Vehicle allocation device, vehicle allocation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle allocation apparatus, a vehicle allocation method, and a program capable of automatically providing training opportunities to users when necessary.SOLUTION: A vehicle allocation apparatus 10 according to an embodiment comprises: a calorie ingested calculation unit 121 for acquiring information on ingested energy, which is the energy ingested by a user; and a vehicle allocation determination unit 125 for determining whether or not to allocate a vehicle to the user based on the information on the ingested energy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle dispatching device, a vehicle dispatching method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various services have been developed as it has become possible to request vehicle dispatch using a terminal such as a smartphone. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for creating a route schedule for an electric vehicle to travel around a city as a mobile store. A user makes a vehicle dispatch request based on the created schedule. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6279272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is expected that in the future, vehicle dispatch services that provide vehicles with facilities equipped with space for specific purposes, special tools, equipment, etc. to a location specified by a user will become widespread. As such a vehicle dispatch service, it is expected that a vehicle equipped with gym facilities such as muscle training equipment, a running machine, and a shower will be dispatched to a user.

[0005] When dispatching a vehicle equipped with such a gym, the current vehicle dispatch service and the technology described in Patent Document 1 require the user to manually operate the vehicle dispatch. As a result, there is a problem that the user may stop operating the vehicle depending on his / her mood and may stop training.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle allocation device, a vehicle allocation method, and a program that can automatically provide training opportunities to a user when necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle dispatch device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding ingested energy, which is the energy ingested by a user, and a vehicle dispatch decision unit that decides whether or not to dispatch a vehicle to a user based on the information regarding the ingested energy.

[0008] A vehicle dispatch method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information acquisition step of acquiring information regarding ingested energy, which is the energy ingested by a user, and a vehicle dispatch decision step of deciding whether or not to dispatch a vehicle to the user based on the information regarding the ingested energy, by a vehicle dispatch device.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute an information acquisition step of acquiring information regarding ingested energy, which is the energy ingested by a user, and a vehicle dispatch decision step of deciding whether or not to dispatch a vehicle to the user based on the information regarding the ingested energy. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle allocation device, a vehicle allocation method, and a program that can automatically provide training opportunities to a user when necessary. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle dispatch system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle dispatching device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall process executed by the vehicle dispatching device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall process executed by the vehicle dispatching device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]11 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall process executed by the vehicle dispatching device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a determination according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] First embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle allocation system. The vehicle allocation system S1 is a system that allocates a gym-equipped vehicle (hereinafter also simply referred to as a vehicle) to a user, and includes a vehicle allocation device 10, user terminals 11 and 12, and a vehicle terminal 13. Each device of the vehicle allocation system S1 is connected via a network N, which is a mobile phone network or an Internet network. In the first embodiment, attention is focused on a case where a vehicle is allocated to one user (user 1). Each component of the vehicle allocation system S1 will be described below.

[0014] The vehicle dispatching device 10 judges whether or not the user 1 who is the subject of the vehicle dispatch needs to exercise based on information received from the user terminals 11 and 12 via the network N, and decides to dispatch a vehicle to the user if exercise is necessary. When dispatching a vehicle, detailed information required for dispatching the vehicle is transmitted to the vehicle terminal 13 via the network N. The vehicle dispatching device 10 is a device owned by a business operator that operates a vehicle dispatch service. The detailed configuration of the vehicle dispatching device 10 will be described later.

[0015] The user terminals 11 and 12 are terminals held by the user 1, and are a smartphone and a wearable device, respectively, in this case. The user 1 operates the user terminal 11, takes a picture of the food he or she is eating with the camera of the user terminal 11, and transmits the video data to the vehicle dispatch device 10. In addition, the sensor of the user terminal 12 detects the user 1's biological information as well as exercise information indicating the type and amount of exercise in the user 1's daily life by the user 1 wearing the user terminal 12 on his or her body. The biological information is measurable information indicating the health condition of the user 1, including at least one of the heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, body temperature, brain waves, and respiration. The user terminal 12 transmits the acquired exercise information and biological information to the vehicle dispatch device 10.

[0016] Furthermore, the user terminal 11 stores schedule information of the user 1 input by the user 1, and the user terminal transmits the stored schedule information to the vehicle dispatch device 10. The schedule information includes information on time periods designated by the user 1 as available for vehicle dispatch (for example, time periods when the user 1 requests vehicle dispatch or time periods when the user 1 is free) and time periods when vehicle dispatch is unavailable, as well as information on time periods during which drinking is consumed, such as when the user 1 has a drinking party. The schedule information may also include location information of the user during each time period.

[0017] The user terminal 11 is also equipped with a satellite positioning system function such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and transmits its own position information (that is, the position information of the user 1) to the vehicle dispatch device 10.

[0018] Further, detailed vehicle dispatch information for user 1 transmitted from the vehicle dispatch device 10 is transmitted to the user terminal 11. User 1 can check information specifying the vehicle to be dispatched and the location and time of dispatch by looking at the display unit of the user terminal 11 or 12. However, the transmission and reception of schedule information, location information, and detailed vehicle dispatch information may be performed by the user terminal 12. Furthermore, the user terminals 11 and 12 may be configured as the same terminal.

