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

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present invention comprises: a storage unit which stores past dynamic state data of a commercial vehicle in a predetermined range; and a setting unit which sets, for each of a geographical section in a predetermined range and a predetermined period, a number of vehicles that may be allocated for reservation on the basis of the dynamic state data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Various systems related to reservations for commercial vehicles such as taxis have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a vehicle dispatch management server inquiries an in-vehicle terminal as to whether it is possible to pick up a passenger, and determines that a reservation is established when pick-up information indicating that it is possible to pick up a passenger is transmitted from the inquired in-vehicle terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=二十一]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of a taxi dispatch reservation, it is difficult to determine whether the reservation is canceled or the arrival at the reservation location is delayed when the user does not come to the reservation location at the reservation time. For example, when a dispatch reservation is canceled, damage occurs to the taxi driver, taxi company, etc. because costs related to picking up a taxi passenger are incurred.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can suppress the occurrence of damage related to reservations for commercial vehicles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one form of information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range, and a setting unit that sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved based on the operational data for each geographical area and predetermined period within the predetermined range.

[0007] Furthermore, one form of information processing system relating to this disclosure comprises an electronic device that moves with a commercial vehicle and an information processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of such electronic devices, wherein the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores past operational data of the vehicle within a predetermined range and a setting unit that sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch based on the operational data for each geographical area and predetermined period within the predetermined range.

[0008] Furthermore, one form of information processing method relating to this disclosure includes a computer storing past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range in a storage unit, and setting the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch based on the operational data for each geographical area and predetermined period within the predetermined range.

[0009] Furthermore, one form of information processing program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to store past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range in a storage unit, and to set the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch based on the operational data for each geographical area and predetermined period within the predetermined range. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation slot in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a prediction model for the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a diagram for explaining an example of estimating the number of available vehicle reservation in the prediction model shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process executed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process executed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the first reservation management process shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] This is a diagram for explaining an example of searching for a taxi that can be reserved for a specified time. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining an example of fluctuating usage fees. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining an example of determining a variable fee based on the relationship between demand and supply. [Figure 15] This is a diagram for explaining an example of determining a variable fee. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the second reservation management process shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 17] This is a diagram for explaining the operation related to reservation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of notification data in which the information processing apparatus notifies the confirmation of a reservation for a specified time. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to online payment executed by the information processing apparatus. [Figure 20] This is a diagram for explaining another example of determining a variable fee. [Figure 21] This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing apparatus.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Overview of Information Processing System According to Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the system configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a reservation frame of the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a prediction model of an information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of estimating the number of available vehicle dispatch reservations of the prediction model shown in FIG. 4.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is a system that performs a process of dispatching the taxi 2 to the user U based on a vehicle dispatch request from the user terminal 300 of the user U who uses the taxi 2. The information processing system 1 has a function of managing the dispatching, reservation, etc. of the taxis 2 of one or more taxi companies. The taxi 2 is an example of a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles include, for example, various commercial vehicles such as transport vehicles and collection vehicles in addition to taxis.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information processing system 1 includes, for example, an electronic device 100 mounted on the taxi 2 and an information processing apparatus 200. The electronic device 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 are connected to the network 3. The electronic device 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 are configured to be able to communicate via the network 3 or directly without going through the network 3. The information processing system 1 may be configured by adding the user terminal 300 to the configurations of the electronic device 100 and the information processing apparatus 200.

[0015] The electronic device 100 is installed in taxi 2 and acquires necessary data from the taxi meter 400 of taxi 2. The electronic device 100 is configured to be operable by the driver of taxi 2. The electronic device 100 includes, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a handheld terminal, a communication device, an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) in-vehicle unit, a drive recorder, a digital tachograph, a taxi meter, etc. In this embodiment, the case in which the electronic device 100 is a tablet terminal on which a driver application can be run will be described.

[0016] The taxi meter 400 has the function of calculating and displaying the fare to be collected by taxi 2 according to the distance traveled, time, etc. The fare is an example of a passenger fare. "Acquired" means, for example, that taxi 2 is traveling with user U as a passenger. The taxi meter 400 calculates fares based on, for example, distance-based fares, time-based fares, fixed fares, surcharges, etc. The fares are those approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism after application by the taxi company, operator, etc. The taxi meter 400 has the function of providing the electronic device 100 with dynamic information that can identify the operating status of taxi 2, such as the status, fare, speed, etc. The status includes, for example, "acquired," "vacant," "picking up," "payment," "highway," etc. The taxi meter 400 has multiple operation buttons and has the function of transitioning the operating status according to the operation of the operation buttons by the driver.

[0017] The electronic device 100 is configured to acquire dynamic information of taxi 2 from the taxi meter 400. The electronic device 100 acquires location information indicating the current location of taxi 2 from a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, taxi meter 400, etc. Based on the acquired dynamic status, location information, etc., the electronic device 100 generates dynamic data that can identify the operation log of taxi 2 at predetermined intervals or when predetermined conditions are met. The predetermined interval includes, for example, a time unit or period set in advance, such as 3 seconds or 10 seconds. The predetermined conditions include, for example, a distance traveled, stopping time, etc. The dynamic data includes, for example, dynamic information, location information, vehicle information, etc. The vehicle information includes, for example, information that can identify the taxi company to which taxi 2 belongs, the vehicle, the driver, etc. The electronic device 100 has a function to transmit the dynamic data generated at predetermined intervals to the information processing device 200.

[0018] The information processing device 200 is a so-called cloud server, a server device that performs information processing in cooperation with electronic devices 100, user terminals 300, etc. The information processing device 200 has the function of managing order data such as reservations and dispatch data from user terminals 300. The information processing device 200 has the function of managing dynamic data, payment data, etc. received from electronic devices 100 installed in taxis 2. For example, the information processing device 200 labels dynamic data collected from multiple taxis 2 and manages it as historical dynamic data on an area basis. For example, the information processing device 200 classifies and manages dynamic data using labels such as the area where the dynamic data was generated, time, day of the week, weather, and status of taxi 2. The labels allow for the classification of dynamic data necessary to predict the number of taxis 2 that can be reserved.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 200 manages the number of taxis 2 that can be reserved in units of multiple sections 810, which are created by dividing a predetermined range 800 to be managed into a grid. The predetermined range 800 is, for example, the area for which the dispatch of taxis 2 to be managed is managed. A section 810 is an example of a geographical section. A section 810 can be, for example, the range for searching for taxis 2. In this embodiment, a case where a section 810 is, for example, a rectangular section with sides of 2 km is described, but it is not limited to this. A section 810 may be set, for example, based on an address name, street number, etc., within the predetermined range 800, or it may be set with different sizes, shapes, etc.

[0020] The information processing device 200 has a function to manage reservation slot information 520 for taxis 2 in units of multiple sections 810 within a predetermined range 800, based on past operational data of multiple taxis 2. The reservation slot information 520 indicates the number of taxis 2 that can be reserved for dispatch for each predetermined period for each of the multiple sections 810. The predetermined period includes, for example, multiple different time slots, set times, etc. The reservation slot information 520 also includes, for example, information indicating the number of taxis that can be reserved for dispatch for multiple time slots on each day.

[0021] In the example shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 200 manages reservation slot data 500 which includes map information 510 and reservation slot information 520. The map information 510 includes, for example, information showing multiple parcels 810 on a map within a predetermined range 800. The reservation slot information 520 is associated with the parcels 810. The reservation slot information 520 includes information showing the number of available vehicle reservations for the associated parcel 810 at a given date and time. In the example shown in Figure 3, the reservation slot information 520 shows that the number of available vehicle reservations every 10 minutes from 07:00 to 07:30 on October 25, 2020 was 12, 11, 13, and 15. The reservation slot data 500 is data that can be superimposed on the map information 510 using shapes, symbols, etc., of a size corresponding to the scale of the number of available vehicle reservations in the reservation slot information 520. The scale of the number of available vehicle reservations can be set, for example, based on the average, minimum, and maximum values ​​of the number of available vehicle reservations in section 810. The information processing device 200 can visually recognize whether the number of available vehicle reservations in section 810 is large or small by changing the size of the reservation slot information 520 displayed for section 810. In this embodiment, the reservation slot information 520 is described as showing the number of available vehicle reservations for each day, but it is not limited to this. For example, the reservation slot information 520 may be configured to show the number of available vehicle reservations for each day of the week or for each set period.

[0022] The information processing device 200 has a function to set the number of available vehicle reservations for each section 810 within a predetermined range 800, for example, using a prediction model 600. The information processing device 200 sets the number of available vehicle reservations for each section 810 within the predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period, based on a prediction model 600 that has learned from machine learning the relationship between past data 700 and the number of available vehicle reservations predicted in the past.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the prediction model 600 is a machine learning model that predicts the number of taxis 2 with a status of "available" according to parameters such as section 810, a predetermined period (time zone), day of the week, and weather. A taxi 2 with a status of "available" means that it was possible to reserve a taxi in section 810 during the predetermined period. The prediction model 600 is a model that has been machine-learned using, for example, historical data 700 of section 810 and the number of available taxis predicted in the past as training data. The historical data 700 includes movement data 710, order data 720, and weather data 730. The movement data 710 is data that can identify the past operation logs of each taxi 2. The order data 720 is data that shows, for example, the reservation date and time, pickup location, and the user U who made the reservation for a taxi 2 that was ordered in the past. The movement data 710 and the order data 720 can be associated by the identification information of the taxi 2. The weather data 730 is data that shows, for example, the weather for each date and time and predetermined range 800. Furthermore, if section 810 covers a wide area, the weather data 730 may, for example, be data showing the date and time and the weather for each section 810.

