Processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique for equalizing fares of respective users when sharing a transportation.SOLUTION: A processing portion 220 calculates a first ride-sharing section normal fare obtained by multiplying a first normal fare by a first ride-sharing section proportion and a second ride-sharing section normal fare obtained by multiplying a second normal fare by a second ride-sharing section proportion. The processing portion 220 calculates a first ride-sharing section fare obtained by dividing the first ride-sharing section normal fare by the number of ride-sharing persons and then integrating a system usage fee, and a second ride-sharing section fare obtained by dividing the second ride-sharing section normal fare by the number of ride-sharing persons and then integrating the system usage fee. The processing portion 220 calculates a first out-of-ride-sharing section fare obtained by subtracting the first ride-sharing section normal fare from the first normal fare, and a second out-of-ride-sharing section fare obtained by subtracting the second ride-sharing section normal fare from the second normal fare. The processing portion 220 calculates a first fare obtained by adding the first ride-sharing section fare and the first out-of-ride-sharing section fare and a second fare obtained by adding the second ride-sharing section fare and the second out-of-ride-sharing section fare.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to processing technology, and particularly relates to a processing method for determining fares for transportation facilities. [[Background Art]]

[0002] A terminal device including a non-contact IC (Integrated Circuit) is used for fare settlement when using transportation means such as trains and buses. It is desired to use such a terminal device not only for fare settlement but also for alighting guidance. To this end, the terminal device transmits a boarding stop code and an alighting stop code to a settlement means of a bus, and the settlement means pre-stores an operation route and stop codes, and issues a warning to the terminal device when the received alighting stop code is not included in the operation route (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-276940 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Taxis, which are one type of transportation, are not designed to accommodate unfamiliar strangers sharing a ride. Considering the improvement of transportation efficiency by taxis and the reduction of the amount that users should pay, it is preferable to allow a plurality of users to share a ride even if they are unfamiliar strangers. When a plurality of users share a ride, it is required to make the fare for each user fair.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for making the fare of each user fair when a plurality of users share a ride on transportation. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: obtaining a first route for a first user from a first departure point to a first destination; obtaining a second route for a second user from a second departure point to a second destination; obtaining a ride-sharing section which is the common part of the first and second routes and on which the first and second users can ride together; calculating a first ride-sharing section ratio which is the proportion of the first route that is occupied by the ride-sharing section and a second ride-sharing section ratio which is the proportion of the second route that is occupied by the ride-sharing section; calculating a first regular fare based on the distance of the first route and a second regular fare based on the distance of the second route; and calculating a first ride-sharing section which is the product of the first regular fare and the first ride-sharing section ratio. The system includes the steps of: calculating the regular fare and the second regular fare for the shared section, which is obtained by multiplying the regular fare by the second regular fare and the second shared section ratio; calculating the first shared section fare by dividing the first regular fare for the shared section by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee, and calculating the second shared section fare by dividing the second regular fare for the shared section by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; calculating the fare outside the shared section by subtracting the first regular fare for the shared section from the first regular fare and subtracting the second regular fare for the shared section from the second regular fare; and calculating the first fare by adding the first shared section fare and the fare outside the shared section and the fare outside the shared section and the fare outside the shared section.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is also a processing method. This method includes the steps of: obtaining a first route for a first user from a first origin to a first destination; obtaining a second route for a second user from a second origin to a second destination; obtaining a ride-sharing section which is the common portion of the first and second routes and on which the first and second users can ride together; calculating a first ride-sharing section ratio which is the proportion of the first route that is occupied by the ride-sharing section, and a second ride-sharing section ratio which is the proportion of the second route that is occupied by the ride-sharing section; calculating a first regular fare based on the distance of the first route and a second regular fare based on the distance of the second route; and calculating a first ride-sharing section regular fare obtained by multiplying the first regular fare by the first ride-sharing section ratio, and a second regular fare. The system includes the steps of: calculating the regular fare for the second shared ride section by multiplying it by the ratio of the second shared ride section; calculating the regular fare for the second shared ride section by dividing it by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; obtaining the lower of the regular fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the second shared ride section as the fare for the first shared ride section; calculating the fare outside the first shared ride section by subtracting the regular fare for the first shared ride section from the regular fare for the first shared ride section, and calculating the fare outside the second shared ride section by subtracting the regular fare for the second shared ride section from the regular fare for the second shared ride section; and calculating the first fare by adding the fare for the first shared ride section and the fare outside the first shared ride section, and calculating the second fare by adding the fare for the second shared ride section and the fare outside the second shared ride section.

[0008] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, when multiple users share a mode of transport, the fare for each user can be made fair. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of an example of the processing of the processing system according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the processing system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure by the processing system. [Figure 4] This figure shows the data structure of the table stored in the memory unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps following Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a)-(f) show an overview of the process for determining whether a shared ride is possible in the processing unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a)-(b) show the data structure of the database stored in the memory unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps that follow. [Figure 9] Figures 9(a)-(b) show the data structure of another database stored in the memory unit of Figure 2. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure by the processing system according to Example 2. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps following Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps following Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Example 1) Before describing this disclosure in detail, let me give an overview. Example 1 relates to a processing system that links fares paid to transportation operators and service usage amounts (coupons) paid to service providers to determine the final fare. An example of a transportation operator is a taxi company. Here, the fare is the amount determined according to the distance traveled when a user rides in a taxi. The fare is the amount determined based on the fare and is the final amount that the user should pay to the taxi company.

[0012] Until now, taxi operators and service centers have not been coordinated. Therefore, when a user uses a taxi to access a service center, the fare the user pays to the taxi operator is equal to the regular fare. In addition, the user pays a service fee to the service provider at the service center. In other words, the fare and the service fee are paid separately. If the fare for using a service center is reduced, users may use the service center more frequently. Furthermore, if users use the service center more frequently, the amount spent on services at the service center may increase. To achieve this, in this embodiment, when a user uses a taxi to access a service center, the service provider issues a coupon. The fare is then determined by subtracting the coupon amount from the regular fare. In other words, the service provider bears a portion of the fare.

[0013] In such a processing system, considering the efficiency of transportation by taxi and the reduction of operating fees, it is preferable for multiple users, even strangers, to share a taxi. In such a situation, it is necessary to ensure that the fare for each user is fair. The first user and the second user can share a taxi in the common portion of the first route they take and the second route they take. The fares for the first user and the second user can be determined by splitting the fare in the shareable section (hereinafter referred to as the "shared section").

