Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing System, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

An information processing device (10) is provided with: a determination unit (13) that determines whether a return procedure for a mobile body rented by a user has been completed; a specification unit (15) that specifies a return location for the mobile body in response to the determination unit (13) determining that the return procedure has been completed; and a transmission control unit (17) that transmits, to a user terminal used by the user, at least part of regional information relating to a region to which the specified return location belongs, as first transmission information. This makes it possible to suitably encourage repeat use of a rental service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of rental services for bicycles and automobiles, methods for promoting the use of rental services have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a user visits a store during the rental of a moving body, a method is disclosed of transmitting information on neighboring stores close to the visited store to the moving body to motivate the continued use of the rented moving body. Profit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The method described in Patent Document 1 above was for promoting continued use for the user, but there is also a demand for promoting repeated use of the rental service after the service ends.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that suitably promote repeated use of a rental service in view of the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes determination means for determining whether the return procedure of a moving body rented by a user has been completed, ​Specific means for specifying the return location of the mobile body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed; Transmission control means for transmitting, as first transmission information, at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs, to the user terminal used by the user; and comprises.

[0007] An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information terminal, and an information processing apparatus and comprises, wherein the information processing apparatus judgment means for judging whether the return procedure of the mobile body rented by the user has been completed in response to receiving return information including the identification information of the mobile body from the information terminal; specific means for specifying the return location of the mobile body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed; transmission control means for transmitting, as first transmission information, at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs, to the user terminal used by the user; and has.

[0008] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, judging whether the return procedure of the mobile body rented by the user has been completed, specifying the return location of the mobile body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed, and transmitting, as first transmission information, at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs, to the user terminal used by the user.

[0009] A non - transient computer - readable medium according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a judgment function for judging whether the return procedure of the mobile body rented by the user has been completed, a specific function for specifying the return location of the mobile body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed, A transmission control function that transmits at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs as first transmission information to a user terminal used by the user, and A program for causing a computer to implement it is stored.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium that suitably promote repeated use of a rental service can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> First, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 1. The information processing apparatus 10 is composed of one or more computers and provides regional information to a user who has rented a moving body. The moving body is a bicycle, an automobile, an electric cart, or other rentable vehicle. Here, the information processing apparatus 10 is connected to a network (not shown). The network may be wired or wireless. Further, at least a user terminal (not shown) used by the user is connected to the network.

[0014] The information processing apparatus 10 includes a determination unit 13, a specification unit 15, and a transmission control unit 17.

[0015] The determination unit 13 is also referred to as a determination means. The determination unit 13 determines whether the return procedure of the moving body rented by the user has been completed. The moving body rented by the user is a moving body for which the rental start procedure has been completed by the user.

[0016] The specification unit 15 is also referred to as a specification means. The specification unit 15 specifies the return location of the moving body by a predetermined method in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed. Then, the specification unit 15 specifies the region to which the specified return location belongs.

[0017] The transmission control unit 17 is also referred to as transmission control means. The transmission control unit 17 transmits, as first transmission information, regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs, to the user terminal of the user for whom the return procedure has been completed. The regional information may be at least any one of the promotional information of the stores operating in that region and the news of that region. The promotional information may be discount information, introduction information of new products or new services, or other promotional information. The news may be weather, traffic information, event information, or the like. The information processing apparatus 10 stores regional information for each region, and the transmission control unit 17 may use all of the stored regional information of that region as the first transmission information, or may use a part of it as the first transmission information.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing method according to Embodiment 1. First, the determination unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the return procedure of the mobile body rented by the user has been completed (S10). The criterion for determining that the return procedure has been completed can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the determination unit 13 may determine that the return procedure has been completed in response to the user returning the mobile body being rented to the return location. Alternatively, the determination unit 13 may determine that the return procedure has been completed in response to the user settling the usage fee of the rental service. For example, the determination unit 13 may determine that the return procedure has been completed in response to the user inputting a request for completion of the return procedure and the user's identity verification being successful. The determination unit 13 repeats the process shown in S10 until it determines that the return procedure has been completed (No in S10).

