Information processing system

Abstract

Disclosed is an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system. The information processing device includes a controller configured to acquire an actual result of a predetermined action for maintaining a commodity value of a first vehicle performed by a first user who has rented the first vehicle from a first service that is a rental service of vehicles, and configured to provide a reward to the first user if the actual result of the predetermined action is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to vehicle rental services. Background Technology

[0002] There are known contract types that involve renting a vehicle to a user for a certain period of time. Such contract types are also called lease contracts or purchase contracts, etc. As a related technology, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-122107 discloses a system that provides free car wash services to users based on the presence or absence of a lease contract. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides effective techniques for suppressing the decline in the commodity value of vehicles used in rental services.

[0004] The first aspect of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus including a controller. The controller is configured to obtain the actual performance of a predetermined action performed by a first user who rents a first vehicle from a first service that is a vehicle rental service, for maintaining the commodity value of the first vehicle, and is configured to provide a reward to the first user if the actual performance of the predetermined action is above a predetermined benchmark.

[0005] The predetermined behavior includes the behavior of cleaning the first vehicle, and the controller is configured to determine that the actual performance of the predetermined behavior is above the predetermined benchmark when the frequency of occurrence of the behavior of cleaning the first vehicle is above a first threshold.

[0006] The predetermined behavior includes the behavior of applying body paint to the first vehicle, and the controller is configured to determine that the actual performance of the predetermined behavior is above the predetermined benchmark when the frequency of the behavior of applying body paint to the first vehicle is above a second threshold.

[0007] The predetermined behavior includes actions for parking the first vehicle in a public parking lot in a location with low parking density. The controller is configured to determine that the actual performance of the predetermined behavior is above the predetermined benchmark when the ratio of the second occurrence frequency of the action for parking the first vehicle in a public parking lot in a location with low parking density to the first occurrence frequency of the action for parking the first vehicle in a public parking lot is above a third threshold.

[0008] The predetermined behavior includes a second service for utilizing the commodity value of the vehicle, and the controller is configured to determine that the actual performance of the predetermined behavior is above the predetermined benchmark when the frequency of a third occurrence of the behavior for utilizing the second service is above a fourth threshold.

[0009] The second service is a platform service that handles procedures for entrusting operations to operators who perform operations to maintain the commodity value of vehicles.

[0010] The first service is a service that grants the right to use the first vehicle to the first user by periodically accepting payments from the first user, and the controller is configured to reduce the fees as a reward.

[0011] The first service is a service that sets an upper limit on the driving distance of the first vehicle, and the controller is configured to extend the upper limit as a reward.

[0012] The controller is configured to provide the right to change functions that are different from those related to the driving performance of the first vehicle, as a reward.

[0013] The second aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method. This information processing method comprises: a first step of obtaining the actual performance of a predetermined action performed by a first user who rents a first vehicle through a first service as a vehicle rental service, for maintaining the commodity value of the first vehicle; and a second step of providing a reward to the first user if the actual performance of the predetermined action is above a predetermined benchmark.

[0014] The second step is as follows: if the actual performance of the behavior for utilizing the second service associated with maintaining the value of the vehicle's goods during the predetermined period is above the fourth threshold, then the actual performance of the predetermined behavior is determined to be above the predetermined benchmark, and the predetermined behavior has the behavior for utilizing the second service.

[0015] The second service is a platform service that handles procedures for entrusting operations to operators who perform operations to maintain the commodity value of vehicles.

[0016] The first service is a service that grants the right to use the first vehicle to the first user by periodically accepting payments from the first user, and in the second step, the fees are reduced as a reward.

[0017] The first service is a service that sets an upper limit on the driving distance of the first vehicle, and in the second step, the upper limit is extended as a reward.

[0018] In the second step, as a reward, the right to change functions that are different from those related to the driving performance of the first vehicle is provided.

[0019] The third aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system comprising: a first device configured to perform processing related to a first service, namely a vehicle rental service; and a second device configured to provide online a second service associated with the maintenance of a vehicle rented in the first service. The first device is configured to obtain from the second device actual utilization performance of the second service by a first user who rented the first vehicle from the first service, and is configured to provide a reward to the first user if the actual utilization performance of the second service exceeds a predetermined benchmark.

[0020] The first device is configured to determine that the actual utilization performance of the second service is above the predetermined benchmark when the frequency of the behavior of utilizing the second service is above the fourth threshold.

[0021] The first service is a service that grants the right to use the first vehicle to the first user by periodically accepting payments from the first user, and the first device is configured to reduce the cost as a reward.

[0022] The first service is a service that sets an upper limit on the driving distance of the first vehicle, and the first device is configured to extend the upper limit as a reward.

[0023] The first device is configured to provide the right to change functions that are different from those related to the driving performance of the first vehicle as a reward.

[0024] Other embodiments of this disclosure may include an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a non-transitory storage medium storing the information processing program.

[0025] According to the first, second, and third methods of this disclosure, it is possible to provide effective technology in suppressing the decline in the commodity value of vehicles used in rental services. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an overview of the vehicle rental system.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram that roughly illustrates the structure of the contract management server, reservation management server, and user terminals included in a vehicle rental system.