[0024] The prediction model 600, for example, when parameters such as district, time, day of the week, and weather are input to the input layer 601, predicts the number of taxis 2 according to the parameters in the intermediate layer 602, and outputs the predicted number in the output layer 603. The information processing device 200 uses the prediction model 600 to predict the number of taxis 2 for each district 810 for a predetermined period, and sets the predicted number as the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the prediction model 600 predicts the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation based on the movement data 710 of taxis 2 located inside the section 810. In the example shown in Figure 5, the electronic device 100 of taxi 2, once it enters section 810, transmits multiple movement data 710 to the information processing device 200 at predetermined intervals until it leaves section 810. These multiple movement data 710 include, for example, data indicating that the taxi is in operation with a status of "vacant". The prediction model 600 uses machine learning to determine that if the number of movement data 710 with a status of "vacant" among the past movement data 710 of taxi 2 within a predetermined period in section 810 is x or more, then taxi 2 may be staying in section 810 and is therefore available for dispatch reservation. x is, for example, a determination count set based on the frequency, interval, etc., at which the electronic device 100 transmits the movement data 710 to determine whether or not the taxi is staying in section 810. The predictive model 600 learns from machine learning that if the movement data 710 of taxi 2, which was located inside section 810, indicates a "occupied" status, then it is not available for ride booking.

[0026] Furthermore, if taxi 2 is parked inside section 810, the frequency with which the electronic device 100 transmits motion data 710 decreases. In this case, the motion data 710 indicates that taxi 2's speed is 0 km / h and its status is "vacant". The predictive model 600 learns from machine learning that if, within a predetermined period in section 810, the number of past motion data 710 for taxi 2 that show a speed of 0 km / h and a status of "vacant" is y or more, then taxi 2 may be staying in section 810 and is therefore available for dispatch. y is, for example, the number of times set to determine whether a parked taxi 2 is staying in section 810, and is less than x.

[0027] When user U makes a reservation for taxi 2, the information processing device 200 determines whether or not to accept the time-specified taxi reservation based on the number of available taxis for a predetermined period in section 810, which includes user U's pick-up location. A time-specified taxi reservation means, for example, arranging and dispatching taxi 2 immediately before the specified time, without making a reservation in advance. The information processing device 200 determines to accept the time-specified taxi reservation if, for example, the reservation status in section 810 for a predetermined period is less than the number of available taxis for reservation. The information processing device 200 determines not to accept the time-specified taxi reservation if, for example, the reservation status in section 810 for a predetermined period is equal to or greater than the number of available taxis for reservation.

[0028] The information processing device 200 can set the number of taxis 2 available for dispatch reservation based on the dynamic data 710 for each section 810 within a predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period. This allows the information processing device 200 to manage the number of taxis 2 available for dispatch reservation for each predetermined time period in the section 810, thereby recognizing in advance the number of taxis 2 available for dispatch at the reservation date and time. As a result, the information processing device 200 can manage reservations as time-specified and improve the possibility of arranging a taxi 2 even immediately before the specified time, thereby managing taxi 2 reservations as if they were immediate dispatches and suppressing the occurrence of losses related to reservations. Immediate dispatch, for example, in the operation of taxi 2, means immediately dispatching taxi 2 to the pick-up location in response to a dispatch request from user U.

[0029] When a reservation for taxi 2 is made by user U, the information processing device 200 can determine whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of available taxis set for the designated pick-up location, section 810. This prevents the information processing device 200 from being unable to arrange taxi 2 in section 810 even if a dispatch instruction for taxi 2 is made immediately before the reservation date and time. As a result, the information processing device 200 does not need to arrange a driver in advance for reservations, and the operations related to reservations can be simplified.

[0030] The information processing device 200 can set the number of available taxis for dispatch reservations for each section 810 within a predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period, based on a predictive model 600 that has been machine-learned to analyze the relationship between dynamic data 710 and the number of previously available taxis for dispatch reservations. As a result, the information processing device 200 can set the number of available taxis for dispatch reservations more accurately for each section 810 within the predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period by using the machine-learned predictive model 600. Consequently, the information processing device 200 can increase the probability of successful dispatch even when instructing the dispatch of taxi 2 immediately before the reservation date and time, thereby supporting a new operational form of reservations.

[0031] The prediction model 600 may, for example, be a machine learning model that predicts the number of taxis 2 using only parameters for the section 810 and a predetermined period. The information processing device 200 may also calculate the number of available taxis for each predetermined period for each area using, for example, a lookup table corresponding to parameters such as section 810, a predetermined period (time zone), day of the week, and weather, as well as prediction software.

[0032] [Example configuration of electronic equipment according to the embodiment] Figure 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the electronic device 100 comprises a display unit 110, an operation unit 120, a communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150. The control unit 150 is electrically connected to the display unit 110, the operation unit 120, the communication unit 130, and the storage unit 140.

[0033] The display unit 110 has a display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED). The display unit 110 can display information such as characters, graphics, and images in response to signals input from the control unit 150. The information displayed by the display unit 110 includes various information related to the operation of taxi 2. This information includes, for example, a map of taxi 2's current location, dispatch instructions, and payment information.

[0034] The operation unit 120 has one or more devices for receiving input from the driver of the taxi 2. These devices include, for example, keys, buttons, touchscreens, etc. The operation unit 120 can supply signals to the control unit 150 corresponding to the received input.

[0035] The communication unit 130 communicates with the taxi meter 400 installed in the taxi 2, the external information processing device 200, etc. The communication unit 130 supplies various information, such as dynamic information received from the taxi meter 400, to the control unit 150. The communication unit 130 supplies various data, such as dispatch instructions, reservations, and reservation cancellations received from the information processing device 200, to the control unit 150. The communication unit 130 transmits various data instructed to be transmitted by the control unit 150 to the taxi meter 400, the information processing device 200, etc. The communication protocols supported by the communication unit 130 are not particularly limited, and the communication unit 130 can support multiple types of communication protocols.

[0036] The storage unit 140 can store programs and data. The storage unit 140 is also used as a work area for temporarily storing the processing results of the control unit 150. The storage unit 140 may include any non-transitory storage medium, such as a semiconductor storage medium and a magnetic storage medium. The storage unit 140 may include multiple types of storage media. The storage unit 140 may include a combination of a portable storage medium, such as a memory card, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk, and a storage medium reader. The storage unit 140 may include a storage device used as a temporary storage area, such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0037] The storage unit 140 stores data received via the communication unit 130. The storage unit 140 stores data such as, for example, a driver application 141, setting data 142, and movement data 710. The driver application 141 is, for example, an application program used by the driver of taxi 2. The driver application 141 provides functions such as displaying a map of the current location, dispatching a taxi, and settling the fare. The setting data 142 contains information indicating various settings related to the operation of the electronic device 100 and the driver of taxi 2. The movement data 710 is data that can identify the movement information of the taxi meter 400 on which the electronic device 100 is installed.

[0038] The control unit 150 is an arithmetic processing unit. The arithmetic processing unit includes, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System-on-a-Chip), MCU (Micro Control Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and coprocessor. The control unit 150 comprehensively controls the operation of the electronic device 100 to realize various functions.

[0039] Specifically, the control unit 150 executes instructions included in the program stored in the storage unit 140, while referring to the information stored in the storage unit 140 as needed. The control unit 150 then controls the functional units according to the data and instructions, thereby realizing various functions. The functional units include, for example, the display unit 110, the operation unit 120, and the communication unit 130, but are not limited to these.

[0040] When the control unit 150 receives an instruction from the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 130 to output information related to the operation of taxi 2, it displays the information on the display unit 110. When the control unit 150 detects a driver operation via the operation unit 120, it performs control to transmit the detection result to the information processing device 200.

[0041] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to this embodiment. Note that the above configuration described with reference to Figure 6 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to this example. The functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to this embodiment can be flexibly modified according to specifications and operation.

[0042] [Example configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 200 comprises a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230. The control unit 230 is electrically connected to the communication unit 210 and the storage unit 220.

[0043] The communication unit 210 communicates with, for example, electronic equipment 100 installed in the taxi 2, other external devices, etc. The communication unit 210 sends and receives various data, for example, via the network 3, etc. The communication unit 210 supplies data received from the electronic equipment 100 to the control unit 230. The communication unit 210 transmits data instructed by the control unit 230 to the instructed destination, for example.

[0044] The storage unit 220 stores various data and programs. The storage unit 220 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 stores information received via the communication unit 210. The storage unit 220 stores various data such as the aforementioned reservation slot data 500, prediction model 600 and historical data 700, notification data 740, and payment data 750. The historical data 700 includes dynamic data 710, order data 720, and weather data 730. The historical data 700 has multiple dynamic data 710 in chronological order for each taxi 2 or driver of taxi 2. The dynamic data 710 is labeled. The historical data 700 associates dynamic data 710 with order data 720 and weather data 730. For example, the historical data 700 allows for the extraction of dynamic data 710 and weather data 730 corresponding to order data 720. Notification data 740 is data used to notify user U of taxi 2. For example, notification data 740 may include reminders for time-specified taxi dispatches, payment results for usage fees, and payment results for ride fares. Payment data 750 is data that can identify the payment history, such as usage fees and ride fares. Payment data 750 is generated in response to a payment and associated with order data 720.

[0045] In this embodiment, the information processing device 200 is described as storing the prediction model 600 and historical data 700 in a storage unit 220, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 200 may use an accessible external storage device as the storage unit 220.

[0046] The control unit 230 is, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose computer. The control unit 230 is, for example, an integrated control unit that controls the information processing device 200. The control unit 230, in cooperation with the electronic equipment 100, includes various functional units that provide services to the driver of the taxi 2.

