Vehicle dispatch reservation device and vehicle dispatch reservation system, vehicle dispatch reservation method, vehicle dispatch reservation program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle allocation reservation device, vehicle allocation reservation system, vehicle allocation reservation method, and vehicle allocation reservation program capable of efficiently arranging vehicle allocation of a taxicab with the use of railway service suspension information.SOLUTION: A ticket machine 4 includes: a service suspension information acquisition section 10a for acquiring railway service suspension information on a route of railway stations; a destination information input section 10b for receiving an input of destination information related to a destination for each passenger when the service suspension information is acquired; a tentative reservation request section 10c for requesting tentative reservation of a taxicab to the destination according to the input destination; a reservation information acquisition section 10d for acquiring reservation information of the tentatively reserved taxicab; and an approval propriety input reception section 10e for receiving an input of approval propriety of tentative reservation contents from the passenger when the reservation information is acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle allocation reservation device, a vehicle allocation reservation system, a vehicle allocation reservation method, and a vehicle allocation reservation program for arranging taxi allocation when railway operations are suspended on the railway line of a railway station.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when railway operations are suspended due to vehicle failures or accidents on the railway line of a railway station, as an alternative means of transportation, transfer to another railway with a parallel line, transfer to other means of transportation such as buses or taxis, etc. are carried out. For example, in Patent Document 1, when using a taxi or the like as an alternative means of transportation during railway service disruptions, a plurality of allocatable vehicles extracted based on vehicle position information, operation information, position information of the allocation request, etc. are classified into a plurality of groups, and a vehicle allocation inquiry corresponding to the received allocation request is simultaneously transmitted to the vehicles in the same group. A vehicle allocation server is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above conventional vehicle allocation server has the following problems. That is, the vehicle allocation server disclosed in the above publication has a problem that when taxi use is required due to railway service disruptions, the financial burden on passengers is large. Also, during railway service disruptions, there is a need for the railway operator to pay the fare to the transfer destination on behalf of the passengers, and there is a possibility that passengers will flow out to other lines, which may cause losses to the railway operator.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a taxi dispatch reservation device, a taxi dispatch reservation system, a taxi dispatch reservation method, and a taxi dispatch reservation program that can efficiently arrange taxi dispatch using railway service suspension information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The taxi dispatch reservation device according to the first invention comprises a service suspension information acquisition unit, a destination information input unit, a provisional reservation application unit, a reservation information acquisition unit, and an approval / rejection input reception unit. The service suspension information acquisition unit acquires service suspension information for railway lines at railway stations. When service suspension information is acquired, the destination information input unit accepts destination information input for each passenger. The provisional reservation application unit makes a provisional reservation application for a taxi to the destination according to the entered destination. The reservation information acquisition unit acquires reservation information for the provisionally reserved taxi. When reservation information is acquired, the approval / rejection input reception unit accepts input from the passenger indicating whether they approve or reject the provisional reservation.

[0007] Here, for example, if information is received that train service has been suspended due to a vehicle malfunction or accident, a provisional taxi reservation is made for each passenger based on the destination entered at the ticket machine, and the passenger is then asked to confirm whether or not they approve the provisional reservation. Here, the destination information input section, where destination information is entered for each passenger, may be, for example, a ticket vending machine installed at a train station, a dedicated device installed for dispatching taxis, or an app downloaded to a smartphone or tablet device owned by the passenger.

[0008] This allows for the dispatch of appropriate taxis according to each passenger's entered destination, without placing an excessive burden on station staff, even in situations where there is a surge in taxi requests due to train service disruptions. As a result, even if train services are suspended, taxi dispatch can be arranged efficiently.

[0009] The dispatch reservation device according to the second invention is the same as the dispatch reservation device according to the first invention, wherein the provisional reservation application unit refers to destination information and applies for a provisional reservation of a shared taxi for transporting multiple passengers whose destinations from the train station are in the same direction. This allows for the dispatch of taxis as shared taxis, for example, to transport multiple passengers who have entered the same destination in the same direction. This makes it possible to efficiently dispatch taxis while reducing the financial burden on each individual passenger.

[0010] The third invention relates to a taxi dispatch reservation device, which is a taxi dispatch reservation device according to the first or second invention, wherein the provisional reservation application unit applies for provisional reservations for multiple taxis according to the number of passengers whose destinations are in the same direction. This allows for the dispatch of multiple shared taxis heading in the same direction if, for example, there are four or more passengers going to the same destination, minimizing disruption at train stations while reducing the financial burden on each passenger.

[0011] The dispatch reservation device according to the fourth invention is a dispatch reservation device according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a taxi ticket issuing unit that issues a taxi ticket to the passenger to ride in the provisionally reserved taxi when the passenger approves the contents of the provisional reservation. This allows taxi drivers to easily verify the reservation of passengers by issuing taxi tickets to passengers who have approved their provisional taxi reservations.

