JP7766419B2 - Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program for calculating fares.

Traditionally, taxi meters have measured fares using a vehicle speed pulse signal. For example, Patent Document 1 ([0043]) states, "When a taxi meter calculates a taxi fare, it needs information on the distance traveled by the taxi. Therefore, the taxi management unit 11, like a typical taxi meter, monitors the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1 provided by the vehicle to determine the distance traveled. In other words, the number of pulses in the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1 is counted to calculate the distance traveled from the passenger's boarding point."

JP 2019-020984 A

However, when fares are measured using vehicle speed pulse signals, it is difficult to respond to changes in consumption tax or fares, and when changes occur, the burden on taxi companies is heavy. Furthermore, regular inspection of equipment, including the vehicle speed signal sensor used to measure vehicle speed pulse signals, is also required, which also incurs high costs.

In addition, if the air pressure in a vehicle's tires becomes low, the measurement using the vehicle speed pulse signal will deviate from the actual distance traveled, so it was necessary to regularly check the air pressure in the vehicle's tires.

In light of the above background, the present invention provides an information processing device and the like that enables fare calculation in a manner different from conventional methods.

The information processing device according to the present invention comprises:
a measurement unit that measures a distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by comparing the vehicle's position information with map information;
a calculation unit that calculates a fare using the travel distance on the map;
may also be provided.

The information processing device according to the present invention comprises:
a receiving unit that receives vehicle position information;
a measuring unit that measures the distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by comparing the vehicle position information received by the receiving unit with map information;
a calculation unit that calculates a fare using the travel distance on the map;
may also be provided.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The measurement unit measures a short-term travel distance of the vehicle from one point to another point on the map;
The calculation unit may calculate the fare using a total travel distance calculated using the short-time travel distance.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The measurement unit may correct the short-term travel distance using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from a vehicle speed signal.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The calculation unit does not need to use the vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from the vehicle speed signal to calculate the fare.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The calculation unit may calculate the fare without using a vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from a vehicle speed signal.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The measurement unit may correct the short-term travel distance using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from a vehicle speed signal while there are no passengers on board and no fares are being calculated.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The calculation unit may correct the travel distance on the map based on the vehicle travel direction derived from the angular velocity sensor and the direction of the road in the map information.

The information processing device according to the present invention comprises:
an estimation unit that estimates vehicle position information based on a vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from a vehicle speed signal;
Based on the estimation result by the estimation unit, the measurement unit may measure the distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map.

In the information processing device according to the present invention,
The measurement unit may compare the vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from the vehicle speed signal with the travel distance on the map, and check whether the difference between the vehicle speed-based travel distance and the travel distance on the map is within a threshold value.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
The information processing device described above;
a passenger terminal provided in the vehicle, capable of communicating with the information processing device, and capable of displaying the vehicle's travel route and fare;
may also be provided.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
The information processing device described above;
The vehicle may include a management unit that receives information relating to vehicle fares or travel distances on a map from an information processing device and manages the information.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
an exit determination unit that determines whether a driver has left the facility;
The information processing device is the information processing device described above, which allows the calculation unit to calculate a fare on condition that the delivery determination unit receives information indicating that delivery has been determined;
may also be provided.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
an alcohol concentration measurement unit for measuring the alcohol concentration of a driver;
The information processing device is the information processing device described above, which enables the calculation unit to calculate a fare on the condition that it is determined based on the alcohol concentration measurement unit that the alcohol concentration of the driver is not a problem;
may also be provided.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
an interior determination unit that determines whether or not there are passengers in the vehicle or the number of passengers based on the image captured by an interior image capture device that captures the interior of the vehicle;
The information processing device described above receives information indicating whether or not a passenger is present or the number of passengers based on a determination result by the in-vehicle determination unit;
may also be provided.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
The information processing device described above;
an indicator light that turns off when the information processing device starts measuring the fare;
may also be provided.

The information processing method according to the present invention comprises:
a step of measuring a moving distance of the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by collating the position information of the vehicle with map information by a measurement unit;
a step of calculating a fare using the travel distance on the map by a calculation unit;
may also be provided.

The program according to the present invention comprises:
A program to be installed on an information processing device,
The information processing device in which the program is installed
A measurement function that measures the distance traveled by a vehicle from one point on a map to another by comparing the vehicle's location information with map information;
a calculation function for calculating a fare using the travel distance on the map;
may be realized.

