Information management device, information management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information management device, an information management method, and a program capable of providing a service that makes more effective use of a space inside a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information management device according to an embodiment includes: a communication terminal of a user; a communication unit capable of communicating with a vehicle controlled on the basis of authority information from the communication terminal; and a management unit that, when matching between users based on predetermined conditions is established, assigns a vehicle for the matched users to use when they meet, and manages the use of the vehicle by granting authority to unlock a door of the vehicle, including a time limit, to the communication terminal of at least one of the users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management device, an information management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technology has been disclosed in which one or more seats placed in a camper van, bus, etc. are treated as a unit of usage, a person belonging to a specified organization is treated as a user, a reservation for usage from that user is accepted in units of one or more seats, and a claim for the use of the seats is made to the specified organization to which the user belongs (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-132696 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, for example, in a situation where a vehicle interior space is shared to meet with other individuals, a mechanism for ensuring safety when getting on and off the vehicle and after getting off the vehicle was not taken into consideration. Therefore, there were cases where a service that effectively utilizes the vehicle interior space could not be provided.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information management device, an information management method, and a program that can provide services that make more effective use of the space inside the vehicle cabin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information management device, an information management method, and a program according to the present invention employ the following configuration. (1): An information management device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a user's communication terminal and a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal, and a management unit that, when users are matched based on predetermined conditions, assigns a vehicle to be used for the matched users to meet face-to-face, and grants authority to unlock the doors of the vehicle, including a time limit, to at least one of the communication terminals of the users, thereby managing the use of the vehicle.

[0007] (2): In the above aspect (1), the management unit performs vehicle control, including restricting movement of the vehicle, at least when the users who have been matched are present inside the vehicle.

[0008] (3): In the above aspect (1), after the users have finished meeting, the management unit imposes movement restrictions on the vehicle or the other user who met, until a predetermined time has elapsed since one of the users got off the vehicle, or until the distance between one of the users and the vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

[0009] (4): In the above aspect (1), the management unit grants one of the facing users the authority to lift the movement restriction on the vehicle for which the movement restriction has been set, after the other of the facing users gets off the vehicle.

[0010] (5): In the above aspect (1), the management unit grants one of the facing users the authority to unlock a locked door of the vehicle after the other of the facing users gets out of the vehicle.

[0011] (6): In the above aspect (1), the management unit manages the other user who is present in the vehicle after one of the facing users gets off the vehicle.

[0012] (7) In the above aspect (6), a providing unit is further provided that provides information to the other user present in the vehicle after meeting.

[0013] (8): In the aspect of (1) above, the management unit sets a location for the matched users to meet face-to-face based on instructions from the matched users.

[0014] (9): In the above aspect (1), when a user is present in a vehicle during which the movement of the vehicle is restricted or the door keys of the vehicle are being locked, and when an abnormality is predicted in the vehicle or the user, the management unit performs control to lift the movement restriction or to unlock the keys.

[0015] (10): In the above aspect (1), a providing unit is further provided that notifies at least one of the communication terminals of the users who have met when the distance between one of the users who gets off the vehicle first after the meeting and the other user is within a predetermined distance, or when the movement routes of the users match by more than a threshold value.

[0016] (11): An information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information management method in which a computer communicates between a user's communication terminal and a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal, and when a match is established between users based on specified conditions, a vehicle is assigned for the matched users to use for meeting each other, and the computer manages the use of the vehicle by granting authority to unlock the doors of the vehicle, including a time limit, to at least one of the communication terminals of the users.

[0017] (12): A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to communicate between a user's communication terminal and a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal, and when a match is established between users based on specified conditions, causes a computer to assign a vehicle to be used for the matched users to meet face to face, and manages the use of the vehicle by granting authority to unlock the doors of the vehicle, including a time limit, to at least one of the communication terminals of the users. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the above aspects (1) to (12), it is possible to provide a service that makes more effective use of the space inside the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an information management system 1 including a management device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of an information management device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a user information DB 151. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a vehicle DB 152. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a matching DB 153. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a usage status DB 154. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a communication terminal 200 according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle 300 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in the information management system 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which users meet each other using a vehicle 300. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining designation of a meeting place. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how other services are provided. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining information recommendation. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram for explaining a scene in which information is provided to a user U1 remaining in a vehicle 300. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case where user U-1 gets off vehicle 300 and moves on. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information management device, an information management method, and a program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As an example of an information management device, an information management device that manages information about a matching service that matches individuals based on a predetermined condition, provides a vehicle to the matched individuals, and allows them to meet in a vehicle interior space will be described below. The vehicle may be a vehicle owned by one of the users who have matched, or may be a shared car or rental car owned by a specific business operator. In the case of a shared car or rental car, a specific vehicle can be used by paying a usage fee to the business operator.

[0021] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information management system 1 including a management device according to an embodiment. The information management system 1 includes, for example, an information management device 100, one or more communication terminals 200-1 to 200-n, and one or more vehicles 300-1 to 300-n. The communication terminals 200-1 to 200-n are terminals used by, for example, one or more users U-1 to Un who use the information management system 1. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish which user, communication terminal, or vehicle it is, the symbols following the hyphen will be omitted. In the information management system 1, the information management device 100, the communication terminal 200, and the vehicle 300 can communicate with each other via, for example, a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth (registered trademark), the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a public line, a provider device, a dedicated line, a wireless base station, and the like.

[0022] The information management device 100 may be, for example, a server device or a PC (Personal Computer), or may be a cloud server configured by cloud computing consisting of one or more information processing devices. The information management device 100 communicates with a communication terminal 200 used by a user U via a network NW, acquires user information and the like from the communication terminal 200, and performs matching between the users U based on the acquired user information and the like. When matching is established, the information management device 100 assigns a vehicle 300 as a space for the established users to meet (face-to-face), and grants authority to the assigned vehicle 300 to the user U. The information management device 100 also controls the vehicle 300 during the time period (including a predetermined time before and after the time period) when the users meet each other.

[0023] The communication terminal 200 is, for example, a communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The communication terminal 200 communicates with the information management device 100 via the network NW, registers user information for using a matching service, and acquires authority information for the vehicle 300. The communication terminal 200 may also communicate with other communication terminals 200 and the vehicle 300 via the network NW. The communication terminal 200 may also perform short-range communication with the vehicle 300 wirelessly or wired based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB, and transmit and receive information to and from the vehicle 300.

