In-vehicle terminal device, vehicle management device, and information processing method

Abstract

To improve a convenience of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A portable terminal device 20 displays a passing frequency prediction result of a vacant vehicle included in a response notification which is provided by an event that the mobile terminal device notifies a vehicle management device 40 of a vehicle use request including information on a self location, or a candidate vehicle corresponding to the vehicle use request at a corresponding position on a map image. The vehicle management device 40 includes information on the candidate vehicle searched for in response to the vehicle use request from the portable terminal device 20 in the response notification. If there is no candidate vehicle, the vehicle management device includes the passing frequency prediction result of the vacant vehicle in the response notification. Also, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the portable terminal device 20 and another candidate vehicle to a vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle. The vehicle terminal device 30 displays the mobile terminal device and another candidate vehicle on a map image based on the candidate vehicle target notification. A vehicle convenience can be improved by using the information displayed on the map image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to an in-vehicle terminal device, a vehicle management device, and an information processing method, and aims to improve the convenience of vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user uses a taxi, a reservation for dispatching is made by a reservation system. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the dispatched taxi is within a predetermined positional difference from the position of the reserved user, the user's terminal device is vibrated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the use of a taxi is not limited to the case of making a reservation for dispatching, and there is also a case of using a taxi running in an empty state. In such a case, when using a taxi running in an empty state, it is difficult for the user to find a taxi running in an empty state or for the driver of a taxi running in an empty state to find a person who wishes to use the taxi, and the convenience may decrease.

[0005] Therefore, an object of this technology is to provide a vehicle terminal device, a vehicle management device, and an information processing method that can improve the convenience of vehicles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first aspect of this technology is a display processing unit that displays the predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles generated based on the driving history information at the corresponding positions on the map image It is in a mobile terminal device including

[0007] In this technology, in response to the display processing unit notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request including position information indicating the current position measured by the position measurement unit that measures the current position, the display processing unit displays, at a corresponding position on the map image, the predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles included in the response notification supplied from the vehicle management device. The predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles is information supplied when the vehicle management device cannot search for candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request. Further, the display processing unit may perform a movement instruction display to an area where the passing frequency of empty vehicles indicated by the predicted passing frequency result is high, and may adjust the display scale of the map image so that the current position and the area where the passing frequency of empty vehicles indicated by the predicted frequency result are high can be displayed on the map image. Furthermore, when the response notification includes candidate vehicle information indicating candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request, the display processing unit displays the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information on the map image. Also, the display processing unit may adjust the display scale of the map image so that the current position and the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information can be displayed on the map image.

[0008] The second aspect of this technology is causing the display processing unit to display, at a corresponding position on the map image, the predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles generated based on the driving history information in an information processing method including

[0009] The third aspect of this technology is a vehicle terminal device including a display processing unit that displays, on a map image, the position of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and the positions of candidate vehicles capable of corresponding to the vehicle use request searched based on the position of the mobile terminal device in a vehicle terminal device including

[0010] In this technology, in response to notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device and based on the candidate vehicle target notification supplied from the vehicle management device, the display processing unit displays the position of the mobile terminal device and the position of candidate vehicles capable of corresponding to the vehicle use request searched based on the position of the mobile terminal device on the map image. Further, when the candidate vehicle target notification includes information indicating the superiority of each candidate vehicle, the display processing unit displays the superiority. Furthermore, when the traveling information of the vehicle and the vehicle is not traveling toward the position of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle rejection notice to the vehicle management device. Also, the control unit sets the position of the mobile terminal device as the destination of the route processing unit according to a user operation and causes navigation to be performed.

[0011] The fourth aspect of this technology is displaying, on a map image by a display processing unit, the position of a mobile terminal device that made a vehicle use request and the position of candidate vehicles searched based on the position of the mobile terminal device in an information processing method including this.

[0012] The fifth aspect of this technology is a search processing unit that searches for candidate vehicles capable of corresponding to the vehicle use request based on the position indicated by the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device, and a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit in a vehicle management device having this.

[0013] In this technology, the search processing unit searches for candidate vehicles capable of responding to the vehicle use request, based on the position indicated by the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device. The control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request, to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the other candidate vehicles to the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicle searched by the search processing unit. Further, when there are no candidate vehicles in the control unit, the control unit includes, in the response notification, the passing frequency prediction result obtained by the prediction processing unit performing a passing frequency prediction of empty vehicles based on the running information acquired from the vehicle terminal devices stored in the storage unit.

[0014] Further, the control unit may include, in the candidate vehicle target notification, the superiority for each candidate vehicle with respect to the vehicle use request. Also, the control unit updates the candidate vehicle target notification based on the candidate vehicle rejection notification from the vehicle terminal device. Furthermore, in response to the boarding notification indicating vehicle boarding from the mobile terminal device, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a completion notification indicating that the response to the vehicle use request for the candidate vehicle has been completed, to the candidate vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present technology will be described. The description will be made in the following order. 1. Configuration of the vehicle usage system 2. Operation of the vehicle usage system

[0017] <1. Configuration of the vehicle usage system> FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of the vehicle usage system. The vehicle usage system 10 is configured using a mobile terminal device 20 of the user, a vehicle terminal device 30 mounted on a vehicle (e.g., a taxi) used by the user, and a vehicle management device (server) 40 that manages the vehicle and provides information to the user. The mobile terminal device 20, the vehicle terminal device 30, and the vehicle management device 40 are connected via a network 50.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the configuration of the mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device 20 includes a display unit 201, an audio input / output unit 202, a position measurement unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, a communication unit 205, an antenna 206, a storage unit 207, an operation input unit 208, a control unit 209, etc., and each unit is connected via a bus 210.