[0019] When the determination unit 13 determines that the return procedure has been completed (Yes in S10), the specifying unit 15 specifies the return location of the mobile body by a predetermined method (S11). For example, the specifying unit 15 may specify the return location based on the position information of the mobile body or the position information of the user terminal. Also, for example, the specifying unit 15 may specify the return location when it is notified that the return has been detected from a terminal installed at the return location, such as a sensor of a tire holder or a payment machine.

[0020] Then, the specifying unit 15 specifies the area to which the return location belongs (S12). For example, the specifying unit 15 may specify, as the area to which the return location belongs, an area within a predetermined distance from the return location. Also, for example, the specifying unit 15 may specify, as the area to which the return location belongs, the area of the local government that manages the return location. Also, for example, the specifying unit 15 may specify, as the area to which the return location belongs, the area around the station closest to the return location.

[0021] Then, the transmission control unit 17 transmits the area information of the specified area to the user terminal of the user who has completed the return procedure (S13).

[0022] In this way, by transmitting the area information to the user terminal of the user who has completed the return procedure, the information processing apparatus 10 gives benefits to the user. As a result, the repeated use of the rental service can be promoted. Also, the information processing apparatus 10 can encourage the user who has completed the return procedure to travel around the vicinity of the return location. As a result, it can contribute to the activation of the local economy.

[0023] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Embodiment 2 is a specific example of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing system 1000 according to Embodiment 2. The information processing system 1000 is a system composed of one or more computers for providing a rental service for a moving body. In the present Embodiment 2, although not particularly limited, the moving body is a bicycle.

[0024] In the information processing system 1000, a plurality of bicycle parking lots A-1, A-2,... A-n are provided as return locations. The user rents a bicycle at one of the bicycle parking lots, moves to the destination on the rented bicycle, and returns the bicycle to a bicycle parking lot near the destination.

[0025] The information processing system 1000 includes a face authentication device 100, an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as a server) 200, a user terminal 300, and one or more store terminals 400. Each device and terminal is connected to each other via a network N. The network N is a wired or wireless communication line.

[0026] The face authentication device 100 is an example of a biometric authentication device that performs biometric authentication based on biometric information. The face authentication device 100 stores face feature information of a plurality of persons. The face authentication device 100 registers the user's face feature information at the time of member registration described later. At this time, the face authentication device 100 issues a user ID to the user. The user ID is information for identifying the user, for example, a member number. The face authentication device 100 also has a face authentication function of collating the face image or face feature information included in the request with the face feature information of each user in response to a face authentication request received from the outside. In the second embodiment, the face authentication device 100 acquires a face image of a visiting user photographed by the store terminal 400 via the server 200, and performs face authentication using the face image. Then, the face authentication device 100 returns the collation result (face authentication result) to the server 200.

[0027] The server 200 is an example of the information processing device 10 in the first embodiment. The server 200 is a computer that manages information of member users, manages the usage status of bicycles, and provides regional information to users.

[0028] The user terminal 300 is a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, or other information terminal used by the user. The user performs member registration using the user terminal 300.

[0029] Each store terminal 400 is an information terminal installed at each bicycle parking lot.

[0030] First, the user requests the server 200 to perform member registration using the user terminal 300. Thereby, the server 200 performs member registration of the user.

[0031] When the user visits the bicycle parking lot and requests the rental start procedure by specifying a bicycle, first, the store terminal 400 accepts face authentication for the user. In the second embodiment, the store terminal 400 captures at least the face of the user to be authenticated, and transmits the face image or the face feature information extracted from the face image to the server 200. The server 200 requests the face authentication device 100 to perform face authentication on the face image or face feature information of the user, and receives the face authentication result.

[0032] When the face authentication of the user is successful, it is determined at the server 200 that the start procedure has been completed. In this case, the store terminal 400 unlocks the lock of the tire holder of the specified bicycle. As a result, the user can use the specified bicycle.

[0033] In addition, when the user sets the tire of the bicycle in the tire holder at the bicycle parking lot and requests the return procedure, the store terminal 400 accepts face authentication for the user in the same manner as the start procedure. When the face authentication of the user is successful, it is determined at the server 200 that the face settlement of the usage fee has been made and the return procedure has been completed.

[0034] In response to the determination of the completion of the return procedure, the server 200 transmits, as the first transmission information, the regional information of the area near the installation location of the store terminal 400 involved in the return procedure (that is, the parking lot used as the return location), to the user terminal 300 of the user for whom the return procedure has been completed.

