Fare calculating device, fare calculating method, and program

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a fare calculating device capable of appropriately calculating a user's fare in accordance with a vehicle ridden by the user. A fare calculating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a first image acquiring unit that acquires a first image obtained by imaging a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control unit that controls authentication of the user on the basis of the first image; an entry / exit recording unit that records the entry / exit of the user if the authentication was successful; a second image acquiring unit that acquires a second image obtained by imaging the user at a predetermined timing between when the user entered the ticket gate and when the user exited; a vehicle type identifying unit that identifies the type of vehicle used by the user on the basis of the second image; a fare service identifying unit that identifies a fare service applicable to the user on the basis of user identification information for identifying the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit records, and vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type; and a fare calculating unit that calculates the user's fare on the basis of the applicable fare service.

Description

Fee calculation device, fee calculation method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fee calculation device, a fee calculation method, and a program.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technique for authenticating a user at a ticket gate at a station or the like by biometric authentication and determining whether or not the user is permitted to pass through based on the authentication result.

[0003] As a related technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a ticket gate system including a ticket gate, a camera, and a server. When a person appears within an authentication range set up in front of the ticket gate, the ticket gate system detects the person from an image captured by the camera, and the server performs facial authentication of the detected person. Each ticket gate controls the passage of people attempting to pass through the passage based on the facial authentication results provided by the server. For example, the server checks the entry and exit records for each user and determines the user's fare amount by referring to a fare database, etc. If the user has a commuter pass, the server identifies the section requiring fare adjustment based on the user's commuter pass information and determines the adjustment amount for the section requiring fare adjustment.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-149257

[0005] For example, when using express tickets or special promotional tickets, users may need to purchase these tickets at the ticket counter of a railway operator. In such cases, the user must go to the ticket counter, which is time-consuming.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fare calculation device, a fare calculation method, and a program that can appropriately calculate a user's fare depending on the vehicle in which the user is riding.

[0007] The fare calculation device according to the present disclosure comprises a first image acquisition unit that acquires a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control unit that controls authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording unit that records the entry and exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition unit that acquires a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between the time the user enters the ticket gate and the time the user exits; a vehicle type identification unit that identifies the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fare service identification unit that identifies fare services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fare calculation unit that calculates the fare of the user based on the applicable fare services.

[0008] The fee calculation method disclosed herein includes a first image acquisition step of acquiring a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control step of controlling authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording step of recording the entry / exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition step of acquiring a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between entering the ticket gate and exiting it; a vehicle type identification step of identifying the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fee service identification step of identifying fee services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fee calculation step of calculating the fee for the user based on the applicable fee services.

[0009] The program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following steps: an authentication control step for controlling authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording step for recording the entry / exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition step for acquiring a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between the time of entry into the ticket gate and the time of exit; a vehicle type identification step for identifying the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fare service identification step for identifying fare services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fare calculation step for calculating the fare of the user based on the applicable fare services.

[0010] The fare calculation device, fare calculation method, and program according to the present disclosure make it possible to appropriately calculate a user's fare depending on the vehicle in which the user rides.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fare calculation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing entry and exit recording processing performed by a fare calculation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing fare calculation processing performed by a fare calculation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a fare calculation system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fare calculation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining an example of a return ride. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a management device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing entry and exit recording processing performed by a fare calculation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing fare calculation processing performed by a fare calculation device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes a fare calculation device, etc. according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals. For clarity of explanation, duplicated explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0013] First Embodiment First, a description will be given of a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fee calculation device 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0014] (Configuration of fee calculation device 100) The fee calculation device 100 includes a first image acquisition unit 101, an authentication control unit 102, an entry / exit recording unit 103, a second image acquisition unit 104, a vehicle type identification unit 105, a fee service identification unit 106, and a fee calculation unit 107.

[0015] The first image acquisition unit 101 acquires a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate. The authentication control unit 102 controls user authentication based on the first image. The entry / exit recording unit 103 records the entry / exit of users who have been successfully authenticated. The second image acquisition unit 104 acquires a second image of the user taken at a predetermined timing between the time the user enters the ticket gate and the time the user exits. The vehicle type identification unit 105 identifies the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image.

[0016] The fee service specification unit 106 specifies fee services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information that indicates a record of entry and exit, and vehicle type information that indicates the type of vehicle used by the user. The fee calculation unit 107 calculates the user's fee based on the applicable fee services.

[0017] The fee calculation device 100 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing described herein. The processor can load the computer program from the storage device into the memory and execute the computer program. As a result, the processor realizes the functions of a first image acquisition unit 101, an authentication control unit 102, an entry / exit recording unit 103, a second image acquisition unit 104, a vehicle type identification unit 105, a fee service identification unit 106, and a fee calculation unit 107.

[0018] The first image acquisition unit 101, the authentication control unit 102, the entry / exit recording unit 103, the second image acquisition unit 104, the vehicle type identification unit 105, the fee service identification unit 106, and the fee calculation unit 107 may each be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination thereof. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and a program.

[0019] (Processing of Fee Calculation Device 100) Next, the processing performed by the fee calculation device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the entrance / exit recording processing performed by the fee calculation device 100. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the fee calculation processing performed by the fee calculation device 100.

[0020] The entry / exit recording process will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the first image acquisition unit 101 acquires a first image (S1). For example, the first image acquisition unit 101 acquires the first image from a first camera installed near the ticket gate.

[0021] Next, the authentication control unit 102 controls user authentication based on the first image (S2). For example, the authentication control unit 102 performs user authentication on its own device using the first image. Alternatively, the authentication control unit 102 may perform authentication by transmitting the first image to a predetermined management device and making an authentication request to the management device.

[0022] Next, the authentication control unit 102 determines whether the user has been successfully authenticated (S3). If it is determined that the user has been successfully authenticated (YES in S3), the entrance / exit recording unit 103 records the entrance / exit of the user (S4). For example, the entrance / exit recording unit 103 associates entrance / exit information indicating the user's entrance / exit with user identification information that identifies the user, and stores the information in a storage unit (not shown). If it is determined that the user has failed authentication (NO in S3), the authentication control unit 102 ends the process. The authentication control unit 102 may return to step S1 and perform authentication again.

