Service provision system and service provision device

Abstract

In the event of a malfunction in the vehicle (1), the occupants (P) can easily receive appropriate service. [Solution] The service provision system comprises: an equipment information acquisition unit (111) that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed in a vehicle; an abnormality confirmation unit (113) that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information; a service determination unit (114) that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit (113) from a plurality of services for the abnormality; and a service provision unit (115) that provides the service determined by the service determination unit (114) to the occupant (P) of the vehicle (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a service providing system and a service providing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a service for processing abnormalities in vehicle equipment has been known. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a first moving body runs out of power, it transmits a help signal to a server together with information on its current position. The server receives the current positions from a plurality of other second moving bodies and selects a power supply moving body that supplies power to the first moving body from among the plurality of second moving bodies, and discloses a technology of a rescue system for moving bodies.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that it is necessary for the passenger to judge and use an appropriate service for processing abnormalities, and it is difficult for the passenger to select an appropriate service. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable a passenger to easily receive an appropriate service when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle. Furthermore, the present application aims to improve the operability of the service in order to solve the above problems. And by extension, it contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system by further improving traffic safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a service provision system comprising: an equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed in a vehicle; an abnormality confirmation unit that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information; a service determination unit that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit from a plurality of services for the abnormality; and a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service determination unit to the occupants of the vehicle. According to another aspect of the present invention, the service provision device comprises: an equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed in a vehicle; an abnormality confirmation unit that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information; a service determination unit that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit from a plurality of services for the abnormality; and a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service determination unit to the occupants of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when a vehicle malfunction occurs, the occupants can easily receive appropriate service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the service delivery system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the vehicle's control system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle's control system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle's control system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displaying the information provided. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle's control system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed when an abnormality occurs in the power source. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of a screen for making a manual call. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [1. Structure] A first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the service provision system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The service provision system 1000 is a system that provides services to vehicle 1. The services provided by the service provision system 1000 include the exchange of information with service providers that actually perform roadside assistance, as well as the exchange of information with fire departments and police.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the service provision system 1000 comprises a vehicle 1, a server 2, and a service provider terminal 3. The server 2 and the service provider terminal 3 are examples of "external" components. First, let's explain Server 2. Server 2 is a server device that manages the service plan contracted for Vehicle 1. The service plan contracted for Vehicle 1 is a list of services available for Vehicle 1. The service plan may be contracted by the owner of Vehicle 1, occupant P, or by the rental car company that rents out Vehicle 1. Server 2 connects to the network NW and communicates with vehicle 1. The network NW is a communication network consisting of public telephone lines, dedicated lines, and other communication circuits. The service provision system 1000 may have a separate server 2 for each type of service plan contracted by vehicle 1. The service provider terminal 3 is a terminal device used by the service provider to communicate when the vehicle 1 provides services to the occupant P.

[0010] A mobile terminal 4 brought in by the occupant P of vehicle 1 may be included in the service provision system 1000. The mobile terminal 4 is a personal computer (PC), such as a smartphone or tablet, that can communicate with vehicle 1 and the network NW. The mobile terminal 4 is an example of a "communication unit".

[0011] Vehicle 1, illustrated in Figure 1, is a four-wheeled vehicle. Vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle. Vehicle 1 is equipped with multiple components. These components include a drive source 16, a tire unit 17, and a car battery unit 18. Other components of Vehicle 1, though not shown, include wipers, headlights, a distance measuring device, and an impact sensor. The components of Vehicle 1 can be modified as appropriate depending on the type of Vehicle 1.

[0012] Next, the configuration of vehicle 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the control system of the control device 100 of vehicle 1. The control device 100 is an example of a "service provision device". The control device 100 equipped in vehicle 1 is connected to a communication unit 11, a positioning unit 12, a touch panel 13, a speaker 14, a microphone 15, a drive source 16, a tire unit 17, and a car battery unit 18. Note that the devices connected to the control device 100 are not limited to these devices, and other types of devices may also be connected.

[0013] The communication unit 11 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver, and performs wireless communication in accordance with the communication standards of the service provision system 1000. The communication unit 11 is, for example, a TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Vehicle 1 may also be equipped with separate communication units: one for communicating with the mobile terminal 4 and another for communicating with devices other than the mobile terminal 4. The positioning unit 12 receives signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to determine the current position of the vehicle 1. Note that the positioning unit 12 may be configured to receive signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites instead of GPS satellites. The touch panel 13 displays various information and software buttons for receiving inputs from the occupant P according to the control of the display control unit 117 of the control device 100. The speaker 14 outputs various sounds according to the control of the control device 100. The microphone 15 collects sound according to the control of the control device 100.

