JP7794627B2 - Charge management device, charge management system, and charge management program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fee management device, a fee management system, and a fee management program.

Conventionally, a system has been known that determines the taxi fare for a specified distance in advance when traveling using a taxi vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines the taxi fare for a specified distance in advance and presents it to the user as a confirmed fare. Because users can pay the confirmed fare before boarding the taxi, they can travel the specified distance using a taxi without having to pay the taxi fare when getting off the taxi.

Recently, the introduction of a multi-ride ticket system has been considered, which would allow users to purchase a multi-ride ticket for a specified distance and use it to travel within that distance in a taxi.

In this system, the taxi fare for a specified distance is determined in advance, and then the fee for multiple trips within that distance is determined. Users pay the fee for multiple trips in advance and purchase a coupon ticket for the specified distance. Users can travel within the specified distance by using a taxi vehicle by presenting the purchased coupon ticket when boarding the taxi vehicle. The fee for multiple trips is also called the coupon ticket fee.

JP 2012-63815 A

However, when a user travels a specified distance in a taxi using a coupon ticket, depending on traffic conditions, the meter fare actually displayed on the taxi meter may be lower than the fare for a single ride paid for in advance.

In this case, the user will lose the difference between the fare for one ride and the fare actually displayed on the taxi meter.

To avoid such losses, users must, for example, check the traffic conditions for a specific section before boarding a taxi and decide whether or not to use a coupon ticket to travel that section by taxi.

As such, the current multi-ride ticket system under consideration has the potential to increase the burden on users, leading to dissatisfaction among users, which could lead to fewer people repurchasing tickets and hinder the spread of the multi-ride ticket system.

The present invention was made in consideration of the problems inherent in the prior art. The object of the present invention is to provide a fare management device, a fare management system, and a fare management program that, in a multi-ride ticket system that allows users to travel a specified distance in a taxi using a multi-ride ticket, can reduce the burden on users and encourage them to purchase the ticket.

A fare management device according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a multi-ride ticket system that allows a user to travel by vehicle over a specified distance using a multi-ride ticket, and includes a reading unit that reads the multi-ride ticket information stored on the multi-ride ticket held by the user who is riding in the vehicle, an extracting unit that extracts from the multi-ride ticket information a first usage fare for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the multi-ride ticket, and, when the vehicle travels over a first distance that can be traveled for the first usage fare, an extracting unit that extracts a first usage fare for one ride based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the vehicle over the first distance. the vehicle includes a fee calculation unit that calculates a second usage fee; a difference calculation unit that calculates the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee; a generation unit that generates difference generation information that includes the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the difference, and date and time information when the difference is calculated; and a communication unit that transmits the difference generation information to an outside of the vehicle, where the difference and date and time information included in the difference generation information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information outside the vehicle.

A fee management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the fee management device described above and an external device connected to the fee management device via wireless communication. The external device receives the difference information from the fee management device, and records the difference and date and time information included in the difference information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference information.

A fare management program according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a multi-ride ticket system that allows a user to travel by vehicle over a specified distance using a multi-ride ticket, and includes a reading step for reading multi-ride ticket information stored on the multi-ride ticket held by a user who is riding in the vehicle, an extraction step for extracting from the multi-ride ticket information a first usage fee for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the multi-ride ticket, and, when the vehicle travels over a first distance that can be traveled for the first usage fee, based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the vehicle over the first distance. The system includes a fee calculation step for calculating a second usage fee, a difference calculation step for calculating the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee, a generation step for generating difference generation information including the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the difference, and date and time information when the difference was calculated, and a communication step for transmitting the difference generation information to an area outside the vehicle, where the difference and date and time information included in the difference generation information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information outside the vehicle.

The present invention provides a fare management device, a fare management system, and a fare management program that can reduce the burden on users and encourage them to purchase multiple-ride tickets in a multiple-ride ticket system that allows users to travel a specified distance in a taxi vehicle using multiple-ride tickets.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a fee management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the fee management device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the fee management device according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external phase of the taximeter according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the external server according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon ticket information table according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a collation information table according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a difference information table according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the coupon ticket issuing device according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of coupon ticket information according to this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a fee management procedure according to this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the in-ride process according to this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the difference determination process according to this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the discount determination process according to this embodiment. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a first example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process according to this embodiment is applied. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a second example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process according to this embodiment is applied. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket according to this embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket according to this embodiment.

The fee management device, fee management system, and fee management program according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that identical functions and configurations will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[Overall schematic configuration of fee management system]
First, we will explain the configuration of the fare management system 1 according to this embodiment. The fare management system 1 is used in a coupon ticket system that allows users to travel in a taxi vehicle within a specified section (hereinafter referred to as the “usage section”) using a coupon ticket.

In a multi-ride ticket system, the taxi fare for the route is determined in advance, and then the fare for multiple trips within that route is determined. Users pay the fare for multiple trips in advance and purchase a multi-ride ticket that contains the multi-ride ticket information described below. The fare for multiple trips is also called the multi-ride ticket fare.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the fare management system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the fare management system 1 includes a taxi vehicle 10, an external server 20, and a coupon ticket issuing device 30. The taxi vehicle 10 is also referred to as a vehicle. The external server 20 is also referred to as an external device.

The taxi vehicle 10 is equipped with a fare management device 100. When a user travels within a designated area using a coupon ticket, the user has the coupon information stored on the coupon ticket read by the fare management device 100 when boarding the taxi vehicle 10.

The fare management device 100 performs the fare management procedures described below. Specifically, when a user boards a train, the fare management device 100 reads the coupon ticket information from the coupon ticket held by the user and then performs the boarding process described below. The boarding process includes user verification, boarding location verification, and acquisition of fare difference information.

When the fare management device 100 reads the coupon ticket information when a user boards the vehicle, it performs the fare difference determination process and discount determination process described below when the user disembarks.

In the fare difference determination process, if the meter fare for the section being used is cheaper than the fare for a single ride included in the coupon ticket fare, the difference between the meter fare and the fare for that single ride is calculated. The calculated difference is sent to the external server 20 and recorded in the fare difference information for that user.

In the discount determination process, if the user is traveling in a taxi vehicle 10 outside the designated travel zone, it is determined whether or not difference information exists. If difference information exists, the discount amount calculated using the difference information is deducted from the metered fare for the deviated zone.

The fare management device 100 includes a reader 161 and a taxi meter 200. The reader 161 reads coupon ticket information from the coupon ticket held by the user when the user boards a taxi. The taxi meter 200 is communicatively connected to the reader 161 and performs the above-mentioned boarding process, fare difference determination process, and discount determination process.

In this embodiment, the coupon is, for example, a paper ticket 70 or an electronic ticket 80. Coupon information is stored as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code on the paper ticket 70 or electronic ticket 80. If the coupon is an electronic ticket 80, the electronic ticket 80 is downloaded to a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

The external server 20 is communicatively connected to the coupon ticket issuing device 30 and the fare management device 100 via a network (Internet network) 40. The external server 20 stores a coupon ticket information table, a matching information table, and a difference information table.

The external server 20 uses a coupon ticket information table to manage content information included in coupon ticket information for each user (see Figure 6). The external server 20 uses a matching information table to manage user passwords for each user (see Figure 7). The external server 20 uses a fare difference information table to manage fare difference information for each user (see Figure 8).

As described below, the external server 20 receives the multi-ride ticket information from the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30. The external server 20 links the content information contained in the multi-ride ticket information to the user's identification information contained in the multi-ride ticket information, and adds this to the multi-ride ticket information table as the user's multi-ride ticket information. The content information includes the multi-ride ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the section used, and the distance of the section used (see Figure 6).

As described below, the external server 20 receives a registration request from the coupon ticket issuing device 30, which includes the user's identification information and the user's password. The external server 20 associates the user's password, which is also included in the registration request, with the user's identification information included in the registration request, and adds this to the matching information table as the user's matching information (see Figure 7).

As described below, the external server 20 receives difference information from the fee management device 100, which includes the user's identification information, the calculated difference, and the date and time information at which the difference was calculated. Upon receiving the difference information, the external server 20 determines whether there is difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference information.

