Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To adjust the number of objects to be held and the number of acceptable objects per arrangement site of a rental and sharing object when an incentive is presented in a rental and sharing service.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises an identification unit, an estimation unit, a presentation unit, and a giving unit. The identification unit identifies the number of objects to be held and the number of acceptable objects per base of objects which a user can borrow from an arbitrary base and return to an arbitrary base. The estimation unit estimates a utilization mode in which the number of objects to be held in each base meets prescribed conditions on the basis of the number of acceptable objects per base. The presentation unit presents an incentive to the user so as to guide the user the utilization mode. The giving unit gives an incentive to the user when the user behaves as in the utilization mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding car sharing systems, a technology has been disclosed that improves vehicle utilization rates by directly providing incentives to users near the vehicle even when the vehicle is returned to an area with few users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-082155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology merely improves vehicle utilization rates by providing incentives to users who are near vehicles returned to areas with few users. Users cannot park their vehicles if there are no vehicles available in their desired parking space. In addition, there is a limit to the number of vehicles that can be parked at each parking space, and once the limit is reached, users cannot park in a parking space closer to their final destination. As a result, they are forced to return the vehicle to a parking space with few users. Therefore, there is a need for a means to adjust the number of vehicles available (number of vehicles that can be rented) and the number of vehicles that can be parked (number of parking spaces) at each parking space.

[0005] This application has been made in light of the above, and aims to adjust the number of rental / sharing items held (number available for immediate use) and the number that can be accepted (number that can be accommodated immediately) at each location (facility) where the rental / sharing items are located by offering incentives in a rental / sharing service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application includes: By managing the entry and exit of the object and identifying the number of the object, of the object Available for loan and the object return The identification department that identifies the possible number and the number identified for each base The number of items that can be borrowed and 、 of the object return Based on the possible number of Number of items that can be borrowed and / or returned an estimation unit that estimates a usage mode for satisfying a predetermined condition; a calculation unit that calculates an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage mode; For users , calculated Offer an incentive and guide the user a presentation unit for a confirmation unit that confirms that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; The user The object was borrowed or returned in response to an inducement provided by the presentation of an incentive. and a granting unit that grants the incentive to the user when the incentive is not provided. When the maximum capacity of the object at a base is n, the estimation unit determines that a state in which the number of the object at the base is n means that the object cannot be returned, and a state in which there is no object at all means that the object cannot be borrowed, and determines that a state in which the number of the object at the base is n / 2 means that the object can be borrowed or returned, and the calculation unit calculates a lower incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and calculates a higher incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves away from the worst state and closer to the best state. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, in a rental / sharing service, the number of rental / sharing objects held and the number of objects that can be accepted at each location can be adjusted by offering incentives. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information database. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the history information database. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the guide information database. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] [1. Overview of information processing method] First, an overview of an information processing method performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 explains an example in which, in a rental / sharing service, the number of objects held (number available for immediate use) and the number that can be accepted (number that can be immediately accommodated) for each location (facility) of rental / sharing objects are adjusted by offering an incentive.

[0011] 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 2) in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the server device 100.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal used by a user U, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with any server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation (4G)) or LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks. The terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling, performed by the user U with a finger or a stylus. An operation performed on an area of ​​the screen where content is displayed may be considered an operation on the content. The terminal device 10 may be not only a smart device, but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC.

[0013] The server device 100 is an information processing device that works in conjunction with the terminal device 10 of each user U and provides API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as apps) and various data to the terminal device 10 of each user U, and is realized by a computer, a cloud system, etc.

[0014] The server device 100 may also be an information processing device that provides some kind of online web service to the terminal device 10 of each user U. For example, the server device 100 may provide the following web services: internet connection, search service, social networking service (SNS), electronic commerce (EC), electronic payment, online games, online banking, online trading, hotel and ticket reservations, video and music distribution, news, maps, route search, route guidance, line information, operation information, and weather forecast. In practice, the server device 100 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above-mentioned web services and act as an intermediary for the web services or may be responsible for processing the web services.

[0015] The server device 100 can acquire user information about the user U. For example, the server device 100 acquires information about the attributes of the user U, such as the gender, age, and residential area of ​​the user U. The server device 100 then stores and manages the information about the attributes of the user U together with identification information (such as a user ID) that identifies the user U.

[0016] The server device 100 also acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. For example, the server device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the user U's location and date and time, from the terminal device 10. The server device 100 also acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries entered by the user U, from a search server (search engine). The server device 100 also acquires a browsing history, which is a history of content viewed by the user U, from a content server. The server device 100 also acquires a purchase history (payment history), which is a history of the user U's product purchases and payment processes, from an e-commerce server or a payment processing server. The server device 100 may also acquire a listing history and a sales history, which are a history of the user U's listings on the marketplace, from the e-commerce server or the payment processing server. The server device 100 also acquires a posting history, which is a history of the user U's posts, from a posting server or SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service. The various servers and the like described above may be the server device 100 itself. That is, the server device 100 may function as the various servers and the like described above.

[0017] [1-1. Mobility Parking Optimization Incentives] In recent years, rental and sharing of various means of transportation (mobility), such as rental cars, car sharing, shared bicycles (rental cycles), and sharing of electric kick scooters and personal mobility vehicles, has begun to become popular. At the same time, there has been an increase in mobility services that allow one-way use (drop-off) where the means of transportation (mobility) can be returned at any of multiple bases P (ports) where the means of transportation (mobility) is located. In this embodiment, for convenience, the means of transportation (mobility) will be referred to as a vehicle M.

