Information processing device and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an incentive to a user who uses a vehicle rental service.SOLUTION: There is provided an information processor for providing a first service related to moving, online. When a user who uses a second service of a vehicle rental service moves by using the first service with a first vehicle lent to the user, the user is provided with at least an incentive about the second service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle rental services. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known contract type in which a vehicle is loaned to a user for a certain period of time. Such a contract type is also called a lease contract, a subscription contract, etc. As an invention related to this, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that provides a car wash service free of charge to a user depending on whether or not the user has a lease contract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-122107 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide incentives to users who use vehicle rental services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: The system has a control unit that executes the following: providing a first service related to travel online; and, when a user who uses a second service, which is a vehicle rental service, travels using the first service in the rented first vehicle, providing the user with an incentive related to at least the second service.

[0006] In addition, an information processing system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: An information processing system including a first device that provides a first service related to travel online and a second device associated with a second service that is a vehicle rental service, wherein the second device provides the first device with data regarding a user's usage of the second service, and the first device provides the user with an incentive related to at least the second service when the user who is using the second service travels using the first service in a rented first vehicle.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the method executed by the information processing device described above, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transiently storing the program. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, incentives can be provided to users who use vehicle rental services. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a reservation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a reservation server and a user terminal. [Diagram 3] 4 shows an example of contract data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an itinerary associated with a user. [Diagram 5] 4 shows an example of spot data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 6] 4 is an example of plan data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of incentive data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 8] An example of reservation data generated by the reservation server. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 10]An example of a screen for searching spots. [Figure 11] An example of a screen for searching plans. [Figure 12] An example of a plan selection screen. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] An example of a screen for selecting a mode of transportation. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a control unit in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of travel product data according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 shows an example of a screen provided to a user in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a control unit in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a control unit that performs the following operations: providing a first service related to travel online; and, when a user using a second service, which is a vehicle rental service, travels using the first service in the rented first vehicle, providing the user with an incentive related to at least the second service.

[0011] 2. Description of the Related Art There is a known contract type (also called a lease or a subscription) in which a vehicle is rented to a user in exchange for paying a fee periodically during a contract period. In addition, in order to allow the rented vehicle to be utilized, the same business entity that rents the vehicle may provide a transportation service (first service). Examples of the first service include a service that creates a travel plan and a service that makes reservations for multiple spots to be visited during a trip at once. Note that the term "travel" in this specification is a concept that includes not only travel for recreational purposes but also simple travel.

[0012] The information processing device provides the user with an incentive for the second service when the user who is using the second service (has been loaned a vehicle) travels using the first service and also travels using the loaned vehicle. Travel using the first service includes travel according to a travel plan created using the first service, visiting a spot reserved using the first service, or travel according to a travel product purchased using the first service. This can provide the user with an incentive to use the vehicle rental service.

[0013] The first service may be a platform service that provides information related to travel or handles procedures related to travel. For example, the first service may be a service that introduces multiple spots that the user visits, a service that distributes coupons that can be used at the spots, a service that makes reservations for the spots on the user's behalf, or the like.

[0014] In addition, the operator of the first service may be the same as or a related operator of the second service. Related businesses include, for example, companies within the same group, companies with a capital relationship, a parent company and a subsidiary, and businesses that have entered into a contract.

[0015] The second service is provided by receiving payment from the user at predetermined intervals. The service may be characterized in that the user is allowed to use the first vehicle, and the incentive is a reduction in the fee. The second service may be a service in which there is an upper limit on the distance traveled by the first vehicle in a predetermined period, and the incentive may be an extension of the upper limit.The incentive may be an extension of the upper limit based on the distance traveled using the first service.

[0016] For example, in a service where a vehicle can be used by paying a fixed amount every month, the monthly fee may be discounted. Also, if there is a limit on the mileage per month, the limit may be relaxed. For example, when traveling using the first service, the mileage of the trip may not be counted, or the mileage may be discounted.

[0017] The incentive may be a free service or a discounted service available at the spot. The information processing device may further include a storage unit that stores the contents of the plurality of incentives in association with the plurality of spots, respectively. For example, if the target spot is an accommodation facility, the incentive may be a discount on the accommodation fee or a free meal, and if it is a restaurant, the incentive may be a discount on the food and drink price, a free meal, a free drink, etc. These incentives are preferably stored in association with each of the multiple spots.

