JP6901926B2 - Taximeter system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a taximeter system.

As required by law, all vehicles operating as taxis in Japan are equipped with taximeters. This taximeter displays the current status such as "empty car", "real car", "payment", "high speed", "pick-up" so that passengers and drivers in the passenger compartment can see it, and for each passenger. It has a function to automatically calculate the fare and display it in real time. In addition, the state of the taximeter is switched by the driver's button operation on the taximeter.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 shows a method of accepting taxi dispatch for a taxi user to request from a mobile phone or the like to receive a taxi dispatch. It also indicates that the mail server of the dispatch center will send an arrival notification by e-mail when it arrives at the destination.

Further, the taxi fare card payment system of Patent Document 2 shows a technique for enabling a card user to know the boarding place and the getting-off place at a later date when a passenger pays the fare of a taxi driven by a crew member by card. ing.

Further, the card payment device of Patent Document 3 shows a technique for improving user convenience when using a taxi. Specifically, the information on the travel route from the boarding point to the destination registered in advance on the taxi user's card is read from the card and notified to the crew. In addition, the car navigation device is used to settle the taxi fare using the card information when arriving at the destination.

Further, the navigation system of Patent Document 4 shows a technique for reliably communicating a destination to a driver of a vehicle such as a bus or a taxi without having to have a direct conversation. Specifically, it constitutes a system in which a portable device for a user and an in-vehicle device are connected by communication means. Further, it is disclosed that when the arrival of a destination is detected, the in-vehicle device notifies the mobile terminal of this, and the mobile terminal performs display and voice notification.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-317191 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-25885 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-63815 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-161479

In taxi operation services, it is desired to reduce the burden on drivers. In the future, it is expected that taxis can be operated unmanned by automatic operation of computers.

For example, if the technologies of Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 are used, passengers can settle the fare using a credit card, so that the burden on the driver can be reduced. In addition, passengers can take a taxi without using cash, which improves convenience.

However, even when the techniques of Patent Documents 2 and 3 are used, the driver needs to operate the buttons of the taximeter according to the situation at that time. Furthermore, based on the conversation between the driver and the passengers, the driver must sequentially determine the destination, travel route, whether or not to use the expressway, and the like.

In addition, when a taxi carrying passengers arrives at the destination, the driver's judgment and the driver's button operation on the taxi meter can be used to notify the passengers that the taxi has arrived, to confirm the fare and present it to the passengers. It is necessary to confirm the fare settlement, operate for getting off the passengers, and have a conversation with the passengers.

In this way, when operating a taxi, since the passengers the driver is dealing with are human beings, various situations that are difficult to predict may occur, especially when the taxi arrives at the destination. Conceivable. Therefore, even if the operation of the vehicle can be fully automated, in the case of a taxi, it is necessary to respond to passengers according to various situations at that time, and it is currently difficult to unmanned taxi operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a taximeter system capable of reducing or eliminating the burden on a taxi driver.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the taximeter system according to the present invention is characterized by the following (1) to (4).

(1) Vehicle-side equipment mounted on the vehicle and
An external device connected to the vehicle-side device by wireless communication,
With
The vehicle-side device includes a boarding detection unit that detects the boarding of a passenger in the vehicle, and a boarding detection unit.
When the passenger's boarding on the vehicle is detected by the boarding detection unit, the destination input unit that accepts the input of the passenger's destination information, and the destination input unit.
The current location information acquisition unit that acquires the current location information of the vehicle at predetermined time intervals, and
A vehicle-side communication unit that transmits the destination information and the current location information to the external device, and
It has an in-vehicle information notification unit that notifies information to the passengers.
The external device is
A fare calculation unit that calculates the fare for the passengers,
It has an external communication unit that transmits the calculated charge to the vehicle-side communication unit.
The charge calculation unit starts calculating the charge when the destination information is input, and determines that the point represented by the current location information matches the point represented by the destination information, determines the charge, and determines the charge.
When the point represented by the current location information coincides with the point represented by the destination information, the vehicle-mounted information notification unit notifies that the destination corresponding to the destination information has arrived.
A taximeter system that features that.

