Calling device, calling method, program, and computer-readable program

Abstract

Provided is a calling device that can perform vehicle calling by inputting information related to calling of a user. 【Solution means】In a calling device 8 that inputs information related to calling and calls a vehicle, it has a central processing unit, a storage device, an input device, and a display device that are mutually connected via a bus, and has an input unit 10 and an output unit 20. The input unit inputs signal information related to a calling position as information related to calling of the terminal device via the terminal device 3, and the output unit outputs the calling position to an in-vehicle terminal device 5 provided in the vehicle, and inputs information related to calling of the user to call the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a calling device, a calling method, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium, and particularly to a calling device, a calling method, a program, and a computer-readable program for calling a vehicle to a predetermined position.

Background Art

[0002] Various reservation systems in vehicles such as taxis are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such a system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, recently, there has been a strong demand for the development of a system that can identify and call the calling position of a user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a calling device, a calling method, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium that can input information related to a user's call and call a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the invention related to a calling device is characterized in that, in a calling device that inputs information related to a call and calls a vehicle, information related to a user's call is input to call the vehicle.

[0007] According to the present invention, with the above configuration, it is possible to input information related to the call of the user and call the vehicle.

[0008] The input of the information related to the call of the user can be performed through a predetermined operation of the terminal device. The predetermined operation of the terminal device can include an operation of pressing the terminal device.

[0009] The predetermined operation of the terminal device can include an operation of pressing a predetermined image or a predetermined button displayed on the display unit of the terminal device.

[0010] The predetermined operation of the terminal device can include an operation of vibrating the terminal device.

[0011] The input of the information related to the call of the terminal device via the terminal device can be the input of the information related to the call of the terminal device based on the voice input via the terminal device.

[0012] It can have an output unit that outputs the information related to the call of the terminal device input via the terminal device to an in-vehicle device provided in the vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle can have an output unit that inputs information indicating that the vehicle is heading towards the call position as the information related to the call from the in-vehicle device and outputs information indicating that the vehicle is heading towards the call position as the input information related to the call to the terminal device.

[0014] The vehicle can have an output unit that outputs information indicating that the vehicle has approached the call position as the information related to the call to the terminal device.

[0015] When the vehicle approaches the call position as the information related to the call, it can have an output unit that outputs information for prompting the user to indicate the intention to board the vehicle to the terminal device.

[0016] When information indicating that the vehicle does not head towards the calling position as information regarding the call is input from the in-vehicle device, an output unit that outputs the input information indicating that the vehicle does not head towards the calling position as information regarding the call to the terminal device can be provided.

[0017] The information indicating that the vehicle does not head towards the calling position as information regarding the call can include information in which the driver of the vehicle expresses gratitude to the user.

[0018] The call of the vehicle can be set such that the vehicle does not commit to heading towards the calling position as information regarding the call to the user. The call of the vehicle can be set such that no cost is incurred for calling the vehicle.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, an invention related to a calling method is a calling method for inputting information regarding a call to call a vehicle, and the vehicle can be called by inputting information regarding the user's call.

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, an invention related to a program causes a computer of a calling device that inputs information regarding a call to call a vehicle to function so as to call the vehicle by inputting information regarding the user's call.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, an invention related to a computer-readable storage medium stores the program described above.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, a vehicle can be called by inputting information regarding the user's call.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a calling system 1 including a calling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the computer configurations of a terminal device, an in-vehicle device, and a calling device (server device) in the calling system, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a calling method in the calling device.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the calling system 1 of the present invention will be described. The calling system 1 has a terminal device 3, an in-vehicle device 5, and a calling device 8, and can call a vehicle 6, for example, a commercial vehicle 6 such as a taxi, to a predetermined position X as information related to the call (the vehicle 6 may be other than the commercial vehicle 6).

