Cost burden alleviating system, and cost burden alleviating method for cost burden alleviating system

Abstract

According to the present invention, all or part of a cost paid when a moving party moves is waived.　In this cost burden alleviating system, in which data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, operated by moving parties, and a server device 6 communicate with one another via a prescribed communication medium, when the moving parties input a travel plan including a destination registered in association with a means of transportation, a service provider, and the number of moving parties, the server device 6: detects position information as the moving parties move in accordance with the travel plan, and traces a starting point and an end point; analyzes a usage status of the means of transportation by the moving parties, who operate the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N; calculates, on the basis of a result of the analysis, a cost for waiving or partially waiving a fee, said cost capable of being gained by the moving parties operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N; and issues, to an application, an indication that the calculated cost can be used as a charge paid by the moving parties.

Description

Cost burden reduction system and cost burden reduction method for the cost burden reduction system

[0001] The present invention relates to a cost burden reduction system and a cost burden reduction method for the cost burden reduction system that cooperates with transportation companies and service companies to make the costs paid by users free as much as possible.

[0002] Normally, when using the transportation collection system in a normal transportation system, for example, when traveling to a destination by public transportation (including the Shinkansen), ferry, airplane, or car, it is assumed that the traveler will naturally bear the transportation costs themselves. It is also possible that the company to which the traveler belongs will bear the costs, but no system has been established that allows transportation costs themselves to be made free of charge.

[0003] Taking the example of payments for distribution services provided by travel agencies, it is common for multiple service entities offering services such as inns, railways, restaurants, and attractions (admission fees) to work together to collect transportation fees, accommodation fees, meal fees, and admission fees.

[0004] For example, a user may use transportation to go to a service center such as a supermarket and receive a service such as purchasing a product. At that time, the user pays the service fee for the service at the service center. In general, the payment of the transportation fee to the transportation company and the payment of the service fee to the service company are made separately.

[0005] In response to this, Patent Document 1 below discloses a system for linking a transportation business operator and a service business operator when the two have a mutual relationship.

[0006] The following Patent Document 1 describes that in order to provide technology to link transportation businesses and service businesses, "a first acquisition unit 610 acquires information on transportation costs 30. A second acquisition unit 612 acquires information on service usage fees 20. A processing unit 620 divides transportation costs 30 based on the service usage fees 20 into a service business burden of 40 to be paid by the service business to the transportation business, and a user burden of 50 to be paid by the user 10 to the transportation business. A service business burden determination unit 622 derives an upper limit for the service business burden based on the service usage fees 20 and the service business's burden rate, and determines the smaller of the upper limit for the service business burden and transportation costs 30 as the service business burden 40. A user burden determination unit 624 determines the difference between transportation costs 30 and service business burden 40 as the user burden 50."

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-008109

[0008] However, in the system described in the above cited document 1, the transportation cost burden on the traveling subject is reduced by sharing the payment of the transportation cost between the traveling subject and the service provider, but it does not make the transportation cost free or partially free, so it is not possible to formulate a travel plan without worrying about travel expenses (transportation costs).

[0009] Furthermore, the entities that need to collaborate are limited to mobile entities and service providers, so a system in which the transportation cost burden on mobile entities becomes close to zero is not envisioned.

[0010] In the following explanation, the expenses paid by the travel subject for the travel itinerary include transportation costs, food and drink costs at the travel destination, sightseeing costs, and accommodation costs.

[0011] Specifically, a system that would include local governments, chambers of commerce, chambers of commerce, festival organizers, etc. in the destination area as entities with which cooperation should be established was not envisaged, and therefore no system was provided that would make the costs paid by the entities travelling free or partially free.

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a cost burden reduction system and a cost burden reduction method for the cost burden reduction system that can waive all or part of the expenses paid by the moving entity, including transportation expenses required for travel, food and drink, sightseeing, and accommodation at the destination, by inputting the departure station, period, number of people, etc. using a data terminal operated by the moving entity, and by coordinating the financial burden related to transportation expenses with multiple entities that should be cooperating.

[0013] The cost burden reduction system of the present invention is a cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject and a server device that provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal communicate via a specified communication medium, wherein the data terminal comprises a display unit and an input means for inputting a travel plan including at least a destination registered in association with a means of transportation entered by the mobile subject while a user interface provided by the application is displayed on the display unit, and the server device comprises an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal, an analysis means for comparing the location information acquired by the acquisition means with the starting point and ending point specified in the travel plan to analyze the usage of means of transportation by the mobile subject operating the data terminal, a calculation means for calculating the costs that can be made free or partially free of charge that the mobile subject operating the data terminal can obtain based on the analysis results by the analysis means, and an issuance means for issuing the costs calculated by the calculation means to the application as an index that can be used to pay the price paid by the mobile subject.

[0014] According to the present invention, the expenses paid by the traveler subject when he or she travels can be made free of charge in whole or in part.

[0015] 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the cost burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a program that executes functional processing deployed in the application deployment unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the functional processing of a travel expense waiver application installed in the data terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the functional processing of the travel expense waiver application deployed in the RAM shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the starting point and ending point of a section in which a moving subject uses transportation based on a travel plan in the cost burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface provided by the cost burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface provided by the cost burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface provided by the cost burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a "Your Travel Plan" screen displayed on a touch panel display provided in the data terminal according to FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a "Your Travel Plan" screen displayed on a touch panel display provided in the data terminal according to FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a "Flight Tracker Point" screen displayed on a touch panel display provided in the data terminal according to FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management screen displayed on a display unit provided in the data terminal according to FIG. 1. A block diagram showing the flow of point redemption in a system including the data terminal and server device shown in Figure 1. A block diagram showing the flow of point redemption in a system including the data terminal and server device shown in Figure 1. A block diagram showing the flow of point redemption in a system including the data terminal and server device shown in Figure 1. A block diagram showing the flow of point redemption in a system including the data terminal and server device shown in Figure 1. A block diagram explaining the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system showing the present embodiment. A block diagram explaining the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system showing the present embodiment. A block diagram explaining the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system showing the present embodiment.1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a movement detection system and a return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a moving subject's movement position detection processing procedure in the cost burden reduction system showing the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram explaining the data structure of a location information management database secured in the travel plan database shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a transportation fee free method in the cost burden reduction system showing the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a transportation fee free method in the cost burden reduction system showing the present embodiment.

[0016] The embodiments described below are merely examples of devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of ​​the invention, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to those described below. The technical idea of ​​the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. In particular, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and may differ from the actual product. Descriptions of parts that are already known technologies have been omitted. Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a cost burden reduction system according to the present embodiment. This example illustrates a cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile entity communicates with a server device that provides a platform for a travel expense waiver application installed on the data terminal via a predetermined communication medium.

[0018] Furthermore, as described below, the expenses paid by the mobile entity according to the travel plan are returned to the mobile entity (also referred to as the "user") who successfully used the transportation facilities according to the travel plan by issuing an index to the application in accordance with an agreement with at least one of the facilities where the mobile entity stayed, the restaurants, retail stores, and sightseeing facilities, the public organizations (including local governments) that oversee these accommodation and restaurant service providers, and the operators of the transportation facilities related to the travel plan. This index, which can be used to cover the expenses calculated as described below, is returned to the mobile entity (also referred to as the "user") who successfully used the transportation facilities according to the travel plan. Here, the index may be any numerical value that indicates the value of a circulating financial resource that can be converted into cash (in other words, usable as cash), such as electronic money, cryptocurrency, or various coupons. Therefore, the index is a circulating financial resource whose conversion rate, etc., is allowed to fluctuate depending on economic circumstances. In this embodiment, the numerical value is simply referred to as "points," but this concept is broader than the points associated with so-called economic transactions.