[0018] However, there are some issues with using the service, such as (1) you cannot board the service unless there is a vehicle M at the base P (port), and (2) there is a limit to the number of vehicles M that can be parked at the base P (port), and if the limit is reached, you cannot park at a base P (port) that is close to your final destination.

[0019] To improve user convenience, it is necessary to maintain the following conditions as much as possible: (a) there is at least one vehicle M at the desired location P (port), and (b) there is at least one parking space at the desired location P (port).

[0020] Therefore, in this embodiment, the user U (user) chooses the boarding point P (port) and parking point P (port) himself / herself, and incentives such as fees, discounts, benefits, coupons, etc. are set so that (A) there is at least one vehicle M at every point P (port) as much as possible (as much as possible), and (B) there is at least one parking space.

[0021] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the server device 100 manages the entry and exit (entry / exit) of vehicles M for each location P (port) of vehicles M that a user U (user) can start using at any location P (port) and return to any location P (port), and identifies the number of vehicles M (step S1).

[0022] At this time, the server device 100 may manage the start of use (borrowing) or return of vehicle M, or the entry and exit (entry and exit) of vehicle M to and from the base P (port) by communicating with equipment within the base P (port), communicating with or detecting vehicle M, or communicating with or detecting terminal device 10 of user U (user).

[0023] The location P (port) where the user U (user) starts using (borrows) the vehicle M and the location P (port) where the user U returns (parks) the vehicle M may be the same location P (port) or different locations P (ports). In this case, the server device 100 manages the entry and exit information and vacancy status information of the vehicle M for each location P (port), and identifies the number of vehicles M available for use (number of vehicles that can be rented) and the number of vehicles M that can be parked (number of parking spaces).

[0024] Next, the server device 100 estimates a suitable / optimum usage mode for each base P (port) based on the identified number of available vehicles and number of parking spaces for each base P (port) (step S2).

[0025] At this time, the server device 100 estimates the usage pattern that will allow the number of available vehicles (and / or the number of parking spaces) at each location P (port) to satisfy specified conditions based on the identified number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces for each location P (port).

[0026] For example, suppose there is a base P (port) with parking spaces for n vehicles. The worst case scenario is when n vehicles M are parked there (no parking available) or when there are no vehicles at all (no rentals available). The best case scenario is when n / 2 vehicles M are parked there (enough space for both rentals and parking available).

[0027] When there are exactly half (n / 2) of the number of vehicles M that can be parked at the site P (port) (total vehicles), both rental and parking are possible, and this is far from the worst state. However, in cases where there are usually only 10% of the number of vehicles M that can be parked at the site P (port) (total vehicles), most of the vehicles M are always out, and the probability of a new vehicle being rented is higher than the probability of a new vehicle being parked. Therefore, a value greater than n / 2 may be the best state. In other words, since the number of vehicles that is considered to be in the best state varies depending on the situation and conditions of the site P (port), the server device 100 may adjust the number of vehicles that is considered to be in the best state depending on the situation and conditions of the site P (port).

[0028] At this time, the server device 100 considers the probability that vehicle M will be present at each location P (port) on a random basis, and by assuming the probability that vehicle M will increase or decrease, it can also calculate the number of parked vehicles at each location P (port) and the probability that the location P (port) will become full or empty within a certain period of time.

[0029] In addition, the server device 100 may use machine learning to estimate the expected number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces for each day of the week and time period, and based on the estimated number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces, estimate the usage pattern that will ensure that the number of available vehicles (and / or the number of parking spaces) at each base P (port) meets specified conditions.

[0030] The machine learning method may be deep learning, a recurrent neural network (RNN), a long short-term memory (LSTM), etc. Note that these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0031] The server device 100 may estimate and change the suitable / optimum usage mode in real time based on the number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces available for each base P (port), which change in real time.

[0032] Next, the server device 100 calculates an incentive based on the estimated usage pattern (step S3).

[0033] For example, the server device 100 calculates incentives according to the suitable / optimal usage mode for each location P (port). If the estimated usage mode changes, the incentives also change. Note that the server device 100 may calculate and change incentives in real time according to the suitable / optimal usage mode for each location P (port), which changes in real time.

[0034] Next, the server device 100 presents an incentive to the user U so as to induce the user U to adopt the estimated usage pattern (step S4).

[0035] For example, the server device 100 may specify a location P (port) that the user U (user) is desired to use, and may offer the most advantageous incentive when the user U uses that location P (port). At this time, the server device 100 may present the incentive to the terminal device 10 of the user U along with identification information (number, location, etc.) indicating the location P (port) that the user U is desired to use. Alternatively, the server device 100 may present to the terminal device 10 of the user U a list of incentives for each location P (port) or a ranking of the locations P (ports) based on the magnitude of the incentives.

[0036] In addition, the server device 100 may present the user U with a high incentive if he / she rents a vehicle M from a location P (port) with a large surplus in the number of vehicles M available (number of vehicles that can be rented out), and may present the user U with a low incentive (including the case where no incentive is available) if he / she rents a vehicle M from a location P (port) with a small surplus in the number of vehicles M available (number of vehicles that can be rented out).

[0037] In addition, the server device 100 may present the user U with a high incentive if he / she returns the vehicle M to a base P (port) that has a large capacity for parking the vehicle M (number of parking spaces), and may present the user U with a low incentive (including the case where no incentive is provided) if he / she returns the vehicle M to a base P (port) that has a small capacity for parking the vehicle M (number of parking spaces).

[0038] Next, the server device 100 confirms that the user U has started using (borrowed) the vehicle M or returned the vehicle M in response to the incentive offer (step S5).