[0012] The fifth invention relates to a taxi reservation device, which is a taxi reservation device according to the fourth invention, and further includes a discount processing unit that performs a discount on the purchase price of a taxi ticket when the passenger approves the contents of a provisional reservation and the passenger has a railway pass that includes the destination within the section. This allows for a reduction in the financial burden on passengers traveling within their passport zone. If a train service is suspended within the zone covered by their passport, the taxi fare will be discounted by an amount that reflects the distance they could have traveled with their passport.

[0013] The taxi dispatch reservation device according to the sixth invention is a taxi dispatch reservation device according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the taxi ticket contains the pick-up location, meeting time, and vehicle number of the taxi for which the reservation has been confirmed. This allows passengers to easily identify their pick-up location, meeting time, and the license plate number of the taxi they are scheduled to ride, simply by looking at the issued taxi ticket.

[0014] The train dispatch reservation device according to the seventh invention is a train dispatch reservation device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, further comprising a refund processing unit that processes a refund for a train ticket when the passenger approves the contents of a provisional reservation and the passenger possesses a train ticket to their destination. This allows for the refund process for train tickets that have become useless due to train cancellations to be handled simultaneously with taxi reservations, thereby reducing the burden on passengers and minimizing disruption at train stations.

[0015] The eighth invention is a train dispatch reservation device relating to any one of the first to seventh inventions, which is implemented in a ticket vending machine or station employee terminal installed at a railway station. This allows for efficient alternative transportation of passengers to their destinations by arranging the aforementioned taxi dispatch through ticket vending machines installed at train stations or terminals held by station staff.

[0016] The dispatch reservation device according to the ninth invention is a dispatch reservation device according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the destination information input unit acquires destination information from the information of the commuter pass or train ticket held by the passenger. This allows for the acquisition of destination information from passengers' commuter passes, tickets, and other documents, thereby reducing the burden on passengers requesting alternative transportation and station staff in arranging taxis, and enabling more efficient taxi reservations.

[0017] The taxi reservation system according to the 10th invention includes a taxi reservation device according to any one of the 1st to 9th inventions, and a provisional reservation device that is communicably connected to the taxi reservation device and provisionally reserves a taxi heading to the destination according to the destination input to the taxi reservation device. Thereby, it is possible to provide a taxi reservation system capable of efficiently arranging taxi rides as described above.

[0018] The taxi system according to the 11th invention is the taxi reservation system according to the 10th invention, wherein the provisional reservation device has a vehicle search unit that searches for a taxi for transporting a passenger from a railway station to the destination by referring to the destination information of the passenger input to the taxi reservation device, and a provisional reservation unit that provisionally reserves the taxi searched by the vehicle search unit as a vehicle for transporting the passenger to the destination. Thereby, it is possible to easily reserve a taxi available for transportation according to the destination information.

[0019] The taxi reservation system according to the 12th invention is the taxi reservation system according to the 11th invention, further comprising a provisional reservation information communication unit that transmits a provisional reservation notification to the taxi reservation device when the provisional reservation in the provisional reservation unit is confirmed. Thereby, when the passenger approves the content of the provisional reservation, the provisional reservation notification is sent to the taxi reservation device, enabling the taxi driver and the taxi company to recognize that the reservation of the taxi is confirmed.

[0020] The taxi reservation method according to the 13th invention includes a train suspension information acquisition step, a destination information input step, a provisional reservation application step, a reservation information acquisition step, and an approval input reception step. In the train suspension information acquisition step, train suspension information on the line of a railway station is acquired. In the destination information input step, when the train suspension information is acquired, input of destination information regarding the destination is received for each passenger. In the provisional reservation application step, a provisional reservation of a taxi to the destination is applied according to the input destination. In the reservation information acquisition step, reservation information of the provisionally reserved taxi is acquired. In the approval input reception step, when the reservation information is acquired, input of approval or disapproval of the content of the provisional reservation is received from the passenger.

[0021] Here, for example, when information that a train suspension has occurred due to vehicle failure, accident, etc. is acquired, a provisional reservation of a taxi is made according to the destination input by each passenger at a ticket vending machine or the like, and it is confirmed whether or not the passenger finally approves the content of the provisional reservation. Here, the destination information input step in which destination information is input for each passenger may be executed via, for example, a ticket vending machine installed at a railway station, a dedicated device installed for taxi dispatching, or an application downloaded to a smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. owned by the passenger.

[0022] Thereby, in a situation where taxi dispatching rushes when a train suspension occurs, appropriate taxi dispatching can be carried out according to the destination input for each passenger without imposing a burden on the station staff. As a result, even when a train suspension occurs, taxi dispatching can be efficiently carried out.

[0023] The 14th invention relates to a taxi dispatch reservation program which causes a computer to execute a taxi dispatch reservation method comprising a step of acquiring service suspension information, a step of inputting destination information, a step of applying for a provisional reservation, a step of acquiring reservation information, and a step of receiving input of approval / rejection. In the service suspension information acquisition step, the program acquires information on the railway line at the railway station. In the destination information input step, once service suspension information is acquired, the program accepts input of destination information for each passenger. In the provisional reservation application step, the program applies for a provisional reservation of a taxi to the destination according to the entered destination. In the reservation information acquisition step, the program acquires reservation information for the provisionally reserved taxi. In the approval / rejection input receiving step, once the reservation information is acquired, the program accepts input from the passenger indicating whether they approve or reject the provisional reservation.

