JP4963418B2 - Boarding fee settlement system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a boarding fee payment system, and more particularly to a technique for settling a boarding fee for a taxi or the like.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a conventional taxi fare settlement system. As shown in FIG. 15, this conventional system is configured by connecting a taximeter 1, a control unit 2, an interlocking credit terminal 3, and a communication module 4 in series. As the communication module 4, for example, “Mobile Ark (registered trademark)” or the like can be used. According to this system, by setting a magnetic credit card (not shown) in the interlocking credit terminal 3, the user can settle a taxi fare using the magnetic credit card. As a technique related to this, a method of creating an ID card dedicated to taxi fare processing and using it for payment processing is known (see Patent Document 1).

In recent years, as a payment method other than cash, a contactless IC card “Edy (registered trademark)” in which a user deposits money in advance, or a mobile phone terminal “Osaifu” equipped with an electronic money function. “Keitai (registered trademark)” has become widespread, and the number of stores that can use these is also increasing. Hereinafter, this type of contactless IC card and mobile phone terminal are collectively referred to as a contactless IC card.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-312476

  According to the taxi fare settlement system according to the prior art shown in FIG. 15 described above, it is possible to support settlement using cash or a credit card, but other settlements using the above contactless IC card or the like. There is a problem that cannot be handled.

This problem will be described in comparison with a POS (Point Of Sales) system.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the POS system, the interlocking credit terminal 7 and the non-contact IC terminal 8 are connected to the POS 6 which is a main body for determining the charge, and the POS 6 is connected to the interlocking credit terminal 7 and the non-contact IC terminal. 8 is used together for settlement processing. Therefore, according to this POS system, both payment by credit card and payment by non-contact IC card are possible.

  Therefore, in order for the taxi fare settlement system to support settlement using a non-contact IC card, as shown in FIG. 17, a non-contact IC terminal for performing settlement using a non-contact IC card as in the POS system described above. It is conceivable to connect 5 to the control unit 2. However, if the existing control device unit 2 is not provided with a surplus interface for that purpose, the non-contact IC terminal 5 cannot be connected to the control device unit 2. In this case, the control device unit 2 needs to be significantly modified.

  When the non-contact IC terminal 5 is connected to the control unit 2, the data flow at the time of settlement is different from that of the POS system, so that the configuration of the POS system cannot be applied to taxi fare settlement. That is, in the conventional taxi fare settlement system, since the crew-side user interface for the taxi crew to input various data related to settlement is provided in the interlocking credit terminal 3, the contactless IC terminal 5 is the crew-side user. In addition to being able to link with the interface, communication for settlement cannot be performed in conjunction with the communication module 4.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to simplify a taxi settlement terminal system that can use a contactless IC card without significantly changing the configuration of a conventional taxi fare settlement system. It is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.
A taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention includes a taximeter that calculates and outputs a taxi fare, a control unit that is connected to the taximeter and issues documents related to the taxi, and is connected to the control unit. A linked credit terminal that settles the boarding fee using a magnetic credit card, and a non-contact IC terminal that is connected to the linked credit terminal and settles the boarding fee using a contactless IC card; A communication module that is connected to the non-contact IC terminal and communicates with the settlement center server device regarding settlement of the boarding fee.

  Further, the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention is such that the contactless IC terminal can directly communicate between the interlocking credit terminal and the communication module for settlement using the magnetic credit card. And the linked credit terminal and the contactless IC terminal for direct payment for settlement using the contactless IC card, and the contactless IC terminal and the communication module It is characterized by comprising switching means for switching between a second state in which direct communication is possible.

  The taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention switches the switching means when the contactless IC terminal receives a predetermined command from the interlocking credit terminal that does not affect the operation of the communication module. It is characterized by things.

  In the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention, the contactless IC terminal performs offline settlement using the contactless IC card and online counting processing using the contactless IC card. And

  The taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention is characterized in that the contactless IC terminal performs online payment using the contactless IC card.