[0019] The vehicle terminal 13 is a terminal provided in a vehicle to be dispatched as determined by the dispatch device 10, and receives detailed vehicle dispatch information for on-site staff from the dispatch device 10. The detailed vehicle dispatch information for on-site staff includes information on the user 1 to be dispatched and information on the location and time of dispatch. The driver of the vehicle refers to the information and dispatches the vehicle to the user 1 at a specified time. Note that a vehicle terminal 13 is provided for each vehicle to be dispatched, and multiple vehicle terminals are provided here.

[0020] 1B is a block diagram of the vehicle dispatch device 10. The vehicle dispatch device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103.

[0021] The communication unit 101 is used for transmitting and receiving data from the vehicle dispatch device 10 to and from the outside using the network N. For example, the communication unit 101 receives food video data, exercise information, and biological information from the user terminals 11 and 12, and outputs them to the control unit 103. In addition, the control unit 103 transmits detailed vehicle dispatch information for the user 1 and detailed vehicle dispatch information for the field staff generated by the control unit 103 to the user terminal 11 and the vehicle terminal 13, respectively. The communication unit 101 is, for example, a module that communicates with an external device, and may include, for example, an antenna.

[0022] The storage unit 102 stores personal information of the user 1 associated with the user 1 registered in the vehicle dispatch service, dispatch schedule information regarding the vehicle to be dispatched, and data regarding food calories for calculating the intake energy (calories) that is the energy taken in by the user. The personal information of the user 1 includes information regarding body type such as height, reference weight, target weight, and upper limit weight, and information used for calculating the energy consumed (calories consumed: for example, basal metabolism) that is the energy consumed by the user 1, such as age and sex. The reference weight is the user's own weight that is measured periodically, the target weight is the user's target weight in dieting, etc., and the upper limit weight is the user's own weight that is the upper limit. These pieces of information may be updated as appropriate. The storage unit 102 is, for example, a memory card or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In the specification, energy is also referred to as calories.

[0023] Other information stored in the storage unit 102 includes biometric information (e.g., data showing the ranges of normal heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, body temperature, brain waves, and respiration values) that are used as a criterion for determining the physical condition of the user 1. The personal information also includes schedule information of the user 1 acquired from the user terminal 11 and information on the available exercise range specified by the user 1 (i.e., the range the user 1 can go to for exercise). This range includes, for example, the area around the user 1's workplace or home, the commuting route, etc., but is not limited to these. The available exercise range information can be set and changed as appropriate according to the date and time, and the vehicle dispatching device 10 will dispatch a vehicle to a location within this range when dispatching a vehicle to the user 1.

[0024] The storage unit 102 may also store thresholds related to calories, period, number of people, etc., which are used for the judgment of the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 described below. The vehicle allocation decision unit 125 refers to and uses these stored thresholds when making a judgment. Furthermore, the storage unit 102 may store, as personal information, information on the past vehicle allocation history of the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 (i.e., the exercise history of the user 1) in addition to the calorie intake and calorie consumption of the user 1 calculated by the calorie intake calculation unit 121 and the calorie consumption calculation unit 122 described below, respectively.

[0025] The vehicle dispatch schedule information includes information about each vehicle, such as the range within which each vehicle can be dispatched, the time periods during which vehicle dispatch reservations can be made, and details of the vehicle dispatch reservations (i.e., the time periods and the locations at which the vehicles will be dispatched). When dispatching a vehicle to user 1 during a certain time period, the vehicle dispatch device 10 dispatches a vehicle that can be scheduled during that time period and that can be dispatched within the range that user 1 can reach during that time period. The various pieces of information stored in the memory unit 102 can be updated as appropriate by user 1, etc.

[0026] The control unit 103 includes a memory 111 , an I / O (Input / Output) unit 112 , and an information processing unit 113 .

[0027] The memory 111 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a combination of them. The number of memories 111 is not limited to one, and a plurality of memories may be provided. The volatile memory may be, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory may be, for example, a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or a Flash Memory.

[0028] The memory 111 is used to store one or more instructions. Here, the one or more instructions are stored in the memory 111 as a group of software modules. The information processing unit 113 can perform the following processes by reading and executing the one or more instructions from the memory 111.

[0029] The I / O unit 112 is a hardware interface that executes input and output of information with the outside of the information processing unit 113, particularly with the outside of the vehicle dispatch device 10. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 113 is connected to the user terminals 11 and 12 and the vehicle terminal 13, and appropriately transmits and receives information with these via the I / O unit 112.

[0030] In detail, the I / O unit 112 receives the following information from the user terminals 11 and 12 via the communication unit 101 and outputs it to the information processing unit 113. (1) Video data of the food eaten by User 1 (2) Exercise information of user 1 (3) Biometric information of User 1 (4) User 1’s location information Furthermore, the I / O unit 112 acquires the user's schedule information from the storage unit 102 .