[0047] The control unit 230 comprises the following functional units: a setting unit 231, a determination unit 232, a dispatch control unit 233, a calculation unit 234, a settlement unit 235, and a notification unit 236. Each functional unit of the control unit 230 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing a program stored inside the information processing device 200 using RAM or the like as a working area. Alternatively, each functional unit may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA.

[0048] The setting unit 231 sets the number of taxis 2 available for dispatch reservation for each section 810 within a predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period, based on the dynamic data 710. The setting unit 231 sets the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation for each section 810 within a predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period, based on a predictive model 600 that has been machine-learned to analyze the relationship between the dynamic data 710 and the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation. The setting unit 231 sets the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation for each group to which the taxis 2 belong. Groups include, for example, groups set based on taxi companies, offices, regions, etc.

[0049] When a reservation for taxi 2 is made by user U, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of available taxis. For example, the determination unit 232 identifies a section 810 that includes the planned pick-up location of the reservation and identifies a predetermined period to which the reservation time belongs. Based on the identified section 810 and the number of available taxis set for the predetermined period and the reservation status, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not to accept the reservation.

[0050] The dispatch control unit 233 searches for a taxi 2 that can be dispatched on a time-specified basis at the reservation date and time and pickup location indicated in the order data 720, and instructs the found taxi 2 to be dispatched on a time-specified basis. Based on the search conditions, the dispatch control unit 233 searches for a taxi 2 that can be dispatched on a time-specified basis within a certain time before the reservation date and time. An example of the search conditions will be described later. The dispatch control unit 233 instructs the found taxi 2 to be dispatched on a time-specified basis, and confirms the dispatch on a time-specified basis if a response is received from the driver. If the dispatch control unit 233 instructs the found taxi 2 to be dispatched on a time-specified basis, and a response is not received from the driver within the response time, or if the driver refuses, it instructs another taxi 2 found in the search to be dispatched on a time-specified basis. The dispatch control unit 233 can search for a taxi 2 of the taxi company specified by user U. The dispatch control unit 233 can search for a taxi 2 based on the type of taxi 2 specified by user U. The dispatch control unit 233 can search for a taxi 2 based on the fare type of the taxi meter 400 specified by user U.

[0051] The calculation unit 234 calculates a reservation fee for taxi 2, which is different from the fare for taxi 2, so that it fluctuates based on the relationship between the supply and demand for taxi 2 in the section 810 and for each predetermined period. The calculation unit 234 calculates a usage fee that has a fixed reservation fee and a variable fee that fluctuates according to the balance of supply and demand. The reservation fee takes into account the waiting time from dispatch of taxi 2. The reservation fee can be set aside, for example, as a fee to be returned to the taxi 2 driver. For example, in the Japanese taxi industry, the number of supply slots for taxi 2 does not change significantly, so the calculation unit 234 fluctuates the variable fee according to the number of demands. The calculation unit 234 calculates a variable fee that adjusts demand and maximizes the sales of taxi 2.

[0052] The settlement unit 235 processes the payment for the taxi 2 whose scheduled dispatch has been confirmed. The payment process is based on the user U's credit card, electronic money, etc. After processing the payment for the usage fee, the settlement unit 235 processes the payment for the taxi 2 ride to the drop-off point. For example, if the status of the taxi meter 400 changes to "payment" after processing the payment for the usage fee, the settlement unit 235 processes the payment for the ride obtained from the taxi meter 400. In the case of a scheduled dispatch in response to a reservation from user U, the settlement unit 235 can settle the usage fee and the ride fee at different times.

[0053] If the settlement unit 235 receives a cancellation from the taxi operator between the completion of the dispatch instruction for taxi 2 and the reservation date and time, it processes a refund of the usage fee. In other words, if the settlement unit 235 receives a cancellation from the taxi operator between the completion of the payment of the usage fee and the reservation date and time, it processes a refund of the paid usage fee to user U. In this case, the dispatch control unit 233 cancels the time-specified dispatch.

[0054] If the settlement unit 235 receives a cancellation request from the driver of taxi 2 after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the reservation date and time, it will not process a refund. In other words, if the settlement unit 235 receives a cancellation request from the driver of taxi 2 after the settlement of the usage fee has been completed and a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the reservation date and time, it will not process a refund of the already settled usage fee to user U. For example, when taxi 2 receives a time-specified dispatch, it moves to the pick-up location with its status set to "on call". Subsequently, if user U does not board the taxi at the specified date and time, taxi 2 enters a waiting state, waiting at the pick-up location for user U to board from the specified date and time until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. The waiting time can be set to any time, for example, 10 minutes. In this case, there is no problem with the driver of taxi 2, and the problem lies with user U who did not appear at the pick-up location at the specified date and time, so although the usage fee has been settled, the settlement unit 235 will not refund the usage fee. The dispatch control unit 233 processes the cancellation of the time-specified dispatch. As a result, if user U does not appear at the reserved time, the information processing device 200 can provide the taxi driver 2, the taxi company, etc., with the usage fee.

[0055] The settlement unit 235 does not process a refund if it receives a cancellation from user U after the payment of the usage fee has been completed, but between the completion of the dispatch instruction for taxi 2 and the reservation date and time. For example, when taxi 2 receives a dispatch instruction, user U may cancel while it is on its way to the pick-up location with the status set to "on call". In this case, the settlement unit 235 does not refund the usage fee, even though the payment of the usage fee has been completed. The dispatch control unit 233 processes the cancellation of the time-specified dispatch. As a result, even if user U cancels immediately before the reservation date and time, the information processing device 200 can provide the usage fee to the taxi driver of taxi 2, the taxi company, etc., if the dispatch instruction for taxi 2 has been completed.

[0056] The notification unit 236 notifies the user U who made the reservation of at least one of the payment results for the usage fee and the taxi dispatch results. The notification unit 236 notifies the user U by sending notification data 740, such as the payment results for the usage fee and the taxi dispatch results, to the user terminal 300 of the user U via the communication unit 210, and outputting the notification data 740.

[0057] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 200 according to the embodiment. Note that the above configuration described with reference to Figure 7 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the information processing device 200 according to the embodiment is not limited to this example. The functional configuration of the information processing device 200 according to the embodiment can be flexibly modified according to specifications and operation.

[0058] [Example configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment] The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment can be configured to include a user terminal 300 used by user U. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 300 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 300 includes, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. As shown in Figure 8, the user terminal 300 includes a sensor unit 310, an input unit 320, a display unit 330, a communication unit 340, a storage unit 350, and a control unit 360. The control unit 360 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 310, the input unit 320, the display unit 330, the communication unit 340, and the storage unit 350.

[0059] The sensor unit 310 has the function of acquiring sensor information related to the user terminal 300. The sensor unit 310 includes various sensors such as a microphone, camera, ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, inertial sensor, geomagnetic sensor, touch sensor, infrared sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and heart rate sensor. The sensor unit 310 supplies the acquired sensor information to the control unit 360.

[0060] The input unit 320 has the function of detecting physical input operations by user U. The input unit 320 includes, for example, an operating device such as a touch screen or operation buttons. The input unit 320 supplies input information indicating the detected input operation to the control unit 360.

[0061] The display unit 330 has the function of displaying various types of information. For example, the display unit 330 displays notification data received from the information processing device 200. The display of the display unit 330 is controlled by the control unit 360. The display unit 330 can use, for example, a display device that displays various types of information. Examples of display devices include liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays.

[0062] The communication unit 340 communicates with, for example, the information processing device 200, other external devices, etc. The communication unit 340 sends and receives various data, for example, via the network 3, etc. The communication unit 340 transmits, for example, order data 720 for ordering a taxi 2 reservation, etc., under the control of the control unit 360. The communication unit 340 supplies, for example, map data, notification data, etc., received from the information processing device 200 to the control unit 360.

[0063] The storage unit 350 stores various data and programs. The storage unit 350 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 350 stores information received via the communication unit 340. The storage unit 350 stores data such as, for example, a user application 351, setting data 352, and order data 720. The user application 351 is, for example, an application program used by user U who uses taxi 2. The user application 351 provides functions such as displaying a map of the current location, making a reservation for taxi 2, and settling the fare. The setting data 352 contains information indicating various settings used in the user application 351. The order data 720 is data indicating the reservation date and time of taxi 2 ordered by user U, the pickup location, and user U who made the reservation.

[0064] The control unit 360 controls the user terminal 300 by executing a program. The control unit 360 has the function of controlling each component of the user terminal 300. By executing the user application 351, the control unit 360 cooperates with the information processing device 200 to make a reservation for taxi 2 based on the operation result of user U's input unit 320. The control unit 360 controls the information processing device 200 to display notification data 740 on the display unit 330.

[0065] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 300 according to this embodiment. Note that the above configuration described with reference to Figure 8 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the user terminal 300 according to this embodiment is not limited to this example. The functional configuration of the user terminal 300 according to this embodiment can be flexibly modified according to specifications and operation.

[0066] [Example of setting the number of available vehicle reservations in the information processing system] The information processing device 200 sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved for each section 810 at predetermined intervals by executing a program. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process executed by the information processing device 200 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 9 is executed by the control unit 230 at predetermined timings. These predetermined timings include, for example, the timing of receiving instructions from the system administrator, the timing of changing a predetermined range 800 or section 810, and the timing of creating a new one.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 230 of the information processing device 200 executes a loop process to set the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch for each section 810 within a predetermined range 800 (step S110). The conditions for ending the loop process are that the settings for all sections 810 have been completed, or that an end instruction has been received. The control unit 230 acquires past data 700 corresponding to the section 810 (step S111). For example, the control unit 230 acquires past data 700 corresponding to the section 810 from the past data 700 recorded in the storage unit 220, a database, etc. When the processing in step S111 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S112.

