Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To grasp easiness of capturing a moving device.SOLUTION: The information processing system includes: a user interface section configured to receive designation of a pickup candidate location for the moving device; and a calculation section configured to calculate a catchability index of the moving device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index-calculation information including a current location and a status of each moving device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for presenting a route for picking up a reserved taxi to a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6295088 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the supply and demand situation of taxis in a region, it can be difficult to catch a taxi. While it is possible to request a priority taxi to make it easier to catch a taxi, users may hesitate to make such a decision due to the fact that additional fees may be incurred. It would be convenient to know how easily a taxi can be caught. The same applies to various mobility devices other than taxis.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides insight into the graspability of a mobile device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a user interface unit that accepts the designation of a candidate pickup location for a mobile device, and a calculation unit that calculates an index for the ease of catching a mobile device at the candidate pickup location based on the candidate pickup location and index calculation information including the current location and status of each mobile device.

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes accepting a designation of a candidate pickup location for a mobile device, and calculating an index for the ease of catching the mobile device at the candidate pickup location based on the candidate pickup location and index calculation information including the current location and status of each mobile device.

[0008] An information processing program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: accepting the designation of a candidate pickup location for a mobile device; and calculating an index for the ease of catching a mobile device at the candidate pickup location based on the candidate pickup location and index calculation information including the current location and status of each mobile device.

[0009] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a calculation unit that calculates a catchability index for mobile devices in various locations based on index calculation information including the current location and status of each mobile device, and a user interface unit that displays candidate pick-up locations for mobile devices having a specified catchability index. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of a vehicle, a user terminal, and an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of designating a candidate pick-up location. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of index calculation information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a catchability index. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation for a priority vehicle dispatch request. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a process (information processing method) executed in the information processing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process (information processing method) executed in an information processing system. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of catchability indexes in the surrounding area. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the pickup location. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a process (information processing method) executed in the information processing system. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of specifying an index of ease of capture. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of candidate pick-up locations. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of specifying a pickup location. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] The present disclosure will be described in the following order: 1. Embodiment 2. Variations 3. Hardware configuration example 4.Example of effects

[0013] 1. Embodiment 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. A user of the information processing system 1 is illustrated as user U. In the information processing system 1, a mobile device to be assigned to user U is searched for, and the assigned mobile device travels to a pickup location.

[0014] An example of a mobile device is a vehicle such as a taxi, and in that case, allocation and search mean dispatching and searching. A pickup location means a pick-up location (boarding location). Hereinafter, to the extent that there is no contradiction, "vehicle," "dispatch," "search," and "pick-up" may be appropriately read as "mobile device," "allocation," "search," and "pick-up." A vehicle is illustrated as vehicle 2. Three vehicles 2 are illustrated in Figure 1.

[0015] The information processing system 1 includes a user terminal 3 and an information processing device 4. The user terminal 3 is a terminal device used by a user U, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The information processing device 4 may constitute, for example, a vehicle dispatch management device operated by a taxi company. The vehicle 2, the user terminal 3, and the information processing device 4 are configured to be able to communicate with each other, for example, via a network N. Information required for processing in the vehicle 2, the user terminal 3, and the information processing device 4 is transmitted and received between them as appropriate.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a vehicle, a user terminal, and an information processing device. The vehicle 2 includes an in-vehicle device 21 and a vehicle terminal device 22.

[0017] The vehicle-mounted device 21 generates vehicle information, for example, periodically. The vehicle information is information representing a movement log of the vehicle 2. The vehicle information includes the business district, a status indicating the business status, a fee (fare), a current location, a movement speed, a movement direction, etc. Examples of the status are an occupied vehicle, an empty vehicle, and a pick-up vehicle. When the status is an occupied vehicle or a pick-up vehicle, route information indicating the destination and the movement route to the pick-up location is also included in the vehicle information. The vehicle information is generated based on data acquired from, for example, a fare meter, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, a gyro sensor, a speedometer, etc. The vehicle information also includes an ID. Examples of the ID are a company ID that identifies the company to which the vehicle V belongs, a wireless ID that identifies the vehicle V, and a crew ID that identifies the driver of the vehicle V. In addition, the vehicle information may include a status time that indicates the time when the status was generated, etc.

[0018] The vehicle-mounted device 21 transmits the generated vehicle information to the information processing device 4. Part of the vehicle information, such as the status and current location of the vehicle 2, may also be transmitted to the user terminal 3 via the information processing device 4.

[0019] The vehicle terminal device 22 executes a driver application. The vehicle terminal device 22 may be a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like. The vehicle terminal device 22 displays vehicle dispatch request information and accepts operations of the vehicle terminal device 22 by the driver. The vehicle dispatch request information includes information such as the pick-up location and destination, departure time, and fare.

[0020] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the processes relating to dispatching in the vehicle 2 are executed by the in-vehicle device 21 and the vehicle terminal device 22.