[0014] On the other hand, taxi fares are generally determined by adding a distance-based surcharge to the initial fare. Also, the amount for distance differs between the initial fare and the surcharge. Therefore, if the distance of the first route and the distance of the second route are different, the impact of the initial fare on the shared ride section will also differ. As mentioned above, when the fare for the shared ride section is split equally, the impact of the initial fare on the shared ride section will differ between the fare of the first user and the fare of the second user. When the impact of the initial fare on the shared ride section differs, the fares for each user cannot be said to be fair. In order to make the fares for each user fair, in this embodiment, the fares are determined so that the impact of the initial fare on the shared ride section is equal.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows an outline of an example of processing by the processing system 1000. Here, a case is assumed where a first user 10a rides in a taxi 60 and travels from a first departure point 20a to a first destination 22a along a first route 24a. It is also assumed that a second user 10b rides in a taxi 60 and travels from a second departure point 20b to a second destination 22b along a second route 24b. For clarity of explanation, it is assumed that the first destination 22a and the second destination 22b are the same. Furthermore, the first route 24a and the second route 24b are common in a shared-ride section 26, and the first user 10a and the second user 10b share the taxi 60 in the shared-ride section 26.

[0016] To explain this situation in further detail, the first user 10a boards the taxi 60 at the first departure point 20a. The taxi 60 travels from the first departure point 20a along the first route 24a and arrives at the second departure point 20b. The second user 10b boards the taxi 60 at the second departure point 20b. The taxi 60 travels from the second departure point 20b along the first route 24a (the second route 24b) and arrives at the first destination 22a (the second destination 22b). Here, a part of the first route 24a (the second route 24b) from the second departure point 20b to the first destination 22a (the second destination 22b) is the shared-ride section 26. The first user 10a and the second user 10b get off the taxi 60 at the first destination 22a (the second destination 22b). In such a situation, the processing system 1000 determines the fare for the first user 10a and the fare for the second user 10b in a fair manner. The determination of the fares will be described later.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, a service base is located at the first destination 22a (the second destination 22b). A service base is a facility for providing services operated by a service provider. Examples of service bases include hospitals, pharmacies, schools, cram schools, lesson classrooms, restaurants, eateries, coffee shops, supermarkets, shopping malls, tourist spots, tourist facilities, fitness clubs, gyms, health management centers, full-body medical check-up facilities, beauty salons, barber shops, art museums, science museums, golf courses, movie theaters, theaters, stadiums, halls, exhibition venues, bowling alleys, karaoke venues, nursing homes, care facilities, hotels, Japanese-style inns, accommodation facilities, hot spring facilities, darts venues, convenience stores, banks, post offices, financial institutions, amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and culture centers.

[0018] When the first user 10a and the second user 10b reserve a service base, the service provider issues a coupon for the reservation (hereinafter referred to as a "reservation coupon"). Further, when the first user 10a and the second user 10b use the service base, the service provider issues a coupon for the usage (hereinafter referred to as a "usage coupon"). For example, the amount of a reservation coupon is predetermined as a fixed amount. In addition, the amount of the usage coupon for the first user 10a is determined according to the amount paid by the first user 10a at the service base, and the amount of the usage coupon for the second user 10b is determined according to the amount paid by the second user 10b at the service base.

[0019] When the first user 10a (the second user 10b) is heading to the service base, the processing system 1000 determines the travel fare by subtracting the amount of the reservation coupon from the fare of the taxi 60. When the first user 10a (the second user 10b) is leaving the service base, the processing system 1000 determines the travel fare by subtracting the amount of the usage coupon from the fare of the taxi 60.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the processing system 1000. The processing system 1000 includes a first terminal device 100a, a second terminal device 100b, a service provider terminal device 110, a taxi terminal device 112, a taxi control terminal device 114, a bus terminal device 116, a bus ticket sales terminal device 118, and a processing unit 200, all collectively referred to as terminal devices 100. The processing unit 200 includes a communication unit 210, a processing unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

[0021] The first terminal device 100a is used by the first user 10a (Figure 1), and the second terminal device 100b is used by the second user 10b (Figure 1). The terminal device 100 is, for example, a smartphone and can communicate with the processing unit 200 via wireless communication.

[0022] The service provider terminal device 110, taxi terminal device 112, taxi control terminal device 114, bus terminal device 116, and bus ticket sales terminal device 118 are, for example, smartphones and can communicate with the processing unit 200 via wireless communication. These devices have different users and run different applications for the processing system 1000. The service provider terminal device 110 is used by service provider personnel, the taxi terminal device 112 is used by taxi drivers 60, and the taxi control terminal device 114 is used by taxi operator control personnel. The bus terminal device 116 is used by bus drivers, and the bus ticket sales terminal device 118 is used by bus operator ticket sales personnel. Processing including bus operators will be described later.

[0023] The processing unit 200 is a computer capable of performing processing for the processing system 1000. The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 can communicate with the first terminal device 100a, the second terminal device 100b, the service provider terminal device 110, the taxi terminal device 112, the taxi control terminal device 114, the bus terminal device 116, and the bus ticket sales terminal device 118. The processing unit 220 performs processing for the processing system 1000 based on signals received from at least one of the first terminal device 100a to the bus ticket sales terminal device 118 via the communication unit 210. When performing processing for the processing system 1000, the processing unit 220 may use information stored in the storage unit 230. The processing unit 220 also transmits signals to at least one of the first terminal device 100a to the bus ticket sales terminal device 118 via the communication unit 210.

[0024] To explain the processing for processing system 1000, Figures 3 to 8 will also be used below. Processing system 1000 is configured with a user ID to identify the first user 10a (hereinafter referred to as the "first user ID"), a user ID to identify the second user 10b (hereinafter referred to as the "second user ID"), and a service provider ID to identify the service provider.

[0025] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure by the processing system 1000. The first user 10a reserves use of the service provider's services using the first terminal device 100a. The reservation may be made via the internet to the service provider's server (not shown), or by telephone with a person in charge using the service provider terminal device 110. The service provider's server or the service provider terminal device 110 generates reservation information for the first user 10a based on the reservation. The reservation information for the first user 10a includes the first user ID, the service provider ID, and the reservation date and time. The service provider's server and the service provider terminal device 110 share the reservation information. When the service provider terminal device 110 receives the reservation information, it issues a reservation coupon to the first user 10a (S10). As mentioned above, the amount of the reservation coupon is predetermined as a fixed amount. The service provider terminal device 110 sends a notification of the issuance of the reservation coupon to the processing device 200 (S12). The notification of the issuance of the reservation coupon includes the first user ID, the service provider ID, and the amount of the reservation coupon.

[0026] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives notification of the issuance of a reservation coupon from the service provider terminal device 110. When the processing unit 220 receives notification of the issuance of a reservation coupon from the communication unit 210, it issues a reservation coupon to the first user 10a (S14). The reservation coupon is associated with the service provider ID of the issuer, the first user ID of the recipient, and the amount of the reservation coupon. The processing unit 220 stores the reservation coupon information in the storage unit 230. The communication unit 210 transmits the reservation coupon issued by the processing unit 220 to the first terminal device 100a (S16).