If there is no fare difference information linked to the user's identification information, the external server 20 links the fare difference and date and time information included in the fare difference information to the user's identification information and adds it to the fare difference information table as the fare difference information for that user. If there is fare difference information linked to the user's identification information, the external server 20 records the fare difference and date and time information included in the fare difference information in the fare difference information linked to the user's identification information (see Figure 8).

Users use the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 to pay for and purchase multi-ride tickets. The multi-ride ticket fare can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. Users may also access the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 via the network 40 to pay for and purchase multi-ride tickets.

When a user pays the fare for a multiple-ride ticket, the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 generates user identification information and also generates multiple-ride ticket information. After generating the multiple-ride ticket information, the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 issues a multiple-ride ticket that holds the generated multiple-ride ticket information. At this time, the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 transmits the generated multiple-ride ticket information to the external server 20.

When the coupon is a paper ticket 70, the coupon issuing device 30 issues multiple paper tickets 70. Each paper ticket 70 holds coupon information as a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code.

If the coupon is an electronic ticket 80, the coupon issuing device 30 issues multiple electronic tickets 80. Each electronic ticket 80 holds coupon information as a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code.

When a user repurchases a coupon ticket, the coupon issuing device 30 obtains the user's fare difference information linked to the user's identification information from the external server 20, and deducts the discount amount calculated using the fare difference information from the coupon ticket price.

When paying for a multi-ride ticket, the user sets a password in the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30. Once the user's password has been set, the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 sends a registration request to the external server 20, including the generated user identification information and the set user password.

[Functional block configuration of fee management device]
Next, the functional block configuration of the fee management device 100 will be described. Fig. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the fee management device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the fee management device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 103, a memory unit 105, a reading unit 107, a measurement unit 109, a settlement unit 111, an extraction unit 113, a comparison unit 115, a fee calculation unit 117, a difference calculation unit 119, a generation unit 121, a display unit 123, and a tariff detection unit 125.

The communication unit 101 communicates between the fare management device 100 and the external server 20. During boarding processing, the communication unit 101 sends an authentication instruction to the external server 20. The authentication instruction includes the user's identification information contained in the coupon ticket information stored on the coupon ticket and the user's password entered by the user via an input unit (not shown). The communication unit 101 receives the matching result from the external server 20.

During boarding processing, the communication unit 101 receives location information of the user's boarding location from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite (not shown).

When the external server 20 authenticates the user and stores fare difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, the communication unit 101 receives the fare difference information. The fare difference information includes all fare differences incurred up to the last time the passenger used the coupon ticket, as well as the date and time information when each fare difference was calculated (see Figure 8).

During the fare difference determination process, the communication unit 101 transmits fare difference information to the external server 20. The fare difference information includes the fare difference incurred for the current ride using a coupon ticket and the date and time information when the fare difference was calculated.

The control unit 103 controls the overall processing in the fee management device 100. Specifically, the control unit 103 controls the operation of each of the communication unit 101, memory unit 105, reading unit 107, measurement unit 109, settlement unit 111, extraction unit 113, matching unit 115, fee calculation unit 117, difference calculation unit 119, generation unit 121, display unit 123, and tariff detection unit 125.

The control unit 103 determines whether the taxi vehicle 10 has deviated from the usage zone. The control unit 103 determines whether the reading unit 107 has read the coupon ticket information stored on the coupon ticket. When the taxi vehicle 10 travels through a deviated zone, the control unit 103 determines whether the difference information is stored in the memory unit 105.

The memory unit 105 stores the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket. The memory unit 105 stores the password entered by the user. The memory unit 105 stores the location information of the user's boarding location received from a GPS satellite. The memory unit 105 stores the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117. The memory unit 105 stores the fare difference calculated by the fare difference calculation unit 119. The memory unit 105 stores the fare difference information received from the external server 20.

During boarding processing, the reading unit 107 reads the coupon information stored on the coupon held by the user.

The measurement unit 109 measures the distance and time traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 when the taxi vehicle is in operation, which are used to calculate the taxi fare included in the meter charge. The distance traveled corresponds to the distance actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10. The travel time corresponds to the time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10. The travel time may also include the time that elapses when the taxi vehicle 10 is stopped due to traffic congestion or a red light, or when the taxi vehicle 10 is made to wait for the user's convenience, etc.

When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a utilization section that can be traveled within the utilization section for the cost of a single ride, the measurement unit 109 measures the distance of the deviation section. The measurement unit 109 receives, for example, position information of the two end points of the deviation section (e.g., points D and E in Figure 15B) from a GPS satellite via the communication unit 101. The measurement unit 109 calculates the distance between the two end points of the deviation section from the position information of the two end points of the deviation section received from the GPS satellite, and obtains the distance of the deviation section. Note that the measurement unit 109 may also calculate the distance between the two end points of the deviation section using map information stored in the memory unit 105, and obtain the distance of the deviation section.

When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage section that can be traveled within the usage section for a single ride fee, the measurement unit 109 measures the distance of the intermediate usage section from the user's boarding location to the middle of the usage section. The measurement unit 109 receives, for example, position information of both end points of the intermediate usage section (e.g., points A and D in Figure 15B) from a GPS satellite via the communication unit 101. The measurement unit 109 calculates the distance between the two end points of the intermediate usage section from the position information of the two end points of the intermediate usage section received from the GPS satellite, and obtains the distance of the intermediate usage section. Note that the measurement unit 109 may also calculate the distance between the two end points of the intermediate usage section using map information stored in the memory unit 105, and obtain the distance of the intermediate usage section.

The settlement unit 111 accepts payment of the meter fee that the user owes at the time of payment. The meter fee can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. The meter fee that the user owes is also referred to as the payment fee.

During boarding processing, the extraction unit 113 extracts the user's identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the section used, and the distance of the section used from the coupon ticket information read from the coupon ticket. During boarding processing, the extraction unit 113 extracts from the fare difference information received from the external server 20 all fare differences incurred up to the previous ride using the coupon ticket, as well as the date and time information when each fare difference was calculated.

The matching unit 115 matches the user's boarding location during boarding processing. Specifically, the matching unit 115 extracts location information for both endpoints of the usage section (for example, points A and B in Figure 15A or 15B) from the location information for the usage section extracted from the coupon ticket information by the extraction unit 113. The matching unit 115 compares the location information for both endpoints of the extracted usage section with the location information for the user's boarding location received from a GPS satellite.

The matching unit 115 allows the use of a coupon ticket if the location information of either of the endpoints of the usage section matches the location information of the user's boarding location. The matching unit 115 may also allow the use of a coupon ticket if the user's boarding location is within a certain range from the location of either of the endpoints of the usage section.

The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance traveled and the travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 while the taxi vehicle is in operation. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the taxi fare included in the meter fare based on at least one of the distance traveled and the travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

When calculating the taxi fare, the fare calculation unit 117 determines whether additional charges such as a pick-up fee or a reservation fee have been set. If additional charges have been set, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the metered fare by adding the additional charges to the calculated taxi fare. If additional charges have not been set, the fare calculation unit 117 treats the calculated taxi fare as the metered fare.

When calculating the taxi fare, the fare calculation unit 117 may determine whether or not a surcharge or discount, such as a late-night/early-morning surcharge or a discount for persons with disabilities, has been set. If a surcharge or discount has been set, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the metered fare by applying a surcharge or discount to the calculated taxi fare. If no surcharge or discount has been set, the fare calculation unit 117 treats the calculated taxi fare as the metered fare.

In this embodiment, when the taxi vehicle 10 travels within a usage zone that can be traveled within the usage fare for a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 within that usage zone.

When the taxi vehicle 10 travels beyond the usage zone that can be traveled for the usage fee for a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance and time traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the deviation zone.

When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage zone that can be traveled within the usage zone for the fee of a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance and time traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the deviated zone.

If fare difference information is stored in the memory unit 105, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount using all fare differences that have occurred up to the last ride using a coupon ticket, as extracted by the extraction unit 113. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the number of days that have elapsed since the calculation of each fare difference, based on the date and time information at the time each fare difference was calculated, for each fare difference that has occurred up to the last ride using a coupon ticket, as extracted by the extraction unit 113. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount by discounting each fare difference according to the number of days that have elapsed for each fare difference and adding up the discounted fare differences.

