Server device and system

Abstract

The present invention provides a server device and a system capable of making suggestions more accurately conforming to the demand of a user of a vehicle. The server device includes: a communication unit that performs communication; a storage unit that stores scene information that specifies a suggested scene for a user of the vehicle; and a control unit that uses the scene information to derive suggestions to the user on the basis of attribute information indicating the attributes and environmental information, transmits suggestion information indicating the suggestions to an on-board device of the vehicle, and causes the on-board device to output or execute the suggestions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a server device and system. Background Technology

[0002] When moving by vehicle, users sometimes not only communicate their destination and other requirements to the mobility service provider, but the service provider also makes various suggestions to the user. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that assists in responding to suggestions from mobility service providers.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7223513 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When making recommendations to vehicle users, there is still room to make the recommendations more precisely meet the users' needs.

[0008] The following discloses a server device that can make suggestions that more accurately meet the needs of vehicle users.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The server apparatus disclosed herein includes: a communication unit that communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and receives environmental information obtained from the in-vehicle device via sensors or cameras mounted on the vehicle; a storage unit that stores information representing the attributes of a user of the vehicle and scene information specifying suggested scenarios for the user; and a control unit that uses the scene information and, based on the attribute information representing the attributes and the environmental information, derives suggestions for the user, sends suggestion information representing the suggestions to the in-vehicle device of the vehicle, and causes the in-vehicle device to output or execute the suggestions.

[0011] Another aspect of the server apparatus disclosed herein includes: a communication unit for communicating; a storage unit for storing scenario information specifying a suggested scenario for a user of a vehicle; and a control unit for using the scenario information to derive a suggestion for the user based on attribute information representing the user's attributes and environmental information, sending suggestion information representing the suggestion to an in-vehicle device of the vehicle, and causing the in-vehicle device to output or execute the suggestion.

[0012] The system disclosed herein has an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a server device communicating with the in-vehicle device, wherein the server device uses scenario information that specifies a suggested scenario for a user of the vehicle to derive a suggestion for the user based on attribute information representing the user's attributes and environmental information, and sends the suggestion information representing the suggestion to the in-vehicle device of the vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle device outputs or executes the suggestion.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] Based on the server device and the like disclosed herein, it is possible to make recommendations that more accurately meet the needs of vehicle users. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of an information processing system.

[0016] Figure 2 A sequence diagram illustrating the action steps of an information processing system.

[0017] Figure 3 A sequence diagram illustrating the action steps of an information processing system.

[0018] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the suggested scenario. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a structural example of an information processing system in one embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes one or more server devices 10, terminal devices 12, and an in-vehicle device 14 mounted on a vehicle 13, all connected via a network 11 to each other in a manner capable of information communication. The server devices 10 are, for example, server computers belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system, functioning as servers with various installed functions. The terminal devices 12 are information processing terminals that send or receive various information with the server devices 10, such as personal computers, tablet computers, etc. The vehicle 13 is, for example, a car, a commercial vehicle, etc. The in-vehicle device 14 is, for example, a navigation system with communication and information processing functions. Although the network 11 is, for example, the Internet, it includes ad hoc networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), or other networks or any combination thereof.

[0021] In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 assists in providing various suggestions regarding movement to users using the vehicle 13. The operator providing the suggestions uses the terminal device 12 to configure the server device 10 for these suggestions, and the server device 10 sends suggestion information representing the suggestions to the vehicle-mounted device 14. Specifically, the server device 10 includes a communication unit 101 for communication, a storage unit 102 for storing scenario information that defines suggestion scenarios for vehicle users, and a control unit 103. The control unit 103 uses the scenario information to derive suggestions for the user based on attribute information representing the user's attributes and environmental information, and sends the suggestion information representing the suggestions to the vehicle-mounted device 14, causing the vehicle-mounted device 14 to output or execute the suggestions. Since the attribute information representing the user's attributes and the environmental information representing the vehicle's environment are highly likely to reflect the user's needs, the server device 10 derives suggestions using suggestion scenarios that take into account the user's attributes and the vehicle's environment; therefore, it can provide suggestions that more accurately meet the user's needs.