[0024] The vehicle 300 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, but may be any vehicle capable of providing a predetermined interior space, such as a three-wheeled vehicle (including a vehicle with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as a vehicle with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or a six-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 300 communicates with the information management device 100 via the network NW, and performs vehicle control, etc., based on information received from the information management device 100. The vehicle 300 also transmits to the information management device 100 information on the usage status of the vehicle 300 by the user U. The vehicle 300 may also communicate with the communication terminal 200, and perform vehicle control based on authority information acquired from the communication terminal 200. The vehicle 300 is a vehicle equipped with at least a digital key, and the authority information is at least information related to opening and closing the doors (locking and unlocking the doors) of the vehicle 300 based on the digital key. The digital key is, for example, a mechanism for unlocking and locking a door using digital data stored in the communication terminal 200 instead of a physical key. The functions of the information management device 100, the communication terminal 200, and the vehicle 300 will be described below.

[0025] [Information management device] 2 is a configuration diagram of the information management device 100 according to the embodiment. The information management device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a management unit 130, a provision unit 140, and a storage unit 150. The acquisition unit 120, the management unit 130, and the provision unit 140 are realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). In addition, some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transient storage medium) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory of the information management device 100, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, and may be installed in the HDD or flash memory of the information management device 100 by mounting the storage medium (non-transient storage medium) in a drive device. The information management device 100 may be realized, for example, by an operator of the matching service of the embodiment installing a program in a cloud server, and in this case, the owner of the hardware of the information management device 100 and the operator of the matching service may be different. In addition, the program may be automatically downloaded and installed by the information management device 100 accessing a predetermined external device via the network NW.

[0026] The storage unit 150 may be realized by the above-mentioned various storage devices, or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. For example, a user information DB (Database) 151, a vehicle DB 152, a matching DB 153, a usage status DB 154, a program, and various other information are stored in the storage unit 150. Map information may also be stored in the storage unit 150. At least a part of the information included in the storage unit 150 may be stored in an external device (for example, a DB server) capable of communicating with the information management device 100.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the user information DB 151. The user information DB 151 is information in which, for example, identification information (for example, a user ID) for identifying a user U is associated with personal information, terminal information, and vehicle information. The personal information includes, for example, a name, age, sex, occupation, hobby, and preference information (for example, favorite food, sports, music, television programs, actors, and type of opposite sex). The terminal information is identification information (for example, a terminal ID) for identifying the communication terminal 200 used by the user U. The terminal information may also include address information and the like for the information management device 100 to communicate with the communication terminal 200. The vehicle information is identification information (for example, a vehicle ID) for identifying the vehicle 300 owned by the user U. The vehicle information may also include address information and the like for the information management device 100 to communicate with the vehicle 300. The user information DB 151 may also store authentication information (for example, a password and the like) for the information management device 100 to authenticate the user U.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the vehicle DB 152. In the vehicle DB 152, for example, identification information (for example, a vehicle ID) for identifying the vehicle 300 is associated with location information, usage status, and vehicle information. The location information is information indicating the location of the vehicle 300. The usage status is information indicating whether the vehicle 300 is being used in a matching service (for example, a situation in which the user U is present in the vehicle cabin). The usage status may also include information indicating that the vehicle has already been assigned and is scheduled to be used in the future. The vehicle information is information indicating, for example, the type of the vehicle 300, whether it is a personal car owned by the user U, a shared car, or a rental car. The vehicle information may also include vehicle identification information such as the model and color.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the matching DB 153. The matching DB 153 is information in which, for example, identification information (matching ID) for identifying a case in which matching has been established is associated with identification information (target user ID) for identifying a target user with whom matching has been established, meeting date and time, meeting place, vehicle information, and authority information. The meeting date and time is information on the date and time when the target user with whom matching has been established will meet in the vehicle 300. The meeting place is information on the place where the vehicle 300 is parked at the time of meeting or the meeting place of the user U. The vehicle information is information on the vehicle 300 used as a meeting space. The authority information is authority for the vehicle 300 granted to the user U with whom matching has been established. The authority may include a digital key (unlocking and locking control of the door lock), movement restrictions (driving control) of the vehicle 300, use restrictions of in-vehicle devices (for example, interior lighting settings, air conditioning settings, sound settings), and the like. Note that the movement restrictions of the vehicle 300 may be granted depending on whether the user U has obtained a driver's license to drive the vehicle 300 or the like.

[0030] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the usage status DB 154. The usage status DB 154 is information in which, for example, a matching ID is associated with a meeting date and time, a usage status, an in-vehicle state, and user position information. The usage status stores whether or not a meeting is in progress, and the time elapsed since the meeting ended. The in-vehicle state stores, for example, a prediction result of whether the vehicle 300 is normal or abnormal, and a prediction result of whether the state of the user in the vehicle is normal or abnormal. The user position information is position information acquired from the communication terminal 200 of each user. The user position information may include the position information of the vehicle 300 being used.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 2, the communication unit 110 includes a communication interface such as a network interface card (NIC). The communication unit 110 communicates with the communication terminal 200, the vehicle 300, and other external devices via the network NW. The communication unit 110 includes, for example, a first communication unit 112 and a second communication unit 114. The first communication unit 112 communicates with, for example, the vehicle 300 (e.g., a vehicle 300 equipped with a digital key) that is controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal 200. The second communication unit 114 communicates with one or more communication terminals 200.

[0032] The acquisition unit 120 acquires various information from the information received by the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires user information, a matching request, and the like from the communication terminal 200. In addition, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the vehicle usage status of the user U from the vehicle 300, and the like.

[0033] The management unit 130 manages information obtained from the communication terminal 200 and the vehicle 300, and manages information provided to the communication terminal 200 and the vehicle 300. In addition, the management unit 130 updates (e.g., registers, changes, deletes) various information in the user information DB 151, the vehicle DB 152, the matching DB 153, and the usage status DB 154 according to the information acquired by the acquisition unit 120.

[0034] The management unit 130 includes, for example, a user management unit 131, a matching unit 132, a vehicle allocation unit 133, an authority granting unit 134, a status management unit 135, and a billing management unit 136. When the user management unit 131 receives a usage request (for example, a matching request) from the communication terminal 200 of a user U who wishes to use the matching service, the user management unit 131 performs user authentication based on the user information DB 151. For example, when the user management unit 131 receives a usage request, the user management unit 131 generates an authentication image for inputting authentication information such as a user ID and a password, and displays the generated image on the communication terminal 200 that made the request, and refers to the user information DB 151 based on the user information input using the displayed image, and determines whether or not to permit use of the service depending on whether or not information matching the input user information is stored. For example, the user management unit 131 permits use of the service when information matching the input user information is included in the user information DB 151, and performs processing for refusing use of the service or for making a new registration when the matching information is not included. In the new registration, a user ID, personal information, terminal information, vehicle information, etc. are set, and the set information is registered in the user information DB 151. Furthermore, the user management unit 131 may update the information in the user information DB 151 or the vehicle DB 152 at the timing requested by the user U or at a predetermined timing.

