Server for road user services, and method for providing road user services.

Abstract

To provide a technology for causing a service providing enterprise to provide a new service without modifying an ETC system when utilizing usage details.SOLUTION: A service server for road users according to an embodiment includes: an acquisition unit that acquires entire usage details stored in an ETC system and acquires usage details linked to an ETC card ID from the acquired entire usage details; a storage unit that stores system conditions for applying a discount; an extraction unit that extracts a system that allows a service to be provided based on the usage details and the system conditions; and a communication unit that transmits extracted information including the extracted system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a server for services for road users and a service method for road users.

Background Art

[0002] On toll roads with high traffic volume, for drivers who use the ETC system and others, there are various discount services that discount the tolls based on the day of the week, time zone, route, etc. they have traveled for the purpose of dispersing traffic volume and avoiding congestion. For example, there is a discount for drivers who use the toll road on holidays.

[0003] On the other hand, on toll roads with low traffic volume, it has been necessary to consider measures to promote the use of those routes and sections. However, these discount services only discount the tolls charged by the road operators, and there have been no services linked to services other than the tolls of the road.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For toll roads with low traffic volume, introducing new services that utilize ETC system usage details to promote the use of those routes or sections would require modifying the ETC system. Typically, modifying an ETC system incurs significant costs. Therefore, service providers face the problem of difficulty in introducing new services that utilize usage details.

[0006] The problem addressed by this invention was addressed in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that enables service providers to offer new services while minimizing modifications to the ETC system when utilizing usage details. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The road user service server according to this embodiment includes: an acquisition unit that acquires all usage details stored in the ETC system and acquires usage details linked to the ETC card ID from all acquired usage details; a storage unit that stores the system conditions for applying discounts; an extraction unit that extracts systems for which services can be provided based on the usage details and the system conditions; and a communication unit that transmits the extracted information including the extracted systems. It is equipped with these features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a server for road user services according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a user information management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a user registration procedure using the user information management device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for extracting system users for the road user service server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen shown on the output device's display. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the system in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The server for road user services and the road user service method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same number are assumed to perform the same operation, and redundant explanations will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common code may be used to describe each element without distinction, or a sub-number may be used in addition to the common code to describe each element separately.

[0010] [First Embodiment] (composition) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the system in the first embodiment.

[0011] The system consists of 3 users who own vehicles equipped with ETC devices, 1 ETC system related to toll road fee collection, 5 credit card companies, 4 service providers such as local governments that provide services to local residents, and 2 road user service systems.

[0012] User 3 possesses a vehicle capable of using the ETC system 1. Specifically, the vehicle is equipped with an ETC onboard unit 32 into which an ETC card 31 is inserted. Furthermore, User 3 is a user who wishes to receive the services provided by the service provider 4, which will be described later.

[0013] For example, user 3 may be a pre-registered user by providing institutional user information to the road user service system 2. Here, the institutional user information may include the ETC card ID of the ETC card 31 and personal identification information. The personal identification information may be information for identifying user 3, such as the name, address, email address, etc. of the institutional user information.

[0014] The ETC system 1 is provided on a toll road for collecting tolls and is composed of an ETC central device 12 and ETC roadside units 11 provided at each toll gate. The ETC system 1 may be, for example, an existing ETC system. That is, if user 3 who can use the ETC system 1 uses the toll road, usage detail information is collected by the ETC roadside unit 11 installed at the entrance toll gate, and the collected usage detail information is sent to the ETC central device 12. Similarly, usage detail information is collected by the ETC roadside unit 11 at the exit toll gate, and the collected usage detail information is sent to the ETC central device 12.

[0015] Then, the usage detail information transmitted from the entrance toll gate and the exit toll gate is stored in the storage unit of the ETC central device 12. And the ETC central device 12 determines the toll by matching the usage detail information transmitted from the entrance toll gate with the usage detail information transmitted from the exit toll gate, and sends the usage detail information to the credit card company 5.

[0016] The credit card company 5 receives the toll information from the ETC central device 12 and bills the user for usage fees such as tolls based on the toll information.

[0017] The service provider 4 may be, for example, an administration such as the prefecture administration 41, the city administration 42, the town administration 43, etc. These service providers 4 are, for example, operators who want to provide discounts for promoting the use of toll roads and various services as part of the administrative services for prefectural residents and city residents for purposes such as regional revitalization. Or the service provider 4 may be an operator who wants to provide various services for attracting tourists.