[0039] At this time, the server device 100 confirms that the user U has started using (borrowed) the vehicle M or returned the vehicle M at the location P (port) that is eligible for the incentive. In other words, the server device 100 confirms that the user U has met the conditions for the incentive.

[0040] Next, when the user U starts using (borrows) or returns the vehicle M in response to the incentive offer, the server device 100 grants the incentive to the user U (step S6).

[0041] That is, the server device 100 grants an incentive to the user U when the user U satisfies the conditions for granting the incentive.

[0042] Incentives are offered separately for starting use (renting) and parking (returning). Incentives include fee / discounts (immediate application), kickbacks, points, extended usage time (e.g., one hour free extension), additional options / services (free, low-cost, special / limited services), and coupons for the next visit (one free visit, discounts, etc.).

[0043] At this time, the server device 100 may use machine learning to calculate a more effective incentive for the user U. For example, the server device 100 may use machine learning to learn which incentive is most effective (most preferred) for each user U (or may be a user attribute, user segment, or user persona) among the incentives presented to the user U, and calculate the most effective incentive for each user U (or may be a user attribute, user segment, or user persona).

[0044] The server device 100 may grant (or present) a relatively more advantageous incentive to the user U as the user U approaches the wishes of the service provider (administrator, operating company, etc.), such as starting to use (borrow) the vehicle M from a base P (port) with a small number of users and a surplus of vehicles, or returning the vehicle M to a base P (port) with a large number of users and a small number of returned vehicles. Also, if the user U deviates from the wishes of the service provider, the incentive may be lowered (or not granted).

[0045] For example, if there is only one vehicle M at a location P (port) that can accommodate five vehicles, the server device 100 may lower the incentive (grant a low incentive) when a user U (user) uses vehicle M at that location P (port) (when he / she gets into vehicle M at that location P (port)), and may increase the incentive (grant a high incentive) when the user U (user) parks at that location P (port).

[0046] In addition, the server device 100 may provide a relatively higher incentive the more the location P (port) where the user U (user) starts using (borrows) the vehicle M is a location P (port) with a relatively low number of users and a surplus of vehicles, or the more the location P (port) where the user U (user) parks is a location P (port) with a relatively high number of users and a low number of returned vehicles.

[0047] The location P (port) where the user U (user) starts using (borrows) / returns (parks) the vehicle M may be read as the location P (port) where the user U (user) plans to start using (borrows) / return (parks) the vehicle M. This is because the incentive is presented to guide the user U (user) before the user U (user) starts using (borrows) / returns (parks) the vehicle M.

[0048] At this time, the server device 100 may tally up the entry and exit of the vehicle M at each of a plurality of bases P (ports) (each base P (port)), and calculate and rank scores according to the number of users and the number of parked vehicles at each base P (port). The score and rank of each base P (port) may also change in real time according to the current number of parked vehicles. The server device 100 may then provide incentives according to the score and rank of the base P (port) where the user U (user) starts using (renting) the vehicle M, or the base P (port) where the user U (user) parks the vehicle.

[0049] By setting up coupons based on this incentive when a user U (user) selects a location P (port) to rent / park, it is possible to reduce the number of cases where a user U cannot get in or park, thereby increasing the convenience of the service. In some cases, it may be possible to systematically encourage users to get in and park at locations with higher incentives.

[0050] The convenience for user U (user) is not significantly different whether one or two cars are parked. A user U who wishes to rent can start using the parking lot as long as there is at least one car parked, and a user U who wishes to park is satisfied with just one free car. The only difference with having an excess number of cars is that it increases the options available to user U. It is important to adjust the number of cars at each port P so that the rental / parking behavior of each user U changes depending on the incentive.

[0051] Furthermore, the server device 100 may calculate and display how many kcals will be consumed if the user uses a different base P (port) (such as a nearby base P (port) a little further away) than the base P (port) closest to the destination (the nearest base P (port)) and walks a slightly longer distance. For example, if the base P (port) where the user U wants to get on and off is a base P (port) that the operator does not want the user U to use (has no incentive), the server device 100 may display on the map, for example, "If you get off at this nearby base P (port) and walk to your destination, approximately how many kcals will be consumed."

[0052] In addition, the server device 100 may identify (or estimate) the area where user U will use and return the item from the user U's usage history, identify a location P (port) where user U is likely to use and return the item, and notify (provide) the user that an incentive will be given for use or return at that location P (port).

[0053] In addition, the server device 100 may identify not only the location P (port), but also the vehicle M (vehicle M that the user wants to borrow) and the parking space in which the user wants to park, and may present the most advantageous incentive to the user U when the user borrows the vehicle M or parks in that parking space.

[0054] For example, the server device 100 may present an incentive to the terminal device 10 of the user U along with identification information (number, location, etc.) indicating the vehicle M that the user U is desired to borrow, or identification information (number, location, etc.) indicating the parking space that the user U is desired to park in.

[0055] That is, the server device 100 presents a pair of a vehicle M that the user U is interested in renting and an incentive that will be given when the user rents the vehicle M, thereby encouraging the user U to rent the vehicle M.

[0056] Similarly, the server device 100 presents a pair of a parking space where the user U is desired to park and an incentive to be given when the user U parks in that parking space, and guides the user U to park in that parking space.

[0057] At this time, the server device 100 may present to the terminal device 10 of the user U a list of incentives for each vehicle M and parking space, or a ranking of the vehicles M and parking spaces based on the magnitude of the incentives.