According to the taximeter system having the configuration of (1) above, an appropriate fare (charge) does not have to be performed by the driver to switch the state of the taximeter such as "empty", "actual vehicle", and "payment". ) Can be confirmed at an appropriate time and presented to the passengers in the vehicle. Further, when the passenger arrives at the destination, the in-vehicle information notification unit notifies the passenger, so that the passenger can recognize that the passenger has arrived. Therefore, the burden on the driver can be reduced, and even in the case of an unmanned taxi vehicle in which there is no driver, it is possible to handle the fare settlement of passengers upon arrival.

(2) The vehicle-side device further includes an in-vehicle payment terminal.
When the point represented by the current location information coincides with the point represented by the destination information, the in-vehicle payment terminal communicates with the customer terminal owned by the passenger, and the charge calculation unit determines the charge. Execute payment processing,
The taximeter system according to (1) above.

According to the taximeter system having the configuration of (2) above, when the passenger arrives at the destination, the in-vehicle payment terminal and the passenger's customer terminal communicate with each other, for example, electronically using the passenger's credit card. It becomes possible to settle the fare. This eliminates the need to handle cash, which improves security in the case of an unmanned taxi vehicle without a driver and improves passenger convenience.

(3) The vehicle-side device further includes a door lock control unit that controls locking and unlocking of the door of the vehicle.
When the door lock control unit detects that the payment process of the charge in the in-vehicle payment terminal is normally completed, the door lock control unit automatically unlocks the door of the vehicle.
The taximeter system according to (2) above.

According to the taximeter system having the configuration of (3) above, passengers can get off after the fare settlement process is completed normally, so that is the case of an unmanned taxi vehicle without a driver. However, it will be possible to reliably collect the fare. That is, it is possible to prevent passengers from getting off without paying the fare after arriving at the destination.

(4) The vehicle-side device further includes a printer that prints information on a predetermined sheet of paper.
When the in-vehicle payment terminal normally completes the payment process of the charge, the printer executes printing of a receipt representing the payment.
The taximeter system according to (2) above.

According to the taximeter system having the configuration of (4) above, a paper receipt can be issued when the payment process of the charge is normally completed. Therefore, even if the fare is settled electronically, the passenger can confirm the payment status by the receipt received.

According to the taximeter system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the burden on the taxi driver, and in particular, it is possible to automate the response to passengers when the taxi arrives at the destination. Realization will be easier.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the embodiments described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. ..

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a specific example of a state in which the front is viewed from the rear side in the passenger compartment of an unmanned taxi vehicle using the taximeter system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main components mounted on the unmanned taxi vehicle of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an external server included in the taximeter system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the taximeter system in an unmanned taxi vehicle. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the taximeter on-board unit regarding a characteristic operation example in the taximeter system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of step S21 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a configuration example of a payment terminal including a cash collection function.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective figures.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective figures.
First, the outline of the system will be described.
The taximeter system of the present invention includes a taximeter in-vehicle device mounted on a taxi vehicle and an external server installed at an appropriate position outside the vehicle as main components. The taximeter on-board unit and the external server are connected by wireless communication, and necessary data is transmitted and received between them. Various controls necessary for the operation of an unmanned taxi are carried out by the control of either the taximeter on-board unit or the external server, or the coordinated control of both.

Next, a configuration example of the passenger compartment of an unmanned taxi will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a specific example of a state in which the front is viewed from the rear side in the passenger compartment of an unmanned taxi vehicle using the taximeter system of the embodiment of the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle-mounted camera 17, the microphone 18, and the display 21a are arranged near the upper center of the front window (windshield) of the unmanned taxi vehicle. The in-vehicle camera 17 is arranged so as to be able to take a picture of a passenger sitting in the back seat or the like of an unmanned taxi vehicle. The microphone 18 is arranged so as to be able to detect the voice of a passenger and other sounds in the vehicle interior. The display 21a is arranged so that passengers seated in the rear seats or the like can easily see it, and is used to display various information required by passengers in an unmanned taxi vehicle.