[0068] The control unit 230 predicts the number of available taxis for dispatch in section 810 for each predetermined period based on past data 700 and the prediction model 600 (step S112). For example, the control unit 230 inputs parameters such as section, time, day of the week, and weather to the input layer 601 of the prediction model 600, and when the output layer 603 outputs the predicted number of taxis predicted by the intermediate layer 602 according to the parameters, this predicted number is set as the number of available taxis for dispatch. Once the control unit 230 has finished predicting for all predetermined periods (time zones) in section 810, it proceeds to step S113.

[0069] The control unit 230 sets reservation slot information 520, which indicates the number of available vehicle reservations for each predetermined period, in section 810 (step S113). If the loop processing termination condition is not met, the control unit 230 returns to step S111 and executes a series of processes for the next section 810. If the loop processing termination condition is met, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S120.

[0070] The control unit 230 creates reservation slot data 500 based on the reservation slot information 520 set for each section 810 (step S120). If reservation slot data 500 already exists, the control unit 230 reflects the reservation slot information 520 into the reservation slot data 500. When the processing in step S120 is completed, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 9.

[0071] [Example of determining the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations using an information processing device] The information processing device 200 executes a program to determine whether or not it can accept user U's reservation using the number of available taxis for reservation. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process executed by the information processing device 200 according to this embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 10 is executed by the control unit 230 at the timing when a reservation for taxi 2 from user U is made, at a set timing, etc.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 230 of the information processing device 200 acquires order data 720 (step S211). For example, the control unit 230 acquires order data 720 related to an unprocessed reservation. When the processing in step S211 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S212.

[0073] The control unit 230 obtains the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservation in a predetermined period for section 810 corresponding to the order data 720 (step S212). For example, the control unit 230 identifies section 810 based on the pick-up location in the order data 720 and identifies a predetermined period corresponding to the reservation date and time. The control unit 230 obtains reservation slot information 520 for the identified section 810 and the predetermined period from the reservation slot data 500, and obtains the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservation from the reservation slot information 520. When the processing in step S212 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S213.

[0074] The control unit 230 determines whether or not to accept the reservation (step S213). For example, the control unit 230 determines to accept the time-specified vehicle dispatch reservation if the reservation status for section 810 during a predetermined period is less than the number of available vehicle reservations. If the control unit 230 determines to accept the reservation (Yes in step S213), it proceeds to step S214.

[0075] The control unit 230 registers the received order data 720 (step S214). For example, the control unit 230 sets the type of order data 720 to "time specified" and stores the reservation date and time in the storage unit 220 in association with the time specification. As a result, the control unit 230 takes the order data 720 under its management. When the processing in step S214 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S215.

[0076] The control unit 230 starts the first reservation management process (step S215). The first reservation management process includes, for example, processing related to time-specified vehicle dispatch and payment of usage fees. The first reservation management process includes processing from receiving a reservation from user U until payment of usage fees. An example of the first reservation management process will be described later. When the processing in step S215 is completed, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 10.

[0077] Furthermore, if the control unit 230 determines that it will not accept the reservation (No in step S213), it proceeds to step S216. The control unit 230 executes the reservation rejection process (step S216). The rejection process includes, for example, notifying user U that the reservation cannot be accepted via notification data 740, and deleting order data 720. Once the execution of the rejection process is complete, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 10.

[0078] In this way, the information processing device 200 can determine whether or not to accept the reservation for taxi 2 based on the number of available taxis for dispatch in the pick-up location section 810, thereby enabling the dispatch of taxi 2 immediately before the reservation date and time. As a result, the information processing device 200 can manage the reservation for taxi 2 as a time-specified dispatch, thereby reducing losses related to the reservation.

[0079] [Example of the first reservation management process of an information processing device] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the first reservation management process shown in Figure 10. The processing procedure shown in Figure 11 is initiated by the processing in step S215 of Figure 10. The processing procedure shown in Figure 11 is executed by the control unit 230.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 230 of the information processing device 200 acquires the order data 720 to be managed (step S311). For example, the control unit 230 acquires order data 720 from the storage unit 220 in which the time specification is set to type. When the processing in step S311 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S312.

[0081] The control unit 230 determines whether the reservation has been canceled (step S312). For example, the control unit 230 determines that the reservation has been canceled if it has received information from the user terminal 300 via the communication unit 210 indicating that the reservation has been canceled. If the control unit 230 determines that the reservation has been canceled (Yes in step S312), it proceeds to step S313.

[0082] The control unit 230 executes a cancellation process for the order data 720 without settling the usage fee (step S313). The cancellation process includes, for example, deleting the order data 720 and notifying the user U that the reservation cancellation is complete via notification data 740. Once the execution of the cancellation process is complete, the control unit 230 cancels the reservation without receiving the usage fee and terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 11.

[0083] Furthermore, if the control unit 230 determines that the reservation has not been canceled (No in step S312), it proceeds to step S314. The control unit 230 determines whether or not it is time for a reminder notification (step S314). For example, the control unit 230 determines the timing of the reminder notification from the time specified in the order data 720, and determines that it is time for a reminder notification if the timing of the reminder notification matches the current date and time. For example, the timing of the reminder notification can be set to any time, such as 60 minutes before the specified time or the previous day. If the control unit 230 determines that it is not time for a reminder notification (No in step S314), it proceeds to step S316, which will be described later. Also, if the control unit 230 determines that it is time for a reminder notification (Yes in step S314), it proceeds to step S315.

[0084] The control unit 230 sends a reminder notification to the user U who made the reservation, informing them that the reservation date and time for taxi 2 is approaching (step S315). For example, the control unit 230 creates a reminder notification data 740 and controls the user terminal 300 to send the notification data 740. The notification data 740 has a comment such as, "Taxi 2 will be arranged in 1 hour." This allows the information processing device 200 to remind the user U before arranging taxi 2, allowing them to confirm whether they want to cancel. Once the processing in step S315 is complete, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S316.

[0085] The control unit 230 determines whether or not it is time for a dispatch instruction (step S316). For example, the control unit 230 determines the timing of the dispatch instruction from the time specified in the order data 720, and determines that it is time for a dispatch instruction if the timing of the dispatch instruction matches the current date and time. For example, the timing of the dispatch instruction can be set to any time, such as 30 minutes before the specified time. If the control unit 230 determines that it is not time for a dispatch instruction (No in step S316), it returns to step S312, which has already been described, and continues processing. If the control unit 230 determines that it is time for a dispatch instruction (Yes in step S316), it proceeds to step S317.

[0086] The control unit 230 executes a dispatch request process for the driver (step S317). The dispatch request process includes, for example, searching for a taxi 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time at the reservation date and time and pickup location indicated by the order data 720, and instructing the found taxi 2 to be dispatched at a specified time. The dispatch request process searches for a taxi 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time within a certain time period before the reservation date and time, based on the search conditions. The certain time period includes, for example, 30 minutes.

[0087] [Example of search criteria] The search criteria include items such as search range, number of vehicles to search, and search interval. The search range is, for example, the range that includes the dispatch location indicated by order data 720. The search range can be, for example, a range with a predetermined radius centered on the dispatch location. The predetermined distance is, for example, set to the distance that can be traveled to the dispatch location. The predetermined distance includes, for example, within 2km. The number of vehicles to search is, for example, the number of taxis 2 to search for in each divided time period into which a certain period of time is divided. The number of vehicles to search is, for example, the number of taxis 2 to search during a divided time period of 120 seconds.

[0088] Figure 12 illustrates an example of searching for taxis 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time. In the example shown in Figure 12, taxis 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2I, 2M, and 2N, all with a status of "available," are present within the search range starting 30 minutes before the reservation date and time. The control unit 230 searches for taxis 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time during the 10-minute period from 30 minutes before the reservation date and time until the search deadline. The search deadline is a date and time set before the reservation date and time. The control unit 230 searches for multiple taxis 2 in sets of search intervals, for example, 1 minute. The search interval can be set to a maximum of 2 minutes, for example. One set can be set according to, for example, the distance from the pick-up location.

[0089] The control unit 230 sets a search time for each taxi and sequentially issues time-specified dispatch instructions. For example, if no response is received from taxi 2A during the search time after issuing a time-specified dispatch instruction, the control unit 230 issues a time-specified dispatch instruction to another taxi 2B in the same set. For example, if no response is received from another taxi 2B during the search time after issuing a time-specified dispatch instruction, and the search for the same group is completed, the control unit 230 issues a time-specified dispatch instruction to another taxi 2C in the next set. By sequentially issuing time-specified dispatch instructions to multiple taxis 2 in this way, the control unit 230 enables multiple searches before the search deadline. When the control unit 230 receives a response from a taxi 2 to which a time-specified dispatch instruction was issued, it confirms the time-specified dispatch. After the control unit 230 stores the result of whether or not the time-specified dispatch has been confirmed in the storage unit 220, it terminates the dispatch request process.

[0090] Returning to Figure 11, once the dispatch request process is complete, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S318. The control unit 230 determines whether the time-specified dispatch was successful (step S318). For example, the control unit 230 determines that the time-specified dispatch was successful if the dispatch request process has confirmed a time-specified dispatch. If the control unit 230 determines that the time-specified dispatch was successful (Yes in step S318), it proceeds to step S319.

[0091] The control unit 230 performs the payment processing for the usage fee (step S319). The payment processing includes, for example, the processing of settling the usage fee based on the payment information of the instructed user U. In this embodiment, the case in which the usage fee is dynamic pricing will be described. The payment processing includes the processing of calculating the usage fee which fluctuates based on the relationship between the supply and demand of taxi 2.

