Vehicle utilization system, vehicle utilization method, computer program, and vehicle management device

Abstract

To improve convenience of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A portable terminal device 20 displays a candidate vehicle corresponding to a passage frequency prediction result of a vacant vehicle or a vehicle utilization request included in response notification supplied according to notification of the vehicle utilization request including information of a self-position to a vehicle management device 40 on a corresponding position on a map image. The vehicle management device 40 includes information of the candidate vehicle searched according to the vehicle utilization request from the portable terminal device 20 in the response notification. The passage frequency prediction result of the vacant vehicle is included in the response notification when there is no candidate vehicle. The vehicle management device 40 further transmits candidate vehicle object notification showing the portable terminal device 20 and another candidate vehicle to a vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle. The vehicle terminal device 30 displays the portable terminal device and another candidate vehicle on the map image on the basis of the candidate vehicle object notification. Convenience of a vehicle can be improved by utilizing the information displayed on the map image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This technology relates to an in-vehicle terminal device, a vehicle management device, and an information processing method, and enables the convenience of vehicles to be improved. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a user uses a taxi, the taxi is reserved by a reservation system. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the dispatched taxi is within a predetermined positional difference from the reserved user's position, the user's terminal device is vibrated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-201508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the use of a taxi is not limited to when a taxi is reserved, and there are also cases where an empty taxi is used. In such cases, when an empty taxi is used, it may be difficult for a user to find an empty taxi or for a driver of an empty taxi to find a person who wants to use the taxi, which may reduce convenience.

[0005] Therefore, an object of this technology is to provide a vehicle terminal device, a vehicle management device, and an information processing method that can improve the convenience of vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect of this technology is A display processing unit that displays the result of the predicted frequency of empty vehicles passing based on the travel history information at the corresponding position on the map image. The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device comprising:

[0007] In this technology, the display processing unit displays the pass frequency prediction result of an empty vehicle included in the response notification provided from the vehicle management device in response to a vehicle use request notifying the vehicle management device of the vehicle use request, the pass frequency prediction result including location information indicating the current location measured by a location measurement unit that measures the current location, at the corresponding position on a map image. The pass frequency prediction result of an empty vehicle is information provided when the vehicle management device is unable to search for a candidate vehicle corresponding to the vehicle use request. The display processing unit may also display an instruction to move to an area where empty vehicles pass frequently, as indicated by the pass frequency prediction result, or may adjust the display scale of the map image so that the current location and the area where empty vehicles pass frequently, as indicated by the over-frequency prediction result, can be displayed on the map image. Furthermore, if the response notification includes candidate vehicle information indicating a candidate vehicle corresponding to the vehicle use request, the display processing unit displays the position of the candidate vehicle indicated by the candidate vehicle information on the map image. The display processing unit may also adjust the display scale of the map image so that the current location and the position of the candidate vehicle indicated by the candidate vehicle information can be displayed on the map image.

[0008] The second aspect of this technology is A display processing unit displays the result of the predicted frequency of passing of empty vehicles generated based on the travel history information at a corresponding position on the map image. The present invention relates to an information processing method including the steps of:

[0009] The third aspect of this technology is a display processing unit that displays, on a map image, the location of the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request and the locations of candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request, which are searched based on the location of the mobile terminal device; The vehicle terminal device includes:

[0010] In this technology, the display processing unit displays on a map image the location of the mobile terminal device and the locations of candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request, searched for based on the location of the mobile terminal device, based on a candidate vehicle target notification provided by the vehicle management device in response to the mobile terminal device notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request. Furthermore, if the candidate vehicle target notification includes information indicating the priority of each candidate vehicle, the display processing unit displays the priority. Furthermore, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit vehicle driving information and a candidate vehicle rejection notification to the vehicle management device if the vehicle is not traveling toward the location of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request. Furthermore, the control unit sets the location of the mobile terminal device as the destination of the route processing unit in response to user operation and performs navigation.

[0011] The fourth aspect of this technology is The display processing unit displays on a map image the location of the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request and the locations of candidate vehicles searched for based on the location of the mobile terminal device. The present invention relates to an information processing method including the steps of:

[0012] The fifth aspect of this technology is a search processing unit that searches for a candidate vehicle that can accommodate the vehicle use request based on a location indicated in the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device; a control unit that causes a communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit candidate vehicle target notifications indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal devices of the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit; The vehicle management device has the following.

[0013] In this technology, the search processing unit searches for candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request based on the location indicated in the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device. The control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal devices of the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit. Furthermore, if the control unit does not find any candidate vehicles, the prediction processing unit includes in the response notification a passing frequency prediction result obtained by predicting the passing frequency of vacant vehicles based on the driving information acquired from the vehicle terminal device stored in the memory unit.

[0014] The control unit may also include in the candidate vehicle target notification the degree of priority of each candidate vehicle for the vehicle use request. The control unit updates the candidate vehicle target notification based on a candidate vehicle rejection notification from the vehicle terminal device. Furthermore, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a completion notification to the candidate vehicle indicating that the vehicle use request has been responded to, in response to a boarding notification from the mobile terminal device indicating boarding in the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle utilization system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle management device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the overall operation of the vehicle utilization system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a demand forecast result. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a candidate vehicle display. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user display. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated candidate vehicle display. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated user display. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a passing frequency prediction result is displayed. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the mobile terminal device. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle terminal device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in the following order. 1. Vehicle usage system configuration 2. Operation of the Vehicle Utilization System

[0017] <1. Vehicle usage system configuration> 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a vehicle utilization system. The vehicle utilization system 10 is configured using a user's mobile terminal device 20, a vehicle terminal device 30 installed in a vehicle (e.g., a taxi) used by the user, and a vehicle management device (server) 40 that manages the vehicle and provides information to the user. The mobile terminal device 20, the vehicle terminal device 30, and the vehicle management device 40 are connected via a network 50.