[0024] Here, for example, if information is received that train service has been suspended due to a vehicle malfunction or accident, a provisional taxi reservation is made for each passenger based on the destination entered at the ticket machine, and the passenger is then asked to confirm whether or not they approve the provisional reservation. Here, the destination information input step, in which destination information is entered for each passenger, may be performed, for example, via a ticket vending machine installed at a train station, a dedicated device installed for dispatching taxis, or an app downloaded to a smartphone or tablet device owned by the passenger.

[0025] This allows for the dispatch of appropriate taxis according to each passenger's entered destination, without placing an excessive burden on station staff, even in situations where there is a surge in taxi requests due to train service disruptions. As a result, even if train services are suspended, taxi dispatch can be arranged efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the vehicle dispatch reservation device of the present invention, even in the event of a railway service suspension, taxi dispatch arrangements can be made efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of a ride-hailing reservation system including a ticket vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A control block diagram showing the configuration of the ticket vending machine and provisional reservation device included in the vehicle dispatch reservation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the functional blocks formed within the control unit of the ticket vending machine in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a taxi ticket issued by the taxi ticket issuing unit. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the processing flow of the ride-hailing reservation method in the ride-hailing reservation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the continuation of the processing steps for the vehicle reservation method in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained below using Figures 1 to 6. In this embodiment, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art may fully understand the present invention, and not intends to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0029] (1) Configuration of the ride-hailing reservation system 1 The dispatch reservation system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for providing taxis to passengers as an alternative means of transportation in the event of a railway service suspension due to, for example, a vehicle breakdown, a signal malfunction, an accident, a fallen tree, etc., and is configured to include a vehicle reservation device installed in a ticket vending machine 4 at a railway station, etc.

[0030] In the following explanation, we will use the example of ticket vending machine 4 functioning as a train reservation device, but we will also assume that staff terminals 3 used by station staff, and user mobile terminals 5 such as smartphones carried by passengers also function as train reservation devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, we will describe a situation in which a train malfunction, signal failure, accident, fallen tree, etc., occurs between railway station A and railway station B, causing the railway to be out of service and trains to be suspended, and alternative means of transportation are needed from both railway stations A and B.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the dispatch reservation system 1 comprises a driver control center 2, staff terminals (dispatch reservation device, station staff terminal) 3, a ticket vending machine (dispatch reservation device) 4, a user mobile terminal (dispatch reservation device) 5, the internet 6, a server device 7, and a taxi in-car wireless terminal 8. As shown in Figure 1, the train control center 2 is connected to the staff terminals 3 installed at each railway station A and B via dedicated communication equipment (LAN, internal lines, etc.) installed for each railway company. The train control center 2 determines whether or not to suspend train service or provide alternative transportation in the event of a train malfunction, signal failure, accident, fallen tree, etc. If the train control center 2 decides to suspend train service or provide alternative transportation, it transmits information regarding the train service suspension to each railway station (railway stations A and B).

[0032] The staff terminal 3 is a terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer) carried by staff members such as station staff at a railway station, and under normal circumstances, it is used for communication such as voice calls and emails to staff members. In this embodiment, the staff terminal 3 is also used as a taxi dispatch reservation device to use taxis as an alternative means of transportation in the event of a railway service suspension, as described later.

[0033] The ticket vending machine (ride-hailing reservation device) 4 normally sells tickets for travel between the boarding station and the alighting station, as well as commuter passes that allow repeated travel on the same section for a specified period. In this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 4, like the staff terminal 3, is also used as a ride-hailing reservation device to use taxis as an alternative means of transportation in the event of a railway service suspension, as described later. The user's mobile terminal 5 is a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet that is carried by a passenger using the railway, and under normal circumstances, it is used for communication such as voice calls, emails, and internet access. In this embodiment, the user's mobile terminal 5 is also used as a taxi dispatch reservation device for using taxis as an alternative means of transportation in the event of a railway service suspension, as described later.

[0034] When the user's mobile terminal 5 is used as a vehicle dispatch reservation device, for example, taxi dispatch arrangements are made via apps provided by each railway company, which are downloaded via the internet. As shown in Figure 1, the Internet 6 connects the staff terminals 3, ticket vending machines 4, and user mobile terminals 5 installed at railway stations A and B to the server device 7.

[0035] The server device 7 is connected via the internet 6 to the staff terminals 3 and ticket vending machines 4 installed at railway stations A and B, as well as to the in-car wireless terminals 8 of taxis. Based on the information entered from the staff terminals 3 and ticket vending machines 4, the server device 7 transmits the information necessary for dispatching taxis to the taxi company. Based on information received from the server device 7, the in-car radio terminal 8 of the taxi allows an operator to determine, for example, how many taxis are needed to go to a specific destination such as train stations A and B, and then dispatches each taxi accordingly.

