Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of route searching. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention comprises a search unit and a provision unit. The search unit searches for the user's travel route from the departure point to the destination. The provision unit provides a travel route in which, if the travel route searched by the search unit includes a route in which the user rents and uses a shared mobile vehicle, a reservation button for reserving a shared mobile vehicle is linked to the route.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a route search service that searches for a route to a destination including transfer guidance for railways etc. has been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for identifying the cause of a delay when a delay occurs in a railway included in the result of a route search, and providing the identified cause of the delay together with the result of the route search.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there was room for improvement in enhancing the convenience of route search.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of enhancing the convenience of route search.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above - described problems and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a search unit and a provision unit. The search unit searches for a user's movement route from a departure point to a destination. The provision unit provides a movement route in which a reservation button for reserving a shared moving body is linked to a utilization route when the utilization route in which the user uses a shared moving body is included in the movement route searched by the search unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the convenience of route searching can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the search results for a route search according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing search results according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of information stored in the port information storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the route search process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the information provision process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program relating to this application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). However, these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program relating to this application.

[0010] [Embodiment] [1. Information Processing] First, an overview of the information processing system according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an overview diagram of the information processing system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system S according to the embodiment comprises an information processing device 1, a plurality of user terminals 50, and a plurality of business operator terminals 100. The information processing device 1, the plurality of user terminals 50, and the plurality of business operator terminals 100 are connected through a predetermined network N.

[0011] The information processing device 1 provides a search service to the user via the user terminal 50 to search for travel routes. Specifically, the information processing device 1 searches for a route from the user's specified departure point to the destination and provides the search results via the user terminal 50.

[0012] For example, the information processing device 1 searches for a travel route that will allow the user to arrive at the departure or arrival time specified by the user. In the following explanation, we will assume that the user has specified the current time as the departure time.

[0013] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 searches for travel routes, for example, including sections walked by the user and sections traveled by public transportation, as search results for travel routes.

[0014] In this disclosure, the information processing device 1 further provides a service that allows users to search for travel routes using a shared mobile device. Here, a shared mobile device is a mobile device shared and used by each user, for example, a mobile device driven by the user themselves. The mobile device here includes automobiles, bicycles, electric scooters, electric kick scooters, etc. In the following, the case where the shared mobile device is a rental bicycle will be described.

[0015] The user terminal 50 is a terminal device owned by the user and provides various information from the information processing device 1 through data communication with the information processing device 1. Examples of user terminals 50 include smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, and wearable devices.

[0016] The operator terminal 100 is a terminal of an operator who provides a rental service for lending shared mobile objects. For example, the operator terminal 100 provides various services related to rental cycles to users through the user terminal 50.

[0017] In addition, the operator terminal 100 provides information on the occupancy status at each port of the rental cycle to the information processing device 1 at a predetermined cycle. The occupancy status here refers to the number of rental cycles available for lending at each port and the number of rental cycles that can be returned.

[0018] Next, the outline of the information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the search result of route search according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the search result of the movement route from the current location of the user to the destination specified by the user is shown.

[0019] For example, in a conventional route search, that is, a route search without using a rental cycle, the section from the current location to the nearest AA station is set as a walking section, the section from the AA station to the CC station via the BB station is set as a train section for moving by train, and the section from the CC station to the destination is set as a walking section. Note that the train section may be replaced with other public transportation means such as an airplane, a bullet train, or a bus.

[0020] For example, the information processing device 1 searches for a movement route using the first one-mile section from the current location to the AA station and the second section Sc2 from the CC station to the destination as driving routes using a rental cycle.

[0021] That is, in this case, the search is performed with the first one-mile section from the current location (departure place) to the nearest station and the last one-mile section from the nearest station to the destination as the driving sections of the rental cycle.

[0022] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can also set the third section Sc3 from the user's current location to station BB, which is the next station after station AA, as the operating section for the rental bicycle if certain conditions are met, such as the distance from the user's current location to station BB being below a threshold.

[0023] In this way, by setting the third section Sc3 as the operating section for rental bicycles, the information processing device 1 can propose a more efficient route for travel, such as one that allows the user to take a shortcut compared to traveling by train from AA station.

[0024] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can also set the fourth section Sc4 from the user's current location to the destination as the rental cycle operating section if certain conditions are met, such as the distance from the user's current location to the destination being below a threshold.