[0035] The matching unit 132 matches users registered in the user information DB 151 with each other. For example, the matching unit 132 refers to personal information in the user information DB 151 and extracts users whose hobby and preference information matches. Matching also includes having a similarity equal to or greater than a threshold. The matching unit 132 may also extract a matching partner who matches the request of the user U acquired from the communication terminal 200 (for example, the partner's age, occupation, whether to look for a same-sex partner, whether to look for a partner, etc.). The matching unit 132 may extract a user who best matches the request, or may extract a predetermined number of users.

[0036] Furthermore, the matching unit 132 may transmit information on the matching result (success or failure) to the target communication terminal 200. Furthermore, when matching is established, the matching unit 132 may transmit information on the other party to the communication terminal 200 of the target user U with whom matching is established, and receive information on whether or not to meet face-to-face. Furthermore, the matching unit 132 may provide information to the communication terminal 200 of the user U with whom matching is established, and adjust the date, time, place, etc. for the users to meet face-to-face. The matching unit 132 updates the contents of the matching DB 153 based on various information acquired when matching is established.

[0037] When matching is established by the processing of the matching unit 132, the vehicle allocation unit 133 allocates a vehicle 300 to be used as a meeting space. For example, the vehicle allocation unit 133 allocates a vehicle that is not currently being used (not scheduled to be used) from among the vehicles 300 registered in the vehicle DB 152. Furthermore, when a vehicle type or the like is specified by the user U with whom matching is established, the vehicle allocation unit 133 may allocate a vehicle 300 that matches the specified content from the vehicle information. Furthermore, when the user U with whom matching is established owns a vehicle 300, the vehicle allocation unit 133 may allocate the vehicle 300 owned by the user U. The vehicle allocation unit 133 updates the vehicle DB 152 based on the allocated content.

[0038] The authority granting unit 134 grants authority to the user U with whom matching has been established. For example, the authority granting unit 134 grants each user U a digital key (authority to unlock and / or lock the door) including a time limit according to the meeting date and time (matching time). The authority granting unit 134 may grant authority with a higher priority to one of the users U. This allows locking control so that when the door of the vehicle 300 is locked, the other user cannot unlock the door unless the user U with the higher priority gives permission to unlock the door. The authority granting unit 134 may grant authority regarding driving the vehicle 300 and controlling the in-vehicle devices. The authority granting unit 134 transmits the granted authority information to the communication terminal 200 or the vehicle 300. The authority granting unit 134 also updates the matching DB 153 based on the granted authority information.

[0039] The situation management unit 135 manages the situation of the user U and the situation of the vehicle 300 related to matching based on information obtained from the communication terminal 200 of the user U with whom matching has been established and the vehicle 300 used during the meeting time (including a predetermined time before and after the meeting time). For example, the situation management unit 135 analyzes an image captured by a camera (for example, an in-vehicle camera) mounted on the vehicle 300 to analyze the presence or absence of a user in the vehicle cabin and the state of conversation. The situation management unit 135 may also determine whether the situation of the user U in the vehicle cabin is normal or abnormal based on the analysis result of the image. Furthermore, when the remaining time of the meeting time falls within a predetermined time, the situation management unit 135 may notify the communication terminal 200 of the remaining time or inquire whether to extend the meeting time. When the meeting time is extended, the use time of the granted authority information is also extended. Furthermore, the situation management unit 135 may calculate the distance between the users based on the position information obtained from the communication terminal 200 and the position information of the vehicle 300. The situation management unit 135 updates the usage situation DB 154 based on the management contents.

[0040] The billing management unit 136 manages the expenses to be billed to the user U who used the matching service. For example, the billing management unit 136 calculates a preset amount according to user registration, matching processing, allocation of the vehicle 300, granting of authority, or meeting time, and bills the user for that amount. The billing management unit 136 may also perform payment processing of the billed amount using a payment method (e.g., credit card payment, electronic money payment) preset by the user U.

[0041] The providing unit 140 provides various information to the communication terminal 200 and the vehicle 300. For example, the providing unit 140 also transmits information on the matching result to the communication terminal 200. The matching result includes information on the user U with whom the match has been established, the meeting date and time (meeting date and time), the location, and information on the vehicle 300 used as the meeting space (such as the model and color). The providing unit 140 also transmits authority information granted by the authority granting unit 134 to the communication terminal 200 of the user U with whom the match has been established and the vehicle 300 assigned as the meeting space.

[0042] Furthermore, when one of the users gets off the vehicle 300 after the users meet, the providing unit 140 may provide information to the other user present in the vehicle. Furthermore, when the distance between one of the users who met and got off the vehicle 300 first after meeting is within a predetermined distance and the other user, or when the movement routes of the respective users match by a threshold or more, the providing unit 140 may notify the communication terminal 200 of the target user.

[0043] [Communication terminal] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the communication terminal 200 according to the embodiment. The communication terminal 200 includes, for example, a terminal-side communication unit 210, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, a position acquisition unit 240, a control unit 250, an application execution unit 260, and a terminal-side storage unit 270. The position acquisition unit 240, the control unit 250, and the application execution unit 260 are realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). In addition, some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The above-mentioned program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device having a non-transient storage medium) such as an HDD or flash memory of the communication terminal 200, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or memory card, and may be installed in the storage device of the communication terminal 200 by mounting the storage medium (non-transient storage medium) in a drive device, a card slot, or the like. Furthermore, the program may be automatically downloaded and installed by the communication terminal 200 accessing the information management device 100 or another external device.

[0044] The terminal side storage unit 270 may be realized by the above-mentioned various storage devices, or EEPROM, ROM, RAM, etc. For example, a program such as a matching application 272, authority information (e.g., a digital key) 274, and other various information are stored in the terminal side storage unit 270. The terminal side storage unit 270 may also include user information, terminal information, etc. When information is transmitted from the communication terminal 200 to the outside, at least a part of the information included in the user information and terminal information is also transmitted at the same time.

[0045] The terminal side communication unit 210 communicates with the information management device 100, the vehicle 300, other communication terminals 200, and other external devices, for example, by using the network NW.

[0046] The input unit 220 receives input from the user U by operating various keys, buttons, etc. The input unit 220 may also obtain the voice of the user U through a microphone and analyze the obtained voice to obtain input information.

[0047] The output unit 230 outputs information received by the terminal side communication unit 210, information input by the input unit 220, and information stored in the terminal side storage unit 270 to the user U. The output unit 230 includes, for example, a display unit 232 and a speaker 234. The display unit 232 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device. The display unit 232 displays various images (including video) in the embodiment. The display unit 232 may be configured integrally with the input unit 220 as a touch panel. The speaker 234 outputs a predetermined sound.