[0021] The user terminal 3 includes a user interface unit 31, a processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The user interface unit 31 accepts operations (user operations) of the user terminal 3 by the user U and displays information to the user U. The processing unit 32 executes processing necessary for dispatching a vehicle by the user terminal 3. The storage unit 33 stores information necessary for processing by the user terminal 3.

[0022] An application program 33a is exemplified as information stored in the storage unit 33. The application program 33a is an information processing program (software) for causing a computer to function as the user terminal 3, and is executed by the processing unit 32. The user U makes a request for dispatching a vehicle 2, etc., using an application (user application) provided by the execution of the application program 33a.

[0023] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the vehicle dispatch processing in the user terminal 3 is executed by the user interface unit 31 and the processing unit 32.

[0024] The information processing device 4 includes a calculation unit 41, a management unit 42, and a storage unit 43. The calculation unit 41 calculates an index of ease of catching the vehicle 2, as will be described later. The management unit 42 is a vehicle dispatch management unit that executes processing necessary for dispatching vehicles by the information processing device 4. The storage unit 43 stores information necessary for processing by the information processing device 4.

[0025] Examples of information stored in the storage unit 43 include vehicle information 43a, index calculation information 43b, and application program 43c. The vehicle information 43a is information that represents the movement log of each vehicle 2 described above. Vehicle information for each vehicle 2 is stored in the storage unit 43 as vehicle information 43a. The index calculation information 43b is information used for calculation by the calculation unit 41, and details will be described later. The application program 43c is an information processing program (software) that causes the computer to function as the information processing device 4, and is executed by the calculation unit 41 or the management unit 42, for example.

[0026] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the processing related to vehicle dispatch in the information processing device 4 is executed by the calculation unit 41 and the management unit 42.

[0027] The following describes the basic operation of the information processing system 1. A user U inputs vehicle allocation request information using a user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 transmits the vehicle allocation request information to an information processing device 4. A management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 allocates a vehicle 2 to the user U based on the vehicle allocation request information.

[0028] The management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 extracts a vehicle 2 to be dispatched to the user U. The management unit 42 extracts a vehicle 2 that can be dispatched based on the dispatch request information from the user terminal 3 and the vehicle information 43a (vehicle movement data) stored in the storage unit 43. For example, the vehicle 2 whose current location is closest to the pickup location indicated in the dispatch request information is extracted.

[0029] The management unit 42 transmits the vehicle allocation request information to the extracted vehicle 2. The vehicle terminal device 22 of the vehicle 2 displays the vehicle allocation request information to the driver. When the driver operates the vehicle terminal device 22 to accept the vehicle allocation request, an acceptance notice is transmitted (returned) to the information processing device 4. The management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 confirms the vehicle allocation and transmits a vehicle allocation confirmation notice to the user terminal 3 and the vehicle 2.

[0030] The vehicle 2 whose dispatch has been confirmed moves towards the pick-up location. The user terminal 3 displays a map including the vehicle 2 whose dispatch has been confirmed to the user U. The state of the vehicle 2 approaching the pick-up location is displayed to the user U in real time. The user U waits for the arrival of the vehicle 2 while looking at the map. When the vehicle 2 arrives at the pick-up location, the user U gets into the vehicle 2.

[0031] If the vehicle allocation request by user U is a priority vehicle allocation request, the allocation of a vehicle to user U is prioritized over allocation of a vehicle to other users U who have made normal vehicle allocation requests. For example, a vehicle 2 that should originally be allocated to another user U is allocated preferentially to user U. A vehicle allocation confirmed for another user U may be canceled and allocated to user U. When user U makes a priority vehicle allocation request, for example, an additional fee may need to be paid.

[0032] For example, vehicle 2 is dispatched to user U in the manner described above. Here, the input of the dispatch request information at user terminal 3 described above includes the specification of a pick-up location. Depending on the pick-up location, vehicle 2 may be difficult to catch (it may take time to confirm dispatch). For example, if the supply of vehicles 2 is tight, vehicle 2 whose status becomes available may be quickly caught by another user U. User U may have to make multiple dispatch requests and continue to wait for vehicle 2 to be caught. Making the above-mentioned priority dispatch request may make it easier to catch vehicle 2, but may require paying an additional fee, etc. This may cause user U to have difficulty making a decision. If user U could understand how easily vehicle 2 can be caught, it would be easier to make such a decision. According to the disclosed technology, an index (ease of catching index) indicating how easily vehicle 2 can be caught is calculated.

[0033] In one embodiment, when making a vehicle dispatch request, the user U first specifies a candidate pick-up location. The user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 accepts the specification of the candidate pick-up location for the vehicle 2. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0034] 3 is a diagram showing an example of specifying a candidate pick-up location. The user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 displays a map of an area including the current location of the user terminal 3 (i.e., the current location of the user U). The vehicle 2 located within the map is also displayed.