[0035] In addition, regardless of the timing of the completion of the return procedure, the server 200 transmits, as the second transmission information, the regional information of the area near the bicycle parking lot frequently used by the user as the return location, to the user terminal 300.

[0036] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the face recognition device 100 according to Embodiment 2. The face recognition device 100 includes a face information DB (DataBase) 110, a face detection unit 120, a feature point extraction unit 130, a registration unit 140, and an authentication unit 150. The face information DB 110 stores the user ID 111 and the face feature information 112 of the user in association with each other. The face feature information 112 is a set of feature points extracted from a face image. Note that the face recognition device 100 may delete the face feature information 112 in the face feature DB 110 according to the request of the registered user of the face feature information 112. Alternatively, the face recognition device 100 may delete the face feature information 112 after a certain period has elapsed since the registration of the face feature information 112.

[0037] The face detection unit 120 detects a face area included in a registration image for registering face feature information and supplies it to the feature point extraction unit 130. The feature point extraction unit 130 extracts feature points from the face area detected by the face detection unit 120 and supplies the face feature information to the registration unit 140. In addition, the feature point extraction unit 130 extracts feature points included in the face image received from the server 200 and supplies the face feature information to the authentication unit 150.

[0038] When registering face feature information, the registration unit 140 newly issues a user ID 111. The registration unit 140 registers the issued user ID 111 and the face feature information 112 extracted from the registration image in the face information DB 110 in association with each other. The authentication unit 150 performs face authentication using the face feature information 112. Specifically, the authentication unit 150 collates the face feature information extracted from the face image with the face feature information 112 in the face information DB 110. The authentication unit 150 returns to the server 200 whether or not the face feature information matches. Whether or not the face feature information matches corresponds to the success or failure of the authentication. Note that the case where the face feature information matches (match exists) means that the degree of match is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing according to Embodiment 2. First, the face authentication device 100 acquires a registration image of a user included in a face registration request (S21). For example, the face authentication device 100 receives a face registration request from the server 200 that has received a membership registration request from the user terminal 300 via the network N. Note that the face authentication device 100 is not limited to this, and may directly receive a face registration request from the user terminal 300. Next, the face detection unit 120 detects a face region included in the registration image (S22). Next, the feature point extraction unit 130 extracts feature points from the face region detected in step S22, and supplies face feature information to the registration unit 140 (S23). Finally, the registration unit 140 issues a user ID 111, associates the user ID 111 with the face feature information 112, and registers them in the face information DB 110 (S24). Note that the face authentication device 100 may receive the face feature information 112 from the source of the face registration request, associate it with the user ID 111, and register it in the face information DB 110.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of face authentication processing according to Embodiment 2. First, the feature point extraction unit 130 acquires face feature information for authentication (S31). For example, the face authentication device 100 receives a face authentication request from the server 200 via the network N, and extracts face feature information from the face image included in the face authentication request as in steps S21 to S23. Alternatively, the face authentication device 100 may receive face feature information from the server 200. Next, the authentication unit 150 collates the acquired face feature information with the face feature information 112 in the face information DB 110 (S32). When the face feature information matches, that is, when the degree of match of the face feature information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Yes in S33), the authentication unit 150 identifies the user ID 111 of the user whose face feature information matches (S34). Then, the authentication unit 150 returns to the server 200, as a face authentication result, that the face authentication has succeeded and the identified user ID 111 (S35). When there is no matching face feature information (No in S33), the authentication unit 150 returns to the server 200, as a face authentication result, that the face authentication has failed (S36).

[0041] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 300 according to Embodiment 2. The user terminal 300 includes a camera 310, a storage unit 320, a communication unit 330, a display unit 340, an input unit 350, and a control unit 360.

[0042] The camera 310 is an imaging device that performs imaging according to the control of the control unit 360. The storage unit 320 is a storage device in which programs for realizing the respective functions of the user terminal 300 are stored. The communication unit 330 is a communication interface with the network N. The display unit 340 is a display device. The input unit 350 is an input device that receives inputs from the user. The display unit 340 and the input unit 350 may be integrally configured like a touch panel. The control unit 360 controls the hardware of the user terminal 300.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store terminal 400 according to Embodiment 2. The store terminal 400 includes a camera 410, a storage unit 420, a communication unit 430, a display unit 440, an input unit 450, and a control unit 460.

