Drop-off place display method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for displaying a drop-off place.SOLUTION: A drop-off place display method implemented by an information processing device 10 includes steps of: receiving a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from user terminals; determining whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests; and displaying drop-off places of at least a part of allocated vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle allocation requests in a pseud geographical range when the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to the simultaneous vehicle allocation requests.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a getting-off location display method, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for dispatching taxis have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dispatching management apparatus that receives a first dispatching request and a second dispatching request from a user and does not receive the second dispatching request when the specified date and time of the second dispatching request is included in a predetermined period based on the specified date and time of the first dispatching request. Patent Document 2 discloses a taxi dispatching system that receives pick-up request information from a user terminal and queries a communication terminal of a taxi company. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a system that notifies a user of the position information of the getting-off location of a taxi.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The prior art notifies a user of the position information of the getting-off location of a taxi, but has not considered at all notifying the user of the accurate position information regarding the actual getting-off point. Thus, there has been room for improvement in the technology for displaying the getting-off location.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the technology for displaying the getting-off location.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The method for displaying alighting locations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for displaying alighting locations executed by an information processing device, comprising: a step of receiving a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from a user terminal; a step of determining whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests; when the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests, a step of displaying the alighting locations of at least some of the vehicle allocation requests among the vehicle allocation vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle allocation requests by a pseudo geographical range; and the method includes the above steps.

[0007] (2) The method for displaying alighting locations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the method for displaying alighting locations described in (1), wherein: the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a place name including the actual alighting location.

[0008] (3) The method for displaying alighting locations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the method for displaying alighting locations described in (1) or (2), wherein: the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a circle centered on the processed point by processing the position information related to the alighting location.

[0009] (4) The method for displaying alighting locations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the method for displaying alighting locations described in any one of (1) to (3), and further: the processing is to truncate or round off a predetermined digit for the latitude and longitude information related to the alighting location.

[0010] (5) The method for displaying alighting locations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for displaying alighting locations executed by an information processing device, comprising: a step of receiving a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from a user terminal; a step of determining whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests; when the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests, a step of displaying the alighting locations of at least some of the vehicle allocation requests among the vehicle allocation vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle allocation requests by a pseudo geographical range; and the method includes the above steps.

[0011] (6) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method described in (5), and the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a place name including the actual getting-off point.

[0012] (7) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method described in (5) or (6), and the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a circle centered on the processed point by processing the position information related to the getting-off location.

[0013] (8) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method described in any one of (5) to (7), and further the processing is to truncate or round off a predetermined digit for the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off location.

[0014] (9) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a getting-off location display method executed by an information processing device, and a step of determining whether it is a pre-registered payment using a payment method pre-registered for the payment means selected by the user terminal; when the payment means is a pre-registered payment, a step of displaying the getting-off location of the vehicle assigned for the pre-registered payment by a pseudo geographical range; and includes.

[0015] (10) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method described in (9), and the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a place name including the actual getting-off point.

[0016] (11) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method described in (9) or (10), and the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a circle centered on the processed point by processing the position information related to the getting-off location.

[0017] (12) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method according to any one of (9) to (11), and further, the processing is to truncate or round a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off location.

[0018] (13) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for displaying a getting-off location executed by an information processing device, receiving a vehicle allocation request from a user terminal; receiving an input by a passenger who has boarded the vehicle allocated according to the vehicle allocation request; displaying the getting-off location by a pseudo geographical range according to the input; and including.

[0019] (14) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method according to (13), wherein the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a place name including the actual getting-off point.

[0020] (15) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method according to (13) or (14), wherein the pseudo geographical range is obtained by processing the location information related to the getting-off location and is indicated by a circle centered on the processed point.

[0021] (16) The getting-off location display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the getting-off location display method according to any one of (13) to (15), and further, the processing is to truncate or round a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off location.

[0022] (17) The information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a processor, wherein the processor executes the getting-off location display method according to any one of (1) to (16).

[0023] (18) A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is A program executed by an information processing apparatus, which causes a computer to execute the method for displaying the alighting location according to any one of (1) to (16).

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the method for displaying the alighting location, the information processing apparatus, and the program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the technology for displaying the alighting location can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, the alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline and configuration of the system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0029] The system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, and a plurality of vehicle terminals 30. The information processing apparatus 10, the plurality of user terminals 20, and the plurality of vehicle terminals 30 are communicably connected to a network 40 including, for example, a mobile communication network and the Internet.