  Further, in the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention, the non-contact IC terminal includes an offline settlement using the non-contact IC card, an online settlement using the non-contact IC card, and the non-contact IC. It is characterized by performing online counting processing using a card.

  Further, in the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention, the signal line between the interlocking credit terminal and the contactless IC terminal is a communication line or a control line, and between the contactless IC terminal and the communication module. The signal line is always a communication line.

  The taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention is characterized in that the control device unit is a control device unit integrated with a printer unit.

  In addition, the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention is based on the result that the linked credit terminal refers to the transaction history of offline settlement using the contactless IC card during the online counting process. When the used offline settlement is not performed, the online counting process is terminated.

  In addition, the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention allows other terminals to monitor the power state of the terminal that is most susceptible to power supply voltage fluctuations among the interlocking credit terminal, the contactless IC terminal, and the communication module. Then, when the state of the monitored power supply becomes a predetermined value or less, the other terminal turns off its own power supply.

  In the taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention, the terminal that is most susceptible to the power supply voltage fluctuation turns off the other terminals after the taxi engine is turned off and the online counting process is completed. And its own power supply is also turned off.

  The taxi fare settlement system according to the present invention monitors the power state of each of the interlocking credit terminal, the non-contact IC terminal, and the communication module, and the state of any power source is less than a specified value. In this case, it is further provided with power monitoring means for turning off the power of the interlocking credit terminal, the contactless IC terminal, and the communication module.

  According to the present invention, even when the surplus interface is not provided in the control unit of the conventional taxi fare settlement system, the addition and part of the contactless IC terminal can be achieved without significantly changing the system configuration. By simply changing the software, it is possible to easily realize a taxi settlement terminal system that can use a non-contact IC card.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1A shows the configuration of a taxi settlement terminal system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the taxi fare settlement system according to this embodiment, the contactless IC terminal 13 is connected between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 as compared with the configuration according to the prior art shown in FIG. Except for this point, the hardware configuration is basically the same.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, the taxi fare settlement system includes a taximeter 10 that calculates and displays fare information relating to a boarding fee, and a controller 11 that includes a printer that issues documents such as receipts. A linked credit terminal 12 that performs payment processing using the customer's magnetic credit card information, a contactless IC terminal 13 that performs payment processing using the customer's contactless IC card, and the payment center server device 100. And a communication module 14 for performing communication related to the settlement of the boarding fee. The taximeter 10, the control device 11, the interlocking credit terminal 12, the non-contact IC terminal 13, and the communication module 14 are connected in series via a serial I / F. The communication module 14 connects to the settlement center server device 100 by wireless communication.

  Here, the taximeter 10, the control device 11, the interlocking credit terminal 12, and the communication module 14 of the present embodiment are the taximeter 1, the control device 2, the interlocking credit terminal according to the prior art shown in FIG. 3. Corresponding to each of the communication modules 4, the software configuration of the interlocking credit terminal 12 is different from that of the interlocking credit terminal 3 according to the prior art, and a processing function for controlling the non-contact IC terminal 13 is added. ing.

FIG. 1B shows a detailed configuration of the non-contact IC terminal 13.
The contactless IC terminal 13 incorporates switching means 15 for switching signal paths and a contactless IC terminal internal control unit 16, and payment is made with a credit card under the control of the contactless IC terminal internal control unit 16. The signal path is switched by the switching means 15 between the case where the payment is made and the case where the payment is made using a non-contact IC card. The switching of the signal path is controlled by the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 based on a predetermined command output from the interlocking credit terminal 12. This command is defined in advance between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the non-contact IC terminal 13 so as not to affect the operation of the communication module 14. The non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 has a function of monitoring the data passing through the switching unit 15 and extracting the command.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are explanatory diagrams regarding switching of signal paths by the switching unit 15. In these figures, the switching means 15 is shown as an equivalent circuit and explains the principle of switching.
In the figure, the electrical signal path is switched between two states by the switching means 15 based on the control of the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16. Here, in the first state shown in FIG. 2A, the interlocking credit terminal 12 is in a state of being directly connected to the communication module 14. The signal path in this case is substantially the same as that of the conventional apparatus shown in FIG.