[0018] The control unit may be configured to suggest to the user spots where the user can stop by while traveling and where the incentive can be provided. For example, usability can be improved by preferentially showing the user spots where incentives can be provided.

[0019] The incentive may also include a right to receive maintenance on the first vehicle at a specified spot. Examples of vehicle maintenance include washing the car, adjusting tire pressure, refueling, cleaning the interior, etc.

[0020] The incentive may also include the right to park the first vehicle at a predetermined spot. This allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about parking fees.

[0021] The control unit may be configured to present the content of an incentive that can be provided when providing the first service to the user. By presenting the contents of the incentive in advance, it is possible to determine a spot that is more suitable for the user.

[0022] The control unit may further acquire data regarding the user's usage of the second service, and determine the content of the incentive that can be provided based on the data. The data on the usage status of the rental service may be obtained from, for example, an external device that manages the rental contract for the vehicle. Also, data that associates the usage status of the rental service with the contents of the incentives that can be provided may be created in advance and stored in the device.

[0023] The control unit also generates data representing the content of the incentive and transmits the data to an external device. The feature may be that the For example, if the incentive is related to a rental contract for a first vehicle, the external device may be a server device that manages the rental contract for the first vehicle. Also, if the incentive is a service provided at a spot, the external device may be a device that manages the spot.

[0024] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, and the like described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to only those.

[0025] First Embodiment An overview of the reservation system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The reservation system according to this embodiment includes a reservation server 100 that collectively makes reservations for multiple spots (e.g., accommodation facilities and restaurants), a user terminal 200, and a contract management server 300 that manages vehicle lease contracts. In the following description, a vehicle rental contract will be referred to as a lease contract.

[0026] The reservation server 100 is a device that generates reservation data for reserving multiple pre-registered spots based on a request sent from a user terminal 200. The reservation server 100 manages multiple spots and plans provided at these spots, and can reserve these spots and plans based on a request from a user. Furthermore, the reservation server 100 obtains information related to vehicle lease contracts from the contract management server 300, and provides incentives to the user based on the information. The reservation service provided by the reservation server 100 is operated by a first business operator.

[0027] The user terminal 200 is a computer owned by a user who uses the reservation service. The user can access the reservation server 100 via the user terminal 200 and request reservations for multiple spots. The user may also transmit desired conditions (e.g., desired area, attributes of desired spots, departure time, etc.) to the reservation server 100.

[0028] The contract management server 300 is a server device that manages a vehicle lease contract that a user has with a first business operator. In this embodiment, a vehicle lease contract is a contract in which a user pays a monthly usage fee to register the user with a public institution as a user of a vehicle owned by the first business operator. The contract period is determined in advance and can be, for example, from about one month to several years. The contract management server 300 provides the reservation server 100 with information relating to vehicle lease contracts.

[0029] In this embodiment, the business entity providing the reservation service and the business entity providing the vehicle leasing service are the same business entity, but the two may be substantially the same. Examples of such relationships include those between group companies, between companies with a capital relationship, and between a parent company and a subsidiary company. In this disclosure, the "same business entity" includes such relationships. In addition, the business entity providing the reservation service and the business entity providing the vehicle leasing service may be businesses that are not related to each other. The reservation service provided by the reservation server 100 can be used regardless of whether or not a vehicle lease contract has been concluded.

[0030] 2 is a diagram showing in more detail the components of the reservation server 100 and the user terminal 200 included in the information processing system according to this embodiment. First, the user terminal 200 will be described. The user terminal 200 is a computer used by an individual, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal information terminal, etc. The user terminal 200 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and an input / output unit 204.

[0031] The control unit 201 is a calculation device that controls the user terminal 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). do. The control unit 201 executes a function of accessing and interacting with the reservation server 100. This function may be realized by a web browser running on the user terminal 200 or dedicated application software.

[0032] The storage unit 202 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device may store the programs executed by the control unit 201 packaged as applications. It may also store an operating system for executing these applications. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device are loaded into the main storage device and executed by the control unit 201, thereby performing the processes described below.

[0033] The primary storage device may include a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The secondary storage device may include an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). It may also include a disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). may include removable media, i.e., portable recording media.

[0034] The communication unit 203 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the user terminal 200 to a network. The communication unit 203 is configured to be able to communicate with the reservation server 100 via, for example, a wireless LAN or a mobile communication service such as 3G, LTE, or 5G. The input / output unit 204 is a unit that accepts input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. In this embodiment, it is made up of a single touch panel display. That is, it is made up of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means.

