Program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus.

Abstract

To provide a program or the like that can be easily introduced and can perform electronic settlement of usage fees according to the usage situation of bus users.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to execute processing of: acquiring bus identification information, getting-on time, and getting-off time of a bus used by a user; identifying a getting-on position and a getting-off position of the user based on the acquired bus identification information, getting-on time, and getting-off time; and calculating a usage fee according to the identified getting-on and getting-off positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a method for settling the usage fees of transportation systems, so-called electronic payment using electronic money has been widely used. Users can pay the usage fees with electronic money by holding an IC card, a smartphone, etc. containing the information of electronic money in front of the ticket gate installed at the railway ticket gate or the in-vehicle device installed inside the bus.

[0003] In such a settlement system, when performing the settlement process of usage fees for users using a ticket gate or an in-vehicle device, when information such as an IC card is read by the reading unit of the ticket gate or the in-vehicle device, electronic settlement for a predetermined usage fee is performed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above settlement system, there is a problem that the usage fees for users cannot be specified only by reading information such as an IC card by the reading unit. When the amount of the usage fee is predetermined, the settlement process can be performed using a predetermined fixed fee. However, in the case of a variable fee according to the usage section, since the usage fees are different for each user, it is difficult to perform the settlement process with the usage fee according to the usage situation of the user.

[0006] For railway users, it is possible to identify the travel section by performing entry and exit processing at the ticket gates of each station the user passes through. However, for bus users, this method cannot be applied to payment systems using onboard devices installed inside the bus, which is a moving vehicle. The onboard device would need to process the payment after identifying the travel section or fare, which would incur hardware costs. Installing such an onboard device on every bus would be costly and therefore difficult to implement easily.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a program that can be easily implemented and enables electronic payment of bus user fares based on their usage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure obtains bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time of the bus used by the user, identifies the user's boarding and alighting locations based on the obtained bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time, and causes a computer to perform a process to calculate the usage fee according to the identified boarding and alighting locations.

[0009] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure acquires bus identification information of a bus via short-range wireless communication from a short-range wireless communication tag installed on a bus used by a user. The acquired bus identification information and the boarding and alighting times corresponding to the time the bus identification information was acquired are stored in a storage unit. When a communication connection with the information processing device is established, the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time stored in the storage unit are transmitted to the information processing device, and the computer is instructed to execute a process to obtain the settlement result for the usage fee corresponding to the transmitted bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time using a predetermined electronic payment method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it can be easily implemented and electronic payment can be made based on the usage of buses according to the user's usage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example configuration of a user terminal device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the data stored in the usage status database. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for obtaining usage information. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for payment of usage fees. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when payment is completed. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when payment has not been completed. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Specific examples of a program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Also, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined. Note that the sequences shown in the embodiments described below are not limited, and within a non - conflicting range, each processing procedure may be executed with its order changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel. The processing entity of each process is not limited, and within a non - conflicting range, the processing of each device may be executed by another device.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a user terminal device 1 of a user who uses a bus and an information processing device 2. The user terminal device 1 and the information processing device 2 are communicatively connected via a network N such as the Internet, and can transmit and receive information. Although only one user terminal device 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system 100 may include a plurality of user terminal devices 1 owned by each user.

[0014] The user terminal device 1 is a portable information terminal device having a communication function and a display function, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal device 1 stores information regarding the electronic payment means used by the user. The electronic payment means is, for example, a house electronic money card card capable for paying bus fares, a contactless IC card such as a transportation IC card, a credit card, smartphone payment, or the like. In the present embodiment, an example of using the electronic money of a contactless IC card as the electronic payment means will be described. The user can make various payments with electronic money within the range of the charged amount by charging cash to the contactless IC card in advance.

[0015] The user terminal device 1 can also perform short-range wireless communication with two short-range wireless communication tags 3a and 3b provided on the bus. For example, one short-range wireless communication tag 3a is installed near the boarding door inside the bus, and the other short-range wireless communication tag 3b is installed near the disembarking door. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the short-range wireless communication tags 3a and 3b, they are simply referred to as the short-range wireless communication tag 3. Note that the number of short-range wireless communication tags 3 installed on the bus is not limited to two, and it may be one, or three or more.

