Service provision system and service provision device

Abstract

A service providing system and a service providing apparatus are provided. When an abnormality occurs in a vehicle (1), an occupant (P) can easily accept an appropriate service. A service provision system is provided with: an accessory information acquisition unit (111) that acquires accessory information relating to an accessory installed in a vehicle; an abnormality confirmation unit (113) that confirms whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the accessory on the basis of the accessory information; a service determination unit (114) that determines a service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit (113) from among services for a plurality of abnormalities; and a service provision unit (115) that provides the service determined by the service determination unit (114) to an occupant (P) of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a service delivery system and a service delivery apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, services for handling malfunctions of vehicle parts were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rescue system for a mobile body, in which a first mobile body, when its power is depleted, sends a distress signal along with its current location information to a server. The server receives the current locations of multiple other second mobile bodies and selects a power supply mobile body from among the multiple second mobile bodies to supply power to the first mobile body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-086841 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the previous technology, the passengers had to judge the appropriate service to handle the abnormality, which presented the problem that passengers had difficulty selecting the appropriate service.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to enable occupants to easily receive appropriate service in the event of a vehicle malfunction.

[0009] This application aims to address the aforementioned issues by improving the operational performance of mobile vehicles. Furthermore, it contributes to improving traffic safety and promoting the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a service provision system comprising: a parts information acquisition unit that acquires parts information relating to parts installed in a vehicle; an anomaly confirmation unit that confirms, based on the parts information, whether an anomaly has occurred in the parts; a service decision unit that determines, from a plurality of services for the anomaly, the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit; and a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service decision unit to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a service providing apparatus comprising: a parts information acquisition unit that acquires parts information relating to parts provided in a vehicle; an anomaly confirmation unit that confirms, based on the parts information, whether an anomaly has occurred in the parts; a service decision unit that determines, from a plurality of services for the anomaly, the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit; and a service providing unit that provides the service determined by the service decision unit to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, in the event of a vehicle malfunction, the occupants can easily receive appropriate service. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the service delivery system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle's control system.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle's control system.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle's control system.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen that displays information.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle's control system.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displayed when a driver source malfunctions.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an example of a screen showing a manual send.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1…Vehicle; 2…Server; 3…Service provider terminal; 4…Portable terminal (communication unit); 11…Communication unit; 12…Positioning unit; 13…Touch panel; 14…Speaker; 15…Microphone; 16…Driver; 17…Tire unit; 18…Automotive battery unit; 100…Control device (service providing device); 110…Processor; 111…Parts information acquisition unit; 112…Occupant information acquisition unit; 113…Anomaly confirmation unit; 114…Service decision unit; 115…Service providing unit; 116…Communication control unit; 117…Display control unit (display unit); 120…Memory; 121…Control program; 122…Vehicle identification information; 1000…Service providing system; NW…Network; P…Occupant Detailed Implementation

[0025] [1. Structure]

[0026] The first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the service providing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Service provision system 1000 is a system that provides services to vehicle 1. The services provided by service provision system 1000 may include information exchange with service providers who actually perform so-called road services and information exchange with fire departments or police.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the service providing system 1000 has a vehicle 1, a server 2, and a service provider-side terminal 3. The server 2 and the service provider-side terminal 3 are examples of "external" components.

[0030] First, let's describe server 2. Server 2 is a server device that manages the service plans contracted by vehicle 1. The service plans contracted by vehicle 1 refer to a list of services available in vehicle 1. The service plans can be contracted by the passenger P, who is the owner of vehicle 1, or by the car rental company that lends vehicle 1.

[0031] Server 2 connects to network NW and communicates with vehicle 1. Furthermore, network NW is a communication network composed of public line networks, dedicated lines, and other communication circuits. Service provision system 1000 may also include server 2 according to the type of service plan subscribed to by vehicle 1.

[0032] The service provider-side terminal 3 is the terminal device used by the service provider to communicate with the vehicle 1 when providing services to passenger P.

[0033] The portable terminal 4 brought in by passenger P of vehicle 1 can also be included in service provision system 1000. The portable terminal 4 is a PC (Personal Computer) such as a smartphone or tablet terminal that can communicate with vehicle 1 and network NW. The portable terminal 4 is an example of a "communication unit".

[0034] Figure 1 The vehicle 1 shown in the example is a four-wheeled vehicle. Vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle.

[0035] Vehicle 1 is equipped with various accessories. Vehicle 1 includes a drive source 16, a tire unit 17, and a vehicle battery unit 18 as accessories. Although not shown, vehicle 1 is also equipped with windshield wipers, headlights, a vehicle distance measuring device, an impact sensor, and other accessories. The accessories of vehicle 1 can be appropriately changed depending on the type of vehicle 1.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of vehicle 1 will be described.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control system of the control device 100 of vehicle 1. The control device 100 is an example of a "service providing device".