[0044] The camera 410 is an imaging device that performs imaging according to the control of the control unit 460. The storage unit 420 is a storage device in which programs for realizing the respective functions of the store terminal 400 are stored. The communication unit 430 is a communication interface with the network N. The display unit 440 is a display device. The input unit 450 is an input device that receives inputs. The display unit 440 and the input unit 450 may be integrally configured like a touch panel. The control unit 460 controls the hardware of the store terminal 400.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 200 according to Embodiment 2. The server 200 includes a storage unit 210, a memory 220, a communication unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0046] The storage unit 210 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 210 stores a program 211, a user DB 212, a usage status DB 213, and a regional information DB 214. The program 211 is a computer program in which the processing of the information processing method according to the second embodiment is implemented.

[0047] The user DB 212 is a database that stores user information of users who are members. Specifically, the user DB 212 stores user information 2122 in association with a user ID 2121. For example, the user information 2122 includes attribute information, account information for settlement, and contact information such as a telephone number and an email address.

[0048] The usage status DB 213 is a database that stores the usage status of bicycles for each user. Specifically, the usage status DB 213 stores start information 2133 and return information 2134 in association with the user ID 2131 of the renting user.

[0049] Bicycle I D is Information for identifying a bicycle. For example, Bicycle I D is is a vehicle body number or an anti-theft registration number.

[0050] The start information 2133 is information related to the start procedure of the rental. The start information 2133 includes a start location indicating the parking lot where the start procedure was performed and the start time of the rental.

[0051] The return information 2134 is information related to the return procedure of the rented bicycle. The return information 2134 includes a return location indicating the parking lot where the return procedure was performed and the return time of the bicycle.

[0052] The regional information DB214 is a database that stores regional information for each region. Specifically, the regional information DB214 stores regional information 2142 in association with a regional name 2141. The regional name 2141 is the name for each region. Incidentally, the regional information DB214 may store longitude and latitude information for each region and other geographical information instead of or in addition to the regional name 2141. The regional information 2142 includes discount information for stores operating in that region and news such as the weather, traffic information, or event information in that region.

[0053] The memory 220 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information during the operation of the control unit 240. The communication unit 230 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0054] The control unit 240 is a processor that controls each component of the server 200, that is, a control device. The control unit 240 causes the memory 220 to read the program 211 from the storage unit 210 and executes the program 211. Thereby, the control unit 240 realizes the functions of the registration unit 241, the authentication control unit 242, the determination unit 243, the settlement unit 244, the specifying unit 245, the first generation unit 246, the second generation unit 247, and the transmission control unit 248.

[0055] The registration unit 241 is also referred to as a registration means. When the communication unit 230 receives a membership registration request including a registration image from the user terminal 300, the registration unit 241 transmits a face registration request to the face authentication device 100. Then, the registration unit 241 receives the issued user ID from the face authentication device 100 that has registered the face feature information. Further, the registration unit 241 receives user information from the user terminal 300 and registers the issued user ID and the user information in association with each other in the user DB212.

[0056] The authentication control unit 242 is also referred to as authentication control means. The authentication control unit 242 identifies the user ID of the user by controlling face authentication based on the face image. Specifically, when the authentication control unit 242 receives a completion request for the start procedure or return procedure including a face image from the store terminal 400, it transmits a face authentication request including the face image or face feature information extracted from the face image to the face authentication device 100 via the network N. Then, the authentication control unit 242 acquires the face authentication result from the face authentication device 100. When the face authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 242 extracts the user ID from the face authentication result.

[0057] In addition, the completion request for the start procedure may include start information in addition to the face image. Further, the completion request for the return procedure may include return information in addition to the face image.

[0058] The determination unit 243 is an example of the determination unit 13 in Embodiment 1. When the face authentication performed upon receiving the completion request for the start procedure is successful, the determination unit 243 determines that the start procedure has been completed. Also, when the face authentication performed upon receiving the completion request for the return procedure is successful, the determination unit 243 determines that the return procedure has been completed. The determination unit 243 supplies the determination result to the specifying unit 245.