[0019] The display unit 201 is composed of a display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (organic electro-luminescence), and a drive circuit for driving the display element. In the display unit 201, images obtained by the signal processing unit 204, information received by the communication unit 205, information stored in the storage unit 207, etc. are displayed.

[0020] The audio input / output unit 202 is configured using a microphone, a speaker, etc. The audio input / output unit 202 collects the user's voice, etc. to generate an audio signal. Also, the audio input / output unit 202 converts the audio signal supplied via the bus 210 into reproduced sound and outputs it.

[0021] The position measurement unit 203 receives radio waves from positioning satellites and information from a base station of a mobile phone, detects the current position of the mobile terminal device 20, and generates position information (data of latitude, longitude, altitude) indicating the detected current position.

[0022] The signal processing unit 204 performs various signal processes. For example, it performs encoding processing of the audio signal generated by the audio input / output unit 202 and decoding processing of the encoded signal received by the communication unit 205. The signal processing unit 204 outputs the image signal obtained by performing the decoding process to the display unit 201 and the audio signal to the audio input / output unit 202.

[0023] The communication unit 205 is for communicating with the vehicle management device 40 and other mobile terminal devices, performs modulation processing, frequency conversion processing, etc. of various information and encoded audio signals to generate a transmission signal. Also, the communication unit 205 supplies the transmission signal to the antenna 206 and transmits it to a base station (not shown). Further, the communication unit 205 performs amplification, frequency conversion processing, demodulation processing, etc. of the received signal received by the antenna 206, and supplies the obtained signal to the signal processing unit 204 and the control unit 209. The communication unit 205 transmits, for example, the vehicle use request supplied from the control unit 209 according to the vehicle use operation performed by the operation input unit 208 to the vehicle management device 40. The communication unit 205 supplies the response notification transmitted from the vehicle management device 40 according to the vehicle use request to the control unit 209.

[0024] The storage unit 207 is configured using a rewritable storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory like a RAM or a built-in flash memory. Also, the recording medium of the storage unit 207 may be fixed or detachable. Various types of information, programs, etc. are stored in the storage unit 207. For example, as various types of information, user information of the mobile terminal device, registration information registered by the user, various history information, map information, image signals and audio signals, operation setting information of the mobile terminal device, etc. are stored. Also, as programs, an operating system, application programs, for example, programs for vehicle use, etc. are stored.

[0025] The operation input unit 208 is composed of an operation switch, a touch panel disposed over the display screen of the display unit 201, etc. The operation input unit 208 generates an operation signal according to a user operation on the operation switch, touch panel, etc.

[0026] The control unit 209 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 207, and based on the operation signal generated by the operation input unit 208, controls the operations of each unit so that operations according to the user operation are performed in the mobile terminal device 20. Also, the display unit 201 and the control unit 209 function as the display processing unit of the present technology. For example, the control unit 209 performs map display on the display unit 201 based on the map information stored in the storage unit 207. Also, the control unit 209 notifies the vehicle management device 40 of a vehicle use request according to the vehicle use operation performed by the operation input unit 208. Further, the control unit 209 performs processing such as displaying the predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles (empty vehicles) and candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request at the corresponding positions on the map image based on the response notification from the vehicle management device 40.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of the vehicle terminal device. The vehicle terminal device 30 includes a display unit 301, an audio input / output unit 302, a position measurement unit 303, a signal processing unit 304, a communication unit 305, an antenna 306, a storage unit 307, a route processing unit 308, a fare calculation unit 309, an operation input unit 310, a control unit 311, etc., and each unit is connected via a bus 312.

[0028] The display unit 301 is configured by using a display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (organic electro - luminescence), a drive circuit for driving the display element, etc., and displays an image obtained by the signal processing unit 304, information received by the communication unit 305, information stored in the storage unit 307, etc.

[0029] The audio input / output unit 302 is configured by using a microphone, a speaker, etc. The audio input / output unit 302 collects the voices of the driver and those inside the vehicle to generate an audio signal. Also, the audio input / output unit 302 converts the audio signal supplied via the bus 312 into reproduced sound and outputs it.

[0030] The position measurement unit 303 receives radio waves from positioning satellites and information from the base stations of mobile phones, detects the current position of the vehicle, and generates position information (data on latitude, longitude, and altitude) indicating the detected current position. Also, the position measurement unit 303 is equipped with a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc., and may include the detection result of the traveling direction of the vehicle on which the vehicle terminal device 30 is mounted in the position information.

[0031] The signal processing unit 304 performs various signal processes. For example, it performs encoding processing of the audio signal generated by the audio input / output unit 302 and decoding processing of the encoded signal received by the communication unit 305. The signal processing unit 304 outputs the audio signal obtained by performing the decoding process to the audio input / output unit 302.

[0032] The communication unit 305 is for communicating with the vehicle management device 40 and the like. It performs modulation processing, frequency conversion processing, etc. on various information and encoded voice signals to generate a transmission signal. Further, the communication unit 305 supplies the transmission signal to the antenna 306 and transmits it to a base station (not shown). Also, the communication unit 305 performs amplification, frequency conversion processing, demodulation processing, etc. on the received signal received by the antenna 306, and supplies the obtained signal to the signal processing unit 304 and the control unit 311. The communication unit 205 transmits, for example, the action information and the candidate vehicle rejection notice supplied from the control unit 209 to the vehicle management device 40 at a predetermined timing. Also, the communication unit 205 supplies the vehicle use notice and the completion notice notified from the vehicle management device 40 to the control unit 209.