[0016] The short-range wireless communication tag 3 is a communication tag for communicating with the user terminal device 1 according to a predetermined short-range wireless communication, and is, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag. The short-range wireless communication tag 3 stores bus identification information for identifying the bus on which the short-range wireless communication tag 3 is mounted. The user terminal device 1 acquires the information of the short-range wireless communication tag 3 through NFC. The user terminal device 1 transmits the acquired information of the short-range wireless communication tag 3 and usage information such as the communication time to the information processing device 2. The user performs boarding processing by holding the user terminal device 1 near the short-range wireless communication tag 3a when boarding the bus, and performs disembarking processing by holding the user terminal device 1 near the short-range wireless communication tag 3b when getting off the bus, and settles the usage fee.

[0017] The information processing device 2 is, for example, a server computer, a personal computer, a quantum computer, etc., and performs various information processing and information transmission and reception. The information processing device 2 identifies the usage status of the bus for each user, and executes processing for electronically settling the usage fee according to the identified usage status. The information processing device 2 is also communicatively connected to the bus location system 4 and the settlement server 5 respectively via the network N.

[0018] The bus location system 4 is a system for acquiring the location information of each bus in real time and managing the bus operation status. While a detailed explanation is omitted, the bus location system 4 acquires the location information of buses in real time using location identification devices installed on the buses and the operation history of voice announcement buttons at bus stops, and records this as operation status information.

[0019] The information processing device 2 obtains operational status information, including the time of passage for each predetermined bus location (e.g., bus stop), through communication with the bus location system 4. Based on the acquired operational status information and the usage information obtained from the user terminal device 1, the information processing device 2 identifies the user's usage status, such as their boarding and alighting locations, and calculates the usage fee according to the usage status. The information processing device 2 sends an electronic money payment request for the obtained usage fee to the payment server 5.

[0020] The payment server 5 is a server that provides electronic money services. The payment server 5 executes payment processing in response to electronic money payment requests transmitted from the information processing device 2 and outputs the executed payment results to the information processing device 2. The payment results are output to the user terminal device 1 via the information processing device 2. Users can check the payment results using the user terminal device 1. The payment server 5 is not limited to providing electronic money services, but may also provide electronic payment services using any other electronic payment method.

[0021] In the information processing system 100, as described above, the user terminal device 1 acquires usage information by performing boarding and alighting processes via short-range wireless communication. By performing boarding and alighting processes, the user completes a provisional settlement of the usage fee and can alight from the bus. The acquired usage information is temporarily stored in the user terminal device 1 and transmitted to the information processing device 2 in an online environment. After receiving the usage information from the user terminal device 1, the information processing device 2 performs the settlement process.

[0022] The configuration and detailed processing contents of this information processing system 100 are described below.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user terminal device 1. The user terminal device 1 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a first communication unit 13, a second communication unit 14, a display unit 15, and an operation unit 16.

[0024] The control unit 11 includes a processor using one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), etc. The control unit 11 uses built-in memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), a clock, counters, etc., to control each component and execute processing.

[0025] The storage unit 12 includes non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 stores programs and data referenced by the control unit 11. The programs stored in the storage unit 12 include program 1P, which causes a computer to execute processing related to the payment of bus fares. Program 1P may be a native application program installed and used on the user terminal device 1.

[0026] The program (program product) stored in the storage unit 12 may be recorded on a recording medium in a manner that is computer-readable. The storage unit 12 stores the program read from the recording medium 1A by a reading device (not shown). Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0027] The data stored in the memory unit 12 includes electronic money information 121 related to the electronic money services used by the user. The electronic money information 121 includes, for example, an electronic money account for a contactless IC card.

[0028] The first communication unit 13 is equipped with a communication device for processing related to communication over the network N. The control unit 11 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the information processing device 2 through the first communication unit 13.