For example, if the number of days that have passed is within one week (7 days), the fee calculation unit 117 does not discount the difference and sets 100% of the difference as the discount amount. In this case, 100% of the difference is returned to the user. If the number of days that have passed is within one month (e.g., 30 days), the fee calculation unit 117 discounts 50% of the difference and sets 50% of the difference as the discount amount. In this case, 50% of the difference is returned to the user. If the number of days that have passed is more than one month, the fee calculation unit 117 discounts 80% of the difference and sets 20% of the difference as the discount amount. In this case, 20% of the difference is returned to the user.

In the discount determination process, the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fee to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the meter fee for the deviation section described above. If the difference information is not stored in the memory unit 105, the meter fee for the deviation section described above is used as the meter fee to be paid by the user.

When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage zone midway within which travel is possible for the usage fee of a single ride, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10 in the intermediate usage zone.

In this case, in the difference determination process, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the intermediate usage fare from the usage fare for one trip based on the ratio between the distance of the usage section extracted by the extraction unit 113 and the distance of the intermediate usage section measured by the measurement unit 109. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the ratio of the distance of the intermediate usage section to the distance of the usage section, and calculates the intermediate usage fare by multiplying the usage fare for one trip by the calculated ratio.

In the difference determination process, the difference calculation unit 119 compares the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 with the usage fare for one ride. If the meter fare is cheaper than the usage fare for one ride, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare and the usage fare for one ride.

When the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage section that can be traveled within the usage section for a single trip fee, the difference calculation unit 119 performs the following processing in the difference determination process. Specifically, it compares the meter charge for the intermediate usage section calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 with the intermediate usage fee. If the meter charge for the intermediate usage section is cheaper than the intermediate usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter charge for the intermediate usage section and the intermediate usage fee.

In the difference determination process, the generation unit 121 generates difference occurrence information that includes the user identification information extracted from the coupon ticket information by the extraction unit 113, the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 119, and the date and time information at which the difference was calculated.

The display unit 123 displays the difference information received from the external server 20 during the boarding process. The fare calculation unit 117 may calculate the above-mentioned discount amount during the boarding process. In this case, the display unit 123 displays the discount amount calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 during the boarding process. The fare calculation unit 117 may calculate the above-mentioned discount amount in response to a display request from the user.

The display unit 123 displays the meter fee to be paid by the user during the discount determination process.

The display unit 123 displays tariffs such as "Vacant," "Occupied," "Payment," "Surcharge," and "Pick-up," which indicate the status of the taxi vehicle 10. For example, when a tariff is specified by operation from the driver of the taxi vehicle 10, the display unit 123 lights up the display of the specified tariff.

"Vacant" indicates a state in which a customer is not in the taxi vehicle 10. "Actual" indicates a state in which a customer is in the taxi vehicle 10 and the taxi vehicle 10 is calculating the taxi fare. "Payment" indicates a state in which the taxi vehicle 10 confirms the taxi fare when the customer gets off the taxi vehicle 10. "Surcharge" indicates a state in which the taxi vehicle 10 calculates an increased taxi fare. "Pick-up" indicates a state in which the taxi vehicle 10 has been called by a customer and is picking up the customer. For example, if the taxi vehicle 10 is equipped with a taxi dispatch tablet, it will pick up the customer in response to a call from a taxi dispatch app.

The tariff detection unit 125 detects the tariff specified by the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 via the display unit 123.

[Hardware configuration of the charge management device]
Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the fare management device 100. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the fare management device 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the fare management device 100 includes a reader 161 and a taximeter 200, but the taximeter 200 has the hardware configuration of the fare management device 100 shown in Fig. 3 , excluding the reader 161.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fee management device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151, non-volatile memory 153, volatile memory 155, and a hard disk 157.

The CPU 151 executes programs stored in the non-volatile memory 153. In accordance with the programs, the CPU 151 performs calculations on data loaded into the volatile memory 155, and performs overall control of each part of the fee management device 100.

Non-volatile memory 153 stores programs executed by CPU 151. Volatile memory 155 temporarily stores calculation data when CPU 151 executes programs stored in non-volatile memory 153.

The hard disk 157 stores basic software such as the OS (Operating System), application programs, and data related to these. The hard disk 157 stores coupon ticket information read from coupon tickets, passwords entered by users, and location information of the user's boarding location received from GPS satellites. The hard disk 157 also stores the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 and the fare difference calculated by the fare difference calculation unit 119. The hard disk 157 also stores fare difference information received from the external server 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fee management device 100 includes a communication device 159, a reader 161, an RTC (real-time clock) 163, and a touch panel 171.

The communicator 159 performs wireless communication via the network 40 between the fee management device 100 and the external server 20. The communicator 159 performs wireless communication between the fee management device 100 and GPS satellites.

The reader 161 is composed of a reader or the like, and reads the ticket information stored on the ticket held by the user. The RTC 163 generates time information.

The touch panel 171 displays the above-mentioned difference information, the discount amount, the metered charge to be paid by the user, etc. The touch panel 171 also displays tariffs such as "empty," "occupied," "payment," "surcharge," and "pick-up," which indicate the status of the taxi vehicle 10. For example, the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 can specify "occupied" as the status of the taxi vehicle 10 by pressing the area on the touch panel 171 where the word "occupied" is displayed.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external state of the taxi meter 200. As shown in Figure 4, the touch panel 171 is provided on the front of the taxi meter 200. In the example shown in Figure 4, the meter fare to be paid by the user, "1,160 yen", is displayed in the upper center of the touch panel 171. On the right side of the touch panel 171, tariffs indicating the status of the taxi vehicle 10, including "Vacant", "Occupied", "Payment", "Surcharge", and "Pick-up", are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fee management device 100 has the following interfaces: a sensor I/F 165, a payment device I/F 167, and a card I/F 169.

The vehicle speed sensor 210 is connected to the sensor I/F 165. Speed pulses from the vehicle speed sensor 210 are input to the sensor I/F 165.

The CPU 151 executes the corresponding program stored in the non-volatile memory 153 or the hard disk 157, using, for example, the speed pulse input from the sensor I/F 165 and the time information input from the RTC 163. This allows the fare management device 100 to measure the distance and time traveled by the taxi vehicle 10.

The payment device 220 is connected to the payment device I/F 167. The fee management device 100 accepts payments of meter fees due from users via the payment device 220.

A memory card 230 is removably attached to the card I/F 169. The memory card 230 stores, for example, operation information for the taxi vehicle 10.

The communication unit 101 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the communication device 159. The control unit 103 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the CPU 151, non-volatile memory 153, and volatile memory 155. The storage unit 105 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the hard disk 157. The reading unit 107 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the reader 161.

The measurement unit 109, settlement unit 111, extraction unit 113, matching unit 115, fee calculation unit 117, difference calculation unit 119, generation unit 121, and tariff detection unit 125 shown in Figure 2 are each realized by the CPU 151 executing the corresponding program stored in the non-volatile memory 153 or the hard disk 157. The display unit 123 shown in Figure 2 is realized by the touch panel 171.

[External server functional block configuration]
Next, a functional block configuration of the external server 20 will be described. Fig. 5 is a functional block configuration diagram of the external server 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the external server 20 includes a communication unit 301, a control unit 303, a storage unit 305, a matching unit 307, a coupon ticket information storage unit 309, a matching information storage unit 311, and a difference information storage unit 313.

The communication unit 301 performs communication between the external server 20 and the fee management device 100, and between the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30.

The communication unit 301 receives authentication instructions and difference information from the fee management device 100. The communication unit 301 transmits the matching result and difference information to the fee management device 100.

The communication unit 301 receives registration requests, multi-ride ticket information, and multi-ride ticket repurchase information from the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30. The multi-ride ticket repurchase information includes the user's identification information and password. The communication unit 301 transmits the matching result and fare difference information to the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30.

The control unit 303 controls the overall processing in the external server 20. Specifically, the control unit 303 controls the operation of the communication unit 301, memory unit 305, matching unit 307, coupon ticket information storage unit 309, matching information storage unit 311, and difference information storage unit 313.

The memory unit 305 stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the external server 20.

When the communication unit 301 receives an authentication instruction from the fee management device 100, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction and obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the authentication instruction with the user's password obtained from the matching information table, and transmits the matching result to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301.