  In the second state shown in FIG. 2B, the signal path is a path that passes through the interlocking credit terminal 12, the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16, and the communication module 14 in this order. 12 is in a state of being electrically connected to the communication module 14 via the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16.

The functions of the contactless IC terminal 13 are summarized in the following three points.
(1) Even if the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected, the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 built in the non-contact IC terminal 13 monitors the data passing through the switching means 15. The above command is extracted (usually, it is abandoned).

(2) The non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 switches the switching unit 15 to the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 side when the command is received from the interlocking credit terminal 12. The above command is defined in advance between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the non-contact IC terminal 13 so as not to affect the operation of the communication module 14. For example, when the communication module 14 is similar to a modem, "---" etc. can be used as the above command.

(3) When the contactless IC terminal internal control unit 16 receives a command instructing switching from the contactless IC terminal 13 to the communication module 14, the linked credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected to each other. The connection state of the switching means 15 is switched. In this case, since the communication module 14 is disconnected, the switching command can be arbitrarily defined between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the non-contact IC terminal 13.

  In the switching control as described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the signal line LA between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the non-contact IC terminal 13 is used as a communication line (a signal line for transmitting information related to payment). And may be used as a control line (a signal line for transmitting information for performing control related to switching of a signal path). On the other hand, the signal line LB between the non-contact IC terminal 13 and the communication module 14 is always used as a communication line.

Next, the operation of the taxi fare settlement system according to this embodiment will be described.
First, with reference to FIG. 4, the switching operation of the connection state of the switching means 15 built in the non-contact IC terminal 13 will be described.

  When the power is turned on, the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 controls the connection state of the switching means 15 so that the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are electrically connected directly (step S1). In other words, in the present system, as a default state, the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are set in an electrically directly connected state. In this directly connected state, the non-contact IC terminal 13 is not involved in the operation, and the interlocking credit terminal 12 becomes communicable using the communication module 14.

  Next, the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 waits for input of a switching command (step S2). If there is no input of a switching command (S2; No), the direct connection state between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 is maintained. When the switching command is input (S2; Yes), the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 switches the connection state of the switching unit 15, whereby the non-contact IC terminal 13 is connected to the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14. (Step S3). Thereby, the interlocking credit terminal 12 communicates with the non-contact IC terminal 13 (the interlocking credit terminal 12 controls the non-contact IC terminal 13), and the non-contact IC terminal 13 uses the communication module 14 for settlement. Communication with the center server apparatus 100 is enabled.

Thereafter, the non-contact IC terminal internal control unit 16 waits for an end command (step S4). If no end command is input (step S4; No), a state in which the contactless IC terminal 13 can communicate using the communication module 14 is maintained. When the end command is input (step S4; Yes), the process returns to step S1, and the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are set to the direct connection state again (step S4). Thereafter, the same processing is repeated.
Eventually, the switching means 15 is set to a state in which the contactless IC terminal 13 can communicate via the communication module 14 only when a predetermined command is issued from the interlocking credit terminal 12, otherwise The credit terminal 12 is set in a communicable state via the communication module 14.

Next, the operation of the taxi fare settlement system will be described in detail for each operation mode.
The operation mode of this taxi fare settlement system includes an operation mode when making a payment using a credit card (credit payment mode) and an operation mode when making an offline payment using a non-contact IC card (non-contact IC offline payment). Mode), an operation mode in the case of online settlement processing using a non-contact IC card (non-contact total processing mode), and an operation mode in case of online settlement using a non-contact IC card (non-contact) There are four types of operation modes (contact IC online payment mode).

