memory control means includes the number of users information.

4. The transportation usage history management system according to claim 3, characterized in that when the second acquisition means acquires the transportation usage cancellation information, it deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means that has the most recent stored date and time.

5. The aforementioned transportation usage information is information stored in a first storage medium that can be read by the terminal device installed within the transportation facility. The transportation usage history management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the aforementioned transportation usage cancellation information is information stored in a second storage medium that can be read by the terminal device installed in the transportation facility.

6. The transportation usage history management system according to claim 5, characterized in that the first storage medium and the second storage medium are short-range wireless communication tags.

7. The aforementioned transportation usage information includes identification information corresponding to the vehicle equipped with the first storage medium, The transportation usage history management system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the transportation usage cancellation information includes identification information corresponding to a vehicle equipped with the second storage medium and a predetermined flag indicating that it is information for cancellation.

8. In a method for managing transportation usage history using a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition step of acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user; a second acquisition step of acquiring transportation usage cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device; In the first acquisition step, when the transportation usage information is acquired, a first storage control step is performed to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. In the second acquisition step, when the transportation cancellation information is acquired, a second storage control step is performed to delete the usage history information stored in the first storage means, Includes, The second acquisition step involves acquiring multiple pieces of the transportation cancellation information if the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times within a predetermined time period by the terminal device. A method for managing transportation usage history, characterized in that the second memory control step deletes the usage history information stored in the first memory means in order from the most recent stored date and time, in a number that matches the number of times the second acquisition step acquired the transportation usage cancellation information.

9. In a method for managing transportation usage history using a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition step involves acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a specific transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition step involves acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device; In the first acquisition step, when the transportation usage information is acquired, a first storage control step is performed to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. In the second acquisition step, when the transportation cancellation information is acquired, a second storage control step is performed to delete the usage history information stored in the first storage means, Includes, The second acquisition step involves, when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times by the terminal device within a predetermined time period, acquiring, in addition to the transportation cancellation information, reading count information, which is information relating to the number of times the transportation cancellation information has been read by the terminal device within the predetermined time period, The transportation usage history management method is characterized in that the second memory control step deletes the usage history information stored in the first memory means in order from the most recent stored date and time, by a number that matches the number of read items.

10. In a method for managing transportation usage history using a transportation usage history management system, A first acquisition step involves acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a specific transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition step involves acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device; In the first acquisition step, when the transportation usage information is acquired, a first storage control step is performed to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. In the second acquisition step, when the transportation cancellation information is acquired, a second storage control step is performed to delete the usage history information stored in the first storage means, A third acquisition step involves acquiring user number information, which is information relating to the number of users of the transportation service, from the terminal device. Includes, A method for managing the usage history of transportation services, characterized in that the usage history information stored in the first memory control step includes the number of users information.

11. Computers, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device. When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means. To make it function as, The second acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of the transportation cancellation information when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times within a predetermined time period by the terminal device. The transportation usage history management program is characterized in that the second memory control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first memory means in order from the most recent stored date and time, in a number that matches the number of times the second acquisition means acquired the transportation usage cancellation information.

12. Computers, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device. When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means. To make it function as, The second acquisition means, when the transportation cancellation information is read multiple times in the terminal device within a predetermined time period, acquires, in addition to the transportation cancellation information, reading count information, which is information relating to the number of times the transportation cancellation information is read in the terminal device within the predetermined time period. The second memory control means is a transportation usage history management program characterized by deleting the usage history information stored in the first memory means in order from the most recent stored date and time, by a number that matches the number of read items.

13. Computers, A first acquisition means for acquiring transportation usage information, which is information indicating the use of a predetermined transportation service, read from a storage medium by a terminal device used by the user. A second acquisition means for acquiring transportation cancellation information, which is information indicating the cancellation of the use of a predetermined transportation service read by the terminal device. When the first acquisition means acquires the transportation usage information, the first storage control means causes the user to store the usage history information, which is information relating to the user's transportation usage history, in the first storage means. When the second acquisition means acquires the transportation cancellation information, the second storage control means deletes the usage history information stored in the first storage means. A third acquisition means for acquiring user number information, which is information relating to the number of users of the transportation service, from the terminal device. To make it function as, A transportation usage history management program characterized in that the usage history information stored by the first memory control means includes the number of users information.

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