[0019] In this embodiment, the data terminal is an electronic device such as a smartphone, a smart watch, or smart glasses, and is installed with an operating system that connects to a network via a relay port installed on the ground using a predetermined wireless protocol to exchange information.The data processing function can be expanded to suit the user's preferences by downloading and executing pre-stored applications or various applications downloaded from an application site.In addition, the first data terminal is equipped with hardware resources for executing a close-proximity wireless communication function and a GPS location information function.

[0020] The second data terminal operated by multiple service providers is composed of a data processing device installed in accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, restaurants that provide food and beverage services, etc. Here, the data processing device has a predetermined operating system installed, and can expand its data processing functions to suit the preferences of the service provider by downloading and executing pre-stored applications or various applications downloaded from app sites.

[0021] The third data terminal operated by a public institution official is composed of a data processing device operated by a public relations officer of a public organization (including a local government). Here, the data processing device has a predetermined operating system installed, and by downloading and executing pre-stored applications or various applications downloaded from app sites, the data processing functions can be expanded to suit the preferences of the public relations officer of the public organization (including a local government).

[0022] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a server device that builds a free platform (described later) on memory resources (for example, read from external memory 15 to RAM 11), and first data terminals 2-1 to 2-N that can be carried by mobile entities, i.e., users, second data terminals 3-1 to 3-N operated by multiple service providers, and third data terminals 4-1 to 4-N operated by officials of public institutions are connected to each other via a communication unit 1 so as to be able to communicate with each other on a network 5.

[0023] Reference numeral 8 denotes a CPU, which loads a program read from the external memory 7 into a RAM 11 and executes it to perform various data processing operations shown in flowcharts to be described later.

[0024] Reference numeral 12 denotes a keyboard that functions as an input unit, and input text is displayed on a display 13 connected to the internal bus 10 .

[0025] Reference numeral 14 denotes an application development section, which is secured on the RAM 11, and in which a function processing program such as that shown in FIG. 2 in detail is developed.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a program that executes functional processing deployed in the application deployment unit 14 shown in FIG.

[0027] In Figure 2, reference numeral 14-1 denotes a platform on which a web screen is displayed to enable first data terminals 2-1 to 2-N that can be carried by the users, second data terminals 3-1 to 3-N operated by multiple service providers, and third data terminals 4-1 to 4-N operated by officials of public institutions to exchange data with each other via a common user interface, and which has the function of communicating in real time in response to access from data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 3-1 to 3-N, and 4-1 to 4-N.

[0028] Reference numeral 14-2 denotes an acquisition unit that acquires location information of a moving subject operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N moving according to a travel plan drawn up by the moving subject. Note that there are several possible methods for acquiring location information, and details will be described later.

[0029] The symbol 14-3 denotes an analysis unit, which compares the location information detected and updated by the acquisition unit 14-2 from the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N with the starting and ending points specified in the travel plan, and analyzes the usage status of transportation means by the mobile subject operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0030] Reference numeral 14-4 denotes a calculation unit which calculates the free transportation expenses that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 14-3. In the case of a packaged travel plan, the transportation expenses are registered in advance in the travel plan database 9, and this amount may be calculated as the free transportation expenses.

[0031] Reference numeral 14-5 denotes an issuing unit which issues transportation expense points equivalent to the free transportation expense calculated by the calculation unit 14-4 to the transportation expense free application installed in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0032] A notification unit 14-6 notifies the mission achievement information to the transportation fee free application installed in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N based on the analysis result by the analysis unit 14-3.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the functional processing of the transportation fee free application installed in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N shown in FIG.

[0034] 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU that loads a basic program stored in a ROM 22 into a RAM 23, and further loads various applications stored in an SSD 24 into the RAM 23 and starts them, thereby executing various data processing operations. Reference numeral 25 denotes a touch panel display that displays various screens such as various image displays, a text input screen, a web page search screen, and an SNS selection screen as applications are executed.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional processing of the transportation fee free application developed in the RAM 23 shown in FIG.

[0036] 4, reference numeral 23-1 denotes an input unit that, with a user interface provided by the free transportation expenses application displayed on the touch panel display 25, inputs a travel plan on a web page screen, including the destination registered in association with the transportation means input by the moving subject, the names of accommodations that provide accommodation services, the names of restaurants that provide food and drink services, service providers including various event subjects, the number of moving subjects, etc. Reference numeral 23-2 denotes an update unit that acquires mission achievement information notified by the free transportation expenses application from the server device 6 and updates the progress status of the condition list items listed on the user interface so that they can be visually identified.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the starting point and the ending point of a section where a moving subject uses a means of transportation based on a travel plan in the cost burden reduction system according to this embodiment.

[0038] In FIG. 5, reference characters Y-1 to YN are mobile entities, that is, users, and carry terminals DT-1 to DT-N corresponding to data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0039] Users Y-1 to Y-N travel to the departure station STS according to the travel plan they have created. This travel includes both using public transport (including buses, subways, etc.) and not using public transport (by bicycle or on foot).

[0040] It is assumed that imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N are placed near the departure station STS. The imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N have a 360-degree field of view, like a dome camera. Furthermore, GPS information is registered in advance for the imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N, and the GPS information is attached to the image information transmitted by the imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N. This allows the server device 6 to acquire location information of a moving subject passing through a specific ticket gate and store the information in the travel plan database 9 according to the starting point (specifically, for example, the departure station STS) and the end point (specifically, for example, the arrival station STE).

[0041] The accumulated starting points and ending points (especially the starting points and ending points of the section using the means of transportation) are used as travel information to determine whether the traveling subject is traveling on a normal route in accordance with the travel plan.

[0042] Symbols G1 to G4 are gates installed for various means of transport to allow mobile subjects to pass through. Gates G1 to G4 are equipped with communication function processing units T1 to T4 for linking with the GPS functions activated in data terminals 2-1 to 2-N when used by mobile subjects.

[0043] In this embodiment, the transportation means at gate G1 is a railway (including subways, bullet trains, local lines, private railways, and monorails), the transportation means at gate G2 is a car (including public buses, tourist buses, city buses, and taxis), the transportation means at gate G3 is a ship that travels on the sea (including ferries, tourist boats, and pleasure boats), and the transportation means at gate G4 is an airplane flying in the sky (including twin-engine aircraft and jet aircraft (airliners and LCCs)). However, in the near future, it is possible that transportation means will include travel to a space station.

[0044] The transfer section CH is configured to allow the moving subject to travel between gates G1 to G4, assuming that the moving subject will transfer to various means of transport in succession. Here, the moving subject will travel between gates G1 to G4 if a transfer is required (Y), and will arrive at the arrival station STE if a transfer is not required (N).

[0045] After arriving at the arrival station STE, the mobile subjects operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N check in at the accommodation facilities H-1 to HN reserved in the travel plan.

[0046] Furthermore, after arriving at the arrival station STE, the mobile subjects operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N enter the restaurants F-1 to F-N reserved in the travel plan and receive food and drink service.