[0035] Next, the reservation server 100 will be described. The reservation server 100 is a server device that presents a plurality of spots and plan contents to a user, and makes reservations for these spots based on a request transmitted from a user terminal 200.

[0036] In this embodiment, the reservation server 100 may be configured to be capable of executing a Web server for interacting with the user terminal 200. In this case, for example, the user terminal 200 can access the Web server using a browser, allowing the user to reserve a spot. Note that the reservation server 100 may provide a service by means other than a Web server. For example, the reservation server 100 may execute a service that interacts with dedicated application software installed in the user terminal 200 using a predetermined protocol.

[0037] The reservation server 100 can be configured as a general-purpose computer. In other words, the reservation server 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main memory such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary memory such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable media. The auxiliary memory includes an operating system, The OS, various programs, various tables, etc. are stored in the main memory, and the programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of ​​the main memory and executed, and the components are controlled through the execution of the programs, thereby realizing various functions that meet predetermined purposes, as described below. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0038] The control unit 101 is a calculation device that manages the control performed by the reservation server 100. The control unit 101 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured to have three functional modules: a contract data acquisition unit 1011, a plan determination unit 1012, and an incentive management unit 1013. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0039] The contract data acquisition unit 1011 acquires data on the lease vehicle contract concluded by the user (hereinafter, contract data) from the contract management server 300. Specifically, it inquires of the contract management server 300 whether or not the user logged in to the reservation server 100 has concluded a vehicle lease contract with the first business operator, and receives the contract data transmitted from the contract management server 300 in response to the inquiry. 3 is an example of the contract data. The contract data may include, for example, a user identifier, an identifier of the contracted vehicle, a contract period, a contract start date and a contract end date, a usage fee, and information regarding the type and conditions of the contract.

[0040] The plan determination unit 1012 determines spots and plans that the user will use during the trip based on the results of interaction with the user terminal 200, and generates reservation data. In this embodiment, a spot is a facility used by a user. Examples of spots include accommodation facilities, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Furthermore, a spot may be a facility that provides services related to automobiles, such as a parking lot, a car wash, or a gas station. Furthermore, a spot may be a facility that provides activities or experiences (an experience-based facility). Examples of such facilities include facilities where users can experience specific occupations such as agriculture, sports, cruising, and sightseeing flights.

[0041] In this embodiment, a plan identifies the services provided by each of a plurality of spots. When a spot is an accommodation facility, examples of the plan include, for example, "one night stay in a single room," "one night stay in a single room (breakfast included)," and "one night stay in a double room." When a spot is a restaurant, examples of the plan include, for example, "course meal (lunch)," "course meal (dinner)," and so on. In addition to the above, the plan may be set in any manner as long as it is possible to identify the services provided at each spot.

[0042] The plan determination unit 1012 determines the combination of spots that the user will use during the trip and the plan to use each spot. The determined plan is associated with the date and time that the spot will be used. This information is called an "itinerary." An example of an itinerary is shown in Figure 4. The example shown shows an itinerary in which a user rents a car, departs, has dinner at a restaurant at the destination, stays overnight in a hotel, has lunch at another restaurant the next day, and returns to the starting point. After determining such an itinerary, the plan determination unit 1012 generates data (reservation data) for reserving spots and transmits it to an external device corresponding to each spot. In the example of Fig. 4, reservation data is transmitted to each of four spots. This allows the user to make reservations for facilities to be used during the trip all at once.

[0043] The incentive management unit 1013 manages incentives given to users when they use spots. The reservation service according to this embodiment is operated by a company that provides vehicle leasing services. In order to encourage users to lease vehicles, the reservation server 100 provides incentives that can be used while traveling to users who meet certain conditions. Specifically, the incentive management unit 1013 provides a specified incentive when a user who has signed a vehicle lease contract makes a spot reservation through a reservation service and the user departs on a trip in the vehicle under contract.

[0044] In a first embodiment, the incentives are free or discounted services associated with each spot. Examples of incentives include the provision of free (or discounted) services at accommodations and restaurants. For example, room upgrades, free (or discounted) provision of goods or services, etc. can be incentives. In addition, if the spot to be used is a parking lot, free (or discounted) parking or car wash services can be incentives.

[0045] When a user who satisfies the conditions reserves a spot for which an incentive is set, the incentive management unit 1013 adds data instructing the provision of an incentive to the reservation data. This allows the user to receive various services while on the go.