[0029] Figure 3This is a diagram showing the first example of a browser screen displayed on a user's terminal.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a second example of a browser screen displayed on a user's terminal.

[0031] Figure 5 This is the third example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal by a browser.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a contract information table.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a table displaying actual performance information.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing routine executed by the contract management server upon receiving job information from the appointment management server.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine executed by the contract management server at a predetermined time. Detailed Implementation

[0036] One aspect of this disclosure is the information processing apparatus for processing related to a vehicle rental service. The rental service is, for example, a service in which the right to use a vehicle is granted to the user by periodic (e.g., monthly or annual) payments from the user during the contract period. Such a rental service is also referred to as leasing or ordering (hereinafter, sometimes also referred to as "first service").

[0037] After the contract period for the first service ends, the vehicle is either rented to other users or sold as a used car. At this point, the higher the vehicle's commodity value, the easier it is to find borrowers or buyers, and the easier it is to rent or sell at a higher price. There is a trend that the closer the condition of each part of the vehicle is to its new car condition, the higher its commodity value. Therefore, if the decline in the vehicle's commodity value during the contract period can be minimized, the vehicle can be effectively utilized after the contract period ends.

[0038] Therefore, the information processing apparatus of this disclosure performs processing to motivate users utilizing the first service to maintain the commodity value of the vehicle. Specifically, the control unit of the information processing apparatus obtains the actual performance of the predetermined actions performed by the first user renting the first vehicle through the first service to maintain the commodity value of the first vehicle. If the actual performance of the predetermined actions performed by the first user is above a predetermined benchmark, the control unit provides a reward to the first user. Thus, it is possible to motivate the first user utilizing the first service to perform the predetermined actions. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the decline in the commodity value of the vehicle during the contract period.

[0039] The "pre-arranged action" in this disclosure can also be an action that accompanies the first service but is not attached to the first action, which is an action to maintain the commodity value of the first vehicle. For example, an action to suppress the deterioration of the body of the first vehicle can be cited as such a pre-arranged action. If the deterioration of the body of the first vehicle during the contract period can be suppressed, the commodity value of the first vehicle after the contract period ends can be increased.

[0040] The deterioration of the vehicle body includes the deterioration of the paint finish. One effective method to suppress the deterioration of the paint finish is to wash the vehicle body at a certain frequency. Therefore, in the control unit of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure, if the frequency of the action of washing the vehicle body is above a first threshold, it can be determined that the actual performance of the predetermined action is above a predetermined benchmark. This can motivate the first user to wash the vehicle body at a frequency above the first threshold. Furthermore, the first threshold is the minimum car wash frequency that can suppress the deterioration of the paint finish, for example, a frequency of washing the car body approximately twice a month. Additionally, the car wash operation can be performed by the first user themselves or by a business or other entity commissioned by the first user. Therefore, the action of washing the vehicle body includes the first user washing the vehicle themselves and the first user commissioning a business or other entity to wash the vehicle.

[0041] As an effective method to suppress the deterioration of the vehicle body paint, there is also a method of performing body painting on the first vehicle at a certain frequency. Therefore, in the control unit of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure, if the frequency of the act of performing body painting on the first vehicle is a second threshold or higher, it can be determined that the actual performance of the predetermined act is above a predetermined benchmark. This can motivate the first user to perform body painting on the first vehicle at a frequency of the second threshold or higher. Furthermore, the second threshold is the minimum frequency required to suppress the deterioration of the body paint, for example, a frequency of performing body painting every few months or every few years. In addition, the body painting operation can be performed by the first user himself or by a merchant commissioned by the first user. Therefore, the act of performing body painting on the first vehicle includes the first user performing body painting himself or the first user commissioning a merchant to perform body painting.

[0042] Furthermore, the deterioration of the vehicle body also includes damage to the body. One effective method to suppress body damage is to park the vehicle in a location where it is less likely to be scratched by other vehicles, such as in a public parking lot. A location where the vehicle is less likely to be scratched by other vehicles is, for example, a low-density parking area (parking zone) within a public parking lot. Therefore, in the control unit of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure, if the frequency of the action of parking the vehicle in a low-density parking area within a public parking lot is greater than or equal to a third threshold relative to the frequency of the action of parking the vehicle in a public parking lot, it can be determined that the actual performance of the predetermined action is greater than or equal to the predetermined benchmark. This can encourage the first user to actively park the vehicle in a low-density parking area when parking in a public parking lot. Furthermore, the third threshold is, for example, a ratio of 60% to 70% or more.

[0043] The "pre-planned action" in this disclosure can also be an action for utilizing a second service related to maintaining the commodity value of the vehicle. The second service is, for example, a maintenance service not included in the first service (e.g., vehicle washing or vehicle body painting) that effectively maintains the commodity value of the vehicle. The higher the frequency of use of such a second service, the easier it is to maintain the commodity value of the first vehicle. Therefore, in the control unit of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure, if the frequency of the action for utilizing the second service is a fourth threshold or higher, it can be determined that the actual performance of the pre-planned action is above a predetermined benchmark. This can thus motivate the first user to utilize the second service at a frequency of the fourth threshold or higher. Furthermore, the fourth threshold is the minimum frequency of use required to maintain the commodity value of the first vehicle.