[0047] In the cost burden reduction system configured as described above, the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N are provided with a user interface (see FIGS. 6 to 8) that functions as an input means for inputting a travel plan including destinations registered in association with transportation means input by a moving subject (user), names of accommodations that provide accommodation services, names of restaurants that provide food and drink services, the number of moving subjects, etc., while displaying a user interface provided by the transportation fee free application on the touch panel display 25, and the server device 6 is provided with an acquisition unit that acquires location information of the moving subjects operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N moving according to the travel plan. 14-2, an analysis unit 14-3 that compares the location information detected and updated from the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N by the acquisition unit 14-2 with the starting point and ending point specified in the travel plan to analyze the usage status of transportation means by the mobile subject operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, a calculation unit 14-4 that calculates the free transportation costs that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 14-3, and an issuing unit 14-5 that issues transportation cost points equivalent to the free transportation costs calculated by the calculation unit 14-4 to the free transportation cost application installed in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0048] The calculation unit 14-4 performs calculation processing common to the processing performed by a corporate return currency amount calculation system 14-7-4 shown in FIG. 18, which will be described later.

[0049] For example, if the means of transportation is a railway, the analysis unit 14-3 identifies the railway section used as an analysis of the transportation usage status based on the location information of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N at railway stations (specifically, departure stations and arrival stations; in other words, key points for comparing the location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, the travel route, the itinerary, and the travel plan).In this case, for example, the fare is calculated using an API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the railway operator, and transportation cost points are calculated.

[0050] Furthermore, when the means of transportation is an automobile, the analysis unit 14-3 calculates the distance traveled by automobile as an analysis of the usage of the means of transportation based on the location information of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N at the departure point and destination point (in other words, the main points for comparing the location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, the travel route, the itinerary and the travel plan). In this case, for example, the theoretical transportation cost is calculated by multiplying the travel distance (km) by the cost of gasoline per kilometer (yen / km; this is calculated taking into consideration the unit price of gasoline (yen / L) and average fuel efficiency (km / L)), and transportation cost points are calculated.

[0051] The server device also has a notification unit 14-6 that notifies the application installed on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N of mission achievement information based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 14-3, and the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N have an update unit 23-2 that acquires the mission achievement information notified by the free transportation expenses application from the server device 6 and updates the progress status of the condition list items listed on the user interface.

[0052] The source of the transportation expenses points equivalent to free transportation expenses issued by the issuing department 14-5 will be determined by agreement with at least one of the following parties: accommodation facilities that provide accommodation services, restaurants that provide food and beverage services, public bodies (including local public bodies) that have jurisdiction over service providers such as restaurants and accommodation facilities, and transportation operators.

[0053] For example, if the average unit price at a restaurant is 3,000 yen, the average unit price at a lodging facility is 15,000 yen, and the transportation cost reimbursement for the traveler is 12,000 yen, the local government will collect a system usage fee from the restaurant as an economic benefit based on the number of customers at the restaurant, and will also collect a portion of the above amounts from the lodging facility as a system usage fee.

[0054] As an example, assuming the above expenses, the costs returned to the traveler would be 2,500 yen from the accommodation, 500 yen from the restaurant, and 3,000 yen from the local government in the name of transportation expenses, but the burden rates do not need to be limited to these, and during nationally famous festivals (for example, Kyoto: July Aoi Festival (Yamahoko Junko)), when people are moving around a lot, sufficient economic effects can be expected even if the burden rate is reduced.

[0055] In addition, when a moving subject travels using a specified means of transportation, the total amount of free transportation expenses (specifically, issued as an index) issued by the issuing unit 14-5 will differ depending on whether the total distance traveled using the means of transportation converges within a predetermined distance range or not.

[0056] Furthermore, when the travel expense waiver application is launched, the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N execute control to identifiably display the points that can be waived at a specific position on the user interface displayed on the touch panel display 25.

[0057] The server device 6 also has imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N that capture images of the moving subject passing through a ticket gate installed by a specified transportation facility, and a receiving function that receives movement information that links the facial feature data of the moving subject captured by the imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N with an identification code each time the moving subject passes through the ticket gate, and the acquisition unit 14-2 has an acquisition function that acquires, from the multiple pieces of movement information received, location information of the moving subject operating the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N moving according to a travel plan.

[0058] [Acquisition mode of acquisition unit 14-2] The acquisition unit 14-2 may be configured to acquire gate information notified based on detection of the passage of a data terminal operated by the moving subject through a ticket gate installed by a predetermined transportation facility, as location information particularly regarding the start and end points of a section using the transportation facility.

[0059] In addition, the acquisition unit 14-2 may be configured to acquire gate information notified based on detecting that an electronic card carried by the moving subject passes through a ticket gate installed by a specified transportation facility, as location information particularly regarding the starting point and ending point of the section using the transportation facility.

[0060] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 14-2 may be configured to read the data terminal equipped with a near-field wireless communication function, detect when a mobile subject carrying the data terminal passes near a ticket gate installed by the specified transportation facility, and acquire location information particularly regarding the starting point and ending point of the section using the transportation facility.

[0061] In addition, the acquisition unit 14-2 may be configured to detect when a mobile subject carrying the data terminal passes through a ticket gate installed by the specified transportation facility by reading the data terminal equipped with a near-field wireless communication function, and acquire location information particularly regarding the starting point and ending point of the section using the transportation facility.

[0062] The location information acquired by the acquisition unit 14-2 may be updated by, for example, detecting the location of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N by pressing a predetermined button displayed on the touch panel display 25 of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N at the departure point or destination (in other words, a major point for comparing the location information, travel route, and itinerary of the moving subject operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N with the travel plan), or by (automatically) detecting the location of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N at a predetermined time interval or period and updating it at any time.

[0063] [User Interface] Figures 6 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of user interfaces provided by the cost burden reduction system according to this embodiment. [Explanation of Station Selection Screen] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a station selection screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in Figure 1. This screen corresponds to the dashboard that is displayed after the user downloads an application from the FreeTrain platform and the account registration process is completed.

[0064] In Figure 6, reference numeral 61 denotes a departure station input section, where the user searches for a desired destination according to the travel plan, completing the input of the departure station for the travel plan. Here, the installed application searches for stations registered in the travel plan system that can be accessed for free, and the destination 68 selected by the user from the list is displayed as "Nara Station" in this example. Note that the departure station can also be automatically set by displaying a list of nearby destinations predicted by the GPS function while the user is operating the application. This example corresponds to the case where "Kawasaki Station" is automatically selected.

[0065] Reference numeral 62 denotes a travel itinerary input section, in which the user inputs the desired itinerary according to the travel plan, thereby completing the input of the itinerary for the travel plan.

[0066] Reference numeral 63 denotes a traveler number input section, where the number of people accompanying the trip, divided into adults and children, is input to complete the input of the number of accompanying people for the travel plan.

[0067] Reference numerals 64 to 67 denote travel plan input sections, and the travel plan input section 64 displays the route to Nara Station selected in association with the departure station registered by the user.

[0068] The travel plan input section 65 is tapped when reserving a hotel near a station, and allows the user to select from a list of hotels registered in the cost burden reduction system.

[0069] The travel plan input section 66 is tapped when making a reservation at a target eatery (including a restaurant) around the station, and allows the user to select from a list of target eateries registered in the cost burden reduction system.

[0070] The travel plan input section 67 is tapped when reserving an exercise experience event near a station.

[0071] The travel plan image section 69 displays an image of a restaurant or a hotel when any of the travel plan input sections 64 to 67 is tapped.

[0072] [Explanation of Hotel Selection Screen] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hotel selection screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in Figure 1. This screen is displayed on the touch panel display 25 when the user selects a station and then taps the travel plan input section 65. Note that the departure station input section 61 is not displayed on this screen.

[0073] [Explanation of Restaurant Selection Screen] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a restaurant selection screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in Figure 1. This screen is displayed on the touch panel display 25 when the user taps the travel plan input section 66 after selecting a station.

[0074] [Explanation of Your Travel Plan Screen 1] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the Your Travel Plan screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in FIG.