[0092] Figure 13 illustrates an example of fluctuating usage fees. As shown in Figure 13, the payment process calculates a usage fee F that fluctuates between a first usage fee F1 and a second usage fee F2. The first usage fee F1 is the lower limit of usage fee F. The second usage fee F2 is the upper limit of usage fee F.

[0093] The service fee F consists of a fixed fee FP and a variable fee FC. The fixed fee FP can be set to an amount that compensates for the waiting time from the dispatch of taxi 2, for example. The fixed fee FP can be set to a fee that is returned to the driver of taxi 2 who accepts a time-specified dispatch. The fixed fee FP can be set to an amount that fluctuates according to the balance between supply and demand, for example. The variable fee FC can be set to an amount that adjusts demand and maximizes sales.

[0094] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a variable fare based on the relationship between supply and demand. In Figure 14, the vertical axis represents price and the horizontal axis represents quantity. In Figure 14, graph GD represents demand and graph GS represents supply. Graph GD represents the user's perspective for taxi 2, showing that as the price increases, the quantity demanded decreases, and as the price decreases, the quantity demanded increases. Graph GS represents the supply's perspective for taxi 2, showing that as the price increases, the quantity supplied increases, and as the price decreases, the quantity supplied decreases. In the example shown in Figure 14, graph GS, which represents supply, is fixed, while graph GD, which represents demand, changes. In the example shown in Figure 14, the intersection of graph GD and graph GS shows an appropriate relationship between quantity and price. The settlement process determines the variable fare FC based on the intersection of graph GD and graph GS.

[0095] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining variable charges. In Figure 15, the vertical axis represents the usage fee and the horizontal axis represents the quantity. In Figure 15, graph GD represents demand and graph GS represents the fixed supply quantity. The supply quantity is adjustable, for example, within a range below the upper limit. Graph GD shows the upper limit of supply for a specific section 810 and a predetermined period, and the number of available ride reservations as described above can be set. The settlement process determines the usage fee F so that it fluctuates, for example, between a first usage fee F1 and a second usage fee F2. The first usage fee F1 represents the lower limit of usage fee F. The second usage fee F2 represents the upper limit of usage fee F.

[0096] The control unit 230 performs the following processes sequentially when executing the payment process. The control unit 230 performs individual identification of user U and, if user U is capable of online payment, confirms with the taxi driver 2 whether or not to make a payment. If payment is confirmed, the control unit 230 obtains, for example, the number of available taxis for dispatch reservation corresponding to section 810 and a predetermined period, and performs the process of estimating graph GS corresponding to the number of available taxis for dispatch reservation. Next, the control unit 230 performs the process of estimating graph GD based on, for example, the reservation status, survey results, etc., corresponding to section 810 and a predetermined period. Next, the control unit 230 calculates the usage fee F based on the intersection of graph GD and graph GS. Next, the control unit 230 settles the calculated usage fee F based on user U's credit card, electronic money, etc., and stores the payment data 750 indicating the payment result in the storage unit 220 in association with the order data 720.

[0097] Returning to Figure 11, once the settlement process is complete, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S320. The control unit 230 determines whether the settlement was successful or not (step S320). For example, the control unit 230 determines that the settlement was successful if the settlement data 750 indicates that the settlement is complete. If the control unit 230 determines that the settlement was successful (Yes in step S320), it proceeds to step S321.

[0098] The control unit 230 starts the second reservation management process (step S321). The second reservation management process includes, for example, processing related to the cancellation of the usage fee after a time-specified vehicle dispatch, and payment of the ride fare. The second reservation management process includes processing related to the period from the time-specified vehicle dispatch to the user's boarding or cancellation. An example of the second reservation management process will be described later. When the processing in step S321 is completed, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 11.

[0099] Furthermore, if the control unit 230 determines that the payment was unsuccessful (No in step S320), it proceeds to step S322. The control unit 230 executes a cancellation process for the order data 720 that failed to be paid (step S322). The cancellation process includes, for example, deleting the order data 720 and notifying the user U via notification data 740 that the reservation has been canceled due to a payment failure for the usage fee F. Once the execution of the cancellation process is complete, the control unit 230 cancels the reservation and terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 11.

[0100] Furthermore, if the control unit 230 determines that the time-specified dispatch has not been successful (No in step S318), it proceeds to step S323. The control unit 230 executes the dispatch failure processing for taxi 2 without settling the usage fee F (step S323). For example, if the time-specified dispatch of the taxi company desired by user U cannot be arranged, or if the reservation section 810 and reservation slots for the specified period are already filled, the control unit 230 fails to dispatch the taxi at the specified time. In this case, the control unit 230 notifies user U of the dispatch failure by executing the dispatch failure processing, and if user U agrees, it deletes the order data 720. The control unit 230 may also confirm with user U whether to arrange a taxi 2 that is available for dispatch at the specified time. For example, if user U instructs the control unit 230 to arrange a taxi 2 from another taxi company, a taxi 2 in another adjacent section 810, etc., it may search for such a taxi 2 and execute the processing from step S317 onwards as described earlier. As a result, if the time-specified dispatch fails, the control unit 230 can execute the process of immediate dispatch with the user U's consent. Once the dispatch failure process is complete, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure as shown in Figure 11.

[0101] [Example of the second reservation management process of an information processing device] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the second reservation management process shown in Figure 11. The processing procedure shown in Figure 16 is initiated by the process in step S321 of Figure 11. The processing procedure shown in Figure 16 is executed by the control unit 230 and terminated in response to a termination instruction.

[0102] As shown in Figure 16, the control unit 230 of the information processing device 200 acquires order data 720 in which payment of the usage fee F has been successfully made and the scheduled dispatch of a vehicle has been completed (step S411). For example, the control unit 230 acquires order data 720 from the managed order data 720 in which payment data 750 for the usage fee F is associated and dynamic data 710 with the status "dispatch" is associated. When the processing in step S411 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S412.

[0103] The control unit 230 determines whether or not payment has been instructed (step S412). For example, when the driver presses the "Pay" button on the taxi meter 400, it calculates the fare and provides it to the electronic device 100. The control unit 230 determines that payment has been instructed when it receives the fare information via the communication unit 210. If the control unit 230 determines that payment has been instructed (Yes in step S412), it proceeds to step S413.

[0104] The control unit 230 performs a settlement process based on the fare for taxi 2 (step S413). For example, the control unit 230 performs a settlement process for the fare obtained from the taxi meter 400. By performing the settlement process, the control unit 230 settles the fare based on the user U's credit card, electronic money, etc., and stores settlement data 750 indicating the settlement result in the storage unit 220. Once the settlement process is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S414.

[0105] The control unit 230 changes the order data 720 to a completed state (step S414). For example, the control unit 230 changes the order data 720 to a completed state by associating the order data 720 with the payment data 750. Once the processing in step S414 is complete, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 16.

[0106] Furthermore, if the control unit 230 determines that payment has not been instructed (No in step S412), it proceeds to step S415. The control unit 230 determines whether or not it has received a cancellation from the business operator (step S415). For example, if a time-specified dispatch is completed and payment of the usage fee F is successful, the taxi operator of taxi 2 may cancel the time-specified dispatch if a breakdown or accident occurs with taxi 2, or if the driver becomes ill. For example, if the control unit 230 has received a cancellation due to the business operator's circumstances via the communication unit 210, it determines that it has received a cancellation from the business operator. If the control unit 230 determines that it has received a cancellation from the business operator (Yes in step S415), it proceeds to step S416.

[0107] The control unit 230 performs a refund process for the usage fee F (step S416). The refund process includes, for example, refunding the paid usage fee F to user U based on the settlement data 750 associated with the order data 720. This allows the information processing device 200 to refund the paid usage fee F to user U in the event of a cancellation due to the service provider's circumstances, thus preventing user U from incurring losses. Once the processing in step S416 is completed, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S417.

[0108] The control unit 230 executes a cancellation process for a time-specified vehicle dispatch (step S417). The cancellation process includes, for example, deleting the corresponding order data 720 of type "time-specified," and notifying the user U via notification data 740 that the reservation has been canceled by the service provider. Once the execution of the cancellation process is complete, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 16.

[0109] Furthermore, if the control unit 230 determines that it has not received a cancellation from the operator (No in step S415), it proceeds to step S418. The control unit 230 determines whether or not the cancellation was made by the waiting driver or user U (step S418). For example, if the control unit 230 receives a cancellation via the communication unit 210 from the driver of taxi 2 after the waiting time has elapsed since the reservation time, or from the user U who made the reservation, it determines that the cancellation was made by the waiting driver or user U. If the control unit 230 determines that the cancellation was not made by the waiting driver or user U (No in step S418), it returns to step S412, which has already been described, and continues processing. Also, if the control unit 230 determines that the cancellation was made by the waiting driver or user U (Yes in step S418), it proceeds to step S419.

[0110] The control unit 230 executes a cancellation process for a time-specified taxi without refunding the usage fee F (step S419). The cancellation process includes, for example, deleting the corresponding order data 720 of type "time-specified" and notifying user U via notification data 740 that the reservation cancellation is complete. As a result, if user U does not appear at the reserved date and time, the information processing device 200 can provide the usage fee F to the taxi driver and operator of taxi 2, thereby compensating for the loss incurred by user U due to the reservation cancellation. Furthermore, since the information processing device 200 does not refund the usage fee F to user U, it can contribute to reducing reservation cancellations. Once the processing in step S419 is completed, the control unit 230 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 16.

[0111] [Example of operation related to reservations in the information processing device according to the embodiment] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the information processing device 200 according to the embodiment regarding reservations. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of notification data in which the information processing device 200 notifies the confirmation of a time-specified vehicle dispatch. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to online payment executed by the information processing device 200.