[0036] (2) Configuration of ticket vending machine 4 The ticket vending machine 4 according to this embodiment is an example of a vehicle reservation device, and as shown in Figure 2, it sends and receives various information to and from the provisional reservation device 20. The ticket vending machine 4 stores a ticket table created for each railway station included in the lines installed by the railway company in the storage unit 16.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the ticket vending machine 4 includes a control unit 10, a display unit 11, an operation input unit 12, a ticket issuing unit 13, a coin processing unit 14, a banknote processing unit 15, a storage unit 16, a communication unit 17, an optical reading unit 18, and a card processing unit 19. The display unit 11, operation input unit 12, ticket issuing unit 13, coin processing unit 14, banknote processing unit 15, storage unit 16, communication unit 17, optical reading unit 18, and card processing unit 19 are connected to the control unit 10 by cables or the like, which are signal transmission lines.

[0038] The control unit 10 controls each part of the ticket vending machine 4 and functions as a taxi dispatch reservation device that dispatches taxis in response to service suspension information acquired via the communication unit 17 and taxi dispatch arrangement information entered via the operation input unit 12. The functional blocks formed within the control unit 10 will be described in detail later. The display unit 11 has a display unit located on the front of the main body of the ticket vending machine 4, and controls the screen display of this display unit.

[0039] The operation input unit 12 has a touch panel attached to the display screen. The operation input unit 12 detects the input content from the user (the position pressed on the touch panel by the user (passenger, etc.) with their finger) entered via the touch panel. The user performs the operation of entering the ticket type code, etc., of the ticket to be purchased into the ticket vending machine 4 using the operation input unit 12. The operation input unit 12 also has a push button switch as an input device.

[0040] The ticketing unit 13 processes the issuance of tickets based on destination information and other data entered via the operation input unit 12. The ticketing unit 13 then dispenses the issued tickets to the user through the ticketing slot located on the front of the ticket vending machine 4. The coin processing unit 14 receives coins inserted into the coin slot located on the front of the ticket vending machine 4. The coin processing unit 14 also dispenses change and other coins to be returned to the user into the change coin tray located on the front of the ticket vending machine 4. Furthermore, the coin processing unit 14 functions as a coin identification unit, identifying the denomination and authenticity of coins inserted by the user and change coins dispensed to the user.

[0041] The banknote processing unit 15 receives banknotes inserted into the banknote slot located on the front of the ticket vending machine 4. The banknote processing unit 15 also dispenses banknotes as change to be returned to the user through the banknote discharge slot. The banknote processing unit 15 also functions as a banknote identification unit, identifying the denomination and authenticity of banknotes inserted by the user and banknotes dispensed as change to the user. The memory unit 16 is a non-volatile memory that stores a ticket table, which registers the correspondence between the ticket type code indicating the type of ticket to be issued and the issued price. A separate ticket table is created for each railway station A and B. The memory unit 16 also stores a train reservation program that causes the computer to execute the train reservation method described later.

[0042] The communication unit 17 communicates with higher-level devices (not shown), automatic ticket gates, other ticket vending machines 4, etc. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the communication unit 17 transmits and receives various information, such as destination information, provisional reservation information, and reservation approval / rejection information, to and from the provisional reservation device 20. The optical reading unit 18 optically reads a two-dimensional barcode (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) and outputs the information indicated by the read two-dimensional barcode to the control unit 10. The optical reading unit 18 optically reads a two-dimensional barcode held over a reading area provided on the front of the ticket vending machine 4.

[0043] The card processing unit 19 performs processing such as charging on SF cards (Stored Fare Cards) inserted into the card insertion / discharge slot located on the front of the ticket vending machine 4. The card processing unit 19 may also have a credit processing function that settles the issuance amount of tickets such as train tickets using a credit card inserted into the card insertion / discharge slot. Furthermore, the provisional reservation device 20 is connected to the ticket vending machine 4 in a communication manner and provisionally reserves a taxi to the destination according to the destination entered into the ticket vending machine 4. As shown in Figure 2, the provisional reservation device 20 includes a destination information acquisition unit 21, a provisional reservation information communication unit 22, a reservation approval receiving unit 23, a vehicle search unit 24, and a provisional reservation unit 25.

[0044] The destination information acquisition unit 21 acquires information about the destination of each passenger for whom vehicle dispatch arrangements are made by the control unit 10, which will be described later. When a provisional reservation is confirmed in the provisional reservation unit 25, the provisional reservation information communication unit 22 sends a provisional reservation notification to the ticket vending machine 4. The reservation approval receiving unit 23 receives information via the communication unit 17 of the ticket vending machine 4 (described later) that it has approved the details of the provisional reservation for each passenger who wishes to arrange for a taxi.

[0045] The vehicle search unit 24 refers to the passenger's destination information entered into the ticket vending machine 4, etc., and searches for a taxi (vehicle) to transport the passenger from the train station to their destination. During the vehicle search, for example, it refers to the current location information of taxis, etc., and extracts the vehicle closest to the station as the vehicle heading to the train station. The provisional reservation unit 25 provisionally reserves a taxi (vehicle) found by the vehicle search unit 24 as the vehicle to transport the passenger to their destination. The information of the provisionally reserved vehicle (taxi company name, vehicle number, driver's name, etc.) is transmitted to the communication unit 17 of the ticket vending machine 4 via the provisional reservation information communication unit 22 and displayed as provisional reservation information on the display unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 4. Therefore, each passenger who wishes to arrange for a taxi can refer to the provisional reservation information displayed on the display unit 11 and decide whether or not to approve the provisional reservation.