[0048] The position acquisition unit 240 acquires position information of the communication terminal 200. The position acquisition unit 240 acquires position information (for example, latitude and longitude) of the communication terminal 200 by, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device built into the communication terminal 200.

[0049] The control unit 250 controls the overall functions of the communication terminal 200. For example, the control unit 250 performs communication control by the terminal side communication unit 210, input / output control by the input unit 220 and the output unit 230, execution control of the matching application 272 by the application execution unit 260, vehicle control based on authority information, and the like.

[0050] The application execution unit 260 is realized by executing a matching application 272 stored in the terminal side storage unit 270. The matching application 272 is, for example, downloaded from an external device via the network NW and installed in the communication terminal 200. The matching application 272 transmits information inputted by the input unit 220 of the communication terminal 200, position information of the communication terminal 200, and the like to the information management device 100. In addition, the matching application 272 acquires a matching result and other information from the information management device 100, causes the output unit 230 to output images and sounds corresponding to the acquired information, and controls the vehicle 300 based on authority information.

[0051] [vehicle] 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle 300 according to an embodiment. The vehicle 300 includes, for example, a communication device 310, an operation device 315, an in-vehicle camera 320, a position acquisition device 325, an air conditioning device 330, an audio device 335, a door opening / closing device 340, a window opening / closing device 345, a display device 350, a seat driving device 355, a running device 360, a navigation device 365, and a vehicle control device 370. Each of the above-mentioned devices is an example of an in-vehicle device. Note that the vehicle 300 may not include some of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices, and may include other devices (for example, a drive recorder).

[0052] The communication device 310 communicates with the information management device 100 and the communication terminal 200 using, for example, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), or the like.

[0053] The operation device 315 is a device that operates devices mounted on the vehicle 300. The operation device 315 is, for example, a button, a switch, a dial, a lever, etc. The operation device 315 may operate various devices using a user interface displayed on a touch panel of the display device 350. The operation device 315 may also include an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a shift lever, a steering wheel, etc. that are operated by the user U when the vehicle 300 is traveling.

[0054] The in-vehicle camera 320 is, for example, a digital camera using a solid-state imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The in-vehicle camera 320 is attached to an arbitrary location in the cabin of the vehicle 300. The in-vehicle camera 320 periodically and repeatedly captures an image of the user U of the vehicle 300 present in the cabin, for example, under the control of the vehicle control device 370. The in-vehicle camera 320 may be a stereo camera. The image captured by the in-vehicle camera 320 is output to the vehicle control device 370.

[0055] The position acquisition device 325 acquires position information of the vehicle 300 by, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver (not shown), and outputs the acquired position information to the vehicle control device 370 or transmits the acquired position information to the information management device 100 via the communication device 310. The GNSS receiver identifies the position of the vehicle 300 based on a signal received from a GNSS satellite.

[0056] The air conditioner 330 adjusts the temperature and humidity in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 300. For example, based on the control contents by the remote control unit 371 and the operation control unit 372, the air conditioner 330 turns on and off the power of the air conditioner 330, controls the air volume and direction, and controls the temperature in the vehicle cabin.

[0057] The audio device 335 includes a playback device that plays back audio data stored on a CD or DVD, and a speaker that outputs the played back sound. The audio device 335 also outputs from the speaker the sound data received by the communication device 310. The audio device 335 also controls the on / off of the power supply of the audio device 335, and the content and output mode (volume, etc.) of the sound to be output, based on the control contents of the remote control unit 371 and the operation control unit 372.

[0058] The door opening / closing device 340 opens and closes the doors of the vehicle 300 and locks and unlocks the doors based on the control contents by the remote control unit 371 and the operation control unit 372. The door opening / closing device 340 may open and close the doors and lock and unlock the doors corresponding to the position where the user U gets on and off or the position where the user U gets on, or may open and close all the doors and lock and unlock the doors. The window opening / closing device 345 opens and closes the windows of the vehicle 300 based on the control contents by the operation device 315 and the remote control unit 371.

[0059] The display device 350 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device. The display device 350 is installed at a position visible to a user (passenger) present in the vehicle cabin. The display device 350 may include a playback device that plays back content such as audio data and video data stored on a DVD. The display device 350 controls the power on / off of the display device 350, the content of an image to be displayed, the display mode, and the like, based on the control contents of, for example, a remote control unit 371, an operation control unit 372, and a display control unit 373.

[0060] The seat drive device 355 drives a motor, etc., based on the control contents by the remote control unit 371 and the operation control unit 372 to change the posture of the seat in the vehicle cabin, such as the reclining angle, the front-to-back and up-to-down position, and the horizontal rotation angle.

[0061] The traveling device 360 ​​includes, for example, a traveling drive force output device, a brake device, and a steering device. The traveling drive force output device outputs a traveling drive force (torque) for traveling the vehicle 300 to the driving wheels. The traveling drive force output device includes, for example, a combination of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a transmission, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls them. The ECU controls the above configuration according to information input from the operation device 315, the remote control unit 371, or the operation control unit 372. The brake device includes, for example, a brake caliper, a cylinder that transmits hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper, an electric motor that generates hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, and a brake ECU. The brake ECU controls the electric motor according to information input from the operation device 315, the remote control unit 371, or the operation control unit 372, so that a brake torque according to a braking operation is output to each wheel. The steering device includes, for example, a steering ECU and an electric motor. The electric motor, for example, applies a force to a rack-and-pinion mechanism to change the direction of the steered wheels. The steering ECU drives the electric motor to change the direction of the steered wheels according to information input from the operation device 315, the remote control unit 371, or the operation control unit 372. The traveling device 360 ​​may also execute driving control (automatic driving) by controlling at least one of the steering and the speed of the vehicle 300 based on the control of the traveling control unit 374. The traveling device 360 ​​may also be subject to a movement restriction so that the vehicle 300 cannot travel, for example, under the control of the remote control unit 371.

[0062] The navigation device 365, for example, refers to pre-stored map information, acquires surrounding information based on the position of the vehicle 300, and displays it on the display device 350, or displays a route from the current position of the vehicle 300 to a destination set by the user U on the display device 350.

[0063] The vehicle control device 370 includes, for example, a remote control unit 371, an operation control unit 372, a display control unit 373, a driving control unit 374, a communication control unit 375, and a vehicle-side storage unit 376. Each component except the vehicle-side storage unit 376 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). In addition, some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The above-mentioned program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device having a non-transient storage medium) such as an HDD or flash memory of the vehicle control device 370, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or memory card, and may be installed in the storage device of the vehicle control device 370 by mounting the storage medium (non-transient storage medium) in a drive device, a card slot, or the like. In addition, the program may be automatically downloaded and installed in the storage device of the vehicle control device 370 by the vehicle 300 accessing a predetermined external device via the network NW.