[0014] The control device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a memory 120, and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors.

[0015] The memory 120 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 120 stores a control program 121, vehicle identification information 122, and data to be processed by the processor 110. The memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Also, the memory 120 may include a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of the processor 110. The memory 120 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0016] The vehicle identification information 122 is identification information used by the server 2 to uniquely identify the vehicle 1 when the occupant information acquisition unit 112, which will be described later, acquires occupant information from the server 2.

[0017] The control program 121 is a program that causes the processor 110 to function as a functional unit. The processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the memory 120, thereby functioning as the equipment information acquisition unit 111, the crew information acquisition unit 112, the abnormality confirmation unit 113, the service determination unit 114, the service provision unit 115, the communication control unit 116, and the display control unit 117. The display control unit 117 is an example of a "display unit".

[0018] The equipment information acquisition unit 111 acquires all equipment information for the target equipment among the equipment installed on the vehicle 1. The equipment in question includes, for example, the power source 16, the tire unit 17, the car battery unit 18, the positioning unit 12, and the communication unit 11.

[0019] The equipment information acquisition unit 111 acquires equipment information, including the output value of a sensor if the equipment is equipped with one, and signals generated during the operation control of the equipment.

[0020] In the drive source 16, since vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle, the State of Charge (SOC) of the traction battery, etc., corresponds to the equipment information of the drive source 16. If vehicle 1 is a gasoline vehicle, the remaining amount of gasoline, etc., corresponds to the equipment information of the drive source 16. Furthermore, the SOC of the traction battery and the remaining amount of gasoline in a gasoline vehicle may be detected by the drive source 16, or they may be calculated by another processing unit. In the tire section 17, the output value of the air pressure sensor that detects the air pressure of the tire, which is provided in the tire section 17, corresponds to the equipment information. In the car battery unit 18, the output values ​​of the battery sensor that detects the charging and discharging current, voltage, and temperature of the car battery, which is equipped in the car battery unit 18, correspond to the equipment information. The car battery is equipment that supplies power to the engine starting unit, lamps such as headlights, and other parts of the vehicle 1.

[0021] Furthermore, the equipment information for specific equipment includes specific equipment information indicating the presence or absence of specific equipment and whether or not the specific equipment is operational. Specific equipment refers to equipment that is particularly necessary for providing services to the service provision system 1000.

[0022] For example, if information on the current location of vehicle 1 is required for providing the service, the positioning unit 12 becomes a specific piece of equipment. Also, for example, if communication with the service provider's terminal 3 is required for providing the service, the communication unit 11 becomes a specific piece of equipment.

[0023] In this embodiment, the specific equipment includes a positioning unit 12, a communication unit 11, a speaker 14, and a microphone 15. Furthermore, the specific equipment may include a touch panel 13.

[0024] The specific equipment information indicating the presence or absence of specific equipment refers to information indicating whether or not a positioning unit 12 or a communication unit 11, a speaker 14, and a microphone 15 are pre-installed in the vehicle 1. The specific equipment information indicating whether or not specific equipment can operate refers to information indicating whether or not the positioning unit 12 or the communication unit 11, speaker 14, and microphone 15 can operate.

[0025] The positioning unit 12 may be unable to operate if, for example, it malfunctions and is unable to receive signals from GPS satellites. The communication unit 11 may be unable to operate if, for example, the receiver in the communication unit 11 malfunctions and the communication unit 11 is unable to receive signals.

[0026] The crew information acquisition unit 112 acquires the crew information of vehicle 1 as follows: The occupant information acquisition unit 112 sends an acquisition request signal containing vehicle identification information 122 to the server 2 connected to the network NW by having the communication control unit 116 perform communication. The acquisition request signal is a signal requesting occupant information corresponding to the vehicle identification information 122 from the server 2. The server 2 stores the set of vehicle identification information 122 and occupant information, and when it receives the acquisition request signal, it sends a signal containing the occupant information corresponding to the vehicle identification information 122 in the received acquisition request signal to the vehicle 1. The occupant information acquisition unit 112 then acquires the occupant information by receiving the signal containing the occupant information from the server 2 via the communication control unit 116. The occupant information is information that shows a list of services included in the service plan that the vehicle 1 has contracted. The server 2 may also send updates to the occupant information when they occur.

[0027] The abnormality confirmation unit 113 checks whether or not there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information acquired by the equipment information acquisition unit 111. When the abnormality confirmation unit 113 confirms an abnormality in the equipment, it generates abnormality information that includes a flag (which can also be information or a signal) indicating that an abnormality has been confirmed, information about the state of the abnormality, and is linked to the identification information of the equipment with the abnormality. The identification information of the equipment is, for example, the name of the equipment which is predetermined.