[0046] Information that the provisional reservation has been approved is received by the reservation approval receiving unit 23, and the reservation confirmation information for the provisionally reserved vehicle is transmitted to the taxi in-car radio terminal 8. As a result, each taxi (vehicle) that receives the reservation confirmation information from the taxi in-car radio terminal 8 can refer to the pick-up location information included in the reservation information and head to the train station (pick-up location).

[0047] (3) Configuration of the control unit 10 The control unit 10 reads the vehicle dispatch reservation program stored in the memory unit 16 and causes the computer to execute the vehicle dispatch reservation method. Specifically, the control unit 10 receives the dispatch reservation program from the CPU and forms the functional blocks shown in Figure 3. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 10 internally includes a service suspension information acquisition unit 10a, a destination information input unit 10b, a provisional reservation application unit 10c, a reservation information acquisition unit 10d, an approval / rejection input reception unit 10e, a taxi ticket issuance unit 10f, a discount processing unit 10g, and a refund processing unit 10h.

[0048] The service disruption information acquisition unit 10a acquires service disruption information for the railway lines at the railway stations transmitted from the train control center 2 to the staff terminal 3 via the communication unit 17 from the staff terminal 3. In addition to acquiring the service disruption information from the staff terminal 3, the service disruption information may also be entered by station staff or other personnel who have confirmed the service disruption information displayed on the staff terminal 3. When the service suspension information acquisition unit 10a acquires service suspension information, the destination information input unit 10b accepts destination information input for each passenger. Specifically, the destination information input unit 10b acquires information about each passenger's destination via the operation input unit 12 of the ticket vending machine 4.

[0049] Information regarding the destination may be entered by the passenger themselves via the ticket vending machine 4, by a station attendant at the railway station via the attendant terminal 3, or by the passenger themselves via the user's mobile terminal 5. The provisional reservation application unit 10c submits a provisional reservation request for a taxi to the destination, according to the entered destination. The provisional reservation application unit 10c refers to the destination information and submits a provisional reservation request for a shared taxi to transport multiple passengers whose destinations from the train station are in the same direction. The provisional reservation application unit 10c submits provisional reservations for multiple taxis, according to the number of passengers whose destinations are in the same direction.

[0050] The reservation information acquisition unit 10d acquires reservation information for a provisionally reserved taxi (for example, taxi company name, vehicle number, driver's name, meeting place, meeting time, etc.). The provisional reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 10D is controlled by the control unit 10 to be displayed on the display unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 4. When the reservation information acquisition unit 10d acquires reservation information, the approval / rejection input receiving unit 10e receives input from the passenger whose provisional reservation details are displayed on the display unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 4, indicating whether or not they approve the provisional reservation.

[0051] When the passenger approves the details of the provisional reservation displayed on the display unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 4, the taxi ticket issuing unit 10f issues a taxi ticket T1 to the passenger for boarding the provisionally reserved taxi. Here, the taxi ticket T1 is issued as a paper receipt, for example, and as shown in Figure 4, it includes the pickup location of the confirmed taxi (meeting place: XX Station △△ Exit taxi stand), meeting time (10:15), driver's name, and vehicle number (XX5xx a ××-××).

[0052] This allows passengers who have purchased a taxi ticket T1 to check the information printed on the ticket T1 and identify the meeting place, meeting time, and the taxi they should take. The discount processing unit 10g applies a discount to the purchase price of the taxi ticket T1 when the passenger approves the details of the provisional reservation and the passenger possesses a railway pass or ticket that includes the destination within the designated area.

[0053] This allows passengers purchasing taxi tickets to buy T1 tickets at a discounted price without wasting the money they have already spent on season tickets or other passes. The refund processing unit 10h processes a refund for a train ticket when the passenger has approved the provisional reservation and the passenger possesses a train ticket to their destination. This allows passengers who purchase a T1 taxi ticket to automatically receive a refund for the unused portion of the journey, without wasting the cost of tickets already purchased. Whether or not a passenger possesses a commuter pass or ticket can be determined, for example, based on information obtained by the card processing unit 19 of the ticket vending machine 4.

[0054] <How to book a ride> The vehicle dispatch reservation system 1 of this embodiment executes the vehicle dispatch reservation method with the configuration described above. The vehicle dispatch reservation method of this embodiment will be explained below using the flowcharts in Figures 5 and 6.

[0055] In other words, as shown in Figure 5, first, in step S11, the service suspension information acquisition unit 10a in the control unit 10 of the ticket vending machine 4 receives service suspension information (including notification of alternative transportation) via the communication unit 17. Next, in step S12, the control unit 10 adds a taxi reservation button to the display screen of the display unit 11 of the ticket vending machine 4.