[0033] The storage unit 307 is configured using a rewritable storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory like a RAM or a built-in flash memory, or a hard disk device, etc. Also, the recording medium of the storage unit 307 may be fixed or may be detachable. Various information, programs, etc. are stored in the storage unit 307. As the various information, vehicle information regarding the mounted vehicle (for example, identification information of the company to which the vehicle belongs, identification information for identifying each vehicle, driver information regarding the driver, etc.), vehicle movement information (for example, position information, traveling speed, traveling direction, boarding time and alighting time and their positions, traveling distance, elapsed time, fare, etc. from boarding to alighting), operation setting information of the vehicle terminal device, etc. are stored. Also, as the programs, an operating system, application programs, for example, programs for improving the convenience of the vehicle, etc. are stored.

[0034] The route processing unit 308 performs a route search to a destination specified by the driver or the like, and causes the display unit 301 to display the search result. Also, the route processing unit 308 supports the driver with images, voice, etc. so that the vehicle can travel along the searched route.

[0035] The fare calculation unit 309 calculates the fare based on the traveling distance, elapsed time, etc. from boarding to alighting. Also, the fare calculation unit 309 includes a pick-up fare and a surcharge as necessary for the fare.

[0036] The operation input unit 310 is composed of operation switches and a touch panel disposed overlapping the display screen of the display unit 301, etc. The operation input unit 310 generates an operation signal according to a user operation on the operation switch, touch panel, etc.

[0037] The control unit 311 executes the program stored in the storage unit 307, and based on the operation signal generated by the operation input unit 208, controls the operations of each unit so that operations preset in the vehicle terminal device 30 or operations according to user operations are performed. For example, the control unit 311 transmits action information including vehicle information and vehicle dynamics information stored in the storage unit 307 from the communication unit 305 to the vehicle management device 40 at a predetermined timing. Also, the display unit 301 and the control unit 311 function as the display processing unit of the present technology. For example, the control unit 311 performs map display on the display unit 301 based on the map information stored in the storage unit 307, and based on the candidate vehicle target notification supplied from the vehicle management device 40, the position of the mobile terminal device 20 that made the vehicle use request and the position of the mobile terminal device 20 indicated by the vehicle use request as a reference, the position of the candidate vehicle that can respond to the vehicle use request is displayed on the map image. Further, the control unit 311 performs a process of generating a candidate vehicle rejection notice and transmitting it from the communication unit 305 to the vehicle management device 40, a process of causing the navigation to be performed with the position of the mobile terminal device as the destination of the route processing unit 308 according to a user operation, etc.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates the configuration of the vehicle management device. The vehicle management device 40 has a communication unit 401, a storage unit 402, a prediction processing unit 403, a search processing unit 404, and a control unit 405. Each unit is connected via a bus 406.

[0039] The communication unit 401 is for communicating with the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30. For example, it receives a vehicle usage request from the mobile terminal device 20, action information from the vehicle terminal device 30, and a candidate vehicle rejection notice. Also, the communication unit 401 performs processes such as transmitting a response notice generated in response to a vehicle usage request to the mobile terminal device 20, and transmitting a candidate vehicle target notice generated in response to a vehicle usage request to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicle.

[0040] The storage unit 402 is configured using a rewritable storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory like a RAM or an embedded flash memory, or a hard disk device. Various information and programs are stored in the storage unit 402. The storage unit 402 stores running information supplied from the vehicle terminal device 30, weather conditions, road conditions, etc. as various information. Also, the storage unit 402 stores an operating system and a program for improving vehicle convenience, etc. as programs.

[0041] Based on the information stored in the storage unit 402, the prediction processing unit 403 predicts the passing frequency of empty vehicles for each location or region. Also, based on the running information stored in the storage unit 402, the prediction processing unit 403 predicts the vehicle demand for each location or for each divided region obtained by dividing the map into a two-dimensional mesh shape.

[0042] In response to a vehicle usage request from the mobile terminal device 20, the search processing unit 404 searches for candidate vehicles that can respond to the vehicle usage request from the mobile terminal device 20 based on the information stored in the storage unit 402 and the selection criteria. As the selection criteria, for example, using information such as the distance from the position indicated in the vehicle usage request and the traffic congestion situation of the road, the search processing unit 404 selects empty vehicles within a predetermined number range in, for example, the expected arrival order to the position indicated in the vehicle usage request. Also, considering the sales situation of each empty vehicle, etc., when the time difference in the expected arrival time is small, empty vehicles with less sales may be preferentially selected. Also, considering the positional relationship with other empty vehicles, for example, when there are a plurality of empty vehicles traveling in a column on the same route, only the leading vehicle may be selected as a candidate vehicle. Further, the search processing unit 404 may use the predicted arrival order as a priority, and calculate the priority using the distance from the position indicated in the vehicle usage request, the traffic congestion situation of the road, the positional relationship with other empty vehicles, etc. as parameters, and select candidate vehicles based on the calculated priority.