[0075] This screen shows the state after the user has selected the "Departure Station" shown in Figure 6, completed reservations and payments for the "Hotel" and "Restaurant," and the displays of the plan confirmation status display sections 95A and 96A among the plan confirmation status display sections 94A to 96A of the travel plan input sections 94 to 96 have switched to "Completed." The display of the plan confirmation status display section 94A remains "Not Completed."

[0076] The travel plan display sections 91 to 93 display the reserved "departure station," "hotel," and "restaurant."

[0077] [Explanation of Your Travel Plan Screen 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the Your Travel Plan screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in FIG.

[0078] This screen is controlled so that when the travel day arrives for the user who created the travel plan, a designated location passage detection system detects that the user is at the departure station and arrival station, and a corporate currency rebate calculation system determine the progress of the travel plan and all of the plan confirmation status display sections 94A to 96A displayed on the touch panel display 25 change to show ``Completed.''

[0079] [Explanation of Your Travel Plan Screen 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the Your Travel Plan screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in FIG.

[0080] This screen shows a state in which, when all of the plan confirmation status display sections 94A to 96A shown in Figure 9 switch to display "Achieved", a notification of condition achievement is received from the server device 6, and the number of points pt that can be earned to make the next transportation fee free is displayed.

[0081] In this example, the total amount of travel expenses paid by the user to travel from Kawasaki Station to Nara Station is displayed as Flittra points (1 pt = 1 yen) added to the user information of the travel plan app installed on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N operated by the user.

[0082] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a free travel point balance screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 provided in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N in FIG.

[0083] This example is configured so that the acquired free travel point balance 124 can be used at transportation facilities, payment sites 121 and 122, cash exchange 123, or to add points to a transportation card 120.

[0084] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on the display unit provided in each of the data terminals 4-1 to 4-N in FIG.

[0085] In this example, a local government that introduces the cost burden reduction system, for example, an administrator of the local government that has jurisdiction over the arrival station "Nara Station" shown in Figure 10, can set conditions for making transportation expenses free in travel plan management on this screen and register them on the server device 6.

[0086] 13, an administrator of a local government that has jurisdiction over the destination station "Nara Station" inputs "destination station," "target period," "number of seats," "conditions," and "maximum transportation cost per night" via plan input units 1301 to 1305. By selecting "maximum transportation cost per night," it is possible to exclude plans that are too far from the departure station to the destination station.

[0087] For example, if a travel plan starts from Aomori and ends in Kagoshima, the transportation costs for that section will exceed 90,000 yen for a round trip, so points will not be issued for travel plans with a limit of more than 15,000 yen.

[0088] However, if the hotel fee is 14,000 yen per day and the travel plan includes six nights, the total will be 84,000 yen, and by returning points provided by the hotel to the user's data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, the transportation costs for travelling over the above section can be essentially waived.

[0089] Chart 1306 shows the relationship between the number of seats sold and the economic effect, and if the expected billing cost 1307 to be charged to the local government is recorded as 80 million yen, the expected economic effect 1308 is estimated to be 300 million yen.

[0090] [Relationship between the entities of the FreeTraffic platform and economic benefits] Figures 14 to 17 are block diagrams showing the flow of point redemption in a system including data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, and data terminals 4-1 to 4-N shown in Figure 1 and server device 6. The flows indicated by dashed lines in the figures correspond to the flow of usage fees and redemption points.

[0091] 1, data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, and data terminals 4-1 to 4-N shown in Fig. 1 are communicably connected to a network 5 with a server device 6, and hotel or restaurant staff operating data terminals 3-1 to 3-N connect to the travel plan platform provided by the server device 6 and upload reservation plans. Similarly, public institution staff operating data terminals 4-1 to 4-N connect to the travel plan platform provided by the server device 6 and upload reservation plans.

[0092] Once this upload is complete, the user who operates the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N starts up a travel plan application in the travel plan database 9, searches for the desired arrival station, confirms the arrival station, and then makes a reservation at a hotel or restaurant linked to the arrival station.The server device 6 then registers one user's travel plan in the travel plan database 9 via the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N.

[0093] As a result, as shown in Figure 16, the server device 6 receives and pools the usage fee calculated based on a pre-agreed calculation formula into a rebate account for this system opened at a designated bank, by transferring the fee from the account of the public institution that manages the data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, or from the account of the hotel or restaurant that operates the data terminals 3-1 to 3-N.

[0094] Specifically, after the person in charge of the data terminals 3-1 to 3-N confirms that the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N have used the above user interface to make a reservation for a hotel or restaurant, a portion of the revenue generated by the private sector is transferred to the above account as a usage fee, and the server device 6 receives and pools the usage fee.

[0095] Similarly, after an administrator of a public institution that manages the data terminals 4-1 to 4-N confirms the number of passengers specified in the travel plan, the administrator transfers the usage fee according to the number of passengers to the account, and the server device 6 receives and pools the usage fee.

[0096] On the other hand, when the user of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N executes the travel plan that he / she has created and completes the reservations and payments as planned, the server device 6 refunds the transportation costs of the travel plan registered by the user to the points section of the installed travel plan application. The latest refund points are then updated and displayed on the touch panel display 25 of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N.

[0097] FIG. 17 shows a state that reflects the relationship between the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, and data terminals 4-1 to 4-N shown in FIGS.

[0098] [Relationship between the movement detection system and the return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system] Figures 18 to 30 are block diagrams explaining the configuration of the movement detection system and the return corporate currency amount calculation system of the expense burden reduction system according to this embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N are connected to a server device 6 and a travel plan database 9 via a network 5 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0100] The server device 6 includes a transportation cost budget determination system 14-7-1, a designated position passage detection system 14-7-2, a designated position passage determination system 14-7-3, and a corporate currency return amount calculation system 14-7-4.

[0101] Here, when a user searches for an arrival station and inputs a destination while the FreeTraffic interface FTUI displayed on the touch panel display 25 of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N is displayed, the transportation cost budget determination system 14-7-1 determines whether the transportation cost limit has been exceeded by referring to the transportation information storage unit 9-11 secured on the travel plan database 9 and the public institution setting information 9-12-1 that constitutes the FreeTrain database 9-12, and determines whether the transportation costs for the travel plan entered by the user can be made free of charge.

[0102] When the designated position passage detection system 14-7-2 constituting the system program section (system PR section) 14-7 of the server device 6 detects that a user operating a data terminal 2-1 to 2-N has passed through a designated position (for example, the position of a ticket gate installed by a railway company when using a train), the designated position passage determination system 14-7-3 determines whether the user has passed through the designated position (for example, the position of a ticket gate installed by a railway company when using a train) from the position information (obtained from the GPS function processing section) transmitted by the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N.

[0103] Meanwhile, the corporate rebate amount calculation system 14-7-4 calculates the rebateable transportation expenses as the corporate rebate amount by using a preset calculation formula, by referring to the usage fees registered by the data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N in the travel plan database 9 and the user setting information 9-12-2. If the corporate rebate amount calculation system 14-7-4 determines that the calculated transportation expenses do not exceed the upper limit of transportation expenses per night determined by the public institution setting information 9-12-1, it notifies the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N via the installed FreeTraffic interface that the calculated transportation expenses will be refunded.

[0104] This allows a system to be constructed that accurately determines the utilization status of transportation means for users operating data terminals 2-1 to 2-N to move normally to their destinations, awards points equal to the current transportation expenses to users who have completed a normal journey, and allows users to use the awarded points as transportation expenses for their next journey, thereby providing a trip with no transportation expenses.