[0029] The second communication unit (short-range wireless communication unit) 14 includes a communication device for processing related to short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 14 communicates using the NFC protocol. The second communication unit 14 functions as a tag reader (e.g., an NFC reader) for reading the short-range wireless communication tag 3. The control unit 11 receives information transmitted from the short-range wireless communication tag 3 through the second communication unit 14.

[0030] The display unit 15 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 15 displays various types of information according to instructions from the control unit 11.

[0031] The operation unit 16 is an interface that receives user input and includes, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel device with a built-in display, a speaker, and a microphone. The operation unit 16 receives user input and sends control signals to the control unit 11 according to the content of the operation.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The information processing device 2 may be a multicomputer consisting of multiple computers, or it may be a virtual machine virtually constructed by software.

[0033] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors, such as CPUs and GPUs. The control unit 21 uses built-in memory such as ROM or RAM, a clock, counters, etc., to control each component and execute processing.

[0034] The storage unit 22 includes non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD. The storage unit 22 stores programs and data referenced by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 may be composed of multiple storage devices, or it may be an external storage device connected to the information processing device 2. The programs stored in the storage unit 22 include a program 2P that causes the computer to execute processing related to the settlement of usage fees.

[0035] The program (program product) stored in the storage unit 22 may be recorded on a recording medium in a computer-readable manner. The storage unit 22 stores the program read from the recording medium 2A by a reading device (not shown). Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 22. The program 2P can be deployed on a single computer or at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and run on multiple computers interconnected by a communication network.

[0036] The memory unit 22 also stores a fare table 221 that associates boarding and alighting locations (usage sections) and fares for all bus routes, and a usage status DB (Data Base) 222 that stores information about users' usage status.

[0037] The communication unit 23 includes a communication module for processing related to communication with external devices via the network N. The control unit 21 sends and receives information to and from the user terminal device 1, the bus location system 4, and the payment server 5 via the communication unit 23.

[0038] The configuration of the information processing device 2 is not limited to the example described above, and may include, for example, an operation unit for receiving user input, a display unit for displaying various types of information, and so on.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of the data stored in the Usage Status DB222. The Usage Status DB222 stores records that link information such as bus identification information, user identification information, boarding time, boarding location, alighting time, alighting location, fare, and payment result, using the Usage Status ID as the key.

[0040] Bus identification information is the identification information of the bus used by the user, including, for example, the bus ID. User identification information is the identification information of the user, including, for example, the user ID, the device ID of user terminal device 1, etc. Boarding time and boarding location are the time and location when the user boarded the bus. Boarding location may include, for example, the name of the bus stop corresponding to the boarding location. Alighting time and alighting location are the time and location when the user alighted from the bus. Alighting location may include, for example, the name of the bus stop corresponding to the alighting location. The fare is the fee for the user's use of the bus. The fare is determined according to the boarding location and alighting location. The settlement result is information regarding the electronic settlement result of the fare. The settlement result column stores, for example, a flag indicating that payment has been made or a flag indicating that payment has not yet been made.

[0041] The bus identification information, user identification information, boarding time, and alighting time mentioned above are collected by receiving information transmitted from the user terminal device 1. The user terminal device 1 acquires the bus identification information stored in the short-range wireless communication tag 3a by communicating with the boarding side short-range wireless communication tag 3a. The user terminal device 1 also acquires the time the bus identification information is acquired, which is measured by its built-in clock function, as the boarding time. Similarly, the user terminal device 1 acquires the bus identification information and alighting time stored in the short-range wireless communication tag 3b based on communication with the alighting side short-range wireless communication tag 3b.

[0042] User identification information is collected, for example, when each user uses the information processing system 100 for the first time, by accepting the user's registration operation through a registration screen provided by the information processing device 2. At that time, the information processing device 2 collects the type of electronic payment method used by the user and related information (electronic money information 121), and stores it as user information. The user terminal device 1 transmits bus identification information, boarding time and alighting time, and user identification information to the information processing device 2.

[0043] The information processing device 2 identifies the user's boarding and alighting locations based on the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time received from the user terminal device 1. Specifically, the information processing device 2 identifies the boarding and alighting locations using operational status information obtained from the bus location system 4.