One aspect of the present invention provides an information processing device that enables fare calculation in a manner different from conventional methods.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication mode between terminals according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication mode between a host terminal and an information processing device installed in a taxi. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fare measurement start button displayed on the information processing terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a payment button displayed on the information processing terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a communication mode between terminals in another example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a communication mode between terminals and a configuration of a host terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First embodiment (Configuration)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the settlement system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, "or" also means "and." In other words, in this embodiment, "A or B" means either A, B, or A and B.

In this embodiment, "connection" includes both wired and wireless connections unless otherwise specified. "Output" in this embodiment includes displaying information on a screen, transmitting information, etc.

The host terminal 100, which may be a server or the like, may consist of a single device, or may consist of multiple devices. If the host terminal 100 consists of multiple devices, the devices that make up the host terminal 100 may be installed in different rooms or different locations, and part of the host terminal 100 may be located in a remote location from the rest of the host terminal 100.

As an example, the information processing device of this embodiment is installed in a vehicle. In this embodiment, the information processing device will be described as consisting of an information processing terminal 10. The information processing terminal 10 may consist of a single device, or may consist of multiple devices.

The host terminal 100 of this embodiment may be capable of communicating with multiple information processing terminals 10 (see Figure 2). The location of the information processing terminal 10 is not limited and may be anywhere in Japan or anywhere in the world.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the information processing terminal 10 may include a determination unit 11 that determines vehicle position information; a measurement unit (terminal measurement unit) 12 that measures the vehicle's map travel distance from one point to another by comparing the vehicle's position information with map information; and a calculation unit (terminal calculation unit) 15 that calculates the fare using the map travel distance. The map information includes distances between intersections and branch points. Therefore, by identifying the location on the map, it is possible to measure the travel distance based on the map information. The map information may be stored in a terminal memory unit 19, which is a memory unit of the information processing terminal 10, or in a host memory unit 119, which is a memory unit of the host terminal. The measurement unit 12 may measure the map travel distance from the difference between the previous vehicle position determined by the determination unit 11 and the current vehicle position determined by the determination unit 11 (typically when measuring short-term travel distances, as described below), or may measure the map travel distance from the previous vehicle position determined by the determination unit 11, the current vehicle position determined by the determination unit 11, and the road direction, road slope, and other information that can be obtained from the map information.

The measurement unit 12 may measure the short-term travel distance of a vehicle from one point on a map to another. Alternatively, the measurement unit 12 may measure the total travel distance by adding up the short-term travel distances. Alternatively, the calculation unit 15, rather than the measurement unit 12, may calculate the total travel distance by adding up the short-term travel distances. The calculation unit 15 may then calculate the fare based on the total travel distance. The short-term travel distance may be acquired in fixed time units, for example, every short time such as 0.5 to 3 seconds. The map travel distance is a concept that includes both the short-term travel distance and the total travel distance.

The information processing terminal 10 may have a receiver 16, such as a GPS receiver, that receives radio waves from artificial satellites, and the determination unit 11 may determine the vehicle's position based on the radio waves received by the receiver 16 from artificial satellites, such as three or more GNSS satellites. In this case, the vehicle's position information may be the latitude and longitude determined in this manner.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the information processing terminal 10 functions as the driver's terminal, but this is not limiting, and a driver's terminal 50 may be provided separately from the information processing terminal 10 (see FIG. 6). In this case, the information processing terminal 10 does not need to have the function of the driver's terminal 50. Also, a passenger terminal 90 that is mainly operated by the customer may be provided. Not only the information processing terminal 10 but also the passenger terminal 90 may be able to communicate with the host terminal 100. The information processing terminal 10 and passenger terminal 90 may be connected via an information processing device such as a server, or may be directly connected wirelessly via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or BLUETOOTH (registered trademark). Alternatively, they may be connected via an interface box via a wired or wireless connection.

The passenger terminal 90 may be, for example, a touch panel tablet terminal. The information processing terminal 10 may also be, for example, a touch panel tablet terminal. In this embodiment, the information processing terminal 10 is described as comprising a touch panel, and the fare measurement start button 111 and the settlement button 113 are displayed on the terminal display unit 10a of the information processing terminal 10 (see Figures 5A and 5B). However, this is not limited to this, and the fare measurement start button 111 and the settlement button 113 may also be provided as buttons that can be physically pressed (see Figure 6).

The vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle speed signal sensor 21 that receives a vehicle speed signal such as a vehicle speed pulse for calculating traveled distance, an angular velocity sensor 22 such as a gyro sensor that detects the vehicle's direction of travel, and an acceleration sensor 24 that measures acceleration (see Figure 3). The vehicle speed pulse acquired by the vehicle speed signal sensor 21 may be transmitted to the information processing terminal 10 via the CAN BUS 26 or vehicle information acquisition device 27, or may be transmitted directly to the information processing terminal 10 without going through these (see Figure 4).

The information processing terminal 10 may store road information such as the lane configuration of the main lane and merging lane, road curvature, and the length of the acceleration section in the merging lane in the terminal memory unit 19. It may also acquire road information from a base station using its communication function. It may also store road information such as the lane configuration of the main lane and merging lane, road curvature, and the length of the acceleration section in the merging lane in the host memory unit 119.

The measurement unit 12 may correct the short-term travel distance using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from a vehicle speed signal such as a vehicle speed pulse. In this case, the calculation unit 15 may not use the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal to calculate the fare. In other words, it is possible to calculate the fare using the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal, and in previous embodiments, the fare was calculated based on such vehicle speed-based travel distance. However, in this embodiment, the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal is only used to correct the short-term travel distance, and the fare may not be calculated using the vehicle speed-based travel distance.

The measurement unit 12 may compare the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal with the short-term travel distance, and may correct the short-term travel distance if there is a deviation from the vehicle speed-based travel distance, assuming that the vehicle speed-based travel distance is correct. If a correction based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance is made for the entire section of the journey in which the vehicle is carrying passengers, the result will be the same as a calculation based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance. Therefore, the correction based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance may be made at regular intervals; for example, a correction based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance may be made for a period of 5 to 10 seconds per minute of travel.

The calculation unit 15 may calculate the fare without using the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal. In this case, the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal may not be used at all in measuring the fare. Even in this configuration, to check for any discrepancy between the vehicle speed-based travel distance and the distance traveled on the map, the measurement unit 11 may compare the vehicle speed-based travel distance and the distance traveled on the map during times when there are no passengers and no fares are being calculated, and check whether the difference between the two is within a threshold. The time during which no fares are being calculated refers to any time other than the time between when the fare measurement start button 111 is pressed and when the settlement button 113 is pressed. For example, if the difference between the short-term travel distance of the vehicle speed-based travel distance and the distance traveled on the map exceeds a threshold, a warning signal may be sent to the information processing terminal 10 or the host terminal 100. When sending such information to the host terminal 100, the warning signal is sent along with information identifying the information processing terminal 10 or the vehicle. When such a warning is received, the taxi may return to the office to resolve the problem or replace the information processing terminal 10, but in order to continue operating as a taxi, the fare may be measured based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance.

An estimation unit 18 may be provided that estimates the position on the map based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal. In this case, the vehicle's position at the time of the current measurement may be estimated from the vehicle's position and vehicle speed-based travel distance at the time of the previous measurement, the vehicle's position may be identified using GPS, and the calculation unit 15 may calculate the distance traveled on the map. By making a certain estimation based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance in this way, position information on the map can be grasped more accurately, and ultimately the distance traveled on the map can be calculated more accurately. One specific estimation method involves determining a certain position (latitude and longitude) on the map, determining the travel distance and direction from the certain position based on information obtained from the vehicle speed signal sensor 21 and angular velocity sensor 22, comparing the determined point with the vehicle's position information (latitude and longitude) obtained using GPS, and correcting the position information on the map as necessary.

The calculation unit 15 may correct the distance traveled on the map using information acquired from the angular velocity sensor 22. The distance traveled on the map can be corrected based on the vehicle's direction of movement derived from the angular velocity sensor 22 and the direction (extending direction) of the road on the map. For example, when changing lanes on a road consisting of multiple lanes, the vehicle speed-based distance traveled will be longer than the distance traveled on the map. However, by using the information acquired from the angular velocity sensor 22, it is possible to calculate the distance traveled diagonally relative to the road due to the lane change, and correct the distance traveled on the map to calculate a distance closer to the actual distance traveled. Note that if the road is inclined, this information is included in the map information, so the measurement unit 12 may measure the distance traveled on the map taking information about the inclination into account.