[0046] The storage unit 102 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are stored.

[0047] The storage unit 102 also stores spot data 102A, plan data 102B, incentive data 102C, and reservation data 102D.

[0048] The spot data 102A is data that defines a plurality of spots used by a user. Fig. 5 is an example of the spot data 102A. The spot data 102A includes, for example, a spot identifier, a spot name, location information corresponding to the spot, information related to the genre, and the like.

[0049] The plan data 102B is data that defines the services (plans) provided at each of a plurality of spots. Fig. 6 is an example of the plan data 102B. The plan data 102B includes, for example, a spot identifier, a plan identifier, and data related to the content and fee of the service.

[0050] In addition, when resources for services that can be provided at each spot (for example, the number of guest rooms or seats) are limited, it may be necessary to check availability before accepting a reservation. To accommodate this, the plan data 102B may include data for determining whether or not a reservation can be made. An example of such data is a reference to a reservation ledger. By accessing the reservation ledger via this data, the plan determination unit 1012 can present the user with whether or not a reservation can be made. The reservation ledger may be held by the reservation server 100, or may be held by an external device corresponding to each spot.

[0051] The incentive data 102C is data that defines incentives to be provided to a user at a plurality of spots. FIG. 7A is an example of the incentive data 102C in the first embodiment. The incentive data 102C may include, for example, The incentive information includes an identifier, an incentive identifier, a type of incentive, data related to the content of the incentive, etc. The type of incentive includes, for example, a free service, a discount service, etc. The incentive data 102C may include data on conditions that the user must meet to receive the incentive. Examples of such data include the type of vehicle under contract and the contract period for the vehicle. This makes it possible to, for example, exclude users under short-term contracts from receiving incentives.

[0052] The content of the incentive is set for each spot. For example, if the spot is an accommodation facility, a room upgrade, free (or discounted) meal service, other additional services (e.g., VOD service, room service, welcome drink service), etc. may be provided. Also, for example, if the spot is a restaurant, free (or discounted) meal service, extended use time, other additional services, etc. may be provided.

[0053] Furthermore, when the spot is related to automobiles, such as a parking lot, a gas station, a car wash, etc., automobile-related services may be provided. Examples of such services include free (or discounted) parking services, and free (or discounted) services such as car washes, gas stations, and car interior cleaning.

[0054] The reservation data 102D is reservation data generated by the plan determination unit 1012. The generated reservation data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 102 until it is transmitted to an external device. 8 is an example of reservation data 102D. The reservation data 102D includes information for identifying a combination of a spot, a plan, and a user, as well as additional information. The additional information is additional information required when making a reservation for a spot. Examples of the additional information include the reservation time (arrival time, check-in time), the number of users, the age and sex of the users, or the user's contact information. Furthermore, the reservation data 102D includes information for identifying an incentive to be used by the user (for example, reference numeral 801). By setting this information, it is possible to instruct the corresponding spot to provide the incentive.

[0055] Each of the above-mentioned data may be constructed by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by a processor managing data stored in a storage device. In this case, each of the data may be, for example, a relational database.

[0056] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the reservation server 100 to a network. The communication unit 103 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0057] 2 is an example, and all or part of the functions shown in the figure may be executed using a dedicated circuit. Also, the programs may be stored or executed using a combination of a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device other than those shown in the figure.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the reservation server 100. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is executed, for example, when a user logs in to the reservation service. It is assumed that the reservation server 100 has already completed identification of the user at the time the process starts.

[0059] First, in step S11, the contract data acquisition unit 1011 acquires contract data corresponding to the user from the contract management server 300. In this step, the contract data acquisition unit 1011 The reservation server 100 requests data relating to the contract of the user who is logged in to the reservation server 100 from the contract management server 300, and acquires the contract data transmitted in response to this.

[0060] Next, in step S12A, the contract data acquisition unit 1011 determines whether or not the user has signed a vehicle lease contract with the first business operator based on the contract data. If the determination in this step is positive, the process proceeds to step S12B. If the determination in step S12A is negative, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12B, the incentive management unit 1013 acquires the incentive data 102C stored in the storage unit 102.

[0061] Steps S13 to S18 are steps in which the plan determination unit 1012 creates an itinerary. Steps S13 and S14 are steps for deciding an accommodation facility and a plan to be used. The plan decision unit 1012 provides an accommodation facility search screen, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, and allows the user to search for available accommodation facilities and plans. If it is determined in step S13 that the itinerary created by the user is a day trip, no accommodation is selected and the process proceeds to step S15. Whether or not the itinerary is a day trip can be determined based on the input made by the user.