[0035] A potential pick-up location and a destination are specified. In this example, the user is prompted to specify a potential pick-up location with the message "Please specify a potential pick-up location." The potential pick-up location is, for example, specified as the current location of the user terminal 3 by default and displayed with a map pin. The potential pick-up location can be changed by moving the map pin. Information such as payment method may also be specified.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 2, information indicating the designated candidate pick-up location is transmitted from the user terminal 3 to the information processing device 4. The calculation unit 41 of the information processing device 4 calculates an index of ease of catching the vehicle 2 at the designated candidate pick-up location. For example, the calculation unit 41 calculates the index of ease of catching so that the higher the search success rate of the vehicle 2, the higher the index of ease of catching. The search success rate indicates, for example, the probability that a vehicle dispatch will be confirmed within a set maximum search time. An example of the maximum search time is approximately 2 minutes. By calculating the index of ease of catching, it is possible to grasp the ease of catching the vehicle 2.

[0037] Specifically, the calculation unit 41 calculates an index of ease of catching the vehicle 2 at the specified candidate pick-up location based on the designated candidate pick-up location and the index calculation information 43b stored in the storage unit 43. The index calculation information 43b will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the index calculation information 43b, which includes "vehicle conditions," "user conditions," and "environmental conditions."

[0039] "Vehicle conditions" is information indicating the conditions of each vehicle 2. Examples of vehicle conditions include current location, status (empty, occupied, pick-up, etc.), business area, and past acceptance rate. The current location, status, and business area are acquired from the vehicle information 43a. The past acceptance rate indicates the probability of accepting a dispatch request (also known as a response rate), and is acquired, for example, from a driver's application.

[0040] "User conditions" is information indicating the conditions of each user U, and is acquired (collected) from the user terminal 3 used by each user U, for example. Examples of user conditions include current location, application startup status, past vehicle dispatches and actual vehicles, past vehicle search success rate, and past priority vehicle dispatch requests. The application startup status indicates whether an application is running on the user terminal 3 used by the user U, etc. The past vehicle dispatches and actual vehicles, vehicle search, vehicle search success rate, and priority vehicle dispatch requests indicate, for example, the history of vehicle dispatches and actual vehicles, the vehicle search success rate, and the history of priority vehicle dispatch requests.

[0041] "Environmental conditions" is information indicating environmental conditions, and here, weather conditions and time periods are exemplified. The weather conditions indicate the current weather conditions (sunny, rainy, etc.) and are acquired from outside the information processing system 1, for example, via the Internet.

[0042] The above is merely an example of the index calculation information 43b. Any information that can be used to calculate the catchability index may be included in the index calculation information 43b.

[0043] The calculation unit 41 may calculate the ease of catching index based on the supply and demand conditions (supply and demand conditions) of vehicles 2 at the candidate pick-up location. In this case, the calculation unit 41 may also calculate the supply and demand conditions.

[0044] The calculation of the supply situation will be described below. In the following, the supply situation will be described using the tightness of the supply of vehicles 2 (an index showing the degree of tightness) as an example. The calculation unit 41 calculates the tightness based on the candidate pick-up locations and the index calculation information 43b. Examples of the index calculation information 43b used to calculate the tightness include the current location and status (empty, etc.) of each vehicle 2 shown in the vehicle conditions, and the weather conditions and time period shown in the environmental conditions. For example, the more vehicles 2 that are currently located near the candidate pick-up locations or the more empty vehicles 2 there are, the lower the tightness will be. In the opposite case, the tightness will be higher. Furthermore, the tightness will be higher if the weather conditions are bad or if there are fewer vehicles in operation during the time period. In the opposite case, the tightness will be lower.

[0045] Naturally, the index calculation information 43b other than the current location, status, weather conditions, and time period of each vehicle 2 described above may also be used to calculate the tightness. Also, instead of the tightness, the supply level (a degree indicating the magnitude of supply) may be calculated as the supply situation. The high or low supply level has an opposite relationship to the high or low tightness.

[0046] The calculation of the demand situation will be described. In the following, the demand situation will be described using the demand level (an index showing the magnitude of demand) as an example. The calculation unit 41 calculates the demand level based on the candidate pick-up locations and the index calculation information 43b. Examples of the index calculation information 43b used for the calculation include the current location of each user U, the application startup status, and past dispatches and actual vehicles indicated in the user conditions, as well as the weather conditions and time period indicated in the environmental conditions. For example, the more users U who are currently located in the same area, who have applications running, and who have frequently dispatched and actual vehicles in the past, the higher the demand level will be. In the opposite case, the demand level will be lower. The worse the weather conditions are or the time period is when there is a lot of movement of people, the higher the demand level will be. In the opposite case, the demand level will be lower.

[0047] Naturally, the index calculation information 43b other than the current location of each user U, the application activation status, the past dispatched vehicle and actual vehicle, the weather condition, and the time period may also be used to calculate the demand level.

[0048] The calculation unit 41 calculates the ease of capture index based on the calculated supply situation (tightness, supply level, etc.) and demand situation (demand level, etc.). For example, the lower the tightness, the higher the ease of capture index. The higher the tightness, the lower the ease of capture index. The higher the demand level, the lower the ease of capture index. The lower the demand level, the higher the ease of capture index.