[0026] The vehicle calling system 1 of the present invention is a system that does not commit to the user that the vehicle 6 will head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call. Also, the vehicle calling by the calling system 1 of the present invention is a system in which no cost, i.e., no pick-up cost, is incurred for calling the vehicle 6. That is, unlike the conventional pick-up system, in the calling system 1 of the present invention, whether the vehicle 6 heads towards the calling position X as information regarding the call is arbitrary, and it is not a system that guarantees to the user that the vehicle 6 will head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call (even when the user makes a call, the vehicle 6 may not come to the calling position X as information regarding the call). For this reason, even if the vehicle 6 comes to the calling position X as information regarding the call and the user boards the called vehicle 6, no pick-up cost is incurred, making it such a system.

[0027] The terminal device 3 and the in-vehicle device 5 can communicate via the calling device 8 and the network communication line 9, and can perform input and output of signal information with each other. The network communication line 9 can include communication lines such as the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network). The terminal device 3, the in-vehicle device 5, and the calling device 8 have a general configuration as a computer. The calling device 8 functions as a server device.

[0028] That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal device 3, the in-vehicle device 5, and the calling device 8 have a central processing unit (CPU, GPU, DSP) 3B, 5B, 8B, a storage device (ROM, RAM, hard disk, cache memory) 3C, 5C, 8C, an input device (keyboard, touch panel, mouse) 3D, 5D, 8D, a display device (liquid crystal display) 3E, 5E, 8E, etc., which are connected to each other via buses 3A, 5A, 8A. The storage devices 3C, 5C, 8C function as computer-readable storage media.

[0029] The terminal device 3 is owned by the user who uses the vehicle 6. The terminal device 3 is equipped with the function of the global positioning system, that is, GPS (Global Positioning System), and can detect the current position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 in real time, that is, the calling position X as information regarding the calling for calling the vehicle 6 (the calling position X is the position X where the user boards the vehicle 6, and the current position X of the terminal device 3 owned by the user becomes the calling position X). The detected calling position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 is sent as signal information to the calling device 8. The terminal device 3 has a display unit 3a, and the display unit 3a can display a predetermined image. The terminal device 3 can be, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet terminal. Also, the terminal device 3 may use a dedicated terminal device.

[0030] The in-vehicle device 5 is provided in the vehicle 6. The in-vehicle device 5 has a display unit 5a, and the display unit 5a can display a predetermined image.

[0031] The calling device 8 can call the vehicle 6 by inputting the calling position X as information regarding the calling. The calling unit 8 has an input unit 10 and an output unit 20.

[0032] The input unit 10 can input signal information regarding the calling position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 (hereinafter, the signal information regarding the calling position X is simply referred to as the calling position X). The calling device 8 can call the vehicle 6 by inputting the calling position X as information regarding the calling by the input unit 10.

[0033] The input of the calling position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 by the input unit 10 can be performed via a predetermined operation by the user of the terminal device 3. The predetermined operation of the terminal device 3 can include an operation of pressing down the terminal device 3. More specifically, the predetermined operation by the user of the terminal device 3 can include an operation of the user pressing a predetermined image or a predetermined button displayed on the display unit 3a of the terminal device 3. By performing an operation of the user pressing the predetermined image displayed on the display unit 3a of the terminal device 3, the calling position X as information regarding the calling is specified via the GPS function of the terminal device 3, and the specified calling position X as information regarding the calling is input to the calling device 8. The input of the calling position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 by the input unit 10 may be performed, for example, by the user inputting the address information of the calling position X as information regarding a specific calling via a key operation on the display unit 3a of the terminal device 3.

[0034] Also, the predetermined operation of the terminal device 3 can include an operation of the user vibrating the terminal device 3. By performing an operation of the user vibrating the terminal device 3, the calling position X as information regarding the calling is specified via the GPS function of the terminal device 3, and the specified calling position X as information regarding the calling is input to the calling device 8.

[0035] Furthermore, the input of the calling position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 can be the input of the calling position X as information regarding the calling of the terminal device 3 based on voice input by the user via the terminal device 3. By the user himself / herself uttering a voice indicating the calling position X as information regarding the calling, the terminal device 3 converts the voice into character information, and the converted character information can be input as the address information of the calling position X as information regarding the calling.