[0018] 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal device 20. The mobile terminal device 20 includes a display unit 201, an audio input / output unit 202, a position measurement unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, a communication unit 205, an antenna 206, a storage unit 207, an operation input unit 208, a control unit 209, and the like, and each unit is connected via a bus 210.

[0019] The display unit 201 is configured with display elements such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or organic EL (organic electro-luminescence), a drive circuit for driving the display elements, etc. The display unit 201 displays an image obtained by the signal processing unit 204, information received by the communication unit 205, information stored in the memory unit 207, etc.

[0020] The audio input / output unit 202 is configured using a microphone, a speaker, etc. The audio input / output unit 202 collects the user's voice and generates an audio signal. The audio input / output unit 202 also converts the audio signal supplied via the bus 210 into a playback sound and outputs it.

[0021] The position measurement unit 203 receives radio waves from positioning satellites and information from mobile phone base stations to detect the current position of the mobile terminal device 20 and generates position information (latitude, longitude, and altitude data) indicating the detected current position.

[0022] The signal processing unit 204 performs various signal processing, such as encoding an audio signal generated by the audio input / output unit 202 and decoding an encoded signal received by the communication unit 205. The signal processing unit 204 outputs an image signal obtained by the decoding process to the display unit 201 and an audio signal obtained by the decoding process to the audio input / output unit 202.

[0023] The communication unit 205 is used to communicate with the vehicle management device 40 and other mobile terminal devices, and performs modulation processing, frequency conversion processing, etc. on various information and encoded audio signals to generate transmission signals. The communication unit 205 also supplies the transmission signals to an antenna 206, which transmits them to a base station (not shown). The communication unit 205 also performs amplification, frequency conversion processing, demodulation processing, etc. on signals received by the antenna 206, and supplies the resulting signals to the signal processing unit 204 and the control unit 209. The communication unit 205 transmits to the vehicle management device 40 a vehicle use request supplied from the control unit 209 in response to a vehicle use operation performed by the operation input unit 208, for example. The communication unit 205 supplies to the control unit 209 a response notification transmitted from the vehicle management device 40 in response to the vehicle use request.

[0024] The storage unit 207 is configured using a rewritable storage medium, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM or built-in flash memory. The storage medium of the storage unit 207 may be fixed or removable. Various types of information and programs are stored in the storage unit 207. For example, the various types of information stored include user information of the portable terminal device, registration information registered by the user, various types of history information, map information, image signals, audio signals, and operation setting information of the portable terminal device. The programs stored include an operating system and application programs, for example, programs for vehicle use.

[0025] The operation input unit 208 is configured with operation switches, a touch panel, and the like that are arranged over the display screen of the display unit 201. The operation input unit 208 generates an operation signal in response to a user operation on the operation switches, the touch panel, and the like.

[0026] The control unit 209 executes a program stored in the storage unit 207 and controls the operation of each unit so that the mobile terminal device 20 operates in accordance with a user operation, based on an operation signal generated by the operation input unit 208. The display unit 201 and the control unit 209 function as a display processing unit of the present technology. For example, the control unit 209 displays a map on the display unit 201 based on map information stored in the storage unit 207. The control unit 209 also notifies the vehicle management device 40 of a vehicle use request in accordance with a vehicle use operation performed by the operation input unit 208. Furthermore, based on a response notification from the vehicle management device 40, the control unit 209 performs processing such as displaying the predicted passing frequency of vacant vehicles (empty vehicles) and candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request at corresponding positions on a map image.

[0027] 3 illustrates the configuration of a vehicle terminal device. The vehicle terminal device 30 includes a display unit 301, a voice input / output unit 302, a position measurement unit 303, a signal processing unit 304, a communication unit 305, an antenna 306, a memory unit 307, a route processing unit 308, a fare calculation unit 309, an operation input unit 310, and a control unit 311, and each unit is connected via a bus 312.

[0028] The display unit 301 is configured using display elements such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and organic EL (organic electro-luminescence) and drive circuits that drive the display elements, and displays images obtained by the signal processing unit 304, information received by the communication unit 305, information stored in the memory unit 307, etc.

[0029] The audio input / output unit 302 is configured using a microphone, a speaker, etc. The audio input / output unit 302 collects the voice of the driver and the inside of the vehicle and generates an audio signal. The audio input / output unit 302 also converts the audio signal supplied via the bus 312 into a playback sound and outputs it.

[0030] The position measurement unit 303 receives radio waves from positioning satellites and information from mobile phone base stations to detect the current position of the vehicle and generates position information (latitude, longitude, and altitude data) indicating the detected current position. The position measurement unit 303 also includes a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc., and may include the detection result of the traveling direction of the vehicle in which the vehicle terminal device 30 is installed in the position information.

[0031] The signal processing unit 304 performs various signal processing operations, such as encoding the audio signal generated by the audio input / output unit 302 and decoding the encoded signal received by the communication unit 305. The signal processing unit 304 outputs the audio signal obtained by the decoding operation to the audio input / output unit 302.