[0043] The control unit 405 executes the program stored in the storage unit 402 to perform response processing corresponding to notifications supplied from the mobile terminal device 20 or the vehicle terminal device 30, processing of driving information etc. supplied from the vehicle terminal device 30, and demand prediction processing based on the driving information. Also, when a vehicle usage request is notified from the mobile terminal device 20, the control unit 405 generates a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit based on the position indicated in the vehicle usage request and transmits it to the mobile terminal device. Also, the response notification may include the expected arrival time. Further, the control unit 405 generates a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle usage request to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicle searched by the search processing unit and other candidate vehicles and transmits it to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle. Also, the search processing unit 404 or the control unit 405 calculates the priority of the candidate vehicle for the vehicle usage request based on at least the position of the mobile terminal device and the position of the candidate vehicle, and the control unit 405 performs processing such as including the priority for each candidate vehicle in the candidate vehicle target notification. When there are no candidate vehicles, the control unit 405 performs processing such as including the predicted passing frequency result of the empty vehicle generated by the prediction processing unit 403 in the response notification and transmitting it to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0044] <2. Operation of Vehicle Use System> Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall operation of the vehicle use system. At step ST1, the vehicle terminal device 30 starts notifying driving information. The vehicle terminal device 30 starts the process of generating driving information associated with the start of vehicle use and transmitting it to the vehicle management device. The driving information shows vehicle information and vehicle movement information. Further, the driving information may include driving environment information (information indicating weather, traffic congestion status, etc.).

[0045] At step ST2, the vehicle management device 40 performs demand prediction processing. Based on the driving information stored in the storage unit 402, the current position, current time, and driving environment (weather, traffic congestion status, etc.) of the target vehicle, the vehicle management device 40 predicts areas and positions with a high frequency of boarding and transmits the demand prediction result to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the target vehicle.

[0046] At step ST3, the vehicle terminal device 30 displays the demand prediction result. Based on the demand prediction information notified from the vehicle management device 40, the vehicle terminal device 30 displays the demand prediction result on, for example, the map image displayed on the display unit 301.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an example of displaying the demand prediction result, where areas with high demand, low demand, and medium demand are displayed on the map image together with the position of the own vehicle. In addition, in Figure 6 and Figures 7 to 10 described later, the direction of the arrow indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0048] At step ST11, the portable terminal device 20 performs vehicle use request processing. The portable terminal device 20 transmits a vehicle use request to the vehicle management device 40 in response to a vehicle use operation being performed. The vehicle use request includes information indicating the current position of the portable terminal device 20, etc.

[0049] In step ST12, the vehicle management device 40 performs candidate vehicle search processing. Using the information stored in the storage unit 402, the vehicle management device 40 searches for vehicles in an empty state that are traveling in the vicinity of the current position of the mobile terminal device 20 indicated by the vehicle usage request as candidate vehicles that can respond to the vehicle usage request. Note that the number of candidate vehicles is, for example, within a predetermined number set in advance. The vehicle management device 40 generates a response notification indicating the searched candidate vehicles and transmits it to the mobile terminal device 20. Further, the vehicle management device 40 generates a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that has made a vehicle usage request to the vehicle terminal device of the searched candidate vehicle and other candidate vehicles and transmits it to the candidate vehicles. Further, the vehicle management device 40 may calculate the superiority of the candidate vehicles based on at least the position of the mobile terminal device and the position of the candidate vehicles and include it in the candidate vehicle target notification.

[0050] In step ST13, the mobile terminal device 20 performs candidate vehicle display. Based on the response notification from the vehicle management device 40, the mobile terminal device 20 performs candidate vehicle display on the display unit 201. FIG. 7 illustrates candidate vehicle display, and a display indicating the candidate vehicle position is provided on the map image. Note that FIG. 7 shows the self-position and the positions of five candidate vehicles.

[0051] In step ST14, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs user display. Based on the candidate vehicle target notification from the vehicle management device 40, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs user display on the display unit 301. FIG. 8 illustrates user display, and a display indicating the position (user position) of the mobile terminal device 20 that has made a vehicle usage request is provided on the map image. Also, in the user display, the positions of other candidate vehicles are displayed. Further, when the superiority is indicated in the candidate vehicle target notification, the superiority is also displayed. Note that in FIG. 8, the superiority is indicated by the numbers within the quadrilateral, and a case where the superiority is lower as the numerical value increases is illustrated.

[0052] In step ST15, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs behavior determination processing. Based on the driving state, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it is heading towards the user position (the position of the mobile terminal device that made the vehicle use request) indicated in the candidate vehicle target notification. If the vehicle terminal device 30 is not heading towards the user position, for example, if it is not heading towards the user position because the user position is different from the direction desired by the driver, or if it has become an occupied vehicle state from an empty vehicle state by picking up another user while on the way towards the user position, the vehicle terminal device 30 sends a candidate vehicle rejection notice to the vehicle management device 40.

[0053] In step ST16, the vehicle management device 40 updates the candidate vehicles. Based on the candidate vehicle rejection notice supplied from the vehicle terminal device 30, the vehicle management device 40 performs an update process of excluding the vehicles that are not traveling towards the user position from the candidate vehicles, and sends an update notice indicating the updated candidate vehicles to the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicles.

[0054] In step ST17, the mobile terminal device 20 updates the candidate vehicle display. The mobile terminal device 20 updates the candidate vehicle display based on the update notice sent from the vehicle management device 40. FIG. 9 illustrates the updated candidate vehicle display, and illustrates the case where the number of candidate vehicles has decreased from 5 to 3.