[0044] Here, the second service can be operated by the vendor performing the maintenance work, or by the provider of the first service or an operator associated with the provider of the first service. If the second service is operated by the provider of the first service or an operator associated with the provider of the first service, the second service can also be a platform service that handles the procedures for entrusting the maintenance work to the vendor providing the aforementioned maintenance work.

[0045] Here, in the case where the first service grants the right to use the first vehicle to the first user by periodically receiving payment from the first user, the control department may also reduce the aforementioned fees as a reward.

[0046] In addition, if the first service is a service that sets an upper limit on the driving distance of the first vehicle, the control unit may extend the aforementioned upper limit as a reward.

[0047] In addition, the control unit may also provide the right, as a reward, to change functions that are different from those related to the driving performance of the first vehicle. Examples of "functions that are different from those related to the driving performance of the first vehicle" include, for instance, changing the turn signal illumination method to a different method than the default, changing the instrument panel display pattern to a different pattern than the default, and upgrading the content that can be played by the in-vehicle multimedia equipment.

[0048] <Implementation Method>

[0049] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the structures described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure to these specific structures.

[0050] (System Overview)

[0051] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an outline of a vehicle rental system using the information processing apparatus of this disclosure. The vehicle rental system in this embodiment is configured to include a contract management server 100 for managing rental contracts for vehicle 1, a reservation management server 200 for making reservations for maintenance work on vehicle 1, and a user terminal 300.

[0052] The contract management server 100 is a server device that performs various processes related to the rental service of vehicle 1 (equivalent to the "first service" of this disclosure), and is an example of the "information processing device (first device)" of this disclosure. The contract management server 100 is operated by a first operator and manages rental contracts signed between the first operator and users. A rental contract is a contract in which the user registers the user as a user of vehicle 1 owned by the first operator with a public institution by paying a monthly usage fee. The contract period of the rental contract can be selected by the user from multiple periods (e.g., 3 years, 5 years, 7 years) determined by the first operator.

[0053] Furthermore, the contract management server 100 determines the reward to be provided to the user based on the actual performance of the pre-booked actions performed by the user, and sends information related to the determined reward (reward information) to the user terminal 300 used by the user. In this example, the pre-booked action is the act of entrusting the maintenance work of vehicle 1 to a merchant through the reservation management server 200 (described later) to maintain the commodity value of vehicle 1.

[0054] The appointment management server 200 is a server device that performs various processes related to appointment services for maintenance work (equivalent to the second service of this disclosure), and is an example of the "second device" of this disclosure. The appointment management server 200 is operated by a second operator and manages appointments for maintenance work that can be provided by merchants cooperating with the second operator. Maintenance work that can be provided by merchants cooperating with the second operator refers to maintenance work that is effective in maintaining the commodity value of vehicle 1. Such maintenance work includes, for example, washing vehicle 1 and painting the vehicle body.

[0055] The appointment management server 200 schedules maintenance jobs based on requests from user terminals 300. The request is a message requesting the appointment of a maintenance job desired by the user. The appointment is then made with vendors capable of providing the desired maintenance job. Furthermore, the appointment management server 200 provides information related to the scheduled maintenance job (job information) to the contract management server 100. This job information can be provided from the appointment management server 200 to the contract management server 100 either at the scheduled completion time of the maintenance job or at the completion time of the maintenance job performed by the vendor.

[0056] User terminal 300 is a computer used by the user who has signed a vehicle 1 rental contract with the first operator. The user can access the reservation management server 200 through user terminal 300 to request reservations for maintenance work.

[0057] (System Structure)

[0058] Figure 2 This is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the structure of the contract management server 100, the reservation management server 200, and the user terminal 300 included in the vehicle rental system of this embodiment.

[0059] User terminal 300 is a computer for personal use, such as a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet computer, or personal information terminal. User terminal 300 is configured to include a communication unit 301, a control unit 302, a storage unit 303, and an input / output unit 304.

[0060] Communication unit 301 is a communication interface used to connect user terminal 300 to a network. Communication unit 301 connects to the network, for example, using a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Communication unit 301 can also connect to the network using mobile communication services such as 5G (5th Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution), or wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi. The network is a WAN (Wide Area Network) or other communication network, such as the Internet, which is a global public communication network. Communication unit 301 communicates with other devices (e.g., contract management server 100 or reservation management server 200) via the network.

[0061] The control unit 302 is a computing device that manages the control operations performed by the user terminal 300. The control unit 302 may be composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In this example, the control unit 302 has the function of enabling interaction with the user. For example, the control unit 302 implements the function of prompting the user for maintenance jobs that can be scheduled via the appointment management server 200, accepting the user's selection of desired maintenance jobs, and sending requests related to the maintenance jobs selected by the user to the appointment management server 200. These functions may be implemented, for example, through a web browser operating on the user terminal 300 or an application installed on the user terminal 300.