[0030] The information processing apparatus 10 is a server apparatus installed in, for example, a data center or the like. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 is a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The information processing apparatus 10 can communicate with the plurality of user terminals 20 and the plurality of vehicle terminals 30 via the network 40. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one information processing apparatus 10, the present invention is not limited thereto. The system 1 may include two or more information processing apparatuses 10.

[0031] The user terminal 20 is an arbitrary device used by each user who dispatches a taxi or the like. For example, a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a dedicated electronic device can be adopted as the user terminal 20. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes three user terminals 20, the present invention is not limited thereto. The system 1 may include less than three user terminals 20, or may include four or more user terminals 20.

[0032] The vehicle terminal 30 is an arbitrary device used by each driver of a taxi or the like to be dispatched. For example, a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a dedicated electronic device can be adopted as the vehicle terminal 30. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes three vehicle terminals 30, the present invention is not limited thereto. The system 1 may include less than three vehicle terminals 30, or may include four or more vehicle terminals 30.

[0033] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described. The alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by the information processing apparatus 10. The alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be used, for example, when a user arranges a taxi or the like for a guest other than himself / herself.

[0034] Specifically, in the alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information processing apparatus 10 receives a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from the user terminal 20 via the network 40. The information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the received plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests. When the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the alighting locations of at least some of the vehicle allocation requests among the vehicle allocation vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle allocation requests by a pseudo geographical range. Here, the simultaneous vehicle allocation request means a vehicle allocation request in which a plurality of vehicle allocation requests are included in a single vehicle allocation request received by the information processing apparatus 10 from the user terminal 20. In other words, in a simultaneous vehicle allocation request, vehicle allocation requests are made for a plurality of vehicles at the same time. The pseudo geographical range is area information that is displayed as including the actual alighting location or its neighboring locations and does not specify the exact location information related to the actual alighting location. Thereby, it is possible not to inform the user of the exact location information related to the actual alighting location, and the alighting location display technology is improved.

[0035] Note that the pseudo geographical range may not include the actual alighting location. When the pseudo geographical range does not include the actual alighting location, it is area information that is displayed as including neighboring locations of the actual alighting location and may not specify the exact location information related to the actual alighting location.

[0036] Here, a taxi or the like refers to a vehicle that picks up a passenger to the destination in response to the passenger's request. A taxi or the like may be an on-demand type vehicle allocated via a website, a mobile application, or the like. A taxi or the like may be, for example, a taxi, a hire car, a ride-sharing vehicle, or a ride-hailing vehicle. In this embodiment, a taxi will be described as an example.

[0037] According to the getting-off location display technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where a user arranges a taxi or the like for a guest other than himself / herself, it is possible to meet the need that the guest does not want the user to know his / her actual getting-off location, and the getting-off location display technology is improved.

[0038] Hereinafter, the configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0039] (Configuration of information processing device) Next, each configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described in detail. The information processing device 10 is an arbitrary device used by a user. For example, a personal computer, a server computer, a general-purpose electronic device, or a dedicated electronic device can be adopted as the information processing device 10.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0041] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The control unit 11 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10 while controlling each part of the information processing device 10.

[0042] The memory unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM (random access memory) or a ROM (read only memory). The RAM is, for example, an SRAM (static random access memory) or a DRAM (dynamic random access memory). The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). The memory unit 12 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 12 stores data used in the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0043] The communication unit 13 includes at least one interface for external communication. The communication interface may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation), or an interface corresponding to a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0044] The functions of the information processing apparatus 10 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the information processing apparatus 10. That is, the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing apparatus 10, thereby making the computer function as the information processing apparatus 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing apparatus 10 by executing the operations of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the program.

[0045] In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) on which the program is recorded. Also, the distribution of the program may be performed by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to another computer. Also, the program may be provided as a program product.

[0046] Some or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0047] (Configuration of User Terminal) As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0048] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the user terminal 20 while controlling each part of the user terminal 20.

[0049] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM (random access memory) or a ROM (read only memory). The RAM is, for example, an SRAM (static random access memory) or a DRAM (dynamic random access memory). The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the user terminal 20 and data obtained by the operation of the user terminal 20.

[0050] The input unit 23 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, or a touch screen provided integrally with a display. The input interface may also be, for example, a sound sensor that receives voice input, or a camera that receives gesture input. The input unit 23 receives an operation for inputting data used for the operation of the user terminal 20. Instead of being provided in the user terminal 20, the input unit 23 may be connected to the user terminal 20 as an external input device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0051] The output unit 24 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as video. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) display. The output unit 24 performs display output of data obtained by the operation of the user terminal 20. Instead of being provided in the user terminal 20, the output unit 24 may be connected to the user terminal 20 as an external output device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0052] The communication unit 25 includes at least one interface for external communication. The communication interface may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation), or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 25 receives data used for the operation of the user terminal 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the user terminal 20.