[0055] In step ST18, the vehicle terminal device 30 updates the user display. The vehicle terminal device 30 updates the user display based on the update notice sent from the vehicle management device 40. FIG. 10 illustrates the updated user display, and illustrates the case where the number of other candidate vehicles has decreased from 4 to 2.

[0056] In addition, if there are no candidate vehicles due to the update of candidate vehicle information in step ST16, the processes after step ST12 may be performed to select new candidate vehicles and notify the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30. Further, when there are no candidate vehicles, the mobile terminal device 20 may be configured to issue a movement instruction to an area where the passing frequency of vehicles in the empty vehicle state is high, including the predicted passing frequency result of the empty vehicle in the update notification. FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the predicted passing frequency result is displayed, showing an area where the passing frequency of empty vehicles is high and a case where a movement instruction to the area where the passing frequency of empty vehicles is high and the self-position are displayed.

[0057] In step ST19, the mobile terminal device 20 determines vehicle boarding. In response to determining that the user has boarded the vehicle, the mobile terminal device 20 sends a boarding notification to the vehicle management device 40. Whether the user has boarded the vehicle may be determined based on a user operation on the mobile terminal device 20, or may be automatically determined based on the moving position and moving speed detected by the mobile terminal device 20.

[0058] In step ST20, the vehicle management device 40 performs a response completion notification process. When the vehicle management device 40 determines that the user can use the vehicle based on the boarding notification, it generates a completion notification indicating that the response to the vehicle use request has been completed so that it can be determined whether the user is using the vehicle with another candidate vehicle, and transmits the completion notification to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle.

[0059] In step ST21, the vehicle terminal device 30 ends the user display. Based on the completion notification, the vehicle terminal device 30 ends the user display on the display unit 301 so that it can be determined that the user can use the vehicle. For example, the position display of the user and the position display of other candidate vehicles are deleted from the map image.

[0060] Next, the operations of each device will be individually described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the mobile terminal device. In step ST101, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether a vehicle usage operation has been performed. When the mobile terminal device 20 determines that a vehicle usage operation has been performed by the operation input unit 208 or the audio input / output unit 202, it proceeds to step ST102. If no vehicle usage operation has been performed, it returns to step ST101.

[0061] In step ST102, the mobile terminal device 20 transmits a vehicle usage request. The mobile terminal device 20 transmits the vehicle usage request to the vehicle management device 40 via the antenna 206 and the network from the communication unit 205 and proceeds to step ST103.

[0062] In step ST103, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether a response notification or update information has been received. When the mobile terminal device 20 receives a response notification or update information from the vehicle management device 40, it proceeds to step ST104. If not received, it returns to step ST103.

[0063] In step ST104, the mobile terminal device 20 performs display processing of the notification information. Based on the received response notification or update information, the mobile terminal device 20 displays the positions of candidate vehicles on the map image displayed on the display unit 201. Further, when the vehicle management device 40 shows the prediction result of the passing frequency of empty vehicles, the mobile terminal device 20 gives a movement instruction to the area where the prediction result of the passing frequency of empty vehicles and the passing frequency of empty vehicles are high. Note that the movement instruction may be given using the audio input / output unit 202.

[0064] Also, in the display process of the notification information, the display scale of the map image is adjusted based on the position indicated by the notification information and the self-position. For example, the display scale is adjusted so that the self-position and the position of the candidate vehicle can be displayed on the map image. Also, the display scale is adjusted so that the self-position and the area with a high passing frequency of empty vehicles can be displayed on the map image. By adjusting the display scale in this way, it becomes possible to easily confirm the area with a high passing frequency of candidate vehicles and empty vehicles. In this way, the mobile terminal device 20 performs the display process of the notification information and proceeds to step ST105.

[0065] In step ST105, the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether it has boarded the vehicle. If the mobile terminal device 20 has not determined that it has boarded the vehicle, it returns to step ST103. If it has determined that it has boarded the vehicle, it sends a boarding notification to the vehicle management device 40 and ends the process. Note that when the user performs an end-use operation, a boarding notification may be sent to the vehicle management device 40 assuming that the vehicle use request has been completed.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle terminal device. In step ST201, the vehicle terminal device 30 starts notifying driving information. The vehicle terminal device 30 starts the process of generating driving information at a predetermined timing and sending it to the vehicle management device 40, and proceeds to step ST202.

[0067] In step ST202, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it has received the demand prediction result. The vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it has received the demand prediction result from the vehicle management device 40. If it has received the demand prediction result, it proceeds to step ST203. If it has not received it, it proceeds to step ST204.

[0068] In step ST203, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs the display process of the demand prediction result. The vehicle terminal device 30 displays the demand prediction result on the map image displayed on the display unit 301 based on the received demand prediction result information, and proceeds to step ST204.

[0069] In step ST204, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it has received a notification. The vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it has received a candidate vehicle target notification, an update notification, or a completion notification from the vehicle management device 40. If it has received a notification, it proceeds to step ST205; if not, it returns to step ST202.

[0070] In step ST205, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs display processing of notification information. Based on the candidate vehicle target notification or the update notification, the vehicle terminal device 30 displays information based on the received notification on the map image displayed on the display unit 301 and then proceeds to step ST206.

[0071] In step ST206, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether there is a user designation. If the vehicle terminal device 30 determines that the driver has designated the user using the operation input unit 310 or the voice input / output unit 302, it proceeds to step ST207; if it determines that the user has not been designated, it proceeds to step ST208.