(1) Credit settlement mode In the credit settlement mode, the signal path between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 is simply contactless by the switching means 15 inside the contactless IC terminal 13, as shown in FIG. The linked credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected through the IC terminal 13. In this state, the interlocking credit terminal 12 establishes communication with the settlement center server device 100 via the communication module 14, and performs a series of processing relating to settlement according to the sequence shown in FIG.

Next, the operation sequence in the credit settlement mode will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
When the taxi arrives at the destination and the taxi meter 10 is operated by the crew, the sales amount (boarding fee) is calculated, and the taxi meter 10 outputs the sales amount to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S10). When the passenger wishes to pay the fee by credit card, the interlocking credit terminal 12 inputs from the crew member who selects credit payment as a settlement method via the crew-side user interface provided in the interlocking credit terminal 12 Is received (S11).

  When credit payment is selected at the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S11), the interlocking credit terminal 12 sends a control command to the communication module 14 to establish connection with the settlement center server device 100 via a wireless communication line. It is issued and the settlement center server device 100 is dialed (S12). The communication module 14 dials the settlement center server device 100 to establish a connection by wireless communication, and when the wireless connection with the settlement center server device 100 is established, notifies the linked credit terminal 12 of the connection result (S13). .

  When the wireless connection with the settlement center server device 100 is established, the interlocking credit terminal 12 performs data communication with the settlement center server device 100 and performs authentication using the customer's credit card information (S14). When the interlocking credit terminal 12 receives the authentication result from the settlement center server device 100 (S15), it performs data communication and requests the settlement center server device 100 for settlement related to payment of the boarding fee input from the taximeter 10 (S16). ). When the settlement is completed, the settlement center server device 100 notifies the linked credit terminal 12 of the result via the communication module 14 (S17), and the linked credit terminal 12 sends an end signal to the taximeter 10 (S18). . Thus, a series of operations in the credit settlement mode is completed.

(2) Non-contact IC offline payment mode As shown in FIG. 7, during non-contact IC offline payment, the interlocking credit terminal 12 is connected to the non-contact IC terminal 13 by the switching means 15 inside the non-contact IC terminal 13. Then, authentication and settlement are performed off-line using the non-contact IC card held over the non-contact IC terminal 13. In this operation mode, the communication module 14 is not used because it is not necessary to connect to the settlement center server device 100 online.

Next, the operation in the non-contact IC offline settlement mode will be described in detail using the operation sequence shown in FIG.
As described above, in the default state, the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected. The taximeter 10 outputs the sales amount to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S20). When payment by a contactless IC card is selected at the interlocking credit terminal 12 in accordance with the passenger's request (S21), the interlocking credit terminal 12 sends a command to start switching (interrupt) for the switching means 15 described above. (S22). Upon receiving this command, the contactless IC terminal 13 switches the connection state of the switching means 15, and the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the contactless IC terminal internal control unit 16 of the contactless IC terminal 13 are connected via the switching means 15. Is done. Note that this command reaches the communication module 14 before the switching state of the switching means 15 is switched, but is ignored there.

  When the switching of the connection state of the switching means 15 is finished, the fact is notified to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S23). Upon receiving this notification, the interlocking credit terminal 12 instructs the contactless IC terminal 13 to start a transaction (waiting for a card) (S24). When the contactless IC card is held over the contactless IC terminal 13 (S25), data communication is performed between the contactless IC terminal 13 and the contactless IC card, and the contactless IC terminal 13 performs processing related to payment. . When this is completed, the contactless IC terminal 13 notifies the linked credit terminal 12 of the completion of payment (S26). Upon receiving this notification, the interlocking credit terminal 12 records the transaction history (date and time, amount, etc.) of non-contact IC offline payment as a log in the internal storage unit (S27), and sends an end signal to the taximeter 10 ( S28). Further, the interlocking credit terminal 12 issues a switching (interrupt end) command to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S29), and switches the switching unit 15 to the default connection state. As a result, the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are brought into the original direct connection state, and the series of processes is terminated.