[0049] Hereinafter, a low catchability index will also be referred to as a "low" catchability index. A high catchability index will also be referred to as a "high" catchability index. An catchability index between low and high will also be referred to as a "medium" catchability index. For example, when the supply situation and demand situation are about the same, the catchability index will be "medium."

[0050] The catchability index that becomes "medium" may be calculated to be a value that is statistically determined from, for example, the average or median value of the detection success rate under normal conditions (average conditions, etc.). Similarly, the catchability index that becomes "low" or "high" may be calculated to be a value that is statistically determined with reference to the past distribution of the detection success rate.

[0051] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the catchability index is represented by an integer with a maximum value of 10. If the catchability index is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the catchability index is determined to be "high." An example of the first threshold is 7. If the catchability index is equal to or less than a second threshold, the catchability index is determined to be "low." An example of the second threshold is 3. If the catchability index is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the catchability index is determined to be "medium." These threshold determinations may be made by the calculation unit 41 or management unit 42 of the information processing device 4, or by the processing unit 32 of the user terminal 3.

[0052] The above threshold value may be set for each user U. For example, the second threshold value may be set higher (for example, 5) for a user U who is more likely to make priority vehicle dispatch requests. The catchability index is more likely to be "low." Whether a user U is more likely to make priority vehicle dispatch requests is determined, for example, based on past priority vehicle dispatch requests indicated in the user conditions of the index calculation information 43b.

[0053] The threshold value may be dynamically set (changed). For example, when the detection success rate becomes lower than normal due to drastic changes in the region, time zone, or supply and demand situation, the second threshold value may be set higher.

[0054] The catchability index may be classified more finely than just the three categories of "high," "medium," and "low." For example, it may be classified as "very high" or "very low." In the following, no such classification is used, and "very high" is included in "high," and "very low" is included in "low."

[0055] A trained model may be used for at least a part of the calculations performed by the calculation unit 41. The trained model is generated by training (machine learning) using training data so that when input data is input, the trained model outputs output data.

[0056] The trained model used to calculate the supply status will be described. Examples of input data are data corresponding to the current location, status, weather conditions, time of day, etc. of each vehicle 2 as described above. The output data is data corresponding to the supply status. The calculation unit 41 inputs the input data to the trained model. The trained model outputs the output data. The calculation unit 41 calculates the supply status by obtaining the output data of the trained model.

[0057] The trained model used to calculate the demand situation will be described. Examples of input data are data corresponding to the current location of each user U, the application startup status, past dispatches and actual vehicles, weather conditions, time periods, etc., as mentioned above. The output data is data corresponding to the demand situation. The calculation unit 41 inputs the input data to the trained model. The trained model outputs the output data. The calculation unit 41 calculates the demand situation by acquiring the output data of the trained model.

[0058] The trained model used to calculate the ease of capture index will be described. An example of input data is data corresponding to supply and demand conditions. The output data is data corresponding to the ease of capture index. The calculation unit 41 inputs the input data to the trained model. The trained model outputs the output data. The calculation unit 41 calculates the ease of capture index by obtaining the output data of the trained model.

[0059] A trained model is also possible that can immediately calculate the catchability index from the index calculation information 43b. Examples of input data include data corresponding to the current location and status of each vehicle 2, the current location of each user U, application startup status, past dispatches and actual vehicles, weather conditions, time zones, etc. The output data is data corresponding to the catchability index. In this case, there is no need to calculate the supply and demand situations. It can be said that the calculation of the supply and demand situations is a black box within the trained model.

[0060] Any calculation method utilizing the index calculation information 43b and a trained model may be employed, without being limited to the above example. For example, by utilizing a trained model, the predicted number of vehicles that will become vacant in the future may be estimated based on the current supply of vehicles 2 (active number of vacant vehicles), weather conditions, the status of vehicles 2 (dispatch status, etc.), etc. Furthermore, taking into account the acceptance rate (response rate) of vehicles 2, the success rate of user U's search may be estimated, and the likelihood of catching a vehicle may be calculated based on this.

[0061] The ease of catching index calculated by the calculation unit 41 is transmitted from the information processing device 4 to the user terminal 3. The user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 displays the ease of catching index together with a map including candidate pick-up locations. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0062] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a catchability index display. In this example, the catchability index is 8 (i.e., "high") and is displayed as a bar and a message.

[0063] The previously specified candidate pick-up location is displayed as the pick-up location, and a (normal) vehicle dispatch request is displayed as the default selection. Since the catchability index is "high," the user U can easily determine that a vehicle dispatch request should be made at this pick-up location. When the vehicle dispatch request is selected by sliding, vehicle dispatch request information including the pick-up location, destination, etc. is sent from the user terminal 3 to the information processing device 4. The management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 dispatches a vehicle 2 to the user U based on the vehicle dispatch request information.