[0056] Next, in step S13, the system waits for a touch input from a passenger who wishes to use a taxi as alternative transportation via the operation input unit 12 of the ticket vending machine 4. Once a touch input is detected, the system proceeds to step S14. Next, in step S14, the control unit 10 displays the destination information input screen on the display screen of the display unit 11.

[0057] Next, in step S15, when a passenger enters information about their destination into the destination information input screen, the destination information input unit 10b retrieves the destination information for each passenger that has been entered. Furthermore, the destination information input unit 10b may be configured not to acquire destination information entered by the passenger, but rather to have the passenger insert their commuter pass, train ticket, etc., into the ticket vending machine 4, read that information, and then acquire destination information.

[0058] Next, in step S16, the provisional reservation application unit 10c submits a provisional reservation application based on the destination information entered by the passenger in step S15. Next, in step S17, the control unit 10 displays a reservation screen on the display screen of the display unit 11, which displays "Reservation in progress". Next, in step S18, the provisional reservation device 20 receives the provisional reservation application transmitted from the provisional reservation application unit 10c of the control unit 10 on the ticket vending machine 4 side.

[0059] Next, in step S19, the destination information acquisition unit 21 of the provisional reservation device 20 acquires the provisional reservation application (including destination information) received in step S18, and the vehicle search unit 24 refers to the destination information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 21 to check whether there is a reservation for a taxi heading to the vicinity of the destination. If there is a reservation, the process proceeds to step S20; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0060] Next, in step S20, since it was determined in step S19 that there is a reservation for a taxi heading near the destination, the vehicle search unit 24 of the provisional reservation device 20 determines whether or not there are taxis that have not reached their capacity. If it is determined that there are taxis that have not reached their capacity, the process proceeds to step S22; if it is determined that there are no taxis that have not reached their capacity, the process proceeds to step S21. Next, in step S21, because it was determined in step S19 that there are no taxis heading near the destination, or because it was determined in step S20 that there are no taxis that have not reached their passenger capacity, the vehicle search unit 24 determines whether there are any taxis that can depart within the predetermined time, although there will be a short waiting time.

[0061] If there is a taxi available to depart within the specified time, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, it is determined in step S22a that a taxi cannot be dispatched and the process ends. Next, in step S22, because it was determined in step S20 that there is a taxi that has not yet reached its passenger capacity, or because it was determined in step S21 that there is a taxi that can depart within the predetermined time, the provisional reservation unit 25 of the provisional reservation device 20 provisionally reserves the taxi.

[0062] This allows for the arrangement of shared taxis going in the same direction, thereby reducing the financial burden on each individual passenger. Next, in step S23, the provisional reservation unit 25 of the provisional reservation device 20 generates provisional reservation information. Next, in step S24, the provisional reservation information generated in step S23 is transmitted to the communication unit 17 of the ticket vending machine 4 via the provisional reservation information communication unit 22.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 6, in step S25, when the ticket vending machine 4 receives provisional reservation information from the provisional reservation device 20 via the communication unit 17, the control unit 10 displays the details of the provisional reservation on the display screen of the display unit 11. Next, in step S26, the control unit 10 of the ticket vending machine 4 displays the details of the provisional reservation, along with the purchase screen for the taxi fare ticket T1 (see Figure 4) to ride the provisionally reserved taxi, on the display screen of the display unit 11.

[0064] Next, in step S27, the control unit 10 of the ticket vending machine 4 waits until an operation to purchase a taxi ticket T1 is entered. Next, in step S28, it is determined whether the passenger who confirmed the details of the provisional reservation has canceled the taxi reservation. If the details of the provisional reservation do not match the desired conditions, the passenger enters a cancellation operation and proceeds to step S29. If the details of the provisional reservation match the desired conditions and are not canceled, the process proceeds to the purchase process from step S33 onwards.

[0065] Next, in step S29, since a cancellation operation was input in step S28, the control unit 10 sends a cancellation notification to the provisional reservation device 20 via the communication unit 17. Next, in step S30, the control unit 10 displays the cancellation approval screen on the display screen of the display unit 11, and then displays the standby screen. Next, in step S31, the provisional reservation device 20 receives a cancellation notification from the ticket vending machine 4.

[0066] Next, in step S32, the provisional reservation device 20 cancels the provisional reservation in accordance with the cancellation notice received in step S31, and terminates the process. On the other hand, in step S33, since no cancellation was input in step S28, the control unit 10 determines on the display screen of the display unit 11 whether or not the purchase is valid. If it is determined to be a valid purchase, the process proceeds to step S34; if it is determined not to be a valid purchase, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0067] Next, in step S34, since it was determined in step S33 that the purchase was valid, the control unit 10, after confirming payment of the taxi fare from the passenger, sends a reservation confirmation notice to the provisional reservation device 20 via the communication unit 17. Furthermore, the fare for the taxi ticket T1 received by ticket vending machine 4 will be the amount per passenger in the case of a shared taxi where multiple passengers are heading in the same direction. In addition, if a passenger who has purchased a taxi ticket T1 also has a commuter pass or regular ticket, and the ticket vending machine 4 reads the information of the commuter pass or regular ticket, the fare for the unused portion of the commuter pass or regular ticket will be deducted from the fare for the taxi ticket T1, or a refund will be processed.