Further, in the central portion in front of the rear seat, a payment terminal 16 and a printer 16A necessary for payment of taxi fare are arranged. The payment terminal 16 is equipped with a function necessary for communicating with a smartphone 22 owned by a passenger and electronically paying a fare using a credit card or the like. The printer 16A is provided to issue a receipt when the fee is settled.

An ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) on-board unit 23 is installed on the right side of the payment terminal 16. Passengers can also pay the fee by using the ETC on-board unit 23. In addition, a remote controller 19 with a microphone is installed at a position on the left side in front of the rear seat. The remote controller 19 with a microphone is a terminal for operating passengers, and is used for inputting information such as a destination in an unmanned taxi and displaying information required by passengers. It is also possible to input information such as a destination by voice using the microphone of the remote controller 19 with a microphone. Instead of the remote controller 19 with a microphone, it is also possible to operate using the smartphone 22 possessed by each passenger.

Further, the speaker 20 is arranged at a position on the front right side of the rear seat. The speaker 20 is provided to make a voice announcement to passengers. For example, when a taxi arrives at a destination, a voice message is output from the speaker 20 to notify the passengers.

Next, the main components on the unmanned taxi vehicle will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main components mounted on the unmanned taxi vehicle of FIG.

The taximeter in-vehicle device 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes a taxi management unit 11, a passenger status detection unit 12, a wireless communication module 13, a boarding / alighting detection unit 14, a GPS receiver 15, a payment terminal 16, a printer 16A, and a voice synthesis unit. 24 is provided.

The taxi management unit 11 is composed of an electric circuit mainly composed of a microcomputer, and realizes various functions required for the taximeter on-board unit 10 by executing a program built in in advance.

In the case of a general taximeter, the taxi status such as "empty car", "actual car", and "payment" can be switched by operating the driver's button, but in the case of an unmanned taxi, there is no driver, so It is necessary to automatically switch the state of the taximeter. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the state is automatically identified based on the program in which the taxi management unit 11 is incorporated, or the state of the taximeter is automatically switched in response to an instruction from the external server 30 shown in FIG. ..

The passenger state detection unit 12 monitors the passenger image taken by the vehicle-mounted camera 17 and the voice signal collected by the microphone 18 and analyzes them in real time to analyze the state of the passengers in the unmanned taxi vehicle. Is detected. The detected passenger status also includes information indicating the health status. It is also possible to detect passengers getting on and off by analyzing the video.

The wireless communication module 13 is a communication module for wirelessly connecting the taximeter on-board unit 10 and the external server 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that data can be constantly transmitted and received during the operation of an unmanned taxi.

The boarding / alighting detection unit 14 can detect the boarding and disembarking of passengers by monitoring the signal SG2 indicating the opening / closing of the door of the taxi vehicle and the signal SG3 of the switch for detecting the seating of the passenger in the seat. When the passenger state detection unit 12 detects the passengers getting on and off based on video and audio, the passenger getting on and off detection unit 14 may not be necessary.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 15 acquires position information representing the current position (latitude / longitude) of a taxi vehicle by receiving radio waves from a plurality of satellites such as GPS and performing predetermined arithmetic processing. can do.

The automatic driving control unit 21 implements various controls for automatically driving a vehicle such as a taxi. That is, when information on the destination and the travel route to the destination is input, the automatic driving control unit 21 automatically grasps the situation and automatically performs driving operations such as accelerator operation, steering operation, and brake operation of the vehicle. Control and drive the vehicle unmanned to the destination, which is the destination. In order to understand the road conditions, the positional relationship between the road and the own vehicle, and the positional relationship between the own vehicle and other vehicles or obstacles, multiple in-vehicle cameras (not shown) can be used to capture and analyze images of each part outside the vehicle. Use a radar device.

Since the taxi management unit 11 shown in FIG. 2 is connected to the automatic driving control unit 21, information on the destination and the traveling route to the destination can be given from the taxi management unit 11 to the automatic driving control unit 21. In addition, the taxi management unit 11 can acquire various vehicle information grasped by the automatic driving control unit 21.

When a taximeter calculates a taxi fare, it needs information on the mileage of the taxi. Therefore, the taxi management unit 11 monitors the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1 given from the vehicle side and grasps the mileage in the same manner as a general taximeter. That is, the mileage of the passenger from the boarding point is calculated by counting the number of pulses of the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1.