[0064] The vehicle-side storage unit 376 may be realized by the above-mentioned various storage devices, or an EEPROM, a ROM, a RAM, etc. For example, a program and other various information are stored in the vehicle-side storage unit 376. In addition, the vehicle-side storage unit 376 may store a vehicle ID, user information, and map information.

[0065] The remote control unit 371 performs various controls on the in-vehicle devices (for example, the air conditioner 330, the audio device 335, the door opening / closing device 340, the window opening / closing device 345, the display device 350, the seat driving device 355, the traveling device 360, and the navigation device 365) based on the control contents from the information management device 100. The control contents from the information management device 100 include, for example, control contents based on the authority information of the vehicle 300 for the user U. For example, the control contents include control contents (locking control) related to unlocking or locking the door to allow the user U to get in and out of the vehicle, and control related to the movement restriction of the vehicle 300. The control contents may also include control to adjust the room temperature, audio control, traveling control (movement restriction), window opening / closing control, seat driving control, and the like. The remote control unit 371 may also communicate with the communication terminal 200 located near the vehicle 300 (within a predetermined distance) and perform various controls on the in-vehicle devices based on the control contents from the communication terminal.

[0066] The operation control unit 372 performs various controls related to the air conditioner 330, the audio device 335, the door opening / closing device 340, the window opening / closing device 345, the display device 350, the seat driving device 355, the traveling device 360, and the navigation device 365, based on the operation contents from the operation device 315. Furthermore, the operation control unit 372 may perform control so as to suppress the user U from performing the operation contents instructed by the operation device 315, based on the control contents of the remote control unit 371.

[0067] The display control unit 373 causes the display device 350 to display various images related to the information management system 1 of the embodiment. Even if a user U who does not have the authority to drive a vehicle 300 under the movement restriction of the vehicle 300 performs an operation to drive the vehicle 300 using the operation control unit 372, the traveling control unit 374 suppresses output of control content for the operation content to the traveling device 360, and controls the vehicle 300 not to move. Furthermore, the traveling control unit 374 may set a route on which the vehicle 300 cannot travel based on the position information of the user U output from the vehicle 300, and control the vehicle 300 not to travel the set route.

[0068] The communication control unit 375 transmits the usage status of the vehicle 300 related to the matching service acquired by the vehicle control device 370 from the communication device 310 to the information management device 100 at a predetermined period or at a predetermined timing. In addition, the communication control unit 375 may communicate with the communication terminal 200.

[0069] [Processing flow in the information management system (matching service)] A process flow of the matching service provided by the information management system 1 of the embodiment will be specifically described below. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process in the information management system 1. In the example of Fig. 9, a description will be given using a communication terminal 200-1 used by a user U-1, a communication terminal 200-2 used by a user U-2, an information management device 100, and a vehicle 300. In the following example, a case will be described in which the user U-1 is male and the user U-2 is female, but the genders may be reversed or the same gender.

[0070] In the example of FIG. 9, the communication terminal 200-1 accepts user information from the user U-1 (step S100) and transmits it to the information management device 100 (step S102). The user management unit 131 of the information management device 100 receives the user information transmitted from the communication terminal 200-1 and registers it in the user information DB 151 (step S104). The communication terminal 200-2 accepts user information from the user U-2 (step S106) and transmits it to the information management device 100 (step S108). The user management unit 131 receives the user information transmitted from the communication terminal 200-2 and registers it in the user information DB 151 (step S110). Next, the matching unit 132 performs a matching process between users registered in the user information DB 151 at a predetermined period or at a predetermined timing when a matching request is made (step S112). In the following description, it is assumed that matching between the user U-1 and the user U-2 is established.

[0071] When matching is established by the matching process, the matching unit 132 adjusts a schedule for the matched users to meet each other (step S114). Note that the matching unit 132 may transmit information regarding the matching result to the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 before performing the adjustment process of step S114, and inquire whether or not to meet. In the adjustment process, the matching unit 132 generates information regarding the matched partner and information for inquiring about information regarding the date, time, and location of the meeting, and transmits the generated information to the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 (steps S116 and S118).

[0072] The communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 each display the information received from the information management device 100 and accept instructions from the users U-1 and U-2 (steps S120 and S122). Next, the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 transmit the accepted information to the information management device 100 (steps S124 and S126). In the following description, it is assumed that the users U-1 and U-2 have specified a date, time, and location to meet each other.

[0073] The management unit 130 of the information management device 100 adjusts the date, time and location based on the information obtained from the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2, and allocates the vehicle 300 to be used as a meeting space (step S128). For example, the date and time is selected so that the schedules of both parties (date and time when they can meet) match, and the location is adjusted to a location that matches at least one of the designated locations. The date, time and location may be adjusted appropriately while making inquiries to the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 multiple times. The management unit 130 (vehicle allocation unit 133) also refers to the vehicle DB 152 and allocates the vehicle 300 that can be placed at the date, time and location determined by the adjustment. Note that the vehicle allocation unit 133 may first refer to the vehicle information in the user information DB 151, and inquire whether the vehicle can be used if one of the users U-1 and U-2 owns a vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with at least a digital key and is capable of communicating with the communication terminal 200 and the information management device 100. If the vehicle 300 owned by the user U is available, the vehicle allocation unit 133 allocates the vehicle, and if it is unavailable, allocates a shared car, a rental car, or the like.

[0074] Next, the authority granting unit 134 generates authority information for the vehicle 300 assigned as the meeting space (step S130). For example, the authority granting unit 134 generates a digital key for unlocking or locking the door of the vehicle 300. This digital key is a key that is valid only during the meeting time of the users U-1 and U-2 (including a predetermined time before and after that). This makes it possible to prevent the door from being unlocked or locked during a time period that is significantly different from the meeting time. The authority granting unit 134 may also grant authority for air conditioning control, sound control, window opening / closing control, seat drive control, and the like. These authorities may also be adjusted according to the amount of money to be charged. Next, the management unit 130 transmits information on the authority information to the vehicle 300 (for example, step S132). The management unit 130 also transmits information on the meeting date and time, location, authority information, and assigned vehicle to the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 (steps S134 and S136). The transmitted information is stored in the respective storage units of vehicle 300 and communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2.