[0032] The communication unit 305 is used to communicate with the vehicle management device 40 and the like, and performs modulation processing, frequency conversion processing, etc. on various information and encoded audio signals to generate transmission signals. The communication unit 305 also supplies the transmission signals to an antenna 306, which transmits the signals to a base station (not shown). The communication unit 305 also performs amplification, frequency conversion processing, demodulation processing, etc. on signals received by the antenna 306, and supplies the resulting signals to the signal processing unit 304 and the control unit 311. The communication unit 205 transmits, for example, behavior information and candidate vehicle rejection notifications supplied from the control unit 209 to the vehicle management device 40 at predetermined times. The communication unit 205 also supplies vehicle use notifications and completion notifications notified by the vehicle management device 40 to the control unit 209.

[0033] The storage unit 307 is configured using a rewritable storage medium, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or built-in flash memory, or a hard disk drive. The storage medium of the storage unit 307 may be fixed or removable. Various information, programs, and the like are stored in the storage unit 307. Examples of the various information stored include vehicle information about the vehicle (e.g., identification information about the company to which the vehicle belongs, identification information for identifying each vehicle, driver information about the driver, etc.), vehicle status information (e.g., location information, traveling speed, traveling direction, boarding time, disembarking time and location, distance traveled from boarding to disembarking, elapsed time, and fare, etc.), and operational setting information for the vehicle terminal device. Programs stored in the storage unit 307 include an operating system and application programs, such as programs for improving the convenience of the vehicle.

[0034] The route processing unit 308 searches for a route to a destination specified by the driver or the like, and displays the search results on the display unit 301. The route processing unit 308 also provides guidance to the driver using images, audio, etc., so that the driver can drive the vehicle along the searched route.

[0035] The fare calculation unit 309 calculates the fare based on the distance traveled from boarding to disembarking, the elapsed time, etc. The fare calculation unit 309 also includes a pick-up fee and a surcharge in the fare as necessary.

[0036] The operation input unit 310 is configured with operation switches, a touch panel, and the like that are arranged over the display screen of the display unit 301. The operation input unit 310 generates an operation signal in response to a user operation on the operation switches, the touch panel, and the like.

[0037] The control unit 311 executes a program stored in the storage unit 307 and controls the operation of each unit so that the vehicle terminal device 30 performs a preset operation or an operation in response to a user operation, based on an operation signal generated by the operation input unit 208. For example, the control unit 311 transmits behavior information including vehicle information and vehicle status information stored in the storage unit 307 from the communication unit 305 to the vehicle management device 40 at a predetermined timing. The display unit 301 and the control unit 311 function as a display processing unit of the present technology. For example, the control unit 311 displays a map on the display unit 301 based on the map information stored in the storage unit 307, and displays the positions of candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request on a map image based on the position of the mobile terminal device 20 that made the vehicle use request and the position of the mobile terminal device 20 indicated in the vehicle use request, based on the candidate vehicle target notification supplied from the vehicle management device 40. The control unit 311 also performs processes such as generating a candidate vehicle rejection notification and transmitting it from the communication unit 305 to the vehicle management device 40, and performing navigation using the location of the mobile terminal device as the destination of the route processing unit 308 in response to user operation.

[0038] 4 illustrates an example of the configuration of a vehicle management device 40. The vehicle management device 40 includes a communication unit 401, a storage unit 402, a prediction processing unit 403, a search processing unit 404, and a control unit 405. Each unit is connected via a bus 406.

[0039] The communication unit 401 is for communicating with the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30, and receives, for example, a vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device 20, and behavior information and a candidate vehicle rejection notification from the vehicle terminal device 30. The communication unit 401 also performs processing such as transmitting a response notification generated in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device 20, and transmitting a candidate vehicle target notification generated in response to the vehicle use request to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicle.

[0040] The storage unit 402 is configured using a rewritable storage medium, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or built-in flash memory, or a hard disk drive. Various types of information and programs are stored in the storage unit 402. The storage unit 402 stores various types of information such as driving information, weather conditions, and road conditions supplied from the vehicle terminal device 30. The storage unit 402 also stores programs such as an operating system and programs for improving the convenience of the vehicle.

[0041] The prediction processing unit 403 predicts the frequency of empty vehicle passage for each location or area based on the information stored in the storage unit 402. Furthermore, the prediction processing unit 403 predicts vehicle demand for each location or for each divided area obtained by dividing a map into a two-dimensional mesh, based on the travel information stored in the storage unit 402.

[0042] In response to a vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device 20, the search processing unit 404 searches for candidate vehicles that can accommodate the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device 20 based on information stored in the storage unit 402 and selection criteria. Using information such as distance from the location indicated in the vehicle use request and road congestion status as selection criteria, the search processing unit 404 selects empty vehicles within a predetermined number range, for example, in the order of expected arrival at the location indicated in the vehicle use request. Furthermore, taking into account the sales status of each empty vehicle, if the difference in expected arrival times is small, empty vehicles with low sales may be selected preferentially. Furthermore, taking into account the positional relationship with other empty vehicles, for example, if there are multiple empty vehicles traveling in tandem on the same route, only the leading vehicle may be selected as a candidate vehicle. Furthermore, the search processing unit 404 may use the predicted arrival order as a priority, or may calculate a priority using parameters such as distance from the location indicated in the vehicle use request, road congestion status, and positional relationship with other empty vehicles, and select a candidate vehicle based on the calculated priority.