The voice synthesis unit 24 can synthesize a pseudo voice signal representing the message and give it to the speaker 20 based on the data output by the taxi management unit 11. Therefore, for example, a voice message such as "Arrive at the destination" can be output from the speaker 20.

Further, the taxi management unit 11 can generate a door lock signal SG4 for controlling locking / unlocking of the door lock mechanism (not shown) of the own vehicle and give it to the door lock mechanism.

On the other hand, the passenger's smartphone 22 can read the information of the credit card 25 possessed by the passenger while the predetermined card reader 22A is connected. Further, the smartphone 22 communicates with the payment terminal 16 by executing a predetermined application software for payment of charges, and transmits the information read from the credit card 25 to the payment terminal 16 or the credit card. You can settle the fare by entering information such as the PIN required for 25 personal authentication. The payment terminal 16 can perform wireless communication with a management center outside the vehicle that manages the information of the credit card 25 via the wireless communication module 13 and perform necessary procedures for payment of charges. ..

Next, a configuration example of the external server will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an external server 30 included in the taximeter system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The external server 30 is installed in, for example, a predetermined data center. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a wireless communication device 38 is connected to the external server 30. The wireless communication device 38 secures a communication line necessary for wireless communication with the taximeter on-board unit 10 mounted on each unmanned taxi vehicle.

The external server 30 is composed of a main body of a computer that can operate as a server, a large-capacity storage device, a communication device, and the like. Since the external server 30 is connected to each taximeter on-board unit 10 via the wireless communication device 38, the taximeter on-board unit 10 can be connected by transmitting and receiving data to and from the taximeter on-board unit 10. It can be operated remotely.

Inside the external server 30 shown in FIG. 3, a route calculation unit 31, a charge calculation unit 32, a vehicle inspection unit 33, a vehicle allocation processing unit 34, an information providing unit 35, a passenger management unit 36, and a map information database (DB) 37a , Vehicle information database 37b, boarding demand database 37c, commercial facility database 37d, and personal information database 37e.

For each unmanned taxi vehicle, the route calculation unit 31 represents an appropriate route on the road from the current position to the destination based on the destination information specified by the passenger, the current position of the vehicle, and the map information database 37a. It has a function to calculate the route.

The fare calculation unit 32 determines an appropriate fare (fare) based on a predetermined fare system for the operation of the relevant taxi vehicle, the actual mileage of the relevant taxi vehicle from the time the passenger boarded, the elapsed time, and the like. ) Has a function to calculate automatically.

The vehicle inspection unit 33 periodically acquires vehicle information representing, for example, oil pressure, water temperature, power supply voltage, current, vehicle speed, engine rotation speed, etc. of each vehicle part from each taxi vehicle, and accumulates and manages it in the vehicle information database 37b. .. In addition, the vehicle inspection unit 33 automatically analyzes the vehicle information accumulated in the vehicle information database 37b to identify the presence or absence of an abnormality in the vehicle. If an abnormality is detected, measures for vehicle inspection and maintenance will be taken.

The vehicle allocation processing unit 34 stores and manages the location information of the destination and the position where the passengers boarded, which are acquired from each taxi vehicle, in the boarding demand database 37c. In addition, the vehicle allocation processing unit 34 calculates an estimated value of the magnitude of the vehicle demand for each point by analyzing various position information stored in the vehicle demand database 37c. In addition, the vehicle allocation processing unit 34 gives an instruction to each taxi vehicle that is currently vacant to preferentially move to a point where the expected value of boarding demand is large and stand by.

The information providing unit 35 automatically extracts the commercial facility information required by the relevant passengers from the commercial facility database 37d and provides the passengers in each unmanned taxi vehicle to the relevant vehicles.

The commercial facility database 37d holds information such as the type, business hours, and charges of the corresponding commercial facility in association with the location information of the location of various commercial facilities, and updates the latest information as necessary. Will be done. Therefore, the information providing unit 35 can automatically extract information on commercial facilities close to the current position and destination position of each passenger.