If the user password included in the authentication instruction matches the user password obtained from the matching information table, the matching unit 307 sends the user authentication as a matching result to the fee management device 100.

If the user password included in the authentication instruction does not match the user password obtained from the matching information table, the matching unit 307 sends the matching result indicating that the user is not authenticated to the fee management device 100.

The matching unit 307 authenticates the user, and if the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, it transmits the difference information to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301.

When the communication unit 301 receives multi-ride ticket repurchase information from the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the multi-ride ticket repurchase information and obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the multi-ride ticket repurchase information with the user's password obtained from the matching information table, and transmits the matching result to the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301.

If the user password included in the authentication instruction matches the user password obtained from the matching information table, the matching unit 307 sends the matching result, indicating the user's authentication, to the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30.

If the user password included in the authentication instruction does not match the user password obtained from the matching information table, the matching unit 307 sends the matching result indicating that the user is not authenticated to the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30.

The matching unit 307 authenticates the user, and if the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, it transmits the difference information to the coupon ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301.

The multi-ride ticket information storage unit 309 stores a multi-ride ticket information table. Figure 6 shows an example of a multi-ride ticket information table. As shown in Figure 6, user identification information ID1 is linked to content information consisting of multi-ride ticket identification information N1, a single-ride fare value of 1600, location information A1-B1 of the usage zone, and a distance value of 5000 of the usage zone. Similarly, user identification information ID1 is linked to content information consisting of multi-ride ticket identification information N2, a single-ride fare value of 1600, location information A1-B1 of the usage zone, and a distance value of 5000 of the usage zone. Thus, in the example of Figure 6, the multi-ride ticket information storage unit 309 stores multi-ride ticket information for multiple multi-ride tickets for user identification information ID1.

When the communication unit 301 receives the coupon information from the coupon issuing device 30, the coupon information storage unit 309 performs the following process. Specifically, the coupon information storage unit 309 links the content information included in the coupon information to the user's identification information included in the coupon information, and adds it to the coupon information table as coupon information for that user.

The matching information storage unit 311 stores a matching information table. Figure 7 shows an example of the matching information table. As shown in Figure 7, user identification information ID1 is linked to password aaabb.

When the communication unit 301 receives a registration request from the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the matching information storage unit 311 performs the following process. Specifically, the matching information storage unit 311 links the user's password included in the registration request to the user's identification information included in the registration request, and adds this to the matching information table as the user's matching information.

The difference information storage unit 313 stores a difference information table. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a difference information table. As shown in Figure 8, user identification information ID1 is linked to a difference value of 100 and date and time information 2021/9/1. Similarly, user identification information ID1 is linked to a difference value of 30 and date and time information 2021/9/15. Thus, in the example of Figure 8, the difference information storage unit 313 stores multiple difference values and multiple date and time information for user identification information ID1.

When the communication unit 301 receives price difference information from the fee management device 100, the price difference information storage unit 313 determines whether price difference information exists linked to the user's identification information included in the price difference information. If price difference information exists linked to the user's identification information, the price difference information storage unit 313 links the price difference and date and time information included in the price difference information to the user's identification information and adds it to the price difference information table as price difference information for that user. If price difference information exists linked to the user's identification information, the price difference information storage unit 313 records the price difference and date and time information included in the price difference information in the price difference information linked to the user's identification information.

[Ticket issuing device]
Next, we will explain the functional block configuration of the coupon ticket issuing device 30. Fig. 9 is a functional block configuration diagram of the coupon ticket issuing device 30. As shown in Fig. 9, the coupon ticket issuing device 30 includes a communication unit 401, a control unit 403, a storage unit 405, a payment unit 407, an input unit 409, an identification information generation unit 411, a coupon ticket information generation unit 413, a coupon ticket issuing unit 415, a repurchase processing unit 417, and a calculation unit 419.

The communication unit 401 transmits the registration request, coupon ticket information, and coupon ticket repurchase information to the external server 20. The communication unit 401 receives the matching result and fare difference information from the external server 20.

The control unit 403 controls the overall processing in the coupon ticket issuing device 30. Specifically, the control unit 403 controls the operation of the communication unit 401, memory unit 405, payment unit 407, input unit 409, identification information generation unit 411, coupon ticket information generation unit 413, coupon ticket issuing unit 415, repurchase processing unit 417, and calculation unit 419.

The memory unit 405 stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the external server 20.

The payment unit 407 accepts payment for the coupon ticket from the user. The coupon ticket fee can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc.

When purchasing a coupon ticket, the input unit 409 accepts a password setting from the user when the user pays the coupon ticket fee. The input unit 409 outputs the user's set password to the identification information generation unit 411.

When repurchasing a coupon ticket, the input unit 409 accepts the user's identification information and password from the user. The input unit 409 outputs the user's identification information and password to the repurchase processing unit 417.

When a user's password is input via the input unit 409, the identification information generation unit 411 generates identification information for that user. After generating the user's identification information, the identification information generation unit 411 transmits a registration request including the generated user's identification information and the input user's password to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401.

Once the identification information generation unit 411 generates the user's identification information, it outputs the generated user's identification information to the coupon ticket information generation unit 413.

The identification information generation unit 411 presents the generated user identification information to the user via an output unit (not shown). The user uses this identification information to repurchase the coupon ticket.

When the user's identification information is input from the identification information generation unit 411, the multi-ride ticket information generation unit 413 generates multi-ride ticket information by linking the user's identification information with the multi-ride ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the section used, and the distance of the section used. The multi-ride ticket information generation unit 413 also generates multi-ride ticket information when a multi-ride ticket is repurchased.

Figure 10 shows an example of coupon ticket information. As shown in Figure 10, user identification information ID1 is linked to coupon ticket identification information N1, the fare value for one ride (1600), location information A1-B1 of the usage section, and the distance value of the usage section (5000).

Once the coupon ticket information generation unit 413 generates the coupon ticket information, it transmits the generated coupon ticket information to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401.

The coupon issuing unit 415 stores the coupon information generated by the coupon information generating unit 413 in the coupon and issues the coupon.

When a coupon ticket is repurchased, the repurchase processing unit 417 transmits coupon ticket repurchase information, including the user's identification information and the user's password, input from the input unit 409 to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401.

When the calculation unit 419 receives the matching result and difference information from the external server 20 via the communication unit 401, it uses the difference information to calculate the discount amount. The calculation unit 419 calculates the multi-ride ticket fare to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the multi-ride ticket fare. The calculated multi-ride ticket fare is displayed on the display unit (not shown). Note that if the calculation unit 419 does not receive difference information from the external server 20, the multi-ride ticket fare will not be discounted. The multi-ride ticket fare to be paid by the user, calculated by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the multi-ride ticket fare, is also referred to as the discounted amount.

[Operation of the fee management system]
Next, we will explain the operation of the fee management system 1. Specifically, we will explain the fee management procedure by the fee management device 100, the multi-ticket purchase procedure by the external server 20 and the multi-ticket issuer 30, and the multi-ticket purchase procedure by the external server 20 and the multi-ticket issuer 30 in that order.

[Fee Management Procedure]
First, the fare management procedure performed by the fare management device 100 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the fare management procedure. As shown in Fig. 11, when a user boards a taxi vehicle 10, the fare management device 100 executes a boarding process (see Fig. 12) (S1). In this embodiment, the user travels in the taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket.

After the boarding process is executed, when the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 specifies the "actual vehicle" tariff displayed on the display unit 123, the tariff detection unit 125 in the fare management device 100 detects that the "actual vehicle" tariff has been specified. As a result, the status of the taxi vehicle 10 is set to "actual vehicle" (S3). When the status of the taxi vehicle 10 is set to "actual vehicle" in the fare management device 100, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the taxi fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

When the taxi vehicle 10 arrives at the user's destination, the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 selects the "Payment" tariff displayed on the display unit 123.

In the fare management device 100, the tariff detection unit 125 determines whether a "payment" tariff has been specified (S5). If the tariff detection unit 125 determines that a "payment" tariff has not been specified, the fare calculation unit 117 continues to calculate the meter fare based on at least one of the travel distance and travel time of the taxi vehicle 10.