[0031] The information processing unit 113 is configured with any processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The memory 111 may include a memory provided outside the information processing unit 113, as well as a memory built into the information processing unit 113.

[0032] The information processing unit 113 judges the calorie intake and consumption status of the user 1, and when it judges that the user 1 needs to exercise, it decides to dispatch a vehicle to the user 1. The information processing unit 113 reads out and executes software (computer programs) from the memory 111 to realize functions such as a calorie intake calculation unit 121, a calorie consumption calculation unit 122, an exercise feasibility determination unit 123, a position determination unit 124, and a vehicle dispatch determination unit 125. Each of these functions will be described below.

[0033] The calorie intake calculation unit 121 calculates the calories of the food eaten by the user 1 by comparing the video data of the food eaten by the user 1 with the data on the calories of the food stored in the storage unit 102. The calorie intake calculation unit 121 then calculates the calorie intake by adding up the calories of the food eaten by the user 1. Note that the calorie intake calculation unit 121 may perform this calculation by generating a model that has been trained using the food and its calories as training data, for example, by AI (Artificial Intelligence) such as machine learning. Also, in this example, in one calorie intake calculation, the calorie calculation targets the foods contained in all meals on the day before the day on which the vehicle dispatch determination process is performed (hereinafter referred to as the day).

[0034] The calorie consumption calculation unit 122 calculates the calories consumed by the user 1 for the entire day on the same target day as the target day on which the calorie intake calculation unit 121 calculated the calorie intake, by using the exercise information of the user 1 on that day and the personal information of the user 1 stored in the storage unit 102. The calorie consumption calculation unit 122 may further use the heart rate information included in the biometric information of the user 1 to calculate the calorie consumption. A known method can be applied for this calculation method. The calculation results of the calorie intake calculation unit 121 and the calorie consumption calculation unit 122 may be stored in the storage unit 102 as the personal information of the user 1. The calorie intake calculation unit 121 and the calorie consumption calculation unit 122 also function as information acquisition units that acquire information on the calorie intake and the calorie consumption, respectively.

[0035] The exercise feasibility determination unit 123 refers to the schedule information of the user 1 for the day and determines whether or not there is a time period designated by the user 1 as being available for dispatch on the day. If there is no such time period, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 determines that the user 1 is unable to exercise on the day. If there is a time period designated as being available for dispatch on the day, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 analyzes the user 1's biological information for the day to determine the physical condition of the user 1 for the day and determines whether or not the user 1 is in poor health. For example, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 refers to biological information stored in the storage unit 102 that is a criterion for determining the user 1's physical condition, and determines that the user 1 is in poor health and unable to exercise if the values ​​of the user 1's body temperature and heart rate for the day exceed the range of normal body temperature and heart rate. A known method can be applied to this determination method. The exercise feasibility determination unit 123 may determine whether or not the user 1 is able to exercise on the day by similarly determining the physical condition of the user 1 not only for the day of the user 1 but also for a period of one or more days prior, including the day before.

[0036] Furthermore, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 may determine whether the user 1 is drinking alcohol by analyzing the user 1's biological information on the day. For example, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 may determine whether the user 1 is drinking alcohol by analyzing the fluctuation of the values ​​of biological information such as heart rate and blood pressure, or by comparing the values ​​of the biological information on the day with the values ​​of the biological information in normal times. If the user 1 is drinking alcohol, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 determines that the user 1 is unable to exercise on the day. The exercise feasibility determination unit 123 may also analyze the schedule information of the user 1 and determine whether there is a time period during which the user 1 drinks alcohol that overlaps with or precedes the time period designated as being available for vehicle dispatch. If there is such a time period during which the user 1 drinks alcohol, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 determines that the user 1 is unable to exercise on the day.

[0037] On the other hand, if there is a time period on that day designated as a time period during which a ride can be dispatched, the user 1 is not in poor physical condition on that day, and there is no time period during which the user 1 drinks alcohol during or before the time period designated as a time period during which a ride can be dispatched, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 determines that the time period designated as a time period during which a ride can be dispatched is a time period during which exercise is possible.

[0038] The position determination unit 124 acquires position information of the user 1 from the user terminal 11, and determines whether or not the position information is included within an available exercise range designated by the user 1. If the user 1 is within the available exercise range, the position determination unit 124 determines that the user 1 is currently in a position where the ride-hailing service is available, and if the user 1 is not within the available exercise range, the position determination unit 124 determines that the user 1 is not currently in a position where the ride-hailing service is available.

[0039] When the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 determines that there is a time period during which the user 1 can exercise, the position determination unit 124 may refer to the schedule information of the user 1 and extract the user's position information during that time period or a predetermined time before (close to) that time period. The position determination unit 124 determines whether the position information is included within a range during which exercise is possible, and if the position information is included within the range during which exercise is possible, determines that the user 1 is scheduled to be in a position where a ride-hailing service can be used in the future. On the other hand, if the position information is not included within the range during which exercise is possible, determines that the user 1 is not scheduled to be in a position where a ride-hailing service can be used in the future.