[0058] Furthermore, when calculating the incentive, the server device 100 may take into consideration the closing time (closing time of business) of the base P (port). This is because returning the vehicle M to a base P (port) where there is still time before closing time and where there may be a next user, leads to an increase in the user's opportunities to use the vehicle, and is preferable, rather than returning the vehicle M to a base P (port) that is closing time and where there is clearly no next user who will use the vehicle M.

[0059] For example, if a base P (port) associated with a facility is closed at night in accordance with the facility's business hours, and there is a nearby base P (port) that closes later than the base P (port) (open at night or late at night, or open 24 hours a day) and that is frequently used / rented by users, the server device 100 may encourage the user U by offering a higher incentive (by presenting a higher incentive) for returning the vehicle M to that (nearby) base P (port).

[0060] Alternatively, the server device 100 may provide a higher incentive to the user U when the user U returns the vehicle M to a location P (port) with a later closing time among locations P (ports) where the user U can return the vehicle M. Furthermore, when the closing times are the same, the server device 100 may provide a higher incentive to the user when the user returns the vehicle M to a location P (port) with the same closing time that is more frequently used / borrowed by the user.

[0061] Furthermore, when calculating the incentive, the server device 100 may take into consideration the parking situation at nearby bases P (ports). For example, the server device 100 may guide the user U by increasing the incentive (by offering a higher incentive) for returning the vehicle M to a less congested base P (port) depending on the parking situation at bases P (ports) within a predetermined range (within a radius of XX meters) centered on the base P (port) where the vehicle M is to be returned. Alternatively, the server device 100 may provide a higher incentive the more the user U returns the vehicle M to a base P (port) where the vehicle M can be returned that has a larger parking capacity (number of parking spaces).

[0062] [2. Example of information processing system configuration] Next, a configuration of an information processing system 1 including a server device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. These various devices are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0063] Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 2 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, in Fig. 2, for the sake of simplicity, only one terminal device 10 is shown, but this is merely an example and is not limiting, and two or more devices may be included.

[0064] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user U. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, a mobile phone such as a feature phone (Gala-ke / Gala-ho), a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game console or AV device with a communication function, a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smart watch or a head-mounted display, smart glasses, etc. The terminal device 10 may also be a house / building, a car, a home appliance, an electronic device, etc. that is compatible with the Internet of Things (IOT).

[0065] In addition, the terminal device 10 can connect to the network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: 5th generation mobile communication system), or via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and communicate with the server device 100.

[0066] The server device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or a blade server, or a mainframe or a workstation, etc. The server device 100 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0067] [3. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0068] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 2) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, etc.

[0069] (Display section 12) Display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as position information. For example, display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (OLED). Display unit 12 is also a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

[0070] (Input section 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that accepts various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons and the like for inputting letters, numbers, and the like. The input unit 13 may be an input / output point P (port) (I / O port) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) point P (port), etc. Furthermore, if the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. Furthermore, the input unit 13 may be a microphone or the like that accepts voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0071] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from satellites of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10, which is the device itself, based on the received signals. That is, the positioning unit 14 positions the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is merely an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0072] The positioning unit 14 can also measure the position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using various communication functions of the terminal device 10 as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

[0073] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 uses a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or a communication network provided by each communication company to measure the position of the terminal device 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication or the like and measures the distance to a nearby base station or access point, thereby measuring the position of the terminal device 10.

[0074] (Beacon positioning) The positioning unit 14 may also measure the position by using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

[0075] (geomagnetic positioning) The positioning unit 14 also measures the position of the terminal device 10 based on a geomagnetic pattern of a structure that has been measured in advance and a geomagnetic sensor that the terminal device 10 has.

[0076] (RFID positioning) Furthermore, for example, if the terminal device 10 has a function of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, in stores, etc., or has a function of reading an RFID tag, the location where the terminal device 10 was used is recorded together with information on the payment or the like made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may obtain such information to determine the location of the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

[0077] The positioning unit 14 may measure the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the above-mentioned positioning means, as needed.

[0078] (Sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection may be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0079] The above-described sensors 21 to 28 are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. That is, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21 to 28, or may include other sensors such as a humidity sensor in addition to or instead of the sensors 21 to 28.

[0080] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as the direction of movement, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as tilt in three axial directions, based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10. The air pressure sensor 23 detects, for example, the air pressure around the terminal device 10.

[0081] Since the terminal device 10 includes the acceleration sensor 21, the gyro sensor 22, the atmospheric pressure sensor 23, etc., it is possible to measure the position of the terminal device 10 using a technique such as Pedestrian Dead-Reckoning (PDR) that uses these sensors 21 to 23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor position information that is difficult to obtain using a positioning system such as GPS.

[0082] For example, the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked can be calculated using a pedometer that uses the acceleration sensor 21. In addition, the direction of travel, line of sight, and body tilt of the user U can be determined using the gyro sensor 22. In addition, the altitude and floor on which the terminal device 10 of the user U is located can be determined from the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor 23.

[0083] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the geomagnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image around the terminal device 10.

[0084] The above-mentioned air pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the air pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, respectively, and capture images of the surroundings, thereby detecting the environment and situation around the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 can be improved based on the environment and situation around the terminal device 10.

[0085] (control unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input / output points P (ports), etc., and various other circuits. The control unit 30 may also be configured with hardware such as an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmitting unit 31, a receiving unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0086] (Transmitter 31) The transmission unit 31 can transmit, for example, various information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by each sensor 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 measured by the positioning unit 14 to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0087] (Receiving unit 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive various types of information provided by the server device 100 and requests for various types of information from the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0088] (Processing unit 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output various information transmitted by the transmitting unit 31 and various information received from the server device 100 by the receiving unit 32 to the display unit 12 for display.