[0022] Next, an example of the structure of the server device 10 will be described.

[0023] Server device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. Server device 10 can be a single computer or composed of two or more computers connected and working collaboratively in a manner capable of information communication. When server device 10 is composed of two or more computers... Figure 1 The structure shown is appropriately configured on two or more computers.

[0024] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. These communication interfaces may be, for example, LAN interfaces. The communication unit 101 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 103. The server device 10 connects to the network 11 via the communication unit 101 and communicates with the terminal device 12 via the network 11.

[0025] Storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or combinations of at least two of these types, functioning as main storage devices, auxiliary storage devices, or high-speed cache memories. Semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). Storage unit 102 stores information used in the operation of control unit 103 and information obtained through the operation of control unit 103.

[0026] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for specific processing. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 103 controls the various parts of the server device 10 while performing information processing related to the operation of the server device 10.

[0027] The functions of the server device 10 are implemented by a control program executed by a processor included in the control unit 103. The control program is a program that enables the computer to perform functions corresponding to the steps involved in the operation of the server device 10. In other words, the control program is a program for enabling the computer to function as the server device 10. Furthermore, the functions of a portion or part of the server device 10 may also be implemented by dedicated circuitry included in the control unit 103. Alternatively, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory recording or storage medium readable by the server device 10 and read from the medium by the server device 10.

[0028] Next, an example of the structure of the terminal device 12 will be described.

[0029] The terminal device 12 includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, a positioning unit 124, an input unit 125, and an output unit 126.

[0030] The communication unit 121 includes a communication module corresponding to wired or wireless LAN standards, and a module corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The terminal device 12 connects to the network 11 through the communication unit 121 and via a nearby router or mobile communication base station, and communicates with other devices through the network 11.

[0031] Storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these types of memories. Semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. Storage unit 122 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a high-speed cache memory. Storage unit 122 stores information used in the operation of control unit 123 and information obtained through the operation of control unit 123.

[0032] The control unit 123 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 123 controls various parts of the terminal device 12 while performing information processing related to the operation of the terminal device 12.

[0033] The positioning unit 124 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. Among GNSS receivers, for example, it includes at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 124 transmits the positioning result to the control unit 123, and the control unit 123 determines the position information of the terminal device 12.

[0034] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. These input interfaces may include, for example, a microphone for accepting voice input, physical buttons, capacitive buttons, a pointing device, or a touchscreen integrated with the display. The input unit 125 accepts input of information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0035] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface may be, for example, a speaker or a display. The display may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs information obtained through the operation of the control unit 123.

[0036] The functions of the control unit 123 are implemented by a processor included in the control unit 123 executing control and processing programs. These control and processing programs are programs that enable the computer to perform functions corresponding to the steps involved in the actions of the control unit 123. In other words, the control and processing programs are programs used to enable the computer to function as the control unit 123. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 123 may also be implemented by dedicated circuitry included in the control unit 123.

[0037] Next, an example of the structure of the vehicle-mounted device 14 will be described.

[0038] The vehicle-mounted device 14 includes a communication unit 141, a storage unit 142, a control unit 143, a positioning unit 144, an input unit 145, an output unit 146, and a detection unit 147. These parts can be configured as a single control device, or as two or more control devices, or as a control device and other devices such as a communicator. Control devices include, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Communicators include, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module). The various parts are interconnected via an in-vehicle network according to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network), or connected to the equipment of the vehicle 13 in a manner capable of information communication. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 14 can also be configured to include devices equivalent to the terminal device 12.

[0039] The storage unit 142, control unit 143, positioning unit 144, input unit 145, and output unit 146 have the same structure as the storage unit 122, control unit 123, positioning unit 124, input unit 125, and output unit 126 of the terminal device 12.