[0025] In this way, the information processing device 1 can set an appropriate section for the rental bicycle's operation by setting the operating section according to conditions such as the distance from the starting point to the destination and the distance to each station.

[0026] When setting the operating section for rental bicycles, the information processing device 1 searches for the operating section, using each rental bicycle port as the start and end point of the rental bicycle operating section. Specifically, if the first section Sc1 from the current location to AA Station is to be the operating section for rental bicycles, the ports around the current location where rental bicycles can be rented will be the start point of the operating section, and the ports around AA Station where rental bicycles can be returned will be the end point of the operating section.

[0027] In this case, the information processing device 1 may, for example, not set the first section Sc1 as the rental cycle operating section if there are no ports around AA Station where rental cycles can be returned (for example, if the ports are full), or it may set the third section Sc3 from the current location to BB Station as the rental cycle operating section.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, when the information processing device 1 sets the first section Sc1 as the operating section for rental bicycles, it may set, for example, a port on the route from the current location to AA Station as the starting point of the operating section, and a port on the route from that port to AA Station as the ending point of the operating section.

[0029] In other words, the information processing device 1 may set the operating section for rental bicycles in the first section Sc1, excluding ports that are far from AA Station.

[0030] In this way, the information processing device 1 searches for travel routes based on each rental cycle port in addition to public transportation stations. This allows the information processing device 1 to search for travel routes that include the operating sections of rental cycles, thereby improving the convenience of route searching.

[0031] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can set an appropriate route as the rental cycle's operating route by configuring the operating route according to the availability status of each port. In other words, the information processing device 1 can configure the route from a port where a rental cycle can be rented to a port where a rental cycle can be returned as the rental cycle's operating route for the user.

[0032] Next, Figure 3 will be used to explain the display screen showing the results of a route search that includes the rental bicycle operating section. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the search results according to the embodiment. Here, as a result of the travel route search, it is assumed that the route from BB Station to the destination is the rental bicycle operating section, and Figure 3 shows only a portion of the total travel route from BB Station to the destination.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the search results display screen includes a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 displays the business name area A11, which shows the name of the rental cycle business; the remaining number of reservations area A12, which shows the remaining number of reservations at the corresponding port; the remaining number of return ports area A13, which shows the remaining number of return ports at the corresponding port, etc.

[0034] Additionally, if the number of available rentals displayed in area A12 is "1" or greater, a reservation button B1 for the user to reserve a rental bicycle will be displayed in area A1.

[0035] When the user selects the reservation button B1, the information processing device 1 executes the user's rental bicycle reservation process on the corresponding business terminal 100. For example, the rental bicycle reservation process is carried out by notifying the business terminal 100 of the user's route information. The reservation process may also be performed on an external website provided by the business terminal 100.

[0036] Furthermore, area A2 of the second section displays the rental fee for using a rental bicycle, as well as an estimated time required. This allows users to accurately understand the rental fee and time required when using a rental bicycle.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the navigation button B2 is displayed on the display screen. For example, when the user selects the navigation button B2, the map information of the ports displayed in the first area A1 and the route to those ports are displayed on the user terminal 50.

[0038] This allows users to easily find the location of rental bicycle ports and the route to those ports. Furthermore, for example, when a user actually rents a bicycle and rides it, the user terminal 50 may be configured to provide navigation to the destination.

[0039] [2. Block Diagram] Next, an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 2, a control unit 4, and a storage unit 3.

[0040] The communication unit 2 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 2 transmits and receives information with external devices via various wireless communication networks such as 4G (Generation), 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiFi (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or various wired communication networks.

[0041] The memory unit 3 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The memory unit 3 also includes a port information storage unit 31, an operation status storage unit 32, and a weather information storage unit 33.

[0042] The port information storage unit 31 stores port information. Port information is information about the port where rental bicycles are borrowed or returned. Figure 5 shows an example of the information stored in the port information storage unit 31 according to this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the port information storage unit 31 stores information such as "port ID," "location information," "number of units available for loan," and "number of units available for return" in a manner that associates them with each other.

[0044] The "Port ID" field stores an identifier for each port. The "Location Information" field stores the location information for the port identified by the corresponding Port ID. "Number of Available Rentals" stores information about the number of rental bicycles available for rental at the port identified by the corresponding Port ID. "Number of Available Returns" stores information about the number of rental bicycles available for return at the port identified by the corresponding Port ID. Note that "Number of Available Rentals" and "Number of Available Returns" correspond to an example of the occupancy status according to this embodiment.