In addition, for passengers who have consented to the use of personal information in advance, the information providing department 35 provides the user with personal information such as the boarding point, destination, and the type of commercial facility existing in the vicinity of each point when used in the past. Each item is individually accumulated and managed in the personal information database 37e. Further, for passengers who manage personal information in the personal information database 37e, the information providing unit 35 uses the corresponding personal information to extract more appropriate information on commercial facilities from the commercial facility database 37d. For example, preferentially extract information on commercial facilities of the same type as commercial facilities that are likely to have been used in the past.

The passenger management unit 36 acquires and manages state information, mainly the health state, from the taximeter in-vehicle device 10 for each passenger in each unmanned taxi vehicle. Then, when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the passenger, the passenger management unit 36 implements a special process. For example, the planned travel route of the corresponding taxi vehicle is automatically corrected. As a result, for example, if a passenger loses consciousness or develops an illness, he / she should stop by a nearby hospital or police station to seek help before the unmanned taxi vehicle arrives at the destination (destination). Becomes possible.

Next, an outline of the operation of the system will be described.
FIG. 4 shows an outline of the operation of the taximeter system in an unmanned taxi vehicle.
When the operation of the unmanned taxi vehicle is started, the information of the passengers using the unmanned taxi is automatically input to the external server 30 in step S01. For example, when a user before boarding requests a taxi dispatch using a telephone, a mobile terminal, or the like, passenger information corresponding to the request is input to the external server 30.

In accordance with this request, the external server 30 gives the taximeter on-board unit 10 an instruction of the designated vehicle allocation destination and the traveling route so as to operate the unmanned taxi vehicle to the designated destination point. The taximeter on-board unit 10 gives the vehicle allocation designated destination and the traveling route to the automatic driving control unit 21. As a result, the unmanned taxi vehicle automatically operates from the first point to the user's designated vehicle allocation destination (S02).

Further, when the user's request does not exist, the external server 30 gives an instruction to the taximeter on-board unit 10 so that the unmanned taxi vehicle runs in the flow (S02) for the area of the initial information determined in advance.

When the taximeter on-board unit 10 or the automatic driving control unit 21 detects a passenger before boarding based on the image of the on-board camera after the unmanned taxi vehicle arrives at the designated dispatch destination or while driving in a sink (S03). A predetermined boarding process is carried out (S04). That is, after the door is automatically opened and closed to allow passengers to board, the taximeter on-board unit 10 accepts the input of destination information by the user operation of the remote controller 19 with a microphone or the smartphone 22. Then, based on the input destination information, the external server 30 determines the optimum travel route to the destination. When the information on the traveling route is input to the automatic driving control unit 21 via the taximeter on-board unit 10, the automatic driving control unit 21 operates the unmanned taxi vehicle along the designated traveling route.

When the unmanned taxi vehicle arrives at the destination designated by the user (passenger currently on board), the external server 30 and the taximeter on-board unit 10 perform a predetermined termination process (S05). That is, the fare for the passenger's operation from the current boarding to the arrival is fixed, and the fare is settled by the payment terminal 16. In addition, the doors are unlocked and automatically opened and closed to complete passenger disembarkation.

If the system detects another passenger after the passenger has disembarked, that is, after switching to "empty", the process returns to step S01 or S02 to repeat the operation of the unmanned taxi vehicle.

<Characteristic operation example of the system>
FIG. 5 shows the operation of the taximeter on-board unit 10 regarding a characteristic operation example in the taximeter system of the embodiment of the present invention. The operation shown in FIG. 5 will be described below.

In step S11, the taxi management unit 11 of the taximeter in-vehicle device 10 identifies whether or not the own vehicle (unmanned taxi vehicle) has detected the boarding of a new passenger in the "empty" state. When the boarding is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S12.

In step S12, the taxi management unit 11 switches the operating state of its own vehicle (unmanned taxi vehicle) from the "empty vehicle" to the "actual vehicle" state, and then accepts the input of destination information from the user by the remote controller 19 with a microphone or the smartphone 22. ..

In step S13, the taxi management unit 11 uses the GPS receiver 15 to acquire information on the current position of the own vehicle.