[0064] Unlike the above example, there may be cases where the catchability index at the candidate pick-up location is low. In such cases, the user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 may recommend to the user U that he or she make a priority car allocation request. This will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0065] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation for a priority ride request, in which the catchability index is 3 (i.e., "low").

[0066] The previously specified candidate pick-up location is displayed as the pick-up location, and a priority vehicle dispatch request is displayed as the default selection. Because the catchability index is "low," the user U can easily determine that a priority vehicle dispatch request should be made to make it easier to catch the vehicle 2. The priority vehicle dispatch request is selected by a slide operation, and the management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 dispatches the vehicle 2 to the user U with priority.

[0067] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process (information processing method) executed in the information processing system. Description of content that overlaps with the above will be omitted where appropriate.

[0068] In step S1, an application is started. In response to a user operation, the processing unit 32 of the user terminal 3 executes the application program 33a.

[0069] In step S2, the designation of the candidate pickup location is accepted. For example, as described above with reference to Fig. 3, the user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 accepts the designation of the candidate pickup location. Information indicating the designated candidate pickup location is transmitted from the user terminal 3 to the information processing device 4.

[0070] In step S3, an ease of catching index is calculated. The calculation unit 41 of the information processing device 4 calculates the ease of catching index of the vehicle 2 at the candidate pick-up location based on the specified candidate pick-up location and the index calculation information 43b. Information indicating the calculated ease of catching index is transmitted from the information processing device 4 to the user terminal 3.

[0071] In step S4, it is determined whether the catchability index is low. This determination is made, for example, by the processing unit 32 of the user terminal 3. If the catchability index is low (step S4: Yes), the process proceeds to step S6. If not, that is, if the catchability index is "high" or "medium" (step S4: No), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0072] In step S5, the catchability index (here, "high" or "medium") is displayed. For example, as described above with reference to Fig. 5, the user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 displays the catchability index.

[0073] In step S6, the catchability index (here, "low") is displayed and a priority vehicle dispatch request is recommended. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 displays the catchability index and recommends a priority vehicle dispatch request.

[0074] In step S7, a vehicle allocation request is made. A vehicle allocation request or a priority vehicle allocation request is selected by a user operation. Vehicle allocation request information is transmitted from the user terminal 3 to the information processing device 4.

[0075] In step S8, the vehicle is dispatched. The management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 dispatches the vehicle 2 to the user U based on the dispatch request information.

[0076] Thereafter, the vehicle 2 starts moving toward the pick-up location. The vehicle 2 arrives at the pick-up location, and the user U gets into the vehicle 2.

[0077] According to the information processing system 1, when the user U makes a vehicle dispatch request, an ease of catching index for the vehicle 2 is calculated. This allows the user U to understand how easy it is to catch the vehicle 2. In the example described above, the user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 displays the ease of catching index. The user U can take action according to the displayed ease of catching index. For example, the user can easily make a decision such as making a normal vehicle dispatch request when the ease of catching index is high, and making a priority vehicle dispatch request when the ease of catching index is low. By making a vehicle dispatch request in an appropriate manner, it is possible to prevent a long time from being required to confirm vehicle dispatch.

[0078] 2. Variations The disclosed technology is not limited to the above embodiment. Some modified examples will be described. In one embodiment, when the catchability index is low (during busy times, etc.), a priority vehicle dispatch request may be automatically made. This will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of processing (information processing method) executed in the information processing system. The processing in steps S11 and S12 is the same as that in steps S1 and S2 in Fig. 7. The application is started, and the designation of a candidate pick-up location is accepted.

[0080] In step S13, a vehicle dispatch request is made. The vehicle dispatch request is selected by a user operation. Vehicle dispatch request information including a pickup location (corresponding to the candidate pickup locations in the previous step S12), a destination, etc. is transmitted from the user terminal 3 to the information processing device 4.

[0081] In step S14, the ease of catching index is calculated. The calculation unit 41 of the information processing device 4 calculates the ease of catching the vehicle 2.

[0082] In step S15, it is determined whether the catchability index is low. This determination is made, for example, by the calculation unit 41 or the management unit 42 of the information processing device 4. If the catchability index is "low" (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. Otherwise, that is, if the catchability index is "high" or "medium" (step S4: No), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0083] In step S16, normal vehicle dispatch is performed. The management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 dispatches the vehicle 2 to the user U. Since the catchability index is "high" or "medium," it does not take a long time to confirm the dispatch.

[0084] In step S17, priority vehicle allocation is performed. The management unit 42 of the information processing device 4 allocates a vehicle 2 to the user U with priority over other users U. Since priority vehicle allocation makes it easier to catch a vehicle 2, even if the catchability index is "low", it does not take a long time to confirm the vehicle allocation.