[0072] In step ST207, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs navigation processing. Using the position of the user (the position of the mobile terminal device 20 that made the vehicle use request) as the destination, the vehicle terminal device 30 performs route search based on the position of its own vehicle, the position of the user, and the map information, and provides route guidance to the position of the user using the display unit 301 and the voice input / output unit 302, then proceeds to step ST210.

[0073] In step ST208, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it is in a driving state towards the position of the user. If the vehicle terminal device 30 determines from the movement of the vehicle on which it is installed that it is not in a driving state towards the position of the user, it proceeds to step ST209; if it determines that it is in a driving state towards the position of the user, it proceeds to step ST210.

[0074] In step ST209, the vehicle terminal device 30 sends a candidate vehicle rejection notification. Since it is not in a driving state towards the position of the user, the vehicle terminal device 30 sends a candidate vehicle rejection notification to the vehicle management device 40 and then proceeds to step ST210.

[0075] In step ST210, the vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it has received a completion notification. The vehicle terminal device 30 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the vehicle management device 40. If it has received the completion notification, it proceeds to step ST211. If it has not received it, it returns to step ST204.

[0076] In step ST211, the vehicle terminal device 30 ends the display of user information. Since the completion notification indicates that the user has boarded the vehicle or ended the vehicle use, the vehicle terminal device 30 erases the display showing the position of the user and the position of the candidate vehicle shown on the map image displayed on the display unit 301 and returns to step ST202.

[0077] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle management device. In step ST301, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether it has received driving information. If the vehicle management device 40 has received driving information from the vehicle terminal device 30, it proceeds to step ST302. If it has not received it, it proceeds to step ST303.

[0078] In step ST302, the vehicle management device 40 accumulates the driving information. The vehicle management device 40 stores the received driving information in the storage unit 402 and proceeds to step ST303.

[0079] In step ST303, the vehicle management device 40 performs demand prediction processing. Based on the driving information stored in the storage unit 402, the vehicle management device 40 predicts, using the prediction processing unit 403, areas and locations where it is easy to find vehicle users at the current time and the current driving environment, etc., and proceeds to step ST304.

[0080] In step ST304, the vehicle management device 40 transmits the demand prediction result. The vehicle management device 40 transmits the demand prediction result to the vehicle terminal device 30 of a vehicle in an empty state at a predetermined timing, for example, the timing of a request from the driver or the timing of a predetermined time interval, and proceeds to step ST305. Note that the demand prediction result may notify the demand prediction result of a predetermined surrounding range based on the position of the vehicle terminal device 30, or may notify the demand prediction result of a predetermined range based on the traveling direction of the vehicle terminal device 30. For example, when the position of the vehicle terminal device 30 is in a busy street, the demand prediction result of a predetermined surrounding range based on the position of the vehicle terminal device 30 is transmitted, and when the position of the vehicle terminal device 30 is on a main road, if the demand prediction result of a predetermined range based on the traveling direction of the vehicle terminal device 30 is transmitted, it becomes easier to use the demand prediction result.

[0081] In step ST305, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether a vehicle use request has been received. The vehicle management device 40 determines whether a vehicle use request has been received from the mobile terminal device 20. If a vehicle use request has been received, it proceeds to step ST306, and if not, it returns to step ST301.

[0082] In step ST306, the vehicle management device 40 performs candidate vehicle search processing. The vehicle management device 40 searches for candidate vehicles based on the position of the mobile terminal device 20 indicated in the vehicle use request. For example, the vehicle management device 40 searches for empty vehicles located within a predetermined range from the position indicated in the vehicle use request. Further, when the number of empty vehicles located within the predetermined range is more than a predetermined number, the vehicle management device 40 selects a predetermined number of empty vehicles based on a preset selection criterion and proceeds to step ST307 as candidate vehicles. Note that as the selection criterion, for example, information such as the distance from the position indicated in the vehicle use request, the traffic congestion situation of the road, and the positional relationship with other empty vehicles is used to select the empty vehicles in the order of expected arrival at the position indicated in the vehicle use request. Also, considering the sales situation of each empty vehicle, etc., when the time difference in the expected arrival time is small, the empty vehicle with less sales may be preferentially selected.

[0083] In step ST307, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a response notification. The vehicle management device 40 transmits a response notification including information indicating the candidate vehicles found to the mobile terminal device 20 that transmitted the vehicle usage request, and proceeds to step ST308. Note that when there are no candidate vehicles, the vehicle management device 40 includes the predicted passing frequency result of the empty vehicles in the response notification.

[0084] In step ST308, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a candidate vehicle target notification. The vehicle management device 40 generates a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the position of the mobile terminal device 20 that transmitted the vehicle usage request, the position of the candidate vehicles, etc. to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle, and transmits it to the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle, and proceeds to step ST309.

[0085] In step ST309, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether it has received a candidate vehicle rejection notification. The vehicle management device 40 determines whether it has received a candidate vehicle rejection notification indicating that it does not correspond to the candidate vehicle from the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicle. If it has received the candidate vehicle rejection notification, it proceeds to step ST310. If it has not received it, it proceeds to step ST311.

[0086] In step ST310, the vehicle management device 40 transmits an update notification. The vehicle management device 40 updates the candidate vehicles based on the received candidate vehicle rejection notification. The vehicle management device 40 performs an update process of excluding the vehicle that sent the candidate vehicle rejection notification from the candidate vehicles, and transmits an update notification indicating the candidate vehicles after the update process to the mobile terminal device 20 and the vehicle terminal device 30 of the candidate vehicles before the update, and proceeds to step ST311.