[0059] The settlement unit 244 is also referred to as settlement means. In the second embodiment, the settlement unit 244 determines the rental time based on the start time and return time, and determines the settlement amount in response to the determination by the determination unit 243 that the return procedure has been completed. Then, the settlement unit 244 performs settlement using the account information linked to the user ID extracted from the face authentication result. Note that the determination of the settlement amount and the performance of settlement by the settlement unit 244 may be before the completion determination of the return procedure, or may be performed in parallel with the determination.

[0060] The specifying unit 245 specifies the start location, which is the parking lot where the start procedure was performed, in response to the determination by the determination unit 243 that the start procedure has been completed. Also, the specifying unit 245 specifies the return location, which is the parking lot where the return procedure was performed, in response to the determination by the determination unit 243 that the return procedure has been completed.

[0061] The identification of the starting location or the return location may be performed, for example, by the following method, or may be performed by other known methods. (1) The specifying unit 245 may identify the ID of the store terminal 400 that is the source of the request for completion of the start procedure or the return procedure, and may identify the starting location or the return location of the bicycle based on the identification information of the store terminal 400. As an example, the ID of the store terminal 400 is an IP address (Internet Protocol). (2) When a communication device including a GPS receiver is mounted on the bicycle, the specifying unit 245 may receive the position information of the bicycle from the communication device, and may identify the starting location or the return location of the bicycle based on the position information of the bicycle. (3) The specifying unit 245 may receive the position information of the user terminal 300 from the user terminal 300 of the user for whom face authentication has been successful, and may identify the starting location or the return location of the bicycle based on the position information of the user terminal 300.

[0062] And when the specifying unit 245 identifies the starting location or the return location, the identified starting location or return location is registered in association with the user. Specifically, the specifying unit 245 includes the identified starting location or return location in the start information or return information included in the request for completion of the procedure, and registers it in the usage status DB 213 in association with the user ID.

[0063] In addition, when the specifying unit 245 identifies the return location, the specifying unit 245 identifies the area to which the identified return location belongs.

[0064] The first generation unit 246 is also referred to as the first generation means. In response to receiving a request for completion of the return procedure and identifying the return location, the first generation unit 246 generates first transmission information for the user who has completed the return procedure.

[0065] Specifically, first, the first generation unit 246 reads out the regional information corresponding to the region to which the return location belongs from the regional information DB 214. Then, the first generation unit 246 uses the read regional information as the first transmission information or generates the first transmission information based on the read regional information. More specifically, the first generation unit 246 may select the first transmission information from the read regional information based on at least one of the time zone of the return time, the rental time of the bicycle, and the schedule information after the user's return time. The rental time is the usage time from the start time to the return time. Regarding the schedule information, the first generation unit 246 may cooperate with the user's scheduler application and an API (Application Programming Interface) or the like to obtain the schedule information from the application. Alternatively, the first generation unit 246 may hold the user's behavior history, predict the schedule from the behavior history, and use this as the schedule information.

[0066] The second generation unit 247 is also referred to as the second generation means. The second generation unit 247 generates the second transmission information for each user regardless of the completion timing of the return procedure. Specifically, the second generation unit 247 identifies the return location with a high return frequency for each user based on the history of the return locations associated with the user. A high frequency means that the number of times per unit period is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times. More specifically, the second generation unit 247 collects the return information associated with the user ID in the usage status DB 213 and identifies the return location with a return frequency equal to or more than the predetermined number of times among the return locations included in the return information.

[0067] Then, the second generation unit 247 generates second transmission information based on the regional information of the region to which the frequently used return location belongs. Specifically, first, the second generation unit 247 reads out the regional information corresponding to the region to which the frequently used return location belongs from the regional information DB 214. Then, the second generation unit 247 may use the read regional information as the second transmission information. Alternatively, the second generation unit 247 may analyze at least one of the tendencies of the time zone of the return time, the rental time of the bicycle, and the schedule information after the user's return time from the past history, and select the second transmission information from the read regional information based on the analysis result.