[0053] The functions of the user terminal 20 are realized by executing the program according to the present embodiment on a processor corresponding to the user terminal 20. That is, the functions of the user terminal 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to execute the operations of the user terminal 20, thereby making the computer function as the user terminal 20. That is, the computer functions as the user terminal 20 by executing the operations of the user terminal 20 according to the program.

[0054] Generally, in the present embodiment, first, the user terminal 20 receives an input from the user and executes a plurality of carpooling requests. The information processing apparatus 10 receives these carpooling requests and determines whether they correspond to simultaneous carpooling requests. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, a method for displaying a drop-off location according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] Step S101: The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from the user terminal 20. For example, the control unit 11 may display an interface for vehicle allocation requests on the user terminal 20 via the network 40 and receive selections made by the user. In this case, the user can input the number of vehicles for which vehicle allocation is desired, etc. into the vehicle allocation request interface, and by pressing a vehicle allocation execution button such as "Call immediately", send a vehicle allocation request for the desired number of vehicles from the user terminal 20 to the information processing apparatus 10.

[0056] The plurality of vehicle allocation requests received by the control unit 11 from the user terminal 20 may include simultaneous vehicle allocation requests or consecutive vehicle allocation requests. Alternatively, the plurality of vehicle allocation requests received by the control unit from the user terminal 20 may include both simultaneous vehicle allocation requests and consecutive vehicle allocation requests.

[0057] Here, the simultaneous vehicle allocation request refers to a single vehicle allocation request received by the information processing apparatus 10 from the user terminal 20 that includes requests for allocating multiple vehicles. In other words, in a simultaneous vehicle allocation request, vehicle allocation requests are made for multiple vehicles simultaneously.

[0058] Here, the consecutive vehicle allocation request refers to a case where a plurality of vehicle allocation requests received by the information processing apparatus 10 from the user terminal 20 are made continuously within a predetermined period. In other words, in a consecutive vehicle allocation request, vehicle allocation requests are made continuously for multiple vehicles within a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, the time interval from when one vehicle allocation request is made until the next vehicle allocation request is made. In this case, the predetermined period may be a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be, for example, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc. The predetermined time may adopt any other time as long as it can be evaluated as being consecutive.

[0059] Alternatively, the predetermined period may be a period starting from the time when a certain vehicle allocation request is made and ending at the time when any event occurs during the period until the passenger service is completed. The end point may be, for example, the time when the vehicle allocation is established, the time when the allocated vehicle arrives at the pick-up point, the time when a passenger boards the allocated vehicle, the time when the vehicle carrying the passenger arrives at the destination, the time when the passenger completes the payment, the time when the passenger gets off the vehicle, etc. The predetermined period may be, for example, the period from when a certain vehicle allocation request is made until the passenger boards the promised vehicle allocated for the vehicle allocation request, arrives at the destination, gets off, or finishes the payment.

[0060] In other words, consecutive vehicle allocation requests may include cases where, although not simultaneous vehicle allocations, subsequent vehicle allocation requests are made during the period from the first vehicle allocation request until the actual vehicle for the first vehicle allocation is completed (an example within the predetermined period). Also, consecutive vehicle allocation requests may include cases where, although not simultaneous vehicle allocations, subsequent vehicle allocation requests are made within a predetermined time (an example within the predetermined period) from the first vehicle allocation request. Note that the actual vehicle means carrying a passenger in a taxi, and the completion of the actual vehicle includes the passenger getting off or finishing the payment.

[0061] The consecutive vehicle allocation requests are not limited to one vehicle allocation request per time. The consecutive vehicle allocation requests may be those in which multiple vehicle allocation requests are continuously made within the predetermined period, and at least one of the vehicle allocation requests may include a simultaneous vehicle allocation request.

[0062] The case where the control unit 11 receives a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from the user terminal 20 includes the following situations. For example, when the user inputs "2" as the number of vehicles for which vehicle allocation is desired to the vehicle allocation request interface displayed on the user terminal 20 and presses a vehicle allocation execution button such as "Call immediately" (simultaneous vehicle allocation request). In this case, it can be said that vehicle allocation requests for two vehicles are made simultaneously. Also, for example, when the user inputs "1" as the number of vehicles for which vehicle allocation is desired to the vehicle allocation request interface displayed on the user terminal 20, presses the vehicle allocation execution button, then inputs "1" again as the number of vehicles for which vehicle allocation is desired, and presses the vehicle allocation execution button (continuous vehicle allocation request). In this case, it can be said that a vehicle allocation request for one vehicle is made twice. In any of these cases, it corresponds to the case where the control unit 11 receives a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from the user terminal 20.