(3) Non-contact count processing mode (online)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the non-contact aggregation processing mode (online), the aggregation data stored in the non-contact IC terminal 13 is transferred online to the settlement center server device 101. The interlocking credit terminal 12 is connected to the contactless IC terminal 13 by the switching means 15 inside the contactless IC terminal 13, and the contactless IC terminal 13 is also connected to the communication module 14. That is, the contactless IC terminal 13 is interposed between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14.

Next, the operation in the non-contact count processing mode will be described using the operation sequence shown in FIG.
First, as described above, in the default state, the linked credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected. When the taximeter 10 is operated by the crew, the taximeter 10 outputs a signal indicating the end of business to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S60). Normally, this processing is performed by the operation of a crew member when the taxi business is finished and returned to the sales office. Upon receipt of the signal, the interlocking credit terminal 12 performs settlement (non-contact IC total communication) using the contactless IC card (S61), and sends a switching (interrupt start) command to the contactless IC terminal 13. (S62). Upon receiving this command, the contactless IC terminal 13 switches the connection state of the switching means 15, whereby the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the contactless IC terminal 13 are connected. This command also reaches the communication module 14, but is ignored there.

  When the switching of the switching means 15 is completed, this is notified to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S63). Upon receiving this notification, the interlocking credit terminal 12 issues an instruction regarding communication (total communication) for transferring the total result to the settlement center server device 101 to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S64). The non-contact IC terminal 13 receiving it issues a control command to the communication module 14 and causes the settlement center server device 101 to dial (S65). The communication module 14 connects to the settlement center server apparatus 101 by wireless communication, and notifies the contact result to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S66).

  After the connection by wireless communication is established, the non-contact IC terminal 13 performs aggregation communication for transferring the aggregation result to the settlement center server device 101 (S67). When the settlement center server apparatus 101 receives the total result, it notifies the non-contact IC terminal 13 of the result of the total communication (S68), and the non-contact IC terminal 13 that has received this notification reports the total communication to the interlocking credit terminal 12. Is notified (S69). Here, the settlement center server apparatus 101 may be the same as or different from the settlement center server apparatus 100 described above.

Upon receiving the above notification, the interlocking credit terminal 12 records the aggregation log (S70), sends the aggregation end signal to the taximeter 10 (S71), and switches the connection state of the switching means 15 to the original state. A (interrupt end) command is issued to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S72), and the switching means 15 is switched to the default state. As a result, the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected, and a series of processing ends.
The recording of the totaling log may be performed after settlement of settlement using a non-contact IC card (non-contact IC total communication) (S61).

  If no contactless IC offline payment has been performed after the previous contactless aggregation process, the aggregation result transferred to the settlement center server device 101 by the above-described contactless aggregation process is zero reports. Therefore, if you are performing wireless communication using a public line, it means that you will hang up without sending data even if you make a call, as a result, unnecessary telephone charges (communication costs) There is a problem that will occur. Therefore, the taxi fare settlement system operates so as not to perform communication when no contactless IC offline settlement is performed.

Hereinafter, the operation in the non-contact counting process mode when the non-contact IC offline settlement is not performed after the previous non-contact counting process will be described with reference to the operation sequence shown in FIG.
First, as described above, in the default state, the linked credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected. When the taximeter 10 is operated by the crew, the taximeter 10 outputs a signal indicating the end of business to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S80). Upon receiving the signal, the interlocking credit terminal 12 performs settlement (non-contact IC total communication) using the non-contact IC card (S81). Here, the interlocking credit terminal 12 refers to the transaction history of the non-contact IC offline settlement recorded by the interlocking credit terminal 12 in S27 described above, and as a result, the offline settlement using the non-contact IC card is performed. If there is no count result, the credit terminal 12 completes the count processing by internal judgment (S82), and sends a count end signal to the taximeter 10 (S83). Therefore, the credit terminal 12 does not issue a command to the non-contact IC terminal 13, and no unnecessary communication is performed.