[0040] The communication unit 141 includes one or more communication interfaces. These communication interfaces are, for example, interfaces corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The communication unit 141 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 143 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 143. The control unit 143 connects to the network 11 via the communication unit 141 and a base station communicating with the mobile unit, and communicates with other devices via the network 11.

[0041] The detection unit 147 has an interface with one or more sensors that detect the state of various parts of the vehicle 13. The interface includes a camera installed inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 13 to capture images of the passenger compartment. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor. The detection unit 147 transmits the captured images, vehicle speed, and other information to the control unit 143.

[0042] The control unit 143 controls the communication unit 141, storage unit 142, positioning unit 144, input unit 145, output unit 146, and detection unit 147 while sending or receiving various information between them, and also controls the movement of the vehicle 13. When the vehicle 13 is in motion, the control unit 143 provides the driver with various information such as the required route information and provides navigation functions via the output unit 146, or controls the automatic driving of the vehicle 13.

[0043] Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram used to explain the operation steps of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 This describes the steps related to the coordinated operation of server device 10, terminal device 12, and vehicle-mounted device 14. Figure 3 This describes the steps related to the collaborative operation of the server device 10 and the vehicle-mounted device 14. Figure 2 , Figure 3The various information processing steps of the server device 10, terminal device 12, and vehicle-mounted device 14 are executed by their respective control units 103, 123, and 143. Furthermore, the steps related to sending or receiving various information of the server device 10, terminal device 12, and vehicle-mounted device 14 are executed by the respective control units 103, 123, and 143 respectively, through communication units 101, 121, and 141. In the server device 10, terminal device 12, and vehicle-mounted device 14, the respective control units 103, 123, and 143 appropriately store the information they send or receive in storage units 102, 122, and 142. Moreover, the control units 123 and 143 of the terminal device 12 and vehicle-mounted device 14 respectively accept various information inputs from the user through input units 125 and 145, and respectively output various information to the user through output units 126 and 146.

[0044] Figure 2 The steps are as follows: When the server device 10 obtains scene information and user attribute information, the steps are as follows.

[0045] In S200, terminal device 12 sends scenario information to server device 10. Scenario information is information that specifies suggested scenarios for users using vehicle 13 for transportation. A suggested scenario specifies what information (action target, destination, etc.) is recommended at what time (period) based on parameters (conditions) such as driver attributes and vehicle environment. For example, when an administrator inputs scenario information into terminal device 12, terminal device 12 sends the scenario information to server device 10. Scenario information may include keywords, symbols, etc., used to specify suggested scenarios, or natural language describing suggested scenarios. Natural language describing suggested scenarios may include, for example, "For users with children, if no destination is set, introduce facilities for children," "For users who like pets, if the journey to the destination takes a considerable amount of time, introduce facilities that allow pets," etc.

[0046] In S201, the server device 10 obtains the user's identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 14. The user's identification information includes ID information such as username and password used for user identification. The identification information may also include the user's name, age, address, etc. For example, when a user starts using the suggestion service, they operate the vehicle-mounted device 14 once, input the identification information, and send it to the server device 10.

[0047] In S202, server device 10 obtains user attribute information. Server device 10 obtains user attribute information, for example, from a server providing SNS (Social Network Service) or a server providing user payment information. Server device 10 uses user identification information to determine the information posted by each user in the SNS and obtains attribute information from the determined information. From the information posted in the SNS, it obtains information such as the user's gender, age, occupation, etc., family structure information including whether they have children, their number, age, and gender, pet information including whether they have pets, their breed, and number, favorite sports teams, music titles, movie titles, etc., and favorite outdoor locations such as the sea, mountains, and countryside. From this information, it obtains the user's own gender, age, occupation, etc., and the user's emotionally invested preferences, such as children, pets, sports teams, music titles, movie titles, and outdoor locations, as user attribute information. Furthermore, from the user's payment information, it obtains the user's main expenditure items and, based on expenditure trends, obtains preferred items.