[0087] In step ST311, the vehicle management device 40 determines whether it has received a boarding notification. The vehicle management device 40 determines whether it has received a boarding notification from the mobile terminal device 20. If it has received the boarding notification, it proceeds to step ST312. If it has not received it, it returns to step ST301.

[0088] In step ST312, the vehicle management device 40 transmits a completion notice. Since the completion notice indicates that the user who possesses the mobile terminal device 20 has boarded the vehicle, the vehicle management device 40 transmits the completion notice to the candidate vehicles and returns to step ST301.

[0089] Note that the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are examples, and the present technology is not limited to the processes and the order of processes shown in the figures.

[0090] According to such a present technology, a user who possesses the mobile terminal device 20 only needs to transmit a vehicle use request to the vehicle management device 40, and available candidate vehicles are displayed on the map image displayed on the mobile terminal device 20. Therefore, the user can easily determine the positions of available vehicles. Further, when the estimated arrival time is included in the response notice, the user can grasp the waiting time. Also, when there are no candidate vehicles, the predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles is displayed on the map image, so even when there are no candidate vehicles, the user can easily find empty vehicles. Furthermore, since the present technology is not a system that dispatches a specific vehicle to the user's position in response to a vehicle use request from the user, the user can avoid paying the pick-up fee.

[0091] Since the position of the user who wishes to use the vehicle is shown on the map image, the driver of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle terminal device 30 can easily find the user who wishes to use the vehicle, and it becomes possible to reduce the running in the empty state. Also, since other candidate vehicles are shown on the map image, it is possible to determine whether to drive toward the position of the user who wishes to use the vehicle. Further, when the superiority of the candidate vehicles is displayed, it becomes possible to more correctly determine whether to drive toward the position of the user who wishes to use the vehicle.

[0092] Furthermore, in the vehicle management device 40, in response to a vehicle use request from a user who wishes to use a vehicle, candidate vehicles are searched, and the user position, the positions of other candidate vehicles, etc. are notified to the searched candidate vehicles, thereby enabling efficient operation of the vehicle. In addition, since the vehicle management device 40 issues a response notification in response to a vehicle use request, it becomes easier for the user to use the vehicle.

[0093] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and there may be additional effects.

[0094] A series of processes described in the specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both. When executing the process by software, a program recording the process sequence is installed in the memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and executed. Alternatively, it is possible to install the program in a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes and execute it.

[0095] For example, the program can be pre-recorded in a hard disk device, SSD (Solid State Drive), or ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) in a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto optical) disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), BD (Blu-Ray Disc (registered trademark)), magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory card. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called packaged software.

[0096] In addition to installing the program from a removable recording medium onto a computer, the program may also be transferred to the computer wirelessly or via a wired connection from a download site through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The computer can receive the program transferred in this way and install it onto a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk drive.

[0097] Note that the present technology should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments of the technology described above. The embodiments of this technology disclose the technology in the form of examples, and it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions to the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present technology. That is, in order to determine the gist of the present technology, the scope of the claims should be considered.

[0098] In addition, the mobile terminal device of the present technology can also have the following configuration. (1) A display processing unit that displays the predicted passing frequency result of empty vehicles generated based on the driving history information at the corresponding position on the map image A mobile terminal device comprising the same. (2) A position measurement unit that measures the current position, The predicted passing frequency result is information included in a response notification supplied from the vehicle management device in response to notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request including position information indicating the current position measured by the position measurement unit. The vehicle terminal device according to (1). (3) The predicted passing frequency result is information supplied when the vehicle management device cannot search for candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request. The mobile terminal device according to (2). (4) The display processing unit performs a movement instruction display to an area where the passing frequency of empty vehicles indicated by the predicted passing frequency result is high. The mobile terminal device according to (2) or (3). (5) The display processing unit adjusts the display scale of the map image so that the current position and the area where the passing frequency of empty vehicles indicated by the predicted passing frequency result are high can be displayed on the map image. The mobile terminal device according to any one of (2) to (4). (6) The response notification includes candidate vehicle information indicating candidate vehicles corresponding to the vehicle use request, The display processing unit is the portable terminal device described in (2) that displays the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information on the map image. (7) The display processing unit adjusts the display scale of the map image so that the current position and the positions of the candidate vehicles indicated by the candidate vehicle information can be displayed on the map image. The portable terminal device described in (6).

[0099] Also, the vehicle terminal device of the present technology can also have the following configuration. (1) A display processing unit that displays on a map image the position of the portable terminal device that made the vehicle use request and the positions of candidate vehicles capable of corresponding to the vehicle use request searched based on the position of the portable terminal device A vehicle terminal device comprising. (2) The position of the portable terminal device and the position of the candidate vehicle are the positions indicated by a candidate vehicle target notification supplied from the vehicle management device in response to the vehicle management device being notified of a vehicle use request from the portable terminal device. The vehicle terminal device described in (2). (3) The candidate vehicle target notification includes information indicating the superiority of each candidate vehicle searched in response to the vehicle use request in the vehicle management device, The display processing unit is the vehicle terminal device described in (3) that displays the superiority. (4) Further comprising a control unit that, when the traveling information of the vehicle does not indicate traveling toward the position of the portable terminal device that made the vehicle use request, causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle rejection notice to the vehicle management device. The vehicle terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) Further comprising a route processing unit that performs route search to the destination, The control unit sets the position of the portable terminal device as the destination of the route processing unit in response to a user operation and causes navigation to be performed. The vehicle terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3).