[0063] Step S102: The control unit 11 determines whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests. Any method can be adopted for determining whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests. The control unit 11 may determine whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests based on whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests are included in one vehicle allocation request. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may simultaneously transmit information indicating that it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request to the control unit 11 when making a vehicle allocation request from the user terminal 20 for the determination of simultaneous vehicle allocation requests. Alternatively, the determination of simultaneous vehicle allocation requests may be made by the information processing device 10 side based on whether vehicle allocation requests from the same user are included within the same cycle in the matching.

[0064] Note that the control unit 11 may determine whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests are either simultaneous vehicle allocation requests or continuous vehicle allocation requests. Any method can be adopted for determining whether it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request or a continuous vehicle allocation request. For example, the determination of whether it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request or a continuous vehicle allocation request may be made based on whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests are made within a predetermined time in any case. Alternatively, the determination of whether it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request or a continuous vehicle allocation request may also be made based on whether there is a possibility that a plurality of vehicles will become actual vehicles simultaneously.

[0065] Note that the control unit 11 may discriminate not only immediate vehicle dispatching but also reserved vehicle dispatching. Reserved vehicle dispatching is a mechanism for dispatching a vehicle at a desired time by specifying a future date and time. Here, the reserved vehicle dispatching may include AI reservation. AI reservation is a vehicle dispatching method for reserving a vehicle dispatching request at a desired time by specifying a future date and time (for example, a date and time from 15 minutes later to 7 days later, etc.) using AI. Note that the control unit 11 may handle simultaneous vehicle dispatching requests and consecutive vehicle dispatching requests differently or the same. For example, simultaneous vehicle dispatching requests may be given priority in vehicle dispatching, while consecutive vehicle dispatching requests may not be given priority, or both may be given priority but to different degrees. Also, even in the case of consecutive vehicle dispatching requests, the priority may be increased each time while the request is discriminated as a consecutive vehicle dispatching request.

[0066] Step S103: When a plurality of vehicle dispatching requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle dispatching requests, the control unit 11 causes at least a part of the alighting locations of the vehicle dispatching requests among the vehicle dispatching vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle dispatching requests to be displayed by a pseudo-geographical range. The display destination of the alighting location may be the user terminal 20 (output unit 24 therein).

[0067] Thus, according to the alighting location display technology according to this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 can prevent the user (the user who made the vehicle dispatching request) from knowing the accurate position information related to the actual alighting location, and the alighting location display technology is improved. Also, in the alighting location display technology according to this embodiment, the alighting locations of the vehicle dispatching vehicles are displayed by a pseudo-geographical range, and the validity of the alighting location and the settlement amount can be shown to the user (the user who made the vehicle dispatching request). That is, according to this embodiment, an alighting location display technology that takes both privacy protection and user usability into consideration can be realized.

[0068] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, a method for displaying an alighting location according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] Step S201: The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives a plurality of vehicle dispatching requests from the user terminal 20. The process according to Step S201 may be the same as the process according to Step S101. For example, the control unit 11 may display a vehicle allocation request interface on the user terminal 20 via the network 40 and accept selections made by the user. In this case, the user may input the number of vehicles desired, etc. into the vehicle allocation request interface, and by pressing a vehicle execution button such as "Call now", the user can send a vehicle allocation request for the desired number of vehicles from the user terminal 20 to the information processing apparatus 10.

[0070] Similar to step S101, the plurality of vehicle allocation requests received by the control unit 11 from the user terminal 20 may include simultaneous vehicle allocation requests or consecutive vehicle allocation requests. Alternatively, similar to step S101, the plurality of vehicle allocation requests received by the control unit 11 from the user terminal 20 may include both simultaneous vehicle allocation requests and consecutive vehicle allocation requests.

[0071] The control unit 11 receiving a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from the user terminal 20 includes the following cases. For example, when the user inputs "2" as the number of vehicles desired into the vehicle allocation request interface displayed on the user terminal 20 and presses a vehicle execution button such as "Call now" (simultaneous vehicle allocation request). In this case, it can be said that vehicle allocation requests for two vehicles are made simultaneously. Also, for example, when the user inputs "1" as the number of vehicles desired into the vehicle allocation request interface displayed on the user terminal 20, presses the vehicle execution button, then inputs "1" again as the number of vehicles desired and presses the vehicle execution button (consecutive vehicle allocation request). In this case, it can be said that a vehicle allocation request for one vehicle is made twice. In either of these cases, it corresponds to the case where the control unit 11 receives a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from the user terminal 20.