[0023] Next, the fare calculation process will be described with reference to Fig. 3. First, the second image acquisition unit 104 acquires a second image (S11). For example, the second image acquisition unit 104 acquires the second image from a second camera installed on a station platform.

[0024] Next, the vehicle type identification unit 105 identifies the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image (S12). For example, the vehicle type identification unit 105 identifies the vehicle used by the user as an express vehicle for which an express ticket needs to be purchased. The vehicle type identification unit 105 also stores the vehicle type information in the storage unit in association with the user identification information and the entry / exit information.

[0025] Next, the fee service identification unit 106 identifies fee services applicable to the user based on the user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information (S13). For example, the fee service identification unit 106 identifies fee services applicable to the user by referring to the user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information stored in the storage unit and a predetermined fee service list. Next, the fee calculation unit 107 calculates the user's fee based on the fee services applicable to the user identified by the fee service identification unit 106 (S14).

[0026] As described above, the fare calculation device 100 according to the present disclosure identifies the type of vehicle used by the user using the second image captured of the user at a predetermined timing between when the user enters the ticket gate and when the user exits the ticket gate. In this way, the fare calculation device 100 can appropriately calculate the fare for the user depending on the type of vehicle used.

[0027] Second Embodiment Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment, which is a specific example of the first embodiment described above.

[0028] (Fee Calculation System 10) First, the overall configuration of the fee calculation system 10 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fee calculation system 10.

[0029] The fare calculation system 10 includes a first camera C1 installed in the ticket gate area 5, a second camera C2 installed in the boarding and disembarking area 7, a third camera C3 installed in the vehicle T, a fare calculation device 1, and a management device 3. The first camera C1, the second camera C2, the third camera C3, the fare calculation device 1, and the management device 3 communicate with each other via a network N. The network N is a wired or wireless communication line.

[0030] The number of components included in the fare calculation system 10 is not limited to those shown in the figure. For example, the fare calculation system 10 may include multiple ticket gate areas 5 and boarding / alighting areas 7. Multiple first cameras C1 may be installed in the ticket gate areas 5. Multiple second cameras C2 may be installed in the boarding / alighting areas 7. Multiple third cameras C3 may be installed in the vehicle T. The fare calculation system 10 may include multiple fare calculation devices 1 and management devices 3.

[0031] The fare calculation system 10 photographs the user when the user passes through the ticket gate and at a predetermined timing between the user's entry and exit through the ticket gate, and calculates the user's fare by performing predetermined processing using the photographed images. The fare calculation system 10 can track the user by photographing the user at multiple timings. This allows the fare calculation system 10 to correctly identify the vehicle in which the user boarded or disembarked. The user is a person who uses a vehicle at a station to which the fare calculation system 10 is applied.

[0032] The fare calculation system 10 can be applied to various transportation systems, such as railway vehicles, monorail vehicles, new transit vehicles, etc. Below, an example will be described in which the fare calculation system 10 is applied to a railway station where trains depart and arrive.

[0033] (Ticket gate area 5) The ticket gate area 5 is an area where ticket gates through which users pass are installed. The first camera C1 is a photographing device that photographs users passing through the ticket gate. The first camera C1 transmits a ticket gate passing image P1 obtained by photographing to the fare calculation device 1. The ticket gate passing image P1 is an example of the first image described above. The ticket gate passing image P1 may be a video or a still image. The first camera C1 may be any of various cameras that support an authentication method that can be authenticated by the authentication control unit 12 of the fare calculation device 1.

[0034] The authentication method is, for example, face authentication, iris authentication, or skeletal authentication. The authentication method is not limited to these, and other biometric authentication methods may be used. Here, the first camera C1 is a camera used for face authentication, and is assumed to capture an image of the user's face. The first camera C1 is provided at a position where it can capture an image of the user's face at the same height.

[0035] For example, the first camera C1 is provided at each of the multiple ticket gates in the ticket gate area 5. For example, the first camera C1 captures an image of the user's face when the user is detected within the capture range. The first camera C1 may be provided on the ceiling or wall of the ticket gate area 5. The first camera C1 may be configured to be able to capture images of multiple users.

[0036] (Pick-up and Drop-off Area 7) The pick-up and drop-off area 7 is an area where the vehicle T departs and arrives. The pick-up and drop-off area 7 includes a platform (not shown) for users to get on and off the vehicle T.

[0037] The second camera C2 is a photographing device that photographs users getting on and off the vehicle T. The second camera C2 transmits the boarding and alighting area image P2 obtained by photographing to the fare calculation device 1. The boarding and alighting area image P2 is an example of the second image described above. The boarding and alighting area image P2 may be a video or a still image. The second camera C2 may be any of various cameras that can photograph vehicles identified by the vehicle type identification unit 15 of the fare calculation device 1.

[0038] The second camera C2 is installed in a position where it can capture an image of the user's face. For example, the second camera C2 may be installed on the ceiling or wall of the boarding / disembarking area 7. For example, the second camera C2 is installed in a position where it can capture an image of the door area of ​​each car of the vehicle T. This allows the second camera C2 to capture images of users getting on and off the vehicle T. The second camera C2 may constantly capture images in a predetermined capture direction from its installation location, or may capture an image when a user is detected within its capture range.

[0039] The second camera C2 may transmit the boarding / disembarking area image P2 obtained by photographing to the fare calculation device 1 at predetermined time intervals. The second camera C2 may be a surveillance camera that monitors the boarding / disembarking area 7. Alternatively, a mobile object such as a robot may be equipped with the second camera C2 and photograph the boarding / disembarking area 7.

[0040] The third camera C3 is a photographing device that photographs a user riding in the vehicle T. The third camera C3 transmits an interior image P3 obtained by photographing to the fare calculation device 1. The interior image P3 is an example of the second image described above. The interior image P3 may be a video or a still image. The third camera C3 may be any of various cameras that can photograph the interior of the vehicle T. The third camera C3 is installed in a position that can photograph the user's face. For example, the third camera C3 may be installed on the ceiling or wall of the vehicle T, or on a seat inside the vehicle T.