[0068] In response to the first generation unit 246 generating the first transmission information, the transmission control unit 248 transmits the first transmission information to the user terminal 300 of the user who has completed the return procedure. Also, in response to the second generation unit 247 generating the second transmission information, the transmission control unit 248 transmits the second transmission information to the user terminal 300 of the target user.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the membership registration process according to Embodiment 2. First, the user terminal 300 photographs the user U (S500), includes the registration image generated by the photographing in the membership registration request, and transmits it to the server 200 (S501). Then, the registration unit 241 of the server 200 includes the registration image included in the received membership registration request in the face registration request and transmits it to the face authentication device 100 (S502). Then, the face authentication device 100 registers the face information (face feature information) of the user U based on the registration image included in the received face registration request (S503). Then, the face authentication device 100 notifies the server 200 of the issued user ID (S504). Also, the user terminal 300 transmits user information to the server 200 (S505). At this time, the user information may include attribute information, account information, and contact information. The registration unit 241 of the server 200 registers the notified user ID and user information in the user DB 212 in association with each other (S506).

[0070] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of rental start processing according to Embodiment 2. First, in response to receiving an input from the user requesting the start procedure of renting a bicycle at the parking lot, the store terminal 400 photographs the user (S510). Then, the store terminal 400 includes the face image generated by the photographing and the start information in the completion request for the start procedure and transmits it to the server 200 (S511). The start information includes at least the bicycle ID of the bicycle to be rented and the start time.

[0071] The authentication control unit 242 of the server 200 transmits a face authentication request for the face area of the user U in the face image included in the completion request to the face authentication device 100 (S512). Then, the face authentication device 100 performs face authentication on the face area of the user U in the face image included in the received face authentication request (S513). Here, it is assumed that there is a user ID for which face authentication has succeeded. The face authentication device 100 transmits the face authentication result including the fact that face authentication has succeeded and the user ID to the server 200 (S514). At this time, the server 200 may notify the store terminal 400 whether the face authentication has succeeded.

[0072] The determination unit 243 of the server 200 that has received the face authentication result determines that the start procedure has been completed (S515).

[0073] Next, the specifying unit 245 specifies the ID of the store terminal 400 that is the source of the completion request for the start procedure, and specifies the start location of the bicycle based on the ID of the store terminal 400 (S516). The specifying unit 245 includes the start location in the start information included in the completion request and registers it in the usage status DB 213 in association with the user ID (S517).

[0074] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the return process according to Embodiment 2. First, the store terminal 400 obtains detection information indicating that the tire of the bicycle has been inserted into the tire holder at the parking lot, and in response to receiving an input from the user requesting the return procedure of the bicycle, the store terminal 400 takes a picture of the user (S520). Then, the store terminal 400 includes the face image generated by the photographing and the return information in the completion request for the return procedure, and transmits them to the server 200 (S521). The return information includes at least the bicycle ID of the rented bicycle and the return time.

[0075] The authentication control unit 242 of the server 200 transmits a face authentication request for the face area of the user U in the face image included in the completion request to the face authentication device 100 (S522). Then, the face authentication device 100 performs face authentication on the face area of the user U in the face image included in the received face authentication request (S523). Here, it is assumed that there is a user ID for which face authentication has been successful. The face authentication device 100 transmits the face authentication result including the fact that face authentication has been successful and the user ID to the server 200 (S524). At this time, the server 200 may notify the store terminal 400 whether the face authentication has been successful.

[0076] The determination unit 243 of the server 200 that has received the face authentication result determines that the return procedure has been completed (S525). Then, the settlement unit 244 determines the rental time based on the start time and the return time, and performs settlement using the account information (S526).

[0077] Next, the identification unit 245 identifies the ID of the store terminal 400 that is the source of the completion request for the return procedure, and identifies the return location of the bicycle based on the ID of the store terminal 400 (S527). The identification unit 245 includes the return location in the return information included in the completion request, and registers it in the usage status DB 213 in association with the user ID (S528).

[0078] Next, the specifying unit 245 specifies the area (surrounding area) to which the specified return location belongs (S529). Then, the first generation unit 246 generates first transmission information for the user who has completed the return procedure from the area information of the surrounding area stored in the area information DB 214 (S530). Finally, the transmission control unit 248 transmits the first transmission information to the user terminal 300 of the user who has completed the return procedure (S531).