[0072] Step S202: The control unit 11 determines whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests. Any method can be adopted to determine whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests. The control unit 11 may determine whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests based on whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests are made continuously within a predetermined period. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may simultaneously transmit information indicating that it is a consecutive vehicle allocation request to the control unit 11 when making a vehicle allocation request from the user terminal 20 for the determination of consecutive vehicle allocation requests. Alternatively, the determination of consecutive vehicle allocation requests may be made by the information processing apparatus 10 side based on whether vehicle allocation requests from the same user are included within the same cycle in matching.

[0073] Note that the control unit 11 may also determine whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests are either simultaneous vehicle allocation requests or consecutive vehicle allocation requests. Any method can be adopted to determine whether it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request or a consecutive vehicle allocation request. For example, the determination of whether it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request or a consecutive vehicle allocation request may be made in both cases based on whether a plurality of vehicle allocation requests are made within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the determination of whether it is a simultaneous vehicle allocation request or a consecutive vehicle allocation request may be made based on whether there is a possibility that a plurality of vehicles become actual vehicles simultaneously.

[0074] Note that the control unit 11 may make the determination including not only immediate vehicle allocation but also reserved vehicle allocation. Reserved vehicle allocation is a mechanism for allocating a vehicle at a desired time by specifying a future date and time. Here, reserved vehicle allocation may include AI reservation. AI reservation is a vehicle allocation method for reserving a vehicle allocation request at a desired time by specifying a future date and time (for example, a date and time from 15 minutes later to 7 days later, etc.) using AI. Note that the control unit 11 may handle simultaneous vehicle allocation requests and consecutive vehicle allocation requests differently or the same. For example, simultaneous vehicle allocation requests may be given preferential vehicle allocation priority, while consecutive vehicle allocation requests may not be given preferential treatment, or both may be given preferential treatment but with different degrees. Also, in the case of consecutive vehicle allocation requests, the priority may be increased each time while the request is determined to be a consecutive vehicle allocation request.

[0075] Step S203: When a plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to continuous vehicle allocation requests, the control unit 11 causes at least some of the alighting locations of the vehicles allocated for the plurality of vehicle allocation requests to be displayed by a pseudo-geographical range. The display destination of the alighting location may be the user terminal 20 (output unit 24 therein).

[0076] Thus, according to the alighting location display technology according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 can refrain from notifying the user (the user who made the vehicle allocation request) of the accurate position information regarding the actual alighting point, and the alighting location display technology is improved. Further, in the alighting location display technology according to the present embodiment, the alighting locations of the allocated vehicles are displayed by a pseudo-geographical range, and the validity of the alighting location and the settlement amount can be shown to the user (the user who made the vehicle allocation request). That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize an alighting location display technology that takes both privacy protection and user usability into consideration.

[0077] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, a method for displaying an alighting location according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] Step S301: The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the payment method selected by the user terminal 20 is a pre-registered payment using a pre-registered payment method. That is, when the control unit 11 receives a vehicle dispatch request from the user terminal 20, it allows the user to select a means (payment means) for settling the payment amount such as the fare. Pre-registered payment refers to a method in which the control unit 11 receives registration of a cashless payment means such as a credit card from the user terminal 20 and settles the fare by the cashless payment means. When using pre-registered payment, when the actual vehicle dispatch is completed, the definite payment amount including the fare is settled by the payment method registered in the pre-registered payment. For example, when the control unit 11 receives a vehicle dispatch request from the user terminal 20, if a cashless payment means is set as pre-registered payment as the payment means, when the actual vehicle of the vehicle dispatch related to the vehicle dispatch request is completed, the control unit 11 settles the definite payment amount by the cashless payment means related to the pre-registered payment. The payment means may be selected from in-vehicle payment, for example, where payment is made in the vehicle, in addition to pre-registered payment. When the user selects pre-registered payment, the passenger does not need to perform a settlement procedure when getting off the vehicle.

[0079] Step S302: When the payment means selected by the user terminal 20 is pre-registered payment, the control unit 11 displays the drop-off location of the vehicle dispatched for the pre-registered payment within a pseudo-geographical range. The display destination of the drop-off location may be the user terminal 20 (output unit 24 therein).