[0105] As shown in Figure 19, when any of users U-1 to UN operating data terminals 2-1 to 2-N inputs the departure station and arrival station into the station selection screen shown in Figure 6 on the FreeTraffic interface displayed on the touch panel display 25 (ST1), after confirming the input of the departure station and arrival station on the FreeTraffic interface displayed on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, an instruction to start the determination process is sent to the travel expense budget determination system 14-7-1 (ST2), as shown in Figure 20.

[0106] Next, as shown in Figure 21, the transportation expense budget determination system 14-7-1 refers to the station coordinates and fare information, etc. stored in the transportation information memory unit 9-11 of the travel plan database 9 (ST3), and also refers to the public institution setting information 9-12-1 that constitutes the FreeTrain database 9-12 (ST4) as shown in Figure 22, and determines whether the travel expense exceeds the upper limit of transportation expenses per night pre-registered in the server device 6 from the public institution management screen (Figure 13) as shown in Figure 23 (ST5), and notifies the determination result on the FreeTraffic interface displayed on the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0107] If the determination result notified by the server device 6 does not exceed the upper limit of the transportation cost per night, the travel plan is deemed to be approved, and the user starts traveling toward the destination at the date and time selected by the user.

[0108] When the user goes to the ticket gate of the transportation facility selected as the departure location (in other words, the starting point of the section to be used) and starts traveling to use the transportation facility (ST6), as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the designated location passage detection system 14-7-2 determines whether the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N has passed through the designated location (for example, if using a train, the location of the ticket gate installed by the railway company) (ST7).

[0109] Here, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, whether the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N has passed the designated position normally is determined (ST9) by referring to the user setting information 9-12-2 (ST8).

[0110] Next, as shown in Figure 28, the corporate currency rebate amount calculation system 14-7-4 refers to the user setting information 9-12-2 (ST10) to calculate the corporate currency rebate amount. Then, as shown in Figure 29, the corporate currency rebate amount calculation system 14-7-4 returns the corporate currency rebate amount corresponding to the points obtained as rebate points by the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N to the Free Traffic interface of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N (ST11). In response, the user U-1 to U-N operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N checks the returned rebate amount on the touch panel display 25 (ST12), as shown in Figure 30.

[0111] 31 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for detecting the moving location of a moving subject in the cost burden reduction system according to this embodiment. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step, and each step is realized by activating and executing the FreeTraffic application installed and stored by the CPU 21 of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0112] In this example, an example will be described in which beacons transmitted at predetermined intervals from beacon oscillators installed around town as a location detection technology are received by Bluetooth (registered trademark) function processing units provided in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, and automatically transmitted to the server device 6. First, the mechanism of the beacon will be described.

[0113] In this embodiment, Bluetooth is used as a wireless tag, which has a narrower range than a wireless LAN and a wider range than Near Field Communication (NFC). A location detection mechanism including a beacon is basically a technology for measuring distance and location by receiving a signal from a target transmitter. A location detection mechanism including a beacon is useful because it can also obtain identification information from the transmitter and can reduce power consumption and costs by using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0114] In a location detection mechanism including a beacon, a proximity notification beacon oscillator wirelessly transmits a signal once every few seconds within a radius of several meters to several tens of meters. If a data terminal 2-1 to 2-N that can receive the beacon signal is within the transmitting range, it is detected and its location information is transmitted to a server device 6. The starting point and end point of the section of the transportation facility used may be identified based on the location information transmitted to the server device 6. The target transmitter is assumed to be installed near the transportation facility's ticket gate, but the railway facility may also install its own oscillator as infrastructure equipment near the ticket gate.

[0115] This allows users operating data terminals 2-1 to 2-N to transmit the moving positions of the users of data terminals 2-1 to 2-N to server device 6 without employing a configuration for detection by touch gates provided by the railway company. Note that although the cost burden reduction system according to this embodiment may employ a configuration in which data terminals 2-1 to 2-N are detected by touch gates provided by the railway company, thereby identifying the ticket gates (boarding and disembarking) through which the user traveled using the transportation company and identifying the starting point and ending point of the section where the transportation company is used, considering the positioning accuracy and the cost of infrastructure equipment, employing a beacon system enables positioning that is cheaper and more accurate.

[0116] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which positioning using the GPS function provided in the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N is combined with positioning using a beacon system.

[0117] It is assumed that the users of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N start the application provided by the server device 6 and select the beacon mode as the positioning mode. In addition, it is assumed that the travel plan uses railroads as the means of transportation.

[0118] When a user of data terminal 2-1 to 2-N approaches a train station where he or she will board according to a travel plan (1) and receives a beacon signal as location information from a beacon transmitter (not shown) (capable of transmitting installation location information) (2), the received beacon signal (including location information) is transmitted to server device 6 via the FreeTraffic application (3). At this time, boarding station information is automatically registered in travel plan database 9 managed by server device 6.

[0119] In addition, a location information management database with a data structure shown in Figure 33, an example of which is provided in the travel plan database 9, is secured, and codes linked to the user ID identified by the user account, the current date and time, the boarding location, and the disembarking location are registered in the location information management database.

[0120] Next, the user of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N passes through the railway ticket gate (i.e., the starting point of the section of the transportation facility to be used) and boards the desired train (for example, the Shinkansen) (4).

[0121] As a result, for example, when traveling from Ueno Station to Koriyama Station using the Tohoku Shinkansen, the users of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N do not need to manually input boarding station information or location information.

[0122] Then, after confirming through the Shinkansen train announcements that you will soon be arriving at your destination, Koriyama Station, and once the train has stopped at its designated stop and the boarding doors have opened, you can begin to head to the ticket gate.

[0123] Then, when the user exits the exit gate at the destination (i.e., the end point of the section of the transportation facility used) and approaches a beacon transmitter (5), a beacon signal is received as location information from a beacon transmitter (not shown) (capable of transmitting installation location information) (6), and the received beacon signal (including location information) is transmitted to the server device 6 via a tracking application (tracking app) linked to the FreeTraffic application (7). At this time, the exit station information is automatically registered in the travel plan database 9 managed by the server device 6.

[0124] Next, the users of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N receive information on the transportation fare paid from the boarding station to the disembarking station, which has been automatically calculated by the server device 6 (8), and this process ends.

[0125] As a result, the users of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N can store and manage the starting point, the end point, the moving state and the transportation cost for each user according to the location information registered in the server device 6, without being aware of whether they are moving normally according to the schedule based on the travel plan, by taking the Shinkansen from Ueno Station and getting off at Koriyama Station.

[0126] 32 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for detecting the moving location of a moving subject in the cost burden reduction system according to this embodiment. Note that (11) to (19) indicate each step, and each system is realized by the CPU 8 of the server device 6 reading and executing a location detection and moving location registration program linked to the stored FreeTraffic application.

[0127] When the FreeTraffic application activated by the user of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N shown in Fig. 31 detects that the user has logged in to the server device 6 (11), the application receives information related to the boarding beacon transmitted from the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N (12). Here, part of the information related to the boarding beacon includes a timestamp and beacon code, which are unique location information assigned to each data terminal so that they can be distinguished from each other (i.e., location information that functions as information sufficient to identify at least the boarding station).

[0128] Next, the CPU 8 of the server device 6 registers the time stamp TM and the boarding position code linked to the user ID in accordance with the data structure of the position information management database shown in FIG. 33 (13).

[0129] Next, information relating to the alighting beacons transmitted from the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N based on step (7) shown in Fig. 31 is received (14). Part of the information relating to the alighting beacons includes time stamps and beacon codes, which are unique location information assigned to each of the data terminals so that they can be distinguished from one another (i.e., location information that functions as information sufficient to identify at least the alighting station).