Instead of this embodiment, the fare may be calculated based on the distance traveled on the map. According to this embodiment, the fare is calculated based on the distance traveled on the map, which makes the fare more understandable to passengers of taxi 1.

The information processing terminal 10 may be able to communicate with the passenger terminal 90, and the passenger terminal 90 may be able to display the vehicle's route and fare. If such an embodiment is adopted, passengers will be able to grasp the vehicle's route and fare, for example, in real time.

The vehicle speed may be calculated based on a vehicle speed signal, such as a vehicle speed pulse, acquired by the vehicle speed signal sensor 21. If the vehicle speed is below a threshold (for example, below 10 km/h), the calculation unit 15 may calculate the fare taking time into consideration. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold (for example, above 10 km/h), the calculation unit 15 may calculate the fare information using only the traveled distance.

Fare measurement may be started by the driver pressing the fare measurement start button 111 displayed on the information processing terminal 10. The information processing terminal 10 may have a navigation function. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and a navigation device 55 may be provided separately from the information processing terminal 10 (see Figure 6).

When the settlement button 113 displayed on the information processing terminal 10 is pressed, the information processing terminal 10 may transmit business information, including boarding information, fare, distance information, and disembarking information, to the host terminal 100. A printing unit 80 may be connected to the information processing terminal 10, which prints a receipt listing the fare when the settlement button 113 is pressed, for example. The host terminal 100 may have a management unit 130 that receives and manages business information transmitted from the information processing terminal 10. While the above description explains that business information is transmitted to the host terminal 100 when the settlement button 113 is pressed, this is not limited to this format. Business information may also be transmitted from the information processing terminal 10 to the host terminal 100 periodically at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 to 10 minutes). Receiving and managing business information in this manner eliminates the need for reporting after the driver returns to the office, as in the past, reducing the burden on the driver and allowing management to quickly obtain accurate information. Information printed by the printing unit 80 may include taxi company information (such as name), vehicle information, route, distance and time, calculation method (coefficient), and fare (see Figure 4). Incidentally, printing the calculation method (coefficient) makes it easier for passengers to understand the fare.

The fare calculated by the information processing terminal 10 may be displayed on the passenger terminal 90. At this time, the fare may be displayed together with the vehicle's location information and the route traveled by the vehicle.

The fare displayed on the passenger terminal display unit 90a of the passenger terminal 90 may be displayed when the price increases, or may only be displayed when the settlement button 113 is pressed and the transportation service is completed. The passenger terminal display unit 90a may also display the estimated arrival time. In addition to the real-time and confirmed fare and driving route, the passenger terminal display unit 90a may also display the calculation method, including the driving distance, driving time, and calculation method (coefficient) (see Figure 4).

It may be possible to select the language of the text information displayed on the passenger terminal display unit 90a. If the passenger terminal 90 is a touch panel type, it may be possible to select various languages such as Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc. by pressing a selection button displayed on the screen.

An in-vehicle imaging device 240, such as an in-vehicle camera that captures images of the interior of the vehicle, may be installed (see Figure 3). Furthermore, a imaging device 210, such as a surveillance camera, may be installed at the taxi 1 office to confirm that a crew member, such as a driver, has boarded the taxi 1 (see Figure 3). The host terminal 100 or the office terminal 200 may have an exit determination unit 250 that determines whether the crew member has left the taxi 1 based on the images captured by the in-vehicle imaging device 240 or the imaging device 210. Furthermore, a reading device 220, such as a card reader, that reads identification information such as the crew member's employee number may be installed inside the taxi 1 or at the office. The exit determination unit 250 installed in the host terminal 100 or the office terminal may determine whether the crew member has left the taxi 1 based on the results of reading the crew member's identification information by the reading device 220. In this case, the calculation unit 15 may be able to calculate the fare on the condition that it receives information indicating that the exit determination unit 250 has determined that the crew member has left the taxi 1. For example, if the departure determination unit 250 cannot determine whether the driver has left the depot, the fare measurement start button 111 may not be displayed on the information processing terminal 10, or the fare measurement start button 111 may not function even if pressed. In many cases, operations are not permitted unless departure can be confirmed, but adopting this mode is advantageous in that it allows operations to be permitted only after departure can be confirmed.

