Method

Abstract

To improve a technique for implementing questionnaire for a user after his / her test drive experience.SOLUTION: A method executed by an information processing device 10 includes: determining whether or not a user is in a relaxed state in at least one of the interior of a test drive vehicle or a predetermined location to which the user is to move after the test drive; outputting a questionnaire about the test drive vehicle to the user when it is determined that the user is in the relaxed state; and storing response information entered by the user in association with information indicating that the user has entered the information in the relaxed state. The information processing device 10 determines that the user is in the relaxed state when the user's biometric information satisfies a predetermined condition, when the user touches a predetermined item, or when a predetermined time has passed since a predetermined music piece is reproduced in the test drive vehicle or location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for conducting a survey on a user after the user has completed a test drive. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that at least one of an advertisement and a survey is delivered to the user's terminal after the user has finished using a test drive vehicle or an advertisement vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-277583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If users have psychological barriers to completing surveys, the response rate for the survey may be low. Thus, there is room for improvement in the technology for conducting surveys on users after their test drive experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The method disclosed herein is a method executed by an information processing device having a control unit and a memory unit, and includes the control unit determining whether the user is in a relaxed state in at least one of the interior of the test drive vehicle or a predetermined location to which the user will move after the test drive, and if it is determined that the user is in a relaxed state, outputting a questionnaire about the test drive vehicle to the user, and storing in the memory unit the response information entered by the user in association with information indicating that the user entered the information in a relaxed state, and the control unit determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the user's biometric information satisfies a predetermined condition, when the user touches a predetermined item, or when a predetermined time has passed since a predetermined song was played in the test drive vehicle or at the location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology for conducting a survey of a user after the user's test drive experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0009] The configuration of a system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a vehicle 20. The devices are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 30 including, for example, the Internet.

[0010] The information processing device 10 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center, etc. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0011] The vehicle 20 may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle 20 may be capable of traveling by autonomous driving. The autonomous driving may be defined as any level, including, but not limited to, levels 1 to 5 defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). In this embodiment, the vehicle 20 is a test drive vehicle.

[0012] Network 30 may include the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0013] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be provided later. The information processing device 10 determines whether the user is in a relaxed state in at least one of the interior of the test drive vehicle and a predetermined location to which the user will move after the test drive. If the information processing device 10 determines that the user is in a relaxed state, it outputs a questionnaire about the test drive vehicle to the user. The information processing device 10 associates and stores answer information input by the user with information indicating that the user input the information in a relaxed state. The information processing device 10 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the user's biometric information satisfies a predetermined condition, when the user touches a predetermined item, or when a predetermined time has passed since a predetermined song was played in the test drive vehicle or at a predetermined location.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the questionnaire is presented to the user when the user is in a relaxed state. This increases the likelihood that the user will respond to the questionnaire, compared to when questionnaires are presented at a uniform timing, because the questionnaire is presented when the user has a sense of psychological ease. This makes it possible to improve the technology for conducting questionnaires to users after their test drive experience.

[0015] The configuration of an information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0016] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the information processing device 10 and executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0017] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0018] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module that complies with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 13 communicates with devices other than the information processing device 10. The communication unit 13 receives information used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0019] The configuration of the vehicle 20 according to this embodiment will be described. The vehicle 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and an image capture unit 26.

[0020] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, at least one ECU, or any combination thereof. "ECU" is an abbreviation for electronic control unit. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 21 controls each part of the vehicle 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0021] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. 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 in the operation of the vehicle 20 and data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0022] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the vehicle 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0023] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, a camera, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts an operation to input data used for operating the vehicle 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the vehicle 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the vehicle 20. Any connection method may be used, for example, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20. The output unit 25 may be connected to the vehicle 20 as an external output device instead of being provided in the vehicle 20. Any connection method may be used, for example, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0025] The photographing unit 26 is a camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle 20. The photographing unit 26 can output the photographed video to the control unit 21.