[0130] Next, the CPU 8 of the server device 6 registers the time stamp TM and the drop-off location code linked to the user ID in accordance with the data structure of the location information management database shown in FIG. 33 (15).

[0131] Next, the CPU 8 of the server device 6 detects the travel location of each user from the boarding destination, the disembarking destination, and the Shinkansen number identified from the timestamp, based on the boarding location code and disembarking location code registered in the location information management database shown in Figure 33, and calculates the rail transportation cost in accordance with the latest fare table (16).

[0132] Next, the CPU 8 of the server device 6 checks whether the moving subject is the person in question by comparing it with predetermined information (17), and if it determines that the moving subject is not the person in question, it executes predetermined error processing (19) and ends the processing.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (17) that the moving subject is the person himself / herself, the CPU 8 of the server device 6 determines the points that can be redeemed based on the calculated railway transportation fare, and transmits the redemption points or discount points for discounting the next transportation fare to any of the data terminals 2-1 to 2-N identified by the user ID (18), and then ends the process.

[0134] As shown in Figure 33, when registering a user account, a selfie of the user's face image can be linked to the user ID and registered in the location information management database. This can then be compared with the face image obtained from the imaging devices 21-1 to 21-N installed at the station ticket gates to confirm that the legitimate user is moving normally.

[0135] In addition, this system can process travel expenses for multiple people traveling at the same time, including trips by siblings or family members, so it can reliably support travel expense waiver processing that is adapted to travel plans involving multiple people.

[0136] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, by using a data terminal operated by the moving subject to input the departure station, period, number of people, etc., the financial burden of transportation costs can be shared with multiple entities that should be linked, and the transportation costs required for travel paid by the moving subject can be made free of charge in full or in part.

[0137] Second Embodiment It should be noted that the cost burden reduction system may be configured to include the following functional processing units instead of the functions of the server device 6 shown in the first embodiment.

[0138] Specifically, the server device 6 includes a registration function processing unit that links facial image information of the moving subject uploaded from a data terminal carried by the moving subject to an account and registers it in a database; a detection function processing unit that detects facial image information transmitted from an imaging device installed near the ticket gate of the transportation facility and location information acquired from the data terminal carried by the moving subject; and a specific function processing unit that identifies location information to which the moving subject registered in the database moves based on the location information detected by the detection function processing unit and the facial image information, and the acquisition unit 14-2 may be configured to acquire the location information to which the moving subject moves identified by the specific function processing unit.

[0139] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, it is also possible to detect the movement position of a mobile subject operating data terminals 2-1 to 2-N by utilizing position information that can be obtained from multiple imaging devices installed near the ticket gates of a transportation facility.

[0140] [Third Embodiment] Figures 34 and 35 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a transportation fee waiver method in the expense burden reduction system according to this embodiment. Steps (21) through (26) correspond to processing on the data terminals 2-1 through 2-N, and steps (31) through (35) correspond to processing on the server device 6. Steps (21) through (26) are implemented by the CPU 21 of each data terminal 2-1 through 2-N executing the installed FreeTraffic application, and steps (31) through (35) are implemented by the CPU 8 of the server device 6 executing a system program linked to the FreeTraffic application. The platform including the user interface provided by the FreeTraffic application may be implemented on the server device 6 or a system published on the cloud. Data transfer between each data terminal 2-1 through 2-N and the server device 6 is monitored for unauthorized access by a predetermined security system.

[0141] Furthermore, it is desirable to construct the system functions as a decentralized system, taking into consideration that the mobile entity will travel across the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kansai region, Kyushu region, Chukyo region, Chugoku-Shikoku region, Hokkaido region, and remote island regions including Okinawa, and also taking into consideration a backup system for the system.

[0142] 34, a user operating a data terminal 2-1 to 2-N starts the installed FreeTraffic application (21), and with the user interface provided by the FreeTraffic application displayed on the touch panel display 25, inputs registered account information (22). If the input user account information is approved, a travel plan input screen provided by the FreeTraffic application is displayed on the touch panel display 25, and the user inputs the departure station, itinerary, and number of people (23). After this, by pressing the button to search for stations that can be reached for free, the input information is notified to the server device 6, and accommodations and restaurants registered in this system, which are registered in the travel plan database 9, can be selected from a list of candidates.

[0143] In this way, when the series of travel plan input operations by the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N is completed, the travel plan screen is displayed on the touch panel display 25, and the user presses a registration button (not shown) (or a reservation button) and waits for approval from the server device 6 (24).

[0144] Thereafter, the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N passes through the ticket gate of the registered departure station (i.e., the starting point of the section of the transportation to be used), boards the designated railway vehicle, and departs for the destination. Then, when the user passes through the ticket gate of the arrival station where the user is to disembark (i.e., the end point of the section of the transportation to be used), the server device 6 starts a transportation cost calculation process for the user operating the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N, and calculates the amount of free transportation costs to be returned to the user.

[0145] Then, when the user passes through the departure station and arrival station according to the travel plan and the travel by transportation means is confirmed (25), the points display on the My Page screen displayed on the touch panel display 25 of the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N is updated (26), and the process ends.

[0146] 35, when a user carrying a data terminal 2-1 to 2-N passes through a departure station or an arrival station, the information is acquired via an API (Application Programming Interface) linked to the FreeTraffic application (corresponding to the processing by acquisition unit 14-2 shown in FIG. 2) (31), and the latest fare table information adopted by each transportation facility registered in the travel plan database 9 is referenced (32). Note that the travel plan database 9 also stores fare tables for boarding fares, express fares, early bird fares, shareholder preferential fares, excursion fares, and campaign fares adopted when each transportation company provides its transportation services.

[0147] Next, when a user carrying a data terminal 2-1 to 2-N passes through a departure station and an arrival station, the travel section between at least two points is determined (33). Next, the calculation unit 14-4 calculates the transportation costs to be paid by the user to the transportation means used for the travel section between the determined two points, taking into account the fare table and accompanying benefit information (34). Note that the calculated transportation costs are per user, but if the number of people registered in the travel plan is two, the total amount for the number of people is calculated.

[0148] Next, the issuing unit 14-5 issues points to be returned to the FreeTraffic application operated by the user carrying the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N based on the transportation costs calculated in step (34) (35), and the process ends.

[0149] As a result, after step (35), when the FreeTraffic application operated by the user carrying the data terminal 2-1 to 2-N is launched, the balance on the FreeTraffic point screen shown in Figure 12, which is displayed on the touch panel display 25, is updated and displayed.

[0150] The user can plan a new trip according to the amount of free travel points he or she has acquired by viewing the free travel point screen shown in Fig. 12 displayed on the touch panel display 25. Note that a certain expiry period may be set for the use of free travel points, and a notification email may be sent to encourage the use of free travel points.

[0151] [Diversity of Implementations of the Cost Burden Reduction System 1] In the above embodiment, the cost burden reduction system may be configured to incorporate a configuration in which the cost burden entity inputs the target destination on the platform in advance, a configuration in which the mobile entity uses an application on a data terminal to specify the destination and departure point from among the input, and a configuration in which the mobile entity goes to the departure point and destination, and if location information is detected or communication technology determines that there is no fraudulent use, all or part of the expenses incurred for the trip or the destination are refunded or discounted.

[0152] As a result, in the cost burden reduction system, the mobile subject uses an application on the data terminal to specify the departure point for the already entered destination, and then when the mobile subject goes to the departure point and destination and the system detects the location information and determines that there is no fraudulent use, a highly convenient system can be created by refunding or discounting all or part of the costs incurred for the trip or destination.