[0027] When the first terminal device 100a receives a reservation coupon from the processing device 200, it stores the reservation coupon. The first user 10a uses the first terminal device 100a to access the processing device 200 and make a taxi reservation (S18), and also sends the taxi reservation information to the processing device 200 (S20). The taxi reservation information includes the first user ID, the time of departure, the first departure point 20a, and the first destination 22a. The time of departure is indicated, for example, as "11:00", and the first departure point 20a and the first destination 22a are indicated, for example, by latitude and longitude.

[0028] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives taxi reservation information from the first terminal device 100a. The processing unit 220 accepts the reservation by obtaining the first user ID, pick-up time slot, first departure point 20a, and first destination 22a from the taxi reservation information received by the communication unit 210 (S22). Once the processing unit 220 accepts the reservation, it stores the first user ID, pick-up time slot, first departure point 20a, and first destination 22a in the storage unit 230, and starts matching for ride-sharing while referring to the table stored in the storage unit 230 (S24).

[0029] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the table stored in the memory unit 230. Matching is performed in the order of "1", "2", and "3" in the table. The processing unit 220 checks whether "1: There is a prior reservation." Whether or not there is a prior reservation is determined by whether or not the user ID, boarding time, departure place, and destination information for other users 10 are stored in the memory unit 230. If "1: There is a prior reservation," the processing unit 220 checks whether "2: Carpooling is possible" with the user 10 of that prior reservation. If "2: Carpooling is possible," the processing unit 220 checks whether "3: Carpooling consent has been obtained." If "3: Carpooling consent has been obtained," the processing unit 220 decides to carpool. On the other hand, if there is no prior reservation, or if carpooling is not possible, or if carpooling consent cannot be obtained, the processing unit 220 decides not to carpool. Return to Figure 3.

[0030] Here, since there are no reservations prior to the taxi reservation of the first user 10a, the processing unit 220 decides not to share a ride. The processing unit 220 calculates the fare for the first user 10a associated with the first user ID (S26). Specifically, the processing unit 220 generates multiple candidate routes from the first departure point 20a to the first destination 22a of the first user 10a, and selects one of the multiple candidate routes as the first route 24a. Here, known techniques can be used to generate the multiple candidate routes. Furthermore, from among the travel distances of each of the multiple candidate routes, the candidate route with the shortest travel distance can be selected, for example. In other words, the processing unit 220 obtains the first route 24a from the first departure point 20a to the first destination 22a for the first user 10a.

[0031] The memory unit 230 stores in advance the correspondence between travel distance and fare, and the processing unit 220 refers to the correspondence stored in the memory unit 230 to calculate the normal fare (hereinafter referred to as the "first normal fare") when traveling on the first route 24a alone. The normal fare is the fare obtained by adding an additional fare to the initial fare. In other words, the processing unit 220 calculates the first normal fare based on the distance of the first route 24a. The processing unit 220 stores the first route 24a and the first normal fare in the memory unit 230, associating them with the first user ID.

[0032] The first user 10a operates the first terminal device 100a to read a reservation coupon that has already been stored (S28). The first terminal device 100a transmits the reservation coupon to the processing device 200 (S30).

[0033] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the reservation coupon from the first terminal device 100a. The processing unit 220 obtains the service provider ID, the first user ID, and the amount of the reservation coupon from the reservation coupon received by the communication unit 210. If the first user ID of the reservation coupon matches the first user ID of the first regular fare, the processing unit 220 stores the amount of the reservation coupon in the storage unit 230 and determines the operating fare (hereinafter referred to as the "first operating fare") by subtracting the amount of the reservation coupon, etc., from the first regular fare (S32). The amount to be deducted other than the reservation coupon will be described later. The processing unit 220 stores the first operating fare in the storage unit 230 in association with the first user ID. The communication unit 210 transmits the first operating fare to the first terminal device 100a (S34).

[0034] The first terminal device 100a receives the first fare from the processing device 200. The first terminal device 100a displays the first fare on its display (S36). The first user 10a confirms the first fare displayed on the display and inputs payment information to the first terminal device 100a to execute payment using the first fare (S38). The first terminal device 100a transmits the payment information to the processing device 200 (S40). The payment information includes the first user ID and the first fare.

[0035] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives payment information. The processing unit 220 obtains the first user ID and the first fare from the payment information received by the communication unit 210 and performs payment using the first fare (S42). Known technology may be used for payment. After the processing unit 220 has completed the payment, the communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 sends a request for taxi reservation to the taxi terminal device 112 (S44). The request for taxi reservation includes information on the first user ID, first departure point 20a, first destination 22a, first route 24a, and time of ride.

[0036] The taxi terminal device 112 receives a taxi reservation request from the processing device 200 (S46). The taxi terminal device 112 displays the information included in the taxi reservation request on its display. The taxi driver checks the displayed information and, if they determine that a taxi can be dispatched, operates the taxi terminal device 112 to decide on dispatch (S48). The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the dispatch information to the first terminal device 100a (S50). The dispatch information includes the ID of the taxi terminal device 112, the number shown on the vehicle registration plate of the taxi 60, and the estimated time of arrival at the first departure point 20a. The first terminal device 100a receives the dispatch information.

[0037] If a taxi driver determines that a taxi is not available, they operate the taxi terminal device 112 to decide to refuse the dispatch. The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the dispatch refusal information to the processing device 200. When the communication unit 210 of the processing device 200 receives the dispatch refusal information, it sends a request for a taxi reservation to another taxi terminal device 112, and the process is repeated. The dispatch of taxi 60 may not be made directly to the taxi terminal device 112, but may be made via the taxi control terminal device 114 (Figure 2).

[0038] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure following Figure 3. The second user 10b reserves use of the service provider's services using the second terminal device 100b. The reservation is made as described above. The service provider's server or service provider terminal device 110 generates reservation information for the second user 10b based on the reservation. The reservation information for the second user 10b includes the second user ID, service provider ID, and reservation date and time. The service provider's server and service provider terminal device 110 share the reservation information. When the service provider terminal device 110 receives the reservation information, it issues a reservation coupon to the second user 10b (S100). The service provider terminal device 110 sends a notification of the issuance of the reservation coupon to the processing device 200 (S102). The notification of the issuance of the reservation coupon includes the second user ID, service provider ID, and the amount of the reservation coupon.

[0039] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives notification of the issuance of a reservation coupon from the service provider terminal device 110. When the processing unit 220 receives notification of the issuance of a reservation coupon from the communication unit 210, it issues a reservation coupon to the second user 10b (S104). The reservation coupon is associated with the service provider ID of the issuer, the second user ID of the recipient, and the amount of the reservation coupon. The processing unit 220 stores the reservation coupon information in the storage unit 230. The communication unit 210 transmits the reservation coupon issued by the processing unit 220 to the second terminal device 100b (S106).

[0040] When the second terminal device 100b receives a reservation coupon from the processing device 200, it stores the reservation coupon. The second user 10b uses the second terminal device 100b to access the processing device 200 and make a taxi reservation (S108), and also sends the taxi reservation information to the processing device 200 (S110). The taxi reservation information includes the second user ID, the time of boarding, the second departure point 20b, and the second destination 22b.