When the tariff detection unit 125 determines that the "Pay" tariff has been specified, the fare calculation unit 117 stops calculating the meter fare. When the fare calculation unit 117 stops calculating the taxi fare, the fare management device 100 executes the difference determination process (see Figure 13) (S7).

After executing the fare difference determination process, the control unit 103 of the fare management device 100 determines whether the taxi vehicle 10 has deviated from the usage zone (S9). Specifically, the control unit 103 receives location information for both endpoints of the usage zone and the location information for the user's drop-off point from GPS satellites via the communication unit 101.

The control unit 103 determines that the user has not deviated from the usage section if the location information of the user's drop-off location matches the location information of either of the endpoints of the usage section. The control unit 103 determines that the user has deviated from the usage section if the location information of the user's drop-off location does not match the location information of either of the endpoints of the usage section. The control unit 103 may also determine whether the user's drop-off location is within a certain range from the position of either of the endpoints of the usage section.

If the control unit 103 determines that the taxi vehicle 10 has deviated from the usage zone, the fare management device 100 executes the discount determination process (see Figure 14) (S11).

When the customer pays the meter charge (payment amount) due and gets off the taxi, the driver of the taxi vehicle 10 selects the "empty" tariff displayed on the display unit 123.

After the discount determination process is executed, in the fare management device 100, when the tariff detection unit 125 detects that an "empty" tariff has been specified (S13), the control unit 103 deletes the various information stored in the memory unit 105 during the boarding process, fare difference determination process, and discount determination process. When the control unit 103 deletes the various information, the fare management device 100 ends the fare management procedure. Note that when the control unit 103 is instructed externally to save the information, it may maintain the various information stored in the memory unit 105 during the boarding process, fare difference determination process, and discount determination process.

[Processing upon boarding]
Next, the boarding process in the fare management procedure will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the boarding process. As shown in Fig. 12, when a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 (S21), the user has the reader 107 of the fare management device 100 read the coupon ticket information stored on the coupon ticket, and inputs a password into an input unit (not shown).

In the fare management device 100, the control unit 103 determines whether the reading unit 107 has read the coupon information stored on the coupon ticket (S23). If the control unit 103 determines that the reading unit 107 has not read the coupon ticket information, it terminates the boarding process.

When the control unit 103 determines that the reading unit 107 has read the coupon ticket information, it instructs the extraction unit 113 to extract the user's identification information from the coupon ticket information. In response to this instruction, the extraction unit 113 extracts the user's identification information from the coupon ticket information. Note that, when the reading unit 107 reads the coupon ticket information, it stores the coupon ticket information in the memory unit 105. Furthermore, when the extraction unit 113 extracts the user's identification information, it stores the user's identification information in the memory unit 105.

The control unit 103 instructs the communication unit 101 to send an authentication instruction including the extracted user identification information and the input user password to the external server 20. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 101 sends the authentication instruction to the external server 20 (S25).

In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives an authentication instruction from the fee management device 100, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction. The matching unit 307 obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table stored in the matching information storage unit 311. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the authentication instruction with the user's password obtained from the matching information table (S27). The matching unit 307 transmits the matching result to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301 (S29).

If the user is authenticated and the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, the matching unit 307 transmits the difference information to the fee management device 100 via the communication unit 301 (S31). If the user is not authenticated or the difference information storage unit 313 does not store difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction, the matching unit 307 does not transmit the difference information to the fee management device 100.

In the fare management device 100, when the communication unit 101 receives user authentication as a matching result from the external server 20, the control unit 103 instructs the matching unit 115 to match the user's boarding location. In response to this instruction, the matching unit 115 matches the user's boarding location (S33).

When the communication unit 101 receives from the external server 20 a matching result indicating that the user has not been authenticated, the control unit 103 terminates the boarding process. In this case, the user cannot use the coupon ticket to travel in the taxi vehicle 10 within the area of use.

In the fare management device 100, when the matching unit 115 matches the user's boarding location and authorizes the use of the coupon ticket, the control unit 103 instructs the extraction unit 113 to extract the usage fare for one ride from the coupon ticket information stored in the memory unit 105. In response to this instruction, the extraction unit 113 extracts the usage fare for one ride from the coupon ticket information stored in the memory unit 105 (S35). After extracting the usage fare for one ride, the extraction unit 113 stores the usage fare for that one ride in the memory unit 105.

In addition, if the matching unit 115 matches the user's boarding location and does not permit the use of the coupon ticket, the control unit 103 terminates the boarding process. In this case, the user cannot use the coupon ticket to travel in the taxi vehicle 10 within the usage area.

In the fare management device 100, when the communication unit 101 receives fare difference information, it stores the fare difference information in the memory unit 105. When the communication unit 101 receives the fare difference information, the control unit 103 instructs the extraction unit 113 to extract, from the fare difference information stored in the memory unit 105, all fare differences incurred up to the previous ride using a multi-ride ticket and the date and time information when each fare difference was calculated. In response to this instruction, the extraction unit 113 extracts, from the fare difference information stored in the memory unit 105, all fare differences incurred up to the previous ride using a multi-ride ticket and the date and time information when each fare difference was calculated (S37). Note that when the extraction unit 113 extracts all fare differences incurred up to the previous ride using a multi-ride ticket and the date and time information when each fare difference was calculated, it stores the fare differences and the date and time information in the memory unit 105.

In the fee management device 100, the control unit 103 displays the coupon ticket information stored in the memory unit 105 on the display unit 123 (S39).

[Difference determination process]
Next, the fare difference determination process in the fare management procedure will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the fare difference determination process. As shown in Fig. 13, in the fare management device 100, the control unit 103 instructs the fare difference calculation unit 119 to determine whether the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 is cheaper than the usage fare for one trip stored in the memory unit 105. In response to this instruction, the fare difference calculation unit 119 determines whether the meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 is cheaper than the usage fare for one trip stored in the memory unit 105 (S51).

In the fare management device 100, the control unit 103 terminates the fare difference determination process when the fare difference calculation unit 119 determines that the meter fare is not cheaper than the fare for a single ride.

In the fare management device 100, when the difference calculation unit 119 determines that the meter fare is cheaper than the usage fee for one ride, the control unit 103 instructs the difference calculation unit 119 to calculate the difference between the meter fare and the usage fee for one ride. In response to this instruction, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare and the usage fee for one ride (S53). Once the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference, it stores the difference in the memory unit 105.

In the fare management device 100, when the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare and the usage fee for one ride, the control unit 103 instructs the generation unit 121 to generate difference occurrence information. The generation unit 121 generates the difference occurrence information in response to this instruction. The difference occurrence information includes the user's identification information stored in the memory unit 105, the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 119, and the date and time information at which the difference was calculated.

In the fee management device 100, when the generation unit 121 generates the difference information, the control unit 103 instructs the communication unit 101 to transmit the difference information to the external server 20. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 101 transmits the difference information to the external server 20 (S55).

In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives the difference information, the difference information storage unit 313 determines whether there is difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference information. If there is no difference information linked to the user's identification information, the difference information storage unit 313 links the difference and date and time information included in the difference information to the user's identification information and adds it to the difference information table as the difference information for that user. If there is difference information linked to the user's identification information, the difference information storage unit 313 records the difference and date and time information included in the difference information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information (S57).

The usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the first usage fee. The meter fee calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 is also referred to as the second usage fee. The usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the first section.

Furthermore, in S53, if the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from a usage section midway through a usage section that can be traveled within the usage fare for a single trip, the difference calculation unit 119 performs the following processing. Specifically, the difference calculation unit 119 compares the meter fare for the intermediate usage section calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 with the intermediate usage fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117. If the meter fare for the intermediate usage section is cheaper than the intermediate usage fare, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the meter fare for the intermediate usage section and the intermediate usage fare.

As mentioned above, the intermediate usage section is a section partway through the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fare of a single ride (for example, the section between points A and D in Figure 15B). Also, as mentioned above, the intermediate usage fare is a fare calculated from the usage fare for a single ride based on the ratio of the distance of the usage section to the distance of the intermediate usage section.

