Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

According to the present invention, a management server executes a vehicle allocation process for a user. The management server comprises: a communication unit which receives at least one among a departure and a destination from a user; a control unit which sets a getting-on location and a getting-off location of the vehicle allocated to the user on the basis of at least one among the received departure and destination; and a communication unit which outputs the getting-on location and getting-off location to the user. The control unit sets, on the basis of movement information related to the user, at least one among a first movement interval in which the user moves to an end point as the getting-on location and a second movement interval in which the user moves from the getting-off location as a start point.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for executing vehicle dispatch processing.

[0002] Conventionally, there are technologies that provide means of transportation for users when they move around. For example, a transportation system has been proposed in which ordinary vehicles are prohibited from entering a housing complex, and users travel within the housing complex by electric vehicle along a route, and then switch to ordinary vehicles outside the housing complex (see, for example, JP2002-133577A).

[0003] In the above-described conventional technology, users can travel within a housing complex by riding in an electric vehicle, and can switch to a regular vehicle outside the housing complex. In this way, users can travel quickly by riding in a vehicle. However, if users continue to use vehicles for travel, there is a concern that opportunities for exercise through travel will decrease, leading to a lack of exercise.

[0004] The present invention aims to realize a vehicle dispatch process that can achieve both the convenience of travel and the health of the user.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that executes vehicle allocation processing for a user. The information processing device includes a reception unit that receives at least one of a departure point and a destination from the user, a control unit that sets a boarding point and a disembarking point of a vehicle to be allocated to the user based on the received at least one of the departure point and the destination, and an output unit that outputs the boarding point and the disembarking point to the user. The control unit sets at least one of a first exercise section along which the user moves and exercises, with the boarding point as an end point, and a second exercise section along which the user moves and exercises, with the disembarking point as a start point, based on exercise information related to the user.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device and a management server. FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating the contents of an exercise information DB stored in a memory unit. FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating the relationship between a vehicle movement section and a walking section set in response to a vehicle reservation. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle reservation screen displayed on an input / output unit when a vehicle allocation app is launched on an electronic device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display displaying information related to a user's exercise volume on an approval screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display transition in which multiple route candidates are displayed on multiple screens. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of achievement information displayed when a user using a vehicle allocation service walks a walking section. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of achievement information displayed when a user using a vehicle allocation service walks a walking section. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of achievement information displayed when a user using a vehicle allocation service walks a walking section. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of achievement information displayed when a user using a vehicle allocation service walks a walking section. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of vehicle allocation processing in the management server. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of achievement information output processing in the management server. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of transition when changing the settings at the time of booking a ride based on congestion information. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a walking section setting screen displayed on the input / output unit when congestion occurs near the drop-off location. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of route resetting processing in the management server. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example when changing the service contents of the ride-hailing service based on the environment, etc.

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] [Configuration Example of Information Processing System] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing a system configuration example of an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 is a communication system that provides a vehicle dispatch service. Note that a user U1 is assumed to be a user who possesses an electronic device MC1 and uses the vehicle dispatch service. For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows an example in which one electronic device MC1 is present, but this is not limiting. The information processing system 1 may include two or more electronic devices. Also, FIG. 1 shows an example in which three vehicles C1 to C3 are present, but this is not limiting. The information processing system 1 may include one, two, four or more vehicles of various types.

[0009] The information processing system 1 is composed of multiple devices connected via a network 10. For example, an electronic device MC1, communication devices 21 to 23, and a management server 100 are connected via the network 10. Communication between these devices is performed using wired communication or wireless communication. In addition to communication via the network 10, communication between these devices may also be performed directly between the devices.

[0010] The network 10 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet. Each device constituting the information processing system 1 is connected to the network 10 by a communication method using wireless communication or a communication method using wired communication, or by both methods.

[0011] The electronic device MC1 is a portable device that can be carried by the user U1 and is capable of communicating with other devices using wireless or wired communication. The electronic device MC1 can be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable personal computer, a tablet device, a wearable device, or any other electronic device or information processing device. A wearable device can be worn on the clothing or body of the user U1 and can be, for example, a health tracker that acquires the user's exercise information. Examples of wearable devices include wristwatch-type devices and headphone-type devices. The wearable device may be worn by the user U1 as a separate device from the electronic device MC1, and various information, such as exercise information, may be exchanged between the wearable device and the electronic device MC1.

[0012] A vehicle dispatch application (dispatch app) used to reserve vehicles C1 to C3 is installed on the electronic device MC1, and user U1 can use the vehicle dispatch app to reserve vehicles C1 to C3. The vehicle dispatch app also provides a user interface for reserving vehicles C1 to C3.

[0013] Vehicles C1 to C3 are vehicles, such as taxis, that can travel from a boarding location to a disembarking location based on instructions from management server 100, and are equipped with communication devices 21 to 23 that can communicate with management server 100 via network 10. Vehicles C1 to C3 may be, for example, driverless autonomous vehicles or regular vehicles with drivers. Driverless autonomous vehicles may also be called robot taxis or unmanned taxis.

[0014] The management server 100 is an information processing device used for the vehicle dispatch service of the vehicles C1 to C3, and executes various processes related to vehicle dispatch reservations for the vehicles C1 to C3. The management server 100 also communicates with the electronic device MC1 and communication devices 21 to 23 via the network 10. The location where the management server 100 is installed is not particularly limited, but for example, the management server 100 is installed in the management center of the business operator that operates the vehicles C1 to C3. In addition, although the present embodiment shows an example in which the management server 100 executes all of the vehicle dispatch processing, the management server 100 may transmit information related to vehicle dispatch to another server, and the other server may execute at least part of the vehicle dispatch processing.

[0015] For example, when user U1 makes a vehicle reservation using a vehicle dispatch app on electronic device MC1, management server 100 receives information about the vehicle reservation (a vehicle dispatch request) and executes vehicle dispatch processing related to the vehicle reservation. In this case, management server 100 sets a boarding location (a location close to user U1's current location) where user U1 will board the vehicle based on user U1's current location, and sets a disembarking location (a location close to the destination) where user U1 will disembark based on the destination specified by user U1. In this way, information processing system 1 can be an on-demand system in which management server 100 matches a boarding and disembarking location (boarding and disembarking locations) set in various locations (e.g., city centers) based on user U1's current location and destination. The information processing system 1 then realizes a transportation service in which user U1 boards vehicles C1 to C3 at the boarding location set by management server 100 and heads to the destination. Note that any location other than the pre-set boarding and disembarking locations may be set as a boarding and disembarking location. The method for setting these boarding and alighting points will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0016] Here, user U1 can travel quickly by riding in vehicles C1 to C3 from near his current location to near his destination. However, if user U1 continues to use vehicles C1 to C3 when traveling, there is a concern that opportunities for exercise through travel will decrease and he will become physically inactive. On the other hand, if user U1 continues to travel by foot, opportunities for exercise through travel will increase, but it may become difficult to travel quickly. Therefore, in this embodiment, when user U1 travels using a ride-hailing service, a walking section is set as necessary to increase opportunities for walking and eliminate physical inactivity. This makes it possible to achieve both the convenience of travel and the user's health, thereby enhancing the enrichment of user U1's life using vehicles.

[0017] [Example of Functional Configuration of Management Server and Electronic Device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 100 and the electronic device MC1.

[0018] [Example of Server Functional Configuration] The management server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. In the management server 100, these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown) or the like. Note that the management server 100 may be a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer.

[0019] The communication unit 110 exchanges various types of information with other devices using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication under the control of the control unit 120. In this way, the communication unit 110 functions as an input unit, a receiving unit, and an output unit for sending and receiving data. The communication unit 110 may be hardware such as a network adapter, various types of communication software, or a combination thereof.

[0020] The control unit 120 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example.

[0021] The control unit 120 includes a vehicle allocation processing unit 121, a route setting unit 122, and an exercise information management unit 123 as functional components related to vehicle allocation processing.

[0022] When the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 receives a vehicle dispatch request transmitted from the electronic device MC1 in response to the vehicle dispatch reservation operation of the user U1, it executes various vehicle dispatch processes in response to the vehicle dispatch request. This vehicle dispatch request includes location information regarding the user U1's current location, location information regarding the destination, exercise intention information regarding the exercise intention, and the user ID. Note that each piece of location information includes, for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0023] The dispatch processing unit 121 outputs each piece of location information included in the dispatch request (user ID, location information for identifying the current location of user U1, and location information for identifying the destination) to the route setting unit 122 and the exercise information management unit 123.

[0024] The route setting unit 122 uses the motion information DB 200 and map DB in the storage unit 130 to extract candidate travel routes for user U1 corresponding to the vehicle reservation based on the location information (location information related to user U1's current location and location information related to the destination) output from the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121. For example, the route setting unit 122 sets the boarding location closest to user U1's current location as the boarding location, sets the boarding location closest to user U1's destination as the disembarking location, and searches for a route (vehicle travel section) from this boarding location to the disembarking location. Note that a known search method can be used for the route search. Furthermore, the route setting unit 122 uses the motion information DB 200 in the storage unit 130 to set walking sections as necessary on the route from the current location to the destination. In this way, the route setting unit 122 sets walking sections as necessary, along with vehicle travel sections, as part of user U1's travel route. The method for setting walking sections will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. Then, the route setting unit 122 outputs information about the extracted route candidates to the vehicle allocation processing unit 121. The walking section is an example of a movement section.

[0025] Furthermore, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 allocates an appropriate vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles C1 to C3 based on the vehicle allocation request. For example, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 allocates an available vehicle that is closest to the boarding location in the vehicle movement section set by the route setting unit 122, using the location information (location information indicating the current locations of the vehicles C1 to C3) transmitted from the communication devices 21 to 23 and the map DB in the storage unit 130. The vehicle allocation processing unit 121 then uses the map DB in the storage unit 130 to set a travel route from the current location of the allocated vehicle to the boarding location, and transmits instruction information to the vehicle's communication device to drive along the set travel route to the boarding location. Note that the vehicle's travel route thus set is, for example, the route from the allocated vehicle's current location to the boarding location that allows the vehicle to arrive in the shortest time.

[0026] The exercise information management unit 123 manages exercise information of users who use the ride-hailing service. For example, when information related to the exercise of user U1 is transmitted from the electronic device MC1, the exercise information management unit 123 associates the information related to the exercise with user U1 and stores it in the exercise information DB 200 of the storage unit 130. Furthermore, the exercise information management unit 123 uses the exercise information DB 200 to generate achievement information related to the walking section set by the route setting unit 122. This achievement information will be described in detail with reference to, for example, Figures 8 to 11 . Furthermore, the exercise information management unit 123 uses the exercise information DB 200 to determine an incentive to be granted to a user for whom a walking section has been set by the route setting unit 122. This incentive will be described in detail with reference to, for example, Figures 8 to 11 .

[0027] The vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 also transmits support information including a notification that the vehicle dispatch reservation from the user U1 has been accepted and boarding and alighting location information regarding the set boarding and alighting location to the electronic device MC1. The vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 also transmits the boarding location of the user U1, the walking time to the boarding location, etc. to the communication device of the assigned vehicle.