[0038] The control device 100 of vehicle 1 is connected to: a communication unit 11, a positioning unit 12, a touch panel 13, a speaker 14, a microphone 15, a drive source 16, a tire unit 17, and a vehicle battery unit 18. In addition, the devices connected to the control device 100 are not limited to these devices, and other types of devices can also be connected.

[0039] The communication unit 11 is a communication device with a transmitter and a receiver, which performs wireless communication according to the communication standard of the service providing system 1000. The communication unit 11 is, for example, a TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may also have a communication unit that communicates with the portable terminal 4 and a communication unit that communicates with devices other than the portable terminal 4.

[0040] The positioning unit 12 receives signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to determine the current position of vehicle 1. Alternatively, the positioning unit 12 may be configured to receive signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites instead of GPS satellite signals.

[0041] The touch panel 13 displays various information under the control of the display control unit 117 of the control device 100, and displays software buttons that accept input from the occupant P.

[0042] The speaker 14 outputs various voices according to the control of the control device 100.

[0043] The microphone 15 collects sound under the control of the control device 100.

[0044] The control device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), a memory 120, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors.

[0045] Memory 120 is a storage device for storing programs and data. Memory 120 stores control program 121, vehicle identification information 122, and data processed by processor 110. Memory 120 has non-volatile storage areas. Alternatively, memory 120 may also have volatile storage areas, constituting the working area of ​​processor 110. Memory 120 may be composed of, for example, ROM (Read-Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0046] The vehicle identification information 122 is the identification information used by the server 2 to uniquely identify the vehicle 1 when the occupant information acquisition unit 112 obtains occupant information from the server 2.

[0047] The control program 121 is a program that enables the processor 110 to function as a functional unit. The processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the memory 120 to function as the accessory information acquisition unit 111, the occupant information acquisition unit 112, the anomaly confirmation unit 113, the service decision unit 114, the service provision unit 115, the communication control unit 116, and the display control unit 117.

[0048] Display control unit 117 is an example of a "display unit".

[0049] The parts information acquisition unit 111 acquires all parts information of the target parts located in the parts of the vehicle 1.

[0050] Components such as the drive unit 16, tire unit 17, car battery unit 18, positioning unit 12, and communication unit 11 are examples of such components.

[0051] When the accessory is equipped with a sensor, the accessory information acquisition unit 111 acquires the output value of the sensor and the signal generated in the operation control of the accessory as accessory information.

[0052] In the drive source 16, since vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle, the SOC (State of Charge) of the driving battery corresponds to accessory information. Furthermore, if vehicle 1 is a gasoline vehicle, the remaining fuel level corresponds to accessory information in the drive source 16. Additionally, the SOC of the driving battery and the remaining fuel level of the gasoline vehicle can be detected by the drive source 16 or calculated by other processing units.

[0053] In the tire section 17, the output value of the air pressure sensor that detects the air pressure of the tires included in the tire section 17 corresponds to the accessory information.

[0054] In the automotive battery section 18, the output values ​​of the battery sensors that detect the charging and discharging current, voltage, and temperature of the automotive battery included in the automotive battery section 18 correspond to accessory information. Furthermore, the automotive battery is an accessory that supplies power to the engine starter, headlights and other lights, and other components installed in the vehicle 1.

[0055] Furthermore, the accessory information for specific accessories includes information indicating the presence or absence of a specific accessory and whether the specific accessory can function. Specific accessories specifically refer to devices required by the service provision system 1000 when providing services.

[0056] For example, if the current location of vehicle 1 is required when providing services, the positioning unit 12 becomes a specific accessory. Additionally, for example, if communication with the service provider's terminal 3 is required when providing services, the communication unit 11 becomes a specific accessory.

[0057] In this embodiment, the specific accessories include a positioning unit 12, a communication unit 11, a speaker 14, and a microphone 15.

[0058] Additionally, certain accessories may include a touch panel 13.

[0059] The specific accessory information indicating whether a specific accessory is present or not is information indicating whether the positioning unit 12 or communication unit 11, speaker 14 and microphone 15 are pre-installed in vehicle 1.

[0060] The specific accessory information indicating whether a particular accessory can work is information indicating whether the positioning unit 12 or the communication unit 11, the speaker 14 and the microphone 15 can work.

[0061] The positioning unit 12 malfunctions for example when a fault occurs in the positioning unit 12, such as the inability to receive GPS satellite signals. The communication unit 11 malfunctions for example when the receiver in the communication unit 11 malfunctions, and the communication unit 11 is unable to receive signals.

[0062] The occupant information acquisition unit 112 acquires the occupant information of vehicle 1 as follows.