The in-vehicle photographing device 240, the reading device 220 installed in the vehicle, or the photographing device 210 or reading device 220 installed at the business office may be used to confirm that the driver has returned to the business office in the same manner as when the driver leaves the business office. Therefore, upon receiving information from the photographing device 210 or reading device 220, the information processing terminal 10 may confirm that business has ended and automatically transmit the results of business for that day to the host terminal 100.

The photographing device 210 may determine whether taxi 1 has left or returned to the depot by recognizing the vehicle number of taxi 1 and the face of the driver, and the host memory unit 119 may enable transmission and reception between the information processing terminal 10 associated with the taxi 1 or the driver and the host terminal 100. The reading device 220 may determine whether taxi 1 has left or returned to the depot by reading identification information such as an employee ID card, and the host memory unit 119 may enable transmission and reception between the information processing terminal 10 associated with the driver and the host terminal 100. Information acquired by the photographing device 210 and reading device 220 may be transmitted to the host terminal 100 via the office terminal 200.

An alcohol concentration measurement unit 230, such as an alcohol checker, that measures the alcohol concentration of the crew may be provided. In this case, the calculation unit 15 may be able to calculate the fare on the condition that the alcohol concentration measurement unit 230 determines that the crew's alcohol concentration is not problematic. For example, if the alcohol concentration measurement unit 230 does not determine that the alcohol concentration in the crew's breath is below a predetermined value, the fare measurement start button 111 may not be displayed on the information processing terminal 10, or the fare measurement start button 111 may not function even when pressed. The alcohol concentration measurement unit 230 may be installed in the business office, or may be a portable type that can be carried around.

When measuring alcohol concentration, the person being measured (driver) may be identified by biometric authentication such as facial recognition, or by reading identification information such as an employee ID card using the alcohol concentration measurement unit 230 or the reader 220, or by inputting identification information such as an employee number into the alcohol concentration measurement unit 230. Once the alcohol concentration and the person being measured are associated in this way, the host terminal 100 may send a command to the information processing terminal 10 associated with the taxi 1 in the host memory unit 119, controlling whether or not the information processing terminal 10 can perform operations related to fare measurement. Employing this mode is beneficial in that it can prevent a situation from occurring in advance in which a driver operates a taxi when their alcohol concentration exceeds the standard due to drinking or other reasons.

An interior determination unit 17 may be provided that determines the presence or number of passengers in the vehicle based on the results of photography by an interior photography device 240, such as an interior camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle. Information regarding the presence or number of passengers measured in this manner may be transmitted to the host terminal 100 via the information processing terminal 10 or the passenger terminal 90, or may be recorded as part of the business information managed by the information processing terminal 10 and transmitted to the host terminal 100 as part of the business information. Employing such an embodiment is beneficial in that it allows accurate business information, such as whether transportation operations are being carried out properly with passengers present and how many passengers there are, to be automatically obtained.

An indicator light 300 may be provided inside the vehicle (typically on the front left of the dashboard), which turns off when fare measurement begins on the information processing terminal 10. Communication with the indicator light 300 may be via wire or wirelessly. As an example, the indicator light 300 will light up with the words "Vacant" before fare measurement begins, and will turn off when fare measurement begins.

An exterior image capturing device 260 may be installed inside or outside the taxi 1 and may consist of a camera or the like that captures images of the exterior of the taxi 1. The determination unit 11 may determine where the taxi 1 is traveling by comparing the image captured by the exterior image capturing device 260 with, for example, image information from the map information stored in the memory unit 19. In other words, the location of the taxi 1 on the map may be identified by comparing scenery such as buildings and intersections captured by the exterior image capturing device 260 with image information included in the map information. Once the location information of the taxi 1 has been identified by the determination unit 11 in this way, the measurement unit 12 may measure the distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another on the map in a manner similar to that described above, and the calculation unit 15 may calculate the fare using the distance traveled on the map.

The short-term travel distance may also be corrected by measuring the position information using the external image capture device 260. In other words, the determination unit 11 determines the vehicle's position (latitude and longitude) based on radio waves from artificial satellites such as GNSS satellites received by the receiver 16, and the measurement unit 12 measures the vehicle's short-term travel distance by comparing the vehicle's position with map information. However, this short-term travel distance may also be corrected using position information determined based on information from the external image capture device 260.