[0153] [Diversity of implementations of the cost burden reduction system 2] Furthermore, the system may be configured to incorporate a configuration in which a single ticket or digital ticket is issued that packages travel by land, sea, or air (aircraft) with food and drink at the destination and transportation costs at the destination, and the ticket is read by a reader at the ticket gate or boarding gate, allowing for the creation of plans that can be combined with greater flexibility than with regular round-trip tickets.

[0154] This means that anyone can experience the benefits of not only trying dishes made with tuna caught in the seas off Japan at a special price, but also having all or part of the cost refunded or discounted through this system, especially in areas closely connected to Japan, such as Misaki Port. The same applies to bus tours that incorporate seasonal activities like strawberry picking, pear picking, mandarin orange picking, chestnut gathering, and mushroom gathering. Furthermore, the applicable areas are not limited to Japan, but also include foreign countries.

[0155] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions.

[0156] (1) A cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject and a server device that provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal communicate via a specified communication medium, wherein the data terminal comprises a display unit and an input means for inputting a travel plan including at least a destination linked to a transportation means registered by the mobile subject while a user interface provided by the application is displayed on the display unit, and the server device comprises an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal, an analysis means for comparing the location information acquired by the acquisition means with the starting point and ending point specified in the travel plan to analyze the usage of transportation means by the mobile subject operating the data terminal, a calculation means for calculating the costs that can be made free or partially free of charge that the mobile subject operating the data terminal can obtain based on the analysis results by the analysis means, and an issuance means for issuing the costs calculated by the calculation means to the application as an index that can be used to pay the price paid by the mobile subject.

[0157] (2) The server device is characterized in that it has a notification means for notifying the application installed in the data terminal of mission achievement information based on the analysis results by the analysis means, and the data terminal has an update means for the application to obtain the mission achievement information notified from the server device and update the progress status of the condition list items listed on the user interface.

[0158] (3) The source of the index issued by the issuing means and usable to cover the cost to be paid by the mobile entity is determined by an agreement with a public organization that has jurisdiction over the service provider.

[0159] (4) When the mobile entity travels using a specified means of transportation, the total amount of expenses issued by the issuing means is different when the total distance traveled using the means of transportation converges within a predetermined distance range and when the total distance traveled using the means of transportation does not converge within a predetermined distance range.

[0160] (5) When the application is launched, the data terminal is characterized in that it identifiably displays an indicator at a specific position on the user interface displayed on the display unit that can be used to cover the price paid by the mobile entity, which can be made free of charge or partially free of charge.

[0161] (6) The server device includes an imaging means for capturing an image of the moving subject passing through a ticket gate installed by the specified transportation means, and a receiving means for receiving movement information linked to an identification code and the facial feature data of the moving subject captured by the imaging means each time the moving subject passes through the ticket gate, and the acquiring means is characterized in that it acquires the location information of the moving subject operating the data terminal moving according to the travel plan from the multiple pieces of movement information received by the receiving means.

[0162] (7) The acquisition means is characterized in that it acquires gate information notified based on detecting that the data terminal operated by the moving entity passes through a ticket gate installed by the specified transportation means as the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point.

[0163] (8) The acquisition means is characterized in that it acquires gate information notified based on detecting that an electronic card carried by the moving entity passes through a ticket gate installed by the specified transportation means as the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point.

[0164] (9) The acquisition means is characterized in that it detects that the moving subject carrying the data terminal is passing near the ticket gate installed by the specified transportation means by reading the data terminal equipped with a near-field wireless communication function, and acquires the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point.

[0165] (10) The acquisition means is characterized in that it detects that the moving subject carrying the data terminal is passing through the ticket gate installed by the specified transportation means by reading the data terminal equipped with a near-field wireless communication function, and acquires the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point.

[0166] (11) The server device includes a registration means for linking facial image information of the mobile subject uploaded from the data terminal carried by the mobile subject to an account and registering it in a database, a detection means for detecting facial image information transmitted from an imaging device installed near the ticket gate of the transportation means and location information acquired from the data terminal carried by the mobile subject, and an identification means for identifying the location information of the mobile subject moving that is registered in the database based on the location information and the facial image information detected by the detection means, and the acquisition means is characterized in that it acquires the location information of the mobile subject moving that is identified by the identification means.

[0167] (12) The transportation means is characterized by including at least one of a railway transportation means that uses a railway, a land transportation means that uses a road, a waterway transportation means that uses a waterway, and an air transportation means that uses an airway.

[0168] (13) A cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject and a server device that provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal communicate via a specified communication medium, wherein the data terminal comprises a display unit and an input means for inputting a travel plan including at least a destination and a departure point registered in association with a means of transportation entered by the mobile subject while a user interface provided by the application is displayed on the display unit, and the server device comprises an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal, an analysis means for comparing the location information acquired by the acquisition means with the destination and departure point specified in the travel plan to analyze the usage of means of transportation by the mobile subject operating the data terminal, a calculation means for calculating the costs that can be made free or partially free of charge that the mobile subject operating the data terminal can obtain based on the analysis results by the analysis means, and an issuance means for issuing an index to the application to return the costs calculated by the calculation means to the mobile subject.

[0169] (14) A cost burden reduction system including a server device that communicates with a data terminal operated by a mobile subject via a specified communication medium and provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal, wherein the server device is characterized by having: an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; an analysis means for comparing the location information acquired by the acquisition means with a starting point and an ending point specified in a travel plan input by the mobile subject via the data terminal to analyze the usage of transportation facilities by the mobile subject operating the data terminal; a calculation means for calculating the costs that can be made free or partially free to the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on the analysis results by the analysis means; and an issuance means for issuing the costs calculated by the calculation means to the application as an index that can be used to cover the price paid by the mobile subject.

[0170] (15) A cost burden reduction system including a server device that communicates with a data terminal operated by a mobile subject via a specified communication medium and provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal, wherein the server device is characterized in that it comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; an analysis means for comparing the location information acquired by the acquisition means with the destination and departure point specified in a travel plan input by the mobile subject via the data terminal to analyze the usage of transportation facilities by the mobile subject operating the data terminal; a calculation means for calculating the costs that can be made free or partially free to the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on the analysis results by the analysis means; and an issuance means for issuing an index to the application to return the costs calculated by the calculation means to the mobile subject.

[0171] (16) A cost burden reduction method for a cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject and a server device that provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal communicate via a specified communication medium, the method comprising: an input step, executed by the data terminal, of inputting a travel plan including at least a destination registered in association with a means of transportation entered by the mobile subject while displaying a user interface provided by the application on a display unit; a detection step, executed by the server device, of detecting location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; an analysis step, executed by the server device, of comparing the location information detected by the detection step with the starting point and ending point specified in the travel plan to analyze the usage of means of transportation by the mobile subject operating the data terminal; a calculation step, based on the analysis results of the analysis step, of calculating the costs that can be obtained free of charge or partially free of charge by the mobile subject operating the data terminal; and an issuance step, of issuing the costs calculated by the calculation step to the application as an index that can be used to cover the price paid by the mobile subject.

[0172] (17) A cost burden reduction method for a cost burden reduction system including a server device that communicates with a data terminal operated by a mobile subject via a predetermined communication medium and provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal, characterized in that it includes: an acquisition step executed by the server device to acquire location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; an analysis step to analyze the usage of transportation means by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by comparing the location information acquired by the acquisition step with the starting point and ending point specified in a travel plan input by the mobile subject via the data terminal; a calculation step to calculate the cost that can be made free or partially free to the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on the analysis result of the analysis step; and an issuance step to issue the cost calculated by the calculation step to the application as an index that can be used to pay the price paid by the mobile subject.