[0068] Next, in step S35, the control unit 10 displays a screen on the display screen of the display unit 11 prompting the user to perform the appropriate purchase operation, and then returns to standby mode until the user can input the purchase operation in step S27. Next, in step S36, the reservation approval receiving unit 23 of the provisional reservation device 20 receives the reservation confirmation notice that was sent in step S34. Next, in step S37, the provisional reservation unit 25 performs a process to confirm the reservation based on the approved provisional reservation details.

[0069] Next, in step S38, a ticket issuance command is sent to the ticket vending machine 4 to issue a taxi ticket T1 based on the reservation details confirmed in step S37. Next, in step S39, the control unit 10 of the ticket vending machine 4 receives a command to issue a taxi ticket T1 transmitted from the provisional reservation device 20 via the communication unit 17. Next, in step S40, the taxi ticket issuing unit 10f of the control unit 10 creates a taxi ticket T1 (see Figure 4) based on the confirmed reservation information. Next, in step S41, the ticket vending machine 4 issues and prints out the taxi ticket T1.

[0070] <Main Features> As shown in Figure 3, the ticket vending machine 4 of this embodiment includes a service suspension information acquisition unit 10a that acquires service suspension information for railway lines at railway stations, a destination information input unit 10b that accepts destination information input for each passenger once service suspension information has been acquired, a provisional reservation application unit 10c that accepts applications for provisional taxi reservations to the destination according to the entered destination, a reservation information acquisition unit 10d that acquires reservation information for provisionally reserved taxis, and an approval / rejection input receiving unit 10e that accepts input from passengers whether they approve or reject the provisional reservation once reservation information has been acquired.

[0071] This allows for the dispatch of appropriate taxis according to each passenger's entered destination, without placing an excessive burden on station staff, even in situations where there is a surge in taxi requests due to train service disruptions. As a result, even if train services are suspended, taxi dispatch can be arranged efficiently.

[0072] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0073] (A) In the above embodiments, examples of the present invention were described as a vehicle dispatch reservation device and vehicle dispatch reservation method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a vehicle dispatch reservation program that causes a computer to execute the vehicle dispatch reservation device method described above. This ride-hailing reservation program is stored in the memory (storage unit) installed in the ride-hailing reservation device. The CPU reads the ride-hailing reservation program stored in memory and causes the hardware to execute each step. More specifically, the CPU reads the ride-hailing reservation program and executes the steps described above: acquiring service suspension information, inputting destination information, submitting a provisional reservation request, acquiring reservation information, and receiving approval / rejection input. This achieves the same effect as described above. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a recording medium that stores a vehicle dispatch reservation program.

[0074] (B) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, upon receiving information about train service suspensions, the staff terminal 3 and the user's mobile terminal 5 function as a train dispatch reservation device in addition to the ticket vending machine 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the train reservation system may be implemented not as a ticket vending machine, but as an app provided by each railway company, using a smartphone or tablet device owned by the passenger, and a staff terminal 3 for passengers who do not have a smartphone or similar device.

[0075] (C) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a paper receipt-like taxi ticket T1 is issued to a passenger who has approved the details of a provisional reservation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the taxi fare ticket issued may be issued as electronic data, such as an image on a smartphone, rather than as a paper receipt.

[0076] (D) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which reservations are accepted for shared taxi rides with passengers going in the same direction, in order to reduce the financial burden on passengers using taxis. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for passengers who wish to ride in a taxi alone, a shared taxi approval screen may be displayed on the ticket vending machine or similar display screen, allowing them to select whether they are okay with a shared taxi.

[0077] (E) In the above embodiment, the purchase of a taxi ticket T1 was described using an example where the fare for the taxi ticket T1 is paid at the ticket vending machine 4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of shared taxis, the amount each passenger pays will vary until the number of passengers is finalized, so it is acceptable to pay the taxi driver the amount each person will pay when boarding the taxi.

[0078] (F) In the above embodiments, examples were given in which the vehicle dispatch reservation device of the present invention is installed on a ticket vending machine 4, an attendant terminal 3, a user's mobile terminal 5, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a device specifically designed for alternative transportation, such as a taxi dispatch system installed at a railway station to arrange alternative transportation in the event of a train service suspension, may be used as the dispatch reservation device of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0079] The vehicle dispatch reservation device of the present invention has the effect of efficiently arranging taxi dispatches even when train services are suspended, and is therefore widely applicable to various systems that provide alternative transportation when train or airplane services are suspended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1. Ride-hailing reservation system 2. Train Control Center 3. Staff terminals (dispatch reservation devices, station staff terminals) 4. Ticket vending machine (vehicle dispatch reservation device) 5. User's mobile terminal (ride-hailing reservation device) 6. Internet 7 Server equipment 8. In-car radio terminal for taxis 10 Control Unit 10a Service suspension information acquisition unit 10b Destination Information Input Section 10c Provisional Reservation Application Department 10d Reservation Information Acquisition Section 10e Approval / Rejection Input Reception Department 10F Taxi Ticket Issuance Department 10g discount processing 10h Refund Processing Unit 11 Display section 12 Operation Input Section 13 Ticketing Department 14. Coin Processing Section 15. Banknote Processing Department 16 Memory section 17 Communications Department 18 Optical reading section 19 Card Processing Unit 20 Temporary Reservation Device 21 Destination information acquisition section 22 Provisional Reservation Information and Communications Department 23 Reservation Approval Receiving Section 24 Vehicle Search Department 25 Provisional Reservation Department T1 Taxi Ticket