[0063] The occupant information acquisition unit 112 sends an acquisition request signal containing vehicle identification information 122 to the server 2 connected to the network NW by performing communication through the communication control unit 116. The acquisition request signal is a signal requesting occupant information corresponding to the vehicle identification information 122 from the server 2. The server 2 stores a set of vehicle identification information 122 and occupant information. When it receives the acquisition request signal, it sends a signal to the vehicle 1 containing the occupant information corresponding to the vehicle identification information 122 received in the acquisition request signal. Then, the occupant information acquisition unit 112 receives the signal containing the occupant information from the server 2 through the communication control unit 116, thereby acquiring the occupant information. The occupant information is information representing a list of services included in the service plan subscribed to by the vehicle 1. Additionally, the server 2 may also send the occupant information to the vehicle 1 when the occupant information is updated.

[0064] The anomaly confirmation unit 113 confirms whether an anomaly has occurred based on the part information obtained by the part information acquisition unit 111. When an anomaly is confirmed, the anomaly confirmation unit 113 generates anomaly information, which includes a flag (or information or signal) indicating that an anomaly has been confirmed and information related to the state of the anomaly, and is associated with the identification information of the part with the anomaly. The part identification information may be, for example, a pre-defined name of the part.

[0065] As an example of an abnormal state of the drive source 16, if the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle, an example could be that the state of charge (SOC) of the driving battery provided by the drive source 16 drops to a level that renders the vehicle 1 unable to run. If the vehicle 1 is a gasoline vehicle, an example could be that the gasoline is depleted as an abnormality of the drive source 16.

[0066] Examples of abnormal conditions in the tire section 17 include tire leaks or ruptures.

[0067] An example of an abnormal state of the automotive battery section 18 is over-discharge of the automotive battery.

[0068] The service decision unit 114 selects the service provided by the service provision unit 115, which corresponds to the anomaly information. The service corresponding to the anomaly information refers to the service that handles the anomaly of the confirmed part.

[0069] Based on parts information, abnormal information, and occupant information, the service decision unit 114 selects and decides on the service to handle the abnormality corresponding to the abnormality information generated by the abnormality confirmation unit 113.

[0070] The service selection made by the service decision department 114 based on passenger information and abnormal information is explained.

[0071] Service Decision Department 114 selects available services based on passenger information.

[0072] Specifically, while the service decision unit 114 selects services to handle the anomalies corresponding to the anomalies, this selection is based on the passenger information obtained from server 2, excluding services not included in the service list of the subscribed service plan. That is, the service decision unit 114 selects services included in both the service list corresponding to the anomalies and the service list of the service plan.

[0073] If none of the services that handle the anomalies corresponding to the anomalies are included in the subscribed service plan, the service decision unit 114 sets that no selected services exist. In this case, the service decision unit 114 does not decide on the services provided by the service provision unit 115, and the communication control unit 116 and the display control unit 117 perform the service suggestion processing described later.

[0074] The Service Decision Department 114 explains the decisions made by the Service Provision Department 115 regarding the services provided based on parts information and anomaly information.

[0075] The service decision unit 114 further selects the following service from the services selected based on the occupant information after processing the anomaly corresponding to the anomaly information, and decides it to be the service provided by the service provision unit 115: the service is that the vehicle 1 has the specific accessories required to provide the selected service, and the accessories are capable of working.

[0076] For example, if the service decision unit 114 selects a service that handles anomalies corresponding to anomalies (and this service is based on occupant information), but confirms based on the parts information that the positioning unit 12 is not working, it will decide that the service among the selected services that does not require sending information indicating the current location of vehicle 1 will be provided by the service provision unit 115. In this case, an example of a service that is not decided by the service decision unit 114 to be provided by the service provision unit 115 is a service that requires sending the location information of vehicle 1 to an external source.

[0077] Additionally, for example, if the service decision unit 114 selects a service that handles anomalies corresponding to anomalies (and this service is based on occupant information), but confirms based on accessory information that the communication unit 11 is not working, it will determine the service that does not require the communication unit 11 from the selected services to be provided by the service provision unit 115. In this case, an example of a service that is not determined by the service decision unit 114 to be provided by the service provision unit 115 is a service where occupant P of vehicle 1 needs to use the communication unit 11 to communicate with a service provider.

[0078] If there is no service selected based on passenger information and accessory information to handle the anomaly corresponding to the anomaly information, the service decision unit 114 will not decide on the service provided by the service provision unit 115, and will cause the communication control unit 116 and the display control unit 117 to perform the service suggestion processing described later.

[0079] Service provision department 115 provides the services decided by service decision department 114.

[0080] In this embodiment, service provision refers to the exchange of information with a service provider. Specifically, service provision includes sending at least one of accessory information, abnormal information, and location information to the service provider's service provider-side terminal 3 or server 2, and conducting a call with the service provider using the service provider-side terminal 3.