[0075] Next, during the time period of the meeting (including the predetermined time period before and after), the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 transmit, for example, position information, instruction information, etc. together with the terminal ID and user information to the information management device 100 at a predetermined cycle or at a predetermined timing (steps S138 and S140). Also, the vehicle 300 transmits information on the usage status of the vehicle 300 together with the vehicle ID to the information management device 100 at a predetermined cycle or at a predetermined timing (step S142). Next, the status management unit 135 receives the information transmitted in the processes of steps S138 to S142, and updates the usage status DB 154 to perform management, etc. (step S144). The process of step S144 may include not only the status during the meeting, but also the status management before or after the meeting ends. After the meeting between users U-1 and U-2 is completed, the management unit 130 performs billing processing for each of users U-1 and U-2 (step S146), and after the series of processing is completed, updates various information stored in the storage unit 150 (step S148). This ends the sequence processing.

[0076] [Meeting by vehicle] Next, a specific description will be given of how users who have been matched in the embodiment meet each other. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining how users who have been matched meet each other using a vehicle 300. In the following, a state is shown in which users U-1 and U-2 who have been matched meet each other in the assigned vehicle 300. It is also assumed that the vehicle 300 is owned by the user U-1. It is also assumed that in the example of FIG. 10, time T1 is the earliest, followed by times T2, T3, T4, and T5 in that order.

[0077] User U-1 drives vehicle 300 to the designated location and waits at the designated location before the meeting time (time T1). Next, user U-2 finds vehicle 300 to meet at the designated location based on information about vehicle 300 (model, color, etc.) previously transmitted to communication terminal 200-2, and when the meeting date and time (time T2) arrives, user U-2 unlocks the door of vehicle 300 using the digital key (authority information) stored in communication terminal 200-2 and gets into vehicle 300.

[0078] After that, at time T3, the user U-1 and the user U-2 have various conversations such as self-introductions in the vehicle 300. At this time, the vehicle 300 may be controlled by the control (movement restriction) from the management unit 130 so that the vehicle 300 cannot move (or can only move within a predetermined distance) during the conversation (during the meeting). In addition, the vehicle 300 may be controlled by the control (vehicle control) from the management unit 130 so that the door cannot be locked during the conversation, or even if the user U-1 locks the door, the user U-2 can unlock it at any timing using the communication terminal 200-2. This can prevent the user U-2 from being taken to an unknown place by the vehicle 300, and can provide a sense of security. Note that the management unit 130 may release the above-mentioned movement restriction when an instruction to release the movement restriction is received from the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 during the meeting. This allows the vehicle to be controlled in response to the request of the user U-2. During the conversation, if users U-1 and U-2 are granted authority to control air conditioning, sound, windows, and seats, the in-vehicle devices are controlled according to the authority. The state of the conversation and the device control contents are transmitted to the information management device 100 at a predetermined cycle or timing as information on the vehicle usage situation and are managed therein.

[0079] At time T4, when the meeting time ends, the user U-2 unlocks the door of the vehicle 300 by authority and then gets off. At this time, door lock control and movement restriction are given (or continued) to the vehicle 300 by an instruction from the user U-2 to the communication terminal 200-2. This control may be performed on the information management device 100 or the vehicle 300 that has received the instruction from the communication terminal 200-2. This makes it possible to prevent the user U-1 from tailing the user U-2 who has got off the vehicle 300 with the vehicle 300 or from getting off the vehicle 300 and tailing him after the meeting ends. Even after one of the users (for example, the user U-2) gets off the vehicle 300 (during lock control or movement restriction), the users U-1 and U-2 may use the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 to have a conversation with each other via email or SNS (social networking) (for example, a conversation as shown in FIG. 10 ) In addition, user U-1 waiting inside vehicle 300 may be given authority to control air conditioning, sound, windows, and seats, and to execute the above controls over vehicle 300.

[0080] Furthermore, at time T5, when the user U-2 is in a place where there is no risk of being followed (for example, inside a train), the user U-2 instructs the communication terminal 200-2 to unlock the door. The information management device 100, which has received this instruction, grants the communication terminal 200-1 or the vehicle 300 the authority to unlock (control) the door (the authority to unlock the door). This allows the user U-1 to unlock the door and get off the vehicle 300. Note that instead of (or in addition to) receiving an instruction to release the movement restriction on the vehicle 300, the communication terminal 200-1 or the vehicle 300 may be granted the authority to release the movement restriction. This allows the user U-1 to drive the vehicle 300 and move it around.

[0081] It is possible that the user U-2 may forget to give an instruction to unlock the door lock or to release the movement restriction of the vehicle 300. Therefore, the situation management unit 135 may check the vehicle situation, and release the locking control or the movement restriction when a predetermined time has passed since the user U-2 got off the vehicle 300 or when the position between the user U-1 and the vehicle 300 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. This can prevent the user U-1 from being left behind in the vehicle 300 for a long period of time and being unable to move.

[0082] Here, for the meeting place of the embodiment, the users U-1 and U-2 may specify a safe place. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the specification of the meeting place. For example, when the user U-1 or U-2 specifies a "safe place" as the meeting place, the management unit 130 (matching unit 132) specifies a location that is expected to be easily seen by people (high possibility that other people will pass by) as the meeting place. The location that is expected to be easily seen by people is, for example, a parking lot of a predetermined facility (including a store) 400 such as a convenience store or a shopping mall, or a parking lot near a station (within a predetermined distance from the station). As a result, since there are people around (persons P-1 and P-2 shown in FIG. 11) during the meeting (conversation) in the car, it is possible to prevent dangerous things from happening in the car, and the conversation can be carried out with more peace of mind. In addition, the management unit 130 may adjust the meeting date and time so that the meeting will be held during the business hours of the facility 400. As a result, when the user feels danger, he or she can immediately escape into the facility 400 and ask for help. Therefore, the safety of the user U during the meeting can be further improved.

[0083] In addition, since the user U-2 gets off the vehicle 300, and the user U-1 continues to wait in the vehicle 300 from when the locking control and the movement restriction are set until they are released, there is a possibility that the user U-1 will be bored. In this case, the providing unit 140 may provide, for example, a service other than the matching service. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the provision of other services. In the example of FIG. 12, a state is shown from when the meeting ends and the user U-2 gets off the vehicle 300 until the locking control and the movement restriction are released. For example, when the user U-1 instructs the communication terminal 200-1 or the vehicle 300 that he is waiting after cleaning the inside of the vehicle 300 and is bored after finishing the cleaning, the providing unit 140 provides the waiting user U-1 with information inquiring whether or not to receive another service (for example, a service to have a conversation with a love consultant). When an instruction indicating that another service is to be received from the user U-1 is received, the providing unit 140 provides information on the corresponding service to the user U-1. When providing the love consultant service, the vehicle 300 may record the conversation with the consent of both parties, and share the conversation with the love consultant with personal information deleted, so that the user U-1 can consult with the love consultant based on the contents of the recording. The billing management unit 136 charges for additional services provided. This allows various services other than matching to be provided to the user U-1 during the waiting time until the locking control and movement restrictions are released. This allows the user U-1 to make more effective use of the waiting time.

