Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system that enable easy determination of the fee for a toll road used by a vehicle. The information processing device comprises: a fee calculation unit that calculates a usage fee that is a fee for a toll road used by a vehicle, on the basis of at least one of an initial fee, which is a fee for a toll road estimated on the basis of a route searched before the start of route guidance, and an updated fee, which is a fee for a toll road estimated following a route search performed again after the start of route guidance; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee. The present technology can be applied to, for example, an application program for executing taxi navigation processing.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing System

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[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing system that enable easy calculation of tolls for toll roads used by vehicles.

[0002] Conventionally, when using a toll road such as an expressway by taxi, for example, the taxi meter is linked with ETC to automatically calculate the toll for the toll road (hereinafter referred to as the toll road toll), and the calculated toll is billed to the passenger.

[0003] However, for example, since vehicles used for ride-sharing in Japan are not usually equipped with a taxi meter, the driver needs to calculate and bill the toll road toll by other methods.

[0004] On the other hand, for example, it has been proposed that a user accesses a dedicated website using a mobile terminal and inputs the toll ticket ID printed on the toll ticket for the toll road, the exit of the toll road, and the vehicle number, and the web reception server calculates the toll road toll and displays it on the website. Then, when online settlement is performed, the web reception server registers the vehicle number as settled vehicle number data, enabling the vehicle to pass through the exit or the gate of the toll booth without stopping (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-56091

[0006] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to input information including the toll ticket ID, the exit, and the vehicle number of their own vehicle before passing through the exit or toll booth of the toll road.

[0007] The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and enables easy calculation of the toll for the toll road used by the vehicle.

[0008] The first aspect of this technology is an information processing device which includes a toll calculation unit that calculates a usage fee, which is the toll road fee used by a vehicle, based on at least one of an initial fee, which is the toll road fee estimated based on the route searched before the start of route guidance, and an update fee, which is the toll road fee estimated after the route is searched again after the start of route guidance; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee.

[0009] The first aspect of the information processing method of this technology includes calculating a usage fee, which is the toll road fee used by the vehicle, based on at least one of an initial fee, which is the toll road fee estimated based on the route searched before the start of route guidance, and an update fee, which is the toll road fee estimated after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance, and controlling the presentation of the usage fee.

[0010] The second aspect of this technology is an information processing system comprising one or more information processing devices, including a toll estimation unit that estimates an initial toll, which is the toll for a toll road, based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and estimates an update toll, which is the toll for a toll road, after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance; a toll calculation unit that calculates a usage fee, which is the toll for a toll road used by a vehicle, based on at least one of the initial toll and the update toll; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee.

[0011] In the first aspect of this technology, the usage fee, which is the toll road fee used by the vehicle, is calculated based on at least one of the following: an initial fee, which is the toll road fee estimated based on the route searched before the start of route guidance, and an update fee, which is the toll road fee estimated after the route is re-searched after the start of route guidance. The presentation of the usage fee is then controlled.

[0012] In the second aspect of this technology, an initial toll fee, which is the toll for a toll road, is estimated based on the route searched before the start of route guidance; an update fee, which is the toll for a toll road, is estimated after the route is searched again after the start of route guidance; a usage fee, which is the toll for a toll road used by the vehicle, is calculated based on at least one of the initial fee and the update fee; and the presentation of the usage fee is controlled.

[0013] This is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an information processing system to which this technology is applied. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing terminal. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server. This is a flowchart for explaining the processing of an information processing terminal. This is a flowchart for explaining the details of the navigation process. This is a diagram showing an example of the screen of an information processing terminal. This is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen. This is a diagram showing an example of a billing breakdown screen. This is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen. This is a flowchart for explaining the processing of a server. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer.

[0014] The following describes the embodiments for implementing this technology. The explanation will proceed in the following order: 0. Background of this technology 1. Embodiments 2. Modifications 3. Others

[0015] <<0. Background of this technology>> First, let me explain the background of this technology.

[0016] Taxis are typically equipped with a terminal called a taxi meter. This meter can, for example, be linked to an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system to obtain information about the tolls charged on the toll roads used. Therefore, without requiring any special action from the driver, the toll road fees paid on behalf of the passenger can be billed to the passenger along with the fare.

[0017] On the other hand, in ride-sharing services in Japan, for example, drivers without a commercial driver's license transport passengers in private cars that are not equipped with taxi meters. Therefore, it is expected that ride-sharing drivers will use one of the following methods to charge passengers for toll road fees that they have paid on their behalf.

[0018] For example, one possible method is for the driver to remember the toll fees for the toll roads used and add those fees to the fare before charging the passenger.

[0019] However, this method carries the risk that drivers may forget or misremember toll road fees. Furthermore, if multiple toll roads are used, for example, it becomes cumbersome to calculate the total toll fees for each.

[0020] For example, one possible method is to install a taxi meter or hardware equivalent to a taxi meter.

[0021] However, this method requires modifying a private car and incurs the cost of installing hardware.

[0022] For example, some car navigation systems have a function to estimate toll road fees along a route (hereinafter referred to as the toll estimation function), and one possible method is to utilize this function.