[0080] As described above, according to the drop-off location display technology according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 can prevent the user (the user who made the vehicle dispatch request) from knowing the accurate location information related to the actual drop-off point, and the drop-off location display technology is improved. Further, in the drop-off location display technology according to the present embodiment, the drop-off location of the vehicle dispatched is displayed within a pseudo-geographical range, and the validity of the drop-off location and the payment amount can be shown to the user (the user who made the vehicle dispatch request). That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a drop-off location display technology that takes into account both privacy protection and user usability.

[0081] Regarding whether to use a pseudo - geographical range or the actual alighting point for the alighting point display method, a passenger may select from a terminal (passenger terminal) mounted on the vehicle. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, a method for displaying an alighting point according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] Step S401: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 receives a vehicle dispatch request from the user terminal 20. A plurality of vehicle dispatch requests may be made from the user terminal. In other words, the process according to step S401 may be the same as the process according to step S101 or step S201.

[0083] Step S402: The control unit 11 receives an input by a passenger who has boarded the vehicle dispatched in response to the vehicle dispatch request in step S401. The control unit 11 may receive the input via the vehicle terminal 30, the user terminal 20, or a passenger terminal installed in the vehicle, etc. The passenger can operate these terminals to input predetermined information. The predetermined information may be, for example, whether to display the actual alighting point on the user terminal 20. In other words, the control unit 11 receives an input regarding whether to display the actual alighting point on the user terminal 20 and the like via these terminals. Also, the predetermined information may be information on whether the passenger is the user himself / herself who made the vehicle dispatch request from the user terminal 20 or a QR code (registered trademark), etc. for granting the right to select the alighting point display method.

[0084] Step S403: The control unit 11 causes the alighting point to be displayed by a pseudo - geographical range according to the input in step S402. The display destination of the alighting point may be the user terminal 20 (output unit 24 therein).

[0085] Thus, according to the alighting location display technology according to this embodiment, the information processing device 10 can prevent the user (the user who made the vehicle allocation request) from knowing the accurate location information related to the actual alighting location, and the alighting location display technology is improved. Further, in the alighting location display technology according to this embodiment, the alighting location of the allocated vehicle is displayed by a pseudo geographical range, and the validity of the alighting location and the settlement amount can be shown to the user (the user who made the vehicle allocation request). That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize an alighting location display technology that takes into account both privacy protection and user usability.

[0086] The alighting location display technology according to this embodiment can be used, for example, when a user allocates a taxi or the like for a guest other than himself / herself. According to the alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the privacy related to the actual alighting location of the guest is protected, the guest can ride in the vehicle arranged by the user with confidence. Further, since the alighting location of the guest is displayed by a pseudo geographical range, it becomes possible for the user who arranged a taxi or the like for the guest to determine the validity of the settlement amount, and the user can also arrange a vehicle for the guest with confidence. In addition, for example, even when the user himself / herself rides in a taxi or the like, according to the alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the output unit 24 in the user terminal 20 is peeked at by others, the privacy related to the user's own action history is protected, and the location visited by taxi or the like can be kept unknown to a third party. Thus, according to the alighting location display technology according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the alighting location display technology is improved.

[0087] The pseudo geographical range may be indicated by characters or may be illustrated.

[0088] When the control unit 11 displays a pseudo geographical range in step S103, step S203, step S302, or step S403, it may indicate the pseudo geographical range by a place name including the actual getting-off point. Here, the place name refers to the name of the land. The place name may be the name of an administrative division. For example, the place name may be a city, town, or village name, a town block name, a street address, etc. In other words, the pseudo geographical range may be indicated by a city, town, or village name including the actual getting-off point. In this case, the pseudo geographical range may be indicated by characters.

[0089] For example, when the actual getting-off point is any one within 1-chome 6 of Azabu-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, the pseudo geographical range may be indicated by Minato-ku, Azabu-dai, Minato-ku, 1-chome Azabu-dai, 1-chome 6 Azabu-dai, etc. Also, the name of the prefecture may be described together with the city, town, or village name. For example, the pseudo geographical range may be indicated by Minato-ku, Tokyo, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, etc.

[0090] In addition, when the control unit 11 displays a pseudo geographical range in step S103, step S203, step S302, or step S403, it may process the position information related to the getting-off place and indicate the pseudo geographical range by a circle centered on the processed point. For example, the control unit 11 may process the position information related to the getting-off place by truncating or rounding a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off place. In other words, the processing of the position information related to the getting-off place may be truncating or rounding a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off place. For example, when the latitude and longitude information is (35.664747, 139.737906), the position information processed by truncating the predetermined digit may be (35.660000, 139.740000), etc. In this case, the pseudo geographical range may be illustrated.