[0043] The control unit 405 executes programs stored in the storage unit 402 to perform response processing in response to notifications provided from the mobile terminal device 20 or the vehicle terminal device 30, processing of driving information provided from the vehicle terminal device 30, and demand forecasting processing based on the driving information. Furthermore, when a vehicle use request is notified from the mobile terminal device 20, the control unit 405 generates a response notification indicating candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit based on the location indicated in the vehicle use request and transmits the response notification to the mobile terminal device. The response notification may also include an estimated arrival time. Furthermore, the control unit 405 generates a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles for the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicle searched for by the search processing unit, and transmits the candidate vehicle target notification to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle. Furthermore, the search processing unit 404 or the control unit 405 calculates the priority of candidate vehicles for the vehicle use request based on at least the location of the mobile terminal device and the location of the candidate vehicles, and the control unit 405 performs processing such as including the priority of each candidate vehicle in the candidate vehicle target notification. If there are no candidate vehicles, the control unit 405 performs processing such as including the result of the prediction of the passing frequency of empty vehicles generated by the prediction processing unit 403 in a response notification and transmitting the response notification to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0044] <2. Vehicle Usage System Operation> FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall operation of the vehicle utilization system. In step ST1, the vehicle terminal device 30 starts notifying the vehicle's travel information. When the vehicle begins to be used, the vehicle terminal device 30 starts the process of generating travel information and transmitting it to the vehicle management device. The travel information indicates vehicle information and vehicle status information. The travel information may also include travel environment information (information indicating weather, traffic congestion, etc.).

[0045] In step ST2, the vehicle management device 40 performs a demand prediction process. The vehicle management device 40 predicts areas and locations with high boarding frequencies based on the travel information stored in the storage unit 402, the current location and time of the target vehicle, the travel environment (weather, traffic congestion, etc.), etc., and transmits the demand prediction results to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the target vehicle.

[0046] In step ST3, the vehicle terminal device 30 displays the demand forecast result. The vehicle terminal device 30 displays the demand forecast result on a map image displayed on the display unit 301, for example, based on the demand forecast information notified from the vehicle management device 40.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the demand forecast results, in which areas with high demand, low demand, and medium demand are displayed on a map image along with the vehicle's position. Note that in Figure 6 and Figures 7 to 10 described below, the direction of the arrow indicates the vehicle's traveling direction.

[0048] In step ST11, the mobile terminal device 20 performs a vehicle use request process. In response to a vehicle use operation being performed, the mobile terminal device 20 transmits a vehicle use request to the vehicle management device 40. The vehicle use request includes information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal device 20, etc.

[0049] In step ST12, the vehicle management device 40 performs a candidate vehicle search process. Using information stored in the storage unit 402, the vehicle management device 40 searches for empty vehicles traveling near the current location of the mobile terminal device 20 indicated in the vehicle use request as candidate vehicles that can accommodate the vehicle use request. The number of candidate vehicles is set, for example, within a predetermined number. The vehicle management device 40 generates a response notification indicating the searched candidate vehicles and transmits it to the mobile terminal device 20. The vehicle management device 40 also generates a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that issued the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles for the vehicle terminal device of the searched candidate vehicle and transmits it to the candidate vehicle. The vehicle management device 40 may also calculate the superiority of the candidate vehicle based on at least the location of the mobile terminal device and the location of the candidate vehicle and include the calculated superiority in the candidate vehicle target notification.

[0050] In step ST13, the mobile terminal device 20 displays the candidate vehicles. Based on the response notification from the vehicle management device 40, the mobile terminal device 20 displays the candidate vehicles on the display unit 201. Figure 7 shows an example of the candidate vehicle display, in which a display indicating the candidate vehicle positions is provided on a map image. Note that Figure 7 shows the vehicle's own position and the positions of five candidate vehicles.

[0051] In step ST14, the vehicle terminal device 30 displays the user. The vehicle terminal device 30 displays the user on the display unit 301 based on the candidate vehicle target notification from the vehicle management device 40. Figure 8 shows an example of the user display, in which a display is provided on a map image showing the location (user location) of the mobile terminal device 20 that made the vehicle use request. The user display also displays the locations of other candidate vehicles. Furthermore, if the candidate vehicle target notification indicates a degree of priority, the degree of priority is also displayed. Note that Figure 8 shows an example in which the number in a rectangle indicates the degree of priority, and the larger the number, the lower the degree of priority.

[0052] In step ST15, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs a behavior determination process. Based on the driving state, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether the vehicle is heading toward the user location indicated in the candidate vehicle target notification (the location of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request). If the vehicle is not heading toward the user location, for example, if the user location is not heading toward the user location because it is different from the driver's desired direction, or if the vehicle status changes from empty to occupied due to another user being picked up while heading toward the user location, the vehicle terminal device 30 transmits a candidate vehicle rejection notification to the vehicle management device 40.

[0053] In step ST16, the vehicle management device 40 updates the candidate vehicles. Based on the candidate vehicle rejection notification supplied from the vehicle terminal device 30, the vehicle management device 40 performs an update process to exclude vehicles that are not traveling toward the user's location from the candidate vehicles, and transmits an update notification indicating the updated candidate vehicles to the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle.

[0054] In step ST17, the mobile terminal device 20 updates the candidate vehicle display. The mobile terminal device 20 updates the candidate vehicle display based on the update notification sent from the vehicle management device 40. Figure 9 shows an example of the candidate vehicle display after the update, illustrating a case where the number of candidate vehicles has been reduced from five to three.

[0055] In step ST18, the vehicle terminal device 30 updates the user display. The vehicle terminal device 30 updates the user display based on the update notification sent from the vehicle management device 40. Figure 10 shows an example of the user display after the update, illustrating a case where the number of other candidate vehicles has decreased from four to two.

[0056] If there are no more candidate vehicles as a result of updating the candidate vehicle information in step ST16, the processing from step ST12 onwards may be performed to select a new candidate vehicle and notify the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30. If there are no more candidate vehicles, the update notification may include the predicted pass frequency result of empty vehicles, and the mobile terminal device 20 may issue an instruction to move to an area where empty vehicles pass frequently. Figure 11 shows an example of a case where the predicted pass frequency result is displayed, and an instruction to move to an area where empty vehicles pass frequently and the user's own position and empty vehicles pass frequently is displayed.