[0040] The vehicle allocation decision unit 125 executes the process shown below every day based on the results of calculation or determination by the above-mentioned calorie intake calculation unit 121 to position determination unit 124, and decides to allocate a vehicle to the user 1. The details of the process are as follows.

[0041] First, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 calculates a value (hereinafter referred to as remaining calories) by subtracting the calories consumed on the day calculated by the calorie consumption calculation unit 122 from the calories consumed on the day before the day calculated by the calorie intake calculation unit 121, and determines whether the remaining calories are equal to or less than a predetermined threshold Th1. The predetermined threshold Th1 may be, for example, 0, or a value set based on the difference between the target weight and the reference weight of the user 1, but is not limited to these. If the remaining calories are equal to or less than the predetermined threshold Th1, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 determines that the user 1 does not need to exercise, and determines not to allocate a vehicle to the user 1.

[0042] If the remaining calories are greater than a predetermined threshold value Th1, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 determines that the user 1 needs to exercise because there are calories not being consumed in the user 1's body. In this case, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 causes the exercise feasibility decision unit 123 to execute the above-mentioned decision, thereby acquiring a decision result as to whether or not there is a time period during which the user 1 can exercise on that day. If there is no time period during which the user 1 can exercise on that day, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 determines that the user 1 is in a state in which exercise is not possible on that day, and does not allocate a vehicle to the user 1.

[0043] If there is a time period during which the user 1 can exercise on the day, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 causes the position determination unit 124 to execute the above-mentioned determination. When the position determination unit 124 executes at least one of the processes described above and determines that the user 1 is in a position where the vehicle allocation service is available at least in the present or future, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 determines to allocate a vehicle to the range in which the user 1 can exercise during the time period in which the user 1 can exercise. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 refers to the vehicle allocation schedule information in the storage unit 102, and specifies a vehicle that can be reserved for allocation during the time period in which the user 1 can exercise and can be allocated to the range in which the user 1 can exercise from the vehicles that are the targets of the vehicle allocation service. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 transmits information specifying the vehicle to be allocated, and information on the location and time of allocation as detailed vehicle allocation information for the user 1 to the user terminal 11 via the communication unit 101. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 also transmits detailed vehicle allocation information for the field staff to the vehicle terminal 13 provided in the specified vehicle via the communication unit 101. In addition, if a vehicle reservation is not possible during the time period when user 1 is able to exercise, or if there is no vehicle available for dispatch within the area where user 1 is able to exercise, the vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 sends a notification to the user terminal 11 indicating that a vehicle cannot be dispatched.

[0044] The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may inquire of the user 1 in the vehicle allocation details for the user 1 whether or not it is OK to allocate a vehicle to the user 1's designated exercise range during the time period when the user 1 is able to exercise. When the user terminal 11 replies that it is OK to allocate a vehicle, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 confirms the vehicle allocation reservation at that time and transmits the vehicle allocation details for the field staff to the vehicle terminal 13 that can allocate a vehicle to that place and time. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may also update the past vehicle allocation history in the personal information of the user 1 in the storage unit 102 using the information related to the vehicle allocation reservation.

[0045] In addition, when it is determined that the user 1 is unable to exercise on the day, the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 may further determine whether there is a time period in which the user 1 is free or has been designated to exercise in a future period of one or more days, including the next day. If such a time period exists and there is no time period in which the user 1 drinks alcohol that overlaps with the time period or that occurs before the time period on the day when the time period occurs, it is determined that a candidate time period in which the user 1 is able to exercise exists. Then, the position determination unit 124 refers to the schedule information of the user 1, extracts the user's position information during that time period or a predetermined time before the time period, and determines whether the position information is included within a range in which the user 1 is able to exercise. If the position information is included within the range in which the user 1 is able to exercise, it is assumed that the user 1 will be able to use the vehicle dispatch service in the future, and the vehicle dispatch determination unit 125 may inquire of the user terminal 11 whether it is possible to make a reservation for a vehicle dispatch during that time period. When the user terminal 11 responds that it is OK to dispatch a vehicle, the vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 confirms the vehicle dispatch reservation at that time and transmits detailed vehicle dispatch information for the on-site staff to the vehicle terminal 13 that can dispatch a vehicle to that location and time.

[0046] 2A and 2B are flowcharts showing an example of the overall processing executed by the vehicle dispatching device 10. Below, the overall processing of the vehicle dispatching device 10 will be described with reference to this flowchart. Note that the details of each process are as described above, and therefore will not be described as appropriate.

[0047] First, the calorie intake calculation unit 121 and the calorie consumption calculation unit 122 respectively calculate the calorie intake and calorie consumption of the user 1 on the day before the current day (step S11). The vehicle allocation decision unit 125 uses the calculation result of step S11 to calculate the remaining calorie by subtracting the calorie consumption from the calorie intake, and determines whether the remaining calorie is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold Th1 (step S12). If the remaining calorie is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold Th1 (Yes in step S12), the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 does not allocate a vehicle to the user 1, and ends the process.