[0023] However, if the toll estimation function only estimates the toll for the toll road being used, for example, when multiple toll roads are used, the driver will have to remember the toll for each toll road and add them up, which can be cumbersome.

[0024] Furthermore, if, for example, a toll estimation function is capable of estimating the total amount of toll road fees from the starting point to the destination, then using that function is a possible approach.

[0025] However, in a car navigation system, for example, when a route recalculation is performed, a route from the vehicle's current location to the destination is searched for. Rerouting is performed, for example, when the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signal communication status deteriorates, making it impossible to estimate the current location, or when the destination is changed, or when the vehicle travels a route different from the one presented. Along with the rerouting, the total amount of toll road fees from the current location to the destination is recalculated. Therefore, the toll fees used on the toll roads may differ from the toll road fees presented by the car navigation system.

[0026] This technology was developed in light of these circumstances and aims to make it easy to determine the toll fees charged by vehicles using toll roads.

[0027] <<1. Embodiments>> Next, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0028] <Example of Information Processing System 1 Configuration> Figure 1 shows one embodiment of an information processing system 1 to which this technology is applied.

[0029] Information processing system 1 comprises information processing terminals 11-1 to 11-n and server 12. Information processing terminals 11-1 to 11-n and server 12 are interconnected via network 13. Information processing terminals 11-1 to 11-n are used, for example, within vehicles 21-1 to 21-n.

[0030] Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between information processing terminals 11-1 to 11-n individually, they will simply be referred to as information processing terminal 11. Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between vehicles 21-1 to 21-n individually, they will simply be referred to as vehicle 21.

[0031] Vehicle 21 is a vehicle that transports goods from a point of origin to a destination, using toll roads as necessary. The goods to be transported are not particularly limited and include at least one of people and things. If the goods to be transported are people, for example, this includes passengers, etc. If the goods to be transported are things, for example, this includes living organisms other than people, plants, cargo, luggage, food and beverages, etc.

[0032] Vehicle 21 may be either a vehicle driven by a driver or a vehicle that operates autonomously without a driver.

[0033] The following explanation assumes that vehicle 21 is a taxi. In particular, it assumes that vehicle 21 is not equipped with equipment such as a taxi meter that is linked to ETC.

[0034] The information processing terminal 11 is an information processing device used by the driver operating the vehicle 21. The information processing terminal 11 consists of a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer (PC), and is brought into the vehicle by the driver.

[0035] The information processing terminal 11 may be composed of, for example, an in-vehicle device installed inside a vehicle. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 11 may be composed of two or more devices, or a combination of a portable information processing device and an in-vehicle device.

[0036] The information processing terminal 11 performs, for example, navigation processing, calculation of tolls for expressways and other toll roads used (traveled) by the vehicle 21, and settlement processing of fares and toll road charges. Navigation processing includes, for example, displaying the current location and surrounding conditions of the vehicle 21, route guidance, and displaying the estimated time of arrival.

[0037] Server 12, for example, in response to a request from the information processing terminal 11, performs route searching, toll road fee estimation, etc., generates navigation information used for navigation processing, and transmits it to the vehicle 21. Server 12 generates and updates map data based on information from other servers (not shown) and each vehicle 21.

[0038] Network 13 can be composed of any communication network or communication channel conforming to any communication standard, such as the Internet, public telephone network, wide-area communication networks for mobile communication such as so-called 4G and 5G networks, wireless communication networks that perform communication compliant with WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark) standards, communication channels for short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), communication channels for infrared communication, and wired communication networks conforming to standards such as HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0039] <Example configuration of information processing terminal 11> Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the information processing terminal 11. The information processing terminal 11 includes an input unit 51, a sensing unit 52, a communication unit 53, a control unit 54, an output unit 55, and a storage unit 56.

[0040] Hereinafter, when each unit of the information processing terminal 11 communicates with other devices of the information processing system 1 via the communication unit 53 and the network 13, the description "via the communication unit 53 and the network 13" will be omitted. For example, when the control unit 54 communicates with the server 12 via the communication unit 53 and the network 13, it will be described as "the control unit 54 communicates with the server 12".

[0041] The input unit 51 includes various input devices for operating the information processing terminal 11 and inputting various data to the control unit 54. The input unit 51 supplies the input data input via each input device to the control unit 54.

[0042] The sensing unit 52 includes various sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle 21, the state of the driver and passengers, and the situation around the vehicle 21. The sensing unit 52 may include sensors provided on the vehicle 21. For example, the sensing unit 52 includes a camera, a radar, a seating sensor, a biometric sensor, a speed sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, etc. The sensing unit 52 supplies sensor data indicating the detection results of each sensor to the control unit 54.

[0043] The communication unit 53 communicates with other devices of the information processing system 1 via the network 13.

[0044] The control unit 54 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 54 includes an information processing unit 6I and a self-position estimation unit 62.

[0045] The information processing unit 61 is realized, for example, when the control unit 54 executes one or more application programs for navigation processing. The information processing unit 61 includes a navigation processing unit 71, a fare calculation unit 72, a settlement processing unit 73, and a UI (User Interface) control unit 74.