[0041] (Fee Calculation Device 1) The fee calculation device 1 is an example of the above-described fee calculation device 100. The fee calculation device 1 acquires images of a user from the first camera C1 and the second camera C2, and calculates the fee for the user based on the acquired images.

[0042] The configuration of the fare calculation device 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fare calculation device 1. The fare calculation device 1 includes a first image acquisition unit 11, an authentication control unit 12, an entry / exit recording unit 13, a second image acquisition unit 14, a vehicle type identification unit 15, a fare service identification unit 16, a fare calculation unit 17, a seat type identification unit 18, a boarding position identification unit 19, a congestion status identification unit 20, a recommendation unit 21, a communication unit 27, and a memory unit 29.

[0043] The first image acquisition unit 11 is an example of the above-mentioned first image acquisition unit 101. The first image acquisition unit 11 acquires a ticket gate passing image P1 captured by a user passing through a ticket gate. Passing through a ticket gate includes entering from outside the ticket gate to inside the ticket gate and exiting from inside the ticket gate to outside the ticket gate. The first image acquisition unit 11 acquires the ticket gate passing image P1 from the first camera C1.

[0044] The authentication control unit 12 is an example of the above-mentioned authentication control unit 102. The authentication control unit 12 controls the authentication of a user based on the ticket gate passing image P1. The authentication control unit 12 controls the authentication of a user entering a ticket gate using the ticket gate passing image P1 acquired by the first image acquisition unit 11.

[0045] Specifically, the authentication control unit 12 transmits the ticket gate passing image P1 to the management device 3 and requests authentication from the management device 3. When authentication is performed in the management device 3, the authentication control unit 12 receives the authentication result from the management device 3. If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 12 receives user identification information that identifies the user from the management device 3. The authentication control unit 12 stores the user identification information in the memory unit 29.

[0046] The entry / exit recording unit 13 is an example of the entry / exit recording unit 103 described above. The entry / exit recording unit 13 records the entry / exit of users who have been successfully authenticated. The entry / exit recording unit 13 associates entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record with user identification information and stores the associated information in the memory unit 29. The entry / exit information may include various information used to calculate the user's fare. The entry / exit information includes information on the entry station, transfer station, and exit station. The information on the entry station, transfer station, and exit station may be represented, for example, using station identification information that identifies the station. The entry / exit information may also include the date and time of entry / exit or transfer.

[0047] The second image acquisition unit 14 is an example of the above-mentioned second image acquisition unit 104. The second image acquisition unit 14 acquires a boarding / alighting area image P2 obtained by photographing a user at a predetermined timing between when the user enters a ticket gate and when the user exits the ticket gate. The second image acquisition unit 14 acquires the boarding / alighting area image P2 from the second camera C2.

[0048] The predetermined timing is, for example, the time of boarding the vehicle T. "The time of boarding" is the time when the user boards the vehicle T. The time of boarding may also include the time immediately before the user boards the vehicle T. For example, the time of boarding may include the time when the user is lining up at a predetermined position on the platform before the arrival of the vehicle T.

[0049] The predetermined timing may also be the time when the user gets off the vehicle T. "When getting off" is the time when the user gets off the vehicle T. The time when the user gets off may also include the time immediately after the user gets off the vehicle T. For example, the time when the user moves from a predetermined direction on the platform towards an exit or the like after the arrival of the vehicle T may also include the time when the user moves from a predetermined direction on the platform towards an exit or the like.

[0050] Furthermore, the predetermined timing may be while the user is riding in the vehicle T. "While riding" refers to a timing while the user is riding in the vehicle T. In this case, the second image acquisition unit 14 acquires an interior image P3 captured by the third camera C3.

[0051] The vehicle type identification unit 15 is an example of the above-mentioned vehicle type identification unit 105. The vehicle type identification unit 15 identifies the type of vehicle used by the user based on the getting-in / out area image P2.

[0052] The vehicle type identification unit 15, for example, identifies the type of vehicle used by the user. The vehicle type indicates the attributes of the entire vehicle. Examples of vehicle types include local (local train), express, limited express, and Shinkansen. For example, the vehicle type identification unit 15 analyzes the boarding and alighting area image P2 using well-known image recognition technology and identifies the type of vehicle T based on the analysis results.

[0053] The vehicle type identification unit 15 may identify the type of vehicle T from the color or pattern of the vehicle body. The vehicle type identification unit 15 may also identify the type of vehicle T extracted from the boarding / alighting area image P2 based on operation information of the vehicle T (e.g., departure and arrival times and train number), the installation location of the second camera C2 (e.g., a Shinkansen platform), etc. Furthermore, the vehicle type identification unit 15 may identify the type of vehicle T based on vehicle identification information that identifies the vehicle T. The vehicle identification information is, for example, a train number associated with the vehicle T.

[0054] The vehicle type identification unit 15 associates vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle used by the user with the user identification information and entry / exit information, and stores the information in the storage unit 29. For example, the vehicle type identification unit 15 identifies the type of vehicle T used by the user as a Shinkansen based on the installation location of the second camera C2, and stores the vehicle type information indicating the Shinkansen in association with the user identification information and entry / exit information in the storage unit 29. The vehicle type identification unit 15 may identify the Shinkansen used by the user based on the departure time, for example, and further associate and store the operation information of the Shinkansen in the storage unit 29.

[0055] The fee service specifying unit 16 is an example of the above-mentioned fee service specifying unit 106. The fee service specifying unit 16 specifies fee services applicable to the user based on the user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information.

[0056] The fee service identification unit 16 refers to the storage unit 29 and identifies fee services applicable to the user based on the user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information. For example, the fee service identification unit 16 may identify fee services applicable to the user by referring to the user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information, and a predetermined fee service list. The predetermined fee service list is a list including application conditions for fee services.