[0062] The storage unit 303 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device serves as a recording area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary storage device or as a buffer for temporarily storing the calculation results of the control unit 302. The main storage device may include, for example, semiconductor memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage device stores programs executed by the control unit 302 and data used during program execution. The auxiliary storage device may include, for example, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage device may also include a removable medium, such as a portable recording medium. The removable medium may be a disc recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In addition to the operating system (OS), programs stored on secondary storage devices may also include applications used to implement the aforementioned interactions. Furthermore, some or all of the information stored on secondary storage devices may also be stored on primary storage devices.

[0063] The input / output unit 304 accepts input operations from the user and provides prompts to the user. The input / output unit 304 may be configured to include, for example, a touch panel display and its control circuitry.

[0064] The structure of user terminal 300 is not limited to Figure 2 The examples shown demonstrate how to appropriately add, modify, or omit constituent elements.

[0065] Next, the appointment management server 200 will be described. The appointment management server 200 is a device that prompts users for maintenance jobs offered by vendors cooperating with a second operator and schedules the maintenance jobs selected by the user. The appointment management server 200 can also be configured as a web server capable of interacting with the user terminal 300. In this case, the user terminal 300 accesses the web server via a browser, and can be prompted for maintenance jobs that can be scheduled through the appointment management server 200. Furthermore, the user terminal 300 can send a request related to the maintenance job selected by the user to the appointment management server 200 via a browser. Thus, the user can easily schedule maintenance jobs. In addition, the appointment management server 200 can also provide services using units other than a web server. For example, the appointment management server 200 can also execute a service that interacts with an application installed on the user terminal 300 according to a predetermined protocol.

[0066] The reservation management server 200, which performs the above functions, can be constructed from a general-purpose computer. That is, the reservation management server 200 is configured to include a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, and a storage unit 203.

[0067] Communication unit 201 is a communication interface used to connect reservation management server 200 to a network. For example, communication unit 201 is connected to the network via LAN or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and communicates with other devices (e.g., contract management server 100 or user terminal 300) via the network.

[0068] The control unit 202, composed of a processor, manages the control performed by the reservation management server 200. In this example, the control unit 202 includes functional modules such as a reservation unit 2021 and a sending unit 2022. These functional modules are implemented by the processor executing programs stored in the storage unit 203. Furthermore, some or all of these functional modules can also be implemented using hardware circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0069] The reservation unit 2021 implements the aforementioned web server to interact with the user terminal 300. For example, the reservation unit 2021 uses... Figure 3 The screen shown is displayed on the browser of user terminal 300. That is, the scheduling unit 2021 includes a drop-down menu for selecting maintenance jobs. Figure 3 D1 in the drop-down menu is used to select the date and time of the task. Figure 3 D2 in the middle), a drop-down menu for selecting the work area ( Figure 3 D3 in the middle) and used to perform conformance in Figure 3 The search button in D1 to D3 selects the merchant's search criteria. Figure 3 The screen of D4 in the image is displayed in the browser of the user terminal 300.

[0070] exist Figure 3 In the displayed screen, when the search button is pressed while the maintenance job, job date and time, and job area are selected, the reservation department 2021 selects merchants that meet the selected criteria from among the merchants cooperating with the second operator. When selecting merchants that meet the selected criteria, the reservation department 2021... Figure 4 The screen shown is displayed on the browser of user terminal 300. Specifically, the reservation department 2021 displays a button marked with information related to businesses that meet the selected criteria (e.g., job details, fees, store name, and address). Figure 4 The D5 screen is displayed in the browser of the user terminal 300. Furthermore, in Figure 4 The example shown illustrates a scenario where multiple merchants matching the selected criteria are extracted.

[0071] exist Figure 4 When one of the multiple buttons D5 is selected in the screen shown, the reservation unit 2021 will make the following: Figure 5 The screen shown is displayed on the browser of user terminal 300. That is, the reservation unit 2021 includes character information representing the conditions selected by the user (e.g., job content, fee, store name, address, and job date and time) and buttons for selecting whether to execute or cancel the reservation. Figure 5 The D6 screen is displayed in the browser on the user terminal 300. It can also be viewed in... Figure 5 When the Cancel button is selected in the shown screen, the screen displayed on user terminal 300 returns to [the previous screen]. Figure 3 or Figure 4 The scene. On the other hand, in Figure 5 When the reservation button is selected on the screen shown, the reservation unit 2021 makes a reservation for the selected merchant. For example, the reservation unit 2021 sends the job details, job date and time, user information, and vehicle information to the terminal used by the selected merchant. User information includes the user's name and contact information. Vehicle information includes the vehicle model, body color, and registration number of the vehicle 1 being used for the job. User information and vehicle information can also be displayed... Figure 3 Before the user enters information, the user information and vehicle information input screen is displayed on the browser of the user terminal 300 for the user to input.

[0072] Upon completion of the maintenance work reservation made by the Reservation Department 2021, information related to the reservation details is transmitted from the Reservation Department 2021 to the Dispatch Department 2022. This information includes the details of the maintenance work and the registration number of vehicle 1.

[0073] The dispatching unit 2022 sends the job information to the server. The job information includes details of the maintenance job scheduled by the user and information such as the registration number of vehicle 1. This job information is generated based on information transmitted from the scheduling unit 2021 to the dispatching unit 2022. The dispatching unit 2022 sends the generated job information to the contract management server 100 via the communication unit 201.