[0079] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the user terminal 300 according to Embodiment 2. On the display unit 340, discount information and other promotion information of recommended stores around the return location of user X are displayed as the first transmission information. For example, when the time zone of the return time is evening, the first transmission information may include discount information for dinner provided by surrounding stores. Also, for example, when user X has used the rental service for a predetermined time or more, the first transmission information may include discount information for coffee menus suitable for rest provided by surrounding stores. Also, for example, when user X has a plan for a home party at a friend's house after the return time, the first transmission information may include promotion information for products suitable as souvenirs provided by surrounding stores.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the second transmission information providing process according to Embodiment 2. The second generation unit 247 of the server 200 performs the second transmission information providing process for each user. For example, the second generation unit 247 may perform the second transmission information providing process only for users whose rental time, usage fee, and usage frequency are equal to or higher than a predetermined standard. Also, the second generation unit 247 may perform it periodically, for example, regardless of the return timing.

[0081] First, the second generation unit 247 reads the history of return information associated with the user ID of the user in the usage status DB 213 (S540). Then, the second generation unit 247 aggregates the return locations from the read history of return information and identifies the return locations that the user has used a predetermined number of times or more (S541). Then, the second generation unit 247 identifies the surrounding area of the return location (S542). The second generation unit 247 reads the area information of the surrounding area from the area information DB 214 and generates the second transmission information based on the area information (S543). Then, the second generation unit 247 transmits the second transmission information to the user terminal 300 of the user (S544). The user terminal 300 that has received the second transmission information displays the second transmission information on the display unit 340 (S545).

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the server 200 gives benefits to the user by transmitting the first transmission information to the user terminal 300 of the user who has completed the return procedure or transmitting the second transmission information to the user who is using the service. As a result, the repeated use of the rental service can be promoted. In particular, when the user tends to use a certain place as the destination, by the server 200 transmitting the second transmission information, the repeated use of the rental service as a means of transportation to the destination can be effectively promoted.

[0083] In addition, when the server 200 transmits the first transmission information or the second transmission information, it can encourage the user who has completed the return procedure to take a stroll around the return location. As a result, it can contribute to the activation of the local economy.

[0084] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist. For example, in the information processing system 1000 of the above-described second embodiment, the face authentication device 100 performs face authentication. However, a face authentication function may be implemented in the server 200, and the server 200 may perform face authentication.

[0085] Also, for example, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the trigger for the store terminal 400 to transmit return information was that it acquired the detection information of the sensor of the tire holder and received an input from the user requesting the bicycle return procedure. However, the trigger for the store terminal 400 to transmit return information is not limited to this. For example, it may simply be that the store terminal 400 has received an input from the user requesting the bicycle ID and the return procedure, or it may be that the user has appeared in front of the store terminal 400 within a predetermined time after acquiring the detection information of the sensor of the tire holder.

[0086] Also, the transmission of the return information may be performed by the user terminal 300 instead of the store terminal 400. For example, assume that the bicycle is attached with a QR code (registered trademark) representing the bicycle ID. When returning the bicycle, the user reads the QR code using the user terminal 300 and inputs a request for the return procedure to the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 may read the bicycle ID and transmit the return information to the server 200 in response to receiving the input of the completion request for the return procedure. When the user terminal 300 transmits the return information, the server 200 may acquire the position information of the user terminal 300 from the user terminal 300 and specify the return location based on the position information of the user terminal 300.

[0087] Also, in the above-described Embodiment 2, in order for the determination unit 243 to determine the completion of the return procedure, it was necessary that the face authentication performed after receiving the completion request for the return procedure was successful. However, the requirements for determining the completion of the return procedure are not limited to this and can take various forms.

[0088] For example, when another biometric authentication is successful instead of the face authentication, the determination unit 243 may determine that the return procedure has been completed. In this case, the information processing system 1000 may be provided with a biometric authentication device that performs another biometric authentication instead of or in addition to the face authentication device 100, or the server 200 may implement another biometric authentication function.

[0089] Also, the face authentication may be omitted, and the determination unit 243 may determine that the return procedure has been completed in response to receiving the return information including the bicycle ID from the store terminal 400.

[0090] Further, the determination unit 243 may determine that the return procedure has been completed in response to receiving return information including the bicycle ID from the user terminal 300 instead of the store terminal 400.

[0091] Also, when the determination unit 243 receives return information from both the user terminal 300 and the store terminal 400, it may determine that the return procedure has been completed. In this case, as an example, when the store terminal 400 acquires detection information indicating that the bicycle tire has been inserted into the tire holder from the sensor of the tire holder, it may transmit return information including the ID of the tire holder. On the other hand, when the user terminal 300 receives an input of a return procedure completion request including the ID of the tire holder and the bicycle ID from the user, it may transmit return information. The determination unit 243 may integrate the return information received from both and determine that the return procedure has been completed.