[0062] In step S14, the accommodation facility and plan are determined based on the user's selection. The search for accommodations and plans can be performed using existing technology. For example, a list of plans as shown in Fig. 11 may be provided to the user in response to search conditions input via a screen as shown in Fig. 10, and the user may select one. Plans that can be reserved can be determined by referring to, for example, plan data 102B and a reservation ledger.

[0063] The process executed by the plan determination unit 1012 in step S14 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0064] First, in step S141, the spot to be used, that is, the accommodation facility, is determined. Next, in step S142, incidental information (accompanying information) regarding the use is acquired. If the spot is an accommodation facility, the incidental information acquired may include, for example, date and time information (in this example, check-in date and check-in time), the number of guests, their ages, and their genders. In step S143, it is determined whether or not an incentive associated with the spot can be provided. This determination can be made by referring to the incentive data 102C acquired in step S12B. If an incentive associated with the spot is not set or if the user has not signed a lease contract for the vehicle, this step is determined as negative. If an incentive associated with the spot is set and the user has signed a lease contract for the vehicle, this step is determined as positive.

[0065] If the determination in step S143 is negative, the plan is presented without any information regarding incentives (step S144).

[0066] On the other hand, if an incentive is being offered at the corresponding spot, the plan determination unit 1012 notifies the user to that effect. If the determination in step S143 is positive, the plan is presented after providing information about incentives (step S145). For example, as shown by reference numeral 1101 in FIG. 11, a mark (icon or the like) may be added to the list. The availability of incentives may be displayed when searching for spots. For example, in step S141, spots offering incentives may be preferentially displayed in the list. Also, an icon indicating the availability of incentives may be displayed in the list of spots. A symbol such as "". may be added.

[0067] In step S146, a plan to be used is determined based on the user's input. For example, when the user selects a plan, the plan is determined via a screen such as that shown in Fig. 12. At this time, the contents of an incentive may be presented as shown by reference numeral 1201. When the user uses an incentive, the contents of the incentive are temporarily stored in association with the spot.

[0068] Returning to FIG. 9, the explanation will be continued. In step S15, it is determined whether or not to add spots other than accommodations. In this step, a request for reservation of facilities other than accommodations, such as restaurants, entertainment facilities, experience-based facilities, parking lots, etc., is acquired from the user. If the determination in this step is positive, the process proceeds to step S16. If the determination in this step is negative, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0069] In step S16, additional spots and plans are determined by the same process as in step S14. The process is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 13, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The additional information differs depending on the type of spot. For example, if the spot is a parking lot, information about the vehicle may be the additional information. Also, if the spot is an experience-based facility, information about the age of the participants may be the additional information.

[0070] In the flowchart of FIG. 9, an example of sequentially searching for accommodations and other spots is given, but before starting to create an itinerary, the user may specify conditions, and a combination of spots and plans that meet the specified conditions may be automatically extracted and presented. Examples of such conditions include the area of ​​the trip, the departure point, the departure date and time, the spots desired to be visited, the genre of the spots desired to be visited, and the return date and time. This allows a recommended itinerary to be automatically generated. The generated itinerary may be editable by the user. For example, the user may be allowed to add, delete, or replace spots, or replace plans.

[0071] In step S17, it is determined whether or not to arrange transportation. In this step, the user may be asked whether or not traffic information needs to be arranged, and whether or not traffic information needs to be arranged may be determined based on the answer. Also, whether or not traffic information needs to be arranged may be determined based on whether or not a leased vehicle is in place. For example, if the user has a leased vehicle, the vehicle may be used as a means of transportation. Therefore, in such a case, it may be determined that transportation arrangements are not necessary. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen for confirming whether transportation arrangements are required.

[0072] When arranging transportation, the transportation to be used is determined in step S18. In this step, the departure point, destination, route, transportation to be used, etc. are determined. When using transportation that requires a reservation, the reservation may be made in this step by communicating with an external device that has jurisdiction over the transportation. Transportation arrangements can also be made using a service other than the reservation service related to this system (for example, a reservation service for trains or airplanes).

[0073] It should be noted that there may be two or more means of transportation used during a trip. For example, after traveling to a destination area by train, travel within the area may be made by rental car. In this case, facilities that provide the means of transportation (for example, rental car offices, etc.) may be treated as spots. In this case, the spots and plans may be determined by the same process as in step S14. This makes it possible to make reservations for rental cars, etc. become.