[0028] An example of an abnormal state of the drive source 16 is when, if vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle, the State of Charge (SOC) of the traction battery equipped with the drive source 16 has dropped to a level that makes it impossible for vehicle 1 to run. If vehicle 1 is a gasoline vehicle, an example of an abnormality of the drive source 16 is when it runs out of gasoline.

[0029] Examples of abnormal conditions in the tire section 17 include a puncture or burst tire. An example of an abnormal condition in the car battery section 18 is over-discharge of the car battery.

[0030] The service determination unit 114 selects a service to be provided by the service provision unit 115, which will be described later, in response to the abnormal information. A service that corresponds to abnormal information is a service that performs processing for the abnormality of the equipment in which the abnormality has been confirmed. The service determination unit 114 selects and determines, based on equipment information, abnormality information, and crew information, the service that will perform the abnormality processing corresponding to the abnormality information generated by the abnormality confirmation unit 113.

[0031] This section explains how the service selection process by the service decision unit 114 is performed based on crew information and abnormal information.

[0032] The service determination unit 114 selects the services that are available based on the crew information. Specifically, the service determination unit 114 selects a service to perform processing for the anomaly corresponding to the anomaly information. In this selection, it refers to the crew information obtained from the server 2 and excludes services that are not included in the list of services in the contracted service plan. In other words, the service determination unit 114 selects services that are included in both the list of services corresponding to the anomaly information and the list of services in the service plan.

[0033] The service determination unit 114 determines that if all services that handle the abnormality corresponding to the abnormality information are not included in the contracted service plan, then no selected service exists. In this case, the service determination unit 114 does not determine the service to be provided by the service provision unit 115, and instead has the communication control unit 116 and the display control unit 117 execute the service proposal processing described later.

[0034] This section explains how the service decision made by the service decision unit 114, based on equipment information and abnormality information, is made by the service provision unit 115.

[0035] The service determination unit 114 processes the abnormality corresponding to the abnormality information, and further selects from the selected services based on the crew information that the vehicle 1 has and is capable of operating the specific equipment necessary for providing the selected service, and determines that these will be provided by the service provision unit 115.

[0036] For example, the service determination unit 114 processes abnormal information and selects services based on occupant information. However, if it is confirmed from the equipment information that the positioning unit 12 is not functioning, the service provision unit 115 decides to provide a service from among the selected services that does not require the transmission of information indicating the current location of vehicle 1. In this case, an example of a service that the service determination unit 114 does not decide to provide to the service provision unit 115 is a service that requires the transmission of vehicle 1's location information to an external source.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the service determination unit 114 processes abnormal information and selects services based on crew information. However, if it is confirmed from the equipment information that the communication unit 11 is not functioning, the service provision unit 115 decides to provide the services from the selected services that do not require the communication unit 11. In this case, an example of a service that the service determination unit 114 does not decide to provide to the service provision unit 115 is a service that requires the crew member P of vehicle 1 to communicate with the service provider using the communication unit 11.

[0038] Furthermore, the service determination unit 114 processes abnormalities corresponding to abnormal information, and even if there are no services selected based on crew information and equipment information, the service provision unit 115 does not determine which service to provide, but instead causes the communication control unit 116 and the display control unit 117 to execute the service proposal processing described later.

[0039] The service provision unit 115 provides the service determined by the service decision unit 114. In this embodiment, the provision of a service refers to the exchange of information with a service provider. Specifically, the provision of a service includes the transmission of at least one of the following to the service provider's terminal 3 or server 2: equipment information, abnormality information, and location information, as well as making a call with the service provider using the service provider's terminal 3.

[0040] In other words, the service provision unit 115 provides services to the crew member P by having the communication control unit 116 perform communication with the service provider's terminal 3 used by the service provider.

[0041] The communication control unit 116 communicates with the service provider's terminal 3 or server 2 via the communication unit 11 or the mobile terminal 4.

[0042] The display control unit 117 displays information screens and software buttons via the touch panel 13. The display control unit 117 may also provide voice guidance via the speaker 14. Furthermore, the display control unit 117 accepts input from the touch panel 13. The display control unit 117 may also accept voice input via the microphone 15.