[0057] In step ST19, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether the user has boarded a vehicle. In response to determining that the user has boarded a vehicle, the mobile terminal device 20 notifies the vehicle management device 40 that the user has boarded the vehicle. The fact that the user has boarded a vehicle may be determined based on a user operation on the mobile terminal device 20, or may be determined automatically based on the movement position and movement speed detected by the mobile terminal device 20.

[0058] In step ST20, the vehicle management device 40 performs a response completion notification process. When the vehicle management device 40 determines from the boarding notification that the user was able to use the vehicle, it generates a completion notification indicating that the response to the vehicle use request has been completed and transmits it to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle so that it can determine whether the user is using a vehicle in another candidate vehicle.

[0059] In step ST21, the vehicle terminal device 30 ends the user display. Based on the completion notification, the vehicle terminal device 30 ends the user display on the display unit 301 so that the user can determine that they have been able to use the vehicle. For example, the vehicle terminal device 30 deletes the user's location display and the location displays of other candidate vehicles from the map image.

[0060] Next, the operation of each device will be described individually. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the mobile terminal device. In step ST101, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether a vehicle use operation has been performed. If the mobile terminal device 20 determines that a vehicle use operation has been performed by the operation input unit 208 or the voice input / output unit 202, the mobile terminal device 20 proceeds to step ST102, and if a vehicle use operation has not been performed, the mobile terminal device 20 returns to step ST101.

[0061] In step ST102, the mobile terminal device 20 transmits a vehicle use request from the communication unit 205 to the vehicle management device 40 via the antenna 206 and the network, and then the process proceeds to step ST103.

[0062] In step ST103, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether a response notification or update information has been received. If the mobile terminal device 20 receives a response notification or update information from the vehicle management device 40, the mobile terminal device 20 proceeds to step ST104, and if not, the mobile terminal device 20 returns to step ST103.

[0063] In step ST104, the mobile terminal device 20 performs a display process for the notification information. Based on the received response notification or update information, the mobile terminal device 20 displays the positions of candidate vehicles on the map image displayed on the display unit 201. Furthermore, when the vehicle management device 40 indicates the predicted pass frequency of empty vehicles, the mobile terminal device 20 issues an instruction to move to an area where the predicted pass frequency of empty vehicles is high or where the pass frequency of empty vehicles is high. The instruction to move may be issued using the voice input / output unit 202.

[0064] Furthermore, in the display processing of the notification information, the display scale of the map image is adjusted based on the position indicated in the notification information and the vehicle's own position. For example, the display scale is adjusted so that the vehicle's own position and the positions of candidate vehicles can be displayed on the map image. The display scale is also adjusted so that the vehicle's own position and areas where empty vehicles frequently pass can be displayed on the map image. By adjusting the display scale in this way, it becomes possible to easily check areas where candidate vehicles and empty vehicles frequently pass. In this way, the mobile terminal device 20 performs display processing of the notification information and proceeds to step ST105.

[0065] In step ST105, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether the user has boarded the vehicle. If the mobile terminal device 20 has not determined that the user has boarded the vehicle, it returns to step ST103, and if it determines that the user has boarded the vehicle, it transmits a boarding notification to the vehicle management device 40 and ends the process. Note that if the user performs a usage termination operation, it may transmit a boarding notification to the vehicle management device 40, assuming that the vehicle usage request has been completed.

[0066] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle terminal device. In step ST201, the vehicle terminal device 30 starts notifying the vehicle information. The vehicle terminal device 30 starts the process of generating the travel information at a predetermined timing and transmitting it to the vehicle management device 40, and then proceeds to step ST202.

[0067] In step ST202, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether or not it has received the demand forecast result. The vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether or not it has received the demand forecast result from the vehicle management device 40, and if it has received the demand forecast result, it proceeds to step ST203, and if it has not received the demand forecast result, it proceeds to step ST204.

[0068] In step ST203, vehicle terminal device 30 performs a process for displaying the demand forecast result. Based on the received demand forecast result information, vehicle terminal device 30 displays the demand forecast result on the map image displayed on display unit 301, and then proceeds to step ST204.

[0069] In step ST204, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether a notification has been received. The vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether a candidate vehicle target notification, an update notification, or a completion notification has been received from the vehicle management device 40, and if a notification has been received, the process proceeds to step ST205, and if a notification has not been received, the process returns to step ST202.

[0070] In step ST205, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs a display process for the notification information. Based on the candidate vehicle target notification or the update notification, the vehicle terminal device 30 displays the information based on the received notification on the map image displayed on the display unit 301, and then proceeds to step ST206.

[0071] In step ST206, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether a user has been designated. If the vehicle terminal device 30 determines that the driver has designated a user via the operation input unit 310 or the voice input / output unit 302, the process proceeds to step ST207, and if the vehicle terminal device 30 determines that the driver has not designated a user, the process proceeds to step ST208.

[0072] In step ST207, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs navigation processing. The vehicle terminal device 30 sets the user's location (the location of the mobile terminal device 20 that has made the vehicle use request) as the destination, performs route search based on the location of the vehicle itself, the location of the user, and map information, and provides route guidance to the user's location using the display unit 301 and the voice input / output unit 302, and then proceeds to step ST210.