[0081] That is, the service provision unit 115 provides services to the passenger P by having the communication control unit 116 perform communication with the service provider-side terminal 3 used by the service provider.

[0082] The communication control unit 116 communicates with the service provider's terminal 3 and server 2 via the communication unit 11 or the portable terminal 4.

[0083] The display control unit 117 displays information on a screen and software buttons via the touch panel 13. Furthermore, the display control unit 117 can also provide voice guidance via the speaker 14. Additionally, the display control unit 117 receives input from the touch panel 13. Furthermore, the display control unit 117 can also receive voice input via the microphone 15.

[0084] The following describes the service suggestion processing performed by the communication control unit 116 and the display control unit 117.

[0085] Service suggestion processing is the process of providing service-related information to passenger P when the service decision department 114 is unable to determine the service to be provided by the service provision department 115.

[0086] In the service suggestion processing, the communication control unit 116 sends an information provision signal to the server 2, which entrusts the server 2 to send the following information to the vehicle 1, according to the instruction of the service decision unit 114 to perform the service suggestion processing: the information is provision information related to the service that can handle the anomaly corresponding to the anomaly information.

[0087] When the display control unit 117 receives the information provision signal sent by the server 2 in response to the information provision signal sent by the communication control unit 116, it displays a screen showing the provision information. The provision information includes the name and contact information of the service provider that can handle the anomalies corresponding to the anomaly information even if the vehicle 1 has not signed a service plan.

[0088] [2. Operation]

[0089] Next, use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The operation of the processor 110 of the control device 100 in the service provision system 1000 will be described.

[0090] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 100. (Usage) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In particular, the operation of the control device 100 in the event that an abnormality is detected in the parts of vehicle 1 will be explained.

[0091] exist Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, the parts information acquisition unit 111 acquires parts information from each part. Then, the anomaly confirmation unit 113 repeatedly performs a series of actions to process whether an anomaly of a part has occurred, based on the acquired parts information, at a predetermined cycle. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the parts information acquired by the parts information acquisition unit 111 also includes specific parts information.

[0092] If no part abnormality is confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit 113, the following steps S1 and other actions are not performed, and the part information acquisition unit 111 repeatedly acquires part information at a predetermined cycle.

[0093] When the anomaly confirmation unit 113 confirms that an anomaly has occurred in a part (step S1), it generates anomaly information corresponding to the part that has an anomaly (step S2).

[0094] Next, the service decision unit 114 selects the service to handle the exception corresponding to the exception information (step S3).

[0095] Next, the occupant information acquisition unit 112 obtains the occupant information of vehicle 1 from server 2 (step S4).

[0096] Next, the service decision unit 114 further selects available services based on the service plan signed by vehicle 1 as shown in the occupant information (step S5).

[0097] Next, the service decision unit 114 determines whether the selected service exists in the selections made in steps S3 and S5 (step S6).

[0098] If the selected service exists (step S6: Yes), the service decision unit 114 further selects available services based on the parts information (step S7).

[0099] Specifically, the service decision unit 114 selects a service as available if the specific accessory required to provide the service selected in step S5 can work, based on the specific accessory information contained in the obtained accessory information; and selects a service as unavailable if the specific accessory cannot work.

[0100] Next, the service decision unit 114 determines whether the selected service exists in the selection in step S7 (step S8).

[0101] If a selected service exists (step S8: Yes), the service decision unit 114 determines the selected service as the service provided by the service provision unit 115 (step S9).

[0102] Next, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to passenger P (step S10).

[0103] Specifically, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to the passenger P by instructing the communication control unit 116 to perform communication. It is pre-defined which of the communication control unit 116—the communication unit 11 or the portable terminal 4—will perform the communication if the determined service requires communication with the service provider's terminal 3.

[0104] For example, if the abnormal information generated in step S2 indicates an abnormal state such as an accident involving vehicle 1, then in step S10, automatic communication with the police, emergency services, etc., is performed.

[0105] Next, regarding Figure 4 The flowchart is used for illustration. Figure 4 The flowchart shown is an example of service suggestion processing.

[0106] If no selected service is found in steps S3 and S5 (step S6: No), or if no selected service is found in step S7 (step S8: No), the service decision unit 114 determines whether the communication unit 11 can operate based on the accessory information (step S13). If the service decision unit 114 determines that the communication unit 11 cannot operate (step S13: No), the processor 110 terminates its operation. Alternatively, if pre-stored provisioning information exists, the provisioning information can be read and displayed on the screen. Alternatively, information urging the registration of a new operator's phone number can be displayed on screen G1.

[0107] If the service decision unit 114 determines that the communication unit 11 is working (step S13: Yes), the communication control unit 116 sends an information provision signal to the server 2 (step S14) and receives the provision information (step S15).

[0108] Next, the display control unit 117 displays screen G1 showing the information J1 provided (see reference). Figure 5 (Step S16).