[0046] The navigation processing unit 71 executes navigation processing such as route guidance based on the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle 21 estimated by the self-position estimation unit 62 and the navigation information from the server 12.

[0047] The fare calculation unit 72 calculates the fare for toll roads such as expressways used by the vehicle 21 based on the navigation information from the server 12.

[0048] The settlement processing unit 73 communicates with a settlement server (not shown) and executes settlement processing for fares and toll road fees.

[0049] The UI control unit 74 controls the input unit 51 and the output unit 55 to control the UI of the information processing terminal 11. For example, the UI control unit 74 controls the display and operation of various screens.

[0050] The self-position estimation unit 62 estimates the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle 21 based on the sensor data from the sensing unit 52.

[0051] The method by which the self-position estimation unit 62 estimates the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle 21 is not particularly limited. For example, the self-position estimation unit 62 estimates the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle 21 based on the GNSS signal received by the GNSS receiver included in the sensing unit 52.

[0052] The output unit 55 includes various output devices that output various types of information and data such as visual information, auditory information, and tactile information.

[0053] The storage unit 56 stores data necessary for the processing of the information processing terminal 11.

[0054] <Example Configuration of Server 12> Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the server 12. The server 12 includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 102, and a storage unit 103.

[0055] In the following, when any part of the server 12 communicates with other devices of the information processing system 1 via the communication unit 101 and the network 13, the phrase "via the communication unit 101 and the network 13" will be omitted. For example, when the control unit 102 communicates with the information processing terminal 11 via the communication unit 101 and the network 13, it will be written as "the control unit 102 communicates with the information processing terminal 11."

[0056] The communication unit 101 communicates with other devices of the information processing system 1 via the network 13.

[0057] The control unit 54 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 54 includes a map data generation unit 111, a route search unit 112, a toll estimation unit 113, and a navigation control unit 114.

[0058] The map data generation unit 111 generates and updates map data based on information from each vehicle 21 and other servers (not shown). The map data includes, for example, a dynamic map consisting of four layers: dynamic information, semi-dynamic information, semi-static information, and static information. The map data also includes, for example, information regarding the tolls of each toll road. The map data generation unit 111 stores the generated and updated map data in the storage unit 103.

[0059] The map data generation unit 111 may also acquire map data from an external server or the like.

[0060] The route search unit 112 performs route search processing based on map data stored in the storage unit 103 in response to requests from the information processing terminal 11. For example, the route search unit 112 performs route search from a specified starting point to a destination.

[0061] The toll estimation unit 113 estimates the sections of toll roads and the toll road fees that the vehicle 21 will use on the route searched by the route search unit 112.

[0062] The navigation control unit 114 generates navigation information in response to requests from the information processing terminal 11, based on map data stored in the storage unit 103, the route search results from the route search unit 112, and one or more of the vehicle 21's current position, direction of travel, and destination. The navigation information includes, for example, one or more of the following: route, toll road fees, map data and conditions around the vehicle 21's current position, the vehicle 21's status on the route, and estimated time of arrival. The navigation control unit 114 transmits the generated navigation information to the information processing terminal 11.

[0063] The storage unit 103 stores data necessary for processing the server 12, such as map data.

[0064] <Processing of Information Processing System 1> Next, the processing of Information Processing System 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 10.

[0065] <Processing by Information Processing Terminal 11> First, the processing of the information processing terminal 11 will be explained by referring to the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0066] In step S1, the information processing terminal 11 instructs the system to search for a route from the departure point to the destination.

[0067] For example, the driver inputs search conditions to the control unit 54 via the input unit 51 and instructs the system to search for a route. The search conditions include the starting point, destination, waypoints, and whether or not toll roads can be used. For example, the current position of the vehicle 21 estimated by the self-position estimation unit 62 may be set as the starting point.

[0068] In response, the navigation processing unit 71 generates a route search request command including the search conditions and sends it to the server 12. In the route search request command, the departure point, destination, and waypoints are represented, for example, by latitude and longitude, and may also be represented by place names if necessary.

[0069] In response, as will be described later, server 12 searches for a route from the starting point to the destination and estimates the sections of toll roads to be used and the toll road fees along the searched route. Based on the route search results, server 12 generates navigation information and transmits it to the information processing terminal 11.

[0070] Navigation information includes, for example, route information, toll road usage information, and map data of the area around the route.

[0071] Route information includes information about the searched route. Route information may include multiple routes.

[0072] Toll road usage information includes the sections of toll roads and toll fees estimated to be used on the searched route. If the use of multiple toll roads is estimated, toll road usage information corresponding to each toll road will be included in the navigation information.

[0073] In response to this, in step S2, the information processing terminal 11 receives and displays the route search results and the estimated toll road charges. Specifically, the navigation processing unit 71 receives navigation information, including the route search results and the estimated toll road charges, from the server 12. The output unit 55, under the control of the UI control unit 74, displays the searched route and the estimated toll road charges based on the navigation information. If multiple routes are found, for example, multiple routes and the toll road charges for each route will be displayed.

[0074] In step S3, the navigation processing unit 71 determines whether or not to start route guidance. For example, if the driver inputs an instruction to recalculate the route to the control unit 54 via the input unit 51, the navigation processing unit 71 determines to recalculate the route without starting route guidance, and the process returns to step S1.