[0018] Under such circumstances, in order to promote road use, the road operator and the government cooperate. For this purpose, the government (prefecture) 41 receives the user information aggregation result from the road user service system 2 through the ETC central device 12, and provides the refund of System A to the user 3 according to the result. Similarly, the government (city) 42 and the government (town) 43 receive the user information aggregation result from the road user service system 2 through the ETC system 1, and provide the refund of System B and the refund of System C to the user 3 respectively according to the result.

[0019] The road user service system 2 can, for example, acquire the usage detail information stored in the ETC central device 12 and the system user information from the user. Further, the road user service system 2 can determine whether it is possible to provide a new service to the user 3 by using the acquired usage detail information and system user information.

[0020] The road user service system 2 includes a road user service server 6 and a user information management device 7.

[0021] The road user service server 6 acquires the usage detail information stored in the ETC central device 12. Then, the road user service server 6 determines whether the service provider 4 can provide a service based on the system user information and the usage detail information received from the user information management device 7.

[0022] Here, it is assumed that the road user service server 6 operates on an operating system different from the operating system used in the ETC system. For example, the devices of the ETC system use an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark). On the other hand, it is assumed that the road user service server 6 uses an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark).

[0023] The user information management device 7 obtains system user information from user 3. The means of obtaining system user information from user 3 may be from a designated web page or from information written on paper. The user information management device 7 may determine which discount systems user 3 is eligible to use based on the personally identifiable information contained in the system user information. For example, if user 3 resides in XX city, XX prefecture, the user information management device 7 may determine that user 3 can use systems A and B, but not system C.

[0024] The user information management device 7 stores information about the system user and information about available systems that indicate which systems the user 3 can use.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a server 6 for road user services according to the embodiment. The server 6 for road user services is one or more computers and comprises a control unit 61, a program storage unit 62, a data storage unit 63, a communication interface 64, an input / output interface 65, an input device 66, and an output device 67.

[0026] The control unit 61 controls the server 6 for road user services. The control unit 61 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). For example, the control unit 61 may be an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs.

[0027] The program storage unit 62 can use a combination of non-volatile memory that allows writing and reading at any time, such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive), as a storage medium, and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory). The program storage unit 62 stores programs necessary to execute various processes. In other words, the control unit 61 can perform various controls and operations by reading and executing programs stored in the program storage unit 62.

[0028] The data storage unit 63 is a storage device that uses a combination of non-volatile memory, such as an HDD or memory card, which allows for writing and reading at any time, and volatile memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), as storage media. The data storage unit 63 is used to store data acquired and generated during the process in which the control unit 61 executes a program and performs various processing.

[0029] The communication interface 64 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 64 includes a communication module that is wired to the ETC central unit 12 of the ETC system 1. The communication interface 64 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with the ETC central unit 12 under the control of the control unit 61 and send and receive various information.

[0030] The input / output interface 65 is connected to the input device 66 and the output device 67, etc. The input / output interface 65 is an interface that enables the transmission and reception of information between the input device 66 and the output device 67.

[0031] The input device 66 includes an operation unit 661. For example, the operation unit 661 includes a keyboard, pointing device, etc., for an administrator or operator managing the road user service server 6 to input various instructions to the road user service server 6. The operation unit 661 is used by the operator to perform analysis using various information stored in the road user service server 6.

[0032] Furthermore, the operation unit 661 may be used by an operator to input system user information stored in the user information management device 7. The operation unit 661 may also be used by an operator to pass the user information aggregation results to the ETC central device 12.

[0033] Furthermore, the input device 66 may include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 62 or the data storage unit 63 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0034] The output device 67 includes a display that shows output data to be presented to the administrator or operator from the road user service server 6, and a printer for printing it.

[0035] Next, the software configuration of the control unit 61 and the data storage unit 63 will be described in more detail. The control unit 61 includes a usage details acquisition unit 611, a system conditions acquisition unit 612, a system user extraction unit 613, and an output unit 614. The data storage unit 63 includes a usage details storage unit 631 and a system conditions storage unit 632.

[0036] The usage details acquisition unit 611 acquires usage details. The usage details acquisition unit 611 acquires usage details information from the storage unit of the ETC central device 12. The usage details acquisition unit 611 may acquire usage details information based on, for example, the ETC card ID included in the system user information. For example, the usage details acquisition unit 611 acquires usage details information used by the ETC card ID.