[0109] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of a screen G1 displaying information J1. Screen G1 displays the names of the service providers and their corresponding phone numbers as information J1. Additionally, screen G1 displays call buttons B1 for each service provider and phone number. Call buttons B1 are software buttons with the string "call". Furthermore, screen G1 may also display the service provider name, past usage dates and times, phone number, and a QR code (registered trademark) for sending calls.

[0110] When call button B1A corresponding to the operator name "AAA" is pressed, the communication control unit 116 dials the phone number "000-111-1111" corresponding to the operator name "AAA". Similarly, for call buttons B1B and B1C corresponding to the operator name "BBB" and "CCC", respectively, when call buttons B1B and B1C are pressed, the communication control unit 116 dials the corresponding phone number.

[0111] In addition, if no operator is available to provide services in the information provided J1, screen G1 can also display information urging the registration of a new operator's phone number.

[0112] [2-1. Specific examples of actions related to exceptions of the driving source]

[0113] Next, use Figure 6 This section will illustrate a specific example of the operation of the control device 100 in the service provision system 1000 in the event of an abnormality in the drive source 16. The following explanation will particularly focus on the case where the state of charge (SOC) of the driving battery of the drive source 16 is abnormal.

[0114] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 100. (Regarding...) Figure 3 The same actions are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Figure 6 Before the action shown, with Figure 3 Similarly, the parts information acquisition unit 111 acquires parts information from each part, and then the anomaly confirmation unit 113 performs a series of actions to process whether an anomaly of a part has occurred, based on the acquired parts information, at a predetermined cycle.

[0115] First, when the anomaly confirmation unit 113 confirms that an anomaly has occurred in the driving battery of the drive source 16 (step S21), it generates anomaly information related to the drive source 16 (step S22).

[0116] Next, the service decision unit 114 determines whether there is an instruction from passenger P to use the service (step S23).

[0117] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of screen G2 displayed when a fault occurs in drive source 16. Screen G2 is displayed on touch panel 13 after step S22, and occupant P can select whether to use the service via screen G2.

[0118] Screen G2 displays guidance information J2 indicating whether to use the service, a software button with the string "Contact" (i.e., the contact button) B3, and a software button with the string "Close" (i.e., the end button) B4.

[0119] The guidance message J2 contains the string "Power depleted, unable to drive. Call road service? (If you press the button, contact the call center)". The service decision unit 114 determines that there is an instruction from passenger P to use the service when passenger P presses the contact button B3, and determines that there is no instruction from passenger P to use the service when passenger P presses the end button B4, or presses a button other than the guidance message J2, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the guidance message J2 was displayed.

[0120] Return to Figure 6 As explained, if the service decision unit 114 determines that there is no instruction from passenger P to use the service (step S23: No), the operation ends. In this case, for example, passenger P uses his own portable terminal 4 to query other available services and utilize them.

[0121] If the service decision unit 114 determines that there is an instruction from passenger P to use the service (step S23: Yes), the service decision unit 114 selects, based on the exception information, an automatic call service and a manual call service as services capable of handling the exception of driver source 16 (step S24). The automatic call service refers to a service that can automatically send a call to the service provider. The manual call service refers to a service where passenger P can manually enter the service provider's phone number to make a call, or manually dial the service provider's phone number pre-stored in memory 120, thereby sending a call.

[0122] Next, after executing step S4, the service decision unit 114 determines, based on the occupant information, whether vehicle 1 has signed up for a service plan that includes automatic delivery (step S25).

[0123] If the vehicle 1 has signed a service plan that includes automatic delivery (step S25: Yes), the service decision unit 114 determines, based on the accessory information, whether the communication unit 11 used in the automatic delivery service can work (step S26).

[0124] Next, if the communication unit 11 is operational (step S26: Yes), the service decision unit 114 determines the service to be automatically transmitted as provided by the service provision unit 115 (step S27). Then, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to passenger P (step S10). Thus, in the automatic transmission service, passenger P only needs to... Figure 7 Pressing the contact button B3 in the screen G2 shown will provide service. If the communication unit 11 fails to function in step S26 (step S26: No), it is determined whether vehicle 1 has subscribed to a service plan that includes manual transmission (step S28).

[0125] Returning to the explanation of step S25, if vehicle 1 has not signed up for a service plan that includes automatic delivery (step S25: No), the service decision unit 114 determines whether vehicle 1 has signed up for a service plan that includes manual delivery (step S28).

[0126] If the vehicle 1 has signed a service plan that includes manual delivery service (step S28: Yes), the service decision unit 114 determines, based on the accessory information, whether the communication unit 11 used in the manual delivery service is working, or whether it is connected to the portable terminal 4 via a specified communication method (e.g., Bluetooth, in-vehicle WiFi, or wired connection via USB (Universal Serial Bus) etc.) (step S29).