[0044] The operational status information managed by the bus location system 4 includes bus identification information, passing times, and passing locations (e.g., bus stop names) for buses operating on each route. The operational status information is updated in real time. The information processing device 2 compares the bus identification information and boarding time received from the user terminal device 1 with the bus identification information and passing times in the operational status information. The information processing device 2 identifies the passing location where the bus identification information matches and the boarding time and passing time match or are closest as the user's boarding location. Similarly, the information processing device 2 identifies the user's disembarking location by comparing the bus identification information and alighting time received from the user terminal device 1 with the bus identification information and passing times in the operational status information.

[0045] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 calculates the usage fee corresponding to the specified boarding and alighting locations based on the information stored in the usage fee table 221. The information processing device 2 requests payment of the calculated usage fee from the payment server 5 and receives the payment result from the payment server 5. Each time the information processing device 2 receives new usage information from the user terminal device 1, it stores the usage status derived from the received usage information in the usage status DB 222.

[0046] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for obtaining usage information.

[0047] The control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 starts the application program (step S11). The control unit 11 starts the application program identified by the acquired NFC tag information by acquiring NFC tag information provided on signs placed at bus stops, for example, via the second communication unit 14. The control unit 11 may also start the application program in response to the selection of program 1P and the login operation using account information received by the user terminal device 1.

[0048] The control unit 11 reads the information of the passenger's short-range wireless communication tag 3a via the second communication unit 14 and obtains the bus identification information contained in the short-range wireless communication tag 3a (step S12). In step S12, the control unit 11 establishes short-range wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication tag 3a when the user holds the user terminal device 1 over the short-range wireless communication tag 3a installed on the bus. The obtained bus identification information is the bus identification information of the bus on which the short-range wireless communication tag 3a is installed, that is, the bus on which the user is riding.

[0049] The control unit 11 generates a boarding flag in response to the acquisition of bus identification information (step S13) and stores the generated boarding flag in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 acquires the time of acquisition of the bus identification information, which is measured by the clock function, as the boarding time, and stores the acquired bus identification information and boarding time in the storage unit 12 in association with the boarding flag (step S14). The boarding process is completed by the above process.

[0050] The control unit 11 reads the information of the short-range wireless communication tag 3b on the disembarking side via the second communication unit 14 and obtains the bus identification information contained in the short-range wireless communication tag 3b (step S15). In step S15, the control unit 11 establishes short-range wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication tag 3b when the user holds the user terminal device 1 over the short-range wireless communication tag 3b installed on the bus.

[0051] The control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a boarding flag based on the information stored in the memory unit 12 (step S16). If it is determined that there is no boarding flag (step S16: NO), the control unit 11 accepts the registration of the usage fee by the user or crew operating the operation unit 16 (step S17). In step S17, the control unit 11 may accept the registration of the usage fee using an acceptance screen for accepting the input of the usage fee. The control unit 11 stores the accepted usage fee as usage information in the memory unit 12 (step S18). The control unit 11 is not limited to accepting usage fees, and may also be configured to accept, for example, the boarding and alighting locations, bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time.

[0052] If it is determined that there is a boarding flag (step S16: YES), the control unit 11 generates a disembarking flag in response to the acquisition of bus identification information (step S19) and stores the generated disembarking flag in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 acquires the time of acquisition of the bus identification information, which is measured by the clock function, as the disembarking time, and stores the acquired bus identification information and disembarking time in the storage unit 12 in association with the disembarking flag (step S20). In this case, the control unit 11 may store the information related to the boarding flag and the information related to the disembarking flag in association with each other in the storage unit 12. The disembarking process is completed by the above process.

[0053] In the process described above, the information stored in the short-range wireless communication tag 3 may include information for distinguishing between boarding and alighting, in addition to bus identification information. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 11 generates a boarding flag or an alighting flag corresponding to the boarding or alighting information obtained from the short-range wireless communication tag 3.

[0054] The above process completes the boarding and alighting processes for a single bus ride by the user. The control unit 11 executes the above series of processes offline.