[0048] In S203, server device 10 sets up a suggested scenario. Server device 10 sets up the suggested scenario using scenario information and attribute information of each user. Server device 10, for example, uses a large language model to analyze the natural language contained in the scenario information and generate the information required to set up the suggested scenario. The large language model can be stored in server device 10 or in another server that server device 10 can communicate with. The suggested scenario includes a weighted sum of elements including the feature quantity of each user's preferences and the feature quantity of the environment of the user's vehicle 13 (hereinafter referred to as the scenario value). For example, as shown in Equation 1 below, the scenario value f(x, w) is the sum of the preference feature quantity and the environment feature quantity weighted by the utilization coefficient w of each user (x). Here, i is the number of elements corresponding to the preference feature quantity, and j is the number of elements corresponding to the environment feature quantity. The types and number of preference feature quantities and the types and number of environment feature quantities used as elements in the suggested scenario are determined according to the attribute information.

[0049] Formula 1: f(x, w) = wi × Preference feature + wj × Environmental feature

[0050] Preference features can represent, for example, the degree to which a user likes each object. Examples of preference features include the degree of liking for children, pets, specific sports, music, etc. The degree of liking is represented by a numerical value across multiple stages, with higher values ​​indicating greater liking. Furthermore, the server device 10 can arbitrarily set the coefficient w of the preference feature and adjust the value of the coefficient w based on attribute information. For example, the coefficients of elements corresponding to children, pets, sports, etc., included in the user's attribute information are set to be greater than the coefficients of other elements. Moreover, the server device 10 can also assign different weights to the coefficients among the preferred objects. For example, if a user posts more about children than about pets, the coefficient of the element corresponding to children can be made greater than the coefficient of the element corresponding to pets.

[0051] Environmental characteristic quantities, for example, represent the degree of events contained in the environment of vehicle 13. Events in the environment of vehicle 13 include ACC power, driving speed, driving time, location information, occupant-captured images, and the set destination. The degree of each event is represented by multiple numerical stages depending on the event. When the event is ACC power, the degree is "1" when it is on and "0" when it is off. Furthermore, when the event is driving speed or driving time, the degree is a multiple numerical stage that increases with the driving speed or driving time. Also, when the event is location information, the degree is a multiple numerical stage that increases with the distance from the set destination. Furthermore, when the event is occupant-captured images, the degree is "1" if a child or pet is present, and "0" if not. Moreover, when the event is a set destination, the degree is "0" if the destination is set to match the user's preferences, and "1" if not set. Furthermore, the server device 10 arbitrarily sets the coefficient w of the event characteristic quantity and adjusts the magnitude of the coefficient w based on attribute information. For example, if the preferred object includes children, the coefficient of degree "1" for the presence of children in the occupant's photograph can be increased; or, if the preferred object includes pets, the coefficient of degree "1" for the presence of pets in the occupant's photograph can be increased. Additionally, if the preferred object includes sports, the coefficient of degree for the set destination can be increased when the set destination is a sports-related facility; similarly, if the preferred object includes movies, the coefficient of degree for the set destination can be increased when the set destination is a movie-related facility.

[0052] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates examples of the preference and environmental features included in the suggested scenarios. Figure 4The table shows examples of three users: A, B, and C. Here, as preferences, features related to children, pets, sports, movies, and music are shown. As environmental factors, features related to ACC on / off, vehicle speed, current location, and destination setting are shown. For example, for user A, the preference feature value for pets is relatively high at "0.9" and for sports at "0.8," indicating a liking for both. The current location feature value is also relatively high at "0.8," suggesting an environment where the user is located far from the set destination, thus offering more possibilities for recommendations. Similarly, for user B, the preference feature value for children is higher than the others at "0.8," indicating a liking for children. The current location feature value is moderate at "0.5," suggesting an environment where the user is at a moderate distance from the set destination, thus offering less possibilities for recommendations. Furthermore, for user C, the feature value corresponding to pets or children is low, while the feature value corresponding to movies is higher than others, standing out at "0.8", indicating a liking for movies. Moreover, the destination setting is not implemented, represented by the feature value "0". Therefore, this shows the case where the feature value of the current location is "1" and there is a large margin for destination suggestions.