[0045] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, let's describe the operation status memory unit 32. The operation status memory unit 32 stores the operation status. The operation status refers to the operation status of each public transportation system. For example, the operation status memory unit 32 stores the delay status of each public transportation system.

[0046] The weather information storage unit 33 stores weather information. The weather information includes information about the weather, temperature, wind speed, etc., for each area. The weather information may be, for example, information about the current weather, but it may also be a forecast of future weather.

[0047] Next, the control unit 4 will be described. The control unit 4 is, for example, a controller, and is realized by the execution of various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 1 using RAM as the working area by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 4 includes an acquisition unit 41, a first search unit 42, a second search unit 43, a provision unit 44, and a reservation processing unit 45. The first search unit 42 and the second search unit 43 correspond to examples of search units according to this embodiment.

[0049] The acquisition unit 41 acquires various information via the communication unit 2. Specifically, the acquisition unit 41 acquires the occupancy status of each port from the carrier terminal 100 and registers it in the port information storage unit 31. For example, the acquisition unit 41 acquires the occupancy status of each port from the carrier terminal 100 at predetermined intervals and updates the occupancy status in the port information storage unit 31 to the latest occupancy status.

[0050] The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire the availability status of each port from each of the rental cycle operator terminals 100. In this case, the information processing device 1 can cooperate with multiple rental cycle operators to provide a route search service.

[0051] This enables the information processing device 1 to provide a route search service that covers multiple rental bicycle operators.

[0052] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 41 acquires the operating status of each public transportation service from the operators of each public transportation service and registers it in the operating status storage unit 32. In addition, the acquisition unit 41 acquires weather information from weather forecast providers and registers it in the weather information storage unit 33.

[0053] The first search unit 42 searches for the user's travel route from the departure point to the destination. Specifically, the first search unit 42 searches for the travel route from the departure point to the destination specified by the user.

[0054] For example, the first search unit 42 searches for travel routes that include sections where public transportation is used from the departure point to the destination. In this case, the first search unit 42 searches for travel routes that do not use public transportation as walking routes that the user will travel on foot.

[0055] Furthermore, the first search unit 42 searches for multiple travel routes with different sections of public transportation used. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first search unit 42 searches for routes where the user takes a train from station AA, and routes where the user takes a train from station BB, as travel routes with different sections of public transportation used. The first search unit 42 then passes the search results for travel routes to the second search unit 43.

[0056] The second search unit 43 searches for a route in which the user can rent and use a shared vehicle if the walking route of the travel route searched by the first search unit 42 meets predetermined conditions. Specifically, the second search unit 43 searches for a rental bicycle operating section, using each rental bicycle port as the starting and ending point of the rental bicycle operating section.

[0057] For example, the second search unit 43 searches for the first mile and last mile walking sections from the departure point to the nearest station, and from the nearest station to the destination to the destination, as the operating section for the rental bicycle.

[0058] Furthermore, if the first search unit 42 finds multiple travel routes with different sections using public transportation, the second search unit 43 will, for example, search for the walking section of the travel route with the shortest total travel distance as the rental bicycle driving section.

[0059] In other words, in this case, the second search unit 43 searches for walking sections of a route that can shorten the travel route to the destination, such as when the total travel distance is shorter when taking a train from a station further away than the nearest station to the departure point compared to taking a train from the nearest station to the departure point, and uses the rental bicycle as the rental bicycle usage section.

[0060] In this case, the second search unit 43 may search for the walking section of the route that shortens the total travel time, instead of the total travel distance, as the operating section for the rental bicycle. For example, consider a case where, due to some trouble, train service is suspended from the nearest station, AA Station, to BB Station, but trains are running from BB Station onward.

[0061] In such cases, the second search unit 43 searches for the walking portion of the train route from BB Station as the operating section for the rental bicycle. This allows for an appropriate response to problems with public transportation.

[0062] Furthermore, the second search unit 43 may, for example, determine the sections of public transportation to be used based on the occupancy rate of each public transportation system. Specifically, the second search unit 43 determines the operating sections of public transportation systems while avoiding sections where the occupancy rate exceeds a threshold, i.e., sections where trains are crowded, and then determines the operating sections of rental bicycles from the remaining sections. As a result, users can use public transportation systems in sections where they are relatively uncrowded, thus enabling them to use public transportation comfortably.