In this case, the section (intermediate usage section) that is partway within the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the fourth section. The fare (intermediate usage fare) calculated from the usage fare for one ride based on the ratio between the distance of the usage section and the distance of the intermediate usage section is also referred to as the fifth usage fare. The meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 for the section (intermediate usage section) that is partway within the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fee for one ride is also referred to as the sixth usage fare.

[Discount Determination Process]
Next, the discount determination process in the fee management procedure will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the discount determination process. As shown in FIG. 14, in the fee management device 100, the control unit 103 instructs the fee calculation unit 117 to calculate the meter fee for the deviation section. In response to this instruction, the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fee for the deviation section (S71). After calculating the meter fee for the deviation section, the fee calculation unit 117 stores the meter fee in the memory unit 105.

Figure 15A is a diagram showing a first example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process is applied. Points A and B in Figure 15A represent the two ends of the usable section that can be traveled by taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket. In this way, the usable section is the section between points A and B.

Point C in Figure 15A represents the point where the taxi vehicle 10 traveled beyond the usage section and the passenger got off. Thus, the first example of a deviation section shows a case where the taxi vehicle 10 travels beyond the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fare for a single ride. In this case, the deviation section is the section between points B and C.

In the first example of the deviation section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance and time traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the section between point B and point C.

Figure 15B is a diagram showing a second example of a deviation section to which the discount determination process is applied. Points A and B in Figure 15B represent the two end points of the usable section that can be traveled by taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket. In this way, the usable section is the section between points A and B.

Point D in Figure 15B represents the point where the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the usage section while in the middle of the usage section. Point E in Figure 15B represents the point where the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the usage section while in the middle of the usage section, and the passenger gets off. In this way, the second example of a deviation section shows a case where the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the usage section while in the middle of the usage section that can be traveled for the usage fare of a single ride. In this case, the deviation section is the section between points D and E. Furthermore, the intermediate usage section is the section between points A and D.

In the second example of the deviation section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare based on at least one of the distance and time traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the section between points D and E.

When the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fare for the deviation section, the control unit 103 determines whether difference information is stored in the memory unit 105 (S73). If difference information is stored in the memory unit 105, the control unit 103 instructs the fare calculation unit 117 to calculate the discount amount. In response to this instruction, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount (S75).

Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount using all fare differences that occurred up to the previous ride using a coupon ticket, which are stored in the memory unit 105. Note that if only one fare difference that occurred up to the previous ride using a coupon ticket is stored in the memory unit 105, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount using that one fare difference.

When the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount, the control unit 103 instructs the fee calculation unit 117 to calculate the meter fee to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the meter fee for the deviation section stored in the memory unit 105. In response to this instruction, the fee calculation unit 117 calculates the meter fee (payment amount) to be paid by the user by subtracting the discount amount from the meter fee for the deviation section (S77). The fee calculation unit 117 stores the calculated payment amount in the memory unit 105.

If the difference information is not stored in the memory unit 105, the control unit 103 instructs the fee calculation unit 117 to set the meter fee for the deviation section stored in the memory unit 105 as the meter fee (payment amount) to be paid by the user.

The control unit 103 displays the payment amount stored in the memory unit 105 on the display unit 123 (S79).

Note that a section that exceeds the usable section that can be traveled for the usage fee for a single ride (for example, the section between points B and C in Figure 15A) is also referred to as the second section. The meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 for a section that exceeds the usable section that can be traveled for the usage fee for a single ride (for example, the section between points B and C in Figure 15A) is also referred to as the third usage fee.

In addition, a section that deviates from the usage section within the range of travel possible for the single-ride usage fee (for example, the section between points D and E in Figure 15B) is also referred to as the third section. The meter fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 117 for a section that deviates from the usage period within the range of travel possible for the single-ride usage fee (for example, the section between points D and E in Figure 15B) is also referred to as the fourth usage fee.

[Procedure for purchasing a multi-ticket]
Next, a description will be given of a procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket using the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the procedure for purchasing a coupon ticket. As shown in Fig. 16, a coupon ticket issuing process is performed in the coupon ticket issuing device 30 (S91).

Specifically, the payment unit 407 accepts payment of the coupon ticket fee from the user. The input unit 409 accepts password setting from the user.

When a user's password is input via the input unit 409, the identification information generation unit 411 generates identification information for that user. The identification information generation unit 411 presents the generated user's identification information to the user via the output unit (not shown).

When the user's identification information is input from the identification information generation unit 411, the multi-ride ticket information generation unit 413 links the user's identification information with the multi-ride ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the used section, and the distance of the used section, and generates multi-ride ticket information. The multi-ride ticket identification information, the fare for one ride, the location information of the used section, and the distance of the used section are referred to as content information.

The coupon issuing unit 415 stores the coupon information generated by the coupon information generating unit 413 in the coupon and issues the coupon.

In the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the identification information generation unit 411 generates the user's identification information and then transmits a registration request including the generated user's identification information and the user's input password to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401 (S93).

In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives a registration request from the coupon ticket issuing device 30, the matching information storage unit 311 performs the following process. Specifically, the matching information storage unit 311 associates the user's password included in the registration request with the user's identification information included in the registration request, and adds this to the matching information table as the user's matching information (S95).

In the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the multi-ride ticket information generation unit 413 generates the multi-ride ticket information and then transmits the generated multi-ride ticket information to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401 (S97).

In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives the multi-ride ticket information from the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the multi-ride ticket information storage unit 309 performs the following process. Specifically, the multi-ride ticket information storage unit 309 links the content information included in the multi-ride ticket information to the user's identification information included in the multi-ride ticket information, and adds this to the multi-ride ticket information table as multi-ride ticket information for that user (S99).

[Procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket]
Next, a procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket using the external server 20 and the coupon ticket issuing device 30 will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the procedure for repurchasing a coupon ticket. As shown in Fig. 17, input from the user is performed in the coupon ticket issuing device 30 (S111). Specifically, the input unit 409 accepts the user's identification information and password from the user.

In the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the repurchase processing unit 417 transmits the multi-ride ticket repurchase information, which includes the user's identification information and the user's password, entered into the input unit 409 to the external server 20 via the communication unit 401 (S113).

In the external server 20, when the communication unit 301 receives multi-ride ticket repurchase information from the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the matching unit 307 extracts the user's identification information included in the multi-ride ticket repurchase information. The matching unit 307 obtains the user's password linked to the extracted user's identification information from the matching information table stored in the matching information storage unit 311. The matching unit 307 compares the user's password included in the authentication instruction with the user's password obtained from the matching information table (S115). The matching unit 307 transmits the matching result to the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301 (S117).

If the user is authenticated and the difference information storage unit 313 stores difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket repurchase information, the matching unit 307 transmits the difference information to the coupon ticket issuing device 30 via the communication unit 301 (S119). If the user is not authenticated or the difference information storage unit 313 does not store difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket reissue information, the matching unit 307 does not transmit the difference information to the coupon ticket issuing device 30.

In the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, when the communication unit 401 receives user authentication as a matching result from the external server 20 and also receives fare difference information from the external server 20, the calculation unit 419 uses the fare difference information to calculate the discount amount (S121). Note that the discount rate for the fare difference differs depending on the period between the purchase of the multi-ride ticket and the repurchase of the ticket.

In the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30, the calculation unit 419 further calculates the multi-ride ticket fee (discounted amount) to be paid by the user by subtracting the calculated discount amount from the multi-ride ticket fee (S123). The calculated multi-ride ticket fee (discounted amount) is displayed on the display unit (not shown) (S125).

[Actions and Effects]
According to this embodiment, the fare management device 100 is used in a multiple-ride ticket system in which a multiple-ride ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, and is equipped with a communication unit 101, a reading unit 107, an extraction unit 113, a fare calculation unit 117, a difference calculation unit 119, and a generation unit 121.

The reading unit 107 reads the coupon information stored on the coupon held by the user riding in the taxi vehicle 10. The extraction unit 113 extracts the first usage fee for one ride from the coupon information, which is the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon (the coupon fee). When the taxi vehicle 10 travels a first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the second usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the first section. When the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee.

The generation unit 121 generates fare difference information that includes the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the fare difference, and the date and time information when the fare difference was calculated. The communication unit 101 transmits the fare difference information to an external location outside the taxi vehicle 10. Outside the taxi vehicle 10, the fare difference and date and time information included in the fare difference information are recorded in fare difference information linked to the user's identification information.