[0048] If the remaining calories are not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold Th1 (No in step S12), the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 analyzes the schedule information and biological information of the user 1 for the day, and determines whether the user 1 is able to exercise on the day, and whether there is any alcohol consumption that will prevent exercise in the present or future (step S13). Then, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 determines whether there is a time period during which the user 1 can exercise on the day (step S14). If there is no time period during which the user 1 can exercise on the day (No in step S14), the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 does not allocate a vehicle to the user 1, and ends the process.

[0049] If there is a time period during which the user 1 can exercise on the day (Yes in step S14), the location determination unit 124 compares the location information of the user 1 in at least one of the user terminal 11 or schedule information with the range in which the user can exercise, and performs a determination process (step S15). That is, the location determination unit 124 determines whether the current location information of the user 1, or the location information of the user during the time period during which the user can exercise or at a timing a predetermined time before the time period, is included in the range in which the user can exercise. Then, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 determines whether the user 1 is in a position where the vehicle allocation service is available at least in the present or future (step S16). If the user 1 is not in a position where the vehicle allocation service is available (No in step S16), the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 does not allocate a vehicle to the user 1, and ends the process.

[0050] If the user 1 is in a location where the vehicle dispatch service is available (Yes in step S16), the vehicle dispatch determination unit 125 executes the vehicle dispatch process to provide the vehicle dispatch service to the user 1 as described above (step S17).

[0051] The order in which the processing in the group of steps S11 and S12, the processing in the group of steps S13 and S14, and the processing in the group of steps S15 and S16 are executed may be arbitrary.

[0052] When dispatching a vehicle equipped with a gym, if the user has to manually operate the vehicle dispatch, it will be troublesome for the user, and there is a problem that the user may not operate the vehicle dispatch depending on his / her mood, and may not train. In response to this, the vehicle dispatch device 10 of the present invention can determine the necessity of the user to exercise based on the acquired information on calorie intake (e.g., information on remaining calories) and decide whether or not to dispatch a vehicle to the user. In this way, by automatically dispatching a vehicle equipped with a gym on the vehicle dispatch device 10 side, the user can exercise at an appropriate time without having to go through the trouble.

[0053] Furthermore, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 can use information on the remaining calories, which is the difference between the calories ingested and the calories burned, as information on the calories ingested in order to decide whether or not to allocate a vehicle to the user. This allows the vehicle allocation device 10 to more accurately determine when the user unconsciously overeats or does not exercise, and thus allows the user to exercise at a more appropriate time.

[0054] Furthermore, the vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 may decide to dispatch a vehicle to a user when it is determined that the user needs to exercise based on information about calorie intake and when it is determined that the user is able to exercise based on the user's biological information. This makes it possible to provide a service that matches the user's actual situation by suppressing vehicle dispatch when the user is in an unsuitable state for exercising, such as when the user is in poor health or has consumed alcohol.

[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may not allocate a vehicle to the user when the user's current or future location information is not included in the range where the user can exercise (i.e., does not indicate a location within the range) associated with the user. This allows the vehicle allocation device 10 to provide a service suited to the user's actual situation by allocating a vehicle when the user is in a place where the user can exercise (e.g., near the user's home or workplace) and enabling the user to exercise, but not allocating a vehicle when the user is in a place that is not suitable for exercise. For example, the vehicle allocation device 10 can create an environment where the user can easily exercise by allocating a vehicle near the user's home or workplace.

[0056] The user may also set to the vehicle dispatching device 10 whether or not the vehicle will move while the user is exercising in the vehicle dispatched to the user, and if so, the destination of the vehicle. For example, the user 1 may specify a range near the workplace as the range in which the user 1 can exercise during the time period in which the user 1 can exercise, and may transmit to the vehicle dispatching device 10 via the user terminal 11 vehicle dispatching request information specifying the user's home as the destination of the vehicle. The vehicle dispatching device 10 stores the request information as personal information in the storage unit 102, and then, in the vehicle dispatching process in the above-mentioned step S17, the vehicle dispatching decision unit 125 refers to the request information, includes the location information of the user 1's home as destination information in the vehicle dispatching details for the field staff, and transmits the information. This allows the user 1 to exercise in the vehicle while traveling to his / her home after work, and the vehicle dispatching device 10 can provide an environment in which the user 1 can exercise more easily.

[0057] Furthermore, the user may go running and have a vehicle dispatched to the destination of the run within the range in which the user can exercise. In this case, the user uses the dispatched vehicle to take a shower after exercise. The user 1 may transmit information indicating the starting point of the run, the destination, and the purpose of using the vehicle to the vehicle dispatch device 10 via the user terminal 11. The vehicle dispatch determination unit 125 may refer to the information in the dispatch process of step S17 described above, and instruct the terminal of the staff of the vehicle dispatch service connected to the vehicle dispatch device 10 to send items necessary for running, such as clothing and shoes, to the starting point of the run (for example, the user's home).