[0063] Furthermore, the second search unit 43 searches for the entire travel route from the departure point to the destination as a rental bicycle operating section, for example, if the distance from the departure point to the destination is below a threshold, or if using a rental bicycle instead of public transport will get you to your destination faster.

[0064] Furthermore, the second search unit 43 may determine the sections to be used by public transportation based on the surrounding information for each walking section. Specifically, the second search unit 43 selects a travel route from among several travel routes with different sections to be used by public transportation that includes walking sections that pass through specific facilities (e.g., tourist attractions) or specific shops.

[0065] To give a more specific example, suppose there are several travel routes with different sections using public transportation, and one particular travel route includes a cherry blossom viewing spot on its walking section. In this case, the information processing device 1 sets the section using public transportation as the section set for that particular travel route, and the remaining section as the walking section, and then searches for the operating section of the rental bicycle. This allows the user to tour specific facilities by rental bicycle.

[0066] The search for rental bicycle routes is performed according to the availability status of each port. Specifically, the second search unit 43 searches for rental bicycle routes such that the starting point of the rental bicycle route is a port with one or more bicycles available for rental among the ports surrounding the starting point of the walking route, and the ending point of the rental bicycle route is a port with one or more bicycles available for return among the ports surrounding the ending point of the walking route.

[0067] For example, the second search unit 43 does not set a rental cycle operating section if there is no port that serves as the starting or ending point of the rental cycle operating section. In other words, the second search unit 43 sets the rental cycle operating section according to the availability status at each port, thereby setting a section in which the user can appropriately use the rental cycle as the rental cycle operating section.

[0068] Furthermore, the second search unit 43 may also select whether or not to set a rental cycle operating section if it meets conditions according to weather information in addition to the availability status at each port.

[0069] Specifically, for example, if, at the time a user plans to ride a rental bicycle, the weather in the area where the rental bicycle will be driven is rainy, or if the wind speed exceeds a certain threshold, or if other predetermined conditions are met, the rental bicycle driving section may not be set.

[0070] In other words, the second search unit 43 does not set a rental bicycle operating section if the weather conditions are unsuitable for using rental bicycles. In this way, the second search unit 43 sets the rental bicycle operating section according to the weather conditions, allowing users to use rental bicycles under appropriate weather conditions.

[0071] Furthermore, the second search unit 43 may set the rental cycle's operating section according to factors such as the presence or absence of hills. For example, if there is a steep uphill slope, the second search unit 43 may select a port to be the starting point of the rental cycle's operating section from ports around the top of the uphill slope. In other words, the second search unit 43 may set the rental cycle's operating section in a way that avoids the user having to climb uphill on the rental cycle.

[0072] In addition, the second search unit 43 may set the operating section of the rental bicycles according to the terms of use of each rental bicycle operator. For example, if it is prohibited to return rental bicycles across prefectural borders, the start and end points of the operating section of the rental bicycles may be set so that the rental port and the return port are within a single prefecture.

[0073] The provisioning unit 44 provides the route search results from the first search unit 42 and the second search unit 43 to the user's user terminal 50. Specifically, if the travel route in the search results from the first search unit 42 includes a route using a rental bicycle as a result from the second search unit 43, the provisioning unit 44 provides a reservation button linked to the travel route to reserve a rental bicycle.

[0074] As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the reservation button B1 will be displayed on the user terminal 50 for the rental cycle's operating section. The user can then reserve a rental cycle for the rental cycle's operating section by selecting the reservation button B1.

[0075] Furthermore, if the search results from the first search unit 42 do not include the operating section of the rental bicycle searched by the second search unit 43, the provision unit 44 provides the rental bicycle without associating it with a reservation button.

[0076] In this way, the service unit 44 displays the rental bicycle reservation button differently depending on whether or not there is a rental bicycle driving section. This allows the service unit 44 to reduce the display of the reservation button at unnecessary times.

[0077] For example, the provisioning unit 44 may provide a rental bicycle reservation button linked to the travel route if the planned time for using the rental bicycle is within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes).

[0078] In other words, the service unit 44 prevents the rental cycle reservation button from being displayed on the user terminal 50 if the scheduled rental cycle usage time is longer than a predetermined time. This configuration shortens the downtime of the rental cycle from the time the user reserves it until the user actually uses it, thus enabling the rental cycle to be operated properly.