[0089] (Storage unit 40) The storage unit 40 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 40 stores various programs, various data, etc.

[0090] [4. Server device configuration example] Next, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0091] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is also connected to a network N (see FIG. 2) by wire or wirelessly.

[0092] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk, etc. As shown in FIG. 4 , the storage unit 120 has a user information database 121, a history information database 122, and a guidance information database 123.

[0093] (User Information Database 121) The user information database 121 stores user information about the user U. For example, the user information database 121 stores various information such as the attributes of the user U. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 121. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the user information database 121 has items such as "User ID (Identifier)," "Age," "Gender," "Home," "Workplace," and "Interests."

[0094] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying the user U. The "user ID" may be the contact information of the user U (telephone number, email address, etc.), or may be identification information for identifying the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0095] Furthermore, "age" indicates the age of user U identified by the user ID. Note that "age" may be information indicating the specific age of user U (e.g., 35 years old), or may be information indicating the generation of user U (e.g., 30s). Alternatively, "age" may be information indicating the date of birth of user U, or may be information indicating the generation of user U (e.g., born in the 1980s). Furthermore, "gender" indicates the gender of user U identified by the user ID.

[0096] Furthermore, "home" indicates the location information of the home of user U identified by the user ID. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "home" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC11," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Furthermore, for example, "home" may also be the name of an area or an address.

[0097] Furthermore, "workplace" indicates location information of the workplace (school in the case of a student) of user U identified by the user ID. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "workplace" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC12," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Furthermore, for example, "workplace" may also be the name of a region or an address.

[0098] Furthermore, "interests" indicate the interests of user U identified by the user ID. In other words, "interests" indicate subjects in which user U identified by the user ID is highly interested. For example, "interests" may be search queries (keywords) entered by user U into a search engine. In the example shown in FIG. 5, each user U is shown with one "interest," but there may be multiple "interests."

[0099] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the age of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "20s" and the gender is "male." Furthermore, for example, the home address of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "LC11." Furthermore, for example, the workplace of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "LC12." Furthermore, for example, the user U identified by user ID "U1" is interested in "sports."

[0100] 5, abstract values ​​such as "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are used for illustration, but "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are assumed to store information such as specific character strings and numerical values. Below, abstract values ​​may also be illustrated in diagrams relating to other information.

[0101] The user information database 121 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, without being limited to the above. For example, the user information database 121 may store various types of information related to the terminal device 10 of the user U. The user information database 121 may also store information related to the user U's attributes, such as demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, geographic attributes, and behavioral attributes. For example, the user information database 121 may store information such as name, family structure, hometown (hometown), occupation, job title, income, qualifications, type of residence (detached house, apartment, etc.), whether or not the user has a car, commuting time, commuting route, commuter pass area (station, line, etc.), frequently used stations (other than the station nearest to home or workplace), extracurricular activities (location, time zone, etc.), hobbies, interests, lifestyle, etc.

[0102] (History Information Database 122) The history information database 122 stores various information related to history information (log data) that indicates the behavior of the user U. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the history information database 122. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the history information database 122 has items such as "user ID," "location history," "search history," "browsing history," "purchase history," and "posting history."

[0103] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying user U. "Location history" indicates the location history, which is the history of user U's location and movements. "Search history" indicates the search history, which is the history of search queries entered by user U. "Browsing history" indicates the browsing history, which is the history of content viewed by user U. "Purchase history" indicates the purchase history, which is the history of purchases made by user U. "Posting history" indicates the posting history, which is the history of posts made by user U. "Posting history" may also include questions about user U's possessions.

[0104] For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, user U, identified by user ID "U1," moved as shown in "Location History #1," searched as shown in "Search History #1," viewed content as shown in "Viewing History #1," purchased specific products at specific stores as shown in "Purchase History #1," and posted as shown in "Posting History #1."

[0105] Here, in the example shown in Figure 6, abstract values ​​such as "U1", "Location History #1", "Search History #1", "Browsing History #1", "Purchase History #1", and "Post History #1" are used for the illustration, but "U1", "Location History #1", "Search History #1", "Browsing History #1", "Purchase History #1", and "Post History #1" are assumed to store specific information such as character strings and numbers.

[0106] The history information database 122 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the history information database 122 may store the user U's usage history of a predetermined service. The history information database 122 may also store the user U's store visit history or facility visit history. The history information database 122 may also store the user U's payment history (electronic payment) using the terminal device 10.

[0107] (Guidance Information Database 123) The guidance information database 123 stores various information related to incentives for guiding the behavior of the user U toward the estimated usage mode. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance information database 123. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the guidance information database 123 has items such as "location ID," "maximum number of vehicles," "available number of vehicles," "borrowing incentive," "number of vehicles that can be parked," and "return incentive."

[0108] "Location ID" indicates identification information for identifying the location P (port). "Maximum number" indicates the maximum number of vehicles M that the location P (port) can accommodate. "Available number" indicates the available number of vehicles (number of vehicles that can be borrowed), which is the number of vehicles M currently owned (remaining) by the location P (port). "Borrowing incentive" indicates an incentive (reward) that is granted when a user U starts using (borrowing) a vehicle M from the location P (port). "Number of vehicles that can be parked" indicates the number of vehicles that can be parked (number of parking spaces), which is the number of vehicles M that can currently be accommodated at the location P (port). "Return incentive" indicates an incentive that is granted when a user U returns a vehicle M to the location P (port).

[0109] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the location P (port) identified by the location ID "P1" indicates that the maximum number of vehicles is "10," the number of vehicles available is "6," the borrowing incentive is "Borrowing Reward #P1," the number of vehicles that can be parked is "4," and the return incentive is "Return Reward #P1."