[0084] Furthermore, if an abnormality is found in the user U-1 waiting in the vehicle or in the vehicle 300 before the locking control or movement restriction is released, the management unit 130 may transmit information to the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 to prompt the user U-2 to issue an instruction to release the locking control or movement restriction. An abnormality is found in the user U-1 when, for example, an analysis result of an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 320 indicates that the user U-1 in the image is in poor health. An abnormality is found in the vehicle 300 when, based on the in-vehicle camera 320 or various vehicle sensors mounted on the vehicle 300, a disaster such as an earthquake or an accident is predicted to occur around the vehicle.

[0085] The providing unit 140 may display an emergency button (emergency switch) or the like on the communication terminal 200-1 until the locking control or the movement restriction is released, and when the emergency button is pressed, transmit information to the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 to prompt the user U-2 to release the locking control or the movement restriction. The management unit 130 may also notify the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 of the release, and forcibly release the locking control or the movement restriction. In this case, the management unit 130 may also notify the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-1's location information (location information of the communication terminal 200-1 and the vehicle 300) and prompt the user U-1 to confirm the location. This can ensure the safety of the user U-1. The user U-2 may also be notified of the release and the location information to ensure his / her safety early. When the emergency button is pressed, the information management device 100 may later request evidence (such as an application for automobile insurance) that it was an emergency.

[0086] In addition, in order to prevent the user U-1 from wanting to go to the toilet until the locking control or the movement restriction is released, the management unit 130 may set a timer during the meeting and transmit information encouraging the user U-1 to go to the toilet to the communication terminal 200-1 or the vehicle 300 before a predetermined time before the meeting time ends. In addition, if the user U-1 wants to go to the toilet before the locking control or the movement restriction is released, the user U-1 may select the "I want to go to the toilet" button provided by the provision unit 140 and displayed on the communication terminal 200-1. In this case, the management unit 130 may unlock the door of the vehicle 300 and notify the communication terminal 200-2 that "The user U-1 wants to go to the toilet, so we have no choice but to unlock it. Please check your back just in case," to alert the user U-2. In addition, when the user U-1 returns from the toilet to the vehicle 300 and enters a standby state, the management unit 130 may notify the user U-2 from the communication terminal 200-2 that the user U-1 has returned to the vehicle 300.

[0087] In addition, when the driving control of the vehicle 300 is released, the providing unit 140 may recommend, for example, a recommended driving course to the user U-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the recommendation of information. The example of FIG. 13 shows an example of information provided to the user U-1 after the movement restriction is released. In the example of FIG. 13, when the movement restriction is released, the providing unit 140 inquires the user U-1 about where to go next, generates an image showing a route from the position of the vehicle 300 to the destination based on the answer of the destination to the inquiry, and displays the generated image on the display device 350 or the navigation device 365 of the vehicle 300. In addition, based on the position information of the vehicle 300 and the position information of the user U-2 obtained from the communication terminal 200-2, when the vehicle 300 approaches the user U-2 (when it is within a predetermined distance), the providing unit 140 may notify that the vehicle 300 cannot move in that direction (direction), or may provide a route that is not within the predetermined distance. This makes it possible to prevent the user U-1 and the user U-2 from getting closer to each other.

[0088] Furthermore, the providing unit 140 may transmit information to the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 indicating that the user U-2 has sufficiently moved away from the vehicle 300 or the communication terminal 200-1 and that the locking control will be released when the user U-2 has sufficiently moved away from the vehicle 300 or the communication terminal 200-1 (when the user U-2 has moved away by a predetermined distance or more). This allows the user U-1 to know that the user U-1 has sufficiently moved away and reduces anxiety that the user U-2 may be being followed.

[0089] In the embodiment, it is also possible that the user U-2 who got off the vehicle 300 first tails the user U-1. Predetermined information may be provided to the user U-1. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a scene in which information is provided to the user U1 who remained in the vehicle 300. In the example of FIG. 14, the user U-1 drives the vehicle 300 and moves after the movement restriction is lifted. In this case, the management unit 130 predicts whether the user U-2 moves by car or on foot based on the movement amount of the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 in a predetermined time. If it is predicted that the user U-2 will walk, the user U-1 who moves by the vehicle 300 determines that the user U-1 is safe when the user U-1 moves a predetermined distance by the vehicle 300, and does not notify the user U-1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user U-2 is moving by vehicle and the route with the vehicle 300 of the user U-1 coincides, it is determined that the user U-2 is being tailed, and notifies the user U-1 that there is a possibility that the user U-2 is being tailed. This allows the situation to be accurately grasped and measures such as evacuating to a safe place can be taken early.

[0090] 15 is a diagram for explaining a case where user U-1 gets off the vehicle 300 and moves. In this case, if it is predicted that user U-2 is moving in the vehicle 300, based on the position information of the vehicle 300, if the route coincides with that of user U1, it is determined that the user is being followed, and user U-1 is notified that there is a possibility that the user is being followed. Also, if it is predicted that user U-2 is moving on foot, when the distance between user U-1 and user U-2 is within a predetermined distance, user U-1 may be notified that there is a possibility that the user is being followed.

[0091] In addition, the providing unit 140 may monitor the location information of the users U-1 and U-2 from the location information of the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 for a certain period of time after the meeting, and when the distance between the user U-2 who got off the vehicle first after the meeting and the other user U-1 is within a predetermined distance, or when the movement routes of the users U-1 and U-2 match by a threshold or more (for example, when the matching rate of the routes in a predetermined distance is equal to or greater than a threshold), the providing unit 140 may notify at least one of the communication terminals 200-1 and 200-2 of the users U-1 and U-2 that they may be followed. In this case, the providing unit 140 may notify, for example, the communication terminal 200 of the user U-1 or U-2 that has moved less that there is a possibility of being followed. This makes it possible to easily avoid being followed by notifying that the other user is approaching. In addition, when it is determined that both users are moving on foot, the providing unit 140 may notify each other that there is a possibility of being followed. This will allow both parties to be aware of the direction they are traveling, suggesting the possibility of being followed.

[0092] [Variations] In the embodiment, at least a part of the functions of the information management device 100 may be provided in another external device. For example, the functions of the matching unit 132 may be realized by another server that provides a matching service. In addition, when using a shared car or a rental car for the vehicle 300, a user other than the user with whom the matching is established or a store clerk of the business may move the vehicle to the meeting location, and after the meeting is over and each user gets off the vehicle, the vehicle may be moved to its original position. This allows the vehicle 300 to be effectively used even by users who do not have a driver's license.