[0079] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 44 may, for example, display different reservation buttons for rental bicycles depending on the number of available rental bicycles at the port where the rental bicycles are scheduled to be rented. For example, if the number of available rental bicycles is greater than a threshold, the provisioning unit 44 may provide a reservation button, and if the number of available rental bicycles is less than or equal to the threshold, it may provide the bicycle without a reservation button.

[0080] In other words, the provisioning unit 44 may display a reservation button on the user terminal 50 even if there are enough rental bicycles at the port where the rental bicycle is scheduled to be lent out, and the scheduled time for using the rental bicycle is longer than the predetermined time.

[0081] Furthermore, when a user actually begins using a rental bicycle, the service unit 44 displays a map application on the user terminal 50. As a result, the user terminal 50 starts route guidance from the starting point to the ending point of the rental bicycle's operating section via the map application.

[0082] The service provider 44 then provides additional information about the rental bicycle's operating section to the user terminal 50. For example, the additional information may be rain radar information for the rental bicycle's operating section.

[0083] In other words, in this case, route guidance is provided to the user terminal 50 with a rain cloud radar image superimposed on the map application. This allows the user to use the rental bicycle while checking the current weather. The load information may also include information on congestion levels, road closures, and construction work in the rental bicycle operating section.

[0084] The reservation processing unit 45 performs reservation processing for a shared mobile vehicle when the reservation button is selected on the user terminal 50. Specifically, the reservation processing unit 45 requests the rental cycle operator's terminal 100 to reserve a rental cycle along the rental cycle's usage route.

[0085] For example, the reservation processing unit 45 sends reservation information such as the user's user information, the port from which the rental bicycle will be lent out, the port from which it will be returned, the scheduled rental time, and the scheduled return time to the business terminal 100, and requests the user to reserve a rental bicycle.

[0086] When a rental bicycle reservation is approved by the business terminal 100, the reservation processing unit 45 notifies the user terminal 50 that the reservation has been approved and sends information regarding how to use the rental bicycle. This allows the user to use the reserved rental bicycle appropriately.

[0087] [3. Processing Flow] Next, the processing procedures executed by the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the route search process according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the information provision process according to the embodiment.

[0088] As shown in Figure 6, first, the information processing device 1 receives a route search request from the user (step S101). Next, the information processing device 1 searches for a travel route from the departure point to the destination specified in the route search (step S102).

[0089] Next, the information processing device 1 determines the operating route for the rental bicycle based on the route search results, the availability status of each port, weather conditions, etc. (step S103), and determines whether or not there is an operating route on the travel route (step S104).

[0090] If the information processing device 1 determines that there is a driving route in the travel route (step S104; Yes), it associates a reservation button for reserving a rental bicycle with the driving route (step S105).

[0091] Then, the information processing device 1 provides the user terminal 50 with the route search results (step S106) and terminates the process. Also, if the information processing device 1 determines in step S104 that there is no driving route in the travel route (step S104; No), it skips the process in step S105 and proceeds to the process in step S106.

[0092] Next, using Figure 7, we will explain the processing performed by the information processing device 1 during the period from when the user starts using the rental bicycle until they return it. As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the user has started renting the rental bicycle (step S111).

[0093] If the information processing device 1 determines that the user has started renting a rental bicycle (step S111; Yes), it instructs the user terminal 50 to start route guidance using the map application (step S112).

[0094] Next, the information processing device 1 provides the user terminal 50 with additional information regarding the driving route (step S113). This additional information includes information from the rain cloud radar, etc. After that, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the user has finished renting the rental bicycle (step S114).

[0095] If the information processing device 1 determines that the rental has ended (step S114; Yes), it terminates processing. If it determines that the rental is still ongoing (step S114; No), it continues processing in step S113. In addition, if the information processing device 1 determines in step S111 that the rental has not started (step S111; No), it terminates processing.

[0096] [4. Variations] The above-described embodiment described a case where the shared transportation is a rental bicycle, but it is not limited to this. For example, the shared transportation may be a taxi or a car-sharing service.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, if certain conditions such as rainy weather are met, the rental cycle usage section may be replaced with car sharing or the like, and the search results for travel routes may be provided accordingly.