[0053] In addition to the scenario value f(x, w), the suggested scenario can also include factors that influence preference trends, such as the user's age and gender obtained from attribute information (hereinafter referred to as preference factors). Furthermore, the suggested scenario can also include information specifying the destination to which the suggested information is sent.

[0054] Through such Figure 2 Such steps are used to set up suggested scenarios. Here, suggested scenarios are set up by using scenario information sent by the administrator from the terminal device 12, taking into account trends in popularity and user preferences, to provide suggestions that better match user preferences. Furthermore, by weighting the elements of the suggested scenario using attribute information, suggestions that better match user preferences can be implemented.

[0055] Figure 3 The steps are as follows: when the server device 10 sends the suggestion information to the vehicle device 14 and provides suggestions to the user.

[0056] In S300, the server device 10 obtains environmental information from the vehicle-mounted device 14. In the vehicle-mounted device 14, the control unit 143 obtains various environmental information and sends it to the server device 10 via the communication unit 141. The environmental information represents the environment of the vehicle 13, including states such as ACC power supply, driving speed, driving time, location information, occupant images, and the set destination. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 14 obtains the ACC power supply status (on / off) and driving time from the vehicle 13's ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 14 obtains the driving speed from the vehicle speed sensor. Moreover, the vehicle-mounted device 14 obtains location information via the positioning unit 144. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 14 obtains occupant images via the vehicle-mounted camera. Additionally, the vehicle-mounted device 14 obtains the user-inputted destination when the navigation function is activated. The acquisition of environmental information and its transmission to the server device 10 by the vehicle-mounted device 14 are performed at arbitrary timings. For example, it can be executed at any period (e.g., a few seconds) after the ACC power is turned on, or it can be set to execute at any period using the internal battery of the vehicle device 14, even when the ACC power is turned off.

[0057] In S301, server device 10 derives scene value f(x, w). The scene value is a weighted sum of elements, represented by Equation 1 above, that include the feature quantity of each user's preferences and the feature quantity of the environment of that user's vehicle 13.

[0058] In S302, the server device 10 determines whether the scene value is above any reference value. If it is above the reference value (yes), it proceeds to S303. If it is not above the reference value (no), it returns to S300 and executes S300 and S301 again.

[0059] In S303, server device 10 generates suggestions. Suggestions are generated based on the suggested scenario. Suggestions may be actions related to the user's preferences. For example, a suggestion might be to move to a destination that matches the user's preferences. If no destination is set, a new destination is suggested; otherwise, if a destination is set, an alternative destination is suggested. The suggested destinations are determined, for example, based on map information, information provided from other servers, etc. For example, if the user sets "children" as a preference, suggestions might include children's playgrounds, facilities that allow children, and stores selling children's products. If the user sets "pets" as a preference, suggestions might include facilities that allow pets, and stores selling pet supplies. If the user sets "sports" as a preference, suggestions might include sports viewing facilities and stores selling sports equipment. If the user sets "outdoors" as a preference, suggestions might include outdoor locations such as the sea, mountains, or countryside. Alternatively, suggestions might be for appreciating the user's preferences. If the user's preference is any piece of music, suggestions might include the output of that music. In cases where the destination is difficult for children or pets to accompany the passenger, the server device 10 can also generate suggestions based on the condition that no passenger is included in the captured image.

[0060] Here, as elements of the scene value corresponding to environmental information, by including location information, images taken by occupants, and the set destination, the scene value increases, for example, when the current location is far from the destination, or when the preferred object is the same, or when a destination matching the preferred object is set, making it easier to reach the baseline value in step S302. Therefore, by setting the condition for the scene value to reach the baseline value as the suggestion condition, the suggestion is not mechanically presented in a monotonous manner, thus avoiding user boredom, and suggestions can be made at a time more suitable to the user's needs. Furthermore, in the suggestion scene, the condition for making a suggestion can be that the elapsed time since the last suggestion information has been sent has reached any baseline value.