[0036] Furthermore, the input unit 10 can receive from the in-vehicle device 5 signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is to head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call. The driver of the vehicle 6 can operate a button or a display unit 5a provided on the in-vehicle device 5 as required, causing the in-vehicle device 5 to generate signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is to head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call, and input the generated signal information into the calling device 8. Thereby, the user can confirm that the driver intends to head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call.

[0037] Moreover, the input unit 10 can receive from the in-vehicle device 5 signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is not to head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call. The driver of the vehicle 6 can operate a button or a display unit 5a provided on the in-vehicle device 5 as required, causing the in-vehicle device 5 to generate signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is not to head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call, and input the generated signal information into the calling device 8. Thereby, the user can confirm that the driver has no intention of heading towards the calling position X as information regarding the call.

[0038] The signal information indicating not to head towards the calling position can include signal information by which the driver of the vehicle 6 expresses gratitude to the user. The signal information expressing gratitude can be, for example, signal information expressing gratitude such as "Sorry", "Please forgive me", "See you later", etc.

[0039] The output unit 20 can output to the in-vehicle device 5 provided in the vehicle 6 the calling position X as information regarding the call of the terminal device 3 input via the terminal device 3. Also, the output unit 20 can output to the terminal device 3 signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is to head towards the calling position X as information regarding the call input by the input unit 10.

[0040] Furthermore, the output unit 20 can output, to the terminal device 3 in the form of character information, emoji information, etc., information indicating that the vehicle 6 has entered a predetermined distance range from the call position X as information regarding the call and has approached the call position X.

[0041] Furthermore, when the vehicle 6 enters a predetermined distance range from the call position X as information regarding the call and approaches the call position X, the output unit 20 can output, to the terminal device 3 in the form of character information, emoji information, etc., information for prompting the user to show an indication of the intention to board. The information for prompting the user to show an indication of the intention to board is, for example, information for prompting the user to raise their hand when the vehicle 6 approaches the call position X as information regarding the call, and can be displayed as a pop-up on the display unit 3a of the terminal device 3 (when the vehicle 6 approaches the call position X as information regarding the call, by raising their hand, the user can be easily recognized even when there are a plurality of people around the user).

[0042] Moreover, the output unit 20 can output, to the terminal device 3, signal information indicating that the call position X as the information regarding the call input by the input unit 10 is not being headed towards.

[0043] Here, the above-described storage devices 3C, 5C, 8C store a program 100 for causing each of the above functional units to function. That is, the program 100 stored in the storage devices 3C, 5C, 8C can cause the computer of the call device 8 that inputs the call position X as information regarding the call and calls the vehicle 6 to function as the input unit 10 and the output unit 20.

[0044] Next, the call method in the call device 8 will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0045] That is, in step S10, the input unit 10 inputs the call position X as information regarding the call of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3. The input of the call position X as information regarding the call of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 by the input unit 10 can be performed via a predetermined operation by the user of the terminal device 3, and the predetermined operation by the user of the terminal device 3 can include an operation of pressing down the terminal device 3. More specifically, the predetermined operation by the user of the terminal device 3 can include an operation of the user pressing a predetermined image or a predetermined button displayed on the display unit 3a of the terminal device 3. The input of the call position X as information regarding the call of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 by the input unit 10 can also be performed by the user inputting address information of the call position X as information regarding a specific call via a key operation on the display unit 3a of the terminal device 3. Further, the predetermined operation of the terminal device 3 can include an operation of the user vibrating the terminal device 3. By these predetermined operations of the terminal device 3, the call position X as information regarding the call is specified via the GPS function of the terminal device 3, and the specified call position X as information regarding the call is input to the calling device 8. Furthermore, the input of the call position X of the terminal device 3 via the terminal device 3 can be the input of the call position X as information regarding the call of the terminal device 3 based on voice input by the user via the terminal device 3.