[0043] The service proposal process by the communication control unit 116 and the display control unit 117 will be described below. The service proposal process is a process in which the service decision unit 114 provides information about services to the crew member P when the service provision unit 115 is unable to determine which services to provide. In the service proposal processing, the communication control unit 116, in response to an instruction from the service determination unit 114 to execute the service proposal processing, sends an information provision signal to the server 2 requesting that it transmit to the vehicle 1 information regarding a service that can perform abnormal processing corresponding to the abnormal information.

[0044] When the display control unit 117 receives information from the server 2 in response to the information provision signal transmitted by the communication control unit 116, it displays a screen showing the information provided. The information provided includes the name of a service provider that can handle abnormality processing corresponding to the abnormality information, even if vehicle 1 does not have a service plan contract, and the contact information of the service provider.

[0045] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the processor 110 of the control device 100 in the service provision system 1000 will be explained using Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the control device 100. Using Figures 3 and 4, we will explain the operation of the control device 100, particularly when an abnormality in the equipment of vehicle 1 is detected.

[0046] In the flowchart shown in Figure 3, the equipment information acquisition unit 111 acquires equipment information from each piece of equipment, and then the abnormality confirmation unit 113 checks whether an abnormality has occurred in the equipment based on the acquired equipment information, repeating this series of operations at a predetermined cycle. As mentioned above, the equipment information acquired by the equipment information acquisition unit 111 also includes specific equipment information. If the abnormality detection unit 113 does not confirm that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment, step S1 and other operations described below will not be performed, and the acquisition of equipment information by the equipment information acquisition unit 111 will be repeated at a predetermined interval.

[0047] When the abnormality detection unit 113 confirms that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment (step S1), it generates abnormality information corresponding to the equipment that has experienced the abnormality (step S2).

[0048] Next, the service determination unit 114 selects a service that will perform processing for the abnormality corresponding to the abnormality information (step S3).

[0049] Next, the crew information acquisition unit 112 acquires crew information for vehicle 1 from server 2 (step S4).

[0050] Next, the service determination unit 114 further selects available services based on the service plan contracted for vehicle 1, as indicated by the occupant information (step S5).

[0051] Next, the service determination unit 114 determines whether or not a selected service exists in the selection process in steps S3 and S5 (step S6).

[0052] If a selected service exists (step S6: YES), the service determination unit 114 further selects available services based on the equipment information (step S7). Specifically, the service determination unit 114, based on the specific equipment information included in the acquired equipment information, selects the service as available if the specific equipment necessary for providing the service selected in step S5 is operational, and does not select the service as unavailable if the specific equipment is not operational.

[0053] Next, the service determination unit 114 determines whether or not a selected service exists in the selection process in step S7 (step S8).

[0054] If a selected service exists (Step S8: YES), the service determination unit 114 determines that the selected service will be provided by the service provision unit 115 (Step S9).

[0055] Next, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to the crew member P (step S10). Specifically, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to the crew member P by having the communication control unit 116 execute the communication. If the determined service requires communication with the service provider's terminal 3, it is predetermined whether the communication control unit 116 will use the communication unit 11 or the mobile terminal 4 to execute the communication. For example, if the abnormal information generated in step S2 indicates an abnormal condition in which vehicle 1 is determined to have been in an accident, then in step S10, an automatic notification is sent to the police, ambulance, etc.

[0056] Next, we will explain the flowchart in Figure 4. The flowchart shown in Figure 4 is an example of a service proposal process.

[0057] If no service is selected in steps S3 and S5 (step S6: NO), or if no service is selected in step S7 (step S8: NO), the service determination unit 114 determines, based on the equipment information, whether the communication unit 11 is operational (step S13). If the service determination unit 114 determines that the communication unit 11 is not operational (step S13: NO), the processor 110 terminates its operation. Alternatively, if there is pre-stored service information, the service information may be read and displayed on the screen. Alternatively, information prompting the user to register a new carrier's telephone number may be displayed on screen G1.

[0058] If the service determination unit 114 determines that the communication unit 11 is operational (step S13: YES), the communication control unit 116 sends an information provision signal to the server 2 (step S14) and receives the provided information (step S15).

[0059] Next, the display control unit 117 displays screen G1 (see Figure 5) showing the provided information J1 (step S16). Figure 5 shows an example of screen G1 displaying the information provided J1. Screen G1 displays the name of the service provider and the corresponding telephone number as the information provided J1. Screen G1 also displays a call button B1 for each service provider and telephone number. The call button B1 is a software button with the text "Call". Screen G1 may also display the service provider name, past usage date and time, telephone number, and a QR code (registered trademark) that can be used to make a call.