"method"
An example of a processing method according to this embodiment will be described. The processing method described below will be described using an example of the aspect described in the configuration or an aspect different from the aspect described in the configuration. Of course, an aspect different from the aspect described in the configuration can also be adopted as the configuration.

When a passenger gets into taxi 1, the driver of taxi 1 presses the fare measurement start button 111 displayed on the terminal display unit of information processing terminal 10. When the driver presses the fare measurement start button 111 in this way, fare measurement by the information processing terminal 10 begins, and transaction information is determined. At this time, business information including boarding information and transaction information may be sent from the information processing terminal 10 to the host terminal 100.

While taxi 1 is traveling, measurement unit 12 continues to measure the vehicle's short-term travel distance from one point on the map to another. For example, determination unit 11 determines the vehicle's position (latitude and longitude) based on radio waves from artificial satellites such as GNSS satellites received by receiver 16, and measurement unit 12 measures the vehicle's short-term travel distance by comparing the vehicle's position with map information. The short-term travel distance is measured, for example, every 0.5 to 3 seconds. At regular intervals, measurement unit 12 may correct the short-term travel distance using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal. However, instead of this, correction of the short-term travel distance using the vehicle speed-based travel distance may not be performed at all while the taxi is carrying passengers and measuring fares.

While the taxi 1 is traveling, the calculation unit 15 may correct the distance traveled on the map based on the vehicle's direction of movement derived from the angular velocity sensor 22 and the direction in which the road extends in the map information. However, instead of this, the fare may be calculated solely based on the distance traveled on the map.

Furthermore, if the vehicle's speed falls below a threshold (for example, 10 km/h or less) for a certain period of time due to traffic congestion, the calculation unit 15 may also take time into account when calculating the fare. In this case, the fare calculated will be calculated by multiplying the time and distance by appropriate coefficients.

The route and fare of the taxi 1 while it is traveling may be displayed in real time on the passenger terminal 90.

When the user arrives at their destination, the driver presses the settlement button 113. When the settlement button 113 is pressed in this manner, the information processing terminal 10 transmits the transaction information, fare, and disembarkation information to the host terminal 100. At this time, the printing unit 80 may print a receipt showing the fare.

"effect"
Next, effects of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described, focusing on those that have not yet been explained. Note that all of the configurations described in the "Effects" section can be used as configurations of the present embodiment.

By comparing vehicle location information with map information, the distance traveled by a vehicle on a map from one point to another is measured, and the fare is calculated using that distance traveled on the map. This eliminates the need to calculate fares based on vehicle speed signals such as vehicle speed pulses, as in the past. Conventional methods of calculating fares based on vehicle speed signals such as vehicle speed pulses make it difficult to respond to changes in consumption tax and fares. When these changes occur, card loading is required for each vehicle, and because fare modifications are a task performed only by repair companies, purchasing companies may not even be able to perform the loading process. Furthermore, while loading costs are supposed to be borne by the taxi company, even a change in consumption tax or fares can incur significant expenses. Furthermore, vehicle speed signals such as vehicle speed pulses require periodic testing, which places a burden on the taxi company in terms of both work and costs. On the other hand, this embodiment is extremely beneficial in that it solves these existing inconveniences.

Furthermore, when fares are calculated based on vehicle speed signals as in the past, if the tire pressure of the vehicle becomes low, the speed-based travel distance will deviate from the actual travel distance. For this reason, it was necessary to check the tire pressure of the vehicle periodically. On the other hand, this embodiment is advantageous in that it is not affected by such differences in tire pressure of the vehicle.

In a configuration in which the measurement unit 12 measures the short-term travel distance of a vehicle from one point on a map to another, and the calculation unit 15 calculates the fare using the total travel distance calculated using the short-term travel distance, this is advantageous in that the final total travel distance can be obtained based on the short-term travel distance obtained in small increments, and the fare can be calculated using this. In particular, using the short-term travel distance is advantageous in that it makes comparison with the vehicle speed-based travel distance easier and allows correction based on the vehicle speed-based travel distance at the short-term travel distance stage. Note that if the short-term travel distance deviates from the vehicle speed-based travel distance a certain number of times in a row (e.g., 10 times), the calculation unit 15 may calculate a coefficient to bring the short-term travel distance closer to the vehicle speed-based travel distance, and thereafter correct the short-term travel distance by multiplying it by this coefficient.