[0037] The system condition acquisition unit 612 acquires the system conditions. The system condition acquisition unit 612 acquires the system conditions stored in the system condition storage unit 632. Then, it outputs the acquired system conditions to the system user extraction unit 613.

[0038] The system user extraction unit 613 extracts user 3. Based on the usage details, system conditions, and system extraction instructions, the system user extraction unit 613 extracts which systems user 3 can use. For example, if the system extraction instruction is to determine whether a specific user 3 can use any of the systems, the system user extraction unit 613 extracts usage details linked to user 3's ETC card ID from the usage details, and based on the extracted usage details and system conditions, extracts which systems user 3 can use.

[0039] The output unit 614 outputs the extracted information to the output device 67 via the communication interface 64.

[0040] The usage details storage unit 631 is used to store all usage details stored in the storage unit of the ETC central unit 12. The usage details storage unit 631 also stores all details stored in the storage unit of the ETC central unit 12 as needed. Therefore, it may store usage details for a longer period than those stored in the storage unit of the ETC central unit 12.

[0041] The system condition storage unit 632 is used to store in advance the application conditions of the systems implemented by the service provider 4. For example, an operator or the administrator of the road user service server 6 may use the operation unit 661 to input in advance into the road user service server 6 the conditions for which a system can be applied based on the amount of toll road use over what period of time, and store this information in the system condition storage unit 632.

[0042] Next, we will describe the configuration of the user information management device 7 in more detail. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a user information management device according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The user information management device 7 is one or more computers and comprises a control unit 71, a program storage unit 72, a data storage unit 73, a communication interface 74, an input / output interface 75, an input device 76, and an output device 77.

[0044] The control unit 71 controls the user information management device 7. The control unit 71 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). For example, the control unit 71 may be an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs.

[0045] The program storage unit 72 can use a combination of non-volatile memory, such as EPROM, HDD, or SSD, which allows for on-demand writing and reading, and other non-volatile memory, such as ROM, as storage media. The program storage unit 72 stores programs necessary for executing various processes. In other words, the control unit 71 can perform various controls and operations by reading and executing programs stored in the program storage unit 72.

[0046] The data storage unit 73 is a storage device that uses a combination of non-volatile memory, such as an HDD or memory card, which allows for writing and reading at any time, and volatile memory, such as RAM, as storage media. The data storage unit 73 is used to store data acquired and generated during the process in which the control unit 71 executes a program and performs various processing.

[0047] The communication interface 74 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 74 includes a communication module that connects via a wired connection to an external device such as a web server. The communication interface 74 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with an external device and send and receive various types of information under the control of the control unit 71.

[0048] The input / output interface 75 is connected to the input device 76 and the output device 77, etc. The input / output interface 75 is an interface that enables the transmission and reception of information between the input device 76 and the output device 77.

[0049] The input device 76 may include, for example, a keyboard or pointing device for an operator to input various instructions to the user information management device 7. The input device 76 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 72 or the data storage unit 73 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0050] The output device 77 includes a display that shows output data to be presented to the operator, and a printer that prints it.

[0051] Next, the software configuration of the control unit 71 and the data storage unit 73 will be described in more detail. The control unit 71 includes a system user information acquisition unit 711 and a system type determination unit 712. In addition, the data storage unit 73 includes a system registration condition storage unit 732 in addition to the user information storage unit 731 shown in Figure 3.

[0052] The system user information acquisition unit 711 acquires system user information. For example, when user 3 enters system user information on a designated web page, the system user information acquisition unit 711 acquires system user information, including the ETC card ID and personally identifiable information.

[0053] Furthermore, if user 3 submits system user information on paper, the operator inputs the system user information into the user information management device 7, and the system user information acquisition unit 711 acquires the system user information.

[0054] The system type determination unit 712 determines the system type. Based on the system user information, the system type determination unit 712 determines which system user information is available to user 3. For example, based on the personal identification information, the system type determination unit 712 determines which of the system registration conditions stored in the system registration condition storage unit 732 the system user information satisfies. Based on this determination result, the system type determination unit 712 determines which system user 3 can register for. The system type determination unit 712 causes the system information and system user information available to user 3 to be registered in the user information storage unit 731.

[0055] The system registration condition storage unit 732 is used to store system registration conditions. System registration conditions are conditions that can be registered in each system, such as, for example, that only users residing in XX prefecture can register for system A. System registration conditions may be registered in advance by an operator or the like.