[0127] Next, if the communication unit 11 is operational (step S29: Yes), the service decision unit 114 will manually send a service decision to the service provision unit 115 to provide the service (step S29). Then, the display control unit 117 will display screen G3 (see reference). Figure 8 The input is manually sent by receiving instructions from the occupant P via screen G3 (step S31).

[0128] Figure 8 This is an example of screen G3 indicating manual transmission. Screen G3 displays guidance information J3 guiding users to the provision of manual transmission service and a call button B5. Guidance information J3 has the string "Connect to road service?". Call button B5 is a software button with the string "Connect", and manual transmission is initiated by passenger P by pressing call button B5.

[0129] return Figure 6 As explained, when the call button B5 is pressed after step S31, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to the passenger P (step S10).

[0130] As stated above, compared to services that require manual dispatch, services that require less work from crew member P are prioritized for automated dispatch, thus providing more appropriate service to crew member P. Therefore, the operability of the service is further improved.

[0131] If the service decision unit 114 transfers to the service plan that includes manual delivery service for vehicle 1 (step S28: No) or if the communication unit 11 fails to operate in step S29 (step S29: No), the service decision unit 114 will transfer to the service plan that includes manual delivery service for vehicle 1. Figure 4 Step S13, as shown, performs service suggestion processing. Additionally, if the communication unit 11 fails to function in step S29 (step S29: No), it can also be displayed... Figure 8 The screen is G3, but because the communication unit 11 is not working, the call button B5 is set to be unselectable (e.g., it is blacked out).

[0132] also, Figure 6 The actions shown are specifically for an abnormality in drive source 16, but can be replaced with actions for an abnormality in tire unit 17, vehicle battery unit 18, or other components.

[0133] [3. Effect]

[0134] As described above, the service provision system 1000 in this embodiment includes: a parts information acquisition unit 111 that acquires parts information related to parts installed in the vehicle 1; an anomaly confirmation unit 113 that confirms whether an anomaly has occurred in the parts based on the parts information; a service decision unit 114 that determines the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit 113 from among multiple services for anomalies; and a service provision unit 115 that provides the service determined by the service decision unit 114 to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0135] According to this structure, when a part malfunction occurs in vehicle 1, the service decision unit 114 will determine the appropriate service to be provided by the service provision unit 115. Therefore, when a malfunction occurs in vehicle 1, the occupant P can easily receive the appropriate service.

[0136] The service providing system 1000 includes a passenger information acquisition unit 112 that acquires passenger information related to passenger P, and a service decision unit 114 that determines the services that passenger P can utilize based on the passenger information.

[0137] According to this structure, when a part malfunction occurs in vehicle 1, a service that is available and suitable for vehicle 1 based on occupant information can be selected to provide the service, so that occupant P can easily receive the appropriate service.

[0138] Service decision unit 114 will determine the service based on accessory information among the services that are set to be available to occupant P based on occupant information and will provide the service to service provision unit 115.

[0139] According to this structure, by providing services for which the necessary accessories are provided in vehicle 1 and which are functional when selecting the services offered, it is possible to more appropriately select services that are acceptable to occupant P.

[0140] The accessory information indicates whether an accessory is available and whether it can work. If a specific accessory required for providing the service is installed in vehicle 1 and that specific accessory can work, the service decision unit 114 will determine the service based on the accessory information that can be used by passenger P based on the occupant information and provide the service to the service provision unit 115.

[0141] According to this structure, by providing services for which specific accessories required when selecting services are installed in vehicle 1 and which are functional, it is possible to more appropriately select services that are acceptable to occupant P.

[0142] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a communication unit 11 capable of communicating with the outside world and a display control unit 117 for displaying information to the occupant P. When there is no service that can be determined by the service decision unit 114, the communication unit 11 sends an information provision signal to the outside world requesting the transmission of service information to vehicle 1. When the display control unit 117 receives the service information corresponding to the information provision signal sent by the communication unit 11, it displays the received service information.

[0143] According to this structure, even in the absence of services that can be utilized based on the abnormal information and occupant information of vehicle 1, appropriate services can be provided to occupant P by requesting information from server 2.

[0144] Vehicle 1 is equipped with multiple communication units 11 and portable terminals 4 capable of communicating with the outside world, and a communication control unit 116 that controls the communication units 11 and portable terminals 4. When the service decision unit 114 determines that the service requires communication with the outside world, the communication control unit 116 communicates with the outside world through either the pre-defined communication unit 11 or the portable terminal 4.

[0145] According to this structure, by using a pre-defined method to control the communication method when communicating with the service provider's terminal 3 during service provision, it is possible to appropriately provide services to passenger P.