[0112] As shown in Figure 17, when the information processing device 200 receives a reservation for taxi 2 from the user terminal 300, it obtains the number of available taxis corresponding to the pick-up location and reservation date and time, and determines whether to accept the reservation. If the information processing device 200 determines that it will accept the reservation, it creates order data 720 that can identify the reservation date and time, user U, etc., and registers the reservation based on the order data 720 (step ST1). The information processing device 200 can accept reservations from, for example, one month, one week, or several days before the reservation date and time.

[0113] The information processing device 200 displays the reminder notification data 740 on the user terminal 300 at the time of the reservation date and time reminder notification (step ST2). This allows the information processing device 200 to make the user U aware that the reservation date and time is approaching. The information processing device 200 can accept reservation changes from the user U between the timing of step ST1 and step ST2.

[0114] The information processing device 200 starts searching for a taxi 2 that can be dispatched at the time of the reservation, such as 30 minutes before the reservation date and time, and at the pickup location indicated by the order data 720 (step ST3). The information processing device 200 allows cancellation of the reservation between step ST1 and step ST3, and there is no cancellation fee.

[0115] The information processing device 200, upon finding a taxi 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time within a certain time before the reservation date and time, confirms the dispatch of the taxi at a specified time (step ST4). Once the dispatch of the taxi at a specified time is confirmed, the information processing device 200 settles the usage fee F and creates notification data 740 that notifies the confirmed order details. From step ST3 to step ST4, the information processing device 200 does not allow cancellation of the order once the dispatch instruction has been initiated, but it may allow cancellation of the order.

[0116] In the example shown in Figure 18, notification data 740 indicates that the order type is "time-specified" and shows the order details. Notification data 740 contains information such as the date and time of the time-specified order, the name of user U, the pick-up location, the estimated arrival time of taxi 2, user U's destination, whether online payment is being made, and the route to the destination. By referring to notification data 740, the driver of taxi 2 can confirm the estimated arrival time at the pick-up location, the route to user U's destination, etc. The driver changes the status to "on call" by operating the operation button on the taxi meter 400 and moves taxi 2 to the pick-up location. In other words, the driver can handle the situation as if it were an immediate dispatch without making a reservation on the taxi meter 400.

[0117] Returning to Figure 17, the information processing device 200 detects the timing when taxi 2 begins waiting at the designated location based on the motion data 710 received from the electronic device 100 (step ST5). Subsequently, when user U boards taxi 2 after the reserved time has passed, the driver of taxi 2 changes the status to "occupied" by operating the operation button on the taxi meter 400. The information processing device 200 detects the timing when user U boards taxi 2 based on the motion data 710 received from the electronic device 100 (step ST6). The information processing device 200 allows cancellation of the order between step ST4 and step ST6, but charges a cancellation fee by not refunding the usage fee F that has already been paid.

[0118] In this embodiment, the information processing device 200 allows the user U to cancel their order until a cancellation period has elapsed after they board the taxi 2. The cancellation period can be set to any time, such as 3 minutes or 10 minutes. Once the cancellation period has elapsed after the user U boards the taxi 2, the information processing device 200 makes it impossible to cancel the order. Alternatively, the information processing device 200 may make it impossible to cancel the order after the user U boards the taxi 2.

[0119] When taxi 2 arrives at its destination, the driver operates the buttons on the taxi meter 400 to change the status to "Pay". The taxi meter 400 calculates the fare and provides it to the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 instructs the information processing device 200 to settle the fare for taxi 2.

[0120] The information processing device 200 detects the instruction for payment of the fare from the electronic device 100 (step ST7). When the information processing device 200 receives a payment instruction from the electronic device 100, it determines whether or not user U is eligible for online payment. Online payment refers to a service that enables payment online, for example. The information processing device 200 determines that online payment is possible if, for example, user U has registered a credit card, electronic money, prepaid card, etc.

[0121] When the information processing device 200 determines whether or not user U can make an online payment, it displays the payment confirmation information G1 shown in Figure 19 on the display unit 110 of the electronic device 100. The payment confirmation information G1 contains the determination result of whether or not online payment is possible, and information about buttons that allow the driver to select a payment method. In the example shown in Figure 19, the payment confirmation information G1 contains information about buttons for selecting between online payment and another payment method. When the information processing device 200 detects an operation on a button in the payment confirmation information G1, it processes the payment for the fare using the payment method corresponding to that operation.

[0122] When the payment of the fare is completed, the information processing device 200 displays the payment completion information G2 shown in Figure 19 on the display unit 110 of the electronic device 100. The payment completion information G2 includes information such as the result of online payment, the payment amount, the payment type, and instructions to open the door of taxi 2. This allows the information processing device 200 to allow the taxi driver to confirm the completion of the payment using the payment completion information G2. Furthermore, if the payment method is online payment, the information processing device 200 provides receipt data based on the payment data 750 without issuing a paper receipt.

[0123] In this way, the information processing device 200 settles the usage fee when the dispatch of taxi 2 is confirmed, so even if the reservation is canceled afterward, it can provide the already paid usage fee to taxi 2. As a result, the information processing device 200 can provide the usage fee to taxi 2 as an incentive, thereby suppressing the loss incurred by taxi 2 regarding the reservation.

[0124] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the information processing device 200 can be modified and applied in various ways.

[0125] [Modified examples of embodiments] In the above embodiment, the case in which the information processing device 200 calculates a usage fee F that fluctuates according to the balance of supply and demand based on past data 700 was described, but the device is not limited to this. The information processing device 200 may also be configured to calculate the usage fee F by taking into account the results of a survey of user U, for example.

[0126] For example, at launch, information processing system 1 does not have any historical data 700 stored. In this case, information processing system 1 may determine a variable price based on the general relationship between supply and demand, but this may not be suitable for the user U's needs. Note that "launch" means, for example, the start or introduction of a service. Information processing device 200 may, for example, conduct a survey of user U and determine the relationship between supply and demand based on the survey results.

[0127] The information processing device 200 uses a questionnaire, for example, "If the usage fee is 500 yen, how many times a month would you use the time-specified dispatch service?" to determine the relationship between price and frequency / MAU (Monthly Active Users) for a common area and time. MAU is the number of users U who use the service at least once during a given month.

[0128] Figure 20 illustrates another example of determining variable pricing. In the upper part of Figure 20, the vertical axis represents the usage fee (price), and the horizontal axis represents the number of uses / MAU. In the lower part of Figure 20, the vertical axis represents the usage fee, and the horizontal axis represents the quantity. First, as shown in the upper part of Figure 20, the information processing device 200 obtains a graph GD' showing the common demand for section 810 and a predetermined period based on the survey results. Next, using the obtained graph GD', the information processing device 200 obtains a graph GS for section 810 for each predetermined period using a calculation formula, software, etc. that calculates the number of uses for section 810 for each predetermined period. In the example shown in the lower part of Figure 20, graph GS shows the usage fee F that fluctuates between the first usage fee F1 and the second usage fee F2 when the number of available ride reservations is 10. Even at launch, the information processing device 200 can calculate the usage fee F based on the intersection of graph GD' and graph GS, which are based on the survey. After operation begins, the information processing device 200 can calculate the usage fee F using the aforementioned historical data 700.

[0129] [Other variations of the embodiment] In this embodiment, the case in which the information processing system 1 processes information related to the dispatch reservation of taxi 2 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The information processing system 1 may be, for example, a system for dispatching vehicles such as transport vehicles or collection vehicles.

[0130] [Hardware configuration] The information processing device 200 according to the embodiment described above may be implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 21. The information processing device 200 according to the embodiment will be described below as an example. Figure 21 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that implements the functions of the information processing device 200. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1400, a communication interface 1500, and an input / output interface 1600. The various parts of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0131] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to various programs.

[0132] ROM1300 stores boot programs such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) executed by CPU1100 when computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0133] HDD1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records programs executed by CPU1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, HDD1400 is a recording medium that records an information processing program related to this disclosure, which is an example of program data 1450.

[0134] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for the computer 1000 to connect to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 can receive data from other devices or transmit data it generates to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0135] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from input devices such as a keyboard or mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to output devices such as a display, speaker, or printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs recorded on a predetermined recording medium (media). Examples of media include optical recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory.

[0136] For example, when computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 200 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 implements functions such as the setting unit 231, determination unit 232, dispatch control unit 233, calculation unit 234, settlement unit 235, and notification unit 236 by executing a program loaded on RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores the program according to this disclosure and data in the storage unit 220. The CPU 1100 reads and executes the program data 1450 from HDD 1400, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via an external network 1550.

[0137] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art of the present disclosure that various modifications or alterations may be conceived within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0138] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or illustrative and not limiting. In other words, the technology relating to this disclosure may produce other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein, in addition to or in lieu of the effects described herein.

[0139] Furthermore, it is possible to create programs that enable the CPU, ROM, RAM, and other hardware built into the computer to perform functions equivalent to those of the information processing device 200, and a computer-readable recording medium on which such programs are stored can also be provided.

[0140] Furthermore, each step of the processing performed by the information processing device 200 in this specification does not necessarily have to be processed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, each step of the processing performed by the information processing device 200 may be processed in an order different from the order shown in the flowchart, or may be processed in parallel.

[0141] (effect) The information processing device 200 includes a storage unit 220 that stores past operational data 710 of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range 800, and a setting unit 231 that sets the number of commercial vehicles that can be reserved based on the operational data 710 for each geographical area and predetermined period within the predetermined range 800.