[0055] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for payment of usage fees. After the processing in Figure 5 is completed, the information processing system 100 performs the following processing at predetermined or appropriate intervals, for example.

[0056] The control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 accesses the information processing device 2 via the first communication unit 13 to determine whether or not communication with the information processing device 2 has been established (step S31). If it is determined that the device is not connected to network N and communication with the information processing device 2 has not been established (step S31: NO), the control unit 11 returns to step S31 and waits until communication with the information processing device 2 is established.

[0057] If the control unit 11 determines that it is connected to network N and that communication with the information processing device 2 has been established (step S31: YES), it associates the user identification information with the usage information, including bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time, stored in the storage unit 12, and transmits it to the information processing device 2 (step S32).

[0058] The control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 receives usage information and user identification information (step S33). The control unit 21 accesses the bus location system 4 and obtains the latest operational status information provided by the bus location system 4 (step S34).

[0059] The control unit 21 identifies the boarding and alighting locations corresponding to the user's boarding and alighting times by comparing the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time included in the usage information with the bus identification information and passing time in the operation status information (step S35).

[0060] The control unit 21 calculates the fare corresponding to the identified boarding and alighting locations (travel section) based on the information stored in the fare table 221 (step S36).

[0061] The control unit 21 sends a payment request for the calculated usage fee to the payment server 5 (step S37). Specifically, the control unit 21 sends the usage fee and user identification information to the payment server 5 in association, thereby requesting the payment server 5 to perform electronic payment of the usage fee using the electronic money associated with the user identification information. The payment server 5 performs the payment processing for the usage fee and sends the execution result to the information processing device 2.

[0062] The control unit 21 receives the settlement result for the usage fee from the settlement server 5 (step S38). The settlement result includes information indicating, for example, whether the settlement is complete or not.

[0063] The control unit 21 generates screen information for displaying the payment result based on the received payment result (step S39). The control unit 21 generates screen information that includes predetermined information corresponding to the payment result. The control unit 21 transmits the generated screen information for displaying the payment result to the user terminal device 1 of the user identified by the user identification information (step S40).

[0064] The control unit 21 determines whether or not to terminate the payment request for the usage fee (step S41). If it determines not to terminate the payment request because it obtained a payment result indicating that payment is not yet made in step S38 (step S41: NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S37 and repeats the payment request for the usage fee. The control unit 21 may also send a renewed payment request to the payment server 5 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0065] If the control unit 21 determines that the payment request is terminated because it has obtained a payment result indicating the completion of the payment in step S38 (step S41: YES), it skips the repetition process of the payment request.

[0066] The control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 receives screen information for displaying the payment result via the first communication unit 13 (step S42). Based on the received screen information, the control unit 11 displays the screen for displaying the payment result on the display unit 15 (step S43), and ends the series of processes.

[0067] In the process described above, the control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 is not limited to a configuration in which it transmits bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time to the information processing device 2 all at once, but may also transmit them in a distributed manner across multiple processes. For example, after obtaining the boarding time, the control unit 11 executes the determination process in step S31 during the period until it obtains the alighting time, and transmits the bus identification information and boarding time to the information processing device 2 when communication is established. Furthermore, after obtaining the alighting time, it may execute the determination process in step S31 again, and transmit the bus identification information and alighting time to the information processing device 2 when communication is established.

[0068] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 15 when payment is completed. After the user terminal device 1 transmits the usage information, the control unit 11 receives the payment result for the transmitted usage information from the information processing device 2 and displays it on the display unit 15.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the screen displayed upon completion of payment includes, for example, a payment result field 151, a usage fee field 152, and a usage status field 153. The payment result field 151 displays text data indicating that the payment has been completed. The usage fee field 152 displays the usage fee that was paid. The usage status field 153 displays the boarding location (name of the bus stop where the passenger boarded) and the alighting location (name of the bus stop where the passenger alighted).

[0070] The information processing device 2 displays predetermined text data corresponding to the payment result in the payment result field 151, based on the payment result received from the payment server 5. The information processing device 2 also displays the usage fee calculated in step S36 in the usage fee field 152, and displays the boarding and alighting locations identified in step S35 in the usage status field 153.