  In the previous contactless aggregation process, if the aggregation result was not reported due to a failure in communication with the settlement center server device 101, a noncontact IC card was used for the log. Since the settlement total result remains, the total result is reported again in the subsequent contactless count processing.

(4) Non-contact IC online payment mode As shown in FIG. 12, during the non-contact IC credit online processing, the interlocking credit terminal 14 is connected to the non-contact IC terminal 13 by the switching means 15 in the non-contact IC terminal 13. The non-contact IC terminal 13 is also connected to the communication module 14. Then, authentication and settlement are performed online using a non-contact IC card held over the non-contact IC terminal 13.

Next, the operation in the non-contact IC online processing mode will be described using the operation sequence shown in FIG.
As described above, in the default state, the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected. The taximeter 10 transmits the sales amount to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S41). When contactless credit payment is selected at the interlocking credit terminal 12 according to the passenger's request (S42), the interlocking credit terminal 12 issues a switching (interrupt start) command for switching the switching means 15 described above to a contactless IC. The data is sent to the terminal 13 (S43). Upon receiving this command, the contactless IC terminal 13 switches the connection state of the switching means 15, and the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the contactless IC terminal 13 are connected via the switching means 15. This command also reaches the communication module 14, but is ignored there.

  When the switching of the connection state of the switching means 15 is completed (S44), the interlocking credit terminal 12 sends a transaction start (card waiting) signal to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S45). When the contactless IC card is held over the contactless IC terminal 13 (S46), data communication is performed between the contactless IC terminal 13 and the contactless IC card, and the contactless IC terminal 13 acquires card information ( S47). Then, the non-contact IC terminal 13 determines whether or not the settlement of the boarding fee input from the taximeter 10 is possible with the amount charged in the non-contact type IC card (S48). Here, if payment can be made with the amount charged in the non-contact IC card, the payment processing is performed in the same manner as in the above-described non-contact IC offline payment mode.

  On the other hand, when the payment service provider determines that it is necessary to collate with the payment center database, such as when the payment amount exceeds a certain amount or the accumulated usage amount for a certain period exceeds a certain amount. The payment requires online authentication, and the non-contact IC terminal 13 issues a control command for establishing a connection with the settlement center server apparatus 102 to the communication module 14 to the settlement center server apparatus 102. Dial (S49). The communication module 14 that has received the control command makes a connection to the settlement center server apparatus 102 by wireless communication, and communicates the connection result to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S50). When the wireless connection with the settlement center server apparatus 102 is established, the non-contact IC terminal 13 performs data communication with the settlement center server apparatus 102 and performs authentication using the customer's non-contact IC card information (S51). Then, the non-contact IC terminal 13 receives an authentication result from the settlement center server device 102 by data communication (S52), and requests the settlement center server device 102 for settlement related to payment of the boarding fee input from the taximeter 10 (S53). . When the settlement is completed, the settlement center server device 102 notifies the result to the contactless IC terminal 13 (S54), and the contactless IC terminal 13 notifies the result to the interlocking credit terminal 12 (S55). The interlocking credit terminal 12 sends an end signal to the taximeter 10 (S56), sends a switching (interrupt end) command to the non-contact IC terminal 13 (S57), and the switching means 15 switches. As a result, the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 are directly connected, and a series of processing ends. Here, the settlement center server apparatus 102 may be the same as or different from the settlement center server apparatus 100 described above.

In addition, this taxi fare payment system can also perform the power supply monitoring operation | movement demonstrated below.
In general, a vehicle power supply (battery) provided in a taxi or the like is unstable. For example, when a load is applied to the battery by operating a cell, a voltage drop occurs, and the interlocking credit terminal 12 is contactless. In many cases, the IC terminal 13 and the communication module 14 are in an instantaneous power failure state depending on the state of the terminal. Here, when only one of the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the non-contact IC terminal 13 is in an instantaneous power failure state, the encryption keys exchanged together cannot be performed. As a result, encryption cannot be performed, which may cause security concerns.