[0091] The control unit 11 may indicate a pseudo-geographical range by a circle centered on a point near the actual getting-off point. For example, the pseudo-geographical range may be indicated by a circle centered on a landmark, a station, a commercial facility, etc. located near the actual getting-off point. The radius of the circle may be, for example, 300 m, 500 m, etc. The radius of the circle is not limited to these and may be set to any value. In order to provide the user with judgment materials regarding the validity of the settlement amount, it is desirable that the radius of the circle be within 1 km.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may randomly select a point within a predetermined range from the actual getting-off point and indicate the pseudo-geographical range by a circle centered on the point. The predetermined range may be, for example, a distance of 50 m, 100 m, 300 m, etc. from the actual getting-off point. The predetermined range is not limited to these and may be set to any value. In order to provide the user with judgment materials regarding the validity of the settlement amount, it is desirable that the predetermined range be within 500 m.

[0093] Note that the above-described pseudo-geographical range may be area information including the actual getting-off point, or may be area information including a neighboring point of the actual getting-off point although it may not include the actual getting-off point. The pseudo-geographical range may be any as long as it does not explicitly indicate the exact position information related to the actual getting-off point.

[0094] In steps S401 - S403, examples of configurations that the control unit 11 can adopt to receive the selection of the display method of the getting-off location from the passenger include the following.

[0095] When the taximeter is set to "in service", the information is sent to the server, and various information (such as the drop-off location) is sent from the server to the vehicle terminal 30. Further, a message indicating that it is in service is sent to the rear seat terminal (rear seat tablet), which is a passenger terminal provided on the back side of the passenger seat and operable by a passenger sitting in the rear seat behind the passenger seat. The selection of the drop-off location display method may be made by displaying a screen on the rear seat terminal (rear seat tablet) for the user to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly on the user terminal of the user who made the vehicle allocation request or to display it ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range). Note that whether to use a pseudo-geographical range or to indicate the actual drop-off point may be selectable not only at the start of boarding (starting the fare meter), but also until reaching the drop-off location, or may be selectable at the payment time (from when the taximeter is set to "payment" until it is set to "available").

[0096] Also, in step S402, the predetermined information input by the passenger may include, for example, information on whether the passenger is the user who made the vehicle allocation request from the user terminal 20.

[0097] That is, instead of displaying a screen on the rear seat terminal (rear seat tablet) for the user to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly on the user terminal of the user who made the vehicle allocation request or to display it ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range), a display may be made to allow the user to select whether they are the user who made the vehicle allocation request. In this case, when it is selected that the user is not the one who made the vehicle allocation request, it may be set to display an ambiguous display (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal of the user who made the vehicle allocation request.

[0098] Furthermore, in step S402, the predetermined information input by the passenger may include, for example, a QR code for granting the right to select the drop-off location display method.

[0099] That is, instead of displaying a screen for the rear seat terminal (rear seat tablet) to allow the user who made the ride request to pinpoint the drop-off location on the user terminal or to display an ambiguous location (display of a pseudo-geographical range), a QR code (registered trademark) may be displayed, and by reading the QR code, the user may be allowed to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or to display an ambiguous location (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the app that enables ride requests.

[0100] Also, in step S402, the terminal that receives the input from the passenger may be the user terminal 20.

[0101] That is, the reception of the input from the passenger may be configured to allow the passenger to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or to display an ambiguous location (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal 20 of the user who made the ride request.

[0102] Furthermore, in step S402, among the terminals that receive the input from the passenger, the passenger terminal may be other than the rear seat terminal.

[0103] That is, the passenger terminal is not limited to the rear seat terminal as long as it can be operated by the passenger. For example, it may be provided on the back side of the driver's seat and be operable by a passenger riding (seated) in the rear seat behind the driver's seat, or it may be provided at a position operable by a passenger riding (seated) in the passenger seat, or if it is provided at a position operable while the passenger is seated, it may be provided on the seat (seat), door, ceiling, dashboard in front of the passenger seat, etc. of a vehicle such as a taxi.

[0104] Also, in step S403, the control unit 11 causes the drop-off location to be displayed within a pseudo-geographical range according to the input in step S402. At this time, regardless of what the ride request in step S401 is like, the control unit 11 may control the drop-off location display method based only on the input from the passenger.

[0105] In this case, control is not performed to determine whether it is a simultaneous ride request or a consecutive ride request, etc., and to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal of the user who made the ride request. Instead, on the rear seat terminal, passengers may be allowed to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal of the user who made the ride request.