[0142] As a result, the information processing device 200 can recognize in advance the number of taxis 2 available for dispatch at the reserved time by managing the number of available taxis for dispatch for each geographical area within a predetermined range of 800 and for each predetermined period. Consequently, the information processing device 200 can manage reservations as time-specified and arrange for a vehicle for dispatch even immediately before the specified time, thereby managing reservations in the same way as immediate dispatch and suppressing the occurrence of losses related to reservations.

[0143] The information processing device 200 further includes a determination unit 232 that, when a user U makes a reservation for a commercial vehicle, determines whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of vehicles available for dispatch.

[0144] As a result, the information processing device 200 can accept a number of reservations that can be immediately dispatched, based on the set number of available dispatched vehicles. Consequently, the information processing device 200 can manage reservations in the same way as immediate dispatches, thereby suppressing the occurrence of losses related to reservations.

[0145] In the information processing device 200, the setting unit 231 sets the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations for each geographical area within a predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period, based on a predictive model 600 (machine learning model) that has been machine-learned to analyze the relationship between dynamic data 710 and the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations.

[0146] As a result, the information processing device 200 can set the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations according to past performance by using a machine learning model that has learned the relationship between past dynamic data 710 and the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations for each geographical area within a predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period. Consequently, the information processing device 200 can set an appropriate number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations, so even if reservations are managed in the same way as immediate dispatch, the occurrence of situations where immediate dispatch is not possible can be suppressed.

[0147] In the information processing device 200, the setting unit 231 sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch for each group to which the commercial vehicles belong.

[0148] As a result, the information processing device 200 can set a predetermined geographical area of ​​800 and the number of taxis that can be reserved for a predetermined period for each group of commercial vehicles. Consequently, the information processing device 200 can set a number of taxis that can be reserved for a group of commercial vehicles that is appropriate for that group, so even if reservations are managed in the same way as immediate dispatch, it can prevent situations where a taxi 2 belonging to the group cannot be immediately dispatched.

[0149] In the information processing device 200, the dynamic data 710 includes data that can identify the number of taxis whose status is "vacant" for each geographical area and predetermined period.

[0150] This allows the information processing device 200 to check the past performance of taxis 2 whose status is "available" for a predetermined period within a geographical area. As a result, the information processing device 200 can set the number of available taxi reservations based on the status of taxis 2 whose status is "available," thus preventing situations where immediate dispatch is not possible, even if reservations are managed in the same way as immediate dispatch.

[0151] In the information processing device 200, the setting unit 231 sets the number of taxis 2 that can be reserved based on at least one data point, the day of the week and the weather, and the movement data 710.

[0152] As a result, the information processing device 200 can set and manage the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation based on past activity, day of the week, weather, etc., for each geographical area within a predetermined range of 800 and for each predetermined period. Consequently, by managing the number of taxis available for dispatch reservation that are suitable for past performance and the surrounding environment in each geographical area, the information processing device 200 can accurately recognize the number of taxis available for dispatch at the reservation date and time.

[0153] The information processing device 200 is further equipped with a dispatch control unit 233 that searches for a vehicle that can be dispatched at a specified time based on the reservation date and time and dispatch location indicated by the order data 720, and the dispatch control unit 233 instructs a commercially available vehicle that can be dispatched at a specified time.

[0154] As a result, the information processing device 200 can instruct a vehicle capable of time-specified dispatch to the reservation date and time and dispatch location indicated in the order data 720. Consequently, since the information processing device 200 manages the reservation in the same way as immediate dispatch, there is no need to arrange taxi 2 in advance, and the occurrence of losses related to the reservation can be suppressed.

[0155] In the information processing device 200, the dispatch control unit 233 instructs a vehicle for business use within the search range to be dispatched at a specified time. If the vehicle responds that it is possible to dispatch at a specified time, the dispatch control unit confirms the dispatch. If it is not possible to dispatch at a specified time, the unit instructs another vehicle within the search range to be dispatched at a specified time.

[0156] As a result, the information processing device 200 can sequentially issue time-specified dispatch instructions to multiple commercial vehicles within the search range until a time-specified dispatch is confirmed. Consequently, the information processing device 200 has a higher probability of being able to issue time-specified dispatch instructions by the reservation date and time, thus reducing the occurrence of situations where immediate dispatch is not possible, even if reservations are managed in the same way as immediate dispatch.

[0157] The information processing device 200 further includes a calculation unit 234 that calculates a usage fee for taxi 2, which is different from the taxi fare, so as to fluctuate based on the geographical area and the relationship between the supply and demand for taxi 2 over a predetermined period.

[0158] As a result, the information processing device 200 can calculate a usage fee that varies according to the number of reservations for taxi 2 and the demand for it. Consequently, even if a reservation is canceled by user U, the information processing device 200 can charge a usage fee different from the fare for taxi 2.

[0159] The information processing device 200 further includes a settlement unit 235 that processes the payment for the taxi 2 whose time-specified dispatch has been confirmed in accordance with the reservation. After processing the payment for the taxi fare, the settlement unit 235 processes the payment for the taxi ride to the drop-off point.

[0160] As a result, the information processing device 200 can obtain the usage fee when the time-specified dispatch of the taxi 2 in accordance with the reservation is confirmed, and then obtain the fare for the taxi 2 to the drop-off point. Consequently, even if the reservation is canceled after the dispatch of taxi 2 has been confirmed, the information processing device 200 has obtained the usage fee, thus suppressing the occurrence of losses related to the reservation.

[0161] In the information processing device 200, if the settlement unit 235 receives a cancellation from the taxi operator between the completion of dispatching taxi 2 and the reservation date and time, it processes a refund of the usage fee, and the dispatch control unit 233 processes a cancellation of the time-specified dispatch.

[0162] As a result, if the information processing device 200 receives a cancellation request for taxi 2 between the time payment for the service is completed and the scheduled date and time, it can refund the service fee. For example, if taxi 2, which was requested to be dispatched, experiences a breakdown, an accident, etc., the information processing device 200 can determine that the dispatch of taxi 2 may be canceled. Consequently, if the dispatch is canceled due to circumstances on the part of taxi 2, the information processing device 200 can avoid loss for user U by refunding the service fee.

[0163] In the information processing device 200, if the settlement unit 235 receives a cancellation from the driver of the taxi 2 at the designated location after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the reservation date and time, it does not perform a refund process, and the dispatch control unit 233 performs a process to cancel the time-specified dispatch.

[0164] As a result, if user U does not appear even after taxi 2 has arrived at the pickup location and the waiting time has elapsed, the information processing device 200 can have the driver of taxi 2 cancel the pickup. Consequently, since the information processing device 200 receives the usage fee when the dispatch of taxi 2 is confirmed, it can reduce the time the driver of taxi 2 is held in accordance with the reservation and mitigate losses incurred due to reservation cancellations.

[0165] In the information processing device 200, if the payment unit 235 receives a cancellation request from the user U who made the reservation between the completion of dispatching taxi 2 and the reservation date and time, it does not perform a refund process, and the dispatch control unit 233 performs a process to cancel the time-specified dispatch.

[0166] As a result, even if the reservation is canceled by user U between the completion of dispatching taxi 2 and the reservation date and time, the information processing device 200 can still obtain the usage fee as of the time the dispatch was confirmed. Consequently, even if the reservation is canceled after the dispatch of taxi 2 has been confirmed, the information processing device 200 has already obtained the usage fee, thus mitigating the occurrence of losses related to the reservation.

[0167] The information processing device 200 further includes a notification unit 236 that notifies the user U of at least one of the payment result for the usage fee and the dispatch result for the taxi 2.

[0168] This allows the information processing device 200 to make user U aware of at least one of the payment results for the usage fee and the dispatch results for taxi 2. As a result, the information processing device 200 can deter user U from canceling their reservation for taxi 2, thereby reducing the occurrence of losses related to the reservation.

[0169] In the information processing device 200, if no taxi 2 is found that can be dispatched at a specified time in the geographical area, the dispatch control unit 233 searches for a taxi 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time in other geographical areas based on the number of taxis that can be reserved for dispatch.

[0170] As a result, if the information processing device 200 cannot find a taxi 2 that can be dispatched at a specified time in a given geographical area, it can improve the likelihood of finding a taxi 2 by searching for taxi 2 in other geographical areas that are suitable for the number of available taxis for dispatch. Consequently, the information processing device 200 can increase the number of available reservation slots based on the number of available taxis for dispatch, thereby preventing a decline in the quality of service related to reservations.

[0171] The information processing system 1 includes an electronic device 100 that moves with the commercial vehicles, and an information processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of the electronic devices 100. The information processing device 200 includes a storage unit 220 that stores past operational data 710 of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range 800, and a setting unit 231 that sets the number of commercial vehicles that can be reserved based on the operational data 710 for each geographical area of ​​the predetermined range 800 and for each predetermined period.

[0172] As a result, the information processing system 1 can recognize in advance the number of taxis 2 available for dispatch at the reserved time by having the information processing device 200 manage the number of available taxis for dispatch for each geographical area within a predetermined range of 800 and for each predetermined period. Consequently, the information processing system 1 can manage reservations as time-specified and make it possible to arrange a vehicle for dispatch even immediately before the specified time, thereby managing reservations in the same way as immediate dispatch and suppressing the occurrence of losses related to reservations.

[0173] The information processing method includes the computer storing past operational data 710 of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range 800 in a storage unit 220, and setting the number of commercial vehicles that can be reserved based on the operational data 710 for each geographical area of ​​the predetermined range 800 and each predetermined period.

[0174] As a result, the information processing method allows the computer to manage the number of available taxis for dispatch for a predetermined geographical area of ​​800 and for each predetermined period, thereby enabling the number of taxis available for dispatch at the reserved time to be determined in advance. Consequently, the information processing method manages reservations as time-specified and makes it possible to arrange a vehicle for dispatch even immediately before the specified time, allowing reservations to be managed in the same way as immediate dispatch, thereby suppressing the occurrence of losses related to reservations.