[0085] In one embodiment, the calculation unit 41 of the information processing device 4 may also calculate the ease of catching index of the vehicle 2 in the surrounding areas of the candidate pick-up location. The user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 may display the ease of catching index of the surrounding areas that have a higher ease of catching index (for example, "high" or "medium") than the candidate pick-up location, together with a map including the surrounding areas. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the catchability index for surrounding areas. In this example, the catchability index for the proposed pick-up location (location of the map pin) is 3 (i.e., "low"), and a priority ride request is displayed as the default selection. In addition, surrounding areas (ranges) with a higher catchability index than the proposed pick-up location are highlighted on the map. Their catchability indexes are also displayed as bars and messages. In this example, the catchability index for surrounding areas is 8 (i.e., "high").

[0087] The user U may make a priority vehicle dispatch request at the current pickup location, or may change the pickup location to a displayed nearby location and then make a normal vehicle dispatch request. A case where the pickup location is changed will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of changing the pickup location. The user operates the map pin to move to a nearby location. Because the catchability index is "high," a regular ride request is displayed as the default selection. Note that the route to the changed pickup location may be displayed on the navigation screen.

[0089] The above-described processes in Figures 9 and 10 are executed, for example, in place of the process in step S6 in Figure 7 described above. This is particularly useful when a slight change in the pickup location increases the catchability index. Note that the above-described processes in Figures 9 and 10 may also be performed when a recommendation for a priority vehicle dispatch request is rejected.

[0090] In one embodiment, the user interface unit 31 may display navigation for a route to a candidate pick-up location where the arrival time of the vehicle 2 is earlier than the specified candidate pick-up location. For example, this is useful in cases where the catchability index does not change much, but simply moving the candidate pick-up location slightly shortens the pick-up route and brings forward the arrival time of the vehicle 2.

[0091] Up to now, an example has been described in which a candidate pick-up location is specified. Conversely, an index of ease of catching may be specified. This will be explained with reference to Figs. 11 to 14.

[0092] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process (information processing method) executed in the information processing system. In step S21, an application is started.

[0093] In step S22, an ease of being caught index is specified. The user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 receives the ease of being caught index. This will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] 12 is a diagram showing an example of specifying an ease of catching index. In this example, the slide bar is operated to specify an ease of catching index of 8. Information indicating the specified ease of catching index is transmitted from the information processing device 4 to the user terminal 3.

[0095] Returning to Fig. 11, in step S23, the ease of catching index for each location is calculated. The calculation unit 41 of the information processing device 4 calculates the ease of catching index for each location on a map displayed on, for example, the user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3. The calculation method is the same as the calculation of the ease of catching index for the candidate pick-up locations described above. The calculation result is transmitted from the information processing device 4 to the user terminal 3.

[0096] In step S24, the candidate pick-up locations are displayed. The user interface unit 31 of the user terminal 3 displays the candidate pick-up locations having the designated catchability index. This will be described with reference to FIG.

[0097] 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying candidate pickup locations. Several candidate pickup locations (areas) are highlighted on the map, and the message "Pickup candidate locations displayed" is also displayed.

[0098] Returning to Fig. 11, in step S25, the pick-up location is designated. This will be explained with reference to Fig. 14.

[0099] 14 is a diagram showing an example of specifying a pickup location. One of the candidate pickup locations is selected by a user operation. The selected candidate pickup location is displayed as the pickup location. A normal vehicle dispatch request is displayed as the default selection.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 11, a vehicle allocation request is made in step S26, and a vehicle is allocated in step S27.

[0101] According to the above method, the catchability index of the vehicle 2 in each location is calculated, so that a pickup location having a desired catchability index can be specified. For example, by specifying a pickup location with a "high" catchability index, it is possible to shorten the time required to confirm the dispatch of the vehicle.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the mobile device is described as a vehicle 2. However, the mobile device is not limited to the vehicle 2. Other examples of mobile devices include buses, trains, airplanes, ships, helicopters, trucks, dump trucks, drones, etc.

[0103] The functions of the information processing device 4 may be realized by multiple devices. For example, when there are multiple vehicles 2 under the management of different taxi companies, the functions of the information processing device 4 may be realized by a vehicle dispatch management device managed by each taxi company and an integrated vehicle dispatch management device that manages them in an integrated manner.

[0104] 3. Hardware configuration example 15 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device. The functions of the user terminal 3 and information processing device 4 described above can be realized by installing various programs in a computer. For example, the functions of the user terminal 3 and information processing device 4 are realized by installing the information processing program described above (application program 33a and application program 43c in FIG. 2) in a computer. In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 are interconnected by a bus 204.

[0105] An input / output interface 205 is further connected to the bus 204. An input unit 206, an output unit 207, a storage unit 208, a communication unit 209, and a drive 210 are connected to the input / output interface 205.

[0106] The input unit 206 includes operation buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch panel, an input terminal, etc. The output unit 207 includes a display, a speaker, an output terminal, etc. The storage unit 208 includes a hard disk, a RAM disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 209 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 210 drives a removable recording medium 211 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0107] In the computer configured as above, the CPU 201 performs the above-described series of processes by, for example, loading a program stored in the storage unit 208 into the RAM 203 via the input / output interface 205 and the bus 204 and executing the program. The RAM 203 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 201 to execute various processes, as appropriate.