[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 15 when payment has not been completed. As shown in Figure 8, the screen when payment is not yet completed includes, for example, a payment result field 151, a usage fee field 152, and a usage status field 153, similar to the screen when payment is completed. The payment result field 151 displays text data indicating that payment has not been completed. The content displayed in the usage fee field 152 and the usage status field 153 is the same as in Figure 7. The information processing device 2 may also notify the user that payment is not yet completed by outputting a warning sound or synthesized voice, etc., instead of or in addition to the screen information, if the payment result is not completed.

[0072] According to this embodiment, each user's user terminal device 1 functions as a reader for the short-range wireless communication tag 3, thereby performing everything from identifying the usage fee to electronic payment. This means that even when a variable pricing system is applied, it is only necessary to install the short-range wireless communication tag 3 on the bus, eliminating the need to install on-board equipment. Consequently, the introduction cost of the information processing system 100 can be reduced and implementation can be made easier.

[0073] According to this embodiment, electronic payment is made when the user comes online, based on user information acquired offline. In the case of buses operating on diverse routes, they may operate in areas with unstable radio wave conditions, such as mountainous regions. Therefore, there is a risk that the bus may not be able to connect to network N when settling the fare, and the settlement process or disembarking process may not be completed properly. According to this embodiment, by eliminating the need for real-time payment processing when boarding or disembarking the bus, smooth boarding and disembarking for users can be enabled, and delays in operation due to fare settlement can be reduced.

[0074] The information processing system 100 can properly recognize the user's authority to use electronic payment by launching an application program linked to electronic money information offline and performing boarding and alighting processes. Subsequently, by executing the payment process online, the payment of usage fees can be processed efficiently and reliably.

[0075] The boarding and alighting locations of passengers are determined based on readings from short-range wireless communication tags 3 installed on the bus and operational status information from the bus location system 4. By matching the reading time of the short-range wireless communication tags 3 with the operational status information, the boarding and alighting locations of passengers can be determined efficiently and accurately.

[0076] The information processing system 100 may also be configured to provide information tailored to the user's usage status during the ride, based on the various information acquired. For example, the information processing system 100 may output information such as the user's boarding location (name of the bus stop where the user boarded), the current fare estimated based on the user's boarding location and the bus's operating status, and whether electronic money payment is possible, taking into account the current fare and the initial fare.

[0077] The processing in each of the flowcharts described above may be executed by the control unit 11 according to program 1P stored in the storage unit 12 of the user terminal device 1, and by the control unit 21 according to program 2P stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. It may also be implemented by dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., FPGA or ASIC) provided in the control unit 11 and the control unit 21, respectively, or by a combination thereof.

[0078] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment describes a configuration that outputs information regarding the user's boarding position. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment, and components common to both embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, omitting detailed descriptions.

[0079] The information processing system 100 provides information such as the user's boarding location and whether electronic money payment is possible, in accordance with the boarding process, while the user is on board.

[0080] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system 100 of the second embodiment. For example, after the user terminal device 1 has completed the process of acquiring bus identification information and boarding time at the time of boarding, the information processing system 100 performs the following processes at predetermined or appropriate intervals.

[0081] The control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 accesses the information processing device 2 via the first communication unit 13 to determine whether or not communication with the information processing device 2 has been established (step S51). If it is determined that the device is not connected to network N and communication with the information processing device 2 has not been established (step S51: NO), the control unit 11 returns to step S51 and waits until communication with the information processing device 2 is established.

[0082] If the control unit 11 determines that it is connected to network N and that communication with the information processing device 2 has been established (step S51: YES), it associates the user identification information with the bus identification information and boarding time stored in the storage unit 12 and transmits it to the information processing device 2 (step S52).

[0083] The control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 receives bus identification information, boarding time, and user identification information (step S53). The control unit 21 obtains the latest operational status information by accessing the bus location system 4 (step S54).

[0084] The control unit 21 identifies the boarding location corresponding to the user's boarding time by comparing the bus identification information and boarding time included in the usage information with the operation status information (step S55).