[0057] For example, if the type of vehicle is an express vehicle, the fare service identification unit 16 identifies the fare service applicable to the user as the express fare. In this way, the fare service identification unit 16 can identify the fare service applicable to the user using the type of vehicle the user is riding in, so the user does not need to purchase a ticket such as an express ticket. Therefore, the user does not need to carry the purchased ticket with them, and there is no risk of losing the ticket.

[0058] Furthermore, even if a user boards an express train car without purchasing an express ticket, the railway operator can collect the express fare from the user. Also, for example, in a case where an empty seat is indicated by a lamp or the like in a reserved seat car and the user uses the empty seat and later pays the reserved seat fare, the fare service identification unit 16 can appropriately identify a fare service applicable to the user.

[0059] The fare service identification unit 16 may identify the user's travel section and usage date and time based on user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information, and may identify the fare service applicable to the user based on the identified travel section and usage date and time.

[0060] For example, suppose there is a discount service C that provides a discount on fares when a user uses a vehicle on a route included in a specified section B during a specified period A. The fare service identification unit 16 determines whether the train used by the user satisfies the conditions for the discount. Specifically, the fare service identification unit 16 determines whether the date and time of use is included in period A based on entry / exit information. The fare service identification unit 16 also determines whether the user's riding section is included in section B. The fare service identification unit 16 determines whether discount service C is applicable to the user based on the determination results of the period and section. If applicable, the fare service identification unit 16 identifies discount service C as a fare service applicable to the user.

[0061] The fee service identification unit 16 may acquire user information about the user from the management device 3 and identify fee services applicable to the user based on the user information. The user information may include, for example, information such as the user's attributes, whether or not the user has a commuter pass, the route used, the distance used, the number of times used, or the date and time of use.

[0062] User attributes are, for example, information such as the user's age and gender. Whether or not the user has a commuter pass is information on whether or not the user has been issued a commuter pass for a specified section. The distance used is, for example, the total distance the user has used the vehicle within a specified period. The number of uses is, for example, the total number of times the user has used the vehicle within a specified period. The date and time of use is, for example, the date and time the user last used the vehicle. The date and time of use may also be information such as the time of day, period, or day of the week when the user uses the vehicle most often.

[0063] The fare service identification unit 16 may search for fare services applicable to the user from among all fare services offered by railway operators, etc., or may search from among fare services limited according to the region or user attributes.

[0064] The fare service identification unit 16 may identify the user's riding section using the boarding and alighting area image P2, and may determine whether the user will make a return ride based on the identified riding section. For example, the fare service identification unit 16 may identify the user's actual riding section using the boarding and alighting area image P2 taken in the boarding and alighting area 7, as well as an interior image P3 taken inside the vehicle T. The fare service identification unit 16 identifies applicable fare services taking into account the determination result.

[0065] Here, return tripping will be explained with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of return tripping. Stations b1 to b5 are stops on line L. Station b1 is the starting station of line L. Also, assume that station b2 is the user's boarding station and station b5 is the user's disembarking station. The two solid arrows indicate the user's actual boarding section.

[0066] In normal route R1, the user boards the train at station b2 and disembarks at station b5. In this case, a fare is incurred for the ride between stations b2 and b5. In route R2 with return rides, the user boards a train at station b2 that is heading in the opposite direction to station b5 and travels to starting station b1. By continuing to board the train after arriving at starting station b1, the user travels to station b5 on the train that turns around at starting station b1. Alternatively, if passengers are replaced at starting station b1, the user disembarks from the train and transfers to a train heading for station b2 to travel to station b5.

[0067] In many cases, a fare is charged for the ride between starting station b1 and station b2, but when a user who traveled along route R2 gets off at station b5, they only pay the fare for the ride between stations b2 and b5, just like route R1. In this way, the user's actual ride section may differ from the section specified based only on the boarding station, transfer stations, and disembarking stations.

[0068] For example, first, the fare service identification unit 16 identifies the vehicle that the user actually boarded based on the boarding and alighting area image P2. Here, it is assumed that the fare service identification unit 16 identifies the vehicle as vehicle T1.

[0069] The fare service identification unit 16 identifies the section that the user actually rode on, based on the date and time when the user got on and off the vehicle T1, operation information of the vehicle T1, etc. For example, the fare service identification unit 16 may acquire operation information of the vehicle T1 via the network N, etc. The fare service identification unit 16 may also identify the section that the user actually rode on, based on location information of the vehicle T1. The fare service identification unit 16 may confirm that the user is continuing to ride in the vehicle T1, using an interior image P3 of a third camera C3 installed in the vehicle T1.

[0070] In this way, the fare service specification unit 16 determines whether or not a user will make a return trip, and the fare calculation unit 17 can calculate a fare corresponding to the actual travel section for the user who made the return trip. This allows the railway operator to appropriately receive the fare for the return trip.

[0071] The fee service specifying unit 16 can specify a fee service based on the vehicle type specified by the vehicle type specifying unit 15 as well as various other information as follows.

[0072] For example, the fee service specifying unit 16 may specify an applicable fee service further based on seat type information indicating the type of seat specified by the seat type specifying unit 18. For example, the fee service specifying unit 16 applies a reserved seat fee when the seat type is a reserved seat.

[0073] The fare service specification unit 16 may also specify an applicable fare service based on boarding position information indicating the boarding position specified by the boarding position specification unit 19. For example, the fare service specification unit 16 may apply a discounted fare when the user boards the train at a position away from the stairs of the station. For example, the fare service specification unit 16 may award the user predetermined points in a point service provided by a railway operator.

[0074] Furthermore, the fee service specification unit 16 may specify an applicable fee service based on congestion status information indicating the congestion status specified by the congestion status specification unit 20. For example, the fee service specification unit 16 applies a discount fee or awards points when the congestion level of the vehicle T is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0075] The fare service identification unit 16 may acquire a third image of the user captured at least once before the user enters the ticket gate and once after the user exits the ticket gate, and may identify an applicable fare service based on the third image. For example, the fare service identification unit 16 acquires the third image from an in-station camera (not shown) installed in an area other than the ticket gate area 5 and the boarding / alighting area 7. The in-station camera may be installed, for example, on the ceiling or wall of a concourse within the station.