[0110] Here, in the example shown in Figure 7, abstract values ​​such as "P1", "Borrowing Reward #P1", and "Return Reward #P1" are used for the illustration, but "P1", "Borrowing Reward #P1", and "Return Reward #P1" are assumed to store specific information such as character strings or numbers.

[0111] The guide information database 123 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the guide information database 123 may store information about incentives calculated for each user U (which may also be user attributes, user segments, or user personas). The guide information database 123 may also store, for each base P (port), a set of identification information for identifying each vehicle M or parking space, and an incentive to be granted when the vehicle M or parking space is used.

[0112] (control unit 130) 4, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like, executing various programs (corresponding to examples of information processing programs) stored in a storage device inside the server device 100 using a storage area such as a RAM as a working area. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, an identification unit 132, an estimation unit 133, a calculation unit 134, a presentation unit 135, and an assignment unit 137.

[0113] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires a search query input by the user U. For example, when the user U inputs a search query into a search engine or the like to perform a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. That is, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, via the communication unit 110, the keywords input by the user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or app.

[0114] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U, location information of the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. from the terminal device 10 of the user U. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the identification information indicating the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. when registering the user U. Then, the acquisition unit 131 registers the user information in the user information database 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0115] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID or the like. Then, the acquisition unit 131 registers the various types of history information in the history information database 122 of the storage unit 120.

[0116] In addition, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information regarding the start of use (borrowing) or return of an object, or the entry and exit (entry and exit) of an object at the base P (port) through communication with equipment within the base P (port), communication with or detection of an object (vehicle M), or communication with or detection of a terminal device 10 of a user U (user).

[0117] (Specific Section 132) The identification unit 132 identifies the number of objects (vehicles M) held (number available for immediate use) and the number of objects that can be accepted (number that can be accommodated immediately) for each location P (port) of objects (vehicles M) that a user U (user) can borrow from any location P (port) and return to any location P (port).

[0118] (Estimation part 133) The estimation unit 133 estimates the usage pattern for the number of objects held at each location P (port) to satisfy specified conditions based on the number of objects held identified for each location P (port) and the number of objects that can be accepted at each location P (port).

[0119] (Calculation unit 134) The calculation unit 134 calculates incentives based on the estimated usage mode. For example, the calculation unit 134 calculates incentives according to the suitable / optimal usage mode for each location P (port). If the estimated usage mode changes, the incentives also change. That is, the usage mode and incentives change in real time according to changes in the number of objects held and the number that can be accepted for each location P (port). In this case, the calculation unit 134 may calculate and change the incentives in real time according to the suitable / optimal usage mode for each location P (port), which changes in real time.

[0120] (Presentation part 135) The presentation unit 135 presents an incentive to the user U so as to induce the user U to adopt the estimated usage pattern. For example, the presentation unit 135 presents the calculated incentive to the user U.

[0121] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents to the user U that a high incentive will be obtained if the user borrows an object from a location P (port) that has a large surplus of the object in stock, and presents to the user U that only a low incentive will be obtained (including the case where no incentive will be obtained) if the user borrows an object from a location P (port) that has a small surplus of the object in stock.

[0122] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents to the user U that a high incentive will be obtained if the user U returns the object to a location P (port) that has a large capacity to accept the object, and presents to the user U that only a low incentive will be obtained (including the case where no incentive will be obtained) if the user U returns the object to a location P (port) that has a small capacity to accept the object.

[0123] The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location P (port) that are granted when the user U borrows an object. The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location P (port) that are granted when the user U returns an object.

[0124] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents a pair of a specific object (vehicle M) that the user U can use and an incentive that will be granted when the specific object is used, thereby encouraging the user U to use the specific object.

[0125] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents a pair of a specific return space (parking space) where the user U can return the object (vehicle M) and an incentive to be granted when the object is returned to the specific return space, thereby encouraging the user U to return the object to the specific return space.

[0126] (Verification Section 136) The confirmation unit 136 confirms that the user U has started using (borrowed) the vehicle M or returned the vehicle M in response to the presentation of the incentive, based on information regarding the entry and exit (entry and exit) of the object. Note that the confirmation unit 136 may be part of the acquisition unit 131.

[0127] (Granting section 137) The granting unit 137 grants an incentive to the user U when the user U acts in accordance with the usage pattern. The granting unit 137 may transmit information, data, etc. granted as an incentive to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110, or may arrange for mailing or delivery to mail or deliver the item granted as an incentive to the user U's home, etc. Alternatively, the granting unit 137 may grant special treatment or rights (privileges) to the user U as an incentive. In other words, the granting unit 137 may be any device that performs some kind of processing related to granting incentives.

[0128] Furthermore, the recipient of the incentive provided by the providing unit 137 does not have to be the user U or the terminal device 10. For example, the providing unit 137 may provide the incentive to a person designated by the user U or a person who will bring about a benefit to the user U.

[0129] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, a processing procedure by the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the server device 100.

[0130] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires information regarding the start of use (borrowing) or return of an object, or the entry and exit (entry and exit) of an object at the location P (port) via the communication unit 110, by communicating with equipment within the location P (port), communicating with or detecting an object (vehicle M), or communicating with or detecting a terminal device 10 of a user U (user) (step S101).

[0131] Next, the identification unit 132 of the server device 100 identifies the number of objects (vehicles M) held (number available for immediate use) and the number of objects that can be accepted (number that can be accommodated immediately) for each location P (port) of objects (vehicles M) that the user U (user) can borrow from any location P (port) and return to any location P (port) (step S102).