[0146] The control device 100 in this embodiment includes: a parts information acquisition unit 111, which acquires parts information related to parts installed in the vehicle 1; an anomaly confirmation unit 113, which confirms whether an anomaly has occurred in the parts based on the parts information; a service decision unit 114, which determines the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit 113 from among multiple services for anomalies; and a service provision unit 115, which provides the service determined by the service decision unit 114 to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0147] Based on this structure, it will achieve the same effect as described above.

[0148] [4. Other Implementation Methods]

[0149] The above-described implementation is merely one approach, which can be arbitrarily modified and applied.

[0150] In the above embodiments, a four-wheeled vehicle 1 is illustrated, but the number of wheels of vehicle 1 is not limited to four.

[0151] In the above embodiment, a touch panel 13 is illustrated, but the touch panel 13 is an example of a display unit. It is not limited to the touch panel 13; it could also be a display that does not have touch operation functionality but can be operated via operation keys or the like. Furthermore, the touch panel 13 could be a display found in a car navigation system and could be located on the dashboard.

[0152] In the above embodiment, as an example of a communication unit, the communication unit 11, which is installed in the TCU of vehicle 1, was described. However, it is not limited to this, and any communication device that performs wireless communication in accordance with the communication standards of the service providing system 1000 is acceptable. In addition, for example, vehicle 1 may also be equipped with a wireless router connected to the cigarette lighter power supply or a wireless router with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) stick connected to the car navigation system.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the anomaly confirmation unit 113 is configured to generate anomaly information when it confirms an anomaly in a part. This anomaly information includes a flag (which may also be information or a signal) indicating that an anomaly has been confirmed, and information related to the state of the anomaly. It is also associated with the identification information of the part with the anomaly, but is not limited thereto. For example, the anomaly confirmation unit 113 may also output only information indicating that an anomaly has been confirmed in the corresponding part to the service decision unit 114 when it confirms an anomaly in a part.

[0154] In the above-described embodiment, the service decision unit 114 is configured to select a service to handle an anomaly corresponding to the anomaly information generated by the anomaly confirmation unit 113 based on accessory information, anomaly information, and occupant information, and to determine the service to be provided by the service provision unit 115, but is not limited thereto. For example, the service decision unit 114 may also select and determine a service to handle an anomaly corresponding to the anomaly information generated by the anomaly confirmation unit 113 based on anomaly information and occupant information.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the occupant information acquisition unit 112 is configured to acquire occupant information from the server 2, but this is not a limitation. For example, the occupant information may be pre-stored in the memory 120 of the control device 100, and the service decision unit 114 may refer to the stored occupant information. Furthermore, although the occupant information acquisition unit 112 is described as acquiring occupant information when a part malfunctions, it may also acquire occupant information when the vehicle is started. Additionally, information can also be acquired when the vehicle is started.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to connect to the drive source 16, tire section 17, and vehicle battery section 18 provided in the vehicle 1 to check for abnormalities in these components, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, the control device 100 may also connect to the starter motor provided in the vehicle 1. In the starter motor, the output signal of the electric motor provided with the starter motor corresponds to the component information; as an example of a malfunction in the starter motor, a situation where the electric motor provided with the starter motor is not working can be cited.

[0157] Processor 110 can be composed of multiple processors or a single processor. Processor 110 can also be hardware programmed to implement the functions described above. In this case, these processors are, for example, composed of ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0158] in addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of each part of the vehicle 1 shown is an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately; of course, it is also possible to configure the vehicle so that the functions of each part are implemented by a processor executing a program. In addition, some of the functions implemented by software in the above embodiments can be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software.

[0159] in addition, Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 6The steps shown are divided according to the main processing content, and this invention is not limited to the method or name of the division of processing units. It is also possible to divide the process into more step units based on the processing content. Alternatively, it is possible to divide the process into a single step unit containing more processes. Furthermore, the order of these steps can be appropriately changed without affecting the spirit of this invention.

[0160] [4. Structures supported by the above embodiments]

[0161] The above implementation supports the following structures.

[0162] (Structure 1)

[0163] A service provision system includes: a parts information acquisition unit that acquires parts information related to parts installed in a vehicle; an anomaly confirmation unit that confirms whether an anomaly has occurred in the parts based on the parts information; a service decision unit that determines, from a plurality of services for the anomaly, the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit; and a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service decision unit to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0164] According to the service provision system of Structure 1, when a vehicle experiences a parts malfunction, the service decision department will determine the appropriate service to be provided by the service provision department. Therefore, when a vehicle malfunctions, the occupants can easily receive the appropriate service.

[0165] (Structure 2)

[0166] According to the service provision system of Structure 1, the service provision system includes a passenger information acquisition unit that acquires passenger information related to the passenger, and a service decision unit that determines the services that the passenger can use based on the passenger information.

[0167] According to the service provision system of Structure 2, when a vehicle experiences a part malfunction, it is possible to select a service that is available and suitable for the vehicle based on occupant information to provide the service, thereby enabling the occupant to easily receive the appropriate service.