[0058] Furthermore, the vehicle dispatch device 10 may change the type of vehicle dispatched to the user 1 depending on the remaining calorie value. For example, a type A vehicle may be equipped with light training equipment suitable for low calorie consumption and low-stress training, while a type B vehicle may be equipped with heavy training equipment suitable for high calorie consumption and high-stress training. In this way, vehicles are classified according to the severity of the training. The storage unit 102 of the vehicle dispatch device 10 stores information about each vehicle, such as whether each vehicle is type A or type B, and this information is also associated with vehicle dispatch schedule information.

[0059] In the vehicle dispatch process of step S17 described above, the vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 further determines whether the remaining calorie value calculated in step S12 is less than a threshold Th2 (>Th1). If the remaining calorie value is less than the threshold Th2, the vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 refers to the vehicle dispatch schedule information in the storage unit 102 and selects a vehicle of type A from among the vehicles that are eligible for the vehicle dispatch service. On the other hand, if the remaining calorie value is equal to or greater than the threshold Th2, the vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 refers to the vehicle dispatch schedule information in the storage unit 102 and selects a vehicle of type B from among the vehicles that are eligible for the vehicle dispatch service.

[0060] The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 specifies, from among the vehicles of the types selected as described above, vehicles that can be reserved for allocation during the time period when the user 1 can exercise and that can be allocated within the range in which the user 1 can exercise, from the vehicles that are the targets of the vehicle allocation service. Then, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 generates detailed vehicle allocation information for the user 1 and detailed vehicle allocation information for the on-site staff regarding the specified vehicle, and transmits them to each terminal. If there is no vehicle among the selected types of vehicles that meets the conditions such as the time period when the user 1 can exercise and the range in which the user 1 can exercise, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may transmit a notice to the user terminal 11 indicating that the vehicle cannot be allocated. Alternatively, it may determine whether or not there is a vehicle among the types of vehicles that were not initially selected that meets the above-mentioned conditions, and if there is a vehicle that meets the conditions, it may generate detailed vehicle allocation information for the user 1 and detailed vehicle allocation information for the on-site staff regarding the vehicle, and transmit them to each terminal. It may be set to three or more types as the vehicle type. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may also specify the type of vehicle to be allocated according to the desired vehicle allocation information received from the user 1.

[0061] If there is a vehicle that meets the conditions such as the time period and range in which user 1 can exercise among the selected types of vehicles, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 may include information on the selected type of vehicle in the vehicle allocation details for user 1 and inquire whether it is OK to allocate a vehicle to the range in which user 1 can exercise. If the user terminal 11 replies that it is OK to allocate a vehicle, the vehicle allocation decision unit 125 transmits the vehicle allocation details for the field staff to the vehicle terminal 13 of the vehicle that can be allocated to that place and time.

[0062] Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the vehicle dispatch system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted. In the second embodiment, attention is focused on a case where vehicles are dispatched to a plurality of (e.g., a large number of) users.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing executed by the vehicle dispatching device 10. Hereinafter, the overall processing of the vehicle dispatching device 10 will be described with reference to this flowchart.

[0064] First, the vehicle dispatching device 10 executes the determination process of steps S11 to S14 for each user (step S21). As a result, the vehicle dispatching device 10 identifies users who are candidates for vehicle dispatching and who satisfy the conditions up to step S14 (i.e., users who can exercise according to their schedule and who need to exercise). After that, the position determination unit 124 acquires the position information of each user with respect to at least one of the user terminal 11 and the schedule information (step S22). Then, the vehicle dispatching determination unit 125 uses the acquired position information of each user to determine whether there is an area where a predetermined number or more users who are candidates for vehicle dispatching exist (step S23).

[0065] In the determination process of step S23, if it is determined that there are not a predetermined number of users or more (No in step S23), the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 does not execute the vehicle allocation process. On the other hand, in the determination process of step S22, if it is determined that there are a predetermined number of users or more (Yes in step S23), the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 executes the vehicle allocation process for the predetermined area (step S24).

[0066] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the determination in step S23. In the area A in FIG. 4, it is known by the process of step S22 that there are eight users U1 to U8 who are candidates for vehicle allocation. In this state, if the predetermined number in step S23 is "10", the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 does not execute the vehicle allocation process. On the other hand, if the predetermined number in step S23 is "5", the vehicle allocation process is executed for the area A. Note that, although the area is a circular area having a radius of a certain length in the example of FIG. 4, the shape of the area is arbitrary. Also, the area may be configured to include one or more office buildings, or a predetermined section of a residential area, or may be configured to include an administrative section such as a specific city, town, village, or ward.

[0067] As details of step S24, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 refers to the schedule information of all users who are candidates for vehicle allocation in the specified area, and sets a time period during which all users can use vehicles. Then, the vehicle allocation schedule information in the storage unit 102 is referred to, and a vehicle that can be reserved for vehicle allocation during the set time period and can be allocated to the specified area is specified from the vehicles that are targets of the vehicle allocation service. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 transmits information specifying the vehicle to be allocated, and information on the location and time of allocation as detailed vehicle allocation information for all users to all user terminals via the communication unit 101. The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 also transmits detailed vehicle allocation information for the field staff to the vehicle terminal 13 installed in the specified vehicle via the communication unit 101.