[0100] Also, the vehicle management device of the present technology can also have the following configuration. (1) A search processing unit that searches for candidate vehicles capable of responding to the vehicle use request based on the position indicated by the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device; A control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit and other candidate vehicles; A vehicle management device having the above. (2) A storage unit that stores the running information of the vehicle acquired from the vehicle terminal device; Further comprising a prediction processing unit that predicts the passing frequency of empty vehicles based on the running information stored in the storage unit; The control unit includes the passing frequency prediction result of the prediction processing unit in the response notification when there are no candidate vehicles. The vehicle management device according to (1). (3) The control unit includes the superiority of each candidate vehicle with respect to the vehicle use request in the candidate vehicle target notification. The vehicle management device according to (1) or (2). (4) The control unit updates the candidate vehicle target notification based on a candidate vehicle rejection notification from the vehicle terminal device. The vehicle management device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a completion notification indicating that the response to the vehicle use request for the candidate vehicle has been completed in response to a boarding notification indicating boarding of the vehicle from the mobile terminal device. The vehicle management device according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0101] Furthermore, the present technology may also be the following program. (1) A program that causes a computer to execute operation control of a mobile terminal device, A procedure for displaying the passing frequency prediction result of an empty vehicle generated based on the running history information at a corresponding position on the map image A program that causes the computer to execute the above. (2) A program that causes a computer to execute operation control of an in-vehicle terminal device, A procedure for displaying, on a map image, the position of a mobile terminal device that has made a vehicle usage request and the positions of candidate vehicles that can respond to the vehicle usage request searched based on the position of the mobile terminal device A program for causing the computer to execute the above. (3) A procedure for searching for candidate vehicles that can respond to the vehicle usage request based on the position indicated by the vehicle usage request from the mobile terminal device, and A procedure for causing the communication unit to send a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched in response to the vehicle usage request to the mobile terminal device, and causing the communication unit to send a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle usage request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal devices of the searched candidate vehicles A program for causing the computer to execute the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0102] 10 ··· Vehicle usage system 20 ··· Mobile terminal device 30 ··· Vehicle terminal device 40 ··· Vehicle management device 50 ··· Network 201, 301 ··· Display unit 202, 302 ··· Audio input / output unit 203, 303 ··· Position measurement unit 204, 304 ··· Signal processing unit 205, 305, 401 ··· Communication unit 206, 306 ··· Antenna 207, 307, 402 ··· Storage unit 208, 310 ··· Operation input unit 209, 311, 405 ··· Control unit 210, 312, 406 ··· Bus 308 ··· Route processing unit 309 ··· Fare calculation unit 403 ··· Prediction processing unit 404 ··· Search processing unit

Claims

1. A display processing unit that displays, on a map image, the position of a mobile terminal device that has made a vehicle use request and the positions of other candidate vehicles that can respond to the vehicle use request searched based on the position of the mobile terminal device A vehicle terminal device comprising the same.

2. The position of the mobile terminal device and the position of the candidate vehicle are positions indicated by a candidate vehicle target notification supplied from the vehicle management device in response to the mobile terminal device notifying the vehicle management device of a vehicle use request The vehicle terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The candidate vehicle target notification includes information indicating the superiority of each candidate vehicle searched in the vehicle management device in response to the vehicle use request, and the display processing unit displays the superiority. The vehicle terminal device according to claim 2.

4. The vehicle further includes a control unit that, when the running information of the vehicle and the vehicle is not running toward the position of the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request, causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle rejection notice to the vehicle management device The vehicle terminal device according to claim 2.

5. The vehicle further includes a route processing unit that performs route search to a destination, and the control unit sets the position of the mobile terminal device as the destination of the route processing unit in response to a user operation and causes navigation to be performed. The vehicle terminal device according to claim 4.

6. Displaying, on a map image by a display processing unit, the position of a mobile terminal device that has made a vehicle use request and the positions of other candidate vehicles searched based on the position of the mobile terminal device An information processing method including the same.

7. A search processing unit that searches for candidate vehicles that can respond to the vehicle use request based on the position indicated by the vehicle use request from the mobile terminal device, and a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a response notification indicating the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit in response to the vehicle use request to the mobile terminal device, and causes the communication unit to transmit a candidate vehicle target notification indicating the mobile terminal device that has made the vehicle use request and other candidate vehicles to the vehicle terminal device of the candidate vehicles searched by the search processing unit A vehicle management device having the same.

8. A storage unit that stores the running information of the vehicle acquired from the vehicle terminal device, The vehicle further includes a prediction processing unit that predicts the passing frequency of empty vehicles based on the running information stored in the storage unit, and when there are no candidate vehicles, the control unit includes the passing frequency prediction result of the prediction processing unit in the response notification. The vehicle management device according to claim 7.

9. The control unit includes, in the candidate vehicle target notification, the degree of superiority for each candidate vehicle with respect to the vehicle use request. The vehicle management device according to claim 7.

10. The control unit updates the candidate vehicle target notification based on a candidate vehicle rejection notice from the vehicle terminal device. The vehicle management device according to claim 7.

11. In response to a boarding notice indicating vehicle boarding from the mobile terminal device, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a completion notice indicating that the response to the vehicle use request for the candidate vehicle has been completed. The vehicle management device according to claim 7.

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