[0093] In addition, in the embodiment, only the movement restriction may be released first among the movement restriction and the locking control for the vehicle 300. In this case, the management unit 130 may calculate the distance between the vehicle 300 and the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 who got off the vehicle 300 based on the position information of the vehicle 300 and the position information of the communication terminal 200-2 of the user U-2 who got off the vehicle 300, and may release the locking control (grant unlocking authority) without receiving a release notification from the communication terminal 200-2 when the distance is greater than a certain distance. This allows the locking control to be released in a safe positional relationship where the user is not followed. In this case, the communication terminal 200-2 may be notified that the locking control has been released, the reason for this, the position of the vehicle 300, etc. This allows the user U-2 to clearly understand the time and reason for the release of the locking control, and the location of the other party.

[0094] In the embodiment, the user who is to meet may specify a vehicle to be used as the meeting area. As a result, for example, when confessing, etc., by specifying a more luxurious vehicle than the vehicle that is usually used, the confession can be made in a more atmospheric situation. In the embodiment, the user who is to meet may specify a seat. As a result, for example, by selecting a back seat instead of a passenger seat of the vehicle 300, excessive contact with the user who is seated in the driver's seat can be avoided. In this case, the user is given the authority (digital key) to unlock the door to get into the selected seat. In the embodiment, the number of users who are to meet may be three or more. For example, when a user who has been matched has a child, the management unit 130 may allow the child and the other users to use the vehicle 300.

[0095] According to the embodiment described above, the information management device 100 is equipped with a communication unit 110 capable of communicating between a user's communication terminal 200 and a vehicle 300 controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal 200, and a management unit 130 that, when matching between users based on specified conditions is established, assigns a vehicle to be used for the matched users to meet face-to-face, and grants authority to unlock the doors of the vehicle 300, including a time limit, to at least one of the users' communication terminals 200, thereby managing the use of the vehicle 300, thereby making it possible to provide a service that makes more effective use of the space inside the vehicle cabin.

[0096] Specifically, according to this embodiment, the vehicle interior space is used as a place where matched users can meet, and during use, restrictions on movement and locking / unlocking of the vehicle 300 are imposed, so that the user U can be prevented from being taken to unknown places in the vehicle 300 during the meeting, and thus the user U can feel secure. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, restrictions on movement and locking control are imposed even after the meeting, so that tailing by the other party can be prevented.

[0097] In recent years, it has become difficult to find someone who shares the same values ​​in love. In order to find a partner who shares the same values ​​as you as soon as possible, you need the opportunity to meet many potential partners. However, there is a possibility that you may meet a strange person in the process of looking for a partner. In such a situation, by applying the embodiment and providing a safe space by the vehicle 300, it is possible to provide a more secure and safe love matching service. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, a vehicle can be used as a place for matching, and by combining it with a digital key, it is possible to provide a higher quality matching service.

[0098] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows. a storage medium for storing computer-readable instructions; a processor coupled to the storage medium; The processor executes the computer-readable instructions to: A communication terminal of a user communicates with a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal; When matching between users based on a predetermined condition is established, a vehicle is allocated for the matched users to meet face to face; managing the use of the vehicle by granting a door unlocking authority of the vehicle, including a time limit, to at least one communication terminal of the user; Information management device.

[0099] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1...information management system, 100...information management device, 110...communication unit, 120...acquisition unit, 130...management unit, 131...user management unit, 132...matching unit, 133...vehicle allocation unit, 134...authorization unit, 135...status management unit, 136...billing management unit, 140...provision unit, 150...storage unit, 200...communication terminal, 210...terminal side communication unit, 220...input unit, 230...output unit, 240...position acquisition unit, 250...control unit, 260...application execution unit, 270...terminal side memory unit, 300... Vehicle, 310... communication device, 315... operation device, 320... in-vehicle camera, 325... position acquisition device, 330... air conditioning device, 335... audio device, 340... door opening / closing device, 345... window opening / closing device, 350... display device, 355... seat driving device, 360... traveling device, 365... navigation device, 370... vehicle control device, 371... remote control device, 372... operation control device, 373... display control device, 374... traveling control device, 375... communication control device, 376... vehicle side memory unit, 400... facility

Claims

1. a communication unit capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a user and a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal; a management unit that, when matching between users based on a predetermined condition is established, allocates a vehicle for the matched users to meet each other, and manages the use of the vehicle by granting authority to unlock the door of the vehicle, including a time limit, to at least one communication terminal of the users; An information management device comprising:

2. The management unit performs vehicle control including restricting movement of the vehicle when at least the matched users are present in the vehicle.

2. The information management device according to claim 1.

3. After the meeting between the users ends, the management unit imposes a movement restriction on the vehicle or the other user until a predetermined time has elapsed since one of the users got off the vehicle, or until the distance between one of the users and the vehicle becomes a predetermined distance or more. The information management device according to claim 1 .

4. The management unit grants, after one of the facing users gets off the vehicle, the authority to release the movement restriction of the vehicle for which the movement restriction is set, to the one of the users. The information management device according to claim 1 .

5. the management unit grants the one of the users an authority to unlock a locked door of the vehicle after the one of the facing users gets off the vehicle; The information management device according to claim 1 .

6. the management unit manages one of the facing users who is in the vehicle after the other user gets off the vehicle; The information management device according to claim 1 .

7. A providing unit that provides information to the other user present in the vehicle after the meeting is further provided. The information management device according to claim 6.

8. The management unit sets a location for allowing the matched users to meet face-to-face based on an instruction from the matched users. The information management device according to claim 1 .

9. The management unit performs control to release the movement restriction or unlock the door when a user is present in a vehicle during the restriction of movement of the vehicle or the locking control of the door keys of the vehicle and when an abnormality is predicted in the vehicle or the user. The information management device according to claim 6.

10. and a providing unit that notifies at least one of the communication terminals of the users when a distance between one of the users who has first gotten off the vehicle after the meeting and the other user is within a predetermined distance or when the movement routes of the users match by a threshold or more. The information management device according to claim 1 .

11. The computer A communication terminal of a user communicates with a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal; When matching between users based on a predetermined condition is established, a vehicle is allocated for the matched users to meet face to face; managing the use of the vehicle by granting a door unlocking authority of the vehicle, including a time limit, to at least one communication terminal of the user; Information management method.

12. On the computer, causing communication between a communication terminal of a user and a vehicle controlled based on authority information from the communication terminal; When matching between users based on a predetermined condition is established, a vehicle is allocated for the users who have been matched to meet each other; granting a time-limited authority to unlock the door of the vehicle to at least one of the communication terminals of the users to manage the use of the vehicle; program.

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