[0075] Subsequently, the processes from steps S1 to S3 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S3 that route guidance should be started.

[0076] On the other hand, in step S3, for example, if the driver inputs an instruction to start route guidance to the control unit 54 via the input unit 51, the navigation processing unit 71 determines to start route guidance, and the process proceeds to step S4. If multiple routes are presented, the driver selects the route to be guided.

[0077] In step S4, the information processing terminal 11 records information regarding toll road charges. Specifically, the navigation processing unit 71 stores the toll road usage information included in the navigation information in the storage unit 56. If the use of multiple toll roads is estimated, toll road usage information corresponding to each toll road is stored in the storage unit 56.

[0078] This records the initial toll, which is an estimated toll based on the route explored before route guidance began.

[0079] In step S5, the information processing terminal 11 performs navigation processing.

[0080] Now, we will explain the details of the navigation process by referring to the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0081] In step S51, the information processing terminal 11 requests navigation information. Specifically, the self-position estimation unit 62 estimates the current position (latitude and longitude) and direction of travel of the vehicle 21 based on sensor data. The navigation processing unit 71 generates a navigation information request command including the current position, direction of travel, destination, etc., of the vehicle 21 and transmits it to the server 12.

[0082] In response, the server 12 generates navigation information and transmits it to the information processing terminal 11. The navigation information includes, for example, map data and conditions around the vehicle 21's current location, the vehicle 21's status along its route, and the estimated time of arrival.

[0083] In response to this, in step S52, the navigation processing unit 71 receives navigation information from the server 12.

[0084] In step S53, the information processing terminal 11 presents navigation information. Specifically, the UI control unit 74 updates the navigation screen displayed on the output unit 55 based on the vehicle's current position, direction of travel, and navigation information. The navigation screen displays, for example, route guidance, the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 21, and the estimated time of arrival.

[0085] In step S54, the navigation processing unit 71 determines whether or not rerouting is necessary. The navigation processing unit 71 determines that rerouting is necessary in cases such as when the destination is changed, when the vehicle 21 deviates from the planned route, when the vehicle 21's current position cannot be estimated for a predetermined period of time or longer, such as inside a tunnel, or when rerouting is instructed. When the vehicle 21 deviates from the planned route, this includes, for example, when the vehicle 21 enters a toll road from an entrance different from the planned entrance, and when the vehicle 21 exits a toll road from an exit different from the planned exit.

[0086] If it is determined that rerouting is necessary, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0087] In step S55, the information processing terminal 11 instructs the system to search for a route from its current location to its destination. Specifically, the self-position estimation unit 62 estimates the current location of the vehicle 21 based on sensor data. The navigation processing unit 71 generates a route search request command that includes the vehicle 21's current location (the departure point) and search conditions including the destination, and sends it to the server 12. If the destination is changed, the changed destination is set in the search conditions.

[0088] In response, as will be described later, server 12 searches for a route from the starting point (the current location of vehicle 21) to the destination and estimates the sections of toll roads and toll fees to be used on the searched route. That is, the route is searched again, and the sections of toll roads and toll fees to be used on the re-searched route are estimated. Based on the route search results, server 12 generates navigation information and transmits it to the information processing terminal 11.

[0089] In response to this, in step S56, similar to the processing in step S2, the route search results and the estimated toll road charges are received and presented. This presents the route search results from the vehicle 21's current location to the destination, as well as the estimated toll road charges.

[0090] The process then proceeds to step S57.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that rerouting is not necessary, the processes in steps S55 and S56 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S57.

[0092] In step S57, the navigation processing unit 71 determines whether or not the vehicle has passed a specific point on the toll road. Specifically, the self-position estimation unit 62 estimates the current position of the vehicle 21 based on sensor data. Based on the current position of the vehicle 21, the navigation processing unit 71 determines whether or not the vehicle 21 has passed a specific point on the toll road. The specific point includes, for example, the entrance, exit, and waypoints of the toll road. The waypoints of the toll road include, for example, junctions, intermediate toll booths other than exits, etc. If it is determined that the vehicle has passed a specific point on the toll road, the process proceeds to step S58.

[0093] In step S58, the navigation processing unit 71 records information about the locations passed. For example, the navigation processing unit 71 stores information including the toll road name, location name, latitude and longitude, and the date and time of passage in the storage unit 56. Location names are represented, for example, by the toll booth name, interchange (IC) name, junction (JCT) name, etc.

[0094] In step S59, the navigation processing unit 71 determines whether or not the vehicle has passed the exit of the toll road. If it is determined that the vehicle has passed the exit of the toll road, the process proceeds to step S60.

[0095] In step S60, the navigation processing unit 71 determines whether or not rerouting has been performed since the start of route guidance. The navigation processing unit 71 determines that rerouting has been performed since the start of route guidance if rerouting has been performed at least once since the start of route guidance, in other words, if rerouting has been performed at least once since the vehicle 21 departed from the starting point, and proceeds to step S61.