[0173] In each of the above embodiments, a system including a service provider is assumed, but it may be desirable to construct a system that collects advertising fees from the service provider, obtains from movement information that a moving subject is staying in a target area input as a destination in a travel plan, and feeds back information that can be expected to have an economic effect to the local government, making it easy for local governments that have influence over economic distribution to participate in the system. Therefore, when assuming a system such as the above, it is also within the scope of application of this system to use subsidies provided by local governments for local revitalization, or government subsidies such as the Go To Campaign, as funds.

[0174] 2-1 to 2-N Data terminals 3-1 to 3-N Data terminals 4-1 to 4-N Data terminals 6 Server device 9 Travel plan database 14-1 Platform 14-2 Acquisition unit 14-3 Analysis unit 14-4 Calculation unit 14-5 Issuance unit 14-6 Notification unit

Claims

1. A cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject communicates with a server device providing a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: The data terminal comprises: A display unit; an input means for inputting a travel plan including at least a destination registered in association with a transportation means input by the moving subject while displaying a user interface provided by the application on the display unit; The server device includes: an analysis means for analyzing the usage of transportation facilities by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by checking the starting point and the ending point specified in the travel plan; a calculation means for calculating a free or partially free cost that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on an analysis result by the analysis means, If the cost does not exceed a preset upper limit, the service will be free or partially free. If the cost exceeds the upper limit, the service will not be free or partially free. A cost burden reduction system characterized by the above.

2. The server device includes: a notification means for notifying the application installed in the data terminal of mission achievement information based on an analysis result by the analysis means, The data terminal comprises: an update means for updating the progress of the condition list items listed on the user interface by acquiring the mission achievement information notified from the server device, 2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

3. The server device, an issuing means for granting to the mobile entity an index corresponding to the cost calculated by the calculation means, The source of the index issued by the issuing means is determined by an agreement with a public organization that has jurisdiction over the service provider.

3. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The server device, an issuing means for granting to the mobile entity an index corresponding to the cost calculated by the calculation means, When the moving subject moves using a predetermined transportation means, the total amount of the expenses issued by the issuing means is different between a case where the total distance traveled using the transportation means is converged within a predetermined distance range and a case where the total distance traveled using the transportation means is not converged within a predetermined distance range.

2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

5. The data terminal comprises: When the application is started, an indicator that can be used to cover the price paid by the mobile subject and that can be made free or partially free is identifiably displayed at a specific position on the user interface displayed on the display unit.

2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

6. The server device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; an imaging means for imaging the moving subject passing through a ticket gate installed by the predetermined transportation facility; a receiving means for receiving movement information in which feature data of face information of the moving subject captured by the imaging means is linked to an identification code each time the moving subject passes through the ticket gate, the acquiring means acquires the location information of the moving subject operating the data terminal moving according to the travel plan from the plurality of pieces of moving information received by the receiving means.

2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

7. The server device, acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; The acquiring means acquires gate information notified based on detection of the data terminal operated by the moving subject passing through a ticket gate installed by the predetermined transportation facility as the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point.

2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

8. The server device, acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; the acquiring means acquires gate information notified based on detection of passage of an electronic card carried by the moving subject through a ticket gate installed by the predetermined transportation facility as the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point; 2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

9. the acquiring means detects that the moving subject carrying the data terminal passes near the ticket gate installed by the predetermined transportation facility by reading the data terminal having a near field wireless communication function, and acquires the detected position information as the position information regarding the starting point and the ending point; 7. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 6.

10. the acquiring means detects that the moving subject carrying the data terminal passes through the ticket gate installed by the predetermined transportation facility by reading the data terminal having a near field communication function, and acquires the detected position information as the location information regarding the starting point and the ending point; 7. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 6.

11. The server device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the mobile subject operating the data terminal; a registration means for registering face image information of the mobile subject uploaded from the data terminal carried by the mobile subject in a database by linking the face image information to an account; A detection means for detecting face image information transmitted from an imaging device installed near a ticket gate of the transportation facility and location information obtained from the data terminal carried by the moving subject; a specifying means for specifying the location information of the moving subject registered in the database based on the location information and the face image information detected by the detection means, the acquiring means acquires the location information of the moving subject identified by the identifying means, 2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

12. The transportation means includes at least one of a rail transportation means using a railroad, a land transportation means using a road, a waterway transportation means using a waterway, and an air transportation means using an airway; 2. The cost burden reduction system according to claim 1.

13. A cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject communicates with a server device providing a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: The data terminal comprises: A display unit; an input means for inputting a travel plan including at least a destination and a departure point that are registered in association with a transportation facility input by the moving subject, while displaying a user interface provided by the application on the display unit; The server device includes: an analysis means for analyzing the usage of transportation facilities by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by checking against the destination and departure point specified in the travel plan; a calculation means for calculating a free or partially free cost that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on an analysis result by the analysis means, If the cost does not exceed a preset upper limit, the service will be free or partially free. If the cost exceeds the upper limit, the service will not be free or partially free. A cost burden reduction system characterized by the above.

14. A cost burden reduction system including a server device that communicates with a data terminal operated by a mobile subject via a predetermined communication medium and provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal, The server device includes: an analysis means for analyzing the usage of transportation facilities by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by comparing the starting point and the ending point specified in the travel plan input by the mobile subject via the data terminal; a calculation means for calculating a free or partially free cost that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on an analysis result by the analysis means, If the cost does not exceed a preset upper limit, the service will be free or partially free. If the cost exceeds the upper limit, the service will not be free or partially free. A cost burden reduction system characterized by the above.

15. A cost burden reduction system including a server device that communicates with a data terminal operated by a mobile subject via a predetermined communication medium and provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal, The server device includes: an analysis means for analyzing the usage of transportation facilities by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by comparing the destination and departure point specified in the travel plan input by the mobile subject via the data terminal; a calculation means for calculating a free or partially free cost that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on an analysis result by the analysis means, If the cost does not exceed a preset upper limit, the service will be free or partially free. If the cost exceeds the upper limit, the service will not be free or partially free. A cost burden reduction system characterized by the above.

16. A cost burden reduction method for a cost burden reduction system in which a data terminal operated by a mobile subject communicates with a server device providing a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising: Executed by the data terminal, An input step of inputting a travel plan including at least a destination registered in association with a transportation means input by the moving subject while displaying a user interface provided by the application on a display unit; Executed by the server device, an analysis step of analyzing a usage status of a transportation facility by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by checking a starting point and an end point specified in the travel plan; a calculation step of calculating a free or partially free cost that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on an analysis result by the analysis step, If the cost does not exceed a preset upper limit, the service will be free or partially free. If the cost exceeds the upper limit, the service will not be free or partially free. A cost burden reduction method for a cost burden reduction system comprising:

17. A cost burden reduction method for a cost burden reduction system including a server device that communicates with a data terminal operated by a mobile subject via a predetermined communication medium and provides a platform corresponding to an application operated on the data terminal, comprising: Executed by the server device, an analysis step of analyzing a usage status of a transportation facility by the mobile subject operating the data terminal by comparing the starting point and the ending point specified in the trip plan input by the mobile subject via the data terminal; a calculation step of calculating a free or partially free cost that can be acquired by the mobile subject operating the data terminal based on an analysis result by the analysis step, If the cost does not exceed a preset upper limit, the service will be free or partially free. If the cost exceeds the upper limit, the service will not be free or partially free. A cost burden reduction method for a cost burden reduction system comprising: