Program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a program and the like that increase a vehicle occupancy ratio by efficient vehicle operation.SOLUTION: A computer obtains reservation information, for a vehicle, including a use start date and use end date and a use start location and use end location. In addition, the computer determines whether reservation for the obtained reservation information is possible for the vehicle, based on: a use end location and use end date of another reservation that has been made before the use start date of the obtained reservation information; and the use start location and use start date of the obtained reservation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing reservations for vehicles used in carsharing. In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when reserving a vehicle, the start time and end time of vehicle use are specified, and if there is no overlap with the reservations of other users, the reservation at the specified start time and end time of use is confirmed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In carsharing, generally, facilities such as a parking lot where a vehicle is prepared serve as the start location (departure point) and end location (return point) of use, and the user ends the use of the vehicle by returning the vehicle to the return point by the reservation end time (end time of use). Therefore, in carsharing, when making a reservation for a vehicle, it is only necessary to determine whether there is a reservation by other users during the time period from the specified start time of use to the end time of use.

[0005] In recent years, care taxis and welfare taxis using special vehicles that allow passengers to board and alight while sitting in a wheelchair have been used. Since the number of such taxis is limited, in order to improve the utilization rate of vehicles, it is desired to achieve efficient operation. However, if there is no margin in the interval between the reservation times of each user, there is a risk that the start time of a subsequent reservation may not be met, and there is a problem that it is difficult to appropriately accept reservations.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide programs and other tools that enable efficient vehicle operation and improve vehicle occupancy rates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure obtains reservation information for a vehicle, including a start date and time, an end date and time, a start location, and an end location. The program causes a computer to execute a process to determine whether or not to allow a reservation for the vehicle based on the end location and end date and time of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of the obtained reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of the obtained reservation information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to operate vehicles efficiently and improve the vehicle occupancy rate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the equipment installed in the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of a reservation management system. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example configuration of a server and user terminal. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a database record layout stored on the server. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle reservation process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle reservation process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle reservation process. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user terminal screen. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user terminal screen. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the setup database. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the reservation processing procedure for Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation processing procedure for Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user terminal screen. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the reservation processing procedure for Embodiment 4. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user terminal screen. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the vehicle database in Embodiment 5. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reservation acceptance screen for Embodiment 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes in detail, with reference to drawings illustrating embodiments of the program, information processing method, and information processing device of this disclosure applied to a reservation management system for managing vehicle reservations.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a reservation management system for managing the reservation of a vehicle equipped with equipment and materials for realizing a web conference will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the equipment mounted on the vehicle. FIG. 1A shows the state inside the vehicle 30 when viewed from the front side of the vehicle 30 from the rear seat 30b, and FIG. 1B shows a configuration example of the equipment mounted on the vehicle 30. As shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle 30 for which reservation management is performed in the reservation management system of this embodiment is provided with a partition wall 30a that separates the driver's seat (front seat) and the rear seat, and the rear seat 30b side is configured to be used as a private space. Therefore, the user using the vehicle 30 can concentrate on the web conference without worrying about the driver. In addition, since the driver's riding space and the user's riding space are separated by the partition wall 30a, the risk of infection of infectious diseases is suppressed. A user using such a vehicle 30 can hold a web conference during the travel time by the vehicle 30, so that time can be used efficiently and the efficiency of business can be improved.

[0012] The equipment mounted on the vehicle 30 of this embodiment includes a web conference terminal 40, a display unit 31, a speaker 32, a camera 33, a microphone 34, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router 35, a light 36, etc. The web conference terminal 40 is a terminal used by a user who participates in a web conference inside the vehicle 30, and is composed of a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The web conference terminal 40 may be a terminal pre-mounted on the vehicle 30, or may be a terminal brought in by the user when getting on the vehicle 30.

[0013] The web conference terminal 40 has a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, a device connection unit 45, etc., and these units are connected via a bus. The control unit 41 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 41 executes the information processing and control processing that the web conference terminal 40 should perform by appropriately executing the program 42P stored in the storage unit 42.

[0014] The storage unit 42 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 42 stores the program 42P (program product) executed by the control unit 41 and various data. The storage unit 42 also temporarily stores data and the like generated when the control unit 41 executes the program 42P. Furthermore, the storage unit 42 stores a web conferencing application program 42AP (hereinafter referred to as the web conferencing app 42AP) for realizing a web conference via a network N such as the Internet. The program 42P, the web conferencing app 42AP, and various data may be written into the storage unit 42 at the manufacturing stage of the web conferencing terminal 40, or the control unit 41 may download them from another device via the communication unit 43 and store them in the storage unit 42.

[0015] The communication unit 43 is, for example, a communication module for performing processing related to wireless communication, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices via the network N. When the vehicle 30 is equipped with a Wi-Fi router 35, the communication unit 43 connects to the network N via the Wi-Fi router 35. The input unit 44 receives operation inputs from the user and sends a control signal corresponding to the operation content to the control unit 41. The device connection unit 45 is an interface for performing wireless communication via, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a USB receiver, and communicates with the display unit 31, the speaker 32, the camera 33, and the microphone 34 mounted on the vehicle 30 by wireless communication. Note that the device connection unit 45 may be an interface for communicating with the above-mentioned devices by wired communication via a cable. The display unit 31, the speaker 32, the camera 33, and the microphone 34 may be configured to be built into the web conferencing terminal 40 in addition to being connected to the device connection unit 45 of the web conferencing terminal 40.

[0016] In the vehicle 30 shown in Figure 1A, a display unit 31 is provided on the rear seat 30b side of the bulkhead 30a. The display unit 31 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc., and displays various information output from the web conferencing terminal 40. The display unit 31 may also be a touch panel integrated with an input unit that receives operation input to the web conferencing terminal 40. The display unit 31 only needs to be provided in a position where it can be seen by a user seated in the rear seat 30b, and may be provided in multiple locations. A speaker 32, a camera 33, and a microphone 34 are provided in appropriate locations within the vehicle 30. The speaker 32 only needs to be provided in a position where the output sound can reach a user seated in the rear seat 30b, the camera 33 only needs to be provided in a position where it can photograph the face or upper body of a user seated in the rear seat 30b, and the microphone 34 only needs to be provided in a position where it can collect the voice of a user seated in the rear seat 30b. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1A, the light 36 (illumination unit) is positioned so that it can be used by a passenger seated in the rear seat 30b.

[0017] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of a reservation management system. The reservation management system in this embodiment includes a server 10 and a user terminal 20, and the server 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected via a network N. The network N may be the internet or a public communication line, or it may be a LAN (Local Area Network) built within the facility where the reservation management system is installed.

[0018] Server 10 is an information processing device capable of various information processing and information transmission / reception, such as a server computer or personal computer. User terminal 20 is a terminal used by users who make reservations for the vehicle 30, and is a general-purpose information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. A user who has made a reservation for the vehicle using user terminal 20 may also bring the user terminal 20 into the vehicle 30 to conduct a web conference, in which case the web conference terminal 40 and user terminal 20 will be the same terminal.

[0019] In the reservation management system of this embodiment, the server 10 obtains reservation conditions (reservation information) for the use of vehicle 30 from the user terminal 20, and if the obtained reservation conditions are met, it processes a process to confirm the use reservation for vehicle 30. The server 10 also functions as a web server and provides a reservation acceptance site 12S (see Figure 3) for accepting vehicle use reservations via the network N. Users access the server 10 using their user terminal 20 and request a vehicle use reservation via the reservation acceptance site 12S, and the server 10 accepts the reservation request via the reservation acceptance site 12S.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server 10 and a user terminal 20. The server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, a reading unit 16, etc., and each of these units is connected via a bus. The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, input unit 14, and display unit 15 each have the same configuration as the control unit 41, storage unit 42, communication unit 43, and input unit 44 of the web conferencing terminal 40, and the display unit 31 installed in the vehicle 30, so a detailed explanation of the configuration is omitted. In addition to the program 12P (program product), the storage unit 12 of the server 10 stores a reservation acceptance site 12S for accepting vehicle usage reservations, a vehicle DB 12a, and a reservation DB 12b, which will be described later. At least one of the vehicle DB 12a and the reservation DB 12b may be stored in another storage device connected to the server 10, or in another storage device that the server 10 can communicate with. Furthermore, if the reservation management system of this embodiment requires member registration in order to reserve and use the vehicle 30, a member database containing information about registered users is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0021] The reading unit 16 reads information stored on a portable storage medium 10a such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD card, microSD card, or CompactFlash (registered trademark). The program 12P (program product) and various data stored in the storage unit 12 may be read by the control unit 11 from the portable storage medium 10a via the reading unit 16 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0022] Server 10 may be a multicomputer comprising multiple computers, a virtual machine virtually constructed by software within a single device, or a cloud server. Furthermore, program 12P may run on a single computer or on multiple computers interconnected via a network N. Additionally, the input unit 14 and display unit 15 are not mandatory for server 10; it may be configured to accept operations via connected computers, or to output information to be displayed to an external display device.

[0023] The user terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, a display unit 25, etc., and each of these units is connected via a bus. The control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, input unit 24, and display unit 25 each have the same configuration as the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, input unit 14, and display unit 15 of the server 10, so a detailed explanation of their configurations will be omitted. In addition to the program 22P, the storage unit 22 of the user terminal 20 stores a web browser 22AP (hereinafter referred to as browser 22AP) for viewing websites published via the network N.

[0024] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of DBs 12a and 12b stored in server 10. Figure 4A shows vehicle DB 12a, and Figure 4B shows reservation DB 12b. Vehicle DB 12a is a database that stores information on vehicles 30 whose use is reserved by the reservation management system of this embodiment. Vehicle DB 12a shown in Figure 4A includes a vehicle ID column, a vehicle information column, a passenger capacity column, an onboard equipment column, etc., and stores information about the vehicle 30 associated with the vehicle ID. The vehicle ID column stores identification information (vehicle ID) uniquely assigned to each vehicle 30. The vehicle ID may be, for example, the vehicle's vehicle registration number (license plate number). The vehicle information column stores information about the vehicle 30, such as the vehicle's manufacturer, model, manufacturing date, and year of manufacture. The passenger capacity column stores the number of people who can sit in the rear seat 30b of vehicle 30 and participate in the web conference. The onboard equipment list stores information about the equipment and devices installed in the vehicle 30 that can be used for web conferencing. For example, information such as the presence or absence of a table, the presence or absence of a Wi-Fi router, the presence or absence and size of a monitor (display unit 31), the presence or absence and specifications of a speaker, the presence or absence and specifications of a camera, and the presence or absence and specifications of a microphone are stored in the onboard equipment list. The contents stored in the vehicle DB 12a are not limited to the example shown in Figure 4A; for example, information about the past usage and reservation status of the vehicle 30 may also be stored.

[0025] The reservation DB12b is a database that stores information regarding reservations for each vehicle 30 that have been received (confirmed) by the reservation management system of this embodiment. The reservation DB12b shown in Figure 4B includes a vehicle ID column, a reservation ID column, a reservation information column, etc., and stores information indicating the reservation details for each vehicle 30 in association with the vehicle ID. The reservation ID column stores identification information (reservation ID) for identifying confirmed reservations for each vehicle 30. The reservation information column stores information indicating the details of each reservation in association with the reservation ID. Specifically, the date on which the vehicle 30 was reserved, the start time of use, the end time of use, the starting point (departure point), the end point (destination point), and user information are stored in the reservation information column in association with each other. The contents stored in the reservation DB12b are not limited to the example shown in Figure 4B, and information regarding the reservation details of the vehicle 30 and the user who made the reservation may also be stored.

[0026] The following describes the process for reserving a vehicle 30 in response to a user request in the reservation management system of this embodiment. Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the vehicle 30 reservation process, and Figures 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the user terminal 20 screen. The following processes are performed by the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 according to the program 22P and browser 22AP stored in the storage unit 22, and by the control unit 11 of the server 10 according to the program 12P stored in the storage unit 12.

[0027] In the reservation management system of this embodiment, a user who wishes to reserve the use of vehicle 30 accesses the server 10 (reservation site 12S) using the user terminal 20 and makes a reservation for the use of vehicle 30 via the reservation site 12S. When the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives an instruction from the user to access the reservation site 12S via the input unit 24, it launches the browser 22AP and accesses the reservation site 12S (S11). Alternatively, if an application program for accessing the reservation site 12S is stored in the storage unit 22 of the user terminal 20, the user may access the reservation site 12S by launching the application program on the user terminal 20.

[0028] The control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a web page, in this case the reservation acceptance screen of the reservation acceptance site 12S, to the user terminal 20 in response to a request from the user terminal 20 (S12). The control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives the reservation acceptance screen sent by the server 10 and displays it on the display unit 25 (S13). Figure 8A shows an example of a reservation acceptance screen, which has input fields for entering the date, start time, end time, and number of users for the vehicle 30 reservation. Each input field may be configured to allow the user to enter any date, time, or number of people, and may also have a pull-down menu that allows the user to select any one of several options, as shown in Figure 8A. The reservation acceptance screen also has a selection field for the user to select the equipment installed in the vehicle 30 that they desire. The selection field shown in Figure 8A has checkboxes for selecting the following equipment and devices: display, table, speaker, microphone, camera, Wi-Fi, and lights. Additionally, checkboxes may be provided for each display size, each speaker specification, each microphone specification, and each camera specification.

[0029] The reservation screen also has input fields for the user to enter the starting point (boarding point, departure point) and the ending point (drop-off point, destination) of the vehicle 30. The input fields for the starting and ending points are configured to allow the user to enter an address that can identify any location, the name of a transportation station or bus stop, etc. A search mark M1 is also provided in the input fields for the starting and ending points. When a predetermined operation (for example, a left click or right click of the mouse) is performed on the search mark M1, an operation menu regarding the input method for the starting and ending points is displayed, as shown in Figure 8A. The operation menu shown in Figure 8A displays the items "Search by Route" and "Search by Map". If the "Search by Route" item is selected, a list of names of various transportation routes is displayed. When a route is selected from the list of names, a list of station names on the selected route is displayed, and the user can input the starting or ending point by selecting a station from the list of station names. If the "Search by Map" item is selected, a map is displayed, and the user can input the starting or ending point by selecting a location on the map. Furthermore, the reservation screen has a search button that instructs the system to perform a search for available vehicles 30 that meet the reservation conditions, using the entered information as the reservation conditions.

[0030] The user inputs information into each input field on the reservation acceptance screen via the input unit 24, selects the desired equipment via the selection field, and operates the search button to instruct the system to execute a search process for vehicles 30 that can be reserved based on the entered reservation conditions. The control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives the input of information regarding the reservation conditions via the input unit 24 and displays the received information in each input field and selection field on the reservation acceptance screen (S14). The control unit 21 determines whether or not the search button has been operated via the input unit 24 (S15). If it determines that the search button has not been operated (S15: NO), it returns to the process in step S14 and continues to accept the input of reservation conditions. If it determines that the search button has been operated (S15: YES), the control unit 21 sends the reservation conditions entered via the reservation acceptance screen to the server 10 (S16) and requests the server 10 to execute a search process for vehicles 30 that satisfy the reservation conditions. As a result, the control unit 11 (acquisition unit) of the server 10 acquires reservation information including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the start location of use (start position), the end location of use (end position), and information about the equipment used (equipment information).

[0031] When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to execute a vehicle search process for the vehicle 30, it determines whether the reservation is appropriate based on the reservation conditions received from the user terminal 20. Here, the control unit 11 determines whether the reservation is appropriate based on whether it is possible to travel from the starting point to the ending point during the time from the start time to the end time of use. Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the travel time required for the vehicle 30 to travel from the starting point to the ending point as included in the reservation conditions (S17). If the server 10 has a route search function, the travel time may be obtained by the control unit 11 by searching based on the starting point and the ending point, or it may be obtained along with the route from the starting point to the ending point from a website that provides vehicle route search processing via the network N. In addition, if the control unit 11 obtains the route from the starting point to the ending point and the distance of the route, it may calculate the required travel time based on the distance of the route and the average driving speed of the vehicle. Furthermore, when calculating travel time, the control unit 11 may predict the travel time by considering past congestion conditions during the vehicle 30's usage time (reserved time) along the route from the starting point to the ending point, as well as the status of various events held near the route on the usage day (reserved day). Alternatively, for example, the control unit 11 may add a predetermined time or a predetermined percentage of time to the travel time calculated based on the route from the starting point to the ending point to provide a margin (allowance) and use that time as the travel time.

[0032] The control unit 11 calculates the usage time from the start time to the end time included in the reservation conditions, and determines whether the calculated usage time is equal to or greater than the travel time calculated in step S17 (S18). If the usage time is equal to or greater than the travel time, it is possible to travel from the start point to the end point within the usage time, so it can be determined that the vehicle 30 can be used under the reservation conditions. On the other hand, if the usage time is shorter than the travel time, it is not possible to travel from the start point to the end point within the usage time, so it can be determined that the vehicle 30 cannot be used under the reservation conditions. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a reservation (use of vehicle 30) under the reservation conditions can be made based on the usage time and travel time. If it is determined that the usage time is not equal to or greater than the travel time (S18: NO), that is, if the usage time is shorter than the travel time, the control unit 11 searches for a point that can be reached from the start point within the usage time (a candidate for the end point) (S19). For example, the control unit 11 identifies points along the route from the start point to the end point that can be reached within the usage time, and designates these identified points as candidates for the end point.

[0033] The control unit 11 sends reservation unavailable information to the user terminal 20 (S20), which includes the candidate end point of use searched in step S19 and the available usage time, indicating that the reservation condition cannot be met because the usage time is too short. When the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives the reservation unavailable information sent by the server 10, it displays the reservation unavailable information on the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 8B (S21). In the example shown in Figure 8B, the user is shown that a reservation will be possible if the usage time is set to 1 hour and 30 minutes or longer, or if the end point is set from the candidate end point of use. Therefore, the control unit 11 can output the end point of use or the end time of use that can be reserved. Note that in step S19, instead of searching for candidate end points that can be reached from the start point within the usage time, the control unit 11 may search for candidate start points that can be reached to the end point within the usage time. In this case, the screen in Figure 8B can display candidate start points that can be reserved and the available usage time to the user. Therefore, the control unit 11 can output the starting point or starting time for use that can be reserved.

[0034] If the user confirms that they cannot make a reservation with the entered reservation conditions, as shown on the screen in Figure 8B, they change the input content on the reservation acceptance screen. After processing in step S21, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 returns to the processing in step S14 and accepts the changed reservation conditions. Subsequently, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 execute the processes in steps S15 to S18, and repeat the processes in steps S14 to S21 until the usage time is equal to or greater than the travel time.

[0035] If the control unit determines that the usage time is longer than the travel time (S18: YES), it determines that the vehicle 30 is available for use under the reservation conditions entered via the reservation acceptance screen and proceeds to step S22. The control unit 11 identifies a vehicle 30 that satisfies the reservation conditions received from the user terminal 20 (S22). Here, the control unit 11 identifies a vehicle 30 from among the vehicles 30 registered in the vehicle DB 12a that is available with the equipment desired by the user and that does not have any other reservations during the usage time period from the start time to the end time of the reservation conditions. Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies a vehicle 30 that is equipped with the equipment desired by the user included in the reservation conditions, based on the equipment installed in each vehicle 30 stored in the vehicle DB 12a. Then, based on the reservation information stored in the reservation DB 12b, the control unit 11 identifies a vehicle 30 from the identified vehicles 30 that does not have any other reservations during the usage time period from the start time to the end time of the reservation conditions. After identifying a vehicle 30 that meets the reservation conditions, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process in step S23. If the control unit 11 is unable to identify a vehicle 30 that meets the reservation conditions, i.e., if there are no vehicles 30 that meet the reservation conditions, it sends reservation unavailable information to the user terminal 20, indicating that a reservation cannot be made under the entered reservation conditions, and notifies the user via the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the user terminal 20.

[0036] The control unit 11 obtains from the reservation DB 12b the end time and end location of other reservations (previous reservations) that have already been made for a time period prior to the start time (before the start date and time) of the reservation conditions for the vehicle 30 identified in step S22 (S23). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether it is possible to travel the route from the end location of the previous reservation to the start location of the reservation conditions in the time from the end time of the previous reservation to the start time of the reservation conditions. In other words, the control unit 11 determines whether it is possible to start using the vehicle 30, which has finished using the previous reservation at the end time and end location, at the start time and start location of the reservation conditions. Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the travel time of the vehicle 30 from the end location of the previous reservation to the start location of the reservation conditions (S24). The travel time can be calculated by the same process as in step S17. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may also predict the travel time by considering past congestion conditions along the route from the end point of the previous reservation to the start point of the reservation, as well as the status of various events held near the route, and may calculate the travel time with a predetermined time or a predetermined percentage of time margin (allowance).

[0037] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the time (travelable time) from the end time of use in the previous reservation to the start time of use in the current reservation, and determines whether or not the user can reach the start point by the start time of use in the current reservation based on the calculated travelable time and the travel time calculated in step S24 (S25). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the calculated travelable time is greater than or equal to the travel time calculated in step S24, and if the travelable time is greater than or equal to the travel time, it determines that the user can reach the start time of use in the current reservation, and if the travelable time is less than the travel time, it determines that the user cannot reach the start time of use in the current reservation. Therefore, the control unit 11 (determination unit) determines whether or not a reservation can be made under the current reservation based on the end point and end time of use in the previous reservation (another reservation) and the start point and start time of use in the reservation received from the user terminal 20.

[0038] If it is determined that the user will not be able to make it to the start time of use under the reservation conditions (S25: NO), the control unit 11 searches for a point that can be reached within the travelable time from the end point of use in the previous reservation (candidate start point) (S26). For example, the control unit 11 identifies a point that can be reached within the travelable time on the route from the end point of use in the previous reservation to the start point of use under the reservation conditions, and sets the identified point as a candidate start point. The control unit 11 also searches for a time period that is available for booking, after the travel time calculated in step S24 has elapsed from the end time of use in the previous reservation (S27). For example, the control unit 11 sets the time after the travel time calculated in step S24 has elapsed from the end time of use in the previous reservation as the start time of use, and the time after the usage time under the reservation conditions has elapsed from that start time as the end time of use, and if there are no other reservations in the time period from that start time to that end time, it identifies the time period from that start time to that end time as a time period that is available for booking. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may identify the time at which the user should depart from the end point of use in order to arrive at the start point of use for other reservations (later reservations) that have been made after the time period from the start time to the end time of use, and may identify the time period up to that identified time as a time period in which reservations are possible.

[0039] Then, the control unit 11 sends reservation unavailable information to the user terminal 20, including the candidate starting point for use searched in step S26 and the available time slots for reservation searched in step S27, indicating that the reservation cannot be made because the vehicle 30 will not arrive in time for the start time (S28). When the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives the reservation unavailable information sent by the server 10, it displays the reservation unavailable information on the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 9A (S29). In the example shown in Figure 9A, the user is shown that a reservation will be possible if the usage time is set to a time slot within the available time slots, or if the starting point is set from the candidate starting point for use.

[0040] If the user confirms that they cannot make a reservation under the entered reservation conditions via a screen like the one shown in Figure 9A, they change the input on the reservation acceptance screen. After processing in step S29, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 returns to processing in step S14. Subsequently, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 execute the processes in steps S14 to S25, and repeat the processes in steps S14 to S29 until it is determined that the user will arrive at the starting location in time for the start of use under the reservation conditions.

[0041] If the control unit 11 determines that it can reach the starting point by the start time of use under the reservation conditions (S25: YES), the control unit 11 determines that it is possible to start using the vehicle 30 under the input reservation conditions, even though the vehicle 30 has already been used in a previous reservation, and proceeds to step S30. Next, the control unit 11 obtains from the reservation DB 12b the start times and starting points of other reservations (later reservations) that have already been made for the time period after the end time of use (after the end date and time of use) under the reservation conditions for the vehicle 30 that it has determined is possible to start using under the reservation conditions (S30).

[0042] The control unit 11 then determines whether it is possible to travel the route from the end point of use under the current reservation conditions to the start point of use under the later reservation conditions within the time between the end time of use under the current reservation conditions and the start time of use under the later reservation conditions. That is, the control unit 11 determines whether it is possible to start using the vehicle 30, which has finished use under the current reservation conditions, at the start time and location of use under the later reservation conditions. Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the travel time of the vehicle 30 from the end point of use under the current reservation conditions to the start point of use under the later reservation (S31). The travel time can be calculated by the same process as in steps S17 and S24.

[0043] The control unit 11 calculates the time (travel time) from the end time of use in the current reservation to the start time of use in the later reservation, and determines whether the user will be able to reach the start point in time for the start of use in the later reservation based on the calculated travel time and the travel time calculated in step S31 (S32). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the calculated travel time is greater than or equal to the travel time calculated in step S31, and if the travel time is greater than or equal to the travel time, it determines that the user will be able to reach the start time of use in the later reservation, and if the travel time is less than the travel time, it determines that the user will not be able to reach the start time of use in the later reservation. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines whether a reservation can be made under the current reservation conditions based on the end point and end time of use in the reservation conditions received from the user terminal 20 and the start point and start time of use in the later reservation (another reservation).

[0044] If it is determined that the user will not be able to make it to the start time of the later reservation (S32: NO), the control unit 11 searches for a point that can be reached within the available travel time to reach the start point of the later reservation (a candidate for the end point of use under the reservation conditions) (S33). For example, the control unit 11 identifies a point on the route from the end point of use under the reservation conditions to the start point of use of the later reservation within the available travel time, and sets the identified point as a candidate for the end point of use. The control unit 11 also searches for a time period that is available for booking, prior to the time calculated by going back in time from the start time of use of the later reservation based on the travel time calculated in step S31 (S34). For example, the control unit 11 sets the end time to the time calculated by going back in time from the start time of use of the later reservation based on the travel time calculated in step S31, and sets the start time to the time further back from the end time based on the usage time under the reservation conditions, and if there are no other reservations in the time period from the start time to the end time, it identifies the time period from the start time to the end time as a time available for booking. The control unit 11 may also identify the time elapsed since the end time of another reservation (previous reservation) made prior to the time period from the start time to the end time of the current reservation, and then identify the time period from the identified time to the end time of the current reservation as a time period in which reservations are possible.

[0045] Then, the control unit 11 sends reservation unavailable information to the user terminal 20, indicating that the reservation conditions, including the candidate end point searched in step S33 and the available time slot searched in step S34, cannot be used because the user will not be able to make it in time for the start time of a later reservation (S35). When the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives the reservation unavailable information sent by the server 10, it displays the reservation unavailable information on the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the display unit 25 (S36). An example of the display of the reservation unavailable information is omitted here, but on a screen similar to the screen shown in Figure 9A, the user is shown that a reservation will be possible if the usage time is set to a time within the available time slot, or if the end point is set from the candidate end point.

[0046] If the user confirms that they cannot make a reservation under the entered reservation conditions, they change the input on the reservation acceptance screen, and the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 returns to the process of step S14 after processing in step S36. Subsequently, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 execute the processes of steps S14 to S32, and repeat the processes of steps S14 to S36 until it is determined that the user will arrive at the starting location in time for the start time of the subsequent reservation.

[0047] If the control unit 11 determines that the user will be able to reach the starting point in time for the start of use in a later reservation (S32: YES), the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle 30 can be used in a later reservation even though the vehicle 30 has been used under the entered reservation conditions, and proceeds to step S37. The control unit 11 determines that a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions and sends reservation availability information, including the reservation conditions, to the user terminal 20 (S37). When the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives the reservation availability information sent by the server 10, it displays the reservation availability information on the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 9B (S38). The screen shown in Figure 9B shows the user that a reservation is possible with the content (reservation conditions) entered via the reservation acceptance screen, and has a reservation button to instruct the user to make a reservation under those reservation conditions.

[0048] If a user wishes to make a reservation under the displayed reservation conditions, they instruct the system to execute the reservation under those conditions by operating the reservation button. The control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 determines whether or not the reservation button has been operated via the input unit 24 (S39). If it determines that the reservation button has not been operated (S39: NO), it waits until it is operated. Note that the reservation conditions can be changed on the screen shown in Figure 9B, and if the control unit 11 receives a change in the reservation conditions, it may return to the process in step S14 and accept the input of the reservation conditions.

[0049] If the control unit 21 determines that the reservation button has been pressed (S39: YES), it requests the server 10 to execute the reservation under the displayed reservation conditions (S40). When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives a request to execute a reservation from the user terminal 20, it issues a reservation ID, associates it with the vehicle ID of the vehicle 30 that it has determined is available for reservation, stores the reservation ID and the information indicating the reservation conditions in the reservation DB 12b (S41), and terminates the series of processes.

[0050] Through the process described above, the reservation management system of this embodiment allows users to reserve the use of vehicle 30 at any time and location, with the pick-up and drop-off points set to any location. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when making a reservation for the special vehicle (vehicle 30) equipped with equipment for conducting web conferences, it is possible to appropriately set the reservation so as not to overlap with reservations made before or after the desired time slot. In addition, if a reservation becomes possible by changing the desired time slot or the pick-up / drop-off points of vehicle 30, the system can present the user with a list of available time slots or pick-up / drop-off points. Therefore, if it is possible to change the time slot or the pick-up / drop-off points of vehicle 30, reservations can be set efficiently by changing the time slot or pick-up / drop-off points. By appropriately setting reservations in this way so as not to overlap with other reservations before or after the desired time slot, vehicle 30 can be operated efficiently, and the occupancy rate of vehicle 30 can be improved.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1 described above, the system determined whether a reservation could be made by considering the travel time from the end point of another reservation prior to the time slot in which the vehicle 30 was to be reserved, and the travel time to the start point of another reservation later than the time slot in which the vehicle was to be reserved. In Embodiment 2, a reservation management system will be described that determines whether a reservation can be made by considering the setup time of the in-vehicle equipment used in the reservation and the subsequent reservation, in addition to the travel time from the end point of the previous reservation and the travel time to the start point of the subsequent reservation. The reservation management system of this embodiment is implemented using the same device as the reservation management system of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, so a detailed explanation of the configuration will be omitted. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the server 10 stores a setup DB in the storage unit 12.

[0052] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the setup DB. The setup DB is a database that stores the setup time (preparation time) required for setting up (preparing) the equipment and machinery installed in the vehicle 30. The setup DB shown in Figure 10 includes a setup ID column, a processing content column, a setup time column, etc., and stores the content of the setup processing performed on the equipment and machinery installed in the vehicle 30, and the time required for each setup processing, associated with the setup ID assigned to each content of the setup processing. The content of the setup processing includes, for example, the processing for connecting the web conferencing terminal 40 to the network N, the processing for installing the table in a predetermined position inside the vehicle 30, the processing for installing the camera 33 in a predetermined position inside the vehicle 30 and connecting it to the web conferencing terminal 40, the processing for connecting the display unit 31 to the web conferencing terminal 40, the processing for connecting the speaker 32 to the web conferencing terminal 40, the processing for connecting the microphone 34 to the web conferencing terminal 40, etc. The contents of the setup information database are not limited to the example shown in Figure 10, but also store information regarding the setup of equipment and machinery installed in the vehicle 30, as well as equipment and machinery that can be installed in the vehicle 30.

[0053] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation processing procedure of Embodiment 2. The process shown in Figure 11 is the same as the process shown in Figures 5 to 7, but with step S51 added between steps S24 and S25, and step S52 added between steps S31 and S32. The same steps as in Figures 5 to 7 are omitted from the explanation. Note that in Figure 11, steps S11 to S23 and S33 to S41 in Figures 5 to 7 are not shown.

[0054] In the reservation management system of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 perform the same processing as in steps S11 to S24 in Figures 5 and 6. After processing in step S24, the control unit 11 calculates the setup time required for the setup process to be performed from the end of use in the previous reservation to the start of use under the current reservation conditions, based on the equipment and machinery that the user was scheduled to use in the previous reservation and the equipment and machinery that the user was scheduled to use under the current reservation conditions (S51). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the user will be able to reach the start location by the start time under the current reservation conditions, based on the time from the end of use in the previous reservation to the start time under the current reservation conditions (travel time), the travel time calculated in step S24, and the setup time calculated in step S51 (S25). Here, the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle will arrive in time for the start time of use under the reservation conditions if the available travel time is equal to or greater than the sum of the travel time calculated in step S24 and the setup time calculated in step S51, and determines that the vehicle will not arrive in time for the start time of use under the reservation conditions if the available travel time is shorter than the sum of the travel time and setup time calculated in step S51.

[0055] Furthermore, after processing in step S31, the control unit 11 calculates the setup time required for the setup process to be performed from the end of use under the current reservation conditions to the start of use under the later reservation, based on the equipment and machinery to be used under the current reservation conditions and the equipment and machinery to be used by the user in the later reservation (S52). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether it will be able to reach the start point of use by the start time of use under the later reservation, based on the time from the end time of use under the current reservation conditions to the start time of use under the later reservation (travel time), the travel time calculated in step S31, and the setup time calculated in step S52 (S32). Here, the control unit 11 determines that it will be able to reach the start time of use under the later reservation if the travel time is equal to or greater than the sum of the travel time calculated in step S31 and the setup time calculated in step S52, and determines that it will not be able to reach the start time of use under the later reservation if the travel time is shorter than the sum of the travel time and the setup time calculated in step S52.

[0056] Through the process described above, in this embodiment, when setting up a reservation so as not to overlap with reservations before or after the desired time slot, the setup time required for preparing the equipment and machinery to be used in the reservation under those conditions, as well as the setup time required for preparing the equipment and machinery to be used in the subsequent reservation, can be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations where the setup process for the equipment and machinery causes delays in meeting the start time of each reservation.

[0057] In this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the travel time from the end point of use in the previous reservation and the travel time to the start point of use in the subsequent reservation, it is possible to determine whether it is possible to make a reservation that does not overlap with the previous and subsequent reservations by considering the setup time of the equipment and machinery to be used in each reservation. Therefore, the vehicle 30 can be operated efficiently according to the reservation set taking into account the time required for setting up the equipment and machinery used for web conferencing. As a result, it is possible to set reservations that will arrive on time for the start time of use in each reservation, and the occupancy rate of the vehicle 30 can be improved. In this embodiment as well, the modifications described as appropriate in Embodiment 1 described above can be applied.

[0058] (Embodiment 3) This document describes a reservation management system that, when it determines that a reservation is possible based on the reservation conditions received from the user terminal 20, presents the user with locations eligible for a discount on the usage fee if such locations exist near the specified start or end point of use. Since the reservation management system of this embodiment is implemented using the same equipment as the reservation management system of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, a detailed explanation of the configuration will be omitted. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the server 10 stores a discount information database (not shown) in its storage unit 12, which associates locations eligible for a discount with the discount amount or discount rate relative to the normal fee. Locations eligible for a discount include, for example, train stations, shopping malls, parking lots, etc., where there is space for the vehicle 30 to wait.

[0059] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation processing procedure of Embodiment 3, and Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 20. The process shown in Figure 12 is the same as the process shown in Figures 5 to 7, but with steps S61 to S63 added between step S32 YES and step S37. The explanation of the same steps as in Figures 5 to 7 is omitted. Note that in Figure 12, steps S11 to S31 and S33 to S36 in Figures 5 to 7 are not shown.

[0060] In the reservation management system of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 perform the same processing as steps S11 to S32 in Figures 5 and 6. Then, if the control unit 11 determines that the user will arrive at the start point in time for the start of use in a later reservation (S32: YES), it determines whether there are any locations eligible for a discount near the start and end points of use in the reservation conditions (S61). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether any locations that can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes by vehicle 30 from the start and end points of use in the reservation conditions are registered in the discount information database. Specifically, the control unit 11 searches the range that can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes by vehicle 30 from the start point of use in the reservation conditions, and searches for locations within the searched range from the locations registered in the discount information database. If the control unit 11 can find locations within the searched range from the locations registered in the discount information database, it determines that there are locations eligible for a discount; if it cannot find locations within the searched range, it determines that there are no locations eligible for a discount. Similarly, the control unit 11 searches for a range that can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes by vehicle 30 from the end point of use in the reservation conditions, and searches for a location within the searched range from the locations registered in the discount information DB.

[0061] If it is determined that there are no locations eligible for the discount (S61: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S37 and executes the same process as in Embodiment 1. If it is determined that there are locations eligible for the discount (S61: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions even if the location is changed to the location eligible for the discount (S62). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that there is a location eligible for the discount relative to the starting point of use, it executes the same process as in steps S23 to S25 in Figure 6, and determines whether it can depart from the ending point at the end time of use in the previous reservation and arrive at the location eligible for the discount by the start time of use under the reservation conditions. If it determines that it can arrive in time, it determines that a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions. Similarly, if the control unit 11 determines that there is a discounted location near the end of use, it executes the same process as in steps S30 to S32 in Figures 6 to 7, and determines whether it is possible to depart from the discounted location at the end of use time in the reservation conditions and arrive at the start of use in the subsequent reservation. If it determines that it is possible, it determines that the reservation under those reservation conditions is possible.

[0062] If the control unit 11 determines that a reservation is not possible under the reservation conditions (S62: NO), it proceeds to the process in step S37. If the control unit 11 determines that a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions (S62: YES), it reads the discount amount or discount rate for the discounted locations from the discount information DB and generates discount information including the discounted locations and the discount amount or discount rate (S63). The control unit 11 then sends the generated discount information and the reservation availability information including the reservation conditions to the user terminal 20 (S37). The control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 displays the reservation availability information received from the server 10 on the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 13 (S38). The screen shown in Figure 13 shows the user that there are discounted locations near the starting location entered by the user, and the discount amount if the discounted location is used as the starting location. If the user confirms that there is a discount-eligible location near the start or end point they entered, and if it is possible to change to a discount-eligible location, they will change the information entered on the reservation screen and then operate the reservation button. If the user enters a change to a discount-eligible location and operates the reservation button (S39: YES), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 requests the server 10 to execute a reservation with the changed discount-eligible location as the start (or end) point (S40). This makes it possible to make a reservation with the presented discount-eligible location as the start or end point.

[0063] Through the process described above, in this embodiment, for example, by registering locations where there is space to park or stop the vehicle 30 and wait as discounted locations, if there is a discounted location near the user's entered starting or ending location, the system can suggest the user use of a discounted location. Therefore, if the user sets a discounted location as their starting or ending location, they can use the service at a discounted rate compared to the regular rate.

[0064] In this embodiment, the same effects as in embodiments 1 and 2 described above can be obtained. In this embodiment, the fee can be varied depending on the location used as the starting point or ending point of use. Therefore, when a location registered as eligible for a discount is designated as the starting point or ending point of use, it becomes possible to use the service at a discounted rate. In addition, for example, by registering locations where a fee is incurred when stopping or parking the vehicle 30 as eligible for an additional charge, the system may be configured to add an additional charge to the normal fee when a location eligible for an additional charge is designated as the starting point or ending point of use.

[0065] The configuration of this embodiment can be applied to the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, and the same processing can be performed and the same effects can be obtained even when applied to the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 and 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, the modifications described as appropriate in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above can be applied.

[0066] (Embodiment 4) This document describes a reservation management system that, when it determines that a reservation is possible based on the reservation conditions received from the user terminal 20, changes the usage fee according to the specified usage time. The reservation management system of this embodiment is implemented using the same equipment as the reservation management system of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, so a detailed explanation of the configuration will be omitted. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the server 10 stores a discount period DB (not shown) in the storage unit 12, in which the discounted time period and the discount amount or discount rate relative to the normal fee are registered in association. The discounted time period is, for example, a predetermined time period within a day (for example, from 7:00 to 12:00).

[0067] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation processing procedure of Embodiment 4, and Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 20. The process shown in Figure 14 is the same as the process shown in Figures 5 to 7, but with steps S71 to S73 added between step S32 (YES) and step S37. The explanation of the same steps as in Figures 5 to 7 is omitted. Note that in Figure 14, steps S11 to S31 and S33 to S36 in Figures 5 to 7 are not shown.

[0068] In the reservation management system of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 perform the same processing as in steps S11 to S32 in Figures 5 and 6. Then, if the control unit 11 determines that the user will arrive at the start location in time for the start time of a later reservation (S32: YES), it determines whether there is a discounted time slot near the usage time period from the start time to the end time of the reservation (S71). Specifically, the control unit 11 searches for a time slot near the usage time period of the reservation from the discounted time slots registered in the discount period DB. For example, the control unit 11 searches whether there is a discounted time slot a few hours before or after the usage time period of the reservation. If the control unit 11 can find a discounted time slot near the usage time period of the reservation, it determines that there is a discounted time slot; if it cannot find a discounted time slot near the usage time period of the reservation, it determines that there is no discounted time slot.

[0069] If it is determined that there are no time slots eligible for the discount (S71: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S37 and executes the same processing as in Embodiment 1. If it is determined that there are time slots eligible for the discount (S71: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions even if the time slot is changed to the time slot eligible for the discount (S72). Here, the control unit 11 reads the reservation information of the vehicles 30 that are available for reservation under the reservation conditions from the reservation DB 12b and determines whether other reservations have already been made for the time slots eligible for the discount. If the control unit 11 determines that there are no other reservations for the time slots eligible for the discount, it determines that a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions. If it determines that there are other reservations for the time slots eligible for the discount, it determines that a reservation is not possible under the reservation conditions.

[0070] If the control unit 11 determines that a reservation is not possible under the reservation conditions (S72: NO), it proceeds to step S37. If the control unit 11 determines that a reservation is possible under the reservation conditions (S72: YES), it reads the discount amount or discount rate corresponding to the discounted time slot from the discount period DB and generates discount information including the discounted time slot and the discount amount or discount rate (S73). The control unit 11 then sends the generated discount information and the reservation availability information including the reservation conditions to the user terminal 20 (S37). In this case, as shown in Figure 15, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 displays a screen showing the user that there is a discounted time slot near the usage time slot entered by the user, and the discount amount when the start time and end time of the discounted time slot are set as the usage start time and usage end time (S38).

[0071] If a user confirms that there is a discounted time slot near the time slot they entered, and if it is possible to change to a discounted time slot, they will change the information entered on the reservation screen and then operate the reservation button. If a change to a discounted time slot is entered and the reservation button is operated (S39: YES), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 requests the server 10 to execute a reservation with the changed discounted time slot as the start and end time of use (S40). This makes it possible to reserve use during the presented discounted time slot.

[0072] Through the process described above, in this embodiment, for example, by registering time periods when the vehicle 30 is expected to be used less frequently as discounted time periods, if there is a discounted time period near the time period entered by the user, the system can suggest to the user that they use the vehicle during the discounted time period. Therefore, if the user sets the start and end times of their usage to the time period of the discounted time, they will be able to use the vehicle at a discounted rate compared to the regular rate.

[0073] In this embodiment, the same effects as in embodiments 1 and 2 described above can be obtained. In this embodiment, the fee can be changed according to the time of use. Therefore, when a time period registered as eligible for discounts is designated as a time period for use, it becomes possible to use the service at a discounted rate. Alternatively, for example, by registering time periods that are expected to be frequently used for vehicle 30 as eligible for additional charges, the system may be configured to add an additional charge to the regular rate when a time period eligible for additional charges is designated as a time period for use. In the embodiments described above, the usage fee can be changed according to each time period of the day, but for example, a predetermined period within a month (e.g., 1st to 10th, 20th to 31st) or a predetermined period within a year (e.g., July to August, December to January) may be designated as the period eligible for discounts or the period eligible for additional charges. In this case, it becomes possible to set the usage fee according to a predetermined period within a month, or according to a predetermined period within a year.

[0074] The configuration of this embodiment can be applied to the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, and the same processing can be performed and the same effects can be obtained even when applied to the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 to 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, the modifications described as appropriate in Embodiments 1 to 3 described above can be applied.

[0075] (Embodiment 5) In the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the reservation target was a vehicle 30 equipped with equipment and machinery for conducting web conferences. In Embodiment 5, in addition to a vehicle 30 equipped with equipment and machinery for conducting web conferences, a reservation management system will be described that will also target medical vehicles equipped with medical equipment and machinery, and nursing care vehicles equipped with nursing care equipment and machinery. The reservation management system of this embodiment is implemented using the same device as the reservation management system of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, so a detailed explanation of the configuration will be omitted. In this embodiment, the vehicle DB 12a stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 10 differs from the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0076] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the vehicle DB 12a in Embodiment 5. In addition to the configuration of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4A, the vehicle DB 12a in this embodiment includes a type column. The type column stores a type indicating the purpose of the vehicle 30. In the example shown in Figure 16, the types are for conferences, medical use, and nursing care, but are not limited to these. If a vehicle 30 used for other purposes is to be reserved, a different type is stored. In the vehicle DB 12a of this embodiment, the onboard equipment column corresponding to medical vehicles stores information about the equipment and machinery installed in medical vehicles, and the onboard equipment column corresponding to nursing care vehicles stores information about the equipment and machinery installed in nursing care vehicles. Equipment and machinery installed in medical vehicles include, for example, electrocardiogram monitors, blood pressure monitors, ventilators, suction devices, syringe pumps, infusion pumps, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc. The equipment and machinery installed in the vehicle for caregiving purposes include, for example, ramps and lifts that allow wheelchair users to board and alight, swivel seats, lifting seats, wheelchairs, etc.

[0077] In the reservation management system of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 and the control unit 11 of the server 10 are capable of executing the same processing as the reservation processing of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7. In this embodiment, however, the reservation acceptance screen displayed on the display unit 25 by the user terminal 20 differs from the configuration of Embodiment 1. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the reservation acceptance screen of Embodiment 5. In step S13 in Figure 5, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 displays the reservation acceptance screen shown in Figure 17A on the display unit 25. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 8A, the screen shown in Figure 17A has a selection field for the user to select the purpose (type) of the vehicle 30 they desire. The purpose selection field is provided with checkboxes for selecting the purposes of meetings, medical care, and nursing care.

[0078] The screen shown in Figure 17A has "medical use" selected, in which case checkboxes for the equipment and machinery installed in the medical vehicle are displayed in the equipment selection section. If "conference use" is selected in the screen shown in Figure 17A, checkboxes for the equipment and machinery installed in the vehicle 30 that can be used for web conferencing are displayed in the equipment selection section, as shown in Figure 8A. If "nursing care use" is selected in the screen shown in Figure 17A, checkboxes for the equipment and machinery installed in the nursing care vehicle are displayed in the equipment selection section, as shown in Figure 17B. Therefore, by selecting the use of the vehicle 30 that the user wishes to reserve, the user can switch between the reservation screen shown in Figure 8A and the reservation screens shown in Figures 17A and 17B, and select the desired use and desired equipment and machinery.

[0079] When the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 receives a selection of use via the use selection field on the reservation acceptance screen, it changes the equipment and machinery displayed in the equipment selection field to the equipment and machinery corresponding to the selected use. Each time a use selection is received, the control unit 21 changes the information of the equipment and machinery displayed in the equipment selection field and performs the processing from step S14 onwards in Figure 5. As a result, in this embodiment, the user terminal 20 can accept reservations for use not only for the web conferencing vehicle 30, but also for medical vehicles and nursing care vehicles, and the server 10 can make reservations for use not only for the web conferencing vehicle 30, but also for medical vehicles and nursing care vehicles.

[0080] In this embodiment, the same effects as in embodiments 1 to 4 described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to manage reservations not only for the web conferencing vehicle 30, but also for medical vehicles and nursing care vehicles. In this embodiment, the vehicle 30 subject to reservation is not limited to the web conferencing vehicle, medical vehicle, and nursing care vehicle, but can be a special vehicle equipped with special equipment and devices used according to the purpose.

[0081] The configuration of this embodiment can be applied to the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, and the same processing can be performed and the same effects can be obtained even when applied to the reservation management systems of Embodiments 1 to 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, the modifications described as appropriate in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above can be applied.

[0082] With regard to embodiments including the above embodiments 1 to 5, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0083] (Note 1) For each vehicle, reservation information is obtained, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the start and end locations of use. Based on the end location and end date of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of the acquired reservation information, the vehicle is determined to be eligible for the reservation related to the acquired reservation information. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

[0084] (Note 2) The travel time from the end position of another reservation made prior to the start date and time of the acquired reservation information to the start position of the acquired reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated travel time and the time between the end date and time of use in the other reservation and the start date and time of use in the acquired reservation information, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. The program described in Appendix 1 that causes the computer to execute the processing.

[0085] (Note 3) Based on the end location and end date / time of use in the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date / time of use in other reservations made after the end date / time of use of the acquired reservation information, the vehicle is used to determine whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. A program described in Appendix 1 or 2 that causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0086] (Note 4) From the end position of use in the acquired reservation information, the travel time to the start position of use in other reservations made after the end date and time of use of the acquired reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated travel time and the time between the end date and time of use in the acquired reservation information and the start date and time of use in the other reservation, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. The program described in Appendix 3 that causes the computer to execute the processing.

[0087] (Note 5) The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with equipment for conducting web conferences. The aforementioned reservation information includes equipment information relating to the aforementioned equipment, From among the multiple vehicles, select a vehicle that meets the equipment information included in the reservation information. For the selected vehicle, determine whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is possible. A program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4 that causes the computer to execute the process.

[0088] (Note 6) Based on the equipment information for other reservations made prior to the start date and time of the acquired reservation information, and the equipment information for the acquired reservation information, the preparation time required to prepare the equipment related to the reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated preparation time and the time between the end date and time of use in the other reservation and the start date and time of use in the acquired reservation information, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. The program described in Appendix 5 that causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0089] (Note 7) Based on the equipment information in the acquired reservation information and the equipment information in other reservations made after the end date and time of the acquired reservation information, the preparation time required to prepare the equipment for the other reservations is calculated. Based on the calculated preparation time and the time between the end date and time of use in the acquired reservation information and the start date and time of use in the other reservation, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. A program described in Appendix 5 or 6 that causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0090] (Note 8) If it is determined that the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is not possible, the system will identify the start date and time or start location of use, or the end date and time or end location of use, Output the specified start date and time or start location of use, or the end date and time or end location of use. A program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7 that causes the computer to execute the processing.

[0091] (Note 9) Output locations where the service can be used at a lower rate than the usage fee corresponding to the start or end location in the reservation information that has been determined to be available for reservation. The system accepts changes to the start or end point of use from the point of output. A program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8 that causes the computer to execute the processing.

[0092] (Note 10) Output the time slots or periods during which the service can be used at a lower rate than the usage fee corresponding to the start date and time or end date and time of the reservation information that has been determined to be available for reservation. Changes to the start date and time or end date and time of use will be accepted from the time period or period for which output was generated. A program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9 that causes the computer to execute the processing.

[0093] (Note 11) For each vehicle, reservation information is obtained, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the start and end locations of use. The travel time from the start location to the end location of use is calculated based on the acquired reservation information. Based on the calculated travel time and the time from the start date and time of use to the end date and time of use as stated in the acquired reservation information, the vehicle is used to determine whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

[0094] (Note 12) For each vehicle, reservation information is obtained, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the start and end locations of use. Based on the end location and end date of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of the acquired reservation information, the vehicle is determined to be eligible for the reservation related to the acquired reservation information. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

[0095] (Note 13) An acquisition unit that acquires reservation information for a vehicle, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, the start location of use, and the end location of use. A determination unit determines whether or not a reservation related to the acquired reservation information is possible for the vehicle, based on the end location and end date and time of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of the acquired reservation information. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10 servers 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Display 20 User terminals 21 Control Unit 31 Display section 32 speakers 33 Cameras 34 Mike 40 Web conferencing terminals

Claims

1. For each vehicle, reservation information is obtained, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the start and end locations of use. Based on the end location and end date of use of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of use of the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of use of the acquired reservation information, a determination is made as to whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is possible for the vehicle. The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with equipment appropriate to its intended use. The aforementioned reservation information includes equipment information relating to the aforementioned equipment, From among the multiple vehicles, select a vehicle that meets the equipment information included in the reservation information. Based on the equipment information for other reservations already made for the selected vehicle and the equipment information in the acquired reservation information, the preparation time required to prepare the equipment related to the reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated preparation time for the selected vehicle and the time between the end date and time of use in the other reservation and the start date and time of use in the acquired reservation information, the decision is made as to whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

2. The travel time from the end position of another reservation made prior to the start date and time of the acquired reservation information to the start position of the acquired reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated travel time and the time between the end date and time of use in the other reservation and the start date and time of use in the acquired reservation information, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. The program according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

3. Based on the end location and end date / time of use in the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date / time of use in other reservations made after the end date / time of use of the acquired reservation information, the vehicle is used to determine whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. The program according to claim 1 or 2, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

4. From the end position of use in the acquired reservation information, the travel time to the start position of use in other reservations made after the end date and time of use of the acquired reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated travel time and the time between the end date and time of use in the acquired reservation information and the start date and time of use in the other reservation, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. The program according to claim 3, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

5. The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with equipment for conducting web conferences. The program according to claim 1.

6. Based on the equipment information in the acquired reservation information and the equipment information in other reservations made after the end date and time of the acquired reservation information, the preparation time required to prepare the equipment for the other reservations is calculated. Based on the calculated preparation time and the time between the end date and time of use in the acquired reservation information and the start date and time of use in the other reservation, the feasibility of the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is determined. The program according to claim 1 or 2, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

7. If it is determined that the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is not possible, the system will identify the start date and time or start location of use, or the end date and time or end location of use, Output the specified start date and time or start location of use, or the end date and time or end location of use. The program according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

8. Output locations where the service can be used at a lower rate than the usage fee corresponding to the start or end location in the reservation information that has been determined to be available for reservation. The system accepts changes to the start or end point of use from the point of output. The program according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

9. Output the time slots or periods during which the service can be used at a lower rate than the usage fee corresponding to the start date and time or end date and time of the reservation information that has been determined to be available for reservation. Changes to the start date and time or end date and time of use will be accepted from the time period or period for which output was generated. The program according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform the processing.

10. Calculate the travel time from the start position to the end position of use in the acquired reservation information, Based on the calculated travel time and the time from the start date and time of use to the end date and time of use as stated in the acquired reservation information, the vehicle is used to determine whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. The program according to claim 1 or 2, which causes the computer to perform further processing.

11. For each vehicle, reservation information is obtained, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the start and end locations of use. Based on the end location and end date of use of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of use of the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of use of the acquired reservation information, a determination is made as to whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is possible for the vehicle. The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with equipment appropriate to its intended use. The aforementioned reservation information includes equipment information relating to the aforementioned equipment, From among the multiple vehicles, select a vehicle that meets the equipment information included in the reservation information. Based on the equipment information for other reservations already made for the selected vehicle and the equipment information in the acquired reservation information, the preparation time required to prepare the equipment related to the reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated preparation time for the selected vehicle and the time between the end date and time of use in the other reservation and the start date and time of use in the acquired reservation information, the decision is made as to whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

12. In an information processing device having a control unit, The control unit, For each vehicle, reservation information is obtained, including the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the start and end locations of use. Based on the end location and end date of use of other reservations made prior to the start date and time of use of the acquired reservation information, and the start location and start date and time of use of the acquired reservation information, a determination is made as to whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is possible for the vehicle. The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with equipment appropriate to its intended use. The aforementioned reservation information includes equipment information relating to the aforementioned equipment, From among the multiple vehicles, select a vehicle that meets the equipment information included in the reservation information. Based on the equipment information for other reservations already made for the selected vehicle and the equipment information in the acquired reservation information, the preparation time required to prepare the equipment related to the reservation information is calculated. Based on the calculated preparation time for the selected vehicle and the time between the end date and time of use in the other reservation and the start date and time of use in the acquired reservation information, the decision is made as to whether or not the reservation related to the acquired reservation information is valid. Information processing device.

Images