[0096] In step S61, the navigation processing unit 71 instructs the system to search for a route between the exit the vehicle passed and the corresponding entrance. Specifically, the navigation processing unit 71 detects the entrance that the vehicle passed through at the date and time closest to the date and time the vehicle passed through the most recently passed exit, from among the entrances of the toll roads that the vehicle passed through, which are stored in the memory unit 56, as the entrance corresponding to the exit the vehicle passed through. In other words, the navigation processing unit 71 estimates that the vehicle 21 used (traveled through) the section of the toll road between the detected entrance and the most recently passed exit. The navigation processing unit 71 generates a route search request command that includes search conditions with the detected toll road entrance as the starting point and the most recently passed toll road exit as the destination, and sends it to the server 12.

[0097] In response, as described later, server 12 searches for a route from the starting point (entrance to the toll road) to the destination (exit to the toll road), and estimates the sections of the toll road to be used and the toll fees for the searched route. Based on the route search results, server 12 generates navigation information and transmits it to the information processing terminal 11.

[0098] In response to this, in step S62, the navigation processing unit 71 receives the route search results and the estimated toll road charges. That is, the navigation processing unit 71 receives navigation information including the route search results and the estimated toll road charges from the server 12.

[0099] In step S63, the information processing terminal 11 updates the information regarding toll road charges. Specifically, the navigation processing unit 71 updates the toll road usage information stored in the storage unit 56 based on the toll road usage information included in the received navigation information. As a result, for example, if the section of the toll road between the entrance and exit that the vehicle 21 is estimated to have used (traveled) immediately before differs from the section of the toll road usage information stored in the storage unit 56, the toll road usage information stored in the storage unit 56 is updated with the toll road usage information received from the server 12.

[0100] As a result, at least a portion of the initial toll estimated before route guidance began will be updated with the updated toll fee, which is the toll road fee estimated after rerouting has been performed since route guidance started.

[0101] After that, the navigation process ends.

[0102] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60 that rerouting has not been performed since route guidance started, the navigation process ends.

[0103] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S59 that the vehicle has not passed an exit from a toll road, the navigation process is terminated.

[0104] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S57 that the vehicle has not passed a specific point on the toll road, the navigation process is terminated.

[0105] Returning to Figure 4, in step S6, the UI control unit 74 determines whether or not a switch to the accounting screen has been instructed. If it is determined that a switch to the accounting screen has not been instructed, the process returns to step S5.

[0106] Subsequently, the processes from steps S5 to S6 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S6 that a switch to the accounting screen has been instructed.

[0107] On the other hand, in step S6, for example, if the driver inputs an instruction to switch to the accounting screen to the control unit 54 via the input unit 51, the UI control unit 74 determines that an instruction to switch to the accounting screen has been given, and the process proceeds to step S7.

[0108] In step S7, the toll calculation unit 72 calculates the total amount of toll road charges. Specifically, the toll calculation unit 72 sums up the charges for the toll roads that the vehicle 21 is estimated to have used, based on the toll road usage information stored in the storage unit 56.

[0109] For example, if rerouting is not performed after route guidance has started, the final toll road fee (usage fee) will be calculated based on the initial toll road fee, which is the estimated toll road fee based on the route explored before route guidance started.

[0110] For example, if rerouting is performed after route guidance has started, the usage fee will be calculated based on the renewal fee, which is the estimated toll road fee after the rerouting has occurred, and, if necessary, the initial fee.

[0111] In step S8, similar to the process in step S60 described above, it is determined whether or not rerouting has been performed since route guidance started. If it is determined that rerouting has not been performed since route guidance started, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0112] In step S9, the output unit 55 displays the total amount under the control of the UI control unit 74. For example, the output unit 55 displays the screen shown in Figure 6 under the control of the UI control unit 74.

[0113] The screen in Figure 6 is a screen in which window 201 is superimposed on the accounting screen, which will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0114] Window 201 includes a message for the driver, a back button 211, and a confirmation button 212.

[0115] For example, the total amount of toll road fees (in this example, highway tolls) and a message notifying that the total amount of toll road fees has been automatically entered are displayed. For example, a message prompting you to check the toll road fees and a message indicating that discounts may not have been applied are displayed.

[0116] When the back button 211 is pressed, window 201 closes, and the accounting screen, which will be described later, is displayed as shown in Figure 9.

[0117] When the confirmation button 212 is pressed, the billing breakdown screen, which will be described later, will be displayed as shown in Figure 8.

[0118] In step S10, the UI control unit 74 determines whether or not the display of the breakdown of toll road charges has been instructed. For example, if the confirmation button 212 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 6, the UI control unit 74 determines that the display of the breakdown of toll road charges has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S12.

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that rerouting has been performed since route guidance started, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0120] In step S11, the information processing terminal 11 issues a warning. For example, the output unit 55, under the control of the UI control unit 74, displays the warning screen shown in Figure 7.

[0121] The warning screen is a screen in which window 231 is superimposed on the accounting screen, which will be described later, as shown in Figure 9.

[0122] Window 231 includes a message for the driver and a confirmation button 241.

[0123] For example, a message is displayed indicating that the toll road fee (in this example, the highway toll) may be different because a rerouting (recalculation / research) of the route has been performed, as well as a message prompting the user to confirm the toll road fee.