[0168] (Structure 3)

[0169] According to the service provision system of Structure 2, the service decision unit determines the service based on the accessory information among the services that are set to be available to the occupants based on the occupant information, and provides the service provided by the service provision unit.

[0170] According to the service delivery system of Structure 3, by providing services for which the necessary accessories are installed in the vehicle and are functional when selecting the service, it is possible to more appropriately select services that are acceptable to the occupants.

[0171] (Structure 4)

[0172] According to the service provision system of Structure 3, the accessory information indicates the presence or absence of the accessory and whether the accessory can work. When a specific accessory required for providing the service is provided in the vehicle and the specific accessory can work, the service decision unit will determine the service based on the accessory information among the services that are set to be available to the occupants based on the occupant information and will provide the service provided by the service provision unit.

[0173] According to the service delivery system of Structure 4, by providing services for which specific accessories required when selecting the service are installed in the vehicle and that accessories are functional, it is possible to more appropriately select services that are acceptable to the occupants.

[0174] (Structure 5)

[0175] According to any one of structures 1 to 4, the service provisioning system comprises: a communication unit that enables the vehicle to communicate with the outside; and a display unit that displays information to the occupants. In the absence of a service that can be determined by the service decision unit, the communication unit sends an information provision signal to the outside, which entrusts the transmission of information for the service to the vehicle. Upon receiving information for the service corresponding to the information provision signal sent by the communication unit, the display unit displays the received information for the service.

[0176] According to the service provision system of Structure 5, even in the absence of services that can be utilized based on vehicle anomaly information and occupant information, appropriate services can be provided to occupants by requesting information from external sources.

[0177] (Structure 6)

[0178] According to any one of structures 1 to 5, the service providing system includes: a plurality of communication units that enable the vehicle to communicate with the outside; and a communication control unit that performs communication control of the communication units, wherein when the service requires communication with the outside as determined by the service determination unit, the communication control unit communicates with the outside through the pre-defined communication units.

[0179] According to the service provision system of Structure 6, by using a pre-defined method to control the communication method when providing services to the outside world, it is possible to appropriately provide services to passengers.

[0180] (Structure 7)

[0181] A service providing apparatus includes: a parts information acquisition unit that acquires parts information relating to parts installed in a vehicle; an anomaly confirmation unit that confirms, based on the parts information, whether an anomaly has occurred in the parts; a service decision unit that determines, from a plurality of services for the anomaly, a service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit; and a service providing unit that provides the service determined by the service decision unit to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0182] The service provision device according to structure 7 will have the same function and effect as structure 1.

Claims

1. A service provisioning system, comprising: The parts information acquisition department acquires parts information related to parts installed on the vehicle; Anomaly confirmation unit confirms whether an anomaly has occurred in the component based on the component information; A service decision unit, which determines, from a plurality of services for the anomaly, the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit; and The service provision department provides the services determined by the service decision department to the occupants of the vehicle.

2. The service provisioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The service providing system includes a passenger information acquisition unit that obtains passenger information related to the passenger. The service decision-making unit determines the services that the passenger can utilize based on the passenger information.

3. The service provisioning system according to claim 2, wherein, The service decision unit will determine the service provided by the service provision unit from the services that are set to be available to the occupants based on the occupant information and based on the accessory information.

4. The service provisioning system according to claim 3, wherein, The accessory information indicates whether the accessory is present or not and whether the accessory is functional. If the specific accessory required to provide the service is installed in the vehicle and the specific accessory is functional, the service decision unit will determine the service based on the accessory information, which is among the services that are set to be available to the occupant based on the occupant information, to be provided by the service provision unit.

5. The service provisioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The service providing system has the following features: A communication unit that enables the vehicle to communicate with the outside world; and The display unit shows information to the occupants. In the absence of a service that can be determined by the service decision-making department. The communication unit sends an information provision signal to the outside, which in turn requests the transmission of the service information to the vehicle. When the display unit receives information about the service corresponding to the information provision signal sent by the communication unit, it displays the received information about the service.

6. The service provisioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The service providing system has the following features: Multiple communication units that enable the vehicle to communicate with the outside world; and The communication control unit performs communication control for the aforementioned communication unit. In cases where the service, as determined by the service decision-making department, requires communication with external entities, The communication control unit communicates with the outside world through a pre-defined communication unit.

7. A service providing apparatus comprising: The parts information acquisition department acquires parts information related to parts installed on the vehicle; Anomaly confirmation unit confirms whether an anomaly has occurred in the component based on the component information; A service decision unit, which determines, from a plurality of services for the anomaly, the service corresponding to the anomaly confirmed by the anomaly confirmation unit; and The service provision department provides the services determined by the service decision department to the occupants of the vehicle.

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