[0108] The program executed by the computer (CPU 201) can be provided by being recorded on a removable recording medium 211 such as a package medium, for example. The program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0109] In a computer, the program can be installed in the storage unit 208 via the input / output interface 205 by inserting the removable recording medium 211 into the drive 210. The program can also be received by the communication unit 209 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 208. Alternatively, the program can be installed in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 208 in advance.

[0110] 4.Example of effects The technology described above is specified, for example, as follows. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 etc., the information processing system 1 includes a user interface unit 31 and a calculation unit 41. The user interface unit 31 accepts designation of a candidate pickup location (e.g., a candidate pick-up location) for a mobile device (e.g., a vehicle 2 that is a taxi). The calculation unit 41 calculates an ease of catching index for the mobile device at the candidate pickup location based on the candidate pickup location and index calculation information 43b including the current location and status of each mobile device.

[0111] According to the information processing system 1, an index of how easily a mobile device can be caught is calculated, which makes it possible to grasp how easily a mobile device can be caught.

[0112] The calculation unit 41 may calculate the ease of catching index so that the higher the search success rate of the mobile device, the higher the ease of catching index. For example, by calculating such an index, it is possible to grasp the ease of catching of the mobile device.

[0113] As described with reference to Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10, the user interface unit 31 may display the catchability index together with a map including candidate pickup locations. This allows the user U to take action according to the displayed catchability index. For example, if the mobile device is a vehicle 2, the user U can easily make a decision such as making a normal vehicle dispatch request when the catchability index is high and making a priority vehicle dispatch request when the catchability index is low. By making a vehicle dispatch request in an appropriate manner, it is possible to reduce the time required to confirm vehicle dispatch.

[0114] As described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the user interface unit 31 may recommend to the user U that he or she make a priority allocation request for a mobile device when the catchability index is determined to be low. This makes it easier to determine whether or not to make a priority allocation request. In this case, the user U who is more likely to make a priority allocation request may be more likely to be determined to have a low catchability index (for example, the second threshold may be set higher). This makes it possible to recommend a more appropriate priority vehicle dispatch request. As described with reference to Figure 2, the information processing system 1 may further include a management unit 42 that allocates a mobile device to a user U who has made a priority allocation request with priority over other users U.

[0115] 9 and 10, the calculation unit may also calculate the catchability index of the mobile device in the surrounding areas of the candidate pickup location, and the user interface unit 31 may display the catchability index of the surrounding areas having a higher catchability index than the candidate pickup location together with a map including the surrounding areas. This makes it easier for the mobile device, for example, if the mobile device is a vehicle 2, to decide whether to make a priority vehicle dispatch request at the current candidate pickup location or to change the pickup location to the displayed surrounding location and then make a regular vehicle dispatch request.

[0116] The user interface unit 31 may display a navigation route to a pickup candidate location where the arrival time of the mobile device is earlier than the pickup candidate location. For example, this is useful in cases where the catchability index does not change much, but the pickup route becomes shorter and the arrival time of the mobile device becomes earlier simply by moving the pickup candidate location a little.

[0117] 2 etc., the calculation by the calculation unit 41 includes calculating the supply status of mobile devices, calculating the demand status of mobile devices, and calculating a catchability index based on the calculated supply status and demand status of mobile devices, and the index calculation information 43b may include the current location of each user. For example, in this way, the catchability index of a mobile device can be calculated based on the supply and demand status of mobile devices.

[0118] 4 and the like, the index calculation information 43b may include at least one of weather conditions and time period. For example, such information may also be used to calculate the catchability index of the mobile device.

[0119] The information processing method described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 is also one of the disclosed technologies. The information processing method includes accepting a designation of a candidate pickup location (e.g., a candidate pick-up location) for a mobile device (e.g., vehicle 2 that is a taxi) (steps S2, S12), and calculating an ease of catching index for the mobile device at the candidate pickup location based on the candidate pickup location and index calculation information 43b including the current location and status of each mobile device (steps S3, S14). This information processing method also makes it possible to grasp the ease of catching a mobile device, as described above.

[0120] The information processing program (e.g., application program 33a, application program 43c) described with reference to Figures 2, 7, 8, and 15 is also one of the disclosed technologies. The information processing program causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a designation of a candidate pickup location (e.g., a candidate pick-up location) for a mobile device (e.g., vehicle 2 that is a taxi), and a process of calculating an ease of catching index for the mobile device at the candidate pickup location based on the candidate pickup location and index calculation information 43b including the current location and status of each mobile device. As described above, such an information processing program also makes it possible to grasp the ease of catching a mobile device.

[0121] The information processing system 1 described with reference to Figures 2 and 11 to 14 is also one of the disclosed technologies. The information processing system 1 includes a calculation unit 41 that calculates the ease of catching index of a mobile device in each location based on index calculation information 43b including the current location and status of each mobile device (for example, vehicle 2 that is a taxi), and a user interface unit 31 that displays candidate pickup locations for the mobile device that have a specified ease of catching index. This allows a pickup location that has a desired ease of catching index to be specified.