[0074] In step S19, the plan determination unit 1012 generates data (reservation data) for reserving the spots to be used by the user. In this step, the reservation data as shown in FIG. 8 is generated and transmitted to an external device corresponding to one or more spots to be used by the user. Furthermore, when the user uses an incentive at each spot, data (reference numeral 801) identifying the content of the incentive is added to the reservation data. The incentive details may be presented to the user again before the reservation is confirmed.

[0075] As described above, in the reservation system according to the first embodiment, when a user has signed a vehicle lease contract with a first business operator, various preferential treatments can be provided to the user during the trip, thereby providing the user with an incentive to use the vehicle rental service.

[0076] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, when an incentive is set for a spot that matches the search conditions specified by the user, the user is notified of this fact, but the existence of a spot where an incentive is set may be actively suggested to the user. For example, when there is a spot where the user can stop by while traveling and where an incentive can be provided, the use of the spot may be recommended to the user.

[0077] For example, in step S12B, after the incentive management unit 1013 acquires the incentive data, it may compare the area visited by the user with a list of spots for which incentives can be provided, and suggest to the user spots that the user can stop by. For example, when a user searches for a specific spot in a specific area, other spots that are included in the area and that can provide an incentive may be presented to the user. Furthermore, when there is a spot that is estimated to be available for the user to stop by during travel, this may be suggested. For example, when there is a spot that can provide an incentive within a predetermined distance from the user's travel route, a message recommending stopping at the spot may be output. When suggesting spots, a list with an outline of the spots may be output, or the locations of the spots may be plotted on a map.

[0078] According to this modification, the user can receive more incentives.

[0079] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was given in which a user individually reserves multiple spots such as accommodations and restaurants, but the reservation system may also provide travel products that include a set of accommodation, meals, multiple activities, etc.

[0080] 15 is a flowchart of the process executed by the reservation server 100 in this modified example. Processes similar to those in the first embodiment are indicated by dotted lines, and detailed explanations will be omitted. In this modification, in step S14A, the plan determination unit 1012 determines a travel product. The storage unit 102 may store data defining the contents of the travel product instead of the spot data 102A and the plan data 102B. Fig. 16 shows an example of the data defining the contents of the travel product.

[0081] FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen provided to a user when deciding on a travel product. When the user specifies a desired area, the plan determination unit 1012 retrieves multiple travel products corresponding to the specified area and presents their contents to the user. The user can then review the contents included in each travel product and decide which product to purchase.

[0082] Each of the multiple travel products is associated with an incentive. Fig. 7(B) shows an example of incentive data 102C in this modification. The incentive content is presented to the user together with the details of the travel product, for example, as shown by reference numeral 1701 in Fig. 17. The process from step S17 onwards is similar to that in the first embodiment.

[0083] In this way, the reservation system according to the first embodiment can also be applied to a system that provides package products.

[0084] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, free or discounted services provided at a plurality of spots are exemplified as incentives, whereas in the second embodiment, an incentive related to a vehicle lease contract is provided to a user.

[0085] When leasing a vehicle, the user must pay a monthly usage fee. Furthermore, the lease contract may impose certain restrictions on the use of the vehicle. For example, a monthly mileage limit may be set. In such a case, if the set mileage is exceeded, an additional fee will be charged. In the second embodiment, when a user uses a reservation service to travel, the usage fee is reduced or restrictions are relaxed as an incentive.

[0086] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the incentive data is not associated with spots but rather with vehicle lease contracts. 7(C) is an example of incentive data 102C in the second embodiment. The incentive data 102C in this embodiment includes data related to, for example, an incentive identifier, an incentive type, and incentive details. The incentive type includes, for example, relaxation of restrictions, discounts on usage fees, and the like. The discount amount on the usage fee may be a fixed amount, or may be determined based on the amount paid for each spot during the trip (for example, a 10% refund of the total payment amount, etc.).

[0087] In addition, when relaxing the mileage limit, the amount of relaxation may be determined based on the distance traveled by the user using the reservation service. For example, when a user plans an itinerary using the reservation service, the mileage for the itinerary is calculated, and the amount of relaxation is determined based on the calculated mileage. For example, when the mileage for one trip is estimated to be 500 km, the amount of relaxation may be 500 km, or the distance obtained by multiplying 500 km by a predetermined coefficient.