Claims

1. A service disruption information acquisition unit that acquires information on train service disruptions on railway lines at train stations, When the aforementioned service suspension information is obtained, a destination information input unit accepts destination information for each passenger, A provisional reservation application unit that submits a provisional reservation request for a taxi to the destination, based on the entered destination, A reservation information acquisition unit that acquires the reservation information of the provisionally reserved taxi, When the aforementioned reservation information is obtained, an approval / rejection input receiving unit receives input from the passenger regarding whether they approve or reject the content of the provisional reservation in relation to the content of the presented reservation information, Equipped with, According to the destination entered in the destination information input unit, a taxi bound for that destination is provisionally reserved by a communicationally connected provisional reservation device. Ride-hailing reservation system.

2. The aforementioned provisional reservation application unit, referring to the destination information, applies for a provisional reservation for a shared taxi to transport multiple passengers whose destinations from the aforementioned railway station are in the same direction. The vehicle dispatch reservation device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned provisional reservation application unit applies for multiple provisional reservations for taxis according to the number of passengers whose destinations are in the same direction. A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further includes a taxi ticket issuing unit that issues a taxi ticket to the passenger for boarding the reserved taxi once the passenger has approved the details of the provisional reservation. A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The system further includes a discount processing unit that applies a discount to the purchase price of the taxi ticket when the passenger approves the details of the provisional reservation and the passenger possesses a railway pass that includes the destination within its route. The vehicle dispatch reservation device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned taxi ticket contains the pickup location, meeting time, and vehicle number of the taxi for which the reservation has been confirmed. The vehicle dispatch reservation device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The system further includes a refund processing unit for processing a refund for a train ticket when the passenger has approved the details of the provisional reservation and the passenger possesses a train ticket to the destination. A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. This is implemented in ticket vending machines or station staff terminals installed at the aforementioned railway stations. A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The destination information input unit obtains destination information from the information on the commuter pass and train ticket held by the passenger. A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle dispatch reservation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A provisional reservation device is connected to the aforementioned dispatch reservation device in a communicative manner and provisionally reserves a taxi to go to the destination according to the destination entered into the dispatch reservation device, A ride-hailing reservation system equipped with the following features.

11. The aforementioned provisional reservation device, A vehicle search unit searches for a taxi to transport the passenger from the train station to the destination, by referring to the passenger's destination information entered into the vehicle dispatch reservation device. A provisional reservation unit provisionally reserves the taxi found by the vehicle search unit as a vehicle to transport the passenger to their destination, Having, The vehicle dispatch reservation system according to claim 10.

12. The system further includes a provisional reservation information communication unit that transmits a provisional reservation notification to the vehicle dispatch reservation device once the provisional reservation in the provisional reservation unit is confirmed. The vehicle dispatch reservation system according to claim 11.

13. The dispatch reservation system's service suspension information acquisition unit acquires service suspension information for railway lines at railway stations in a service suspension information acquisition step, When the destination information input unit of the vehicle dispatch reservation device acquires the aforementioned service suspension information, it performs a destination information input step that accepts destination information for each passenger, The provisional reservation application unit of the dispatch reservation device performs a provisional reservation application step in which it applies for a provisional reservation of a taxi to the destination according to the entered destination, The reservation information acquisition unit of the dispatch reservation device acquires reservation information for the provisionally reserved taxi in a reservation information acquisition step, When the vehicle dispatch reservation device's approval / rejection input receiving unit acquires the reservation information, it performs an approval / rejection input receiving step which receives input from the passenger regarding whether they approve or reject the content of the provisional reservation based on the content of the presented reservation information, Equipped with, In the destination information input step, a taxi bound for the destination is provisionally reserved by a communicationally connected provisional reservation device, according to the destination entered. How to book a ride.

14. The process involves obtaining information on train service disruptions on railway lines at train stations, and When the aforementioned service suspension information is obtained, a destination information input step is performed to receive destination information for each passenger regarding their destination, A provisional reservation application step in which a provisional reservation request for a taxi to the destination is made according to the entered destination, A reservation information acquisition step to obtain the reservation information of the provisionally reserved taxi, When the aforementioned reservation information is obtained, an approval / rejection input acceptance step is performed to receive input from the passenger regarding whether they approve or reject the content of the provisional reservation based on the content of the presented reservation information, Equipped with, In the destination information input step, a taxi bound for the destination is provisionally reserved by a communicationally connected provisional reservation device, according to the destination entered. A ride-hailing reservation program that uses a computer to execute the ride-hailing reservation process.

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