[0061] In S305, the server device 10 sends the suggestion information, representing the suggestion, to the vehicle-mounted device 14.

[0062] In S306, the vehicle-mounted device 14 outputs or executes a suggestion corresponding to the suggestion information. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 14 outputs information suggesting a destination to the user via voice. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted device 14 suggests the output of a piece of music to the user via voice output and outputs the music in response to voice input indicating the user's consent. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted device 14 may also perform autonomous driving to a destination suggested based on the suggestion information, conditional on the user's consent.

[0063] In S307, the vehicle-mounted device 14 sends response information indicating the user's reaction to the server device 10. The user's reaction is either a positive or negative response to the suggestion. A positive response is sent to the server device 10 if the user has set the suggested destination or agrees to the output music. On the other hand, a negative response is sent to the server device 10 if the destination is not set within any reference time, or if an expression of disagreement with the output music is detected within any reference time, or if the output music stops. The user's opinion on the suggestion is determined, for example, based on vocalization. The vehicle-mounted device 14 performs voice recognition on the user's vocalization, and can determine whether the response is positive or negative if keywords indicating agreement or disagreement are included in the vocalization.

[0064] In S308, the server device 10 adjusts the suggested scenario based on the user's feedback. For example, when the server device 10 receives a positive response to a suggested destination, it increases the coefficient w of the user's preference feature; when it receives a negative response, it decreases the coefficient w. For instance, when the server device 10 receives a positive or negative response to a suggestion about a destination such as facilities for children, it adjusts the coefficient of the feature that sets children as a preference; when the server device 10 receives a positive or negative response to a suggestion about a destination such as facilities for pets, it adjusts the coefficient of the feature that sets pets as a preference. Furthermore, when the server device 10 receives a positive or negative response to a suggestion about music output, it adjusts the coefficient of the feature that sets music as a preference. By adopting this method, the suggested scenario can be adjusted to better suit the user's needs.

[0065] Through such Figure 3 Such steps are used to provide suggestions to users. Furthermore, by adjusting the suggestion scenario using feedback information, suggestions can be made that better align with user preferences.

[0066] In a modified example, before step S306, the server device 10 determines the destination for providing the suggested information. If the ACC power is on, the destination is the vehicle-mounted device 14. Alternatively, if the ACC power is off, the destination is a terminal device such as a smartphone used by the user. Information about this terminal device is pre-stored in the storage unit 102 of the server device 10. The destination information corresponding to the state of the ACC power is specified, for example, in the suggested scenario. By employing this method, suggestions can be sent to the user's smartphone or similar device even before the user, for example, boards the vehicle 13.

[0067] In a further variation, user preferences such as age and gender can be considered in the suggested scenarios. For example, when server device 10 selects a suggested destination from multiple candidate destinations, it can select the most popular destination based on the user's age, gender, and ranking information obtained from other servers. By adopting this approach, the user's needs can be more accurately met.

[0068] The environmental conditions encompassed by vehicle 13 can include external temperature measured by sensors, weather data obtained from an information dissemination server, and so on. Furthermore, the environmental conditions can be not only those at the current point in time, but also those encompassing multiple past points in time. For example, the greater the deviation of the external temperature from an appropriate temperature (e.g., 20°C to 25°C), the smaller the characteristic value of the external temperature. The weather characteristic value is the largest for sunny days, decreasing intermittently as it approaches inclement weather (heavy rain, storms, etc.). Alternatively, the greater the difference between multiple points in time, the greater the weight applied. By employing this method, since a more sustained appropriate external temperature or more sustained sunny weather makes it easier for the scene value to reach the baseline, the frequency of suggestions from server device 10 to the user is increased.

[0069] According to the above implementation method, it is possible to provide users with suggestions that more accurately match the preferences of the users of vehicle 13.