Even in the case where the speed-based travel distance is compared with the short-term travel distance as described above and corrected as necessary, by not using the speed-based travel distance in calculating the fare, the fare can remain based solely on the distance traveled on the map.

In this sense, if the map-based travel distance is calculated without using any vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal, it is possible to more reliably ensure that the fare is calculated based on the map-based travel distance. Furthermore, by adopting a mode in which the speed-based travel distance is compared with the short-term travel distance and the accuracy is confirmed while there are no passengers on board and the fare is not being measured, it is possible to prevent the fare from being measured when the map-based travel distance deviates from the vehicle speed-based travel distance. Furthermore, if the map-based travel distance exceeds a threshold value for the vehicle speed-based travel distance, the driver can return to the office as necessary, install another information processing terminal 10 in the vehicle, and begin operations. Even in this mode, if the short-term travel distance deviates from the vehicle speed-based travel distance a certain number of times (e.g., 10 times) in a row, the calculation unit 15 may calculate a coefficient for bringing the short-term travel distance closer to the vehicle speed-based travel distance, and when a passenger picks up, the calculation unit 15 may correct the short-term travel distance by multiplying the coefficient.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, the information processing device consisted of an information processing terminal 10 installed inside the taxi 1, but in the second embodiment, the host terminal 100 also functions as the information processing device, and the information processing device is made up of the information processing terminal 10 and the host terminal 100. The rest of the configuration is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. Explanation of the same content as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

The host terminal 100 has a transmitter 125 and a receiver 120 for communicating with the information processing terminal 10 and the passenger terminal 90. The receiver 120 receives vehicle location information based on a receiver 16, such as a GPS receiver, installed in the information processing terminal 10 mounted on the vehicle. The measurement unit (host measurement unit) 112 installed in the host terminal 100 then compares the vehicle's location information (latitude and longitude) with the map information stored in the host memory unit 119 to measure the vehicle's map travel distance from one point to another, and the calculation unit (host calculation unit) 115 calculates the fare using the map travel distance. In other words, in this embodiment, the host terminal 100 performs the functions previously performed by the information processing terminal 10 installed in the vehicle in the first embodiment. Note that when information is sent from the information processing terminal 10 to the host terminal 100, the information may be transmitted along with identification information for the information processing terminal 10, the taxi 1 associated with the information processing terminal 10, or the driver. By adopting this configuration, the host terminal 100 can identify which information processing terminal 10, taxi 1, or driver the received information relates to, and can store the information in the host memory unit 119, linking it to the information processing terminal 10, taxi 1, or driver.

This embodiment can also adopt any of the aspects shown in the first embodiment, and can achieve the same effects as the aspects shown in the first embodiment.

In this application, the measurement unit of the information processing terminal 10 may be referred to as the terminal measurement unit 12, the calculation unit of the information processing terminal 10 as the terminal calculation unit 15, the measurement unit of the host terminal 100 as the host measurement unit 112, and the calculation unit of the host terminal 100 as the host calculation unit 115.

The above description of the embodiment and disclosure of the drawings are merely examples for explaining the invention described in the claims, and the above description of the embodiment or disclosure of the drawings does not limit the invention described in the claims. The claims as originally filed may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the patent specification, and their scope may also be expanded.

11 Determination unit 12 Measurement unit 15 Calculation unit 17 In-vehicle determination unit 18 Estimation unit 21 Vehicle speed signal sensor 22 Angular velocity sensor 90 Passenger terminal 130 Management unit 230 Alcohol concentration measurement unit 240 In-vehicle photography device 250 Departure determination unit 300 Indicator light