[0056] (operation) If user 3 wishes to apply each service when using the road, they must register as a user in advance.

[0057] First, we will explain how to register users using the user information management device 7.

[0058] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a user registration procedure using the user information management device 7 of the embodiment. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 71 of the user information management device 7 reads and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 72.

[0059] This flowchart starts when a user accesses a designated web page or when the road user service system 2 receives paper-based user information.

[0060] In step ST101, the system user information acquisition unit 711 acquires system user information. For example, when a user enters system user information on a designated web page, the system user information acquisition unit 711 acquires the system user information. Also, if a user submits system user information on paper, the system user information acquisition unit 711 acquires the system user information when an operator enters the system user information into the user information management device 7.

[0061] In step ST102, the system type determination unit 712 determines the system type. Based on the system user information, the system type determination unit 712 determines which system the user can use. For example, the system type determination unit 712 determines which of the system registration conditions stored in the system registration condition storage unit 732 the system user information satisfies. Then, the system type determination unit 712 may determine which system registration is possible based on the determination result.

[0062] In step ST103, the system type determination unit 712 causes the user information storage unit to register available system information and system user information, indicating which systems the user can use.

[0063] Next, we will explain how to extract users 3 who are eligible for discounts using the road user service server 6.

[0064] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for extracting system users for the road user service server 6 in the embodiment. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 61 of the road user service server 6 reads and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 62.

[0065] This flowchart begins when the operator inputs a system extraction instruction to the control unit 661. The system extraction instruction may include instructions on which systems to extract, system user information including ETC card ID and personal identification information, and usage period. Here, the usage period is the period specified by the operator from the start date to the end date. The instruction on which systems to extract may be for one system or for multiple systems. For example, the operator retrieves system user and available system information stored in the user information storage unit 731 of the user information management device 7 and inputs the system extraction instruction to the control unit 661.

[0066] The system conditions storage unit 632 is pre-stored with the conditions of the system implemented by the service provider 4. For example, the operator or the administrator of the road user service server 6 inputs information on the conditions under which the system can be applied into the road user service server 6 in advance, and stores it in the system conditions storage unit 632.

[0067] If the system conditions storage unit 632 does not store the conditions of the system implemented by the service provider 4, the system extraction instruction may be made to include those conditions.

[0068] In step ST201, the usage details acquisition unit 611 acquires the usage details. For example, the usage details acquisition unit 611 acquires all usage details stored in the storage unit of the ETC central device 12. Then, it stores all the usage details in the usage details storage unit 631. The usage details acquisition unit 611 may then acquire the usage details based on the ETC card ID and usage period included in the system user information.

[0069] Furthermore, the usage details acquisition unit 611 acquires usage details for ETC card IDs. Alternatively, the usage details acquisition unit 611 may acquire all usage details corresponding to the usage period. The usage details acquisition unit 611 then outputs the acquired usage details to the system user extraction unit 613. The usage details acquisition unit 611 may also store the acquired usage details in the usage details storage unit 631.

[0070] Furthermore, the usage details acquisition unit 611 may not acquire all usage details stored in the storage unit of the ETC central device 12 when it receives the system extraction instruction, but may acquire them at predetermined intervals (for example, once every two weeks, once a month, etc.) and store all acquired usage details in the usage details storage unit 631.

[0071] In step ST202, the system condition acquisition unit 612 acquires the system conditions. The system condition acquisition unit 612 acquires the system conditions stored in the system condition storage unit 632. Then, it outputs the acquired system conditions to the system user extraction unit 613.

[0072] In step ST203, the system user extraction unit 613 extracts system users. Based on the usage details, system conditions, and system extraction instructions, the system user extraction unit 613 extracts which system each user 3 is eligible for.

[0073] For example, if the system extraction instruction is an instruction to determine which system a specific user 3 can use, the system user extraction unit 613 extracts usage details linked to user 3's ETC card ID from the usage details, and then extracts which system user 3 can use based on the extracted usage details and the system conditions.

[0074] For example, if the application condition for System A is the use of a toll road in a specified section, the System User Extraction Unit 613 extracts the usage details for that section from the usage details and extracts users who have used this section.