In step S14, the taxi management unit 11 transmits the destination information input in step S12 and the location information of the current location acquired in step S13 to the external server 30 via the wireless communication module 13.

On the other hand, in the external server 30, when the taximeter on-board unit 10 of each unmanned taxi vehicle receives the information transmitted in step S14, the route calculation unit 31 determines an appropriate travel route of the corresponding unmanned taxi vehicle based on this information. Calculated automatically. Then, the external server 30 wirelessly transmits the calculated route information representing the planned travel route to the taximeter on-board unit 10.

When the taxi management unit 11 of the taximeter on-board unit 10 receives the route information transmitted by the external server 30 in step S15, the taxi meter proceeds to the next step S16.

In step S16, the taxi management unit 11 gives the automatic driving control unit 21 information on the planned travel route to the destination designated by the passenger based on the route information received from the external server 30. As a result, the automatic driving control unit 21 starts the operation of the own vehicle by automatic driving.

In step S17, the taxi management unit 11 executes a process during traveling of the own vehicle in the “actual vehicle” state. Specifically, the taxi management department calculates the mileage based on the vehicle speed pulse SG1, calculates the elapsed time from the time when the vehicle is switched to the "actual vehicle", updates the current position information, and wirelessly transmits each information to the external server 30. 11 will carry out.

On the other hand, in the external server 30, the fare calculation unit 32 constantly calculates the fare (fare) of the passengers in each unmanned taxi vehicle based on the latest information transmitted from the taximeter in-vehicle device 10. That is, the charge calculation unit 32 calculates the sum of the basic charge determined in advance, the additional charge according to the mileage, the additional charge according to the elapsed time, and the like as the charge. The external server 30 sequentially wirelessly transmits the charge information calculated by the charge calculation unit 32 to the taximeter on-board unit 10 mounted on the corresponding unmanned taxi vehicle.

The taxi management unit 11 of the taximeter on-board unit 10 receives the charge information transmitted by the external server 30 in step S18. Then, the taxi management unit 11 that has received the latest fare information updates the display content of the fare presented to the passenger in step S19. The display of this charge is displayed on, for example, the screen of the display 21a, the screen of the remote controller 19 with a microphone, the screen of the smartphone 22 and the like.

At least one of the external server 30 and the taximeter on-board unit 10 determines whether or not the destination, that is, the destination has been reached by sequentially comparing the destination position of the unmanned taxi vehicle specified by the passenger with the current position. Identify. When the external server 30 or the taximeter on-board unit 10 detects that the vehicle has arrived at the destination and the vehicle has stopped (for example, the vehicle speed has become 0), the process proceeds to "arrival processing" in steps S20 to S21.

Details of this "arrival processing" are shown in FIG. The “arrival processing” of FIG. 6 will be described below.

In step S31, the passenger is notified that the taximeter on-board unit 10 has arrived at the destination by using the voice output. For example, the taxi management unit 11 gives the data representing the message "arrival at the destination" to the voice synthesis unit 24, and outputs the voice of this message from the speaker 20.

In step S32, the fare calculation unit 32 determines the fare by the instruction of the taxi management unit 11 or by the automatic identification of the fare calculation unit 32 on the external server 30. As a result, the state of the taximeter on-board unit 10 shifts to the "payment" state, and the payment process is executed. Here, the taximeter on-board unit 10 notifies the smartphone 22 of information representing the amount of the charge determined by the charge calculation unit 32.

When the predetermined application software is activated on the smartphone 22, data communication is performed between the application software and the payment terminal 16 to execute a predetermined electronic payment process (S33).

For example, the smartphone 22 reads the information recorded on the credit card 25 with the card reader 22A, further accepts the user input for identity verification, and the smartphone 22 transmits the information necessary for payment to the payment terminal 16. The payment terminal 16 communicates with a predetermined management center that manages the credit card 25 by using the wireless communication module 13, and performs a payment procedure for settling the fare this time with the credit card 25. Execute. Information indicating the success or failure of the settlement result is transmitted from the management center to the settlement terminal 16.

The payment terminal 16 of the taximeter on-board unit 10 receives information indicating the success or failure of the payment result from the management center (S34). Then, when the payment terminal 16 recognizes that the payment has been completed normally, the process proceeds from S35 to S36, and if the payment is not completed, the process returns to S33.