[0132] Next, the estimation unit 133 of the server device 100 estimates a suitable / optimal usage mode for each location P (port) based on the number of objects held identified for each location P (port) and the number of objects that can be accepted for each location P (port) (step S103). For example, the estimation unit 133 estimates a usage mode for the number of objects held at each location P (port) to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the number of objects held and the number that can be accepted for each location P (port).

[0133] Next, the calculation unit 134 of the server device 100 calculates an incentive based on the estimated usage mode (step S104). For example, the calculation unit 134 calculates an incentive according to a suitable / optimal usage mode for each location P (port).

[0134] Next, the presentation unit 135 of the server device 100 presents an incentive to the user U to guide the user U to the estimated usage pattern (step S105).

[0135] Next, the confirmation unit 136 of the server device 100 confirms, based on information regarding the entry and exit (entry and exit) of the object, that the user U has started using (borrowed) the vehicle M or returned the vehicle M in response to the presentation of the incentive (guidance to a preferred usage mode) (step S106).

[0136] Next, when the user U starts using (borrows) the vehicle M or returns the vehicle M in response to the incentive offer, the granting unit 137 of the server device 100 grants the incentive to the user U (step S107).

[0137] [6. Modifications] The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

[0138] In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing executed by the server device 100 may actually be executed by the terminal device 10. For example, the processing may be completed in a stand-alone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have the functions of the server device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 is linked to the server device 100, and therefore, from the perspective of the user U, it appears that the processing of the server device 100 is also being executed by the terminal device 10. In other words, from another perspective, the terminal device 10 can also be said to be equipped with the server device 100.

[0139] In addition, in the above embodiment, the means of transportation (mobility) ridden by user U (user) may be a bicycle (city bicycle, electric bicycle, road bike, mountain bike, folding bicycle, etc.), a vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc.), or a small watercraft (pleasure boat, motorboat, yacht, jet ski, jet ski, etc.).

[0140] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the means of transportation (mobility) that the user U (user) rides may be an autonomous vehicle. Even if the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, the above-described embodiment can be applied as long as it is usually parked at a base P (port) like a rental car or car sharing vehicle, and the user can specify the base P (port) where the vehicle M is to be used (borrowed) and the base P (port) where the vehicle M is to be returned (parked).

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the target item is described as a means of transportation (mobility) that the user U rides, but the target item in the above embodiment is not limited to the means of transportation that the user U rides. For example, umbrella rental and sharing services have been increasing in recent years. In this case, the base P (port) may be interpreted as an installation location (spot). In reality, the target item may be an item that the user U (user) can acquire and start using at any facility (store, etc.) or counter, and can return to any facility or counter, subject to payment of a fee (usage fee). In other words, the target item may be a rentable or shareable item that the user U (user) can return at a facility or counter other than the one where the user U (user) rented it.

[0142] For example, the target items of the above embodiments may be items that are generally loaned and returned, expensive brand-name goods, costumes and tools that are only used temporarily, or expensive and specialized equipment, etc. Examples of target items include books, DVDs, personal computers (PCs), peripherals, projectors, printers, smartphones, tablets, flip phones, feature phones, mobile batteries, small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), game consoles, home appliances, cameras, astronomical telescopes, binoculars, luxury watches, brand-name bags and accessories, decorative items (jewelry and accessories), clothing and shoes, antiques, vintage items, rare items, musical instruments (guitars, basses, amplifiers, drums, pianos, digital pianos, string instruments, wind instruments, brass instruments, etc.), art (paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, crafts, etc.), sporting goods (golf, surfing, snowboarding, skiing, tennis equipment, etc.), outdoor goods (camping equipment, barbecue equipment, canoes, kayaks, etc.), fishing tackle (fishing rods, reels, lures, etc.), etc. Furthermore, the items covered are not limited to those that can be returned in person at any facility or counter, but may also be items that can be returned by mail, delivery, etc. to any facility or counter.

[0143] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) according to the present application includes an identification unit 132 that identifies the number of objects held and the number of objects that can be accepted for each location where a user U (user) can borrow from any location and return to any location; an estimation unit 133 that estimates a usage pattern that will enable the number of objects held at each location to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the number of objects held identified for each location and the number of objects that can be accepted for each location; a presentation unit 135 that presents an incentive to user U to guide user U to the estimated usage pattern; and an awarding unit 137 that awards an incentive to user U when user U acts in accordance with the usage pattern.

[0144] The information processing device according to the present application further includes a calculation unit 134 that calculates an incentive based on the estimated usage pattern. A presentation unit 135 presents the calculated incentive to the user U.

[0145] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents to the user U that a high incentive will be obtained if the user U borrows an object from a base that has a large surplus of object items in stock, and presents to the user U that only a low incentive will be obtained if the user U borrows an object from a base that has a small surplus of object items in stock.

[0146] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents to the user U that a high incentive will be obtained if the user U returns the object to a base that has a large capacity to accept the object, and presents to the user U that only a low incentive will be obtained if the user U returns the object to a base that has a small capacity to accept the object.

[0147] The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location that are given to the user U when he or she borrows an object.

[0148] The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives that are given to the user U at each location when the user U returns the object.

[0149] In addition, usage patterns and incentives change in real time according to changes in the number of objects held and the number that can be accepted at each base.

[0150] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents a pair of a specific object that the user U can use and an incentive that will be granted when the specific object is used, thereby encouraging the user U to use the specific object.

[0151] In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents a pair of a specific return space where the user U can return the object and an incentive to be given when the user U returns the object to the specific return space, thereby encouraging the user U to return the object to the specific return space.