[0124] When the confirmation button 241 is pressed, the billing breakdown screen, which will be described later, will be displayed as shown in Figure 8.

[0125] The process then proceeds to step S12.

[0126] In step S12, the output unit 55 displays a breakdown of the toll road charges under the control of the UI control unit 74. For example, the toll breakdown screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed.

[0127] The fare breakdown screen displays the number of times toll roads (in this example, expressways) were used between the departure point and the destination, the total amount of toll road charges, and detailed information about the usage of each toll road.

[0128] Detailed information regarding the usage of each toll road includes the toll road name (e.g., expressway name), usage period, toll, entrance name (e.g., toll booth name), intermediate point names (e.g., junction name), and exit name (e.g., the name of the last interchange passed within the toll road). The usage period is expressed, for example, from the date and time of entering the toll road to the date and time of exiting the toll road.

[0129] In this way, by presenting toll road fees and other charges separately for each toll road used, drivers and passengers can check their toll road usage history in detail.

[0130] The process then proceeds to step S13.

[0131] On the other hand, in step S10, for example, if the back button 211 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 6, the UI control unit 74 determines that the display of the breakdown of toll road charges was not instructed, and the process proceeds to step S13.

[0132] In step S13, the output unit 55 displays the accounting screen under the control of the UI control unit 74.

[0133] Figure 9 shows an example of a payment screen. The payment screen includes a payment method field 261, a fare field 262, a toll road fee field 263, an information button 264, an online payment button 265, an in-vehicle payment button 266, and a keyboard 267.

[0134] The payment method field 261 indicates the currently selected payment method. Payment methods include, for example, online payment (using the internet) and in-vehicle payment (paying cash inside the vehicle).

[0135] The fare column 262 displays the fare for vehicle 21, excluding toll road fees.

[0136] The toll road fee column 263 displays the total amount of toll road fees (in this example, highway tolls). Note that the amount in the toll road fee column 263 can be modified.

[0137] The online payment button 265 is pressed when online payment is selected.

[0138] The in-vehicle payment button 266 is pressed when the passenger selects in-vehicle payment.

[0139] Keyboard 267 is used for inputting letters, numbers, symbols, etc.

[0140] In step S14, the UI control unit 74 determines whether or not an instruction has been given to correct the toll road fee. For example, if the driver operates the keyboard 267 or the like via the input unit 51 to correct the amount displayed in the toll road fee field 263, the UI control unit 74 determines that an instruction has been given to correct the toll road fee, and the process proceeds to step S15.

[0141] In step S15, the toll calculation unit 72 corrects the toll road fee. That is, the toll calculation unit 72 corrects the toll road fee to the amount corrected by the driver.

[0142] The process then proceeds to step S16.

[0143] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that no correction of the toll road fee has been instructed, the process in step S15 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S16.

[0144] In step S16, the settlement processing unit 73 executes the settlement process. Specifically, for example, the settlement processing unit 73 executes the settlement process for the total amount of the fare and toll road charges, while communicating with a settlement server (not shown) as needed.

[0145] After that, the processing on the information processing terminal 11 is completed.

[0146] <Processing by Server 12> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 10, we will explain the processing performed by Server 12 in accordance with the processing of the information processing terminal 11 in Figure 4.

[0147] In step S101, the route search unit 112 determines whether or not a route search has been instructed. If the route search unit 112 receives a route search request command from the information processing terminal 11, it determines that a route search has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S102.

[0148] In step S102, the server 12 performs a route search and estimates the toll road fees.

[0149] Specifically, the route search unit 112 searches for a route between the departure point (latitude and longitude) and destination (latitude and longitude) specified by the search conditions, based on the search conditions included in the route search request command and the map data stored in the storage unit 103. The toll estimation unit 113 estimates the sections of toll roads to be used on the searched route based on the map data and calculates the toll for the estimated sections used. If there are multiple toll roads on the route, the sections used and the toll for each toll road are estimated.

[0150] For example, if multiple routes are searched, the toll road fees will be estimated for each route.

[0151] In step S103, the navigation control unit 114 transmits the route search results and the estimated toll road charges. Specifically, the navigation control unit 114 generates navigation information based on the route search results and the estimated toll road charges and transmits it to the information processing terminal 11 that instructed the route search.

[0152] The process then proceeds to step S104.

[0153] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that no route search has been instructed, the processes in steps S102 and S103 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S104.

[0154] In step S104, the navigation control unit 114 determines whether or not a request for the transmission of navigation information has been made. Specifically, if the navigation control unit 114 receives a navigation information request command from the information processing terminal 11, it determines that a request for the transmission of navigation information has been made, and the process proceeds to step S105.

[0155] In step S105, the navigation control unit 114 generates navigation information based on the navigation information request command.

[0156] In step S106, the navigation control unit 114 transmits navigation information to the information processing terminal 11 that requested the transmission of navigation information.

[0157] After that, the process returns to step S101, and the processes from step S101 onward are executed.

[0158] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that no transmission of navigation information is requested, the process returns to step S101, and the processes from step S101 onward are executed.