[0085] The control unit 21 obtains the initial usage fee (initial fare) based on the information stored in the usage fee table 221 (step S56). The control unit 21 queries the payment server 5 to determine whether payment for the obtained usage fee is possible (step S57). The control unit 21 queries the payment server 5 to determine whether electronic payment using the electronic money associated with the user identification information is possible by associating the usage fee with the user identification information and sending the transmission to the payment server 5. The payment server 5 determines whether payment for the usage fee is possible based on the balance of the electronic money identified by the user identification information and transmits the determination result to the information processing device 2.

[0086] The control unit 21 receives the payment server 5's determination result regarding whether the payment is possible or not (step S58). The determination result includes information indicating, for example, whether the payment is possible or impossible.

[0087] The control unit 21 generates screen information to display the user's boarding location and the determination result based on the received determination result (step S59). The control unit 21 transmits the generated screen information to the user terminal device 1 of the user identified by the user identification information (step S60).

[0088] The control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 receives screen information via the first communication unit 13 (step S61). Based on the received screen information, the control unit 11 displays a screen on the display unit 15 that shows the user's boarding position and the judgment result (step S62), and then terminates the series of processes.

[0089] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 15 of the second embodiment. The screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed, for example, during the period from when boarding is performed until when disembarking is performed.

[0090] As shown in Figure 10, the screen includes, for example, a fare field 154, a judgment result field 155, and a boarding location field 156. The fare field 154 displays the initial fare. The judgment result field 155 displays text data indicating whether payment was approved or not. The boarding location field 156 displays the user's boarding location (the name of the bus stop where they boarded).

[0091] The information processing device 2 displays predetermined text data corresponding to the determination result in the determination result field 155, based on the determination result received from the payment server 5. The information processing device 2 also displays the initial usage fee obtained in step S56 in the usage fee field 154, and displays the boarding location identified in step S55 in the boarding location field 156.

[0092] Furthermore, if the judgment result indicates that payment is not possible, the information processing device 2 may notify the user of the payment failure by outputting a warning sound, synthesized voice, etc., in place of or in addition to the screen information.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the information processing system 100 can provide information not only after disembarking but also while riding, thus improving the convenience of the information processing system 100. Since the information processing device 2 outputs the result of the payment eligibility determination in advance, users can accurately recognize if they have insufficient funds.

[0094] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment describes a configuration that outputs information according to the bus operating status. Below, we will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment, and components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0095] The information processing system 100 displays an estimated fare to the user while they are on board, based on the bus's operating status.

[0096] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system 100 of the third embodiment. For example, after the completion of the processing shown in Figure 9, the information processing system 100 performs the following processing at predetermined or appropriate intervals.

[0097] The control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 obtains the latest operational status information by accessing the bus location system 4 (step S71).

[0098] The control unit 21 calculates the current fare based on the information stored in the fare table 221 (step S72). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines the fare for the section from the boarding position to the next scheduled passing position based on the user's boarding position identified based on the bus identification information and boarding time in the previously acquired usage information, and the latest passing position in the operation status information.

[0099] The control unit 21 generates screen information to display the calculated current usage fee (step S73). The control unit 21 transmits the generated screen information to the user terminal device 1 of the user identified by the user identification information (step S74).

[0100] The control unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 receives screen information via the first communication unit 13 (step S75). Based on the received screen information, the control unit 11 displays a screen showing the current usage fee on the display unit 15 (step S76), and then terminates the series of processes.

[0101] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 15 of the third embodiment. The screen shown in Figure 12 is displayed, for example, during the period from when boarding is performed until when disembarking is performed.

[0102] As shown in Figure 12, the screen includes, for example, an estimated fare field 157 and an estimated usage status field 158. The estimated fare field 157 displays the current fare. The estimated usage status field 158 displays the user's boarding location and the next location (stop name) that the user is scheduled to pass.

[0103] The information processing device 2 displays the current fare obtained in step S72 in the estimated fare column 157. The information processing device 2 also displays the boarding location used to calculate the current fare and the next location to be passed in the estimated usage status column 158.