[0106] Also, in step S403, the control unit 11 causes the drop-off location to be displayed based on a pseudo-geographical range in response to the input in step S402. At this time, in addition to the input in step S402, the control unit 11 may perform control by determining whether the ride request in step S401 is a simultaneous ride request or a consecutive ride request, etc.

[0107] Alternatively, after control is performed to determine whether it is a simultaneous ride request or a consecutive ride request, etc., and to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal of the user who made the ride request, on the rear seat terminal, passengers may be allowed to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal of the user who made the ride request.

[0108] Alternatively, after control is performed to determine whether it is a simultaneous ride request or a consecutive ride request, etc., and to select whether to display the drop-off location pinpointedly or ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range) on the user terminal of the user who made the ride request, on the rear seat terminal, one of the set display modes (either the mode of displaying the drop-off location pinpointedly or the mode of displaying ambiguously (display of a pseudo-geographical range)) may be made changeable to the other display mode.

[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of means or steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1 System 10 Information Processing Apparatus 11 Control Unit 12 Storage Unit 13 Communication Unit 20 User Terminal 21 Control Unit 22 Storage Unit 23 Input Unit 24 Output Unit 25 Communication Unit 30 Vehicle Terminal 40 Network

Claims

1. A method for displaying a getting-off location executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: receiving a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from a user terminal; determining whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests; when the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to simultaneous vehicle allocation requests, displaying the getting-off locations of at least some of the vehicle allocation requests among the vehicle allocation vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle allocation requests by a pseudo-geographical range; A getting-off location display method including the above.

2. The getting-off location display method according to Claim 1, wherein the pseudo-geographical range is indicated by a place name including an actual getting-off location.

3. The getting-off location display method according to Claim 1, wherein the pseudo-geographical range is indicated by a circle centered on a point obtained by processing position information related to the getting-off location.

4. The getting-off location display method according to Claim 3, wherein the processing is to truncate or round off a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off location.

5. A method for displaying a getting-off location executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: receiving a plurality of vehicle allocation requests from a user terminal; determining whether the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests; when the plurality of vehicle allocation requests correspond to consecutive vehicle allocation requests, displaying the getting-off locations of at least some of the vehicle allocation requests among the vehicle allocation vehicles related to the plurality of vehicle allocation requests by a pseudo-geographical range; A getting-off location display method including the above.

6. The getting-off location display method according to Claim 5, wherein the pseudo-geographical range is indicated by a place name including an actual getting-off location.

7. The getting-off location display method according to Claim 5, wherein the pseudo-geographical range is indicated by a circle centered on a point obtained by processing position information related to the getting-off location.

8. The getting-off location display method according to Claim 7, wherein the processing is to truncate or round off a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the getting-off location.

9. A method for displaying a getting-off location executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: determining whether a pre-registered payment using a payment method pre-registered for a payment means selected by a user terminal is a pre-registered payment; when the payment means is a pre-registered payment, displaying the getting-off location of a vehicle allocated for the pre-registered payment by a pseudo-geographical range; A getting-off location display method including the above.

10. The method for indicating the alighting location according to claim 9, wherein the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a place name including the actual alighting point, and it is a method for indicating the alighting location.

11. The method for indicating the alighting location according to claim 9, wherein the pseudo geographical range is obtained by processing the location information related to the alighting location and is indicated by a circle centered on the processed point, and it is a method for indicating the alighting location.

12. The method for indicating the alighting location according to claim 11, wherein the processing is to truncate or round a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the alighting location, and it is a method for indicating the alighting location.

13. A method for indicating the alighting location executed by an information processing device, comprising a step of receiving a vehicle allocation request from a user terminal; a step of receiving an input by a passenger who has boarded a vehicle allocated in response to the vehicle allocation request; a step of displaying the alighting location by a pseudo geographical range in response to the input. The method for indicating the alighting location includes the above steps.

14. The method for indicating the alighting location according to claim 13, wherein the pseudo geographical range is indicated by a place name including the actual alighting point, and it is a method for indicating the alighting location.

15. The method for indicating the alighting location according to claim 13, wherein the pseudo geographical range is obtained by processing the location information related to the alighting location and is indicated by a circle centered on the processed point, and it is a method for indicating the alighting location.

16. The method for indicating the alighting location according to claim 15, wherein the processing is to truncate or round a predetermined digit of the latitude and longitude information related to the alighting location, and it is a method for indicating the alighting location.

17. An information processing device comprising a processor that executes the method for indicating the alighting location according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A program for causing an information processing device to execute the method for indicating the alighting location according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images