[0076] For example, the fee service identification unit 16 determines whether the user's behavior within the station satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the user stopping by a predetermined store or using a service at a predetermined store. For example, the fee service identification unit 16 identifies a store or the like visited by the user based on the third image and determines whether the user's behavior satisfies the predetermined condition. The fee service identification unit 16 identifies fee services applicable to the user based on the determination result.

[0077] The fare service specification unit 16 may store information on the specified travel section and the specified fare service in the storage unit 29 in association with the user identification information, entry / exit information, and vehicle type information.

[0078] 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 29. As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 29 stores a user ID 291, entry / exit information 292, vehicle type information 293, riding section information 294, and fare service information 295 in association with each other. The user ID 291 is an example of user identification information. The example shown for user ID "002" corresponds to the example of return riding described using FIG. 6.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 5 , the fare calculation unit 17 is an example of the fare calculation unit 107 described above. The fare calculation unit 17 calculates the user's fare based on applicable fare services. When there are multiple fare services applicable to the user, the fare calculation unit 17 may apply the fare service with the lowest fare, or may allow the user to select the fare service to be applied. When a return trip is performed, the fare calculation unit 17 may calculate the user's fare including the fare for the section where the return trip is performed.

[0080] The fare calculation unit 17 stores the calculated fare in the storage unit 29 in association with the user identification information, the entry / exit information, and the vehicle type information. This allows the user who has exited the vehicle T to pay the calculated fare when passing through the ticket gate.

[0081] The seat type identification unit 18 identifies the type of seat used by the user. The seat type indicates the attributes of the seat. Examples of seat types include unreserved seats, reserved seats, and green seats. For example, the seat type identification unit 18 acquires an interior image P3 captured by the third camera C3 and analyzes the interior image P3 to identify the seat type.

[0082] For example, the seat type identification unit 18 detects the user from the in-car image P3 captured by the third camera C3 installed at the reserved seat, thereby identifying that the type of seat used by the user is a reserved seat. The seat type identification unit 18 may store seat type information indicating the type of seat in the storage unit 29 in association with user identification information or the like.

[0083] The boarding position identification unit 19 identifies the boarding position of the user. The boarding position indicates the position where the user boarded the vehicle T. The boarding position may be represented, for example, by the car number assigned to each car or the number of cars from the front. The boarding position may also be represented, for example, by the distance from the stairs on the platform. For example, the boarding position may be represented in multiple levels, such as "very far from the stairs," "far from the stairs," "close to the stairs," and "very close to the stairs."

[0084] For example, the boarding position identification unit 19 identifies the boarding position of the user based on the boarding and alighting area image P2 at the time of boarding and the interior image P3 during the ride. The boarding position identification unit 19 may store boarding position information indicating the boarding position of the user in the storage unit 29 in association with user identification information or the like.

[0085] The congestion situation identification unit 20 identifies the congestion situation of the vehicle at the user's boarding position. For example, the congestion situation identification unit 20 analyzes the boarding / exiting area image P2, the vehicle interior image P3, etc. to identify the congestion situation of the vehicle. The congestion situation identification unit 20 may store congestion situation information indicating the congestion situation in the storage unit 29 in association with user identification information, etc. The congestion situation information may be expressed, for example, using a congestion degree indicating the level of congestion.

[0086] The recommendation unit 21 recommends actions to the user so that the user's fare will be reduced. For example, the recommendation unit 21 provides the user with recommendation information regarding at least one of the vehicle, seat, and boarding location in which the user will board. The recommendation information is, for example, information on the vehicle, seat, or boarding location to which a discounted fare applies. The recommendation unit 21 may provide the user with the recommendation information by display, voice, or the like.

[0087] For example, the recommendation unit 21 generates a message such as "You will receive a discount if you board the first car," and transmits the message via the communication unit 27 to a terminal device such as a smartphone carried by the user.

[0088] The recommendation unit 21 may recommend a route or the like to the user. Furthermore, for example, if the fare calculation system 10 cooperates with nearby stores or the like to provide a discount service for using services at a specific store, the recommendation unit 21 may provide information about the discount service. For example, the recommendation unit 21 may transmit a message to the terminal device such as, "Free pass X is applied, so you can get a good deal on a meal at restaurant Y."

[0089] The communication unit 27 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 27 may include any device that enables wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0090] The storage unit 29 is a storage device that stores programs for realizing each function of the fare calculation device 1. The storage unit 29 also stores the above-mentioned user ID 291, entry / exit information 292, vehicle type information 293, riding section information 294, and fare service information 295 in association with each other.

[0091] (Management Device 3) Next, the management device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 3. The management device 3 is a device that manages user information. The management device 3 acquires information from the fare calculation device 1 and authenticates users entering a ticket gate based on the acquired information.

[0092] The management device 3 includes a captured image acquisition unit 31, an authentication unit 33, a communication unit 37, and a storage unit 39. The management device 3 also includes a processor and memory, which are not shown in the figure. The storage unit 39, which is a storage device, stores a computer program that implements the processing described herein. The processor can load the computer program from the storage device into the memory and execute the computer program. In this way, the processor realizes the functions of the captured image acquisition unit 31 and the authentication unit 33.

[0093] The captured image acquisition unit 31 and the authentication unit 33 may each be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and a program.

[0094] The photographed image acquisition unit 31 acquires photographed images. Specifically, the photographed image acquisition unit 31 acquires a ticket gate passing image P1, a boarding / alighting area image P2, and a train interior image P3 from the first camera C1, the second camera C2, and the third camera C3.

[0095] For example, suppose the authentication unit 33 acquires a ticket gate passing image P1. Here, the ticket gate passing image P1 is a facial image of a user. The authentication unit 33 uses the ticket gate passing image P1 to authenticate the user entering the ticket gate. For example, the authentication unit 33 compares the ticket gate passing image P1 with a facial image previously stored in the storage unit 39, and performs facial authentication of the user based on the comparison result. The authentication unit 33 can perform facial authentication using well-known technology.