[0074] Here, the job information can also be sent at the scheduled completion time of the reserved maintenance job. In this case, a job completion notification can also be sent from the vendor's terminal to the reservation management server 200 when the reserved maintenance job is completed. The sending unit 2022 can also send the aforementioned job information to the contract management server 100 triggered by the receipt of the job completion notification.

[0075] The storage unit 203, like the storage unit 303 of the user terminal 300, is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. Furthermore, the program stored in the auxiliary storage device includes programs for implementing the aforementioned functional modules such as the reservation unit 2021 and the transmission unit 2022.

[0076] The structure of the reservation management server 200 is not limited to Figure 2 The examples shown demonstrate how to appropriately add, modify, or omit constituent elements.

[0077] Here, return to Figure 2 This describes the contract management server 100. The contract management server 100 is a device for managing the rental contracts for vehicle 1, and provides rewards to users based on operational information from the reservation management server 200. Such a contract management server 100 can be constructed from a general-purpose computer. That is, the contract management server 100 is configured to include a communication unit 101, a control unit 102, and a storage unit 103.

[0078] The communication unit 101 has the same communication interface as the communication unit 201 of the reservation management server 200, and communicates with other devices (e.g., the reservation management server 200 or the user terminal 300) via the network.

[0079] Like the control unit 202 of the reservation management server 200, the control unit 102 is composed of a processor and manages the control performed by the contract management server 100. In this example, the control unit 102 has functional modules such as a management unit 1021, an acquisition unit 1022, and a provision unit 1023. These functional modules are implemented by the processor executing programs stored in the storage unit 103. Furthermore, some or all of these functional modules can also be implemented using hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0080] Management Unit 1021 manages the actual performance of user-reserved activities. In this example, the reservation activity, as previously described, involves entrusting the maintenance work of vehicle 1 to a merchant via the reservation management server 200. Management Unit 1021 manages the registration content of the actual performance management DB1032 (described later) based on the work information from the reservation management server 200.

[0081] The acquisition unit 1022 accesses the actual performance management DB1032 (described below) to obtain the actual performance results of the user's predetermined actions. The actual performance results of the user's predetermined actions obtained by the acquisition unit 1022 are then transmitted to the provision unit 1023.

[0082] The providing unit 1023 provides rewards to users whose actual performance in a pre-defined activity meets or exceeds a predetermined benchmark. Specifically, the providing unit 1023 determines whether the actual performance of a pre-defined activity performed by a user meets or exceeds a predetermined benchmark. For example, if the number of times a user requests a car wash via the reservation management server 200 in a month is a first threshold (e.g., 2 to 3 times) or more, the providing unit 1023 determines that the actual performance of the pre-defined activity meets or exceeds the predetermined benchmark. Similarly, if the number of times a user requests a vehicle body painting via the reservation management server 200 in a month is a second threshold (e.g., 1 time) or more, the providing unit 1023 determines that the actual performance of the pre-defined activity meets or exceeds the predetermined benchmark. Furthermore, if the total number of times a user requests a car wash via the reservation management server 200 in a month and the total number of times a user requests a vehicle body painting via the reservation management server 200 in a month equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold (equivalent to the "fourth threshold" of this disclosure), the actual performance of the pre-defined activity is determined to meet or exceeds the predetermined benchmark. If the actual performance of the behavior determined to be predetermined is above the predetermined benchmark, the providing unit 1023 provides a reward to the user.

[0083] The reward provided by the provision department 1023 may also be related to the rental contract for vehicle 1. Users who sign a rental contract for vehicle 1 are required to pay a monthly usage fee. Therefore, the provision department 1023 may reduce the monthly usage fee as a reward provided to the user. The reduction in monthly usage fee may occur only in the month following the month in which the actual performance of the planned activity exceeds the predetermined benchmark, or it may occur over a period of several months from the month following the month in which the actual performance of the planned activity exceeds the predetermined benchmark. Furthermore, the length of the period for reducing monthly usage fee may vary depending on the content of the planned activity. For example, compared to the case where the planned activity is a car wash, if the planned activity is a car body painting, the aforementioned period may be longer. Additionally, the degree of reduction in monthly usage fee may vary depending on the content of the planned activity. For example, compared to the case where the planned activity is a car wash, if the planned activity is a car body painting, the aforementioned reduction degree may be greater.

[0084] Furthermore, the reward provided by the provision unit 1023 can also be a mitigation of the restrictions imposed in the rental contract. For example, a restriction imposed in the rental contract might be a monthly driving distance limit. If the monthly driving distance exceeds the limit, the user may incur additional charges on top of the monthly usage fee. Therefore, the provision unit 1023 can extend this limit as a reward for the user. This extension can occur either only in the month following the month in which the actual performance of the planned activity exceeds the predetermined benchmark, or over a period of several months from the month following the month in which the actual performance of the planned activity exceeds the predetermined benchmark. Furthermore, the length of the period for extending the limit can be varied depending on the content of the planned activity. For example, compared to the case where the planned activity is a car wash, the period can be longer if the planned activity is a car body painting. Additionally, the degree of extension of the limit can also be varied depending on the content of the planned activity. For example, compared to the case where the planned activity is a car wash, the degree of extension of the limit can be increased if the planned activity is a car body painting.