[0075] In step ST204, the output unit 614 outputs the extracted information to the output device 67. The system user extraction unit 613 outputs the extracted information to the output unit 614. The extracted information may include, for example, the ETC card ID, personal identification information, the usage period (start date and end date) included in the system extraction instruction, the usage amount included in the usage details, and information on which systems can be used. The output unit 614 outputs the extracted information to the output device 67. The output device 67 will display the extracted information to the operator.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen shown on the display of the output device 67. The display screen includes, for example, search fields. In the example shown in Figure 4, the search fields include ETC card ID, name, which system to extract data for, start date, and end date.

[0077] The operator uses the extraction results displayed on the screen to submit the extraction results and the aggregated user information results, including system user information, to the ETC central unit 12. The frequency at which the operator performs this task and submits the aggregated user information results to the ETC central unit 12 may be, for example, once every two weeks or once a month.

[0078] Furthermore, it is possible for the operator not to submit the aggregated user information results, with the road user service server 6 handling all tasks. In this case, system modification costs would be incurred. However, these costs can be reduced by having the operator perform these tasks.

[0079] Furthermore, the ETC central unit 12 uses the aggregated user information results to transmit data corresponding to each service provider 4. Each service provider 4 identifies user 3 based on personally identifiable information (name and address or email address) included in the system user information and provides various services to user 3. These services may include discounts for the elderly, family discounts, discounts for residents who have moved to the area, discounts for tourists, distribution of goods, reductions in resident tax, etc. For example, user 3 in XX prefecture can receive a reduction in resident tax for using designated toll roads.

[0080] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, by newly deploying a server 6 for road user services, the service provider 4 can provide new services to users 3 without modifying the ETC system 1.

[0081] Furthermore, if there are routes or sections with low traffic volume, publicizing the various services available to those routes or sections can encourage their use. [Modified version of the first embodiment] Next, a data analysis performed using the operation unit 661 as a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0082] The output unit 614 may also function as a communication unit that transmits the extraction results to the ETC central unit 12. In this case, the road user service server 6 can generate user information aggregation results based on the extraction results and automatically transmit the aggregated user information results to the ETC central unit 12 without the need for an operator.

[0083] The operation unit 661 can acquire information stored in the data storage unit 63 of the road user service server 6. For example, the operation unit 661 can use the analysis unit, which is part of the control unit 61, to perform multi-purpose analysis, not just for data analysis for service providers 4.

[0084] When performing data analysis within the existing ETC system 1, it was difficult to freely analyze the data because it would affect the operation of the ETC system. Since the operation unit 661 does not use the data used in the existing ETC system 1, it is possible to freely analyze the data using the analysis unit of the control unit 61. In addition, the storage unit of the existing ETC central unit 12 stores only the minimum necessary usage details for a few months due to strict performance requirements, etc.

[0085] However, the usage details information stored in the road user service server 6 can store usage details for a longer period than necessary, for example, for more than one year. This allows the operation unit 661 to perform more accurate analysis using the analysis unit of the control unit 61.

[0086] For example, the data analysis performed by the operation unit 661 can include: (1) surveys of traffic volume on toll roads; (2) surveys of changes in traffic volume on toll roads by day of the week, date, and during long holidays; (3) surveys of the impact of events such as sports competitions on traffic volume on toll roads; (4) surveys of the situation of people evacuating to toll roads due to road closures on general roads; (5) surveys of the impact of changes in toll fees; and (6) crime investigations (for example, tracking fleeing vehicles, determining ETC card numbers from vehicle numbers, etc.).

[0087] This analysis can be used as a reference for future road development plans and other related matters. [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0088] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the aggregated user information results are transmitted to the service provider 4 via the ETC central device 12, and the service provider 4 provides each service to the user 3 based on the aggregated results.

[0089] In contrast, a modified version of the first embodiment describes an example in which the ETC central unit 12 charges a discount to the toll fee that it bills to users of the ETC system 1 based on the aggregated user information results, and then bills the user 3 for the fee.

[0090] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the system in the second embodiment. When the ETC central unit 12 receives the user information aggregation results from the operator, the control unit of the ETC central unit 12 calculates the usage fee to be billed to user 3 from the usage details stored in the memory unit of the ETC central unit 12. Then, the control unit of the ETC central unit 12 calculates a discounted toll fee based on the calculated usage fee and the user information aggregation results. Finally, the control unit of the ETC central unit 12 transmits the toll fee information, including the discounted toll fee, to the credit card company 5.

[0091] The credit card company will then charge user 3 the discounted toll fee.