With this configuration, if the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee, the difference between the first and second usage fees can be refunded to the user. This eliminates the need for the user to check the traffic conditions in the first section before boarding the vehicle and decide whether or not to use a coupon ticket to travel the first section by vehicle, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

Furthermore, by storing the difference between the first and second usage fees for the current ride in difference information linked to the user's identification information outside the taxi vehicle 10, the difference can be used to pay for the next ride or to purchase the next multi-ride ticket. This can encourage users to purchase multi-ride tickets.

Therefore, in a multi-ride ticket system in which a taxi vehicle 10 can travel within a designated area using a multi-ride ticket, the burden on users can be reduced and the purchase of multi-ride tickets can be encouraged.

According to this embodiment, the fare management device 100 further includes a display unit 123 that displays the amount to be paid by the user when the user disembarks. The communication unit 101 transmits the user's identification information contained in the coupon ticket information to an external device outside the taxi vehicle 10 and receives fare difference information linked to the user's identification information. The extraction unit 113 extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride.

When the taxi vehicle 10 travels beyond the first section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates a third usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in a second section beyond the first section. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the payment amount by subtracting a discount amount calculated using one or more differences from the third usage fee. The display unit 123 displays the calculated payment amount.

Under the current multi-ride ticket system, a user can travel in a taxi vehicle 10 using a multi-ride ticket only if they board the taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the section of use and disembark at the other of the endpoints of the section of use. Therefore, if a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the section of use and then disembarks at a point other than the other of the endpoints of the section of use for their own convenience, they cannot travel in a taxi vehicle 10 using a multi-ride ticket. In this case, the user must pay the meter fare for the section between the one endpoint and the other endpoint using cash, credit, electronic money, etc.

In contrast, in this embodiment, with the configuration described above, a user can use a coupon ticket even if they board a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the usage section and then, for their own convenience, get off at a point other than the other endpoint of the usage section. Specifically, for the usage section (first section), the user pays the first usage fare for one ride on the coupon ticket. For a section beyond the usage section (second section), the user can pay at least a portion of the meter fare for the second section using a discount amount calculated using the difference recorded in the difference information up to the previous ride.

Therefore, in a coupon ticket system in which a coupon ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, the convenience of using coupon tickets for users can be improved.

In addition, if a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the two end points of the usage section and then gets off at a point within the usage section for personal reasons, the first usage fee for one ride out of the coupon ticket fee will be charged, and the above-mentioned discount amount will not be applied.

According to this embodiment, when the taxi vehicle 10 deviates from the first section, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates a fourth usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in a third section that deviates from the first section. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the payment amount by subtracting a discount amount calculated using one or more differences from the fourth usage fee. The display unit 123 displays the calculated payment amount.

With this configuration, a user can board a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the usage zone, then deviate midway through the usage zone for personal reasons, and even if they get off at a location different from the other endpoint, they can still use the coupon ticket. Specifically, up to the middle of the usage zone, the user pays for the coupon ticket fare with part of the first usage fare for one ride. For the zone outside the usage zone (the third zone), the user can pay at least part of the meter fare for the third zone with a discount amount calculated using the difference recorded in the difference information up to the previous trip.

Therefore, in a coupon ticket system in which a coupon ticket can be used to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10, the convenience of using coupon tickets for users can be further improved.

According to this embodiment, the fare management device 100 further includes a measurement unit 109 that measures the distance of the fourth section, which is halfway through the first section. The extraction unit 113 extracts the distance of the first section from the coupon ticket information. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the fifth usage fee from the first usage fee based on the ratio between the distance of the first section and the distance of the fourth section. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the sixth usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the vehicle in the fourth section.

If the sixth usage fee is cheaper than the fifth usage fee, the difference calculation unit 119 calculates the difference between the fifth and sixth usage fees. The generation unit 121 generates difference information that includes the user's identification information included in the coupon information, the difference, and date and time information when the difference was calculated.

With this configuration, even if a user boards a taxi vehicle 10 at one of the endpoints of the usage section, then deviates midway through the usage section for personal reasons and disembarks at a point different from the other endpoint, the difference can be refunded. Specifically, if the sixth usage fee is cheaper than the fifth usage fee, the difference between the sixth and fifth usage fees can be refunded to the user.

According to this embodiment, the extraction unit 113 extracts the date and time information for when each of one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up until the previous ride was calculated. The fare calculation unit 117 calculates the number of days that have passed since each fare difference was calculated based on the date and time information. The fare calculation unit 117 discounts each fare difference according to the number of days that have passed since each fare difference was calculated, and calculates the discount amount.

With this configuration, the amount of the difference refunded can be increased if the number of days that have passed since the calculation of each difference is short. This can encourage users to use their coupon tickets early and encourage them to repurchase coupon tickets.

According to this embodiment, the fee management system 1 comprises the fee management device 100 described above and an external server 20. The external server 20 is connected to the fee management device 100 via wireless communication. The external server 20 receives difference information from the fee management device 100. The external server 20 records the difference and date and time information included in the difference information in difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference information.

With this configuration, the difference between the first and second usage fees for the current ride is stored in the external server 20 as difference information linked to the user's identification information. This allows the difference to be used to pay for the next ride or to purchase the next multi-ride ticket, thereby encouraging users to purchase multi-ride tickets.

According to this embodiment, the fare management system 1 further includes a multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30. When a user pays the amount to purchase a multiple-ride ticket, the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 generates multiple-ride ticket information including the user's identification information, the multiple-ride ticket identification information, the first fare for one ride, the location information of the first section, and the distance of the first section. The multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 issues multiple-ride tickets that hold the generated multiple-ride ticket information.

The multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 transmits the generated multi-ride ticket information to the external server 20. The external server 20 associates the user's identification information with the multi-ride ticket identification information, the first fare for one ride, the location information for the first section, and the distance of the first section, and stores the information.

With this configuration, the external server 20 can manage the content information of the multi-ride ticket information for each user. Therefore, the fare management device 100 can confirm the content information of the multi-ride ticket information read from the multi-ride ticket by extracting the user's identification information from the multi-ride ticket information read from the multi-ride ticket and sending the extracted user's identification information to the external server 20.

According to this embodiment, when a user repurchases a multiple-ride ticket, the multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 receives the user's identification information from the user. The multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 transmits the user's identification information to the external server 20 and receives fare difference information linked to the user's identification information. The multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride. The multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 calculates the discount amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using one or more fare differences from the total amount. The multiple-ride ticket issuing device 30 displays the discount amount.

With this configuration, the difference between the first and second usage fares for the current ride can be used to purchase a multi-ride ticket for the next trip, thereby encouraging users to purchase multi-ride tickets.

According to this embodiment, the fare management program is used in a coupon ticket system that allows passengers to travel within a designated area in a taxi vehicle 10 using a coupon ticket, and includes a reading step, an extraction step, a fare calculation step, a difference calculation step, a generation step, and a communication step.

The reading step reads the coupon information stored on the coupon held by the user riding in the taxi vehicle 10. The extraction step extracts, from the coupon information, a first usage fee for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon. The fare calculation step calculates, when the taxi vehicle 10 travels a first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee, a second usage fee based on at least one of the distance and time actually traveled by the taxi vehicle 10 in the first section. The difference calculation step calculates the difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is cheaper than the first usage fee.

The generation step generates fare difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information, the fare difference, and the date and time information when the fare difference was calculated. The communication step transmits the fare difference information to an external location outside the taxi vehicle 10. Outside the taxi vehicle 10, the fare difference and date and time information included in the fare difference information are recorded in fare difference information linked to the user's identification information.

With this configuration, the configuration of the fare management device 100 described above can be realized as software by a program loaded into memory. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by having a computer execute the fare management program, in a coupon ticket system in which passengers can travel within a designated area using coupon tickets in a taxi vehicle 10, the burden on users can be reduced and the purchase of coupon tickets can be encouraged.

[Variations]

In the above-described embodiment, the fare management device 100 calculated the discount amount in S75 of the discount determination process, but this is not limited to this. The fare management device 100 may also calculate the discount amount during the boarding process. In this case, the fare management device 100 may use the discount amount to display an estimate of the distance that can be traveled in the deviation section. The fare management device 100 may also display discount details such as the discount amount and return period in response to a user request.