[0073] In step ST208, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether the vehicle is traveling toward the user's location. If the vehicle terminal device 30 determines from the movement of the vehicle in which the vehicle terminal device 30 is installed that the vehicle is not traveling toward the user's location, the process proceeds to step ST209, and if the vehicle terminal device 30 determines that the vehicle is traveling toward the user's location, the process proceeds to step ST210.

[0074] In step ST209, the vehicle terminal device 30 transmits a candidate vehicle rejection notification. Since the vehicle terminal device 30 is not traveling toward the user's location, the vehicle terminal device 30 transmits a candidate vehicle rejection notification to the vehicle management device 40 and proceeds to step ST210.

[0075] In step ST210, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether or not a completion notification has been received. The vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether or not a completion notification has been received from the vehicle management device 40, and if a completion notification has been received, the process proceeds to step ST211, and if not, the process returns to step ST204.

[0076] In step ST211, vehicle terminal device 30 ends the display of the user information. Since the completion notification indicates that the user has boarded the vehicle or has finished using the vehicle, vehicle terminal device 30 erases the display showing the user's location and the candidate vehicle's locations on the map image displayed on display unit 301, and returns to step ST202.

[0077] 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle management device. In step ST301, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether it has received travel information. If the vehicle management device 40 has received travel information from the vehicle terminal device 30, it proceeds to step ST302, and if it has not received travel information, it proceeds to step ST303.

[0078] In step ST302, the vehicle management device 40 accumulates the travel information. The vehicle management device 40 stores the received travel information in the storage unit 402 and proceeds to step ST303.

[0079] In step ST303, the vehicle management device 40 performs demand prediction processing. Based on the travel information stored in the storage unit 402, the vehicle management device 40 predicts areas, locations, etc. where vehicle users are likely to be found at the current time, in the current travel environment, etc., using the prediction processing unit 403, and proceeds to step ST304.

[0080] In step ST304, the vehicle management device 40 transmits the demand forecast results. The vehicle management device 40 transmits the demand forecast results to the vehicle terminal devices 30 of vacant vehicles at a predetermined timing, for example, at the timing of a request from the driver or at predetermined time intervals, and then proceeds to step ST305. The demand forecast results may be notified as demand forecast results for a predetermined range around the position of the vehicle terminal device 30, or as demand forecast results for a predetermined range based on the traveling direction of the vehicle terminal device 30. For example, if the vehicle terminal device 30 is located in a busy shopping district, the demand forecast results for a predetermined range around the position of the vehicle terminal device 30 are transmitted, and if the vehicle terminal device 30 is located on a main road, the demand forecast results for a predetermined range based on the traveling direction of the vehicle terminal device 30 are transmitted, making it easier to use the demand forecast results.

[0081] In step ST305, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether or not a vehicle use request has been received. The vehicle management device 40 determines whether or not a vehicle use request has been received from the mobile terminal device 20, and if a vehicle use request has been received, the process proceeds to step ST306, and if not, the process returns to step ST301.

[0082] In step ST306, the vehicle management device 40 performs a candidate vehicle search process. The vehicle management device 40 searches for candidate vehicles based on the location of the mobile terminal device 20 indicated in the vehicle use request. For example, the vehicle management device 40 searches for empty vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location indicated in the vehicle use request. Furthermore, if there are more empty vehicles located within the predetermined range than a predetermined number, the vehicle management device 40 selects a predetermined number of empty vehicles based on preset selection criteria and proceeds to step ST307 as candidate vehicles. Note that the selection criteria may include, for example, information such as distance from the location indicated in the vehicle use request, road congestion, and positional relationship with other empty vehicles, and selects empty vehicles in the order of expected arrival at the location indicated in the vehicle use request. Furthermore, taking into account the sales status of each empty vehicle, if the difference in expected arrival time is small, empty vehicles with low sales may be selected preferentially.

[0083] In step ST307, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a response notification. The vehicle management device 40 transmits a response notification including information indicating the searched candidate vehicles to the mobile terminal device 20 that transmitted the vehicle use request, and proceeds to step ST308. Note that if there are no candidate vehicles, the vehicle management device 40 includes the predicted passing frequency of empty vehicles in the response notification.

[0084] In step ST308, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a candidate vehicle target notification. The vehicle management device 40 generates a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the location of the mobile terminal device 20 that transmitted the vehicle use request and the location of the candidate vehicle, etc., for the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle, transmits the notification to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle, and then proceeds to step ST309.

[0085] In step ST309, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether or not a candidate vehicle rejection notice has been received. The vehicle management device 40 determines whether or not a candidate vehicle rejection notice indicating that the vehicle is not a candidate vehicle has been received from the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle, and if a candidate vehicle rejection notice has been received, the process proceeds to step ST310; if not, the process proceeds to step ST311.

[0086] In step ST310, the vehicle management device 40 transmits an update notification. The vehicle management device 40 updates the candidate vehicles based on the received candidate vehicle rejection notification. The vehicle management device 40 performs an update process to remove the vehicle that has transmitted the candidate vehicle rejection notification from the candidate vehicles, and transmits an update notification indicating the candidate vehicles after the update process to the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle before the update, and proceeds to step ST311.

[0087] In step ST311, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether or not a boarding notification has been received. The vehicle management device 40 determines whether or not a boarding notification has been received from the mobile terminal device 20, and if a boarding notification has been received, the process proceeds to step ST312, and if not, the process returns to step ST301.

[0088] In step ST312, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a completion notification. Since the completion notification indicates that the user who owns the mobile terminal device 20 has boarded the vehicle, the vehicle management device 40 transmits the completion notification to the candidate vehicles and returns to step ST301.

[0089] Note that the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are merely examples, and the present technology is not limited to the processes and processing orders shown in the figures.