[0060] When the call button B1A corresponding to the carrier name "AAA" is pressed, the communication control unit 116 places a call to the telephone number "000-111-1111" corresponding to the carrier name "AAA". Similarly, when the call buttons B1B corresponding to the carrier name "BBB" and B1C corresponding to the carrier name "CCC" are pressed, the communication control unit 116 places a call to the corresponding telephone number. If no service providers are available in the provided information J1, screen G1 may display information prompting the user to register the phone number of a new service provider.

[0061] [2-1. Specific examples of operations related to abnormalities in the drive source] Next, using Figure 6, we will explain a specific example of the operation of the control device 100 when focusing on an abnormality in the drive source 16 in the service provision system 1000. In the following, we will explain in particular the case when an abnormality occurs in the State of Charge (SOC) of the traction battery of the drive source 16.

[0062] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. Operations similar to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted as appropriate. Prior to the operations shown in Figure 6, as described in Figure 3, the equipment information acquisition unit 111 acquires equipment information from each piece of equipment, and then the abnormality confirmation unit 113 checks whether an abnormality has occurred in the equipment based on the acquired equipment information, repeating a series of operations at a predetermined cycle.

[0063] First, the abnormality detection unit 113 confirms that an abnormality has occurred in the traction battery of the drive source 16 (step S21), and then generates abnormality information regarding the drive source 16 (step S22).

[0064] Next, the service determination unit 114 determines whether or not the crew member P has given an instruction to use the service (step S23).

[0065] Figure 7 shows an example of screen G2, which is displayed when an abnormality occurs in the drive source 16. Screen G2 is displayed on the touch panel 13 after step S22, and the occupant P can choose whether or not to use the service via screen G2. Screen G2 displays guidance information J2 that asks whether or not to use the service, a contact button B3 which is a software button with the text "Contact Us", and an exit button B4 which is a software button with the text "Close".

[0066] The guidance information J2 contains the text, "The vehicle cannot be driven due to lack of power. Would you like to call roadside assistance? (Pressing the button will contact the call center)." The service determination unit 114 determines that if the occupant P presses the contact button B3, the occupant P has instructed to use the service. If the occupant P presses the end button B4, presses a button other than guidance information J2, or a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since guidance information J2 was displayed, the unit determines that the occupant P has not instructed to use the service.

[0067] Returning to the explanation in Figure 6, if the service determination unit 114 determines that crew member P has not given an instruction to use a service (step S23: NO), the operation terminates. In this case, for example, crew member P uses their personal mobile terminal 4 to look up and use another service available from the mobile terminal 4.

[0068] If the service determination unit 114 determines that the crew member P has instructed to use a service (step S23: YES), the service determination unit 114 selects, based on the abnormality information, an automatic dialing service and a manual dialing service as services that can process the abnormality of the drive source 16 (step S24). An automatic dialing service is a service that can automatically make a call to a service provider. A manual dialing service is a service that can make a call by the crew member P manually entering the telephone number of the service provider and making the call, or by manually dialing the telephone number of the service provider that is pre-stored in the memory 120.

[0069] Next, after performing step S4, the service determination unit 114 determines, based on the occupant information, whether or not vehicle 1 has contracted a service plan that includes an automatic calling service (step S25).

[0070] If vehicle 1 has a service plan that includes an automatic dialing service (step S25: YES), the service determination unit 114 determines, based on the equipment information, whether the communication unit 11 used for the automatic dialing service is operational (step S26).

[0071] Next, if the communication unit 11 is operational (step S26: YES), the service determination unit 114 determines that the service that performs automatic dialing will be provided by the service provision unit 115 (step S27). Then, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to the occupant P (step S10). In this way, with the service that performs automatic dialing, the occupant P can receive the service simply by pressing the contact button B3 on the screen G2 shown in Figure 7. If the communication unit 11 is not operational in step S26 (step S26: NO), it is determined whether the vehicle 1 has contracted a service plan that includes a service that performs manual dialing (step S28).

[0072] Returning to the explanation of step S25, the service determination unit 114 determines whether vehicle 1 has contracted a service plan that includes a service for making an automatic call (step S25: NO), or whether vehicle 1 has contracted a service plan that includes a service for making a manual call (step S28).

[0073] If vehicle 1 has a service plan that includes a service for making manual calls (step S28: YES), the service determination unit 114 determines, based on the equipment information, whether the communication unit 11 used for the service for making manual calls is operational, or whether it is connected to the mobile terminal 4 via a predetermined communication method (for example, Bluetooth®, in-vehicle WiFi®, or wired connection via USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.) (step S29).

[0074] Next, if the communication unit 11 is operational (step S29: YES), the service determination unit 114 determines that the service to be manually dialed is to be provided by the service provision unit 115 (step S29). Then, the display control unit 117 displays screen G3 (see Figure 8) and receives input from crew member P instructing them to manually dial via screen G3 (step S31).