[0041] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives taxi reservation information from the second terminal device 100b. The processing unit 220 accepts the reservation by obtaining the second user ID, pick-up time slot, second departure point 20b, and second destination 22b from the taxi reservation information received by the communication unit 210 (S112). Once the processing unit 220 accepts the reservation, it stores the information of the second user ID, pick-up time slot, second departure point 20b, and second destination 22b in the storage unit 230, and starts matching for ride-sharing while referring to the table stored in the storage unit 230 (S114).

[0042] As mentioned above, matching is performed according to the order shown in the table stored in the memory unit 230. First, the processing unit 220 checks whether "1: There is a prior reservation." The processing unit 220 confirms that there is a prior reservation because information for the first user 10a is stored in the memory unit 230.

[0043] Next, the processing unit 220 checks whether the second user 10b is eligible to "ride together" with the first user 10a. To do this, the processing unit 220 generates multiple candidate routes from the second user 10b's departure point (second departure point 20b in Figure 1) to its destination (second destination 22b in Figure 1), and selects one of these candidate routes as the second route 24b. Here, the generation of multiple candidate routes and the selection of the second route 24b are performed as described above. In other words, the processing unit 220 obtains the second route 24b from the second departure point 20b to the second destination 22b for the second user 10b.

[0044] The processing unit 220 obtains the first route 24a from the storage unit 230 and identifies the common portion of the first route 24a and the second route 24b. This common portion is a "shared section" that the first user 10a and the second user 10b can share. The processing unit 220 also calculates the second shared section ratio, which is the proportion of the second route 24b occupied by the shared section, by dividing the distance of the shared section by the distance of the second route 24b.

[0045] The processing unit 220 identifies a vector from the first destination 22a to the first departure point 20a (hereinafter referred to as the "first vector") and a vector from the second destination 22b to the second departure point 20b (hereinafter referred to as the "second vector"). The processing unit 220 obtains the angle between the first vector and the second vector as the path angle.

[0046] The processing unit 220 confirms that the second user 10b can share a ride with the first user 10a if the proportion of the second ride-sharing section is 75% or more and the angle between the routes is 90 degrees or less. On the other hand, if the proportion of the second ride-sharing section is not 75% or more, or if the angle between the routes is not 90 degrees or less, the processing unit 220 confirms that the second user 10b cannot share a ride with the first user 10a.

[0047] To explain this process, we will also use Figures 6(a)-(g). Figures 6(a)-(f) show an overview of the process for determining whether ride-sharing is possible in the processing unit 220. Figure 6(a) is an example of the first route 24a and the second route 24b, and is shown in the same way as in Figure 1. In Figure 6(a), the ratio of the second ride-sharing section is "100%". Figure 6(b) shows the first vector 30a for the first route 24a and the second vector 30b for the second route 24b in Figure 6(a). In Figure 6(b), the angle θ1 between the first vector 30a and the second vector 30b is 90 degrees or less. Therefore, the processing unit 220 determines that ride-sharing is possible for the first route 24a and the second route 24b in Figure 6(a).

[0048] Figure 6(c) shows another example of the first route 24a and the second route 24b. In Figure 6(c), the first destination 22a and the second destination 22b are located in different positions. In Figure 6(c), the percentage of the second shared section is less than "75%". Figure 6(d) shows the first vector 30a for the first route 24a and the second vector 30b for the second route 24b in Figure 6(c). In Figure 6(d), the angle θ1 between the first vector 30a and the second vector 30b is 90 degrees or less. Therefore, the processing unit 220 determines that shared travel is not possible for the first route 24a and the second route 24b in Figure 6(c).

[0049] Figure 6(e) shows yet another example of the first path 24a and the second path 24b. In Figure 6(e), the second path 24b has a curved shape. In Figure 6(e), the percentage of the second shared section is less than "75%". Figure 6(f) shows the first vector 30a for the first path 24a and the second vector 30b for the second path 24b in Figure 6(e). In Figure 6(f), the angle θ2 between the first vector 30a and the second vector 30b is greater than 90 degrees. Therefore, the processing unit 220 determines that shared access is not possible for the first path 24a and the second path 24b in Figure 6(e). Return to Figure 5.

[0050] Next, the processing unit 220 checks whether "3: Shared ride acceptance" has been obtained from the second user 10b and the first user 10a. The processing unit 220 generates a signal (hereinafter referred to as "shared ride confirmation") to the first user 10a to confirm acceptance of shared ride with the second user 10b. The shared ride confirmation includes information on the second user ID, second departure point 20b, second destination 22b, and second route 24b. The communication unit 210 transmits the shared ride confirmation to the first terminal device 100a (S116).

[0051] The first terminal device 100a receives a ride-sharing confirmation from the processing device 200. The first terminal device 100a displays at least one of the information included in the ride-sharing confirmation—the second user ID, the second departure point 20b, the second destination 22b, and the second route 24b—on its display and asks the first user 10a whether to accept ride-sharing with the second user 10b. The first user 10a accepts ride-sharing by operating the first terminal device 100a (S118). If the first terminal device 100a has received the ride-sharing acceptance, it transmits a signal indicating ride-sharing acceptance (hereinafter referred to as "ride-sharing acceptance") to the processing device 200 (S120). The ride-sharing acceptance includes the first user ID and the second user ID. When the communication unit 210 of the processing device 200 receives the ride-sharing acceptance from the first terminal device 100a, the processing unit 220 confirms the first user 10a's acceptance of ride-sharing.

[0052] The processing unit 220 generates a ride-sharing confirmation to confirm the second user 10b's consent to ride-sharing with the first user 10a. The ride-sharing confirmation includes information on the first user ID, first departure point 20a, first destination 22a, and first route 24a. The communication unit 210 transmits the ride-sharing confirmation to the second terminal device 100b (S122).

[0053] The second terminal device 100b receives a ride-sharing confirmation from the processing device 200. The second terminal device 100b displays at least one of the information included in the ride-sharing confirmation—the first user ID, the first departure point 20a, the first destination 22a, and the first route 24a—on its display and asks the second user 10b whether to accept ride-sharing with the first user 10a. The second user 10b accepts ride-sharing by operating the second terminal device 100b (S124). If the second terminal device 100b has received the ride-sharing acceptance, it transmits the ride-sharing acceptance to the processing device 200 (S126). The ride-sharing acceptance includes the second user ID and the first user ID. When the communication unit 210 of the processing device 200 receives the ride-sharing acceptance from the second terminal device 100b, the processing unit 220 confirms the second user 10b's acceptance of ride-sharing. The processing unit 220 confirms the matching between the first user 10a and the second user 10b by verifying the consent of both the first user 10a and the second user 10b to share the ride (S128).