[0092] Also, the determination unit 243 may determine that the return procedure has been completed when it receives return information from both and the biometric authentication of the user is successful.

[0093] As described above, the completion determination of the return procedure has been described, but the same applies to the completion determination of the start procedure.

[0094] Also, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the second generation unit 247 generates the second transmission information based on the regional information of the region to which the return location with a high usage frequency belongs. However, the region that is the basis for generating the second transmission information is not limited to the return location with a high usage frequency, but may be the start location with a high usage frequency, or may be a location where the frequency of stopping during bicycle rental is high. This can also suitably encourage repeated use of the rental service.

[0095] Note that any process of the present disclosure can be realized by causing a processor to execute a computer program.

[0096] In the above example, when the program is loaded into a computer, it includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing 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, a computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] 10 Information processing apparatus 13 Determination unit 15 Identification unit 17 Transmission control unit 100 Face authentication device 110 Face information DB 111 User ID 112 Face feature information 120 Face detection unit 130 Feature point extraction unit 140 Registration unit 150 Authentication unit 200 Information processing apparatus (server) 210 Storage unit 211 Program 212 User DB 2121 User ID 2122 User information 213 Usage status DB 2131 User ID 2133 Start information 2134 Return Information 214 Regional Information DB 2141 Region Name 2142 Regional Information 220 Memory 230 Communication Unit 240 Control Unit 241 Registration Unit 242 Authentication Control Unit 243 Judgment Unit 244 Settlement Unit 245 Identification Unit 246 First Generation Unit 247 Second Generation Unit 248 Transmission Control Unit 300 User Terminal 310 Camera 320 Storage Unit 330 Communication Unit 340 Display Unit 350 Input Unit 360 Control Unit 400 Store Terminal 410 Camera 420 Storage Unit 430 Communication Unit 440 Display Unit 450 Input Unit 460 Control Unit 1000 Information Processing System

Claims

1. Determination means for determining whether the return procedure of the mobile body rented by the user has been completed; Specification means for specifying the return location of the mobile body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed; Transmission control means for transmitting at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs as first transmission information to the user terminal used by the user An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first generation means for selecting the first transmission information from the regional information based on at least one of schedule information after the return time of the user, the time zone of the return time, and the rental time of the mobile body. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The specifying means registers the specified return location in association with the user, The information processing apparatus further comprises second generation means for specifying a return location having a return frequency of a predetermined number of times or more based on the history of the return locations associated with the user, and generating second transmission information from the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs, The transmission control means transmits the second transmission information to the user terminal The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The determination means determines that the return procedure has been completed when receiving return information including the identification information of the mobile body from at least one of the user terminal and the terminal at the return location. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The determination means receives return information from at least one of the user terminal and the terminal at the return location, and determines that the return procedure has been completed when the biometric authentication of the user is successful. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. An information terminal; An information processing apparatus; Comprising the above, The information processing apparatus, Determination means for determining whether the return procedure of the mobile body has been completed in response to receiving return information including the identification information of the mobile body rented by the user from the information terminal; Specification means for specifying the return location of the mobile body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed; Transmission control means for transmitting at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the specified return location belongs as first transmission information to the user terminal used by the user; Having the above; An information processing system.

7. Further comprising a biometric authentication device for performing biometric authentication, The determination means, When receiving the return information and the biometric information of the user from the information terminal, request the biometric authentication device to perform biometric authentication based on the biometric information. When obtaining the biometric authentication result indicating that the biometric authentication has succeeded from the biometric authentication device, determine that the return procedure has been completed. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. A computer Determines whether the return procedure of the moving body rented by the user has been completed. In response to determining that the return procedure has been completed, identify the return location of the moving body. Transmit at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the identified return location belongs as first transmission information to the user terminal used by the user. Information processing method.

9. A determination function for determining whether the return procedure of the moving body rented by the user has been completed. An identification function for identifying the return location of the moving body in response to determining that the return procedure has been completed. A transmission control function for transmitting at least a part of the regional information regarding the region to which the identified return location belongs as first transmission information to the user terminal used by the user. A program that causes a computer to implement.

Images