[0075] Figure 8 shows an example of screen G3 for manual dialing. Screen G3 displays guidance information J3 that guides users through the provision of the manual dialing service, and a call button B5. Guidance information J3 contains the text "Do you want to connect to road service?". Call button B5 is a software button containing the text "Connect", and when occupant P presses call button B5, occupant P instructs the user to make a manual dial.

[0076] Returning to the explanation in Figure 6, after step S31 is completed, when the call button B5 is pressed, the service provision unit 115 provides the determined service to the occupant P (step S10). As described above, services that use automatic dialing, which require less work from the occupant P, are prioritized over services that use manual dialing, thus providing a more appropriate service to the occupant P. Therefore, the usability of the service is improved.

[0077] If the vehicle 1 does not have a service plan that includes a service that allows manual dialing (step S28: NO), or if the communication unit 11 is not operational in step S28 (step S29: NO), the service determination unit 114 proceeds to step S13 shown in Figure 4 and executes the service proposal process. Also, if the communication unit 11 is not operational in step S28 (step S29: NO), screen G3 in Figure 8 may be displayed, but since the communication unit 11 is not operational, the call button B5 is unavailable (e.g., blacked out).

[0078] The operation shown in Figure 6 was specifically for responding to an abnormality in the drive source 16, but it can be replaced with an operation for responding to an abnormality in the tire unit 17, an abnormality in the car battery unit 18, or an abnormality in other equipment.

[0079] [3. Effects] As described above, the service provision system 1000 in this embodiment includes an equipment information acquisition unit 111 that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed on the vehicle 1, an abnormality confirmation unit 113 that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information, a service determination unit 114 that determines a service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit 113 from among a plurality of services for abnormalities, and a service provision unit 115 that provides the service determined by the service determination unit 114 to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0080] With this configuration, the service determination unit 114 determines that the appropriate service will be provided by the service provision unit 115 when an equipment malfunction occurs in the vehicle 1. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle 1, the occupant P can easily receive the appropriate service.

[0081] The service provision system 1000 includes a crew information acquisition unit 112 that acquires crew information about crew member P, and a service determination unit 114 determines the services available to crew member P based on the crew information.

[0082] With this configuration, when an equipment malfunction occurs in vehicle 1, the system selects and provides a service that is appropriate for the malfunction in vehicle 1, based on the occupant information, thereby enabling occupant P to easily receive the appropriate service.

[0083] The service determination unit 114 determines, based on the crew information, that the services available to crew member P, specifically those based on equipment information, will be provided by the service provision unit 115.

[0084] With this configuration, the necessary equipment for selecting the services to be provided is installed in vehicle 1, and by providing services that are operational, the services that occupant P can receive can be selected more appropriately.

[0085] The equipment information indicates whether or not the equipment is equipped and whether or not it is operational. The service determination unit 114 determines that, if the specific equipment necessary for the provision of the service is installed in the vehicle 1 and is operational, the service provision unit 115 will provide the service based on the equipment information from among the services made available to the occupant P based on the occupant information.

[0086] With this configuration, the vehicle 1 is equipped with specific equipment necessary for selecting the services to be provided, and by providing services that are operational, the services that occupant P can receive can be selected more appropriately.

[0087] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a communication unit 11 that can communicate with the outside and a display control unit 117 that displays information to the occupant P. If there are no services that can be determined by the service determination unit 114, the communication unit 11 sends an information provision signal to the outside requesting that service information be sent to Vehicle 1. When the display control unit 117 receives service information corresponding to the information provision signal sent by the communication unit 11, it displays the received service information.

[0088] With this configuration, even if there are no services available from the abnormal information or occupant information of vehicle 1, appropriate services can be provided to occupant P by requesting information from server 2.

[0089] Vehicle 1 comprises multiple communication units 11 and mobile terminals 4 capable of communicating with the outside, and a communication control unit 116 that controls communication between the communication units 11 and mobile terminals 4. When a service determined by the service determination unit 114 requires communication with the outside, the communication control unit 116 communicates with the outside using either a predetermined communication unit 11 or mobile terminal 4.

[0090] With this configuration, by controlling the communication method used to communicate with the service provider's terminal 3 when providing services in a predetermined manner, it is possible to appropriately provide services to the crew member P.

[0091] The control device 100 in this embodiment includes an equipment information acquisition unit 111 that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed on the vehicle 1, an abnormality confirmation unit 113 that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information, a service determination unit 114 that determines a service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit 113 from among a plurality of services for abnormalities, and a service provision unit 115 that provides the service determined by the service determination unit 114 to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0092] This configuration produces the same effects as described above.