[0159] As described above, the toll fees for the toll road used by vehicle 21 can be easily determined.

[0160] For example, without installing a taxi meter or equivalent hardware in the vehicle 21, simply by installing an application on the information processing terminal 11, the toll fees for toll roads used by the vehicle 21 will be automatically and accurately calculated.

[0161] For example, if vehicle 21 uses multiple toll roads, the total amount of the tolls for each toll road is automatically calculated, eliminating the need for the driver to remember and sum up the tolls for each road.

[0162] For example, even if rerouting is performed after route guidance has started (after vehicle 21 has departed from the starting point), the total tolls for the toll roads used by vehicle 21 will be automatically and accurately calculated. Furthermore, when rerouting is performed, a detailed breakdown of the tolls for each toll road will always be displayed, ensuring that passengers can reliably check the toll road charges.

[0163] <<2. Modified Examples>> Below, we will describe modified examples of the embodiments of the present technology described above.

[0164] For example, if the toll estimation unit 113 of the server 12 can only estimate the toll for the toll road that the vehicle 21 is currently traveling on, the process in steps S61 to S63 of Figure 5 may be executed each time the vehicle 21 passes an exit of a toll road, regardless of whether rerouting is performed or not. This makes it possible to obtain the estimated toll results for each toll road used by the vehicle 21 and sum them up.

[0165] For example, the division of processing between the information processing terminal 11 and the server 12 may be changed as appropriate.

[0166] For example, the information processing terminal 11 may perform some or all of the processing of the server 12 described above. For example, the information processing terminal 11 may perform the processing of the route search unit 112 or the processing of the fare estimation unit 113. For example, the server 12 may perform the processing of the fare calculation unit 72.

[0167] This technology can be applied not only to taxis as described above, but also to calculating tolls for toll roads used by vehicle 21 without using ECT.

[0168] <<3. Others>> <Example of Computer Configuration> The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on the computer. Here, a computer includes computers that are built into dedicated hardware, as well as general-purpose personal computers that can perform various functions by installing various programs.

[0169] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above using a program.

[0170] In computer 1000, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 1002, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are interconnected by a bus 1004.

[0171] An input / output interface 1005 is further connected to the bus 1004. An input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a storage unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010 are connected to the input / output interface 1005.

[0172] The input unit 1006 consists of input switches, buttons, a microphone, an image sensor, etc. The output unit 1007 consists of a display, a speaker, etc. The storage unit 1008 consists of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 consists of a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives removable media 1011 such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0173] In the computer 1000 configured as described above, the CPU 1001 loads, for example, a program stored in the memory unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and the bus 1004, and executes it, thereby performing the series of processes described above.

[0174] The program executed by the computer 1000 (CPU 1001) can be provided by recording it on a removable medium 1011, such as a package medium. The program can also be provided via wired or wireless transmission media, such as a local area network, the internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0175] In computer 1000, programs can be installed in the storage unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005 by inserting the removable media 1011 into the drive 1010. Alternatively, programs can be received by the communication unit 1009 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 1008. Furthermore, programs can be pre-installed in the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008.

[0176] The programs executed by the computer may be programs that are processed chronologically in the order described herein, or they may be programs that are processed in parallel or at necessary times, such as when a call is made.

[0177] Furthermore, in this specification, a system means a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all components are located in the same enclosure or not. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in one enclosure, are both considered systems.

[0178] Furthermore, the embodiments of this technology are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this technology.

[0179] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, where a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0180] Furthermore, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by a single device, or it can be divided and performed by multiple devices.

[0181] Furthermore, if a single step includes multiple processes, those processes can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices.

[0182] <Examples of configuration combinations> This technology can also be configured as follows:

[0183] (1) An information processing device comprising: a toll calculation unit that calculates a usage fee, which is the toll for a toll road used by a vehicle, based on at least one of an initial toll, which is the toll for a toll road estimated based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and an updated toll, which is the toll for a toll road estimated after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee. (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the updated toll is the toll for the usage section between the exit of the toll road that the vehicle passed through and the entrance of the toll road corresponding to the exit. (3) The information processing device according to (2), further comprising a navigation processing unit that performs navigation processing including route guidance, wherein the navigation processing unit acquires and records information regarding the toll for the usage section when the vehicle passes through the exit after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance. (4) The information processing device according to (3), wherein the navigation processing unit records information regarding the entrance and exit of the toll road that the vehicle passed through. (5) The information processing device according to (4), wherein the information regarding the entrance and exit of the toll road includes the toll road name, location name, and date and time of passage. (6) The information processing device according to (5), wherein the information relating to the entrance of the toll road further includes the latitude and longitude of the entrance. (7) The information processing device according to (5) or (6), wherein the usage section is the section between the exit and the entrance of the toll road that the vehicle passed through before passing the exit, which was the entrance that the vehicle passed through at the time closest to the time the vehicle passed the exit. (8) The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (7), wherein the navigation processing unit instructs another information processing device to estimate the fee for the usage section and obtains information relating to the fee for the usage section from the other information processing device. (9) The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (8), wherein the user interface control unit causes the breakdown of the usage fee to be displayed when the route is re-searched after the start of route guidance. (10) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the total of the fees for each toll road as the usage fee when the vehicle uses multiple toll roads.(11) The user interface control unit is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10) above, which accepts a modification of the presented usage fee. (12) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, which further comprises a fee estimation unit that estimates the fee for a toll road on a specified route and estimates the initial fee and the renewal fee. (13) The information processing device according to (12) above, which, after the route has been re-searched following the start of route guidance, estimates the fee for the usage section between the exit of a toll road that the vehicle has passed and the entrance of a toll road corresponding to the exit as the renewal fee. (14) The information processing device according to (13) above, which, after the route has been re-searched following the start of route guidance, estimates the renewal fee for the usage section each time the vehicle passes an exit of a toll road. (15) The information processing device according to any one of (12) to (14) above, which, (16) The information processing device according to any one of (12) to (15) above, wherein the fare estimation unit individually estimates the fare for each toll road when there are multiple toll roads on the route. (17) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (16) above, wherein the vehicle is a transport object. (18) The information processing device according to (17) above, wherein the vehicle is a taxi. (19) An information processing method comprising: calculating a usage fee, which is the fare for toll roads used by a vehicle, based on at least one of an initial fare, which is the fare for toll roads estimated based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and an updated fare, which is the fare for toll roads estimated after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance; and controlling the presentation of the usage fee. (20) An information processing system comprising one or more information processing devices, including: a toll estimation unit that estimates an initial toll, which is the toll for a toll road, based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and estimates an update toll, which is the toll for a toll road, after the route has been searched again after the start of route guidance; a toll calculation unit that calculates a usage fee, which is the toll for a toll road used by a vehicle, based on at least one of the initial toll and the update toll; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee.

[0184] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting; other effects may also occur.

[0185] 1 Information processing system, 11 Information processing terminal, 12 Server, 21 Vehicle, 54 Control unit, 55 Output unit, 61 Information processing unit, 62 Self-position estimation unit, 71 Navigation processing unit, 72 Toll calculation unit, 73 Payment processing unit, 74 UI control unit, 102 Control unit, 111 Map data generation unit, 112 Route search unit, 113 Toll estimation unit, 114 Navigation control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a toll calculation unit that calculates a usage fee, which is the toll for toll roads used by a vehicle, based on at least one of an initial toll, which is the toll for toll roads estimated based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and an updated toll, which is the toll for toll roads estimated after the route is re-searched after the start of route guidance; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the renewal fee is the fee for the usage section between the exit of the toll road through which the vehicle passed and the entrance of the toll road corresponding to the exit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a navigation processing unit that performs navigation processing including route guidance, wherein the navigation processing unit obtains and records information regarding the toll for the usage section when the vehicle passes the exit after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the navigation processing unit records information regarding the entrance and exit of a toll road through which the vehicle has passed.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the information relating to the entrance and exit of the toll road includes the name of the toll road, the name of the location, and the date and time of passage.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the information relating to the entrance of the toll road further includes the latitude and longitude of the entrance.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the usage section is the section between the exit and the entrance to the toll road that the vehicle passed through before passing the exit, which was the entrance that the vehicle passed through at the time closest to the time the vehicle passed the exit.

8. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the navigation processing device instructs another information processing device to estimate the charges for the usage section and obtains information regarding the charges for the usage section from the other information processing device.

9. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the user interface control unit causes the user interface control unit to display a breakdown of the usage fee if the route is recalculated after the start of route guidance.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the toll calculation unit calculates the total tolls for each toll road as the usage fee when the vehicle uses multiple toll roads.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface control unit accepts a modification of the presented usage fee.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a toll estimation unit that estimates the toll for a toll road on a specified route, and estimates the initial toll and the renewal toll.

13. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the toll estimation unit estimates the toll for the usage section between the exit of the toll road that the vehicle has passed through and the entrance of the toll road corresponding to the exit, after the route has been re-searched following the start of route guidance, as the updated toll.

14. The information processing device according to claim 13, wherein the toll estimation unit estimates the renewal toll for the usage section each time the vehicle passes an exit of a toll road after the route has been re-searched following the start of route guidance.

15. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the toll estimation unit estimates the tolls of toll roads on the route explored before route guidance as the initial toll.

16. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the toll estimation unit individually estimates the toll for each toll road when there are multiple toll roads on the route.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle transports an object to be transported.

18. The information processing device according to claim 17, wherein the vehicle is a taxi.

19. An information processing method that includes calculating a usage fee, which is the toll road fee used by a vehicle, based on at least one of an initial fee, which is the toll road fee estimated based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and an updated fee, which is the toll road fee estimated after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance, and controlling the presentation of the usage fee.

20. An information processing system comprising one or more information processing devices, including: a toll estimation unit that estimates an initial toll, which is the toll for a toll road, based on a route searched before the start of route guidance, and estimates an update toll, which is the toll for a toll road, after the route has been re-searched after the start of route guidance; a toll calculation unit that calculates a usage fee, which is the toll for a toll road used by a vehicle, based on at least one of the initial toll and the update toll; and a user interface control unit that controls the presentation of the usage fee.

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