[0090] According to the present technology, a user who possesses a mobile terminal device 20 can simply send a vehicle use request to the vehicle management device 40, and available candidate vehicles are displayed on the map image displayed on the mobile terminal device 20. Therefore, the user can easily determine the location of available vehicles. Furthermore, if the response notification includes an expected arrival time, the user can understand the waiting time. Furthermore, if there are no candidate vehicles, the predicted pass frequency of available vehicles is displayed on the map image, making it easier for the user to find available vehicles even when there are no candidate vehicles. Furthermore, because the present technology is not a system that dispatches a specific vehicle to the user's location in response to a vehicle use request from the user, the user can avoid paying a pick-up fee.

[0091] The location of the user who wishes to use the vehicle is displayed on the map image, making it easier for the driver of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle terminal device 30 to find the user who wishes to use the vehicle, and reducing the number of times the vehicle is empty. In addition, other candidate vehicles are displayed on the map image, making it possible to determine whether to drive toward the location of the user who wishes to use the vehicle. Furthermore, when the priority of the candidate vehicles is displayed, the driver can more accurately determine whether to drive toward the location of the user who wishes to use the vehicle.

[0092] Furthermore, the vehicle management device 40 searches for candidate vehicles in response to a vehicle use request from a user who wishes to use a vehicle, and notifies the candidate vehicle of the user's location and the locations of other candidate vehicles, thereby enabling efficient vehicle operation. Furthermore, the vehicle management device 40 provides a response notification in response to a vehicle use request, making it easier for users to use vehicles.

[0093] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and additional effects may also be present.

[0094] The series of processes described in this specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combination of both. When executing processes by software, a program recording the processing sequence is installed in the memory of a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and executed. Alternatively, the program can be installed and executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes.

[0095] For example, the program can be pre-recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), or a read-only memory (ROM). Alternatively, the program can be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) on a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical (MO) disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray Disc (BD (registered trademark)), a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory card. Such removable recording media can be provided as so-called packaged software.

[0096] In addition to being installed on a computer from a removable recording medium, the program may also be transferred wirelessly or by wire from a download site to a computer via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The computer can receive the program transferred in this manner and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk drive.

[0097] It should be noted that the present technology should not be interpreted as being limited to the above-described embodiments. The embodiments of the present technology disclose the present technology in the form of examples, and it is obvious that a person skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present technology. In other words, the scope of the claims should be taken into consideration in order to determine the gist of the present technology.

[0098] Furthermore, the mobile terminal device of the present technology can also have the following configuration. (1) A display processing unit that displays the results of the predicted frequency of empty vehicle passes, generated based on the driving history information, at the corresponding positions on the map image. A mobile terminal device comprising: (2) A location measurement unit for measuring a current location is provided, The vehicle terminal device described in (1) wherein the passing frequency prediction result is information contained in a response notification supplied from the vehicle management device in response to notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request including location information indicating the current location measured by the location measurement unit. (3) The mobile terminal device according to (2), wherein the passing frequency prediction result is information that is supplied when the vehicle management device is unable to search for a candidate vehicle that corresponds to the vehicle use request. (4) The mobile terminal device according to (2) or (3), wherein the display processing unit displays instructions to move to an area where the passing frequency prediction result indicates a high passing frequency of empty vehicles. (5) A mobile terminal device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the display processing unit adjusts the display scale of the map image so that the current location and areas with a high frequency of empty vehicles passing through, as indicated by the passing frequency prediction result, can be displayed on the map image. (6) The response notice includes candidate vehicle information indicating candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request, The mobile terminal device according to (2), wherein the display processing unit displays the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information on the map image. (7) The mobile terminal device according to (6), wherein the display processing unit adjusts the display scale of the map image so that the current position and the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information can be displayed on the map image.

[0099] Furthermore, the vehicle terminal device of the present technology can also have the following configuration. (1) a display processing unit that displays, on a map image, the location of the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request and the locations of candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request and are searched for based on the location of the mobile terminal device; A vehicle terminal device comprising: (2) The vehicle terminal device described in (2) in which the location of the mobile terminal device and the location of the candidate vehicle are the locations indicated in a candidate vehicle target notification provided by the vehicle management device in response to the mobile terminal device notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request. (3) The candidate vehicle target notification includes information indicating the degree of priority of each candidate vehicle searched for in the vehicle management device in response to the vehicle use request, The vehicle terminal device according to (3), wherein the display processing unit displays the degree of priority. (4) A vehicle terminal device described in any of (1) to (3) further comprising a control unit that transmits vehicle driving information and a candidate vehicle rejection notification from a communication unit to the vehicle management device if the vehicle is not driving toward the location of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request. (5) further comprising a route processing unit that searches for a route to a destination; The vehicle terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit sets the location of the mobile terminal device as a destination of the route processing unit in response to a user operation, and causes navigation to be performed.

[0100] The vehicle management device of the present technology can also have the following configuration. (1) a search processing unit that searches for a candidate vehicle that can accommodate a vehicle use request based on a location indicated in the vehicle use request from a mobile terminal device; a control unit that causes a communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit candidate vehicle target notifications indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal devices of the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit; A vehicle management device having the above. (2) a storage unit that stores vehicle travel information acquired from the vehicle terminal device; The system further includes a prediction processing unit that predicts the frequency of empty vehicles passing by based on the travel information stored in the storage unit, The vehicle management device according to (1), wherein, when there is no candidate vehicle, the control unit includes a passing frequency prediction result of the prediction processing unit in the response notification. (3) The vehicle management device according to (1) or (2), wherein the control unit includes a degree of priority of each of the candidate vehicles for the vehicle use request in the candidate vehicle target notification. (4) The vehicle management device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit updates the candidate vehicle target notification based on a candidate vehicle rejection notification from the vehicle terminal device. (5) A vehicle management device described in any of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit, in response to a boarding notification from the mobile terminal device indicating boarding in a vehicle, causes a communication unit to send a completion notification to the candidate vehicle indicating that the vehicle use request has been responded to.