[0093] [4. Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above are merely examples and can be modified and applied as needed.

[0094] In the embodiments described above, a four-wheeled vehicle 1 was used as an example, but the number of wheels on the vehicle 1 is not limited to four.

[0095] In the embodiments described above, a touch panel 13 was used as an example, but the touch panel 13 is just one example of a display means. The means is not limited to the touch panel 13, and may be a display that does not have a touch operation function but can be operated by operation keys or the like. Furthermore, the touch panel 13 may be a display equipped in a car navigation system, or it may be provided on the meter panel.

[0096] In the embodiments described above, a communication unit 11, which is a TCU installed in the vehicle 1, was described as an example of a communication unit. However, the invention is not limited to this, and any communication device that performs wireless communication in accordance with the communication standards of the service provision system 1000 may be used. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with a wireless router connected to a cigarette lighter socket power supply or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) stick wireless router connected to a car navigation system.

[0097] In the embodiment described above, the abnormality confirmation unit 113 is configured to generate abnormality information that includes a flag (which may be information or a signal) indicating that an abnormality has been confirmed, information about the state of the abnormality, and is linked to the identification information of the abnormal equipment, when it confirms an abnormality in the equipment. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the abnormality confirmation unit 113 confirms an abnormality in the equipment, it may output to the service determination unit 114 information indicating only that an abnormality has been confirmed in the corresponding equipment.

[0098] In the embodiment described above, the service determination unit 114 selects a service to perform processing for the abnormality corresponding to the abnormality information generated by the abnormality confirmation unit 113, based on equipment information, abnormality information, and crew information, and determines that this service will be provided by the service provision unit 115. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the service determination unit 114 may select and determine a service to perform processing for the abnormality corresponding to the abnormality information generated by the abnormality confirmation unit 113, based on abnormality information and crew information.

[0099] In the embodiment described above, the occupant information acquisition unit 112 is configured to acquire occupant information from the server 2, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the occupant information may be stored in the memory 120 of the control device 100 in advance, and the service determination unit 114 may refer to the stored occupant information. Also, although it was stated that the occupant information acquisition unit 112 acquires information when an abnormality occurs in the equipment, it may be configured to acquire information when the vehicle is started. Similarly, the information to be provided may also be acquired when the vehicle is started.

[0100] In the embodiment described above, the control device 100 is connected to the drive source 16, tire unit 17, and car battery unit 18 provided in the vehicle 1, and is configured to check for abnormalities in these devices, but it is not limited to this configuration. Furthermore, the control device 100 may also be connected to the starter motor of the vehicle 1. In the case of a starter motor, the output signal of the electric motor equipped in the starter motor corresponds to the equipment information, and an example of a starter motor abnormality is that the electric motor equipped in the starter motor does not operate.

[0101] The processor 110 may consist of multiple processors or a single processor. The processor 110 may also be hardware programmed to implement the functions described above. In this case, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0102] Furthermore, the configuration of each part of Vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is merely an example, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is certainly possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Also, in the embodiments described above, some of the functions realized by software may be implemented as hardware, or conversely, some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented as software.

[0103] Furthermore, the operation step units shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or by their names. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Also, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. In addition, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the spirit of the present invention.

[0104] [4. Configurations supported by the above embodiments] The above embodiment supports the following configuration:

[0105] (Composition 1) A service provision system comprising: an equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed in a vehicle; an abnormality confirmation unit that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information; a service determination unit that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit from among a plurality of services for the abnormality; and a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service determination unit to the occupants of the vehicle. According to the service provision system of Configuration 1, the service determination unit determines the appropriate service to be provided by the service provision unit when an equipment malfunction occurs in the vehicle, so that when a malfunction occurs in the vehicle, the occupants can easily receive the appropriate service.

[0106] (Configuration 2) The service provision system according to Configuration 1, comprising a crew information acquisition unit that acquires crew information relating to the crew, and a service determination unit that determines the services available to the crew based on the crew information. According to the service provision system of Configuration 2, when a malfunction occurs in the vehicle's equipment, the system selects and provides a service that is appropriate for the malfunction, based on the occupant's information, thereby enabling occupants to easily receive the appropriate service.

[0107] (Composition 3) The service provision system according to configuration 2, wherein the service determination unit determines, from among the services made available to the occupant based on the occupant information, the service based on the equipment information as the service provided by the service provision unit. According to the service provision system of Configuration 3, the necessary equipment for selecting the services to be provided is installed in the vehicle, and by providing services that are operational, the services that the occupants can receive can be selected more appropriately.