[0088] 18 is a flowchart of the process executed by the reservation server 100 in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the reservation server 100 does not perform any process related to incentives when determining spots and plans. Similarly, the reservation server 100 does not perform any process of adding data identifying the contents of incentives to reservation data. Instead, after generating the reservation data, the incentive management unit 1013 determines the content of the incentive to be provided to the user, and notifies the contract management server 300 of the determined content (step S20). The contents of the incentive can be determined based on the incentive data 102C illustrated in FIG. 7C. For example, the contents of the contract that the user has concluded may determine the incentive. If the provision conditions defined in the data 102C are met, a corresponding incentive can be provided. The incentive may be presented to the user before the reservation is confirmed.

[0089] According to the second embodiment, an incentive for vehicle use can be provided to the user. When a user travels with a vehicle under contract, the mileage increases, which is a disadvantage. However, according to the present embodiment, such a disadvantage can be offset, which can encourage the user to use the leased vehicle.

[0090] In this embodiment, the mileage limit is relaxed and the monthly fee is discounted, but other incentives may be given as long as they relate to a leased vehicle or a lease contract. For example, if the user has signed a contract that allows the leased vehicle to be purchased after a certain period of time has passed, the amount required for purchase may be discounted.

[0091] (Modification) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0092] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, a service for reserving multiple spots has been exemplified as the first service, but the first service may be a service that does not involve reservations (for example, a service that only provides information). For example, the first service may be a service for searching for multiple spots that offer coupons. In this case, a dedicated coupon may be provided as an incentive to users who have signed a lease contract for a vehicle. The first service may be a service that guides a user to a plurality of sites that the user needs to access in planning a trip, for example, reservation sites operated by airlines, railway companies, travel agencies, accommodation facilities, etc.

[0093] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0094] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100...Reservation server 101,201...Control unit 102,202...Storage section 103,203···Communications Department 200 User terminal 204...Input / output section 300: Contract management server

Claims

1. providing a first service online for managing reservations for a plurality of spots or services provided at said spots; determining whether a user who uses the first service is using the second service, which is a vehicle rental service, based on contract data stored in a storage unit and indicating whether the user is using the second service; when it is determined that the user is using the second service, presenting data identifying the content of the incentive to the user who has made a reservation for any one of the plurality of spots or a service provided at the spot in the first service, based on data instructing the provision of an incentive related to at least the second service stored in the storage unit; A control unit that executes The operator of the first service is the same as or related to the operator of the second service, the second service is a service in which there is an upper limit on the mileage of the vehicle in a predetermined period, and the incentive is an extension of the upper limit; Information processing device.

2. The first service is a platform service that handles procedures related to reservations for the plurality of spots or procedures related to reservations for the services provided at the spots. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the second service is a service for allowing the user to use the vehicle by receiving a fee from the user at predetermined intervals, and the incentive further includes reducing the fee; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The incentive further includes extending the upper limit based on the content of the service reserved using the first service. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The incentive further includes free or discounted services at the spot. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the contents of the plurality of incentives in association with the plurality of spots, respectively. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The control unit suggests to the user a spot where the user can stop by during the movement and where the incentive can be provided.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The incentive further includes a right to receive maintenance on the vehicle at a predetermined spot. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. the incentive further includes the right to park the vehicle at a predetermined spot; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit generates data representing the content of the incentive and transmits the data to an external device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. An information processing system including a first device that provides a first service online, the first service managing reservations for a plurality of spots or a service provided at the spots, and a second device associated with a second service, the second service being a vehicle rental service, The second device provides the first device with data on a usage status of the second service by a user of the first service, the data being stored in a first storage unit; when it is determined that the user is using the second service based on the data regarding the usage status of the second service, the first device presents data identifying the content of the incentive to the user who has made a reservation for one of the plurality of spots or a service provided at the spot in the first service based on data instructing the provision of an incentive for at least the second service, which is stored in a second storage unit; The operator of the first service is the same as or related to the operator of the second service, the second service is a service in which there is an upper limit on the mileage of the vehicle in a predetermined period, and the incentive is an extension of the upper limit; Information processing system.

12. The first service is a platform service that handles procedures related to reservations for a plurality of spots or procedures related to reservations for services provided at the spots; The information processing system according to claim 11.

13. the first device generates data representing the content of the incentive and transmits the data to an external device; 13. An information processing system according to claim 11 or 12.

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