[0092] In this case, the service provider 4 no longer needs to provide various services to the user 3, so the road user service system 2 does not need to transmit information such as the user 3's location through the ETC central unit 12. Therefore, when pre-registering, the user information management device 7 only needs to obtain at least the user 3's ETC card ID.

[0093] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to the modified version of the first embodiment described above, by newly deploying a server 6 for road user services, the discount offered by the service provider 4 is determined, and the ETC central unit 12 uses the determined result to bill the user 3 for the usage fee minus the discount offered by the service provider 4. As a result, the user 3 can directly receive a discount on the usage fee, reducing the effort required of the user.

[0094] Furthermore, if there are routes or sections with low traffic volume, publicizing the various services available to those routes or sections can encourage their use.

[0095] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, although the embodiments show an example of sending and receiving data from the operation unit 661 via an operator, an operator is not required. That is, when user 3 performs system registration, the road user service server 6 may determine at a predetermined frequency (for example, once every two weeks, once a month, etc.) which system user 3 is eligible for, and transmit the aggregated user information results, including the determination result, directly to the ETC central unit 12.

[0096] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1…ETC system 11...ETC roadside machine 12...ETC central device 2…System for services for road users 3…User 31…ETC card 32…ETC on-board equipment 4…Service providers 41, 42, 43…Administration 5…Credit card companies 6…Server for services for road users 61... Control Unit 611…Usage details acquisition department 612…System Conditions Acquisition Department 613…System user extraction department 614...Output section 62…Program memory unit 63...Data storage unit 631…Usage details storage unit 632…Institutional condition storage unit 64…Communication Interface 65… Input / Output Interface 66...Input device 661...Operation unit 67…Output device 7. User Information Management Device 71... Control Unit 711…System user information acquisition department 712…System type determination department 72...Program memory unit 73...Data storage unit 731...User information storage unit 732...System registration condition memory unit 74…Communication Interface 75… Input / Output Interface 76…Input device 77…Output device

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that retrieves all usage details stored in the ETC system, and from all retrieved usage details, retrieves the usage details linked to the ETC card ID of the ETC card held by the pre-registered user. A storage unit that stores the system conditions for applying at least one of the following, implemented by a service provider: a discount to promote the use of toll roads where the ETC system is installed, or the provision of a predetermined service; An extraction unit extracts the usage details that meet the aforementioned system conditions, thereby extracting the systems applicable to the usage details, A communications unit that transmits extracted information including the extracted systems, A server equipped with services for road users.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the usage details in response to a system extraction instruction that includes the ETC card ID and other system user information and the usage period, and the acquired usage details are usage details corresponding to the usage period. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires system user information, including the user's personally identifiable information. The aforementioned server for road user services further comprises a system type determination unit that determines which system the user can use based on the personally identifiable information. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

4. The extracted information is used by the service provider for at least one of the following: discounts or provision of a specified service. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

5. The extracted information is used for discounting the usage fee when using the ETC system. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

6. The storage unit stores all the acquired usage details, and the usage details stored in the storage unit cover a longer period than the usage details stored in the ETC system. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

7. The system further includes an analysis unit that performs data analysis on toll roads using all usage details stored in the aforementioned storage unit. A server for road user services as described in claim 6.

8. The service provider is the government, A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

9. The predetermined service is a refund to the user, A server for road user services as described in claim 8.

10. The service provider is a group of administrative bodies, The aforementioned specified service is a refund to the user provided by each of the aforementioned multiple administrative bodies. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

11. The service provider is a business that provides the predetermined services for the purpose of attracting tourists. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

12. The prescribed services include senior citizen discounts, family discounts, discounts for users who have moved to the area, discounts for users who are tourists, distribution of goods, and reduction of resident tax. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

13. The user is a user who has met the registration conditions of the system, such as residing in a predetermined area. A server for road user services as described in claim 1.

14. A service method for road users executed by a server for small-scale services, To obtain all usage details stored in the ETC system and From all acquired usage details, the system retrieves usage details linked to the ETC card ID of the ETC card held by the pre-registered user, The system conditions for applying at least one of the following, implemented by the service provider: a discount to promote the use of toll roads where the ETC system is installed, or the provision of a specified service; By extracting the usage details that meet the aforementioned system conditions, the system applicable to the usage details is extracted. To transmit the extracted information, including the aforementioned extracted systems, A service method for road users that includes the following features.

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