Specifically, the fare calculation unit 117 calculates the discount amount when the user boards the taxi, and the display unit 123 displays the calculated discount amount when the user boards the taxi. With this configuration, the user can check the discount amount when boarding the taxi vehicle 10, thereby preventing any problems with the user regarding the application of the discount amount.

In the above-described embodiment, the external server 20 performed user verification at S27 of the boarding process, but this is not limited to this. The fare management device 100 may also perform user verification. In this case, the fare management device 100 receives from the external server 20 the user's password linked to the user's identification information included in the authentication instruction.

In the above-described embodiment, the fee management device 100 calculates the discount amount in S75 of the discount determination process, and the coupon ticket issuing device 30 calculates the discount amount in S121 of the coupon ticket repurchase procedure. In this case, the discount rate applied to the difference in price in S75 may be different from the discount rate applied to the difference in price in S121.

In the above-described embodiment, in S123 of the multi-ride ticket repurchase procedure, the multi-ride ticket issuing device 30 calculates the multi-ride ticket price to be paid by the user by subtracting the discount amount from the multi-ride ticket price. In this case, if the discount amount is equal to or greater than the multi-ride ticket price, the user may be configured to be able to repurchase the multi-ride ticket using the discount amount.

In the above-described embodiment, the fare difference due to the use of a multi-ride ticket is added to the fare difference due to the use of other multi-ride tickets in the same travel zone, but this is not limited to this. For example, the fare difference due to the use of a multi-ride ticket may be added to the fare difference due to the use of other multi-ride tickets in other travel zones within the same service area.

In the above-described embodiment, during boarding processing, the external server 20 may verify whether a multi-ride ticket has been used. In this case, the external server 20 manages multi-ride ticket verification information for each user. The multi-ride ticket verification information is linked to the user's identification information and includes the multi-ride ticket identification information and information indicating whether the multi-ride ticket has been used. The fare management device 100 extracts the multi-ride ticket identification information from the multi-ride ticket information read from the multi-ride ticket, includes it in an authentication instruction, and sends it to the external server 20. The external server 20 uses the multi-ride ticket verification information linked to the multi-ride ticket identification information included in the authentication instruction to verify whether the multi-ride ticket has been used.

In the above-described embodiment, the coupon ticket information includes the distance of the used section, but is not limited to this. For example, if the deviation section to which the discount amount is reflected is only the section that exceeds the used section, the coupon ticket information does not need to include the distance of the used section. Also, if the fare management device 100 can separately obtain the distance of the used section during boarding processing, the coupon ticket information does not need to include the distance of the used section.

In the above-described embodiment, the external server 20 separately stores the multi-ride ticket information table, the matching information table, and the difference information table, but this is not limited to this. For example, the external server 20 may store the content information in the multi-ride ticket information, the user's password in the matching information, and the difference information in a single table, linked to the user's identification information.

The present embodiment has been described above, but it is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

1 Fee Management System 1
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Taxi vehicle 20 External server 30 Coupon ticket issuing device 100 Fare management device 101 Communication unit 107 Reading unit 109 Measurement unit 113 Extraction unit 117 Fare calculation unit 119 Difference calculation unit 121 Generation unit 123 Display unit

Claims (10)

A fare management device used in a coupon ticket system that allows passengers to travel by vehicle within a predetermined section using a coupon ticket,
a reading unit that reads coupon information stored on a coupon ticket from the coupon ticket held by a user who boards a vehicle;
an extraction unit that extracts, from the coupon ticket information, a first use fee for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon ticket;
a fee calculation unit that calculates a second usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in the first section when the vehicle travels in the first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee;
a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee when the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee;
a generating unit that generates difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon information, the difference, and date and time information at the time the difference is calculated;
a communication unit that transmits the difference occurrence information to an outside of the vehicle;
Equipped with
A fare management device outside the vehicle records the difference and the date and time information included in the difference generation information as difference information linked to the user's identification information. a display unit that displays an amount to be paid by the user when the user gets off the vehicle;
the communication unit transmits the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information to an outside of the vehicle, and receives the difference information linked to the user's identification information;
The extraction unit extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the last ride,
When the vehicle travels beyond the first section, the fee calculation unit calculates a third usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in a second section that exceeds the first section;
the fee calculation unit calculates the payment amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using the one or more differences from the third usage fee;
The fee management device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the calculated payment amount. a display unit that displays an amount to be paid by the user when the user gets off the vehicle;
the communication unit transmits the user's identification information included in the coupon ticket information to an outside of the vehicle, and receives the difference information linked to the user's identification information;
The extraction unit extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the last ride,
When the vehicle deviates from the first section midway through the first section, the fare calculation unit calculates a fourth usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in a third section deviating from the first section;
the fee calculation unit calculates the payment amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using the one or more differences from the fourth usage fee;
The fee management device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the calculated payment amount. a measuring unit that measures the distance of a fourth section up to the middle of the first section,
The extraction unit extracts the distance of the first section from the coupon ticket information,
the fee calculation unit calculates a fifth usage fee from the first usage fee based on a ratio between the distance of the first section and the distance of the fourth section;
the fee calculation unit calculates a sixth usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in the fourth section;
the difference calculation unit calculates a difference between the fifth usage fee and the sixth usage fee when the sixth usage fee is lower than the fifth usage fee;
The fee management device described in claim 3, wherein the generation unit generates difference information including the user's identification information contained in the multiple-ride ticket information, the difference, and date and time information at which the difference was calculated. The extraction unit extracts date and time information of when each of one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride was calculated,
The fee calculation unit calculates the number of days that have elapsed since the calculation of each difference based on the date and time information,
5. The fee management device according to claim 2, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the discount amount by discounting each difference in accordance with the number of days that have passed since the difference. The fare management device described in claim 5, wherein the display unit displays the discount amount calculated by the fare calculation unit when the user boards the bus. A fee management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
an external device connected to the fee management device via wireless communication;
Equipped with
The external device receives the difference information from the fee management device,
The external device is a fee management system that records the difference and the date and time information included in the difference generation information in the difference information linked to the user's identification information included in the difference generation information. Further provided with a coupon ticket issuing device,
when the user pays the amount to purchase the coupon ticket, the coupon ticket issuing device generates the coupon ticket information including the user's identification information, the coupon ticket identification information, the first fare for one ride, location information of the first section, and the distance of the first section, and issues the coupon ticket holding the generated coupon ticket information;
The coupon issuing device transmits the generated coupon information to the external device,
The fare management system described in claim 7, wherein the external device stores the user's identification information, the identification information of the multiple-ride ticket, the first fare for the single ride, the location information of the first section, and the distance of the first section, linked to the user's identification information. the coupon issuing device receives user identification information from the user when the user repurchases the coupon;
the coupon ticket issuing device transmits the user's identification information to the external device, and receives the difference information linked to the user's identification information;
The coupon ticket issuing device extracts one or more fare differences recorded in the fare difference information up to the previous ride,
the coupon ticket issuing device calculates a discounted amount by subtracting the discount amount calculated using the one or more differences from the total amount;
The fee management system according to claim 8, wherein the coupon ticket issuing device displays the discounted amount. A fare management program used in a coupon ticket system that allows a user to travel by vehicle within a predetermined section using a coupon ticket,
a reading step of reading coupon information stored on a coupon ticket held by a user who boards a vehicle;
an extraction step of extracting, from the coupon ticket information, a first use fare for one ride from the amount paid in advance by the user to purchase the coupon ticket;
a fee calculation step of calculating a second usage fee based on at least one of a distance and a time actually traveled by the vehicle in the first section when the vehicle travels in the first section that can be traveled for the first usage fee;
a difference calculation step of calculating a difference between the first usage fee and the second usage fee if the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee;
a generating step of generating difference information including the user's identification information included in the coupon information, the difference, and date and time information at the time the difference was calculated;
a communication step of transmitting the difference occurrence information to the outside of the vehicle;
Equipped with
A fare management program in which, outside the vehicle, the difference and the date and time information included in the difference occurrence information are recorded in difference information linked to the user's identification information.