[0096] For example, the authentication unit 33 performs face authentication by comparing the feature amounts of a face image previously stored in the storage unit 39 with the feature amounts of the ticket gate passing image P1. Note that a user who is to undergo face authentication can perform face authentication by previously registering user information including a face image in the management device 3. In addition to a face image, the user information may include, for example, user identification information for identifying the user, the user's name, contact information, etc.

[0097] If the feature amounts match, the authentication unit 33 determines that the authentication is successful, and if they do not match, the authentication unit 33 determines that the authentication is unsuccessful. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 33 identifies the user. The authentication unit 33 transmits the authentication result to the fee calculation device 1 via the communication unit 37. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 33 transmits user identification information that identifies the identified user together with the authentication result. This completes the authentication of the user.

[0098] The authentication unit 33 may also authenticate the user for the boarding / alighting area image P2 and the train interior image P3 in the same manner as in the case of the ticket gate passing image P1 described above. In this way, the authentication unit 33 can identify the user included in the boarding / alighting area image P2 or the train interior image P3.

[0099] Although face authentication is used here, the authentication unit 33 may authenticate the user using other biometric authentication methods. The authentication unit 33 may perform authentication using two or more types of biometric information. For example, if a face image and an iris image are acquired by the first camera C1, the authentication unit 33 may perform face authentication and iris authentication.

[0100] The communication unit 37 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 37 may include any device that enables wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0101] The storage unit 39 is a storage device that stores programs for implementing each function of the management device 3. The storage unit 39 also stores various information used for authentication. For example, the storage unit 39 stores user information. The user information may include, for example, information such as user attributes, whether or not the user has a commuter pass, the route used, the distance used, the number of times used, and the date and time of use.

[0102] The above describes the configuration of the fee calculation system 10. Note that the configuration of the fee calculation system 10 described above is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate. For example, when some or all of the components of the fee calculation device 1 and the management device 3 are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, cloud computing system, or other system connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the functions of the fee calculation device 1 and the management device 3 may be provided in a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0103] For example, in the above description, an example in which face authentication is performed in the management device 3 has been described, but this is not limiting. Face authentication may also be performed in an external device connected to the network N. For example, a predetermined authentication server on the cloud may perform face authentication. The authentication server stores features of a face image in advance in a storage unit, and performs face authentication by comparing the stored features with the features of face images captured by each camera.

[0104] For example, the fee calculation device 1 transmits an authentication request including a facial image and / or features of the facial image captured by each of the first camera C1, the second camera C2, and the third camera C3 to the authentication server. The fee calculation device 1 can complete the authentication by receiving an authentication result from the authentication server.

[0105] Although the description has been given here using functional units corresponding to the vehicle type, seat type, riding position, and congestion status that can be identified based on the captured image, the fare calculation device 1 may not include some of these functional units. For example, the fare calculation device 1 may be configured without some of the vehicle type identification unit 15, seat type identification unit 18, riding position identification unit 19, and congestion status identification unit 20. The fare calculation device 1 may simply include functional units corresponding to the information to be identified.

[0106] Although the above description has been given of an example in which a user is authenticated using a facial image or the like, the present invention is not limited to this. The authentication control unit 12 may control authentication using read information read from an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or a wearable terminal.

[0107] (Processing of Fee Calculation Device 1) Next, the processing performed by the fee calculation device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the entrance / exit recording processing performed by the fee calculation device 1. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the fee calculation processing performed by the fee calculation device 1.

[0108] The entry / exit recording process will be described with reference to Figure 9. First, the first image acquisition unit 11 acquires a ticket gate passing image P1 from the first camera C1 installed in the ticket gate area 5 (S21). The ticket gate passing image P1 is an example of a first image captured of a user passing through a ticket gate.

[0109] Next, the authentication control unit 12 controls user authentication based on the ticket gate passing image P1 (S22). For example, the authentication control unit 12 transmits the ticket gate passing image P1 to the management device 3 and requests authentication from the management device 3. The authentication control unit 12 also receives an authentication result from the management device 3. If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 12 also receives user identification information that identifies the user from the management device 3.

[0110] The authentication control unit 12 may perform authentication within its own device. Alternatively, the authentication control unit 12 may control authentication using a device other than the management device 3 (for example, a predetermined authentication server on the cloud).

[0111] Next, the authentication control unit 12 determines whether the user has been successfully authenticated (S23). If it is determined that the user has been successfully authenticated (YES in S23), the entry / exit recording unit 13 records the entry / exit of the user (S24). For example, the entry / exit recording unit 13 associates entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit of the user with user identification information and stores the information in the storage unit 29. If it is determined that the user has failed authentication (NO in S23), the authentication control unit 12 ends the process. The authentication control unit 12 may return to step S21 and perform authentication again.

[0112] Next, the fare calculation process will be described with reference to Figure 10. First, the second image acquisition unit 14 acquires a boarding / alighting area image P2 from a second camera C2 installed in the boarding / alighting area 7 (S31). Next, the second image acquisition unit 14 acquires an interior image P3 from a third camera C3 installed inside the vehicle T (S32). The boarding / alighting area image P2 and the interior image P3 are examples of second images captured of a user at a predetermined timing between entering a ticket gate and exiting the ticket gate. The second image acquisition unit 14 may constantly perform the processes of steps S31 and S32.

[0113] Next, the vehicle type identification unit 15 identifies the type of vehicle T used by the user (S33). For example, the vehicle type identification unit 15 analyzes at least one of the boarding / exiting area image P2 and the interior image P3 using a well-known image recognition technology. The vehicle type identification unit 15 identifies the type of vehicle T based on the analysis results. The vehicle type identification unit 15 associates vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle T with the user identification information and entry / exit information, and stores the information in the storage unit 29.

[0114] Next, the seat type identification unit 18 identifies the type of seat in the vehicle (S34). For example, the seat type identification unit 18 analyzes the interior image P3 and identifies whether the type of seat used by the user is a non-reserved seat, a reserved seat, a green seat, or the like.