[0108] (Composition 4) The service provision system according to configuration 3, wherein the equipment information indicates whether the equipment is present or absent and whether the equipment is operational, and the service determination unit determines, based on the equipment information, that the service provided by the service provision unit is the service available to the occupant from among the services made available to the occupant based on the occupant information, when the specific equipment necessary for the provision of the service is provided in the vehicle and is operational. According to the service provision system of Configuration 4, by providing services that are equipped with and operational specific equipment necessary for selecting the services to be provided, the occupants can more appropriately select the services they can receive.

[0109] (Composition 5) A service provision system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the outside and a display unit that displays information to the occupants, the communication unit transmits an information provision signal to the outside requesting that the vehicle transmit information about the service if there is no service that can be determined by the service determination unit, and the display unit, upon receiving information about the service corresponding to the information provision signal transmitted by the communication unit, displays the received information about the service. According to the service provision system of Configuration 5, even if there are no services available based on vehicle abnormality information or occupant information, appropriate services can be provided to the occupants by requesting information from external sources.

[0110] (Composition 6) The service provision system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle comprises a plurality of communication units capable of communicating with the outside, and a communication control unit that controls the communication of the communication units, and when the service determined by the service determination unit requires communication with the outside, the communication control unit performs communication with the outside using predetermined communication units. According to the service provision system of configuration 6, by controlling the communication method used for external communication when providing services in a predetermined manner, it is possible to appropriately provide services to the crew.

[0111] (Composition 7) A service provision device comprising: an equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information relating to equipment installed in a vehicle; an abnormality confirmation unit that checks whether there is an abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information; a service determination unit that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit from among a plurality of services for the abnormality; and a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service determination unit to the occupants of the vehicle. The service provision device of configuration 7 produces the same functions and effects as configuration 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1...Vehicle, 2...Server, 3...Service provider terminal, 4...Mobile terminal (communication unit), 11...Communication unit, 12...Positioning unit, 13...Touch panel, 14...Speaker, 15...Microphone, 16...Power source, 17...Tire unit, 18...Car battery unit, 100...Control device (service provision device), 110...Processor, 111...Equipment information acquisition unit, 112...Occupant information acquisition unit, 113...Anomaly confirmation unit, 114...Service determination unit, 115...Service provision unit, 116...Communication control unit, 117...Display control unit (display unit), 120...Memory, 121...Control program, 122...Vehicle identification information, 1000...Service provision system, NW...Network, P...Occupant.

Claims

1. An equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information related to equipment installed on a vehicle, An abnormality confirmation unit that checks whether there is any abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information, A service determination unit that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit from among a plurality of services for the aforementioned abnormality, The service includes a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service determination unit to the occupants of the vehicle. Service delivery system.

2. The system includes a crew information acquisition unit that acquires crew information relating to the aforementioned crew members, The service determination unit said above, Based on the aforementioned crew information, the services available to the crew are determined. The service provision system according to claim 1.

3. The service determination unit said above, Of the services made available to the crew based on the crew information, the service based on the equipment information is determined to be the service provided by the service provision unit. The service provision system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned equipment information indicates whether the equipment is present or absent, and whether the equipment is operational or not. The service determination unit said above, When the specific equipment necessary for the provision of the service is installed in the vehicle and is operational, the service provided by the service provider determines that the service made available to the occupant based on the equipment information is the service to be provided by the service provider. The service provision system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned vehicle includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the outside world, It includes a display unit that displays information to the occupants, The aforementioned communications unit is If there is no service that can be determined by the service determination unit, An information provision signal is transmitted externally, requesting that the information of the aforementioned service be transmitted to the vehicle. The aforementioned display unit is When the communication unit receives information about the service corresponding to the information provision signal transmitted by the communication unit, it displays the received information about the service. The service provision system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned vehicle has multiple communication units capable of communicating with the outside world, The system comprises a communication control unit that performs communication control for the aforementioned communication unit, If the service determined by the service determination unit requires communication with an external party, The aforementioned communication control unit, Communication with the outside is performed by the predetermined communication unit. The service provision system according to claim 1.

7. An equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information related to equipment installed on a vehicle, An abnormality confirmation unit that checks whether there is any abnormality in the equipment based on the equipment information, A service determination unit that determines the service corresponding to the abnormality confirmed by the abnormality confirmation unit from among a plurality of services for the aforementioned abnormality, The service includes a service provision unit that provides the service determined by the service determination unit to the occupants of the vehicle. Service provision device.

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