[0028] The storage unit 130 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores various types of information (e.g., a control program, a motion information database (DB) 200 (see FIG. 3 ), a map DB, a customer DB, and a boarding and disembarking location DB) that are required for the control unit 120 to perform various processes. The storage unit 130 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 110. The storage unit 130 can be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or other storage medium.

[0029] The map DB stores map information necessary for route planning, such as road information and facility information. The map information includes road gradients, road intersections, the number of lanes on a road, road width information, and road undulation information. The map information also includes road signs indicating speed limits, one-way streets, etc., as well as road markings indicating crosswalks, dividing lines, etc. The map information may also include facility information such as road structures (e.g., traffic lights, telephone poles), buildings, etc.

[0030] The customer DB stores account information of users who use the vehicle dispatch service of the information processing system 1, the usage history of each user's vehicles C1 to C3, attributes of each user, etc. The account information is, for example, a user ID.

[0031] The boarding and alighting location DB is a database that stores boarding and alighting location information regarding the location where a user who has made a ride reservation boards a vehicle C1 to C3 (referred to as a boarding location) and the location where the user disembarks from the vehicle C1 to C3 (referred to as a disembarking location). The boarding and alighting location information is information for identifying the location of the boarding and alighting locations, such as latitude and longitude. The boarding and alighting locations are locations where a user can board or disembark a vehicle, and are set as locations on or adjacent to a road where a vehicle can park or stop. In other words, since locations where a vehicle can park or stop are determined on roads, if a user is not located in a location where a vehicle can park or stop, the user cannot board the vehicle assigned to the ride reservation. Therefore, in this embodiment, locations on roads where a vehicle can park or stop are set in advance as boarding and alighting locations (boarding and alighting locations), and the boarding and alighting locations are registered in advance in the boarding and alighting location DB. The density of boarding and alighting locations is set appropriately depending on the road and the surrounding environment. In this way, the boarding location is the meeting place between the user who made the reservation and the vehicle allocated by the reservation, and the disembarking location is the location where the user who made the reservation disembarks from the vehicle allocated by the reservation.

[0032] The boarding and disembarking locations are set by the route setting unit 122. For example, when reserving a ride using a ride-hailing app, the user U1 inputs the destination to which the user will board the vehicle. For example, the destination may be specified on a map displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1, or may be specified from a plurality of pre-set locations (e.g., tourist spots or facilities). This method of specifying the destination will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0033] The exercise information DB 200 is a database that manages exercise information related to users who use the vehicle dispatch service of the management server 100. The exercise information DB 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0034] [Example of Functional Configuration of Electronic Device] Electronic device MC1 includes a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a position information acquisition unit 54, an acceleration sensor 55, an output unit 57, and an input unit 58. Note that each of the communication unit 51, the storage unit 53, the position information acquisition unit 54, the acceleration sensor 55, the output unit 57, and the input unit 58 may be built into electronic device MC1 or may be configured as a separate unit that can be removed from electronic device MC1.

[0035] The communication unit 51 exchanges various information with other devices using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication under the control of the control unit 52. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the communication unit 51 communicates with the management server 100 via the network 10.

[0036] The control unit 52 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 53. The control unit 52 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU, for example.

[0037] The storage unit 53 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 53 stores various types of information (e.g., a control program, a ride-hailing app, and exercise information) that are necessary for the control unit 52 to perform various processes. The storage unit 53 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 51. As the storage unit 53, various storage media such as a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, and an SSD can be used.

[0038] The location information acquisition unit 54 acquires location information regarding the location of the electronic device MC1 and outputs the acquired location information to the control unit 52. The location information acquisition unit 54 can be realized, for example, by a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that acquires location information using the GNSS. The location information includes position-related data such as latitude, longitude, and altitude at the time of receiving the GNSS signal. The location information may also be acquired using other location information acquisition methods. For example, the location information may be derived using information from surrounding access points or base stations. Alternatively, the location information may be derived using position estimation technology using a navigation device. The location information of the electronic device MC1 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 54 may be transmitted to the management server 100 at any time, or may be included in a vehicle dispatch request when the vehicle dispatch request is transmitted to the management server 100.

[0039] The acceleration sensor 55 is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the electronic device MC1 and outputs acceleration information related to the detected acceleration to the control unit 52. Based on the acceleration of the electronic device MC1 detected by the acceleration sensor 55, it is possible to grasp the state and movement of the electronic device MC1, such as the tilt and movement speed. Furthermore, based on the acceleration of the electronic device MC1 detected by the acceleration sensor 55, it is possible to measure the amount of exercise of the user U1 who owns the electronic device MC1, such as the number of steps, movement speed, and movement distance.

[0040] The output unit 57 outputs various types of information under the control of the control unit 52. As the output unit 57, for example, a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, or an audio output unit (for example, a speaker) that outputs various types of audio can be used.

[0041] The input unit 58 accepts operational inputs for operating the electronic device MC1. For example, the input unit 58 can be a user interface such as various operating members (e.g., switches and buttons) or a touch panel. The output unit 57 and the input unit 58 can be integrated into one unit using a user interface such as an input / output panel that allows a user to input operations by touching or approaching the display surface with their finger. Figures 5 to 11 and 15 show an example in which the output unit 57 and the input unit 58 are integrated into one unit as the input / output unit 56.

[0042] Although an example of the configuration of the communication devices 21 to 23 provided in the vehicles C1 to C3 is not shown in the drawings, the configuration of each of the communication devices 21 to 23 can be substantially similar to the configuration of the electronic device MC1. The communication units of the communication devices 21 to 23 communicate with the management server 100 via the network 10. The position information of each of the vehicles C1 to C3 acquired by the position information acquisition units of the communication devices 21 to 23 is transmitted to the management server 100 at a predetermined timing. The vehicles C1 to C3 are also provided with a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The vehicle ECU controls various actuators (e.g., brake actuator, accelerator actuator, steering actuator, etc.) based on control information received from the management server 100.

[0043] [Example of Contents Stored in Exercise Information DB] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing, in simplified form, the contents stored in the exercise information DB 200 stored in the storage unit 130. As shown in FIG.

[0044] The exercise information DB 200 is a database that manages exercise information related to users who use the vehicle dispatch service of the management server 100. Specifically, exercise goal information 202, physical information 203, age 204, gender 205, amount of exercise for the day 206, upper limit for one session 207, and walking section priority 208 are stored in the exercise information DB 200 in association with a user ID 201. Note that "U001" in the user ID 201 corresponds to user U1 (see FIG. 1). Also, the information shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and only some of this information may be stored in the exercise information DB 200, or other information may be stored in the exercise information DB 200.

[0045] The exercise goal information 202 is information indicating the user's exercise goal. For example, numerical values ​​indicating the user's target amount of exercise per day, such as the target number of steps, target distance, and target calories burned, are stored as the exercise goal information. The exercise goal information may be set manually by the user, or may be automatically set to a general value based on various information about the user, such as physical information 203, age 204, and gender 205. In this way, this embodiment shows an example in which the exercise goal value is set in advance.

[0046] The physical information 203 is information about the user's body. For example, numerical values ​​indicating the user's height and weight are stored as the physical information. The physical information can be set manually by the user.

[0047] The age 204 is the age of the user. The gender 205 is the gender of the user. Each of these pieces of information can be registered in advance by the user who uses the vehicle dispatch service.

[0048] The current day's exercise amount 206 is information indicating the amount of exercise the user performed that day, such as an exercise history. For example, numerical values ​​indicating the amount of exercise the user performed that day, such as the number of steps, distance, and calories burned, are stored as the current day's exercise amount. For example, the electronic device MC1 owned by the user U1 can measure the number of steps taken by the user U1 and associate the number of steps with the time and store the information in the memory unit 53. The electronic device MC1 can periodically or irregularly transmit the step count information (number of steps, time) stored in the memory unit 53 to the management server 100, thereby enabling the management server 100 to acquire the current day's exercise amount (number of steps). The electronic device MC1 can also store the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 54 and the acceleration information acquired by the acceleration sensor 55 in the memory unit 53, associating the information with the acquisition time. The electronic device MC1 can periodically or irregularly transmit the location information and acceleration information stored in the memory unit 53 to the management server 100, thereby enabling the management server 100 to acquire the user U1's movement history. Furthermore, the exercise information management unit 123 can acquire the amount of exercise performed by the user U1 on the day based on the movement history of the user U1. The amount of exercise performed on the day may be manually set by the user.

[0049] The upper limit value per trip 207 is information indicating an upper limit value of the walking distance per trip that can be set for a user using a ride-hailing service. For example, a numerical value indicating the amount of exercise that the user can walk at one time, such as walking time, walking distance, number of steps, or calories burned, is stored as the upper limit value per trip. The upper limit value per trip may be set manually by the user or automatically based on various information about the user, such as physical information 203, age 204, and gender 205. The upper limit value per trip may also be automatically set based on the user's past ride-hailing service usage history. For example, if the average walking time based on the user's past ride-hailing service usage history is 10 minutes, the upper limit value per trip can be set to 10 minutes. The upper limit value per trip may also be learned and estimated using artificial intelligence, for example.

[0050] The walking section priority 208 is information indicating the priority of the position of the walking section set for a user who uses a ride-hailing service. For example, a walking section can be set to either the front or back of the vehicle movement section, or both, and either of these can be set as the highest priority. The priority of the walking section will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0051] [Example of Setting Walking Sections] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing the relationship between a vehicle travel section and a walking section that are set in response to a vehicle dispatch reservation. For ease of explanation, Figures 4(A) to 4(D) show an example in which a vehicle travel section and a walking section are set on a route from a departure point S1 to a destination G1. The vehicle travel section refers to a section where a user travels in a vehicle allocated by the vehicle dispatch service. The walking section refers to a section where a user using the vehicle dispatch service walks, and is set before or after the vehicle travel section.

[0052] Furthermore, the departure point refers to the current location or a location near the current location of the user using the vehicle dispatch service, the boarding location of a vehicle specified by the user using the vehicle dispatch service, etc. Furthermore, the destination refers to the destination or a disembarking location near the destination specified by the user using the vehicle dispatch service, etc. Regarding the departure point, if the user's current location is used as the departure point, no designation operation by the user is required. Furthermore, for example, if a user on a train wishes to board a vehicle from the next station, it is possible to eliminate the need for a designation operation by the user by estimating that station as the departure point. Furthermore, if a user wishes to board a vehicle quickly, it is also possible to execute the vehicle dispatch process by notifying the management server 100 of only the user's current location. In this case, it is possible to specify the destination after boarding the dispatched vehicle.

[0053] Fig. 4(A) shows an example in which only a vehicle movement section VS1 is set on the route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1. Fig. 4(B) shows an example in which a vehicle movement section VS2 and a walking section WS2 are set on the departure point S1 side on the route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1. Fig. 4(C) shows an example in which a vehicle movement section VS3 and a walking section WS3 are set on the destination G1 side on the route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1. Fig. 4(D) shows an example in which a vehicle movement section VS4 and a walking section WS4 are set on the departure point S1 side and a walking section WS5 are set on the destination G1 side on the route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4(A), when only the vehicle travel section VS1 is set, if the departure point is a location where parking is not possible, it is assumed that the departure point and the boarding point are different. Similarly, when only the vehicle travel section VS1 is set, if the destination is a location where parking is not possible, it is assumed that the destination and the disembarkation point are different. However, as shown in FIG. 4(B), when the walking section WS2 is set on the departure point S1 side, it is possible for the departure point S1 and the starting point of the walking section WS2 to be in the same location. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4(C), when the walking section WS3 is set on the destination G1 side, it is possible for the destination G1 and the end point of the walking section WS3 to be in the same location. The same applies to the example shown in FIG. 4(D). However, for ease of explanation, we will assume that the departure point S1 and the boarding point, and the destination G1 and the disembarkation point are all the same.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4(B) to (D), walking sections WS2 to WS5 are set before and after the vehicle movement sections VS2 to VS4. The length of the walking section is set based on the upper limit value 207 of the exercise information DB 200. For example, for user U1, for which the upper limit value 207 of the single step is set to "11 minutes," the distance that user U1 can walk in 11 minutes is calculated, and the walking section is set within this calculated distance. This distance may be calculated based on a general walking speed, or may be calculated taking into account user U1's age, gender, past walking history, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(B), if walking section WS2 is set on the departure point S1 side, the end point of walking section WS2 will be the boarding point, so the end point of walking section WS2 will be set from the candidate boarding and alighting points. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(C), if walking section WS3 is set on the destination G1 side, the start point of walking section WS3 will be the disembarking point, so the start point of walking section WS3 will be set from the candidate boarding and alighting points. Similarly, in the example shown in Figure 4(D), the end point of walking section WS4 and the start point of walking section WS5 are set from the candidate boarding and alighting points.

[0057] Furthermore, the position of the walking section relative to the vehicle travel section can be set appropriately based on priority, road environment, walking environment, weather information, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the user can set the priority of the position of the walking section (walking section priority 208). For example, a user who wants to walk after getting into a vehicle can set the priority of the rear of the vehicle travel section high, a user who wants to walk before getting into a vehicle can set the priority of the front of the vehicle travel section high, and a user who wants to walk before or after getting into a vehicle can set the priority of the front and rear of the vehicle travel section high. The position of the walking section is then determined based on the set priority. In this way, the position of the walking section can be determined according to the user's preference. However, for example, even if a user sets the priority of the rear of the vehicle travel section high, if the area near the destination is a road exclusively for vehicles, the walking section may be set to the front of the vehicle travel section with a lower priority. In this way, by setting the user's preferred walking conditions in advance, it is possible to set a walking section that suits the user's preferences.

[0058] The location of the walking section may also be set based on the road environment and the walking environment. For example, depending on the nature of the road, there may be roads that are easy to walk on, roads that are difficult to walk on, roads that are only for vehicles, roads that are only for pedestrians, roads that are good for shopping, and so on. Therefore, if the route from the starting point S1 to the destination G1 includes roads that are easy to walk on, roads that are good for shopping, or roads that are only for pedestrians, a section that includes at least a portion of these roads may be determined as the walking section. On the other hand, if the route from the starting point S1 to the destination G1 includes roads that are difficult to walk on or roads that are only for vehicles, the walking section may be determined so as not to include these roads. Information about these roads may be acquired from the map DB in the storage unit 130. The walking section may also be set based on road conditions. For example, in a congested section, walking may be faster than traveling by car. Therefore, if a congested section exists on the route from the starting point S1 to the destination G1, a section that includes at least a portion of the congested section may be determined as the walking section. For congested sections of roads, it is possible to obtain congestion information for the road corresponding to the location and time based on the location and time of the road from another device, such as a congestion information server, via a predetermined network, such as the Internet. An example of setting a walking section when congestion occurs after getting into a vehicle will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 and 16.

[0059] The position of the walking section may also be set based on the road environment, walking environment, for example, the weather around the road. For example, the walking period may be set so that the user can walk during good weather. For example, on a route from a starting point S1 to a destination G1, if the weather forecast predicts sunny weather near the starting point S1 but rain near the destination G1, it is preferable to walk near the starting point S1. In such a case, the walking section can be set before the vehicle travel section. On the other hand, on a route from a starting point S1 to a destination G1, if the weather forecast predicts rain near the starting point S1 but sunny weather near the destination G1, it is preferable to walk near the destination G1. In such a case, the walking section can be set after the vehicle travel section. Regarding the weather around the road, weather information corresponding to the location and time of the road can be obtained from another device, for example, a weather information providing server, via a predetermined network, for example, the Internet, based on the location and time of the road.

[0060] The position of the walking section may also be set based on the user's physical condition. For example, the walking period may be set so that the user can walk when they are in good physical condition. For example, if the user is tired for some reason, it is preferable for the user to first get into a vehicle, take a leisurely rest, and then walk. In such a case, the walking section can be set behind the vehicle travel section. On the other hand, if the user is in very good physical condition, it is also possible for the user to first walk, then get into a vehicle and take a leisurely rest. In such a case, the walking section can be set ahead of the vehicle travel section. The user's physical condition can be obtained by manual input by the user or by estimation by the electronic device MC1, etc.

[0061] If multiple route candidates are extracted as the route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1, a vehicle travel section and a walking section are set for each of these route candidates. In this case, the user may be provided with route information that allows the vehicle travel section and walking section set for each route candidate to be viewed together with the multiple route candidates. Furthermore, instead of displaying the list, the user may be provided with route information that allows the user to view the vehicle travel section and walking section for each route candidate through user operation. An example of this display is shown in FIG. 7.

[0062] For example, assume that multiple route candidates A to C are extracted as routes from a departure point S1 to a destination G1. In this case, route candidate A has a 10-minute walking section set before the vehicle travel section, route candidate B has a 10-minute walking section set after the vehicle travel section, and route candidate C has a 5-minute walking section set before the vehicle travel section and a 5-minute walking section set after the vehicle travel section. In this case, the user may be provided with route information that allows the multiple route candidates A to C and the vehicle travel section and walking section of each of the route candidates A to C to be listed at a glance, or the user may be provided with route information that allows the user to view the vehicle travel section and walking section for each route candidate by user operation.

[0063] Furthermore, for one route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1, one combination of a vehicle section and a walking section may be set, or multiple combinations of a vehicle section and a walking section may be set. In this case, too, the user may be provided with route information that allows multiple combinations of a vehicle section and a walking section to be listed together with the route from the departure point S1 to the destination G1.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, for multiple route candidates from the departure point S1 to the destination G1, one or more combinations of vehicle travel sections and walking sections may be provided to the user, and the user may select one. For example, assume that multiple route candidates A1 to E1 have been extracted as routes from the departure point S1 to the destination G1. In this case, route candidate A1 has a 10-minute walking section before the vehicle travel section and a 10-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section, route candidate B1 has a 5-minute walking section before the vehicle travel section and a 15-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section, route candidate C1 has a 15-minute walking section before the vehicle travel section and a 5-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section, route candidate D1 has a 20-minute walking section before the vehicle travel section and a 0-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section, and route candidate E1 has a 0-minute walking section before the vehicle travel section and a 20-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section. In this case, the user may be provided with route information that allows the user to view multiple route candidates A1 to E1 and the vehicular travel sections and walking sections of each route candidate A1 to E1, or route information that can be viewed on a route candidate basis, and the route candidate selected by user operation may be determined.

[0065] Also, for example, assume that a single combination of vehicle travel sections and walking sections is provided for a route candidate from the departure point S1 to the destination G1. In this case, if the user desires a route other than the route candidate, the user performs a user operation to request a re-search. The management server 100 recalculates and provides another route candidate from the departure point S1 to the destination G1 in response to the user operation. For example, assume that a 10-minute walking section is set before and a 10-minute walking section is set after the vehicle travel section for the route candidate from the departure point S1 to the destination G1, and this route candidate is provided to the user. In this case, if the user desires an 8-minute walking section before and a 12-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section, the user may perform a user operation to re-search for another route candidate, thereby recalculating and providing an 8-minute walking section before and a 12-minute walking section after the vehicle travel section as another route candidate from the departure point S1 to the destination G1.

[0066] [Display Example of Vehicle Dispatch Reservation Screen] Figure 5 shows display examples of a vehicle dispatch reservation screen 300 and an approval screen 310 that are displayed on the input / output unit 56 when a vehicle dispatch app is launched in the electronic device MC1. Figure 5(A) shows a display example of the vehicle dispatch reservation screen 300 on which the user selects a destination from a plurality of preset locations. For example, in the case of a vehicle dispatch service that has a finite number of stops, the user will select a stop that is closest to the destination from among those stops.

[0067] 5A shows an example in which a destination is selected from a plurality of preset locations, but the user may select a desired destination on a map. In this case, a vehicle reservation screen including a map for selecting a destination is displayed on the input / output unit 56, and the user selects a desired destination on the map. Note that a destination may also be selected by other selection methods.

[0068] 5A shows an example in which "ABC Castle" is selected as the destination. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the arrival time at the destination is not specified, but the arrival time at the destination may be specified. In this case, the vehicle dispatch process is executed based on the specified arrival time at the destination.

[0069] When making a vehicle reservation using the vehicle dispatch app of the electronic device MC1, the user U1 launches the vehicle dispatch app of the electronic device MC1 and causes the vehicle dispatch reservation screen 300 to be displayed on the input / output unit 56. Next, the user U1 performs a designation operation on the vehicle dispatch reservation screen 300 to designate a destination to be traveled to in the vehicle allocated in accordance with the vehicle dispatch reservation. Although not described here, the destination may also be designated by a character search operation (for example, a keyword search such as an address or facility name).

[0070] When displaying the vehicle reservation screen 300, the user U1 performs a narrowing operation to narrow down the area including the destination using a text search or a map search. Then, the vehicle reservation screen 300 is displayed, with a list display area 301 including multiple pre-defined locations in the area extracted by the narrowing operation. In this example, the list display area 301 is displayed by pressing a pull-down button 302. However, the pull-down button 302 may be omitted and only the list display area 301 may be displayed. Also, in this example, a narrowing operation using a text search or a map search is performed. However, the vehicle reservation screen 300 including the location in the list display area 301 may be displayed using other methods. For example, if the electronic device MC1 manages the schedule of the user U1, the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 can estimate the destination based on the schedule. For example, assume that the schedule includes "ABC Castle with family from 11:00 on June 27th." In this case, if user U1 makes a car reservation around 10:00 on June 27th, there is a high possibility that user U1 will go to ABC Castle with his / her family. Therefore, based on the schedule "ABC Castle with family from 11:00 on June 27th," it is possible to display a car reservation screen 300 including a list display area 301 of the area (e.g., city, town, or village) where "ABC Castle" is located. In addition, the destination may be estimated and presented based on user U1's past history information, or may be estimated and presented using artificial intelligence. In addition, although this example shows an example of specifying a destination using the car reservation screen 300, the destination may also be specified by voice input, etc.

[0071] The vehicle reservation screen 300 also displays an exercise intention selection area 303 in which the user selects whether or not they intend to exercise before or after the vehicle ride section (vehicle travel section) allocated in accordance with the vehicle reservation. In the exercise intention selection area 303, the user U1 performs a selection operation to select whether or not they intend to exercise before or after the vehicle travel section.

[0072] If user U1 intends to exercise before or after the vehicle travel section, the user selects the check box "Intention to exercise (desire to set walking section)." On the other hand, if user U1 does not intend to exercise before or after the vehicle travel section, the user selects the check box "No intention to exercise (desire not to set walking section)." Note that if user U1 wants to decide whether or not to exercise after viewing the walking section proposed by the management server 100, the user selects the check box "Depends on walking section."

[0073] That is, when specifying a destination using the vehicle dispatch reservation screen 300, the user U1 performs a selection operation to select a desired destination from among a plurality of locations included in the list display area 301. After this selection operation, the user U1 performs a selection operation in the exercise intention selection area 303 and then presses the confirm button 304. Note that, although this example shows an example in which the user selects whether or not they intend to exercise each time they use a vehicle dispatch service, the user may set whether or not they intend to exercise in advance, and the setting may be reflected each time they use a vehicle dispatch service.

[0074] When the confirm button 304 is pressed after the destination specification operation and exercise intention selection operation described above, the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 transmits a vehicle dispatch request to the management server 100. This vehicle dispatch request includes location information related to the user U1's current location, location information related to the destination, exercise information related to the exercise intention, and a user ID. If the departure point is a location other than the user U1's current location, the user U1 performs a specification operation to specify the departure point. In this case, the location information related to the departure point is included in the vehicle dispatch request and transmitted. Furthermore, instead of specifying a destination, a general area to which the vehicle will be headed may be specified. For example, when traveling from the current location in Tokyo to Osaka, it is conceivable to specify Osaka as the general area. In this case, the location information related to the general area is included in the vehicle dispatch request and transmitted.

[0075] Upon receiving the vehicle dispatch request, the management server 100 executes a process for setting a walking section, a process for setting a boarding location and a disembarking location, and a process for allocating a vehicle. The processes performed by the management server 100 when a vehicle dispatch request is received will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12 and other figures. The management server 100 then transmits the support information (boarding support information, walking support information) that is the result of the processing to the electronic device MC1. An example of the display on the input / output unit 56 after receiving this support information is shown in FIG. 5(B). The display example shown in FIG. 5(B) is an example of the display when "Intention to exercise (desire to set walking section)" is selected in the exercise intention selection area 303 shown in FIG. 5(A).

[0076] 5B shows an example of the approval screen 310 that is displayed on the input / output unit 56 after a reservation operation is performed using the ride-hailing app on the electronic device MC1. Specifically, the approval screen 310 shows the vehicle travel section and walking section that are set for the user U1 in response to the reservation operation.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5 (B), the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 displays an approval screen 310 on the input / output unit 56 to assist the user U1 in boarding and walking based on the support information sent from the management server 100.

[0078] The approval screen 310 displays a boarding location indicator 311 indicating the boarding location, a disembarking location indicator 313 indicating the disembarking location, and a vehicle travel section indicator 312 indicating the vehicle travel section from the boarding location to the disembarking location. The approval screen 310 also displays a destination indicator 315 indicating the destination and a walking section indicator 314 indicating the walking section from the disembarking location to the destination. The vehicle travel section indicator 312 and the walking section indicator 314 form the user's travel route set by the ride reservation. For example, the vehicle travel section indicator 312 and the walking section indicator 314 may be highlighted as thick bands on the map. In this case, it is preferable to display the vehicle travel section indicator 312 and the walking section indicator 314 in different display modes, such as different colors. For example, the vehicle travel section indicator 312 may be displayed in yellow, and the walking section indicator 314 may be displayed in green. It is also preferable to display a distinctive sign, such as a pin-like sign (the disembarking location indicator 313 in FIG. 5(B) ), at the transition point between the vehicle travel section and the walking section. Furthermore, the vehicle travel time may be displayed near the vehicle travel section sign 312, and the walking time may be displayed near the walking section sign 314. Furthermore, information related to the amount of exercise performed by the user may be displayed near the walking section sign 314. An example of displaying information related to the amount of exercise performed by the user is shown in FIG. 6.

[0079] In addition, the lower display area of ​​the approval screen 310 displays an approval button 316 for approving the route candidates displayed on the approval screen 310, and a re-search button 317 for requesting a re-search for routes other than the route candidates displayed on the approval screen 310.

[0080] When the approval button 316 is pressed, a travel assistance screen is sequentially displayed to assist the user U1 in traveling to the destination according to the route candidates shown on the approval screen 310. For example, the travel assistance screen may display guidance for walking along a walking section, as in a well-known navigation system. Furthermore, the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 may sequentially display the latest information, such as the estimated vehicle arrival time, waiting time at the boarding location, and estimated arrival time at the destination, based on information from the management server 100. Furthermore, the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 may provide such guidance by audio output.

[0081] 5B shows an example in which a map is displayed on the approval screen 310 to notify the user U1 of the boarding and disembarking locations, the vehicle travel section, and the walking section, but travel assistance may be provided by displaying a three-dimensional image or an image using AR (Augmented Reality) on the electronic device MC1. Furthermore, travel assistance may be provided by outputting audio information to notify the user of each piece of information.

[0082] When the search again button 317 is pressed, route candidates other than the route candidates displayed on the approval screen 310 are recalculated by the management server 100. In this case, new route candidates determined by the re-search are displayed on the approval screen 310.

[0083] While FIG. 5B illustrates an example in which the walking section is set behind the vehicle travel section, the same can be applied to a case in which the walking section is set ahead of the vehicle travel section. An example of this display is shown in FIG. 7B. While FIG. 5B illustrates an example in which one route candidate is displayed on the same map, multiple route candidates may be displayed on the same map, or multiple route candidates may be displayed on separate screens. FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which multiple route candidates are displayed on separate screens. For example, when three route candidates are displayed on the same map, identification information, such as numbers 1 to 3, may be displayed near the three route candidates, and a list of route candidates (e.g., numbers 1 to 3) may be displayed in an area adjacent to the map. The user then performs a selection operation to select the number of a desired route candidate from the list of route candidates.

[0084] [Display example of exercise information] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a display example of information related to the amount of exercise of the user on approval screens 320 and 330. Note that approval screens 320 and 330 are partial modifications of approval screen 310 shown in Figure 5 (B), and therefore parts common to approval screen 310 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions of these will be omitted.

[0085] FIG. 6A shows an example in which, as information related to the user's exercise amount, the calories burned in the walking section are displayed numerically, and the relationship between the exercise amount for that day and the exercise goal value is displayed as a bar display, for example, a progress bar. This bar display indicates the degree of achievement and progress toward the exercise goal value when walking the walking section corresponding to the walking section sign 314, for example. Each piece of information is displayed in a balloon area 321 provided near the walking section sign 314. The exercise goal value can be obtained based on the exercise goal information 202 (see FIG. 3). In this example, the calories burned in the walking section are displayed as a reference, but information related to the user's exercise amount may also be displayed based on the distance of the walking section, walking time, etc.

[0086] FIG. 6(B) shows an example in which information related to the user's exercise volume is displayed as an image of food and drink equivalent to the calories burned in the walking section. This information is displayed in a balloon area 331 provided near the walking section sign 314. The relationship between food and drink and calories burned can be acquired by pre-setting it in the storage unit 130. In this example, pudding is used as an example of food and drink equivalent to the calories burned in the walking section, but other food and drink may also be displayed. By displaying images of food and drink equivalent to the calories burned in the walking section in this way, user U1 can easily understand the amount of exercise achieved by walking the walking section. The achievement information displayed in the balloon areas 321 and 331 is generated by the exercise information management unit 123.

[0087] 6A and 6B show examples in which information related to the user's exercise amount is displayed in balloon areas 321 and 331 on the map, but information related to the user's exercise amount may be displayed in other display modes. For example, a display area for displaying information related to the user's exercise amount may be provided in the lower part of the map. Furthermore, when a walking section on the map is tapped, information related to the user's exercise amount corresponding to that walking section may be displayed.

[0088] Furthermore, when multiple route candidates are displayed, information related to the user's exercise level may be displayed for each route candidate. For example, pudding may be displayed in the walking section of route candidate A2, and cake may be displayed in the walking section of route candidate B2. In this case, the display can be intuitively easy to understand, such as pudding or cake, and the information can be referenced by the user when selecting a route candidate.

[0089] [Display example of multiple route candidates] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a display transition example in which multiple route candidates are displayed on multiple screens. Note that approval screens 340 and 350 are partial modifications of approval screen 310 shown in Figure 5 (B), and therefore parts common to approval screen 310 are assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions of these will be omitted.

[0090] 7A shows an example of the display of approval screen 340. Approval screen 340 is similar to approval screen 310 except that it is provided with another display button 341. After checking the route candidates displayed on approval screen 340, if user U1 wants to check other route candidates, he or she performs a pressing operation to press other display button 341. An example of the display after other display button 341 is pressed is shown in FIG. 7B.

[0091] FIG. 7B shows an example of the display of the approval screen 350. The approval screen 350 is a display example in which a walking section is set in front of the vehicle travel section. Specifically, the approval screen 350 displays a boarding location indicator 353 indicating the boarding location, a disembarking location indicator 355 indicating the disembarking location, and a vehicle travel section indicator 354 indicating the vehicle travel section from the boarding location to the disembarking location. The approval screen 350 also displays a departure location indicator 351 indicating the departure location and a walking section indicator 352 indicating the walking section from the departure location to the boarding location. The approval screen 350 also displays an other display button 356. After checking the route candidates displayed on the approval screen 350, if user U1 wants to check other route candidates, he or she performs a pressing operation to press the other display button 356.

[0092] [Example of feedback on walking completion in the walking section] Figures 8 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of display of achievement information displayed when a user who has used a ride-hailing service walks the walking section. That is, Figures 8 to 11 show examples of notifications for notifying the user of the progress of their exercise goal when the user who has used a ride-hailing service walks the walking section. Note that Figures 8 to 11 show examples that employ a display format that is intuitively easy for the user to understand. These are displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1 based on the achievement information generated by the exercise information management unit 123.

[0093] 8 shows a display screen 400 that displays the relationship between the exercise goal value and the amount of exercise for that day in numerical values ​​and a table. The display screen 400 displays a first display area 401 and a second display area 402. The first display area 401 displays the relationship between the exercise goal value and the amount of exercise for that day in numerical values. For example, "Goal: 8000 steps" is displayed as the exercise goal value, and "1500 steps remaining" is displayed as the difference between the exercise goal value and the amount of exercise for that day.

[0094] The relationship between the exercise goal value and the exercise amount for that day is displayed in a pie chart in the second display area 402. The exercise goal value can be obtained based on the exercise goal information 202 (see FIG. 3 ) in the exercise information DB 200. The exercise amount for that day can be obtained based on the exercise amount for that day 206 (see FIG. 3 ) in the exercise information DB 200.

[0095] In this way, after a user who has used a vehicle reservation has walked the walking section, the user can easily grasp the achievement rate of the exercise goal by looking at the display screen 400.

[0096] Figure 8 shows an example in which numerical values ​​related to the number of steps are displayed as information related to the walking section, but other information related to the walking section, such as calories burned in the walking section, distance of the walking section, and walking time in the walking section, may also be displayed.

[0097] 9 and 10 show display screens 410, 420 that display the calories burned in the walking section in terms of food and drink. Display screen 410 shown in Fig. 9 displays a message area 411 that displays the calories burned in the walking section in terms of the number of puddings, and an image display area 412 that displays an image of the pudding. Display screen 410 may also be provided with a pudding coupon acquisition button 413, which may enable the user to obtain some kind of incentive related to pudding that is equivalent to the calories burned in the walking section.

[0098] Here, the incentives shown in this embodiment are, for example, those granted based on a numerical value related to the amount of exercise. The incentives include, for example, incentives related to the ride-hailing service, incentives that make the ride-hailing service more affordable, and incentives that make the ride-hailing service easier to use. Specific examples of the incentives include coupons, points, discount vouchers, discount points, discount coupons, and points that can be converted into money. For example, if walking around a station is encouraged, more people will visit stores around the station, so coupons that can be used at the stores may be distributed as incentives. In this way, in addition to incentives related to the ride-hailing service, incentives that can be used at stores around the location where the vehicle is dropped off may also be granted. In other words, incentives that can be granted include incentives related to the ride-hailing service and incentives that can be used at the location where the vehicle is dropped off.

[0099] 10 displays a message area 421 indicating the calories burned in the walking section in terms of the amount of beer, and an image display area 422 displaying an image of beer. In addition, the display screen 420 may be provided with a beer discount coupon acquisition button 423, which may enable the user to acquire some kind of incentive related to beer equivalent to the calories burned in the walking section.

[0100] 8 to 10, after a user who has used the vehicle dispatch service has walked the walking section (or while walking), the results of the amount of exercise that the user has achieved can be fed back to the user. In other words, the content that the user who has used the vehicle dispatch service has achieved while walking the walking section can be displayed.

[0101] 11 shows an example of a display when a ride-hailing service is used over multiple days. For example, display screen 430 is shown when a user who does not exercise regularly sets a walking section for seven consecutive days and achieves an exercise goal. In this way, the progress of the exercise status over a certain period of time may be displayed, rather than the progress of the exercise status for each session.

[0102] The display screen 430 shown in FIG. 11 displays a message area 431 indicating that the exercise goal has been achieved for seven consecutive days, and an image display area 432 displaying an image of the achievement. The display screen 430 may also include a King Badge Acquisition button 433, allowing the user to acquire some kind of incentive for achieving the exercise goal for seven consecutive days. For example, a badge indicating that the exercise goal has been achieved for seven consecutive days may be acquired. For example, the setting status of the walking section and information about walking in the walking section (e.g., number of steps, walking distance, calories burned) can be stored as walking history information in the exercise information DB 200 on a daily basis. The exercise information management unit 123 can then confirm the date on which the exercise goal was achieved based on the walking history information, and can generate achievement information based on the confirmation results. This can improve the motivation and satisfaction of users using the ride-hailing service. In this way, the exercise information management unit 123 can provide incentives to user U1 based on the amount of exercise that user U1 is expected to achieve by walking in the walking section.

[0103] [Example of Vehicle Allocation Processing Operation] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of vehicle allocation processing in the management server 100. This vehicle allocation processing is executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 130. This vehicle allocation processing is executed when a vehicle allocation request is received from the electronic device MC1. This vehicle allocation processing will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 11 as appropriate.

[0104] In step S501, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 executes a receiving process to receive a vehicle dispatch request transmitted from the electronic device MC1 via the communication unit 110. This vehicle dispatch request is transmitted from the electronic device MC1 based on, for example, a user operation using the vehicle dispatch reservation screen 300 shown in Fig. 5(A). The vehicle dispatch request also includes location information regarding the current location of the user U1, location information regarding the destination, exercise intention information regarding the exercise intention, and the user ID.

[0105] In step S502, the exercise information management unit 123 obtains exercise information corresponding to the user ID included in the vehicle dispatch request received in step S501 from the exercise information DB 200. In this example, the exercise information of each user is managed in the exercise information DB 200 of the management server 100, but exercise information managed in the electronic device MC1 may also be obtained. In this case, the exercise information may be included in the vehicle dispatch request.

[0106] In step S503, the exercise information management unit 123 determines whether user U1 corresponding to the user ID included in the dispatch request received in step S501 has achieved their exercise goal, based on the exercise information acquired in step S502. For example, the exercise information management unit 123 determines that user U1 has achieved their exercise goal if the value of the exercise amount 206 (see FIG. 3) for that day is equal to or greater than the value of the exercise goal information 202 (see FIG. 3). If user U1 has achieved their exercise goal, the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if user U1 has not achieved their exercise goal, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0107] In step S504, the exercise information management unit 123 determines whether or not the user U1 corresponding to the user ID included in the dispatch request received in step S501 intends to exercise, based on the exercise intention information included in the dispatch request received in step S501. For example, if "Intention to exercise (desire to set walking area)" or "Depending on walking area" is selected in the exercise intention selection area 303 of the dispatch reservation screen 300 shown in FIG. 5(A), it is determined that the user U1 intends to exercise. If the user U1 intends to exercise, the process proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if the user U1 does not intend to exercise, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0108] In step S505, the route setting unit 122 searches for a route for a vehicle to be arranged for user U1 corresponding to the user ID included in the vehicle dispatch request received in step S501, based on the location information regarding the current location and the destination included in the vehicle dispatch request received in step S501. In this case, the route setting unit 122 sets walking sections before and after the vehicle movement section, as shown in Figures 4(B) to 4(D). Note that for a user determined in step S503 to have not achieved their exercise goal, the processing of step S505 is executed regardless of whether or not they intend to exercise. Therefore, for a user determined in step S503 to have not achieved their exercise goal, route candidates including walking sections as well as route candidates not including walking sections may be searched for, and each of these route candidates may be proposed.

[0109] In step S506, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 transmits route information including the route candidates (including the boarding and disembarking location candidates) searched for in step S505 to the electronic device MC1 that sent the vehicle allocation request received in step S501. That is, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 transmits the route information including the route candidates searched for in step S505 to the electronic device MC1 and displays the route candidates on the electronic device MC1, thereby proposing the route candidates to the user U1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B , an approval screen 310 including route candidates in which a walking section is set behind the vehicle movement section is displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1.

[0110] In step S507, the route setting unit 122 searches for a route for a vehicle to be arranged for user U1 corresponding to the user ID included in the vehicle dispatch request received in step S501, based on the location information related to the current location and the destination included in the vehicle dispatch request received in step S501. In this case, the route setting unit 122 searches for route candidates that do not include a walking section, as shown in FIG.

[0111] In step S508, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 transmits route information including the route candidates (including the boarding and alighting location candidates) searched for in step S507 to the electronic device MC1 that sent the vehicle allocation request received in step S501. That is, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 transmits the route candidates searched for in step S507 to the electronic device MC1 and displays the route candidates on the electronic device MC1, thereby suggesting the route candidates to the user U1.

[0112] As described above, the route candidates transmitted to the electronic device MC1 in step S506 or S508 are displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1. Furthermore, the user U1 performs a selection operation to select a desired route from the route candidates displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1. When this selection operation is performed, the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 transmits selection information including the route candidate selected by the selection operation to the management server 100. Note that when only one route candidate is displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1, approval information approving that route candidate is transmitted to the management server 100.

[0113] In step S509, the dispatch processing unit 121 executes a receiving process to receive, via the communication unit 110, the selection information (or approval information) from the electronic device MC1 that transmitted the route information in step S506 or S508. Note that if the selection information is not received within a predetermined time after transmitting the route information in step S506 or S508, the dispatch processing unit 121 may resend the route information or transmit predetermined information for displaying a message prompting the transmission of the selection information.

[0114] In step S510, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 determines the boarding and alighting locations of the vehicle for the vehicle allocation request received in step S501 based on the selection information received in step S509. That is, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 determines the route selected by the user from among the route candidates as the vehicle route for the vehicle allocation request, and determines the boarding and alighting locations of the vehicle corresponding to that route.

[0115] In step S511, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 transmits vehicle allocation information including the boarding and alighting locations determined in step S510 to the electronic device MC1 that transmitted the vehicle allocation request received in step S501. The vehicle allocation processing unit 121 also transmits vehicle allocation information including the boarding and alighting locations determined in step S510 to the vehicle's communication device. In this way, the process of arranging a vehicle in response to the vehicle allocation request received in step S501 is executed.

[0116] [Example of Operation of Achievement Information Output Processing] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the achievement information output processing in the management server 100. This achievement information output processing is executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 130. This achievement information output processing is executed for a user for whom a vehicle has been arranged by the vehicle allocation processing shown in Figure 12. This achievement information output processing will be explained with appropriate reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0117] In step S521, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 determines whether a walking area has been set for the user for whom a vehicle was arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12). If a walking area has been set, the process proceeds to step S522. On the other hand, if a walking area has not been set, the operation of the achievement information output process ends.

[0118] In step S522, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 determines whether the vehicle arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12) has finished moving along the vehicle movement section. Whether the vehicle movement along the vehicle movement section has finished can be determined based on the vehicle's location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit of the communication device installed in the vehicle. Furthermore, if the location information of the user U1 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 54 of the electronic device MC1 can be acquired, the determination can be made based on this location information. If the vehicle movement along the vehicle movement section has finished, the process proceeds to step S523. On the other hand, if the vehicle movement along the vehicle movement section has not finished, the process continues monitoring until the vehicle movement along the vehicle movement section has finished.

[0119] In step S523, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 determines whether the user for whom a vehicle was arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12) has finished moving through the walking section. Whether moving through the walking section has finished can be determined based on the location information of the user U1 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 54 of the electronic device MC1, if such location information is available. If moving through the walking section has finished, the process proceeds to step S524. On the other hand, if moving through the walking section has not finished, monitoring continues until moving through the walking section has finished.

[0120] In step S524, the exercise information management unit 123 generates achievement information based on the walking section of the user for whom a vehicle was arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12) and the exercise information of the user (exercise information DB 200).

[0121] In step S525, the dispatch processing unit 121 transmits the achievement information generated in step S524 to the electronic device MC1. Upon receiving this achievement information, the electronic device MC1 outputs the achievement information from the input / output unit 56. For example, display screens 400, 410, 420, 430, etc. shown in Figures 8 to 11 are displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1. Messages corresponding to each of these display screens may also be output as audio.

[0122] However, the spread of convenient mobility services may lead to a decrease in users' walking, which may result in a lack of exercise and adverse health effects. Such adverse health effects may threaten people's quality of life. For example, it is believed that many working adults miss out on daily exercise due to a lack of time. In other words, even though people are aware of their lack of exercise and understand that moderate exercise is important, they often do not take action because they lack the time or find it troublesome.

[0123] Therefore, in this embodiment, a convenient ride-hailing service is used for daily travel while ensuring an appropriate amount of exercise. That is, a walking section is set before or after getting on or off a vehicle arranged by the ride-hailing service, and appropriate exercise can be performed by walking in that walking section, thereby maintaining health. In this way, by actively incorporating walking into the route from the departure point to the destination rather than traveling solely by vehicle, it is possible to achieve both the convenience of travel and the user's health. This allows the user to realize the richness brought about by mobility services as well as their own richness. Furthermore, by actively incorporating walking into the user's travel, in addition to improving health through exercise, the user can relax and change their mood.

[0124] [Example of Setting a Walking Section After a Ride Booking] The above describes an example of setting a walking section when a ride is booked. That is, an example of determining whether to set a walking section based on the user's health. Here, it is assumed that congestion may occur in the vehicle travel section while the vehicle allocated in response to the ride booking is on its way to the drop-off point. In such a case, it is assumed that traveling through the congested section on foot may be faster than traveling by vehicle. Therefore, below is an example of setting a new walking section when congestion occurs in the vehicle travel section. That is, an example of determining whether to set a walking section based on the degree of vehicle congestion is shown.

[0125] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of transition when the settings made at the time of reservation are changed based on traffic congestion information. Fig. 14 shows an example when a walking section is set at the front of the vehicle travel section, i.e., on the boarding location side, or when no walking section is set at the time of reservation. Fig. 14 also shows an example when congestion occurs near the end point (drop-off location G2) of the vehicle travel section set at the time of reservation.

[0126] In Figure 14 (A), the route R10 of the vehicle travel section set when the vehicle dispatch reservation was made is indicated by a dotted arrow. Furthermore, the section of the road where congestion occurs (congested section TJ1) is indicated in gray. That is, Figure 14 (A) shows a state in which congestion occurs near the end point (drop-off point G2) of the vehicle travel section set when the vehicle dispatch reservation was made. For example, it shows a state in which congestion occurs near intersection IS1. For a congested section of a road, based on the road position and time, congestion information for the road corresponding to the position and time can be obtained from another device, such as a congestion information server, via a predetermined network, such as the Internet.

[0127] As shown in Figure 14 (A), if there is congestion near the end point of the vehicle travel section (drop-off point G2), the dispatched vehicle is likely to stop for a long time or travel slowly on the way to drop-off point G2, which may result in a long travel time. In this case, user U1 may be delayed in arriving at his / her destination. In addition, the dispatched vehicle may not be able to continue to the next transportation service.

[0128] Therefore, if a traffic jam occurs near the drop-off point G2, the user U1 can avoid the traffic jam by walking from just before the drop-off point G2. Also, the dispatched vehicle can quickly get to the next transportation service. Therefore, if a traffic jam occurs near the drop-off point G2, a new walking section is set, and a suggestion is made to the user U1 to walk to the drop-off point G2. The method for setting the new walking section will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16.

[0129] For example, as shown in Figure 14 (B), the end point of the vehicle travel section (drop-off point S10) is changed to a point just before the congested section TJ1, and a walking section R12 is set in the congested section TJ1. This allows the vehicle that drops off user U1 at drop-off point S10 to avoid the congested section TJ1 and quickly move on to the next transportation service, as shown by arrow R13.

[0130] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the display of walking section setting screens 360 and 370 that are displayed on the input / output unit 56 when congestion occurs near the disembarkation point G2. Specifically, the walking section setting screens 360 and 370 are shown, which suggest a new walking section to the user U1 in response to the occurrence of congestion near the disembarkation point G2.

[0131] As shown in Figure 15 (A), the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 displays a walking section setting screen 360 on the input / output unit 56, which suggests a new walking section to the user U1 based on the information transmitted from the management server 100.

[0132] The walking section setting screen 360 displays a current location indicator 361 indicating the current location of the vehicle, a drop-off location indicator 363 indicating the drop-off location, and a travel route indicator 362 indicating the travel route from the current location of the vehicle to the drop-off location. The walking section setting screen 360 also displays congested section indicators 364 indicating congested sections on the roads around the vehicle. For example, on the map, the travel route indicator 362 can be displayed as a dotted arrow, and the congested section indicator 364 can be displayed as a thick highlighted band.

[0133] Also, the lower display area of ​​the walking section setting screen 360 displays an approval button 365 for approving the message displayed in the lower display area, i.e., the setting of a new walking section, and a rejection button 366 for rejecting the message. When the rejection button 366 is pressed, the vehicle continues moving in the vehicle movement section without setting a new walking section.

[0134] When the approval button 365 is pressed, a walking section setting screen 370 is displayed, notifying the user of the new walking section, as shown in FIG. 15(B).

[0135] The walking section setting screen 370 displays a current location indicator 371 indicating the current location of the vehicle, a drop-off point indicator 373 indicating the drop-off point, and a travel path indicator 372 indicating the travel path from the current location of the vehicle to the drop-off point. The walking section setting screen 370 also displays a walking section end point indicator 374 indicating the end point of the newly set walking section and a walking section indicator 375 indicating the newly set walking section. For example, on a map, the travel path indicator 372 can be displayed as a dotted arrow, and the walking section indicator 375 can be highlighted as a thick band. The start point of the newly set walking section corresponds to the drop-off point, and therefore is located at the drop-off point indicator 373. The end point of the newly set walking section corresponds to the original drop-off point, and therefore is located at the drop-off point indicator 363 (see FIG. 15A). The mobility assistance technology for assisting user U1 in traveling to a destination is similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , and therefore will not be described here.

[0136] Additionally, a message indicating that a new walking section has been set is displayed in the lower display area of ​​the walking section setting screen 370, along with a coupon acquisition button 376 for acquiring a coupon that will be granted in accordance with the setting of the new walking section, and a back button 377 for returning to the previous screen. When the coupon acquisition button 376 is pressed, some kind of incentive is provided as a reward for cooperating with the smooth operation of the ride-hailing service. For example, a discount coupon for the next use of the ride-hailing service, a discount coupon for the current use, etc. may be provided.

[0137] 14 and 15 show examples in which a walking section is set before the vehicle travel section when reserving a ride, or in which no walking section is set. However, even when a walking section is set after the vehicle travel section, a new walking section may be set based on the congestion section. In this case, the walking section after the vehicle travel section set when reserving a ride will be extended. Therefore, there is a possibility that a walking section will be set that exceeds the single upper limit value 207 (see FIG. 3) of the exercise information DB 200. Therefore, when a new walking section that exceeds the single upper limit value 207 is set, it is preferable to execute a process to confirm this with the user.

[0138] [Operation Example of Route Reset Processing] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the route reset processing in the management server 100. This route reset processing is executed based on a program stored in the storage unit 130. This route reset processing is executed for a user for whom a vehicle has been arranged by the vehicle allocation processing shown in Fig. 12. This route reset processing will be explained with appropriate reference to Figs. 1 to 15.

[0139] In step S531, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 acquires, from an external device, information about surrounding roads including the vehicle travel section of the vehicle arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12 ). For example, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 periodically receives and acquires road information from a road server via the communication unit 110.

[0140] In step S532, the route setting unit 122 determines whether or not congestion has occurred in the vehicle travel section of the vehicle arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12). If congestion has occurred in the vehicle travel section, the process proceeds to step S533. On the other hand, if congestion has not occurred in the vehicle travel section, the operation of the route resetting process ends.

[0141] In step S533, the route setting unit 122 re-searches for a vehicle route that includes a section that includes at least a part of a section where congestion occurs (a congested section) in the vehicle travel section as a walking section. In this case, the route setting unit 122 re-searches for a vehicle route that includes the congested section as a walking section, as shown in FIG. 14(B).

[0142] In step S534, the route setting unit 122 compares the travel time (vehicle travel time) for traveling the entire route to the drop-off point determined in step S510 (see FIG. 12 ) by vehicle with the travel time (walking time) for walking the walking section determined in step S533. Note that the vehicle travel time can be calculated based on the travel distance, traffic congestion, etc., and the walking travel time can be calculated based on the travel distance, walking speed, etc.

[0143] In step S535, the route setting unit 122 determines whether the difference (difference value) obtained by subtracting the walking time from the vehicle travel time compared in step S534 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. For example, if the difference value is equal to or less than a few minutes, it is considered preferable for the user to set a walking section and travel through the congested section on foot. Therefore, if the difference value is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S536. On the other hand, if the difference value exceeds the predetermined value, the route resetting process ends.

[0144] In step S536, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 transmits route information including the route candidates (including the boarding and alighting location candidates) re-searched in step S533 to the electronic device MC1 of user U1, who is riding in the vehicle arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12 ). That is, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 transmits the route information including the route candidates re-searched in step S533 to the electronic device MC1 and displays the route candidates on the electronic device MC1, thereby suggesting the route candidates to user U1. For example, as shown in FIG. 15(A), a walking section setting screen 360 indicating that congestion has occurred and including information for confirming the setting of a new walking section is displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1.

[0145] Furthermore, the user U1 performs an approval operation to approve the proposal on the walking section setting screen 360 displayed on the input / output unit 56 of the electronic device MC1. When this approval operation is performed, the control unit 52 of the electronic device MC1 transmits approval information corresponding to the approval operation to the management server 100.

[0146] In step S537, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 determines whether approval information has been received indicating that the user approves the content re-proposed in step S536. If approval information has been received, the process proceeds to step S538. On the other hand, if approval information has not been received, i.e., if rejection information has been received, the route resetting process ends. In this case, the user is notified that they will continue traveling by vehicle without setting a new walking section.

[0147] In step S538, the route setting unit 122 changes the disembarking point determined in step S510 (see FIG. 12) and determines a new boarding and alighting point. That is, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 determines the route candidates (including the boarding and alighting point candidates) re-proposed in step S536 as a new route, and determines new boarding and alighting points for the vehicle corresponding to the route.

[0148] In step S539, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 transmits vehicle dispatch information, including the boarding and disembarking locations newly determined in step S538, to the electronic device MC1 of user U1 who is riding in the vehicle arranged in step S511 (see FIG. 12 ). The vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 also transmits the vehicle dispatch information, including the boarding and disembarking locations newly determined in step S538, to the vehicle's communication device. The vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 also grants an incentive to user U1. That is, when congestion occurs on the vehicle's route to the destination, the vehicle dispatch processing unit 121 grants an incentive to user U1 who approved the setting of a new walking section.

[0149] In this example, if the difference between the vehicle travel time and the walking time in the congested section (difference value) is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a new route candidate including a new walking section is proposed again. However, the vehicle travel time and the walking time in the congested section may be provided to the user in a comparable state, and a new route candidate including a new walking section may be determined based on the user's confirmation operation.

[0150] In this way, by setting a new walking section in a congested section, it is possible to achieve exercise goals earlier and avoid the hassle of waiting in a congested vehicle. Also, walking in a congested section can avoid traffic jams and contribute to improving health. Furthermore, setting a new walking section makes it possible to obtain some kind of incentive, which provides motivation for walking again. Furthermore, since vehicles can avoid traffic jams, it can improve the dispatch efficiency of vehicle dispatch services.

[0151] [Example of Changing Service Content Based on Environment, etc.] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of changing the service content of a vehicle dispatch service based on the environment, etc. In Figure 17, in the vehicle dispatch service, a specific section where transportation is performed with high efficiency is referred to as a hub section R20, and individual transport sections extending from the hub section R20 are referred to as spoke sections R21. Note that the hub section R20 and the spoke section R21 are names used to distinguish different transport sections according to the characteristics of travel, and the names may be changed appropriately depending on the combination of transport sections.

[0152] For example, if a user selects the spoke section R21 as a walking section, the hub section R20 can be designated as a section where vehicles of the ride-hailing service can operate with high transport efficiency. Note that FIG. 17 shows an example in which the hub section R20 is simplified into a circular shape, but this circular hub section R20 is merely a schematic representation and does not necessarily mean that vehicles will actually travel around the area. For example, a general main street could be designated as the hub section R20, and narrow alleys leading off from the main street could be designated as the spoke section R21. In such a case, the ride-hailing service shown in this embodiment proposes the spoke section R21 as a walking section, but it is also anticipated that some users will wish to travel by car through the spoke section R21. However, it is anticipated that the transport efficiency of vehicles of the ride-hailing service will decrease in the spoke section R21. For this reason, if the spoke section R21 is designated as a vehicle travel section, a higher surcharge may be charged than if the hub section R20 is designated as a vehicle travel section. For example, it is possible to charge a standard fare for the hub section R20, which has high transport efficiency, and a higher-than-normal fare for the spoke section R21, which is an individual transport section.

[0153] 17(A) shows a case where the weather around the hub section R20 and the spoke section R21 is sunny. In this case, it is preferable to set the normal fare for the hub section R20 and a higher-than-normal fare for the spoke section R21, thereby proposing the spoke section R21 to the user as a walking section.

[0154] 17(B) shows a case where the weather around the hub section R20 and the spoke section R21 is rainy. Thus, if the spoke section R21 is designated as a walking section on rainy days, users may be less willing to use the route. Therefore, by charging the regular fare for the hub section R20 and setting the fare for the spoke section R21 to the same or close to the regular fare on rainy days, it is possible to increase users' willingness to use the route.

[0155] As shown in Figure 17(A), for example, if there is little hindrance to exercising, it is considered reasonable to charge an additional fee for continuing to ride a vehicle without exercising. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 17(B), for example, in an environment where a user does not want to walk, if the same fee structure as when conditions are favorable is used, the user's motivation to use the service may decrease, and the user may abandon the ride-hailing service. Therefore, it is preferable to set an appropriate fee on rainy days so that the user can travel by vehicle to a location close to the user's destination.

[0156] In this way, the service fee is adapted based on the difference in the walking adoption rate depending on environmental conditions such as weather, etc. In other words, it is possible to change the service usage fee depending on the weather.

[0157] Furthermore, the incentive given to the user may be changed depending on environmental conditions such as weather. For example, as shown in FIG. 17(A), a low incentive is given in an environment where there are few obstacles to exercising. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(B), a high incentive is given in an environment where the user does not want to walk. In this way, by changing the incentive given to the user depending on environmental conditions such as weather, people who are willing to actively exercise can be made to think about walking even on rainy days. It is also possible to make the idea of ​​receiving a high incentive for walking on rainy days appealing. In other words, it is possible to increase the incentive to walk under unfavorable conditions. On the other hand, even for users who walk on sunny days but do not want to walk on rainy days, it is possible to encourage them to actively exercise on sunny days, and to make the idea of ​​not walking and receiving a low incentive on rainy days appealing.

[0158] For example, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 determines a walking section where the walking environment is deteriorating based on at least one of the road environment on the route from the departure point to the destination, the exercise environment on the route, and the weather environment on the route. The road environment and exercise environment refer to the condition of the road on the route, the condition of the road on which the user walks, etc. If the user selects a walking section where the walking environment is deteriorating, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 can provide an incentive to the user. Similarly, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 determines that the user's walking conditions are deteriorating based on at least one of the road environment on the route from the departure point to the destination, the exercise environment on the route, and the weather environment on the route. If the user selects a walking section where the user's walking conditions are deteriorating, the vehicle allocation processing unit 121 can provide an incentive to the user.

[0159] In this way, it is possible to change the pricing of the vehicle dispatch service and the incentives given to users depending on environmental conditions such as the weather.

[0160] [Example of Setting an Exercise Zone Other than a Walking Zone] The above describes an example of setting a walking zone before and after a vehicle movement zone. However, an exercise zone may be set in which the user exercises using a means of transportation other than walking. For example, jogging and cycling are conceivable as means of transportation other than walking. For example, the user may jog through a zone set as a walking zone. In this case, it is possible to determine whether the user is jogging using the electronic device MC1 or another device, such as a health tracker. For example, the user's movement speed can be calculated based on detection values ​​acquired by the position information acquisition unit 54 and acceleration sensor 55 of the electronic device MC1, and it is possible to determine whether the user is jogging based on this movement speed. Furthermore, if the user is wearing a health tracker, it is possible to infer whether the user is jogging based on the heart rate, pulse, etc. acquired by the health tracker. For example, it is possible to calculate changes in the user's exercise volume using changes in heart rate and pulse rate, and it is possible to determine whether the user is jogging based on these changes in exercise volume. Similarly, it is possible to determine whether the user is bicycling using the electronic device MC1 or another device, such as a health tracker. The calories burned while jogging or cycling can be calculated based on the user's travel distance, travel speed, etc.

[0161] As mentioned above, the user can jog in the walking section. However, in order to make the user movement section a cycling section, a bicycle must be present at the start point of the cycling section, and a place to return the bicycle must be present at the end point of the cycling section.

[0162] For example, when using a bicycle owned by a user, the bicycle section can be a section starting from the location where the bicycle is parked, such as a bicycle parking lot, and ending at a location where the bicycle can be parked, such as the user's home.

[0163] In addition, for example, when using a shared bicycle service where bicycles can be shared and rented and returned at stations, a bicycle section can be defined as a section starting from a shared bicycle station and ending at another shared bicycle station.

[0164] Here, it is possible that there may be no shared bicycle station on the candidate route between the departure point and destination. In such a case, if there is a shared bicycle station near the candidate route, it is possible to expand the candidate route to that vicinity and set a bicycle section. In other words, if there is a shared bicycle station near the candidate route, the candidate route may be interpolated based on that station.

[0165] Although the above describes an example in which the vehicle dispatch process, achievement information output process, route re-setting process, etc. are executed by the management server 100, all or part of these processes may be executed by other devices. In this case, an information processing system is configured by the devices that execute part of each process. For example, at least part of each process may be executed using devices available to the user U1 (e.g., smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers, car navigation devices, IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment)), various information processing devices such as servers that can be connected via a predetermined network such as the Internet, and various electronic devices.

[0166] Furthermore, a part (or all) of the information processing system capable of executing the functions of the management server 100 may be provided by an application that can be provided via a predetermined network such as the Internet. This application is, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0167] [Configuration Example and Effects of the Present Embodiment] The management server 100 is an information processing device that executes vehicle dispatch processing for user U1. The management server 100 includes a communication unit 110 (an example of a reception unit) that receives at least one of a departure point and a destination from user U1, a control unit 120 (a route setting unit 122) that sets the boarding and disembarking locations of the vehicle to be assigned to user U1 based on at least one of the received departure point and destination, and a communication unit 110 (an example of an output unit) that outputs the boarding and disembarking locations to user U1. Based on exercise information related to user U1, the control unit 120 (the route setting unit 122) sets at least one of a first exercise section in which user U1 moves and moves, ending at the boarding point, and a second exercise section in which user U1 moves and moves, starting at the disembarking point. For example, as shown in Figures 4(B) to 4(D), walking sections WS2 to WS5 are set before and after vehicle movement sections VS2 to VS4.

[0168] According to this configuration, when user U1 travels using a vehicle dispatch service, the user can set an exercise section as needed, increase opportunities to walk, and eliminate lack of exercise. This makes it possible to balance the convenience of travel with the user's health, and to enhance the enrichment of user U1's life using a vehicle.

[0169] The control unit 120 (route setting unit 122) sets, on the route from the departure point to the destination, a vehicle movement section from the boarding point to the disembarking point, as well as at least one of a first movement section in front of the vehicle movement section and a second movement section in back of the vehicle movement section.

[0170] With this configuration, a first exercise section and a second exercise section can be set on the route from the starting point to the destination, thereby increasing the opportunities for the user to walk using the route when traveling and eliminating lack of exercise.

[0171] The exercise information shown in this embodiment is information indicating the relationship between the target exercise amount of user U1 and the exercise amount for that day. In addition, the control unit 120 (route setting unit 122) sets at least one of the first exercise section and the second exercise section based on the relationship between the target exercise amount and the exercise amount for that day.

[0172] According to this configuration, an exercise section can be set using the relationship between the target exercise amount of the user U1 and the exercise amount of the day, so that an appropriate exercise section can be set according to the user U1.

[0173] The control unit 120 (route setting unit 122) sets at least one of the first exercise section and the second exercise section based on at least one of the road environment on the route from the starting point to the destination, the exercise environment on the route, the weather environment on the route, and the priority regarding the position of the exercise section set by user U1.

[0174] According to this configuration, it is possible to set an appropriate exercise section according to the environment around the user U1 and the priority set by the user U1.

[0175] The communication unit 110 (an example of an output unit) outputs candidates for the first movement section and the second movement section to the user U1. The communication unit 110 (an example of a receiving unit) receives selection information related to a selection operation in which the user U1 selects a desired candidate from among the candidates for the first movement section and the candidates for the second movement section. The control unit 120 (route setting unit 122) determines the movement section to be set for the user U1 from among the candidates for the first movement section and the candidates for the second movement section based on the selection information.

[0176] According to this configuration, the user U1 can select a desired candidate, and therefore an appropriate exercise section can be set according to the user U1.

[0177] The control unit 120 (exercise information management unit 123) generates first information related to the amount of exercise of user U1 expected by setting the first exercise section and second information related to the amount of exercise of user U1 expected by setting the second exercise section. The communication unit 110 (an example of an output unit) outputs at least one of the first information associated with the first exercise section and the second information associated with the second exercise section to user U1. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , each piece of information related to the amount of exercise of user U1 is displayed in balloon areas 321 and 331.

[0178] According to this configuration, the user U1 can easily grasp information related to the amount of exercise of the user U1 that is expected based on the setting of the exercise section.

[0179] The control unit 120 (exercise information management unit 123) provides an incentive to the user U1 based on the amount of exercise that the user U1 is expected to perform through exercise in at least one of the first exercise section and the second exercise section.

[0180] This configuration can improve the motivation and satisfaction of user U1 who uses the vehicle dispatch service.

[0181] When there is congestion on the vehicle's route to the destination, the control unit 120 (route setting unit 122) compares the walking time of user U1 when the second movement section is set with the vehicle's travel time when the second movement section is not set, and if the difference between user U1's walking time and the vehicle's travel time satisfies a specified condition, it sets a new second movement section.

[0182] According to this configuration, by setting a new exercise section for a congested section, it is possible to achieve the exercise goal earlier and avoid the inconvenience of waiting in a congested vehicle. In addition, since vehicles can avoid congestion, it is possible to improve the dispatch efficiency of vehicle dispatch services.

[0183] If a new second movement section is set when there is congestion on the vehicle's route to the destination, the control unit 120 (vehicle dispatch processing unit 121) provides an incentive to the user U1.

[0184] According to this configuration, by setting a new exercise section, it is possible to obtain some kind of incentive, which provides a new motivation to walk.

[0185] The control unit 120 (vehicle dispatch processing unit 121) determines which of the first and second exercise sections has a worsening exercise environment based on at least one of the road environment on the route from the departure point to the destination, the exercise environment on the route, and the weather environment on the route, and if the exercise section with the worsening exercise environment is selected by user U1, an incentive is given to user U1.

[0186] According to this configuration, by selecting an exercise section where the exercise environment is deteriorating, it is possible to obtain some kind of incentive, which provides motivation for walking in an exercise section where the exercise environment is deteriorating.

[0187] The control unit 120 (vehicle dispatch processing unit 121) determines that the exercise conditions of user U1 are deteriorating based on at least one of the road environment on the route from the departure point to the destination, the exercise environment on the route, and the weather environment on the route, and if at least one of the first exercise section and the second exercise section is selected by user U1 when the exercise conditions of user U1 are deteriorating, an incentive is granted to user U1.

[0188] According to this configuration, by selecting an exercise section when the exercise conditions of user U1 are deteriorating, some kind of incentive can be obtained, which motivates the user U1 to walk through an exercise section where the exercise conditions are deteriorating.

[0189] The information processing method according to this embodiment is an information processing method for executing a vehicle dispatch process for user U1. This information processing method includes a reception process (step S501) for receiving at least one of a departure point and a destination from user U1, a setting process (steps S505 and S507) for setting a boarding location and a disembarking location of a vehicle to be assigned to user U1 based on at least one of the received departure point and destination, and an output process (steps S506 and S508) for outputting the boarding location and the disembarking location to user U1. In the setting process (step S505), at least one of a first exercise section in which user U1 moves and ends at the boarding location and a second exercise section in which user U1 moves and starts at the disembarking location is set based on exercise information related to user U1. Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute each of these processes.

[0190] According to this configuration, when user U1 travels using a vehicle dispatch service, the user can set an exercise section as needed, increase opportunities to walk, and eliminate lack of exercise. This makes it possible to balance the convenience of travel with the user's health, and to enhance the enrichment of user U1's life using a vehicle.

[0191] Note that each processing procedure shown in this embodiment is an example for realizing this embodiment, and the order of some of the processing procedures may be changed within the scope that makes it possible to realize this embodiment, and some of the processing procedures may be omitted or other processing procedures may be added.

[0192] Each process described in this embodiment is executed based on a program that causes a computer to execute each processing procedure. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the function of executing each process and a recording medium that stores the program. For example, an update process for adding a new function to an information processing device can store the program in the storage device of the information processing device. This makes it possible to cause the updated information processing device to execute each process described in this embodiment.

[0193] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0194] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-088968, filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 31, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing device that executes vehicle dispatch processing for a user, A reception unit that receives a departure point and a destination from the user; A route setting unit that calculates route candidates that define a boarding point and an alighting point of a vehicle to be assigned to the user and a movement section along which the user moves, based on the accepted departure point and destination; an output unit that outputs the route candidates to the user; A determination unit that determines the final boarding location and the final disembarking location based on a selection operation of the user; Equipped with The path setting unit is determining whether the user's fitness goal is being achieved from fitness information associated with the user; When it is determined that the exercise goal is achieved, a first route candidate is calculated as the route candidate; In the first route candidate, only a vehicle movement section is determined by matching the boarding point with the departure point and the disembarking point with the destination point, When it is determined that the exercise goal has not been achieved, a second route candidate, a third route candidate, and a fourth route candidate are calculated as the route candidates; In the second route candidate, the boarding point different from the departure point is set, and a first exercise section is defined between the departure point and the boarding point, In the third route candidate, the drop-off point different from the destination is set, and a second movement section is defined between the drop-off point and the destination, In the fourth route candidate, both the first movement section and the second movement section are defined, The output unit is If the exercise goal is achieved, output the first route candidate to the user; When the exercise goal is not achieved, output the second route candidate, the third route candidate, and the fourth route candidate to the user; The determination unit is When the exercise goal is achieved, when a selection operation of the user is detected, the boarding location and the disembarking location are determined according to the first route candidate; If the exercise goal has not been achieved, the boarding point and the disembarking point are determined according to any one of the second route candidate, the third route candidate, and the fourth route candidate, by referring to a selection operation of the user. Information processing device.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The exercise information is information indicating a relationship between a target exercise amount of the user and an exercise amount of the day, the route setting unit determines whether the exercise goal has been achieved based on a comparison result between the target exercise amount and the exercise amount of the day. Information processing device.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, the route setting unit generates first information related to an amount of exercise of the user assumed by setting the first exercise section and second information related to an amount of exercise of the user assumed by setting the second exercise section; The output unit outputs at least one of the first information associated with the first motion section and the second information associated with the second motion section to the user. Information processing device.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, the route setting unit provides an incentive to the user based on an amount of exercise of the user expected by exercise in at least one of the first exercise section and the second exercise section; Information processing device.

5. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, When congestion occurs on the movement route of the vehicle to the destination, the route setting unit compares a walking time of the user in a case where the second movement section is set with a movement time of the vehicle in a case where the second movement section is not set, and when a difference value between the walking time of the user and the movement time of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition, sets a new second movement section. Information processing device.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5, the route setting unit, when a traffic jam occurs on the movement route of the vehicle to the destination, gives an incentive to the user when a new second movement section is set. Information processing device.

7. An information processing method for executing a vehicle dispatch process for a user, comprising: A reception process of receiving at least one of a departure point and a destination from the user; A route setting process for calculating route candidates that define a boarding point and an alighting point of a vehicle to be assigned to the user and a movement section along which the user moves, based on the accepted departure point and destination; an output process of outputting the route candidates to the user; A determination process for determining the final boarding location and the final disembarking location based on a selection operation of the user, In the route setting process, determining whether the user's fitness goal is being achieved from fitness information associated with the user; When it is determined that the exercise goal is achieved, a first route candidate is calculated as the route candidate; In the first route candidate, only a vehicle movement section is determined by matching the boarding point with the departure point and the disembarking point with the destination point, When it is determined that the exercise goal has not been achieved, a second route candidate, a third route candidate, and a fourth route candidate are calculated as the route candidates; In the second route candidate, the boarding point different from the departure point is set, and a first exercise section is defined between the departure point and the boarding point, In the third route candidate, the drop-off point different from the destination is set, and a second movement section is defined between the drop-off point and the destination, In the fourth route candidate, both the first movement section and the second movement section are defined, In the output process, If the exercise goal is achieved, output the first route candidate to the user; When the exercise goal is not achieved, output the second route candidate, the third route candidate, and the fourth route candidate to the user; In the determination process, When the exercise goal is achieved, when a selection operation of the user is detected, the boarding location and the disembarking location are determined according to the first route candidate; If the exercise goal has not been achieved, the boarding point and the disembarking point are determined according to any one of the second route candidate, the third route candidate, and the fourth route candidate, by referring to a selection operation of the user. Information processing methods.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute a vehicle allocation process for a user, A reception process of receiving at least one of a departure point and a destination from the user; A route setting process for calculating route candidates that define a boarding point and an alighting point of a vehicle to be assigned to the user and a movement section along which the user moves, based on the accepted departure point and destination; an output process of outputting the route candidates to the user; and a determination process for determining the final boarding location and the final disembarking location based on a selection operation of the user. In the route setting process, determining whether the user's fitness goal is being achieved from fitness information associated with the user; When it is determined that the exercise goal is achieved, a first route candidate is calculated as the route candidate; In the first route candidate, only a vehicle movement section is determined by matching the boarding point with the departure point and the disembarking point with the destination point, When it is determined that the exercise goal has not been achieved, a second route candidate, a third route candidate, and a fourth route candidate are calculated as the route candidates; In the second route candidate, the boarding point different from the departure point is set, and a first exercise section is defined between the departure point and the boarding point, In the third route candidate, the drop-off point different from the destination is set, and a second movement section is defined between the drop-off point and the destination, In the fourth route candidate, both the first movement section and the second movement section are defined, In the output process, If the exercise goal is achieved, output the first route candidate to the user; When the exercise goal is not achieved, output the second route candidate, the third route candidate, and the fourth route candidate to the user; In the determination process, When the exercise goal is achieved, when a selection operation of the user is detected, the boarding location and the disembarking location are determined according to the first route candidate; If the exercise goal has not been achieved, the boarding point and the disembarking point are determined according to any one of the second route candidate, the third route candidate, and the fourth route candidate, by referring to a selection operation of the user. program.

9. An information processing device that executes vehicle dispatch processing for a user, A reception unit that receives a departure point and a destination from the user; A route setting unit that calculates route candidates that define a boarding point and an alighting point of a vehicle to be assigned to the user and a movement section along which the user moves, based on the accepted departure point and destination; A determination unit that determines the final boarding point and the final disembarking point according to the calculated route candidate; an output unit that outputs the determined boarding location and the determined disembarking location to the user; The path setting unit is determining whether the user's fitness goal is being achieved from fitness information associated with the user; When it is determined that the exercise goal is achieved, a first route candidate is calculated as the route candidate; In the first route candidate, only a vehicle movement section is determined by matching the boarding point with the departure point and the disembarking point with the destination point, When it is determined that the exercise goal has not been achieved, select one of a second route candidate, a third route candidate, and a fourth route candidate based on at least one of a road environment on the route from the starting point to the destination, an exercise environment on the route, a weather environment on the route, and a priority related to the position of the exercise section set by the user, and calculate the selected one as the route candidate; In the second route candidate, the boarding point different from the departure point is set, and a first exercise section is defined between the departure point and the boarding point, In the third route candidate, the drop-off point different from the destination is set, and a second movement section is defined between the drop-off point and the destination, In the fourth path candidate, both the first movement section and the second movement section are defined. Information processing device.

10. An information processing device that executes vehicle dispatch processing for a user, a reception unit that receives at least one of a departure point and a destination from the user; A control unit that sets a boarding point and a disembarking point of a vehicle to be assigned to the user based on at least one of the accepted departure point and the accepted destination; an output unit that outputs the boarding location and the disembarking location to the user, The control unit sets at least one of a first movement section along which the user moves and has the boarding location as an end point, and a second movement section along which the user moves and has the disembarking location as a start point, based on the movement information related to the user; The control unit determines an exercise section in which the exercise environment is deteriorated among the first exercise section and the second exercise section based on at least one of a road environment on the route from the departure point to the destination, an exercise environment on the route, and a weather environment on the route, and when the exercise section in which the exercise environment is deteriorated is selected by the user, provides an incentive to the user. Information processing device.

11. An information processing device that executes vehicle dispatch processing for a user, a reception unit that receives at least one of a departure point and a destination from the user; A control unit that sets a boarding point and a disembarking point of a vehicle to be assigned to the user based on at least one of the accepted departure point and the accepted destination; an output unit that outputs the boarding location and the disembarking location to the user, The control unit sets at least one of a first movement section along which the user moves and has the boarding location as an end point, and a second movement section along which the user moves and has the disembarking location as a start point, based on the movement information related to the user; the control unit determines that the user's exercise conditions are deteriorating based on at least one of a road environment on a route from the departure point to the destination, an exercise environment on the route, and a weather environment on the route, and when at least one of the first exercise section and the second exercise section is selected by the user when the user's exercise conditions are deteriorating, provides an incentive to the user. Information processing device.