[0085] Furthermore, the rewards provided by the provision department 1023 are not limited to rewards related to the lease agreement for vehicle 1, but may also include the granting of rights to modify vehicle 1. Regarding the term "modification" as used herein, functions that differ from those related to the driving performance of vehicle 1 are considered. Such modifications include, for example, changing the turn signal illumination method to a method different from the default illumination method, changing the instrument panel display pattern to a display pattern different from the default display pattern, and upgrading content that can be played by the in-vehicle multimedia equipment (e.g., free provision of VOD services, etc.).

[0086] Furthermore, the content of the rewards provided by the provision department 1023 can also be changed based on the number of times the predetermined behavior occurs in a month. For example, the content of the rewards can be changed based on the number of times the predetermined behavior occurs in a month, such as reducing the monthly usage fee, extending the monthly driving distance limit, or granting the right to change vehicle 1.

[0087] Storage unit 103, like storage unit 203 of reservation management server 200, is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. Furthermore, the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device include programs for implementing the functional modules such as management unit 1021, acquisition unit 1022, and provision unit 1023. Additionally, databases such as contract management DB1031 and actual performance management DB1032 are constructed in the auxiliary storage device. Contract management DB1031 and actual performance management DB1032 are constructed using programs of a DBMS (Database Management System) executed by a processor. Specifically, the DBMS program manages the data stored in the auxiliary storage unit, thereby constructing contract management DB1031 and actual performance management DB1032. Alternatively, contract management DB1031 and actual performance management DB1032 can be constructed as relational databases.

[0088] Contract management DB1031 registers information related to users who have entered into lease contracts with the second operator. Here, according to... Figure 6 This describes a structural example of information registered in Contract Management DB1031. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the table structure for information registered in Contract Management DB1031. The table registered in Contract Management DB1031 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "Contract Information Table") has fields such as User ID, Vehicle ID, Contract Period, Monthly Fees, and Usage Restrictions. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The example shown illustrates a contract information form for a single user. However, if multiple users have signed a lease agreement with the second operator, the contract information form for multiple users is registered in the contract management database DB1031. Furthermore, the structure of the contract information form is not limited to... Figure 6 The example shown allows for the appropriate addition, modification, or deletion of fields.

[0089] The User ID field in the contract information form records information (User ID) used to identify the user who signed the rental contract with the second operator. The User ID is assigned by the second operator when the user signs the rental contract. Alternatively, the User ID can be the user's name or email address, etc. The Vehicle ID field records information (Vehicle ID) used to identify the vehicle rented to the user who signed the rental contract with the second operator. In this example, the registration number of vehicle 1 is used as the Vehicle ID. The Monthly Fee field records the monthly usage fee specified in the rental contract. The Usage Limit field records the maximum monthly mileage allowed.

[0090] Next, the Actual Performance Management DB1032 will be explained. The Actual Performance Management DB1032 records information related to the actual performance of pre-booked activities performed by users who have signed a lease agreement with the second operator. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the table structure for information registered in the Actual Performance Management DB1032. The table registered in the Actual Performance Management DB1032 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "Actual Performance Information Table") has fields for Vehicle ID, User ID, and Actual Performance, among others. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 The example shown illustrates the actual performance information table for one vehicle. However, if multiple vehicles are rented out through a lease agreement, the actual performance information table for all vehicles is registered in the Actual Performance Management DB1032. Furthermore, the structure of the actual performance information table is not limited to... Figure 7 The example shown allows for the appropriate addition, modification, or deletion of fields.

[0091] In the Vehicle ID field of the Actual Performance Information table, the Vehicle ID of Vehicle 1, which was rented out through the rental contract, is recorded. The Vehicle ID recorded in the Vehicle ID field of the Actual Performance Information table is the same as the Vehicle ID recorded in the aforementioned Contract Information Table. In the User ID field, the User ID of the user who rented Vehicle 1 is recorded. The User ID recorded in the User ID field of the Actual Performance Information table is the same as the User ID recorded in the aforementioned Contract Information Table. In the Actual Performance field, information related to the actual performance of the scheduled actions is recorded. In this example, the Actual Performance field records the number of times the scheduled actions occurred according to the content of the maintenance work. The content of the maintenance work is the maintenance work entrusted by the user through the appointment management server 200. In this example, it includes car washing and body painting. The number of times the scheduled actions occurred is the number of times the scheduled actions occurred in a month. For example, if the car washing action entrusted through the appointment management server 200 occurs twice in a month, it is recorded as 2 times / month as the number of times corresponding to car washing. In addition, if the body painting action entrusted through the appointment management server 200 occurs once in a month, it is recorded as 1 time / month as the number of times corresponding to body painting. These occurrence counts are managed by the management department 1021. Specifically, whenever the management department 1021 receives job information from the reservation management server 200, it updates the occurrence count in the actual performance field. Additionally, whenever the month changes, the management department 1021 resets the occurrence count in the actual performance field to zero.