  On the other hand, even when the engine is stopped, if power is supplied to the interlocking credit terminal 12, the non-contact IC terminal 13, and the communication module 14, the battery may run out. However, if the supply of power to these is stopped in conjunction with the engine stop, the non-contact counting process described above is performed after the taxi is closed, and may be performed after the engine stops. It becomes impossible to perform aggregation processing.

An example of a configuration that can eliminate these problems will be described below.
FIG. 14A shows the configuration of a taxi fare settlement system provided with power supply monitoring means.
As shown in the figure, the taxi fare settlement system provided with the power supply monitoring means is configured by further including power supply monitoring means 70 in the configuration shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component which is common in FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The power monitoring means 70 is connected to the interlocking credit terminal 12, the non-contact IC terminal 13, and the communication module 14, and monitors the state of the power supplied to each terminal and controls on / off of the power. Is. The power supply state is monitored, for example, by measuring the power supply voltage of each of the interlocking credit terminal 12, the non-contact IC terminal 13, and the communication module 14. Or you may carry out by measuring the electric current which flows into each power supply. Then, when the current value or the voltage value becomes equal to or less than the specified value, the power supply monitoring unit 70 controls to turn off all the power supplies so that each terminal does not operate. And have it restarted. Therefore, when restarting, all the terminals are simultaneously turned on.

  With this configuration, there is no state where any one of the interlocking credit terminal 12, the non-contact IC terminal 13, and the communication module 14 does not operate, and only one of the state where all does not work or the state where all operate is provided. Security anxiety disappears.

Also, the state of the power supply can be monitored by the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, in this taxi fare settlement system, the interlocking credit terminal 80 and the non-contact IC terminal 90 are further provided with a power monitoring function and a power control function in addition to the functions described in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component which is common in FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  With this configuration, the state of the power supply (voltage value or current value) of the terminal (communication module 14 in this example) that is most susceptible to the influence of power supply voltage fluctuation among the interlocking credit terminal 80, the contactless IC terminal 90, and the communication module 14. ) Is monitored by other terminals (in this example, the interlocking credit terminal 80 and the non-contact IC terminal 90), and the power state (voltage value or current value) of the monitored terminal becomes equal to or less than the specified value. In other cases (that is, when the monitored terminal stops working), the other terminal resets itself (powers off) and waits for it to be restarted. Therefore, when restarting, all the terminals are simultaneously turned on.

  With this configuration, there is no state in which only one of the interlocking credit terminal 80, the non-contact IC terminal 90, and the communication module 14 does not operate, and only one of the state that does not operate or the state that all operates is described above. Security anxiety disappears.

Furthermore, since the contactless IC terminal 90 can also be turned off by controlling the power source of the interlocking credit terminal 80 and the communication module 14, the taxi fare settlement system can be used even when the engine is stopped (off). After performing a contactless counting process (online counting process) and completing a series of counting processes, the contactless IC terminal 90 turns off the power of the interlocking credit terminal 80 and the communication module 14, and finally the contactless IC terminal 90 itself. Because it is controlled to turn off the power of the battery, it will not raise the battery.
Note that the interlocking credit terminal 80, the non-contact IC terminal 90, and the communication module 14 may mutually monitor the power state.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the taxi fare is settled is taken as an example, but the present invention can be applied to other settlement systems.

  The present invention is suitable for use in a non-contact IC settlement system for moving vehicles such as taxis.

It is a structure of the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of the non-contact IC terminal built in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the switching function (The state where the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14 were directly connected) with which the non-contact IC terminal in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided. Explanatory drawing of the switching function (The state where the non-contact IC terminal intervened in the signal path | route between the interlocking credit terminal 12 and the communication module 14) with which the non-contact IC terminal in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is. It is explanatory drawing of the signal line in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the switching operation | movement in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the credit payment mode in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram of the credit payment mode in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the non-contact IC offline payment mode in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram of the non-contact IC offline payment mode in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the non-contact tabulation processing mode (online) in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram of the non-contact totaling process mode (online) in the taxi settlement terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram of the non-contact totaling process mode (online) in case the non-contact IC offline payment is not performed in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the non-contact IC online payment mode in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram of the non-contact IC online payment mode in the taxi payment terminal system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the structure of the taxi settlement terminal system provided with the power supply monitoring means which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the conventional taxi settlement terminal system. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a POS system. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem of the conventional taxi settlement terminal system.