[0054] Once the matching is confirmed, the processing unit 220 calculates the fare for the shared ride between the first user 10a and the second user 10b (S130). To illustrate the fare calculation, Figures 7(a)-(b) are also used. Figures 7(a)-(b) show the data structure of the database stored in the storage unit 230. The upper part of each table in Figures 7(a)-(b) shows information about the first user 10a, and the lower part shows information about the second user 10b.

[0055] In Figure 7(a), the "boarding time" for the first user 10a is obtained from the taxi reservation information mentioned above. The "estimated boarding distance" for the first user 10a is obtained when selecting the first route 24a. The "actual boarding distance" for the first user 10a is not obtained at this time and will be obtained when the first user 10a alights. The "regular fare" for the first user 10a is the first regular fare mentioned above. The "ride-sharing distance" for the first user 10a is obtained when checking whether "2: ride-sharing is possible" is available.

[0056] The "ride-sharing section ratio" for the first user 10a is the ratio of the ride-sharing section to the first route 24a (hereinafter also referred to as the "first ride-sharing section ratio"). The first ride-sharing section ratio is calculated in the processing unit 220 by dividing the distance of the ride-sharing section by the distance of the first route 24a. The "non-ride-sharing section ratio" for the first user 10a is the ratio of the non-ride-sharing section to the first route 24a (hereinafter also referred to as the "first non-ride-sharing section ratio"). The first non-ride-sharing section ratio is calculated in the processing unit 220 by subtracting the first ride-sharing section ratio from 1. The "system usage fee" for the first user 10a is the fee for using the processing system 1000, and is predetermined, for example, "1.3".

[0057] The "boarding time" for the second user 10b in Figure 7(a) is also obtained from the taxi reservation information mentioned above. The "estimated boarding distance" for the second user 10b is obtained when selecting the second route 24b. The "actual boarding distance" for the second user 10b is not obtained at this time and will be obtained when the second user 10b alights. The "regular fare" for the second user 10b is the regular fare for riding the second route 24b alone (hereinafter referred to as the "second regular fare"). The second regular fare is calculated by the processing unit 220 based on the correspondence between boarding distance and fare, which is stored in the memory unit 230 in advance, similar to the first regular fare mentioned above. The "ride-sharing section distance" for the second user 10b is also obtained when checking whether "2: ride-sharing is possible".

[0058] The "ride-sharing section ratio" for the second user 10b is the second ride-sharing section ratio obtained when confirming whether "2: ride-sharing is possible". The "ride-sharing section non-ratio ratio" for the second user 10b is the ratio of the second route 24b that is not a ride-sharing section (hereinafter also referred to as the "second ride-sharing section non-ratio"). The second ride-sharing section non-ratio is calculated in the processing unit 220 by subtracting the second ride-sharing section ratio from 1. The "system usage fee" for the second user 10b is also a fee for using the processing system 1000, and is predetermined, for example, as "1.3".

[0059] In Figure 7(b), the value calculated as follows is entered into the "Regular Fare for Shared Ride Section". The processing unit 220 calculates the result of multiplying the first regular fare by the first shared ride section ratio (hereinafter referred to as the "Regular Fare for the First Shared Ride Section") for the first user 10a. The processing unit 220 also calculates the result of multiplying the second regular fare by the second shared ride section ratio (hereinafter referred to as the "Regular Fare for the Second Shared Ride Section") for the second user 10b.

[0060] The value calculated as follows is entered into the "rideshare fare". At that time, the value shown in "number of ridesharers", for example "2", is used. The processing unit 220 calculates the "first rideshare fare" for the first user 10a by dividing the first rideshare fare by the number of ridesharers and then adding the system usage fee. The processing unit 220 also calculates the "second rideshare fare" for the second user 10b by dividing the second rideshare fare by the number of ridesharers and then adding the system usage fee.

[0061] The following values ​​are entered into the "fare outside the shared ride zone" field. The processing unit 220 calculates the result of subtracting the first shared ride zone regular fare from the first regular fare (hereinafter referred to as the "first shared ride zone fare"). The processing unit 220 may also calculate the "first shared ride zone fare" as the result of multiplying the first regular fare by the first shared ride zone percentage. The processing unit 220 calculates the result of subtracting the second shared ride zone regular fare from the second regular fare (hereinafter referred to as the "second shared ride zone fare").

[0062] The "fare after ride-sharing calculation" is the fare when ride-sharing is taken into account. The value calculated as follows is entered into the "fare after ride-sharing calculation". Processing unit 220 calculates the result of adding the fare for the first ride-sharing section and the fare outside the first ride-sharing section (hereinafter referred to as the "first fare"). Processing unit 220 also calculates the result of adding the fare for the second ride-sharing section and the fare outside the second ride-sharing section (hereinafter referred to as the "second fare"). For example, if the first user 10a rides the first route 24a alone, they pay the first normal fare of "840 yen". On the other hand, if the first user 10a rides with the second user 10b in the ride-sharing section of the first route 24a and rides the rest alone, they pay the first fare of "742 yen". In other words, the fare decreases by ride-sharing. The remainder in Figure 7(b) will be described later and return to Figure 5. The fare is determined by the above processing (S132).

[0063] The second user 10b operates the second terminal device 100b to read a reservation coupon that has already been stored (S134). The second terminal device 100b transmits the reservation coupon to the processing device 200 (S136).

[0064] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the reservation coupon from the second terminal device 100b. The processing unit 220 obtains the service provider ID, the second user ID, and the amount of the reservation coupon from the reservation coupon received by the communication unit 210. If the second user ID of the reservation coupon matches the second user ID of the second fare, the processing unit 220 stores the amount of the reservation coupon in the database of the storage unit 230.

[0065] The processing unit 220 determines the fares for the first user 10a and the second user 10b when they share a ride (hereinafter referred to as the "first fare" and the "second fare," respectively) (S138). In Figure 7(b), the "time-of-day discount amount" indicates a predetermined discount amount according to the time of travel, and the "service provider coupon discount amount" indicates the discount amount due to a coupon issued by the service provider terminal device 110, such as a reservation coupon. If the service provider coupon discount amount for the first user 10a is called the "first coupon amount," then the service provider coupon discount amount for the second user 10b is called the "second coupon amount." Also, if an addition is made according to the time of travel, the "time-of-day discount amount" is shown as a positive value. The "total discount amount" indicates the sum of the time-of-day discount amount and the service provider coupon discount amount. As an example, the total discount amount for the first user 10a is "-300 yen," and the total discount amount for the second user 10b is "-200 yen."

[0066] The "operating fee" is the fare amount with the discount reflected. The processing unit 220 calculates the first operating fee by reflecting the total discount amount for the first user 10a in the first fare. The processing unit 220 also calculates the second operating fee by reflecting the total discount amount for the second user 10b in the second fare.