[0068] The vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may specify the center of a circular area as an example of a location to which a vehicle is to be allocated. However, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may specify a location that is easy for as many users as possible to reach as a vehicle allocation location based on the positions of each user within the area or map information related to the area (e.g., stored in the storage unit 102).

[0069] In this manner, the vehicle dispatch device 10 can dispatch vehicles to areas where there are many users who are not exercising enough or who eat too much, thereby improving the health conditions of more users.

[0070] The vehicle dispatching device 10 may set users who satisfy the judgment shown in step S16 of FIG. 2B (i.e., users who are in a location where the vehicle dispatch service is available) as vehicle dispatch candidate users from among all users who satisfy the conditions up to step S14. The vehicle dispatching device 10 executes the processes of steps S23 to S24 for the users who are vehicle dispatch candidate users. As a result, the vehicle dispatching device 10 can dispatch vehicles to locations where users can easily exercise, such as office districts and residential areas.

[0071] The vehicle allocation device 10 may also change the type of vehicle to be allocated according to the number of remaining calories calculated for each user. For example, as shown in the first embodiment, assume that types A and B are set as vehicle types. In this case, the vehicle allocation device 10 divides users who are candidates for vehicle allocation into a group A of users whose remaining calorie value calculated in step S12 is less than a threshold Th2 (>Th1) and a group B of users whose remaining calorie value is equal to or greater than the threshold Th2. Thereafter, the vehicle allocation device 10 executes the processes of steps S22 to S24 for each of group A and group B. For example, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 uses the acquired position information of each user in group A to determine whether there is an area where a predetermined number or more users who are candidates for vehicle allocation of group A exist (step S23). If such a predetermined area is found, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 sets a time period in which all users who are candidates for vehicle allocation of group A who are in the predetermined area can use a vehicle based on the schedule information of the users. Based on the vehicle dispatch schedule information, vehicles that can be dispatched to a specified area during a set time period are identified from vehicles of vehicle type A that are the subject of the vehicle dispatch service. Detailed vehicle dispatch information for users is sent to the user terminals of all users who are candidates for vehicle dispatch in group A in the specified area, and detailed vehicle dispatch information for on-site staff is sent to the vehicle terminals installed in the identified vehicles of vehicle type A. Similar processing can be performed for group B.

[0072] The vehicle dispatch decision unit 125 can appropriately change the threshold information stored in the memory unit 102, such as the size of the area to be judged used in step S22 (for example, the radius if it is a circular area), its position, and a predetermined number of people, depending on the situation (for example, depending on the type of vehicle to be dispatched and the time period to be dispatched).

[0073] Furthermore, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may limit users who are candidates for vehicle allocation to users of a specific gender or age group, using data such as gender and age described in the user's personal information stored in the storage unit 102. In addition, when multiple vehicle types are set, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may allocate a vehicle type according to the gender or age group in the vehicle allocation process.

[0074] Also in the second embodiment, the vehicle dispatching device 10 can appropriately execute the processes and the like described in the first embodiment.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the following variations are applicable to both the first and second embodiments.

[0076] In step S12 of FIG. 2A, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may use at least one of the following parameters stored in the storage unit 102 for the determination instead of or in addition to the remaining calories from the previous day. (i) The remaining calorie value calculated by the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 for a predetermined period of time from the current day (for example, a period of one week or one month) in the past (ii) Difference between User 1's target weight and reference weight (iii) Difference between upper limit body weight and reference body weight of user 1 (iv) User 1’s past dispatch history For example, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may obtain information such as the remaining calorie value of the user 1 in a predetermined period in the past, and the reference body weight and the upper limit body weight from the storage unit 102, and may estimate whether the weight of the user 1 will exceed the upper limit body weight within a predetermined period from the current time of the determination in step S12 based on the information. If it is estimated that the upper limit body weight will be exceeded within a threshold value (first period) of the predetermined period, the vehicle allocation device 10 executes the process from step S13 onwards. Here, when multiple vehicle types are set for the vehicles, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may change the vehicle type of the vehicle to be allocated in the vehicle allocation process according to the period estimated from the current time of the determination until the upper limit body weight is exceeded. For example, when the above-mentioned vehicle types A and B are set for the vehicles, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may allocate a vehicle of the vehicle type B if the period estimated from the current time of the determination until the upper limit body weight is exceeded is less than the second period, and may allocate a vehicle of the vehicle type A if the estimated period is equal to or greater than the second period. Note that the second period is a threshold value indicating a period shorter than the first period.

[0077] In addition, when multiple vehicle types are set, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may determine the type of vehicle to be allocated in the vehicle allocation process using at least one of the parameters (i) to (iv) described above instead of or in addition to the remaining calories from the previous day.