[0070] While the implementation methods have been described above based on the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that various modifications and variations can be easily made based on this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that these modifications and variations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each unit or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple units or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0071] Symbol Explanation

[0072] 1. Information and Communication Systems

[0073] 10 server devices

[0074] 11 Network

[0075] 12 Terminal devices

[0076] 13 vehicles

[0077] 14 Vehicle-mounted devices

[0078] 101, 121, 141 Communications Department

[0079] Storage sections 102, 122, and 142

[0080] Control Departments 103, 123, and 143

[0081] Input sections 125 and 145

[0082] Output sections 126 and 146

[0083] Positioning sections 124 and 144

[0084] 147. Testing Department.

Claims

1. A server apparatus having: a communication section that communicates with an in-vehicle apparatus mounted on a vehicle and receives environmental information acquired by a sensor or a camera mounted on the vehicle from the in-vehicle apparatus; a storage section that stores information indicating attributes of a user of the vehicle and scenario information that specifies a recommended scenario for the user; and a control section that derives a recommendation for the user using the scenario information and based on attribute information indicating the attributes and the environmental information, transmits recommendation information indicating the recommendation to the in-vehicle apparatus of the vehicle, and causes the in-vehicle apparatus to output or execute the recommendation.

2. A server apparatus having: a communication section that communicates; a storage section that stores scenario information that specifies a recommended scenario for a user of a vehicle; and a control section that derives a recommendation for the user based on attribute information indicating attributes of the user and environmental information using the scenario information, transmits recommendation information indicating the recommendation to an in-vehicle apparatus of the vehicle, and causes the in-vehicle apparatus to output or execute the recommendation.

3. The server apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recommended scenario includes a weighted sum of elements including a characteristic amount of a preference of each user and a characteristic amount of an environment of a vehicle of the user.

4. The server apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control section generates an expression that derives the weighted sum from the scenario information using a large language model.

5. The server apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the characteristic amount of the preference of each user includes a degree of liking of a preferred object of the user derived from the attribute information of the user.

6. The server apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the characteristic amount of the environment of a vehicle of each user includes a value indicating whether a preferred object of the user is present, a value indicating a distance to a destination corresponding to the preferred object of the user, and a value indicating an elapsed time from a previous transmission of recommendation information.

7. The server apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control section transmits the recommendation information on a condition that the weighted sum reaches a reference value.

8. The server apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control section transmits the recommendation information taking into account attributes of the user.

9. The server apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recommended scenario includes information indicating a condition for transmitting the recommendation information to a terminal apparatus instead of the in-vehicle apparatus.

10. The server apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control section receives information indicating a reaction to the recommendation from the in-vehicle apparatus.

11. The server apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control section corrects the recommended scenario using the information indicating the reaction.

12. A system having an in-vehicle apparatus mounted on a vehicle and a server apparatus that communicates with the in-vehicle apparatus, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The server device derives a suggestion to a user of the vehicle based on attribute information representing attributes of the user and environmental information using scenario information that specifies a suggested scenario for the user of the vehicle, and transmits suggestion information representing the suggestion to an in-vehicle device of the vehicle, The in-vehicle device outputs or executes the suggestion.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein The suggested scenario includes a weighted sum of elements including a characteristic amount of a preference of each user and a characteristic amount of an environment of a vehicle of the user.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein The server device generates an equation that derives the weighted sum from the scenario information using a large language model.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein The characteristic amount of the preference of each user includes a degree of liking of a preferred object of the user derived from the attribute information of the user.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein The characteristic amount of the environment of the vehicle of each user includes a value representing whether a preferred object of the user is present in the vehicle, a value representing a distance to a destination corresponding to the preferred object of the user, and a value representing an elapsed time from a time when the suggestion information was last transmitted.

17. The system according to claim 13, wherein The server device transmits the suggestion information on a condition that the weighted sum reaches a reference value.

18. The system according to claim 12, wherein The server device transmits the suggestion information taking into account attributes of the user.

19. The system according to claim 13, wherein The suggested scenario includes information representing a condition for transmitting the suggestion information to a terminal device instead of the in-vehicle device.

20. The system according to claim 12, wherein The server device receives information representing a reaction to the suggestion from the in-vehicle device.

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