When the settlement is completed normally, the taxi management unit 11 creates the receipt data based on the information of the result. Further, the taxi management unit 11 prints this data on paper in S36 using the printer 16A and issues a receipt.

In step S37, the taxi management unit 11 outputs the door lock signal SG4 and controls a door lock mechanism (not shown) to unlock the door of the vehicle. Further, in the case of a vehicle equipped with an automatic opening / closing door, the taxi management unit 11 controls the door for passengers to get off automatically.

Further, the taxi management unit 11 identifies in S38 whether or not the passengers have completed disembarkation based on the image of the in-vehicle camera 17, and when the completion of disembarkation is detected, the "arrival processing" in FIG. Return to step S11 of step 5. Further, when the passenger's payment is completed and the passenger's disembarkation is detected, the state of the taximeter on-board unit 10 is automatically switched from "payment" to "empty car". Then, the same operation as described above is repeated from step S11.

Since the above-mentioned payment terminal 16 is equipped with a function of electronically performing payment processing using a credit card 25 or the like, it does not have a function of handling cash. However, if the passenger does not have the credit card 25, or the electronic payment may fail due to the expiration of the credit card 25 or the like. Therefore, a function for handling cash may be added to the payment terminal 16.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the payment terminal 50 including the cash collection function. On the front panel of the payment terminal 50 shown in FIG. 7, a display unit 51, a cash receiving unit 52, a bill insertion unit 53, a coin slot 54, a change return unit 55, a receipt issuing unit 56, a return button 57, and A checkout button 58 is provided.

When using the payment terminal 50 shown in FIG. 7, when the passenger arrives at the destination, the fare is displayed on the display unit 51, so that the passenger operates the settlement button 58 to determine the cash receiving unit 52. Cash settlement can be made by inserting the cash of. Further, when the passenger operates the return button 57, the change is returned to the change return unit 55, so that the passenger can receive the change.

In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the charge is settled using the passenger's credit card 25, but for example, the debit card system is used to automatically withdraw from the passenger's bank account. Or you may settle with electronic money or Bitcoin.

Regarding the connection between the taximeter on-board unit 10 and the smartphone 22, for example, it is assumed that a wired connection, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wifi, or the like is used.

<Advantages of taximeter system>
In the above-mentioned taximeter system, when the taximeter arrives at the destination, the taximeter on-board unit 10 automatically notifies that the arrival has arrived by using the speaker 20, so that the case is an unmanned taxi in which there is no driver. However, passengers can know that they have arrived.

In addition, passengers and taximeter systems do not need to handle cash because they can make electronic payments using a credit card or the like when they arrive at their destination and settle their fares. This improves passenger convenience and makes it possible to improve the security of the taximeter system. Further, by making a payment using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone 22 possessed by the passenger, the convenience and safety of the passenger are further improved.

In addition, the taximeter system described above automatically unlocks the door when the settlement related to the fare settlement is completed normally, so that it is possible to prevent passengers from getting off before the fare settlement. That is, even in the case of an unmanned taxi in which there is no driver, it is possible to reliably collect the fare from the passengers.

Here, the features of the taximeter system according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention are briefly summarized and listed below [1] to [4], respectively.
[1] Vehicle-side device (taximeter on-board unit 10) mounted on the vehicle,
An external device (external server 30) connected to the vehicle-side device by wireless communication,
With
The vehicle-side device includes a boarding detection unit (passenger state detection unit 12) that detects passengers' boarding on the vehicle, and a vehicle-side device.
When the passenger's boarding on the vehicle is detected by the boarding detection unit, the destination input unit (remote controller 19 with a microphone, etc.) that accepts the input of the destination information of the passenger,
The current location information acquisition unit (GPS receiver 15) that acquires the current location information of the vehicle at predetermined time intervals, and
A vehicle-side communication unit (wireless communication module 13) that transmits the destination information and the current location information to the external device, and
It has an in-vehicle information notification unit (speech synthesis unit 24) that notifies information to the passengers.
The external device is
The fare calculation unit (32) that calculates the fare for the passengers,
It has an external communication unit (wireless communication device 38) that transmits the calculated charge to the vehicle side communication unit.
The charge calculation unit starts calculating the charge when the destination information is input, and determines that the point represented by the current location information matches the point represented by the destination information, and determines the charge (S32). ,
When the point represented by the current location information coincides with the point represented by the destination information, the vehicle-mounted information notification unit notifies that the destination corresponding to the destination information has arrived (S31).
A taximeter system that features that.