[0115] Next, the boarding position specifying unit 19 specifies the boarding position of the user (S35). For example, the boarding position specifying unit 19 specifies the boarding position of the user using at least one of the boarding and alighting area image P2 and the vehicle interior image P3. For example, the boarding position specifying unit 19 specifies the boarding position as "very far from stairs," "far from stairs," "close to stairs," "very close to stairs," or the like.

[0116] Next, the congestion situation identification unit 20 identifies the congestion situation of the vehicle T at the boarding position of the user (S36). For example, the congestion situation identification unit 20 identifies the congestion situation of the vehicle T using at least one of the boarding / disembarking area image P2 and the vehicle interior image P3. The congestion situation identification unit 20 may store congestion situation information indicating the congestion situation in the storage unit 29 in association with user identification information or the like. The congestion situation information may be represented by the degree of congestion of the car in which the user is boarding or the like.

[0117] Next, the fare service specification unit 16 specifies the user's travel section (S37). For example, the fare service specification unit 16 may specify the user's actual travel section using at least one of the boarding and alighting area image P2 and the interior image P3, and determine whether the user will make a return trip based on the specified travel section.

[0118] Next, the fare service identification unit 16 identifies fare services applicable to the user (S38). For example, the fare service identification unit 16 identifies fare services applicable to the user based on the type of vehicle T, the type of seat used by the user, the user's boarding position, the congestion state of the vehicle T at the boarding position, and the user's actual boarding section, all of which have been identified in steps S33 to S37.

[0119] The fare service identification unit 16 may identify applicable fare services by taking into account the determination result of whether or not there is a return trip. For example, if it is determined that there is a return trip, the fare service identification unit 16 identifies applicable fare services to the user, including the fare for the section where the return trip took place.

[0120] The fare service identification unit 16 may use all or a part of the identified information. The fare service identification unit 16 may use any combination of the identified information. Furthermore, the fare service identification unit 16 may acquire a third image of the user taken at least one of the timings before the user enters the ticket gate and after the user exits the ticket gate, and identify an applicable fare service based on the third image.

[0121] Next, the fare calculation unit 17 calculates the user's fare based on the fare services applicable to the user (S39). If a return trip is performed, the fare calculation unit 17 may calculate the user's fare including the fare for the section where the return trip was performed. The fare calculation unit 17 stores the calculated fare in the storage unit 29 in association with the user identification information, etc. (S40).

[0122] The recommendation unit 21 may provide, by display or voice, recommendation information that recommends actions by the user that will result in a cheaper fare, based on the information stored in the storage unit 29. For example, the recommendation unit 21 transmits, to the user's terminal device, a message encouraging the user to board at a boarding location where the fare is discounted, at the time the user passes through a ticket gate.

[0123] As described above, in the fare calculation system 10 according to the present disclosure, the fare calculation device 1 identifies the type of vehicle used by the user using images taken of the user when getting on and off the vehicle or while riding in the vehicle. In this way, the fare calculation device 1 can appropriately calculate the fare for the user depending on the type of vehicle in which the user rides.

[0124] In this way, users do not need to purchase tickets such as express tickets or special tickets at a ticket counter or ticket vending machine. Therefore, the fare calculation system 10 can contribute to alleviating congestion at ticket counters and ticket vending machines. Furthermore, since there is no need to issue paper tickets, railway operators can reduce the costs associated with paper tickets. Furthermore, since there is no risk of users losing their tickets, there is no loss due to ticket loss. In this way, the fare calculation system 10 can improve user convenience.

[0125] Furthermore, the fare calculation device 1 can identify the actual travel section of the user based on images taken of the user when getting on and off or while riding, and determine whether the user will return. This allows the fare calculation system 10 to contribute to the collection of appropriate fares by operators.

[0126] <Example of Hardware Configuration> Each functional component of the fee calculation device 100, fee calculation device 1, and management device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "fee calculation device 100, etc.") may be realized by hardware that realizes each functional component (e.g., a hardwired electronic circuit, etc.), or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it). Below, we will further explain the case where each functional component of the fee calculation device 100, etc. is realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0127] 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 900 that realizes the fee calculation device 100, etc. The computer 900 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize the fee calculation device 100, etc., or may be a general-purpose computer. The computer 900 may also be a portable computer such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0128] For example, by installing a predetermined application on the computer 900, the computer 900 realizes each function of the fee calculation device 100, etc. The application is configured by a program for realizing the functional components of the fee calculation device 100, etc.

[0129] The computer 900 has a bus 902, a processor 904, a memory 906, a storage device 908, an input / output interface 910, and a network interface 912. The bus 902 is a data transmission path for the processor 904, the memory 906, the storage device 908, the input / output interface 910, and the network interface 912 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 904 and other components to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0130] The processor 904 is a variety of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip). The memory 906 is a main storage device realized using a random access memory (RAM) or the like. The storage device 908 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like.

[0131] The input / output interface 910 is an interface for connecting the computer 900 with input / output devices. For example, the input / output interface 910 is connected to an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display device.

[0132] The network interface 912 is an interface for connecting the computer 900 to a network. This network may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0133] The storage device 908 stores programs (programs that realize the above-mentioned applications) that realize the functional components of the fee calculation device 100, etc. The processor 904 reads these programs into the memory 906 and executes them to realize the functional components of the fee calculation device 100, etc.