[0122] The effects described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to the disclosed contents. Other effects may also be present.

[0123] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0124] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a user interface unit that accepts designation of a candidate pick-up location for the mobile device; a calculation unit that calculates an index of ease of catching a mobile device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; Equipped with Information processing system. (2) the calculation unit calculates the ease of being caught index so that the ease of being caught index increases as the search success rate of the mobile device increases. The information processing system according to (1). (3) The user interface unit displays the catchability index together with a map including the pickup candidate locations. An information processing system according to (1) or (2). (4) the user interface unit recommends to the user to make a priority allocation request for the mobile device when the catchability index is determined to be low; (3) An information processing system according to the present invention. (5) The user who is more likely to make the priority allocation request is more likely to be determined to have a low catchability index. (4) An information processing system according to (4). (6) a management unit that allocates a mobile device to the user who has made the priority allocation request with priority over other users; (5) An information processing system according to (5). (7) The calculation unit also calculates an index of ease of catching a mobile device in a surrounding area of ​​the pickup candidate location, The user interface unit displays the catchability index of a surrounding location having a higher catchability index than the pickup candidate location together with a map including the surrounding location. The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) the user interface unit displays a navigation route to a pickup candidate location at which the arrival time of the mobile device is earlier than the pickup candidate location; An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The calculation by the calculation unit is Calculating a supply status of a mobile device; Calculating a demand situation for a mobile device; Calculating the catchability index based on the calculated supply status and demand status of the mobile device; Including, The index calculation information includes the current location of each user. An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The index calculation information includes at least one of weather conditions and time zones. An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) the mobility device includes a vehicle; The pickup candidate location includes a pick-up candidate location. The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The vehicle includes a taxi. (11) An information processing system according to (11). (13) accepting a designation of a potential pickup location for a mobile device; Calculating an index of ease of catching a mobile device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; Including, Information processing methods. (14) On the computer, A process of accepting a designation of a candidate pickup location for a mobile device; A process of calculating an index of ease of catching a mobile device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; Execute Information processing program. (15) a calculation unit that calculates a catchability index of a mobile device in each location based on index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; a user interface unit that displays candidate pick-up locations for the mobile device having a specified catchability index; Equipped with Information processing system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Information Processing Systems 2 vehicles 21 Onboard equipment 22 Vehicle terminal equipment 3. User terminal 31 User Interface Section 32 Processing section 33 Storage section 33a Application Program 4. Information processing equipment 41 Calculation section 42 Management Department 43 Storage section 43a Vehicle Information 43b Information for index calculation 43c Application Program 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 Bus 205 Input / Output Interface 206 Input section 207 Output section 208 Storage section 209 Communications Department 210 Drive 211 Removable recording media

Claims

1. a user interface unit that accepts designation of a candidate pick-up location for the mobile device; a calculation unit that calculates an index of ease of catching a mobile device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; Equipped with Information processing system.

2. the calculation unit calculates the ease of being caught index so that the ease of being caught index increases as the search success rate of the mobile device increases. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The user interface unit displays the catchability index together with a map including the pickup candidate locations. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. the user interface unit recommends to the user to make a priority allocation request for the mobile device when the catchability index is determined to be low; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The user who is more likely to make the priority allocation request is more likely to be determined to have a low catchability index. The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. a management unit that allocates a mobile device to the user who has made the priority allocation request with priority over other users; The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. The calculation unit also calculates an index of ease of catching a mobile device in a surrounding area of ​​the pickup candidate location, The user interface unit displays the catchability index of a surrounding location having a higher catchability index than the pickup candidate location together with a map including the surrounding location. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. the user interface unit displays a navigation route to a pickup candidate location at which the arrival time of the mobile device is earlier than the pickup candidate location; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The calculation by the calculation unit is Calculating a supply status of a mobile device; Calculating a demand situation for a mobile device; Calculating the catchability index based on the calculated supply status and demand status of the mobile device; Including, The index calculation information includes the current location of each user. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

10. The index calculation information includes at least one of weather conditions and time zones. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

11. the mobility device includes a vehicle; The pickup candidate location includes a pick-up candidate location. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

12. The vehicle includes a taxi. The information processing system according to claim 11.

13. accepting a designation of a potential pickup location for a mobile device; Calculating an index of ease of catching a mobile device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; Including, Information processing methods.

14. On the computer, A process of accepting a designation of a candidate pickup location for a mobile device; A process of calculating an index of ease of catching a mobile device at the pickup candidate location based on the pickup candidate location and index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; Execute Information processing program.

15. a calculation unit that calculates a catchability index of a mobile device in each location based on index calculation information including a current location and a status of each mobile device; a user interface unit that displays candidate pick-up locations for the mobile device having a specified catchability index; Equipped with Information processing system.

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