[0098] [5. Effects] The information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment includes a search unit (first search unit 42 and second search unit 43) that searches for a user's travel route from a departure point to a destination, and a provision unit 44 that, when the travel route searched by the search unit includes a route in which the user rents and uses a shared mobile vehicle, provides a reservation button for reserving a shared mobile vehicle linked to the route.

[0099] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 is an acquisition unit that acquires the occupancy status of each port of the shared mobile device. The unit 41 is provided, and the provision unit 44 links reservation buttons to the usage route from a port where a shared mobile device can be rented to a port where a shared mobile device can be returned.

[0100] Furthermore, if the travel route does not include the route to be used, the provisioning unit 44 provides the travel route without associating it with the reservation button. In addition, the information processing device 1 includes an acquisition unit 41 that acquires weather information for the travel route, and the provisioning unit 44 decides whether or not to associate the reservation button with the route to be used according to the weather information.

[0101] Furthermore, when a user uses a shared mobile service to utilize a route, the providing unit 44 displays map information, including the route used, on the user's terminal device. In addition, when the providing unit 44 displays map information on the user's terminal device, it overlays rain cloud radar onto the map information.

[0102] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 includes a reservation processing unit 45 that processes reservations for shared mobile vehicles when a reservation button is selected on the user's terminal device, and requests the business operator that leases out shared mobile vehicles to reserve a shared mobile vehicle along the route of use.

[0103] Furthermore, the reservation processing unit 45 performs reservation processing for the shared mobile device if the time remaining until the start time of lending the shared mobile device is less than a threshold.

[0104] By any or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device according to the present invention can improve the convenience of route searching.

[0105] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0106] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0107] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via the network (communication network) N and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the network N.

[0108] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice (in Figure 8, output devices and input devices are collectively referred to as "input / output devices") via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0109] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0110] For example, when computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of control unit 4 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via network N.

[0111] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0112] [7. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0113] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0114] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0115] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1. Information Processing Device 2 Communications Department 3 Storage section 4. Control Unit 31 Port Information Storage Unit 32 Operation status memory unit 33 Weather information storage section 41 Acquisition Department 42 First Search Section 43 Second Search Section 44 Providing Department 45 Reservation Processing Section 50 User Terminals 100 carrier terminals

Claims

1. A search unit that searches for the user's travel route from the starting point to the destination, If the travel route searched by the search unit includes a travel route in which the user rents and uses a shared mobile vehicle, the providing unit provides the travel route with a reservation button for reserving the shared mobile vehicle linked to the travel route. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. Acquisition unit that acquires the occupancy status of each port of the shared mobile unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide a travel route that links the reservation button to the usage route from the port where the shared mobile device can be rented out to the port where the shared mobile device can be returned. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The aforementioned supply unit is, If the aforementioned travel route does not include the aforementioned usage route, the travel route will be provided without associating it with the aforementioned reservation button. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. Acquisition unit that acquires weather information along the aforementioned travel route. Equipped with, The aforementioned supply unit is, Depending on the weather information, it is decided whether or not to link the reservation button to the travel route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

5. The aforementioned supply unit is, When the user uses the shared mobile vehicle and the aforementioned route, map information including the aforementioned route will be displayed on the user's terminal device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

6. The aforementioned supply unit is, When displaying the aforementioned map information on the user's terminal device, the rain cloud radar is superimposed on the map information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by the following:

7. When the reservation button is selected on the user's terminal device, the reservation processing unit performs the reservation processing for the shared mobile device. Equipped with, The aforementioned reservation processing unit, To request the business operator that leases the shared mobile vehicle to reserve the shared mobile vehicle along the aforementioned route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

8. The aforementioned reservation processing unit, If the time remaining until the start time of lending the shared mobile device is less than the threshold, the reservation process for the shared mobile device will be performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by the following:

9. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A search process to find the user's travel route from the starting point to the destination, In the search steps, if the searched travel route includes a route in which the user rents and uses a shared mobile vehicle, the provision step provides the travel route with a reservation button linked to the route for reserving the shared mobile vehicle. An information processing method characterized by including

10. A search procedure for finding a user's travel route from their starting point to their destination, A provision procedure that, when the travel route found by the above search procedure includes a travel route in which the user rents and uses a shared mobile vehicle, provides the travel route with a reservation button for reserving the shared mobile vehicle linked to the travel route. An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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