[0134] Each processor executes one or more programs containing instructions for causing a computer to perform the algorithms described with reference to the figures. The programs contain instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The programs may be stored on various types of non-transitory computer-readable or tangible storage media. By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable or tangible storage media include RAM, ROM, flash memory, SSD or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The programs may also be transmitted over various types of transitory computer-readable or communication media. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0135] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0136] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may not relate only to one particular embodiment, but may also relate to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0137] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) A fare calculation device comprising: a first image acquisition unit that acquires a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control unit that controls authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording unit that records entry and exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition unit that acquires a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between entry and exit through the ticket gate; a vehicle type identification unit that identifies the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fare service identification unit that identifies fare services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fare calculation unit that calculates the fare of the user based on the applicable fare services. (Supplementary Note 2) The fare calculation device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the predetermined timing includes at least one of when getting on to the vehicle, while the user is on the vehicle, and when getting off the vehicle. (Supplementary Note 3) The fare calculation device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the fare service identification unit identifies the user's riding section using the second image, determines whether the user will be riding back based on the identified riding section, and identifies the applicable fare service taking the determination result into account. (Supplementary Note 4) The fare calculation device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, further comprising a seat type identification unit that identifies a type of seat used by the user, wherein the fare service identification unit identifies the applicable fare service further based on seat type information indicating the type of seat. (Supplementary Note 5) The fare calculation device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, further comprising a boarding position identification unit that identifies the user's boarding position, wherein the fare service identification unit identifies the applicable fare service further based on boarding position information indicating the boarding position. (Supplementary Note 6) The fare calculation device according to Supplementary Note 5, further comprising a congestion status identification unit that identifies a congestion status of the vehicle at the boarding position, wherein the fare service identification unit identifies the applicable fare service further based on congestion status information indicating the congestion status.(Supplementary Note 7) The fare calculation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, further comprising a recommendation unit that recommends an action of the user to reduce the fare, wherein the recommendation unit provides the user with recommended information related to at least one of a vehicle, a seat, and a boarding position in which the user will board. (Supplementary Note 8) The fare calculation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, further comprising a third image acquisition unit that acquires a third image of the user taken at least either before entering the ticket gate or after exiting the ticket gate, wherein the fare service identification unit identifies the applicable fare service further based on the third image. (Supplementary Note 9) A fare calculation method including: a first image acquisition step of acquiring a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control step of controlling authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording step of recording entry / exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition step of acquiring a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between entry into the ticket gate and exiting the ticket gate; a vehicle type identification step of identifying the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fare service identification step of identifying fare services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fare calculation step of calculating the fare of the user based on the applicable fare services.(Supplementary Note 10) A program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a first image acquisition step of acquiring a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control step of controlling authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording step of recording the entry / exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition step of acquiring a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between when the user enters the ticket gate and when the user exits it; a vehicle type identification step of identifying the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fare service identification step of identifying fare services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fare calculation step of calculating the fare for the user based on the applicable fare services.

[0138] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplements 2 to 8 that are dependent on Supplement 1 may also be dependent on Supplements 9 and 10 in the same dependency relationship as Supplements 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplement may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.

[0139] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-10846, filed January 29, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0140] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Fare calculation device 3 Management device 5 Ticket gate area 7 Boarding and disembarking area 10 Fare calculation system 11 First image acquisition unit 12 Authentication control unit 13 Entry and exit recording unit 14 Second image acquisition unit 15 Vehicle type identification unit 16 Fare service identification unit 17 Fare calculation unit 18 Seat type identification unit 19 Boarding position identification unit 20 Congestion status identification unit 21 Recommendation unit 27 Communication unit 29 Memory unit 31 Photographed image acquisition unit 33 Authentication unit 37 Communication unit 39 Memory unit 100 Fare calculation device 101 First image acquisition unit 102 Authentication control unit 103 Entry and exit recording unit 104 Second image acquisition unit 105 Vehicle type identification unit 106 Fare service identification unit 107 Fare calculation unit 291 User ID 292 Entry and exit information 293 Vehicle type information 294 Boarding section information 295 Fare service information 900 Computer 902 Bus 904 Processor 906 Memory 908 Storage device 910 Input / output interface 912 Network interface b1 to b5 Station C1 First camera C2 Second camera C3 Third camera L Line N Network R1, R2 Route T Vehicle

Claims

1. A fare calculation device comprising: a first image acquisition means for acquiring a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; an authentication control means for controlling authentication of the user based on the first image; an entry / exit recording means for recording the entry / exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; a second image acquisition means for acquiring a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between when the user enters the ticket gate and when the user exits; a vehicle type identification means for identifying the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; a fare service identification means for identifying a fare service applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry / exit information indicating the entry / exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and a fare calculation means for calculating the fare of the user based on the applicable fare services.

2. The fare calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing includes at least one of when getting on the vehicle, while the vehicle is in operation, and when getting off the vehicle.

3. The fare calculation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fare service identification means identifies the user's travel section using the second image, determines whether the user will make a return trip based on the identified travel section, and identifies the applicable fare service taking into account the determination result.

4. A fee calculation device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a seat type identification means for identifying the type of seat used by the user, wherein the fee service identification means identifies the applicable fee service further based on seat type information indicating the type of seat.

5. The fare calculation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a boarding location identification means for identifying the boarding location of the user, wherein the fare service identification means identifies the applicable fare service further based on boarding location information indicating the boarding location.

6. The fare calculation device according to claim 5, further comprising a congestion status identification means for identifying the congestion status of the vehicle at the boarding location, wherein the fare service identification means identifies the applicable fare service based further on congestion status information indicating the congestion status.

7. The fare calculation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a recommendation means for recommending actions to the user so as to reduce the fare, wherein the recommendation means provides the user with recommended information regarding at least one of the vehicle, seat, and boarding position in which the user will board.

8. A fee calculation device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third image acquisition means for acquiring a third image of the user taken at least one of the timings before entering the ticket gate and after exiting the ticket gate, and the fee service identification means for identifying the applicable fee service further based on the third image.

9. A fee calculation method comprising: acquiring a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; controlling authentication of the user based on the first image; recording the entry and exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; acquiring a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between entering and exiting the ticket gate; identifying the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; identifying fee services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry and exit information indicating the entry and exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and calculating the fee for the user based on the applicable fee services.

10. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire a first image of a user passing through a ticket gate; control authentication of the user based on the first image; record the entry and exit of the user who has been successfully authenticated; acquire a second image of the user at a predetermined timing between entering and exiting the ticket gate; identify the type of vehicle used by the user based on the second image; identify fare services applicable to the user based on user identification information that identifies the user, entry and exit information indicating the entry and exit record, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle; and calculate the user's fare based on the applicable fare services.

Images