[0092] Furthermore, the structure of the contract management server 100 is not limited to Figure 2 The examples shown demonstrate how to appropriately add, modify, or omit constituent elements.

[0093] (Processing flow)

[0094] Here, according to Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 This describes the processing flow executed by the contract management server 100. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing routine executed by the contract management server 100 upon receiving job information from the reservation management server 200. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing routines executed by the contract management server 100 at predetermined times (e.g., times when the month changes). Furthermore, Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The execution entity of the processing routine is the control unit 102 (processor) of the contract management server 100, but here we will describe it based on the functional modules of the contract management server 100.

[0095] First of all, Figure 8In the process, when the communication unit 101 of the contract management server 100 receives job information from the reservation management server 200 (step 101), the management unit 1021 uses the registration number contained in the job information as an independent variable to access the actual performance management DB 1032, thereby determining the actual performance information table of vehicle 1, which is the object of the maintenance job (step 102). When the management unit 1021 finishes the processing of step 102, it executes the processing of step 103.

[0096] In step 103, the management unit 1021 updates the occurrence count of the predetermined action in the actual performance information table determined in step 102. Specifically, the management unit 1021 determines the content of the maintenance work booked by the user based on the work information. Then, the management unit 1021 increments the occurrence count corresponding to the determined maintenance work content by one in the actual performance field of the actual performance information table. For example, if the maintenance work booked by the user through the appointment management server 200 is a car wash, the management unit 1021 increments the occurrence count corresponding to a car wash by one. Similarly, if the maintenance work booked by the user through the appointment management server 200 is a vehicle body painting, the management unit 1021 increments the occurrence count corresponding to vehicle body painting by one. After executing step 103, the execution of this processing routine ends.

[0097] Next, in Figure 9 In this process, at a predetermined time, the acquisition unit 1022 of the contract management server 100 acquires the actual performance data of the predetermined actions performed by the user who signed a lease contract with the second operator (step 201). Specifically, the acquisition unit 1022 reads the number of times the content of the maintenance operation occurred in the actual performance data field of the actual performance data table registered in the actual performance data information table by accessing the actual performance data management DB 1032. The number of times the content of the maintenance operation occurred is transmitted from the acquisition unit 1022 to the provision unit 1023.

[0098] The providing unit 1023 executes step 202 based on the number of times maintenance jobs are accepted. In step 202, the providing unit 1023 determines the number of times in a month that a user has booked a car wash through the appointment management server 200 among the number of times maintenance jobs are accepted. Figure 9 Is Nwm in the first threshold (?)? Figure 9 If the number of occurrences Nwm is less than the first threshold Thre1 (negative determination in step 202), the providing unit 1023 performs the processing of step 203.

[0099] In step 203, the providing unit 1023 determines the number of times in a month that a user has commissioned vehicle body painting through the appointment management server 200, based on the number of times the maintenance work content has occurred. Figure 9 Is Ncm in the second threshold ( Figure 9 If the number of occurrences Ncm is less than the second threshold Thre2 (negative determination in step 203), the execution of this processing routine ends.

[0100] In addition, if the number of occurrences Nwm is greater than or equal to the first threshold Thre1 (determined in step 202) and if the number of occurrences Ncm is greater than or equal to the second threshold Thre2 (determined in step 203), the providing unit 1023 performs the processing of step 204.

[0101] In step 204, the providing unit 1023 provides a reward to the user. For example, the providing unit 1023 may reduce the monthly usage fee related to the lease contract, extend the monthly driving distance limit, or grant the right to change vehicle 1. When the reward is a reduction in the monthly usage fee, the providing unit 1023 may also reduce the monthly usage fee for the following month or several months thereafter. For example, if the request to the user is based on the amount registered in the monthly fee field of the contract information form, the providing unit 1023 may also reduce the amount registered in the monthly fee field of the contract information form. Furthermore, when the reward is an extension of the monthly driving distance limit, the providing unit 1023 may ensure that no additional fees are incurred for the following month or several months thereafter, even if the monthly driving distance exceeds the limit, as long as the excess is within the extension amount. For example, the providing unit 1023 may also extend the monthly driving distance limit registered in the usage restriction field of the contract information form. In addition, if the reward is provided as a grant of the right to change vehicle 1, the providing unit 1023 may also send a coupon for accepting the change of vehicle 1 free of charge to the user terminal 300.

[0102] Furthermore, in cases where multiple users have signed a lease agreement with the second operator, the execution of the agreement should be handled separately for each of the multiple users. Figure 9 The processing routine.

[0103] According to the implementation method described above, when the actual performance of a predetermined action performed by a user utilizing the rental service exceeds a predetermined benchmark, a reward is provided to the user. This incentivizes users utilizing the rental service to achieve an actual performance exceeding the predetermined benchmark. Since the predetermined action is for maintaining the commodity value of vehicle 1, if users are motivated to achieve an actual performance exceeding the predetermined benchmark, the decline in the commodity value of vehicle 1 during the rental contract period can be prevented.

[0104] <Variation Example 1>

[0105] In the aforementioned embodiments, the example of a pre-planned action is a user commissioning a car wash or vehicle body painting service through the appointment management server 200. Alternatively, the user's own act of washing the vehicle 1 or performing a vehicle body painting service could also be considered a pre-planned action.