[0104] The information processing device 2 may also obtain a determination result regarding the payment eligibility for the current usage fee by performing the same processing as in steps S57-S58 of the flowchart in Figure 9, and output the obtained determination result via the display unit 15 of the user terminal device 1.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the information processing system 100 can provide information according to the user's boarding status, thereby improving the convenience of the information processing system 100. Users can easily recognize how fares fluctuate according to their boarding location. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. User terminal device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13. First Communications Department 14. Second Communications Department (Short-Range Radio Communication Department) 15 Display 16 Control section 1P Program 1A Recording medium 2. Information Processing Device 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 2P Program 2A recording medium 3(3a,3b) Short-range wireless communication tag 4. Bus Location System 5 Payment Server

Claims

1. After a user boards the bus, if a communication connection is established with the user's user terminal device, the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time of the bus used by the user are obtained. By comparing the acquired bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time with the passing times for each predetermined passing location in the operation status information provided by the bus location system, the boarding and alighting locations of the user corresponding to the boarding and alighting times are identified. A payment request for the usage fee calculated according to the identified boarding and alighting locations is sent to a designated electronic payment server. While the user is riding the bus, the current fare, calculated based on the boarding location and the latest passing location in the operational status information, is output to the user's user terminal device. A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

2. The user terminal device of the user acquires the bus identification information obtained via short-range wireless communication from a short-range wireless communication tag installed on the bus, Obtain the bus operation status information provided by the bus location system. The program according to claim 1.

3. Obtain the settlement result for the settlement request, Output the acquired settlement result. The program according to either claim 1 or claim 2.

4. If the settlement result is unsettled, output the specified information. The program according to claim 3.

5. Output the boarding position of the user. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. After a user boards the bus, if a communication connection is established with the user's user terminal device, the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time of the bus used by the user are obtained. By comparing the acquired bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time with the passing times for each predetermined passing location in the operation status information provided by the bus location system, the boarding and alighting locations of the user corresponding to the boarding and alighting times are identified. A payment request for the usage fee calculated according to the identified boarding and alighting locations is sent to a designated electronic payment server. While the user is riding the bus, the current fare, calculated based on the boarding location and the latest passing location in the operational status information, is output to the user's user terminal device. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

7. After a user boards a bus, if a communication connection is established with the user's user terminal device, an acquisition unit acquires the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time of the bus used by the user. An identification unit identifies the boarding and alighting locations of the user corresponding to the boarding and alighting times by comparing the acquired bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time with the passing times for each predetermined passing location in the operation status information provided by the bus location system, which includes the passing times for each predetermined passing location of the bus. A calculation unit that sends a payment request for the usage fee calculated according to the identified boarding and alighting locations to a predetermined electronic payment server, An output unit outputs to the user's user terminal device the current fare calculated based on the boarding location and the latest passing location in the operation status information while the user is riding the bus. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

8. The bus identification information of the bus is obtained via short-range wireless communication from a short-range wireless communication tag installed on the bus used by the passenger. The acquired bus identification information and the boarding and alighting times corresponding to the time the bus identification information was acquired are stored in the storage unit. When a communication connection with the information processing device is established, the bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time stored in the storage unit are transmitted to the information processing device. The system obtains the payment result by a predetermined electronic payment method for the fare corresponding to the boarding and alighting locations, which is determined by comparing the transmitted bus identification information, boarding time, and alighting time with the passing time for each predetermined passing location in the operational status information provided by the bus location system, which includes the passing time for each predetermined passing location on the bus. While the user is on board the bus, the current fare is obtained, calculated based on the boarding location and the latest passing location in the operational status information. Display the current usage fee obtained. A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

9. A boarding flag is generated by obtaining the bus identification information from the first short-range wireless communication tag installed on the bus, and a disembarking flag is generated by obtaining the bus identification information from the second short-range wireless communication tag installed on the bus. The program according to claim 8.

10. The bus identification information is acquired by a short-range wireless communication unit installed in the user terminal device of the user. The program according to claim 8 or claim 9.

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