[0078] Furthermore, in step S12, the vehicle allocation determination unit 125 may execute a process of comparing the calorie intake or calorie consumption of the day before the day calculated in step S11 with a predetermined threshold value, instead of the remaining calorie. The process from step S13 onwards can be executed in a similar manner. Also, at least one of the parameters (i) to (iv) can be used for the determination of the vehicle type in the judgment and vehicle allocation process, as described above.

[0079] The remaining calories, ingested calories, or expended calories described above are calculated for the day before the current day, but are not limited to this. The total calories of any meal over multiple days (e.g., a periodic period such as one week) may be calculated and the result may be used for the judgment.

[0080] At least one of the remaining calories, the calorie intake, and the calorie consumption may be calculated using an app on the user terminal side, not on the vehicle dispatch device 10 side, and the vehicle dispatch device 10 may receive and acquire the calculated value.

[0081] The vehicle dispatching device 10 may also include a detection unit that detects changes in the user's body shape captured in the video. For example, the user 1 in the first embodiment periodically transmits a video of his or her body shape to the vehicle dispatching device 10 via the user terminal 11. The detection unit of the vehicle dispatching device 10 detects changes in the user's body shape up to the present time of determination by comparing a plurality of videos captured at different timings. For example, instead of the process of step S12, the vehicle dispatching determination unit 125 may execute a process of comparing the user's most recent body shape with the body shape at the timing immediately before that. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the user's most recent body shape is larger than the past body shape (e.g., the user has gained excess fat), the vehicle dispatching device 10 executes the process of step S13 and subsequent steps. Alternatively, the detection unit may generate a machine learning model, and may determine whether the user's body shape has become healthy or unhealthy (e.g., whether the user's muscle mass has increased or the user's fat mass has increased) by inputting the video into the model. If it is determined that the user is unhealthy, the vehicle dispatching device 10 executes the process from step S13 onward. Since the user's body type can be said to be correlated with the user's calorie intake or calorie consumption, the user's body type shown in the image can be interpreted as information regarding the user's calorie intake or calorie consumption.

[0082] When the exercise feasibility determination unit 123 determines that the user is in poor physical condition, the vehicle dispatch device 10 may arrange for the dispatch of a vehicle for the user to go to the hospital. In addition, when the user's personal information stored in the storage unit 102 includes contact information for the user's regular hospital, the vehicle dispatch device 10 may contact the contact information to make an appointment for a hospital visit, etc.

[0083] As described above, one or more processors included in the vehicle dispatching device 10 in the above-mentioned embodiments execute one or more programs including a set of instructions for causing a computer to execute the algorithms described using the drawings. This process realizes the processes described in each embodiment.

[0084] The program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, causes the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also take the form of, for example, an application program.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] S1 Dispatch System 10 Vehicle dispatch device 11-12 User terminal 13 Vehicle terminal 101 Communication unit 102 Storage unit 103 Control section 111 Memory 112 I / O section 113 Information Processing Department 121 calorie intake calculation unit 122 calorie consumption calculation unit 123 Movement possibility determination unit 124 Position determination unit 125 Vehicle Allocation Department

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding intake energy, which is the energy taken in by a user; and a vehicle allocation determination unit that determines whether or not to allocate a vehicle having gym equipment to the user based on the information regarding the intake energy. Vehicle dispatching device.

2. The information acquisition unit further acquires location information of the user, the vehicle allocation decision unit identifies users who are candidates for vehicle allocation based on the information on the energy intake, and determines an area in which a predetermined number or more of the identified users exist using location information of the users, and decides to allocate the vehicle to the area; The vehicle dispatching device according to claim 1.

3. the information acquisition unit acquires, as the information regarding the intake energy, a difference value between the intake energy and an expenditure energy which is energy consumed by the user; The vehicle allocation determination unit determines whether or not to allocate the vehicle to the user based on the difference value. The vehicle dispatching device according to claim 1.

4. The information acquisition unit further acquires location information of the user, the vehicle allocation decision unit identifies users who are candidates for vehicle allocation based on the difference value, and determines an area in which a predetermined number or more of the identified users exist using position information of the users, and decides to allocate the vehicle to the area; The vehicle dispatching device according to claim 3.

5. The information acquisition unit further acquires biometric information of the user, the vehicle allocation determination unit determines the allocation of the vehicle to the user when it is determined that the user needs to exercise based on the information on the intake energy and when it is determined that the user is able to exercise based on the biological information of the user. The vehicle dispatching device according to claim 1.

6. The information acquisition unit further acquires location information of the user, the vehicle allocation determination unit does not allocate the vehicle to the user when the location information does not indicate a predetermined location associated with the user; The vehicle dispatching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An information acquisition step of acquiring information regarding intake energy, which is the energy taken in by the user; a vehicle allocation decision step of deciding whether or not to allocate a vehicle having gym facilities to the user based on the information regarding the intake energy; A vehicle dispatching method executed by a vehicle dispatching device.

8. An information acquisition step of acquiring information regarding intake energy, which is the energy taken in by the user; a vehicle allocation decision step of deciding whether or not to allocate a vehicle having gym facilities to the user based on the information regarding the intake energy; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images