[0026] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 in accordance with the program.

[0027] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0028] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its functions by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer and includes something equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has properties that specify computer processing falls under the category of "something equivalent to a program."

[0029] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0030] The operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The operation in FIG. 2 corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that communication between the information processing device 10 and an external device is performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 30. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 starts the following operation from S1, for example, when it determines that the test drive has ended. The control unit 11 may acquire location information of the vehicle 20, and determine that the test drive has ended when it determines that the vehicle 20 has returned to the store based on the location information.

[0031] In S1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a user is inside the vehicle 20. If it is determined that the user is inside the vehicle 20, the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S2. If it is determined that the user is not inside the vehicle 20, the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S3. For example, the control unit 11 communicates with the vehicle 20 and receives video captured by the image capture unit 26. The control unit 11 analyzes the video using any image analysis technology and determines whether or not the user is inside the vehicle 20.

[0032] In S2, the control unit 11 determines whether the user is in a relaxed state. If it is determined that the user is in a relaxed state, the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S5. If it is determined that the user is not in a relaxed state, the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S3.

[0033] Any method may be used to determine whether the user is in a relaxed state. For example, the control unit 11 notifies the user that a wearable device is being worn, acquires the user's biometric information from the wearable device, and determines whether the biometric information satisfies a predetermined condition. The wearable device includes a wristband-type terminal and an eyeglass-type terminal. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the biometric information satisfies the predetermined condition, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the biometric information does not satisfy the predetermined condition. The predetermined condition includes biometric information such as heart rate and respiratory rate per predetermined time being below a predetermined value. The predetermined condition may be set in advance and stored in the memory unit 12.

[0034] For example, the control unit 11 communicates with the vehicle 20 and acquires video captured by the camera unit 26 of the vehicle 20. The control unit 11 analyzes the video using any image analysis technology to determine whether the user has touched a predetermined item. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the user touches the predetermined item, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the user has not touched the predetermined item. The predetermined item includes food, drink, a wet towel, etc. placed in the interior of the vehicle 20. The predetermined item may be stored in a thermal or cold container in the interior of the vehicle 20. The thermal or cold container may be a container that can be unlocked with a password transmitted by the information processing device 10. In this case, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits an unlocking password to the vehicle 20 when it determines that the test drive has ended. The control unit 21 of the vehicle 20 notifies the user of the password via the output unit 25. The user can unlock the container by entering the password.

[0035] For example, the control unit 11 communicates with the vehicle 20 and acquires information indicating whether music is being played from an audio speaker serving as the output unit 25 of the vehicle 20. The control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since a predetermined music piece was played. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined music piece was played, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the predetermined time has not elapsed. The predetermined time may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12. In this case, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits an instruction to the vehicle 20 to play the predetermined music piece when it determines that the test drive has ended. The control unit 21 of the vehicle 20 may receive the instruction and control the audio speaker to play the music piece.

[0036] For example, the control unit 11 communicates with the vehicle 20 and acquires information indicating whether or not a fragrance is being sprayed from a fragrance sprayer provided in the vehicle 20. The fragrance sprayer includes an electric pump that operates in response to instructions from the control unit 21 of the vehicle 20, a tank for storing the fragrance, and a spray unit. The electric pump draws the fragrance from the tank and sprays the fragrance into the interior of the vehicle 20 via the spray unit. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when a predetermined time has passed since the fragrance sprayer sprayed the fragrance, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the predetermined time has not passed. In this case, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may send an instruction to spray a fragrance to the vehicle 20 when it determines that the test drive has ended. The control unit 21 of the vehicle 20 receives the instruction and can control the fragrance sprayer to spray the fragrance.

[0037] In S3, the control unit 11 determines whether the user is in a predetermined location. The predetermined location may be, for example, a dealership where the user returns after the test drive. If it is determined that the user is in the predetermined location, the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S4. The control unit 11 repeats the process of S3 until it determines that the user is in the predetermined location. For example, the control unit 11 communicates with a camera that captures images inside the store and receives video captured by the camera. The control unit 11 may analyze the video using any image analysis technology to determine whether the user is in the store.