[0101] Furthermore, the present technology may be a program as follows. (1) A program for causing a computer to execute operational control of a mobile terminal device, A procedure for displaying the result of a predicted frequency of empty vehicles passing through, generated based on driving history information, at a corresponding position on a map image. A program for causing the computer to execute the above. (2) A program for causing a computer to execute operational control of an in-vehicle terminal device, a step of displaying on a map image the location of the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request and the locations of candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request and that have been searched for based on the location of the mobile terminal device; A program for causing the computer to execute the above. (3) a procedure for searching for a candidate vehicle that can respond to the vehicle use request based on a location indicated in the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device; a step of causing a communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating candidate vehicles searched for in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causing the communication unit to transmit candidate vehicle target notifications indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal devices of the searched candidate vehicles; A program for causing the computer to execute the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10. Vehicle utilization system 20...Mobile terminal device 30...Vehicle terminal device 40...Vehicle management device 50…Network 201,301...Display section 202, 302...Audio input / output section 203,303...Position measurement section 204, 304...Signal processing section 205, 305, 401…Communications Department 206,306...antenna 207,307,402…Storage section 208,310...Operation input section 209, 311, 405...Control unit 210, 312, 406... Bus 308...Route processing unit 309...Fee Calculation Department 403...Prediction processing unit 404...Search processing unit

Claims

1. A mobile terminal device including a display processing unit that displays a predicted result of the frequency of empty vehicle passes generated based on travel history information at a corresponding position on a map image.

2. a position measurement unit for measuring a current position, The passing frequency prediction result is information included in a response notification provided from the vehicle management device in response to a notification of a vehicle use request including location information indicating the current location measured by the location measurement unit. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1 .

3. The passing frequency prediction result is information that is supplied when the vehicle management device cannot find a candidate vehicle that corresponds to the vehicle use request. The mobile terminal device according to claim 2 .

4. The display processing unit displays an instruction to move to an area where an empty vehicle has a high passing frequency, as indicated by the passing frequency prediction result. The mobile terminal device according to claim 2 .

5. The display processing unit adjusts the display scale of the map image so that the current position and an area with a high frequency of passage of empty vehicles indicated by the passage frequency prediction result can be displayed on the map image. The mobile terminal device according to claim 2 .

6. the response notification includes candidate vehicle information indicating candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle utilization request; The display processing unit displays the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information on the map image. The mobile terminal device according to claim 2 .

7. The display processing unit adjusts the display scale of the map image so that the current position and the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information can be displayed on the map image. The mobile terminal device according to claim 6.

8. An information processing method including displaying, by a display processing unit, a predicted result of the frequency of empty vehicle passes generated based on travel history information at a corresponding position on a map image.

9. A vehicle terminal device having a display processing unit that displays on a map image the location of a mobile terminal device that made a vehicle use request and the locations of candidate vehicles that can fulfill the vehicle use request, searched for based on the location of the mobile terminal device.

10. The location of the mobile terminal device and the location of the candidate vehicle are the locations indicated in a candidate vehicle target notification provided from the vehicle management device in response to a vehicle use request being notified from the mobile terminal device to the vehicle management device. The vehicle terminal device according to claim 9.

11. the candidate vehicle target notification includes information indicating the degree of superiority of each candidate vehicle searched for in the vehicle management device in response to the vehicle use request, The display processing unit displays the degree of superiority. The vehicle terminal device according to claim 10.

12. The vehicle management device further includes a control unit that transmits vehicle travel information and a candidate vehicle rejection notice from a communication unit to the vehicle management device when the vehicle is not traveling toward the location of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request. The vehicle terminal device according to claim 9.

13. Further comprising a route processing unit that searches for a route to a destination, The control unit sets the location of the mobile terminal device as a destination of the route processing unit in response to a user operation, and causes navigation to be performed. The vehicle terminal device according to claim 9.

14. The display processing unit displays on a map image the location of the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request and the locations of candidate vehicles searched for based on the location of the mobile terminal device. An information processing method including:

15. a search processing unit that searches for a candidate vehicle that can accommodate the vehicle use request based on a location indicated in the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device; a control unit that causes a communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit candidate vehicle target notifications indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal devices of the candidate vehicles searched for by the search processing unit; A vehicle management device having the above.

16. a storage unit that stores vehicle travel information acquired from the vehicle terminal device; The system further includes a prediction processing unit that predicts the frequency of empty vehicles passing by based on the travel information stored in the storage unit, When there is no candidate vehicle, the control unit includes a passing frequency prediction result of the prediction processing unit in the response notification. The vehicle management device according to claim 15.

17. The control unit includes a priority of each of the candidate vehicles for the vehicle use request in the candidate vehicle target notification. The vehicle management device according to claim 15.

18. The control unit updates the candidate vehicle target notification based on a candidate vehicle rejection notification from the vehicle terminal device. The vehicle management device according to claim 15.

19. The control unit causes a communication unit to transmit a completion notification indicating that the vehicle use request has been responded to, to the candidate vehicle, in response to a boarding notification indicating that the candidate vehicle has boarded the vehicle from the mobile terminal device. The vehicle management device according to claim 15.

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