[0067] This first fare is the "first fare when sharing a ride". The first fare when sharing a ride is, for example, the first fare of "742 yen" minus 300 yen, which is "442 yen". On the other hand, as mentioned above, the processing unit 200 has already settled the payment for the first user 10a based on the assumption that the first user 10a is riding alone, using the first fare (hereinafter also referred to as the "first fare when riding alone"). The first fare when riding alone is, for example, the first regular fare of "840 yen" minus 300 yen, which is "540 yen". In other words, because the first user 10a changed from riding alone to riding with others, the first fare decreases from "540 yen" to "442 yen". Since the processing unit 220 has already settled the payment for the first user 10a, it returns this difference to the first user 10a as a "ride-sharing coupon amount". The processing unit 220 calculates the ride-sharing coupon amount by subtracting the first ride-sharing fare from the first ride-sharing fare when traveling alone. This is equivalent to calculating the ride-sharing coupon amount by subtracting the first ride-sharing section fare from the regular fare for the first ride-sharing section. Returning to Figure 7, the communication unit 210 transmits the second ride-sharing fare to the second terminal device 100b (S140).

[0068] The second terminal device 100b receives the second fare from the processing device 200. The second terminal device 100b displays the second fare on its display (S142). The second user 10b confirms the second fare displayed on the display and inputs payment information to the second terminal device 100b to execute payment using the second fare (S144). The second terminal device 100b transmits the payment information to the processing device 200 (S146). The payment information includes the second user ID and the second fare.

[0069] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives payment information. The processing unit 220 obtains the first user ID and the second fare from the payment information received by the communication unit 210 and performs payment using the second fare (S148). Known technology may be used for payment. After the processing unit 220 has completed the payment, the communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 sends a taxi reservation request to the taxi terminal device 112 (S150). The taxi reservation request includes information on the second user ID, second departure point 20b, second destination 22b, second route 24b, and time of ride. Furthermore, the taxi reservation request also includes information indicating that the taxi will be shared with the first user ID and the first user 10a.

[0070] The taxi terminal device 112 receives a taxi reservation request from the processing device 200 (S152). The taxi terminal device 112 displays the information included in the taxi reservation request on its display. Based on the displayed information, the taxi driver recognizes that they will be sharing a ride with the first user 10a and operates the taxi terminal device 112 to decide on the dispatch (S154). The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the dispatch information to the second terminal device 100b (S156). The dispatch information includes the ID of the taxi terminal device 112, the number shown on the vehicle registration plate of the taxi 60, and the estimated time of arrival at the second departure point 20b. The second terminal device 100b receives the dispatch information. The communication unit 210 of the processing device 200 transmits a ride-sharing coupon to the first terminal device 100a (S158). In other words, the processing device 200 settles the first user 10a with the normal fare for the first ride-sharing section and then refunds the ride-sharing coupon amount. The first terminal device 100a receives a ride-sharing coupon and stores the ride-sharing coupon.

[0071] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure following Figure 5. The first user 10a, who possesses the first terminal device 100a, boards taxi 60 at the first departure point 20a (S200). Taxi 60 moves from the first departure point 20a to the second departure point 20b. The second user 10b, who possesses the second terminal device 100b, boards taxi 60 at the second departure point 20b (S202).

[0072] The taxi 60 carrying the first user 10a, who possesses the first terminal device 100a, arrives at the first destination 22a (S204). The taxi occupant operates the service provider terminal device 110 to input information that the passenger has disembarked (S206). The disembarkation information includes the first user ID. The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the disembarkation information to the processing unit 200 (S208). The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the disembarkation information. The processing unit 220 obtains the first user ID from the disembarkation information received by the communication unit 210 and, while referring to the database stored in the storage unit 230, executes the disembarkation completion processing for the first user 10a (S210). For example, the processing unit 220 adds a disembarkation completion flag to the information about the first user 10a stored in the storage unit 230.

[0073] The taxi 60 carrying the second user 10b, who possesses the second terminal device 100b, arrives at the second destination 22b (S212). The taxi occupant operates the service provider terminal device 110 to input information that the passenger has disembarked (S214). The disembarkation information includes the second user ID. The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the disembarkation information to the processing unit 200 (S216). The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the disembarkation information. The processing unit 220 obtains the second user ID from the disembarkation information received by the communication unit 210 and, while referring to the database stored in the storage unit 230, executes the disembarkation completion processing for the second user 10b (S218). For example, the processing unit 220 adds a disembarkation completion flag to the information about the second user 10b stored in the storage unit 230. The first user 10a, who possesses the first terminal device 100a, gets out of the taxi 60 (S220), and the second user 10b, who possesses the second terminal device 100b, also gets out of the taxi 60 (S222).

[0074] In the above explanation, when user 10 reserves or uses a service location, the service provider terminal device 110 (service provider) issues a reservation coupon or a usage coupon. The reservation coupon or usage coupon is used to discount the taxi 60 fare. On the other hand, when user 10 uses a bus, the bus terminal device 116 or the bus ticket sales terminal device 118 (bus operator) may issue a bus coupon. The bus coupon is used to discount the taxi 60 fare, similar to the reservation coupon or usage coupon.

[0075] Up until now, the calculation of the first and second fares in the processing unit 220 has been performed as shown in Figures 7(a)-(b), but is not limited to this. Here, another example of the calculation of the first and second fares in the processing unit 220 will be explained using Figures 9(a)-(b). Figures 9(a)-(b) show the data structure of another database stored in the storage unit 230. The upper part of each table in Figures 9(a)-(b) shows information about the first user 10a, and the lower part shows information about the second user 10b. Figure 9(a), that is, "boarding time," "boarding distance (forecast)," "boarding distance (actual)," "regular fare," "percentage of shared ride sections," "percentage of rides outside of shared ride sections," and "system usage fee" are the same as in Figure 7(a). Also, "regular fare for shared ride sections" in Figure 9(b) is the same as in Figure 7(b).

[0076] In Figure 9(b), the value calculated as follows is entered into the "rideshare fare". At that time, the value shown in "number of ridesharers", for example "2", is used. The processing unit 220 calculates the result for the second user 10b by dividing the regular fare for the second rideshare fare by the number of ridesharers and then adding the system usage fee (hereinafter referred to as the "second rideshare fare"). The processing unit 220 also obtains the lower of the regular fare for the first rideshare fare and the second rideshare fare for the first user 10a as the first rideshare fare. This is a process to make the first rideshare fare the same amount as the second rideshare fare, but to set the upper limit of the first rideshare fare to the regular fare for the first rideshare fare.

[0077] The "fare outside the shared ride zone" is the same as in Figure 7(b), and the "fare after shared ride calculation" is calculated in the same way as in Figure 7(b). The "time-of-day discount amount," "service provider coupon discount amount," and "total discount amount" are the same as in Figure 7(b), and the "operating fee" is calculated in the same way as in Figure 7(b).