[0038] In S4, the control unit 11 determines whether the user is in a relaxed state. If it is determined that the user is in a relaxed state, the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S5. The control unit 11 repeats the process of S4 until it determines that the user is in a relaxed state.

[0039] Any method may be used for this determination. For example, similar to S2, the control unit 11 notifies the user that a wearable device is being worn by the user, acquires the user's biometric information from the wearable device, and determines whether the biometric information satisfies a predetermined condition. Wearable devices include wristband-type devices and eyeglass-type devices. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the predetermined condition is met, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the predetermined condition is not met.

[0040] For example, similar to S2, the control unit 11 communicates with a camera that captures images inside the store and acquires the image captured by the camera. The control unit 11 analyzes the image using any image analysis technology and determines whether the user has touched a predetermined item. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the user has touched the predetermined item, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the user has not touched the predetermined item. The predetermined item may be food or drink such as herbal tea or sweets, or a wet towel, which is provided to the user in the store.

[0041] For example, similar to S2, the control unit 11 communicates with an audio device installed in the store and acquires information indicating whether or not a song is being played from the audio device. The control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since a predetermined song was played. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the predetermined time has passed since the predetermined song was played, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the predetermined time has not passed. The predetermined time may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0042] For example, similar to S2, the control unit 11 acquires information indicating whether or not fragrance is being sprayed from a fragrance sprayer installed in the store. The fragrance sprayer includes an electric pump that operates in response to instructions from a terminal device used by store staff, a tank for storing fragrance, and a sprayer. The electric pump draws fragrance from the tank and sprays the fragrance into the store via the sprayer. The control unit 11 may also acquire information indicating whether or not fragrance is being sprayed from the terminal device used by the staff. The control unit 11 determines that the user is in a relaxed state when a predetermined time has passed since fragrance was sprayed from the fragrance sprayer, and determines that the user is not in a relaxed state when the predetermined time has not passed.

[0043] In S5, the control unit 11 outputs a questionnaire to the user regarding the vehicle 20 as the test drive vehicle. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits information indicating the questionnaire to the user's terminal device or a terminal device provided in the store and used by the user to input the questionnaire.

[0044] In S6, the control unit 11 acquires response information indicating the user's response to the questionnaire. Specifically, the control unit 11 receives, as response information, information indicating the user's response accepted by the terminal device from the user's terminal device or a terminal device installed in the store.

[0045] In S7, control unit 11 associates the answer information acquired in S6 with information indicating that the user entered the answer in a relaxed state and stores the associated information in storage unit 12. Specifically, control unit 11 associates the answer information with judgment history information indicating a history of judgments made in S2 or S4 that the user was in a relaxed state and stores the associated information in storage unit 12. This makes it possible to later read out the answer information and judgment history information stored in storage unit 12 and use both pieces of information to perform a more multifaceted analysis of the questionnaire, such as determining in what state the user was in the most number of responses to the questionnaire. After that, the operation of information processing device 10 ends.

[0046] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 System 10. Information processing equipment 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 20 vehicles 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Output section 26 Photography Department 30 Network

Claims

[Claim 1] A method executed by an information processing device including a control unit and a storage unit, The control unit Determining whether the user is in a relaxed state in at least one of the interior of the test vehicle and a predetermined location to which the user moves after the test drive; When it is determined that the user is in a relaxed state, outputting a questionnaire regarding the test drive vehicle to the user; storing, in the storage unit, answer information input by the user and information indicating that the user input the answer in a relaxed state in association with each other; The control unit determines that the user is in a relaxed state when the user's biometric information satisfies a predetermined condition, when the user touches a predetermined item, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since a predetermined piece of music was played in the test vehicle or at the location. method.

Images