Explanation of symbols

1 Taximeter 2 Control unit 3 Linked credit terminal 4 Communication module (Mobile Ark)
5 Non-contact IC terminal 6 POS
7 Interlocking credit terminal 8 Non-contact IC terminal 10 Taximeter 11 Control unit 12 Interlocking credit terminal 13 Non-contact IC terminal 14 Communication module (Mobile Ark)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Switching means 16 Contactless IC terminal internal control part 70 Power supply monitoring means 80 Interlocking credit terminal 90 Contactless IC terminal 100 Settlement center server apparatus 101 Settlement center server apparatus 102 Settlement center server apparatus

Claims (12)

A taximeter that calculates and outputs taxi fare,
A control unit connected to the taximeter and issuing documents relating to the boarding fee;
An interlocking credit terminal connected to the control unit and for paying the boarding fee using a magnetic credit card;
A non-contact IC terminal connected to the interlocking credit terminal and paying the boarding fee using a non-contact IC card;
A taxi fare payment system comprising: a communication module connected to the non-contact IC terminal and performing communication related to payment of the boarding fee with a payment center server device. The taxi fare settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the contactless IC terminal is:
A first state capable of direct communication between the interlocking credit terminal and the communication module for settlement using the magnetic credit card;
Direct communication between the linked credit terminal and the contactless IC terminal for direct payment using the contactless IC card and direct communication between the contactless IC terminal and the communication module A taxi fare settlement system characterized by comprising switching means for switching between possible second states.   3. The taxi fare settlement system according to claim 2, wherein the switching means is switched when the contactless IC terminal receives a predetermined command from the interlocking credit terminal that does not affect the operation of the communication module. Taxi fare settlement system characterized by   The taxi fare settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-contact IC terminal includes an offline settlement using the non-contact IC card, and an online counting process using the non-contact IC card. A taxi fare settlement system characterized by   The taxi fare payment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-contact IC terminal performs online payment using the non-contact IC card.   The taxi fare payment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-contact IC terminal is an offline payment using the non-contact IC card, and an online payment using the non-contact IC card. A taxi fare settlement system that performs online counting processing using the contactless IC card.   2. The taxi fare settlement system according to claim 1, wherein a signal line between the interlocking credit terminal and the contactless IC terminal is a communication line or a control line, and a signal between the contactless IC terminal and the communication module. Taxi fare settlement system characterized in that the line is always a communication line.   8. The taxi fare payment system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a control unit integrated with a printer unit.   The taxi fare settlement system according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the linked credit terminal refers to a transaction history of offline settlement using the non-contact IC card during the online counting process. The taxi fare settlement system is characterized in that the online counting process is terminated when offline settlement using the non-contact IC card is not performed.   The taxi fare settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a power supply of a terminal that is most susceptible to influence by power supply voltage fluctuation among the interlocking credit terminal, the contactless IC terminal, and the communication module. A taxi fare settlement system characterized in that the other terminal monitors the state and the other terminal turns off its own power when the state of the monitored power source falls below a specified value.   11. The taxi fare settlement system according to claim 10, wherein a terminal that is most susceptible to fluctuations in power supply voltage turns off other terminals after the taxi engine is turned off and the online counting process is completed. A taxi fare settlement system that also turns off its own power supply.   The taxi fare settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power status of each of the interlocking credit terminal, the non-contact IC terminal, and the communication module is monitored, A taxi fare settlement system, further comprising power monitoring means for turning off the power of the interlocking credit terminal, the contactless IC terminal, and the communication module when the state becomes a predetermined value or less.

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