[0152] By using any one or a combination of the above-mentioned processes, the information processing device of the present application can adjust the number of rental / sharing items held and the number of items that can be accepted at each location by offering incentives in a rental / sharing service.

[0153] [8. Hardware Configuration] The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 9, for example. The following description will be given taking the server device 100 as an example. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I / F (Interface) 1060, an input I / F 1070, and a network I / F 1080 are connected via a bus 1090.

[0154] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The arithmetic device 1030 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0155] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. The secondary storage device 1050 may be an internal storage device or an external storage device. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, or the like.

[0156] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a display, a projector, a printer, etc., and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, a scanner, etc., and is realized by a USB, etc.

[0157] Furthermore, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. That is, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0158] The output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated into one device, such as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated into one device as an input / output I / F.

[0159] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0160] The network I / F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0161] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0162] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the server device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 to realize the functions of the control unit 130. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also load a program acquired from another device via the network I / F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also cooperate with the other device via the network I / F 1080 to call and use the functions and data of a program from another program of the other device.

[0163] [9. Other] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of so-called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0164] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0165] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0166] For example, the above-mentioned server device 100 may be realized by multiple server computers, and depending on the function, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0167] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0168] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 100 Server device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User Information Database 122 Historical Information Database 123 Guidance Information Database 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Specific part 133 Estimation Department 134 Calculation Unit 135 Presentation section 136 Verification Department 137 Granting Department

Claims

1. an identification unit that manages the entry and exit of objects for each base where a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifies the number of objects, thereby identifying the number of objects that can be borrowed and the number of objects that can be returned at the current time; an estimation unit that estimates a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and / or the number of objects that can be returned at each base based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned specified for each base; a calculation unit that calculates an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage mode; a presentation unit that presents the calculated incentive to the user and guides the user; a confirmation unit that confirms that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; an incentive granting unit that grants the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; Equipped with When the maximum storage capacity of the object at a base is n, the estimation unit determines a state in which the number of the object at the base is n as the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, a state in which there is no object at all as the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of the object at the base is n / 2 as the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned, The calculation unit calculates a lower incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and calculates a higher incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves away from the worst state and closer to the best state.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The estimation unit The optimal number varies depending on the situation and conditions of the base, so we will adjust the optimal number depending on the situation and conditions of the base. When the number of objects stored at a base is less than half of the maximum number of objects stored, the probability of new borrowing is higher than the probability of new return. Therefore, a value greater than n / 2 is set as the best state.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The presentation unit presents to the user that a high incentive will be obtained if the user borrows the object from a base that has a large surplus of the object's available for lending, and presents to the user that only a low incentive will be obtained if the user borrows the object from a base that has a small surplus of the object's available for lending.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The presentation unit presents to the user that a high incentive will be obtained if the user returns the object to a base that has a large margin for the number of objects that can be returned, and presents to the user that only a low incentive will be obtained if the user returns the object to a base that has a small margin for the number of objects that can be returned.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The presentation unit presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location that are given when the user borrows or returns the object.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The estimation unit estimates the expected number of loans and / or the number of returns for each location, day of the week, or time period, by machine learning, and estimates a usage pattern for the number of loans and / or the number of returns at each location to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the estimated number of loans and the number of returns.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The usage mode and the incentive change in real time according to the change in the number of loanable items and the number of returnable items at each base.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. When the base owns a plurality of objects, the presentation unit presents a set of identification information indicating a specific object among the plurality of objects that the base is desired to use, and an incentive to be given when the specific object is used, thereby guiding the user to use the specific object.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

9. When there are multiple return spaces at the base, the presentation unit presents a set of identification information indicating a specific return space among the multiple return spaces where the user is desired to return the object, and an incentive to be granted when the user returns the object to the specific return space, thereby guiding the user to return the object to the specific return space.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, an identification step of managing the entry and exit of objects for each base at which a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifying the number of objects, thereby identifying the number of objects that can be borrowed and the number of objects that can be returned at the current time; an estimation step of estimating a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and / or the number of objects that can be returned at each base to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned specified for each base; a calculation step of calculating an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage pattern; a presentation step of presenting the calculated incentive to the user to induce the user; a confirmation step of confirming that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; a granting step of granting the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; Including, In the estimation step, if the maximum storage capacity of the object at a base is n, a state in which the number of the object at the base is n is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, and a state in which there is no object at all is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of the object at the base is n / 2 is considered to be the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned, In the calculation step, the incentive is calculated to be lower as the behavior of borrowing or returning the object by the user moves the base away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and the incentive is calculated to be higher as the behavior of borrowing or returning the object by the user moves the base away from the worst state and closer to the best state. An information processing method comprising:

11. a step of managing the entry and exit of objects for each base at which a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifying the number of objects, thereby identifying the number of objects that can be borrowed and the number of objects that can be returned at the current time; an estimation step of estimating a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and / or the number of objects that can be returned at each base to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned specified for each base; a calculation step of calculating an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage mode; a presentation step of presenting the calculated incentive to the user and guiding the user; a confirmation step of confirming that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; a granting step of granting the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to the inducement of the incentive; An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above, In the estimation procedure, if the maximum storage capacity of the object at a base is n, a state in which the number of the object at the base is n is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, and a state in which there is no object at all is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of the object at the base is n / 2 is considered to be the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned, In the calculation procedure, with regard to the borrowing or returning behavior of the object by the user, the incentive is calculated to be lower as the behavior of the base moves away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and the incentive is calculated to be higher as the behavior of the base moves away from the worst state and closer to the best state. An information processing program characterized by:

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