Claims (23)

a measurement unit that measures a distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by comparing the vehicle's position information with map information;
a calculation unit that corrects the travel distance on the map based on the vehicle's travel direction derived from the angular velocity sensor and the road direction in the map information, and calculates the fare based on the corrected travel distance ;
An information processing device comprising : a measurement unit that measures a distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by comparing the vehicle's position information with map information;
a calculation unit that calculates a fare using the travel distance on the map;
Equipped with
The measurement unit is an information processing device that corrects the short-term travel distance of a vehicle from one point to another point on a map using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from a vehicle speed signal while there are no passengers on board and no fares are being calculated. a measurement unit that compares the vehicle's position information with map information and measures the distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map using information about slopes included in the map information ;
a calculation unit that calculates a fare using the travel distance on the map;
An information processing device comprising : The measurement unit measures a short-term travel distance of the vehicle from one point to another point on the map;
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates the fare using a total travel distance calculated using the short-time travel distance. The information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the measurement unit corrects the short-term travel distance using a vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from a vehicle speed signal. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the calculation unit does not use the vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from the vehicle speed signal to calculate the fare. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates the fare without using a vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from a vehicle speed signal. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit corrects the short-term travel distance of the vehicle from one point to another point on the map using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal while there are no passengers on board and no fares are being calculated. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the calculation unit corrects the travel distance on the map based on the vehicle travel direction derived from an angular velocity sensor and the direction of the road in the map information. an estimation unit that estimates vehicle position information based on a vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from a vehicle speed signal;
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement unit measures a distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map based on the estimation result by the estimation unit. 11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit compares the vehicle speed-based travel distance acquired from the vehicle speed signal with the travel distance on the map, and checks whether the difference between the vehicle speed-based travel distance and the travel distance on the map is within a threshold value. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ;
a passenger terminal provided in the vehicle, capable of communicating with the information processing device, and capable of displaying the vehicle's travel route and fare;
An information processing system comprising: An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ;
An information processing system comprising a management unit that receives and manages information relating to vehicle fares or travel distances on a map from an information processing device. an exit determination unit that determines whether a driver has left the facility;
12. An information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing device allows the calculation unit to calculate a fare on condition that the delivery determination unit receives information indicating that delivery has been determined;
An information processing system comprising: an alcohol concentration measurement unit for measuring the alcohol concentration of a driver;
12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a fare on the condition that the alcohol concentration of the driver is determined to be normal based on the alcohol concentration measurement unit;
An information processing system comprising: an interior determination unit that determines whether or not there are passengers in the vehicle and the number of passengers based on the image captured by an interior image capture device that captures the interior of the vehicle;
12. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing device receives information indicating the presence or absence of passengers or the number of passengers from a determination result by an in-vehicle determination unit;
An information processing system comprising: An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ;
an indicator light that turns off when the information processing device starts measuring the fare;
An information processing system comprising: a step of measuring a moving distance of the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by collating the position information of the vehicle with map information by a measurement unit;
a step of correcting the travel distance on the map based on the vehicle travel direction derived from the angular velocity sensor and the road direction in the map information, and calculating the fare based on the corrected travel distance by a calculation unit;
An information processing method comprising : a step of measuring a moving distance of the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by collating the position information of the vehicle with map information by a measurement unit;
a step of calculating a fare using the travel distance on the map by a calculation unit;
Equipped with
An information processing method in which the measurement unit corrects the short-term travel distance of the vehicle from one point to another point on the map using the vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from the vehicle speed signal while there are no passengers on board and no fares are being calculated. a step of measuring a distance traveled by the vehicle on the map from one point to another point on the map by a measurement unit by comparing the position information of the vehicle with map information and using information on slope included in the map information ;
a step of calculating a fare using the travel distance on the map by a calculation unit;
An information processing method comprising: A program to be installed on an information processing device,
The information processing device in which the program is installed
A function to measure the distance traveled by a vehicle from one point on a map to another by comparing the vehicle's location information with map information;
a function of correcting the travel distance on the map based on the vehicle's travel direction derived from the angular velocity sensor and the road direction in the map information, and calculating the fare based on the corrected travel distance ;
A program that achieves this . A program to be installed on an information processing device,
The information processing device in which the program is installed
A function to measure the distance traveled by a vehicle from one point on a map to another by comparing the vehicle's location information with map information;
A function of calculating a fare using the travel distance on the map;
a function of correcting a short-term travel distance of a vehicle from one point to another point on a map using a vehicle speed-based travel distance obtained from a vehicle speed signal while no passenger is on board and no fare is being calculated;
A program that achieves this. A program to be installed on an information processing device,
The information processing device in which the program is installed
a function of comparing the vehicle's position information with map information and measuring the distance traveled by the vehicle from one point on the map to another point on the map using information about the slope included in the map information ;
A function of calculating a fare using the travel distance on the map;
A program that achieves this.