[0078] This configuration can be implemented hardware-wise using the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and other LSIs (Large Scale Integrations) of any computer, and software-wise using programs loaded into memory. However, this description focuses on the functional blocks realized through the coordination of these components. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways, either solely through hardware or through a combination of hardware and software.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the first shared ride fare is calculated by dividing the regular fare for the first shared ride section by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee, and the second shared ride fare is calculated by dividing the regular fare for the second shared ride section by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee. This ensures that the impact of the initial fare on the shared ride section is fair. Furthermore, because the impact of the initial fare on the shared ride section is fair, the fare for each user can be made fair when multiple users share a mode of transport. In addition, since the lower of the regular fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the second shared ride section is obtained as the first shared ride fare, if the first shared ride fare is equal to the second shared ride fare, the fare for each user can be made fair when multiple users share a mode of transport. Furthermore, since the lower of the regular fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the second shared ride section is obtained as the first shared ride fare, it is possible to avoid the first shared ride fare being higher than the regular fare for the first shared ride section.

[0080] Furthermore, since the first fare is calculated by reflecting the first coupon amount in the first fare, and the second fare is calculated by reflecting the second coupon amount in the second fare, the fare can be made cheaper than the regular fare. Also, since the fare is cheaper than the regular fare, it can encourage the use of taxis. In addition, the ride-sharing coupon amount is calculated by subtracting the fare for the first ride-sharing section from the regular fare for the first ride-sharing section, and the ride-sharing coupon amount is refunded after payment is made using the regular fare for the first ride-sharing section, so payment can be made quickly.

[0081] (Example 2) Next, we will describe Example 2. Example 2 relates to a processing system similar to that of Example 1. In Example 1, the first user and the second user have already made their payment before the vehicle is dispatched. Therefore, the processing device settles the difference between the fare for solo travel and the fare for shared travel for the first user using a shared travel coupon. On the other hand, in Example 2, the first user and the second user have already made their payment upon alighting. Therefore, the processing device settles the payment for shared travel for the first user. The processing system 1000 in Example 2 is of the same type as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from Example 1.

[0082] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure by the processing system 1000. Steps 300 to 316 are the same as steps 10 to 26 in Figure 3. The processing unit 220 of the processing unit 200 determines the fare for the first user 10a that it has calculated, i.e., the first regular fare (S318). The communication unit 210 transmits the first regular fare to the first terminal device 100a (S320). The first terminal device 100a receives the first regular fare from the processing unit 200. The first terminal device 100a displays the first regular fare on its display (S322). The first user 10a confirms the first regular fare displayed on the display and operates the first terminal device 100a to confirm the taxi reservation (S324). The first terminal device 100a transmits a signal to the processing unit 200 to indicate the confirmation of the taxi reservation (hereinafter referred to as "reservation confirmation") (S326). The booking confirmation includes the first user ID and the first regular fare.

[0083] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the reservation confirmation. The processing unit 220 obtains the first user ID and the first regular fare from the reservation confirmation received by the communication unit 210 and decides to confirm the taxi reservation with the first regular fare (S328). After the processing unit 220 confirms the taxi reservation, the communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 sends a request for a taxi reservation to the taxi terminal device 112 (S330). The request for a taxi reservation includes information on the first user ID, first departure point 20a, first destination 22a, first route 24a, and time of ride. Steps 332 to 336 are the same as steps 46 to 50 in Figure 3.

[0084] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure following Figure 10. Steps 400 to 432 are the same as steps 100 to 132 in Figure 5. The communication unit 210 transmits the calculated fare for the second user 10b, i.e., the second fare, to the second terminal device 100b (S434). The second terminal device 100b receives the second fare from the processing unit 200. The second terminal device 100b displays the second fare on the display (S436). The second user 10b confirms the second fare displayed on the display and operates the second terminal device 100b to confirm the taxi reservation (S438). The second terminal device 100b transmits the reservation confirmation to the processing unit 200 (S440). The reservation confirmation includes the second user ID and the second fare.

[0085] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the reservation confirmation. The processing unit 220 obtains the second user ID and the second fare from the reservation confirmation received by the communication unit 210 and decides to confirm the taxi reservation with the second fare (S442). After the processing unit 220 confirms the taxi reservation, the communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 sends a request for a taxi reservation to the taxi terminal device 112 (S444). The request for a taxi reservation includes information on the second user ID, second departure point 20b, second destination 22b, second route 24b, and time of ride. Steps 446 to 450 are the same as steps 152 to 156 in Figure 5.

[0086] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure following Figure 11. The first user 10a, who possesses the first terminal device 100a, boards taxi 60 at the first departure point 20a (S500). Taxi 60 moves from the first departure point 20a to the second departure point 20b. The second user 10b, who possesses the second terminal device 100b, boards taxi 60 at the second departure point 20b (S502).

[0087] The taxi 60 carrying the first user 10a, who is holding the first terminal device 100a, arrives at the first destination 22a (S504). The taxi terminal device 112 displays a screen showing the first fare received from the processing device 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "payment screen") on its display (S506). The first user 10a operates the first terminal device 100a to present the reservation coupon that has already been stored (S508). The first terminal device 100a transmits the reservation coupon to the taxi terminal device 112 (S510). The terminal device 100 may be equipped with a contactless IC, and the service provider terminal device 110 may be connected to a contactless IC reader, so that the reservation coupon is transmitted from the terminal device 100 to the service provider terminal device 110 via the contactless IC reader. When the taxi terminal device 112 receives the reservation coupon, it reads the reservation coupon (S512). The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the reservation coupon to the processing device 200 (S514).

[0088] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the reservation coupon from the taxi terminal device 112. The processing unit 220 obtains the service provider ID, the first user ID, and the amount of the reservation coupon from the reservation coupon received by the communication unit 210. If the first user ID of the reservation coupon matches the first user ID of the first fare, the processing unit 220 calculates the first fare and confirms the first fare (S516). The processing unit 220 executes payment based on the first fare (S518). After executing payment, the processing unit 220 obtains the first user ID and, referring to the database stored in the storage unit 230, executes the disembarkation completion process for the first user 10a (S520). For example, the processing unit 220 adds a disembarkation completion flag to the information about the first user 10a stored in the storage unit 230. The first user 10a, who possesses the first terminal device 100a, disembarks from the taxi 60 (S522).

[0089] The taxi 60 carrying the second user 10b, who is holding the second terminal device 100b, arrives at the second destination 22b (S524). The taxi terminal device 112 displays a screen showing the second fare received from the processing device 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "payment screen") on its display (S526). The second user 10b operates the second terminal device 100b to present the reservation coupon that has already been stored (S528). The second terminal device 100b transmits the reservation coupon to the taxi terminal device 112 (S530). When the taxi terminal device 112 receives the reservation coupon, it reads the reservation coupon (S532). The taxi terminal device 112 transmits the reservation coupon to the processing device 200 (S534).