[0106] The occurrence of a user's actions, such as washing vehicle 1 or painting the vehicle 1, can also be determined by analyzing images captured by an onboard camera. For example, if a camera capable of capturing images of the vehicle's surroundings, such as a dashcam, is mounted on vehicle 1, the images captured by that camera can be periodically sent from vehicle 1 to the contract management server 100. The contract management server 100 can also determine whether the actions of washing vehicle 1 or painting the vehicle 1 have occurred by analyzing the images received from vehicle 1. If it is determined that the actions of washing vehicle 1 or painting the vehicle 1 have occurred, the contract management server 100 can update the occurrence count in the actual performance field of the actual performance information table. Then, if the actual performance of a predetermined action exceeds a predetermined benchmark, the contract management server 100 can provide a reward to the user.

[0107] According to this variation, the costs incurred in achieving actual results for a predetermined behavior that exceed a predetermined benchmark can be suppressed, thus increasing the benefits to users based on reward provision. As a result, it is easier to further motivate users to achieve actual results for a predetermined behavior that exceed a predetermined benchmark.

[0108] <Variation Example 2>

[0109] In the aforementioned embodiments, an example of a pre-planned action is the user's act of commissioning a car wash or vehicle body painting service via the appointment management server 200. Alternatively, an action to prevent damage to the vehicle body 1 could also be considered a pre-planned action.

[0110] One effective method to minimize damage to the vehicle body is to park the vehicle 1 in a location where it is less likely to be scratched by other vehicles, such as in a public parking lot. A location where the vehicle 1 is less likely to be scratched by other vehicles is, for example, a low-density parking area in a public parking lot. Therefore, parking the vehicle 1 in a low-density parking area in a public parking lot can be a predetermined action.

[0111] The occurrence of the act of parking vehicle 1 in a low-density parking area in a public parking lot can also be determined by analyzing images captured by an onboard camera. Furthermore, the determination of whether the actual performance of the predetermined act meets or exceeds a predetermined benchmark can be based on the ratio of the number of times the act of parking vehicle 1 in a low-density parking area in a public parking lot (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "the second occurrence") to the number of times the act of parking vehicle 1 in a public parking lot (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "the first occurrence"). For example, if the ratio of the second occurrence to the first occurrence is a third threshold (e.g., 60% to 70%) or higher, the contract management server 100 determines that the actual performance of the predetermined act meets or exceeds the predetermined benchmark.

[0112] According to this variation, users can be motivated to park Vehicle 1 in a low-density parking area in a public parking lot. This reduces the risk of scratches on Vehicle 1 during the lease term. Consequently, it helps to prevent a decrease in the commodity value of Vehicle 1 during the lease term.

[0113] <Other>

[0114] The above-described embodiments and variations are merely examples, and this disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit. For example, some or all of the processing performed in the contract management server 100 may also be performed in the reservation management server 200. Similarly, some or all of the processing performed in the reservation management server 200 may also be performed in the contract management server 100.

[0115] Furthermore, the processes and units described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as they do not create technical contradictions. For example, the implementation methods and variations 1-2 can be combined as much as possible. Moreover, a process described as being performed by one device can also be performed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices can also be performed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware structure used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0116] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer program (information processing program) with the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium capable of storing data and program information and reading it from a computer or the like through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical processes. Examples of such recording media include any type of disk, such as a floppy disk (floppy disk or HDD), or an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, or Blu-ray disc). Additionally, the recording medium can also be a ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, or SSD (Solid State Drive).

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that, include: The first device is configured to perform processing related to the first service, which is a vehicle rental service. as well as The second device is configured to perform processing related to a second service, which is a reservation service for maintenance work arranged with a merchant capable of providing such maintenance work. The maintenance work is for maintaining the commercial value of the vehicle rented in the first service. The second device is configured to perform: A request to schedule the maintenance operation is received from the user terminal of the first user who rented the first vehicle through the first service; Based on the request from the user terminal, a maintenance operation request for the first vehicle is sent to the merchant's terminal, thereby executing the appointment for the maintenance operation of the first vehicle; Upon completion of the appointment for the maintenance work on the first vehicle, the work information related to the appointed maintenance work is sent to the first device. The first device has a database for storing the number of times the maintenance work for the first vehicle occurs within a predetermined period of the scheduled appointment. The first device is configured to perform: Receive the operation information sent from the second device; When the operation information is received from the second device, the number of occurrences stored in the database is updated; Determine whether the number of occurrences stored in the database during the predetermined period is above a predetermined threshold; If it is determined that the number of occurrences during the predetermined period stored in the database exceeds the predetermined threshold, information related to the reward provided to the first user will be sent to the user terminal of the first user.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first service is a service that grants the right to use the first vehicle to the first user by periodically accepting payments from the first user. The reward provided to the first user is a reduction in the cost.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first service is a service that sets an upper limit on the driving distance of the first vehicle. The reward provided to the first user is to extend the upper limit.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reward provided to the first user is the right to change functions that are different from those related to the driving performance of the first vehicle.

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