[0175] The information processing program causes the computer to store past operational data 710 of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range 800 in the storage unit 220, and to set the number of commercial vehicles that can be reserved based on the operational data 710 for each geographical section of the predetermined range 800 and each predetermined period.

[0176] As a result, the information processing program manages the number of available taxis for dispatch for each geographical area of ​​a predetermined range of 800 and for each predetermined period, allowing the computer to recognize in advance the number of taxis available for dispatch at the reserved time. Consequently, the information processing program manages reservations as time-specified and makes it possible to arrange a vehicle for dispatch even immediately before the specified time, thereby managing reservations in the same way as immediate dispatch and suppressing the occurrence of losses related to reservations.

[0177] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A storage unit that stores past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range, A setting unit sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved based on the dynamic data for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period, An information processing device equipped with the following features. (2) The system further includes a determination unit that, when a user makes a reservation for the aforementioned vehicle, determines whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of available vehicles for dispatch. The information processing device described in (1) above. (3) The setting unit sets the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations for each geographical area within a predetermined range and for each predetermined period, based on a machine learning model that has learned the relationship between the dynamic data and the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations. The information processing device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The setting unit sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch for each group to which the commercial vehicles belong. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The aforementioned vehicle is a taxi. The aforementioned dynamic data includes data that can identify the number of taxis whose status is vacant for each geographical area and predetermined period. An information processing device as described in any of (1) to (4) above. (6) The setting unit sets the number of vehicles available for dispatch reservation based on at least one data point, the day of the week and the weather, and the dynamic data. An information processing device according to any of (1) to (5) above. (7) The system further includes a dispatch control unit that searches for a vehicle capable of time-specified dispatch at the reservation date and time and dispatch location indicated by the order data. The dispatch control unit instructs the vehicles that are available for dispatch to make the time-specified dispatch. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The vehicle dispatch control unit, The vehicle within the search area is instructed to be dispatched at the specified time. In response to the confirmation that the aforementioned time-specified dispatch is possible, the aforementioned time-specified dispatch is confirmed. If dispatching a vehicle at the specified time is not possible, the system will instruct another vehicle within the search range to be dispatched at the specified time. The information processing device described in (7) above. (9) The aforementioned vehicle is a taxi. The system further comprises a calculation unit that calculates a taxi fare different from the taxi fare, so as to fluctuate based on the relationship between the supply and demand for the taxi for each predetermined period. The information processing device described in (7) or (8) above. (10) The system further includes a settlement unit that processes the payment for the fare of the taxi whose dispatch at the specified time in accordance with the reservation has been confirmed. After processing the payment for the usage fee, the payment unit then processes the payment for the taxi fare to the drop-off point. The information processing device described in (9) above. (11) If the settlement unit receives a cancellation of the taxi dispatch between the completion of the taxi dispatch and the reservation date and time, it will process a refund of the usage fee. The dispatch control unit performs the process of canceling the scheduled dispatch. The information processing device described in (10) above. (12) If the settlement unit receives a cancellation of the dispatch from the taxi driver at the dispatch location after a predetermined waiting period has elapsed from the reservation date and time, it will not perform the refund process. The dispatch control unit performs the process of canceling the scheduled dispatch. The information processing device described in (10) or (11) above. (13) If the payment unit receives a cancellation from the user who made the reservation between the completion of taxi dispatch and the reservation date and time, it will not perform the refund process. The dispatch control unit performs the process of canceling the scheduled dispatch. An information processing device as described in any of (10) to (12) above. (14) The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of at least one of the settlement results for the usage fee and the taxi dispatch results. An information processing device as described in any of (10) to (13) above. (15) If no vehicle is found in the geographical area that is available for dispatch at the specified time, the dispatch control unit searches for a vehicle available for dispatch at the specified time from other geographical areas based on the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch. An information processing device as described in any of (7) to (14) above. (16) The system comprises an electronic device that moves with a commercial vehicle, and an information processing device capable of communicating with multiple such electronic devices, The aforementioned information processing device is A storage unit that stores past operational data of the vehicle within a predetermined range, A setting unit sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved based on the dynamic data for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period, An information processing system equipped with the following features. (17) Computers To store past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range in a memory unit. Based on the dynamic data, the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch is set for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period. Information processing methods including (18) On the computer, To store past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range in a memory unit. Based on the dynamic data, the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch is set for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period. An information processing program that executes [something]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 1. Information Processing System 2 Taxi 100 Electronic equipment 110 Display section 120 Operation section 130 Communications Department 140 Storage section 141 Driver applications 142 Configuration Data 150 Control Unit 200 Information Processing Devices 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 230 Control Unit 231 Settings Section 232 Judgment section 233 Dispatch Control Unit 234 Calculation Unit 235 Payment Department 236 Notification Department 300 user terminals 310 Sensor Unit 320 Input section 330 Display section 340 Communications Department 350 Storage section 351 User Applications 352 Configuration Data 360 Control Unit 400 Taxi meter 500 reservation slot data 510 Map Information 520 Reservation Slot Information 600 Predictive Models 700 historical data 710 Dynamic Data 720 Order Data 730 Weather Data 740 Notification Data 750 Payment Data 800 predetermined range 810 plots

Claims

1. A setting unit sets the number of available vehicle reservation slots for each geographical area and period within a predetermined range, based on past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. When a user makes a reservation for the vehicle, the system further comprises a determination unit that determines whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of vehicles available for reservation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A storage unit that stores past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range, A setting unit sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved based on the dynamic data for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period, The system includes a determination unit that, when a user makes a reservation for the vehicle, determines whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of available vehicles for dispatch. Information processing device.

4. The setting unit sets the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations for each geographical area within a predetermined range and for each predetermined period, based on a machine learning model that has learned the relationship between the dynamic data and the number of available vehicles for dispatch reservations. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The setting unit sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch for each group to which the commercial vehicles belong. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned vehicle is a taxi. The aforementioned dynamic data includes data that can identify the number of taxis whose status is vacant for each geographical area and predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The setting unit sets the number of vehicles available for dispatch reservation based on at least one data point, the day of the week and the weather, and the vehicle movement data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The system further includes a dispatch control unit that searches for a vehicle capable of time-specified dispatch at the reservation date and time and dispatch location indicated by the order data. The dispatch control unit instructs the vehicles that are available for dispatch to make the time-specified dispatch. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

9. The vehicle dispatch control unit, The vehicle within the search area is instructed to be dispatched at the specified time. In response to the confirmation that the aforementioned time-specified dispatch is possible, the aforementioned time-specified dispatch is confirmed. If dispatching a vehicle at the specified time is not possible, the system will instruct another vehicle within the search range to be dispatched at the specified time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned vehicle is a taxi. The system further comprises a calculation unit that calculates a taxi fare different from the taxi fare, so as to fluctuate based on the relationship between the supply and demand for the taxi for each predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The system further includes a settlement unit that processes the payment for the fare of the taxi whose dispatch at the specified time in accordance with the reservation has been confirmed. After processing the payment for the usage fee, the payment unit then processes the payment for the taxi fare to the drop-off point. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. If the settlement unit receives a cancellation of the taxi dispatch between the completion of the taxi dispatch and the reservation date and time, it will process a refund of the usage fee. The dispatch control unit performs the process of canceling the scheduled dispatch. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. If the settlement unit receives a cancellation of the dispatch from the taxi driver at the dispatch location after a predetermined waiting period has elapsed from the reservation date and time, it will not perform the refund process. The dispatch control unit performs the process of canceling the scheduled dispatch. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. If the payment unit receives a cancellation from the user who made the reservation between the completion of taxi dispatch and the reservation date and time, it will not perform the refund process. The dispatch control unit performs the process of canceling the scheduled dispatch. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of at least one of the settlement results for the usage fee and the taxi dispatch results. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. If no vehicle is found in the geographical area that is available for dispatch at the specified time, the dispatch control unit searches for a vehicle available for dispatch at the specified time from other geographical areas based on the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

17. The system comprises an electronic device that moves with a commercial vehicle, and an information processing device capable of communicating with multiple such electronic devices, The aforementioned information processing device is A setting unit sets the number of available vehicle reservation slots for each geographical area and period within a predetermined range, based on past vehicle movement data within that range. An information processing system equipped with the following features.

18. A device comprising an electronic device that moves with a commercial vehicle, and an information processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of the electronic devices, The aforementioned information processing device is A storage unit that stores past operational data of the vehicle within a predetermined range, A setting unit sets the number of vehicles that can be reserved based on the dynamic data for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period, When a user makes a reservation for the aforementioned vehicle, a determination unit determines whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of available vehicles for dispatch, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

19. Computers Based on past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range, the number of available vehicle reservations is set for each geographical area and period within the predetermined range, indicating the number of vehicle reservation slots. Information processing methods including

20. A computer, To store past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range in a memory unit. Based on the dynamic data, the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch is set for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period. When a user makes a reservation for the aforementioned vehicle, the system will determine whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of vehicles available for reservation. Information processing methods including

21. On the computer, Based on past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range, the number of available vehicle reservations is set for each geographical area and period within the predetermined range, indicating the number of vehicle reservation slots. An information processing program that executes [something].

22. A computer, To store past operational data of commercial vehicles within a predetermined range in a memory unit. Based on the dynamic data, the number of vehicles that can be reserved for dispatch is set for each geographical area within the predetermined range and for each predetermined period. When a user makes a reservation for the aforementioned vehicle, the system will determine whether or not to accept the reservation based on the number of vehicles available for reservation. An information processing program that executes [something].

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