[0090] The communication unit 210 of the processing unit 200 receives the reservation coupon from the taxi terminal device 112. The processing unit 220 obtains the service provider ID, second user ID, and the amount of the reservation coupon from the reservation coupon received by the communication unit 210. If the second user ID of the reservation coupon matches the second user ID of the second fare, the processing unit 220 calculates the second fare and confirms the second fare (S536). The processing unit 220 executes the settlement based on the second fare (S528). After executing the settlement, the processing unit 220 obtains the second user ID and, while referring to the database stored in the storage unit 230, executes the disembarkation completion process for the second user 10b (S540). For example, the processing unit 220 adds a disembarkation completion flag to the information about the second user 10b stored in the storage unit 230. The second user 10b, who possesses the second terminal device 100b, disembarks from the taxi 60 (S542).

[0091] According to this embodiment, since payment is processed at the time of alighting, fare adjustment is unnecessary even when switching from solo travel to shared travel. Furthermore, since fare adjustment is unnecessary when switching from solo travel to shared travel, the process can be simplified.

[0092] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) A step to obtain the first route from the first departure point to the first destination for the first user, A step to obtain a second route for a second user from a second origin to a second destination, The steps include obtaining a ride-sharing section which is the common part of the first route and the second route and which the first user and the second user can ride together, The steps include calculating a first ride-sharing section ratio, which is the proportion of the ride-sharing section in the first route, and a second ride-sharing section ratio, which is the proportion of the ride-sharing section in the second route. A step of calculating a first regular fare based on the distance of the first route and a second regular fare based on the distance of the second route, The steps include calculating a first shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the first regular fare by the first shared-ride section ratio, and a second shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the second regular fare by the second shared-ride section ratio, The steps include: calculating the first shared ride fare by dividing the first shared ride fare by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; and calculating the second shared ride fare by dividing the second shared ride fare by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; The steps include calculating the first fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the first shared ride section fare from the first regular fare, and the second fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the second shared ride section fare from the second regular fare. A step of calculating a first fare by adding the fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the first shared ride section, and a second fare by adding the fare for the second shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the second shared ride section, A processing method comprising the following:

[0093] (Item 2) A step to obtain the first route from the first departure point to the first destination for the first user, A step to obtain a second route for a second user from a second origin to a second destination, The steps include obtaining a ride-sharing section which is the common part of the first route and the second route and which the first user and the second user can ride together, The steps include calculating a first ride-sharing section ratio, which is the proportion of the ride-sharing section in the first route, and a second ride-sharing section ratio, which is the proportion of the ride-sharing section in the second route. A step of calculating a first regular fare based on the distance of the first route and a second regular fare based on the distance of the second route, The steps include calculating a first shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the first regular fare by the first shared-ride section ratio, and a second shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the second regular fare by the second shared-ride section ratio, The steps include: calculating the second shared ride fare by dividing the regular fare for the second shared ride section by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; The steps include obtaining the lower of the regular fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the second shared ride section as the fare for the first shared ride section, The steps include calculating the first fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the first shared ride section fare from the first regular fare, and the second fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the second shared ride section fare from the second regular fare. A step of calculating a first fare by adding the fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the first shared ride section, and a second fare by adding the fare for the second shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the second shared ride section, A processing method comprising the following:

[0094] (Item 3) The steps include: reflecting the first coupon amount in the first fare, The processing method according to item 1 or 2, further comprising the step of reflecting the second coupon amount in the second fare.

[0095] (Item 4) The steps include: calculating the ride-sharing coupon amount by subtracting the fare for the first ride-sharing section from the regular fare for the first ride-sharing section; The processing method according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising the step of settling the payment at the regular fare for the first shared ride section and then refunding the amount of the shared ride coupon.

[0096] The present disclosure has been explained above based on examples. These examples are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10 Users, 20 Departure point, 22 Destination, 24 Route, 26 Ride-sharing section, 30 Vector, 60 Taxi, 100 Terminal device, 110 Service provider terminal device, 112 Taxi terminal device, 114 Taxi control terminal device, 116 Bus terminal device, 118 Bus ticket sales terminal device, 200 Processing unit, 210 Communication unit, 220 Processing unit, 230 Storage unit, 1000 Processing system.

Claims

1. A step of obtaining a first route from a first departure point to a first destination for a first user, A step to obtain a second route for a second user from a second departure point to a second destination, The steps include obtaining a ride-sharing section which is the common part of the first route and the second route and which the first user and the second user can ride together, The steps include calculating a first share-ride section ratio, which is the proportion of the share-ride section in the first route, and a second share-ride section ratio, which is the proportion of the share-ride section in the second route. A step of calculating a first regular fare based on the distance of the first route and a second regular fare based on the distance of the second route, The steps include calculating a first shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the first regular fare by the first shared-ride section ratio, and a second shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the second regular fare by the second shared-ride section ratio, The steps include: calculating the first shared ride section fare by dividing the first shared ride section regular fare by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; and calculating the second shared ride section fare by dividing the second shared ride section regular fare by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; The steps include calculating the first fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the first shared ride section fare from the first regular fare, and the second fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the second shared ride section fare from the second regular fare, A step of calculating a first fare by adding the fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the first shared ride section, and a second fare by adding the fare for the second shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the second shared ride section, A processing method comprising the following:

2. A step of obtaining a first route from a first departure point to a first destination for a first user, A step to obtain a second route for a second user from a second departure point to a second destination, The steps include obtaining a ride-sharing section which is the common part of the first route and the second route and which the first user and the second user can ride together, The steps include calculating a first share-ride section ratio, which is the proportion of the share-ride section in the first route, and a second share-ride section ratio, which is the proportion of the share-ride section in the second route. A step of calculating a first regular fare based on the distance of the first route and a second regular fare based on the distance of the second route, The steps include calculating a first shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the first regular fare by the first shared-ride section ratio, and a second shared-ride section regular fare obtained by multiplying the second regular fare by the second shared-ride section ratio, The steps include: calculating the second shared ride fare by dividing the regular fare for the second shared ride section by the number of passengers and then adding the system usage fee; The steps include obtaining the lower of the regular fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the second shared ride section as the fare for the first shared ride section, The steps include calculating the first fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the first shared ride section fare from the first regular fare, and the second fare outside the shared ride section, obtained by subtracting the second shared ride section fare from the second regular fare, A step of calculating a first fare by adding the fare for the first shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the first shared ride section, and a second fare by adding the fare for the second shared ride section and the fare for the section outside the second shared ride section, A processing method comprising the following:

3. The steps include: reflecting the first coupon amount in the first fare, The processing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of reflecting the second coupon amount in the second fare.

4. The steps include: calculating the ride-sharing coupon amount by subtracting the fare for the first ride-sharing section from the regular fare for the first ride-sharing section; The processing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of settling the payment at the regular fare for the first shared ride section, and then refunding the amount of the shared ride coupon.

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