[0046] Next, in step S20, the output unit 20 can output the call position X as information regarding the call of the terminal device 3 input via the terminal device 3 to the in-vehicle device 5 provided in the vehicle 6.

[0047] Subsequently, in step S30, the input unit 10 inputs, from the in-vehicle device 5, signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is heading towards the call position X as information regarding the call or signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is not heading towards the call position X as information regarding the call.

[0048] Next, in step S40, the output unit 20 outputs signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 is to head toward the call position X as information regarding the call input by the input unit 10. Further, the output unit 20 outputs to the terminal device 3 information indicating that the vehicle 6 has entered a predetermined distance range from the call position X as information regarding the call and has approached the call position X. Furthermore, when the vehicle 6 enters a predetermined distance range from the call position X as information regarding the call and approaches the call position X, the output unit 20 outputs to the terminal device 3 information for prompting the user to indicate an intention to board the vehicle. Furthermore, the output unit 20 outputs to the terminal device 3 signal information indicating that the vehicle 6 does not head toward the call position X as information regarding the call. The terminal device 3 displays this signal information on the display unit 3a in the form of character information, graphic information, or the like.

[0049] As described above, according to the present invention, with the above configuration, it is possible to input the call position X as information regarding the user's call and call the vehicle 6.

[0050] Note that the present invention can of course be variously modified and applied without changing the gist of the invention. For example, the input unit 10 described above can input the call position X as information regarding the user's call and call the vehicle 6 by a form other than the above-described form. Also, it may be possible to input information regarding the call other than the call position X and call the vehicle 6.

Explanation of Signs

[0051] X: Call position 1: Call system 3: Terminal device 3A: Bus 3B: Central processing unit 3C: Storage device 3D: Input device 3E: Display device 3a: Display unit 5: In-vehicle device 5A: Bus 5B: Central processing unit 5C: Storage device 5D: Input device 5E: Display device 5a: Display unit 6: Vehicle 8: Summoning device 8A: Bus 8B: Central processing unit 8C: Storage device 8D: Input device 8E: Display device 9: Network communication line 100: Program

Claims

1. A vehicle summoning device for summoning a vehicle by inputting information related to the summoning, A summons device for summoning a vehicle by inputting information regarding a user's summons.

2. 2. The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the user's call is input through a predetermined operation of a terminal device.

3. 3. The calling device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined operation of the terminal device includes an operation of pressing the terminal device.

4. 3. The calling device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined operation of the terminal device includes an operation of pressing a predetermined image or a predetermined button displayed on a display unit of the terminal device.

5. 3. The calling device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined operation of the terminal device includes an operation of vibrating the terminal device.

6. 2. The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the input of information regarding the call of the terminal device via the terminal device is input of information regarding the call of the terminal device based on voice input via the terminal device.

7. 2. The call device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs information regarding the call of the terminal device inputted via the terminal device to an in-vehicle device provided in the vehicle.

8. 2. The summons device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that inputs information indicating that the vehicle is heading to a summons location as information related to the summons from the in-vehicle device, and outputs the input information indicating that the vehicle is heading to the summons location as information related to the summons to the terminal device.

9. 2. The call device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit for outputting information indicating that the vehicle has approached a call position as information regarding the call to the terminal device.

10. The call device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs, to the terminal device, information for prompting the user to indicate his / her intention to board the vehicle when the vehicle approaches a call location as information regarding the call.

11. The summons device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that inputs information indicating that the vehicle is not heading to the summons location as information regarding the summons from the in-vehicle device, and outputs the input information indicating that the vehicle is not heading to the summons location as information regarding the summons to the terminal device.

12. 12. The call device according to claim 11, wherein the information regarding the call, which indicates that the driver of the vehicle is not heading to the call location, includes information expressing gratitude to the user by the driver of the vehicle.

13. 2. The call device according to claim 1, wherein the call for the vehicle does not commit the user that the vehicle will head to the call location as information regarding the call.

14. 2. The vehicle summoning device according to claim 1, wherein no cost is incurred for summoning the vehicle.

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