[2] The vehicle-side device further includes an in-vehicle payment terminal (payment terminal 16).
When the point represented by the current location information matches the point represented by the destination information, the in-vehicle payment terminal communicates with the customer terminal (smartphone 22) owned by the passenger, and the charge calculation unit is determined. Execution of the settlement process of the said charge (S33),
The taximeter system according to the above [1].

[3] The vehicle-side device further includes a door lock control unit (door lock signal SG4) that controls locking and unlocking of the door of the vehicle.
When the door lock control unit detects that the payment process of the charge in the in-vehicle payment terminal has been normally completed, the door lock control unit automatically unlocks the door of the vehicle (S37).
The taximeter system according to the above [2].

[4] The vehicle-side device further includes a printer (16A) that prints information on a predetermined sheet of paper.
When the in-vehicle payment terminal normally completes the payment processing of the charge, the printer executes printing of a receipt representing the payment (S36).
The taximeter system according to the above [2].

10 On-board unit 11 Taxi management unit 12 Passenger status detection unit 13 Wireless communication module 14 Boarding / alighting detection unit 15 GPS receiver 16 Payment terminal 16A Printer 17 On-board camera 18 Microphone 19 Remote control with microphone 20 Speaker 21 Automatic operation control unit 21a Display 22 Smartphone 22A Card reader 23 ETC on-board unit 24 Voice synthesis unit 25 Credit card 30 External server 31 Route calculation unit 32 Charge calculation unit 33 Vehicle inspection department 34 Vehicle allocation processing department 35 Information provision department 36 Passenger management department 37a Map information database 37b Vehicle information database 37c Ride demand database 37d Commercial facility database 37e Personal information database 38 Wireless communication device SG4 Door lock signal

Claims (4)

Vehicle-side equipment mounted on the vehicle and
An external device connected to the vehicle-side device by wireless communication,
With
The vehicle-side device includes a boarding detection unit that detects the boarding of a passenger in the vehicle, and a boarding detection unit.
When the passenger's boarding on the vehicle is detected by the boarding detection unit, the destination input unit that accepts the input of the passenger's destination information, and the destination input unit.
The current location information acquisition unit that acquires the current location information of the vehicle at predetermined time intervals, and
A vehicle-side communication unit that transmits the destination information and the current location information to the external device, and
It has an in-vehicle information notification unit that notifies information to the passengers.
The external device is
A fare calculation unit that calculates the fare for the passengers,
It has an external communication unit that transmits the calculated charge to the vehicle-side communication unit.
The charge calculation unit starts calculating the charge when the destination information is input, and determines that the point represented by the current location information matches the point represented by the destination information, determines the charge, and determines the charge.
When the point represented by the current location information coincides with the point represented by the destination information, the vehicle-mounted information notification unit notifies that the destination corresponding to the destination information has arrived.
A taximeter system that features that. The vehicle-side device further includes an in-vehicle payment terminal.
When the point represented by the current location information coincides with the point represented by the destination information, the in-vehicle payment terminal communicates with the customer terminal owned by the passenger, and the charge calculation unit determines the charge. Execute payment processing,
The taximeter system according to claim 1. The vehicle-side device further includes a door lock control unit that controls locking and unlocking of the door of the vehicle.
When the door lock control unit detects that the payment process of the charge in the in-vehicle payment terminal is normally completed, the door lock control unit automatically unlocks the door of the vehicle.
The taximeter system according to claim 2. The vehicle-side device further includes a printer that prints information on a predetermined sheet of paper.
When the in-vehicle payment terminal normally completes the payment process of the charge, the printer executes printing of a receipt representing the payment.
The taximeter system according to claim 2.

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