Vehicle service management system, vehicle service management method and program

Abstract

This vehicle service management system (100) is provided with an end information acquisition unit (115), a left-behind-item detection unit (151), a left-behind-item notification unit (117), a collection schedule acquisition unit (118), and an unlocking control unit (152). The end information acquisition unit (115) acquires use end information indicating that a user ends using a vehicle. The left-behind-item detection unit (151) detects an item left behind in the vehicle. The left-behind-item notification unit (117) performs a left-behind-item notification indicating the presence of a left-behind-item when the use end information is acquired and a left-behind-item is detected. The collection schedule acquisition unit (118) acquires, as a response to the left-behind-item notification, a collection scheduled time indicating the time when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle in order to collect the left-behind-item. The unlocking control unit (152) controls unlocking of the vehicle. The unlocking control of the vehicle includes permitting unlocking of the vehicle by the user on the basis of the collection scheduled time.

Description

Vehicle service management system, vehicle service management device, vehicle service management method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle service management system, a vehicle service management device, a vehicle service management method, and a recording medium.

[0002] A service that allows multiple users to use a vehicle is commonly used. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a shared vehicle system equipped with an ETC on-board unit that uses an ETC card.

[0003] The shared vehicle system described in Patent Document 1 includes a means for detecting whether an operation to terminate use of a shared vehicle has been performed, and a means for detecting whether an ETC card is inserted into an ETC onboard unit. When the shared vehicle system described in Patent Document 1 detects that an operation to terminate use of a shared vehicle has been performed and detects that an ETC card is inserted into the ETC onboard unit, it invalidates the completion of the operation to terminate use of the shared vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes that when an ETC card is detected to be inserted into the ETC on-board unit when an operation to terminate use of the shared vehicle is detected, a warning is issued by at least one of a display and an audio. Patent Document 1 also describes that after the completion of the operation to terminate use of the shared vehicle is invalidated, a notification is sent to a communication device owned by the user of the shared vehicle.

[0005] JP 2012-98909 A

[0006] However, there is a risk that a user may not notice the warning or notification described in Patent Document 1 and may leave the ETC card in the shared vehicle and leave it behind. In such a case, even if the user realizes that they left the ETC card behind after leaving the shared vehicle, it may be time-consuming to retrieve it.

[0007] Furthermore, items left behind in a vehicle are not limited to ETC cards, and the technology described in Patent Document 1 has difficulty dealing with items left behind other than ETC cards.

[0008] One example of the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle service management system, a vehicle service management device, a vehicle service management method, a recording medium, etc., which, in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, allows users to easily retrieve items left behind in a vehicle.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle service management system is provided, comprising: an end information acquisition means for acquiring end-of-use information indicating that a user has finished using a vehicle; a lost item detection means for detecting items left behind in the vehicle; a lost item notification means for issuing a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind when the end-of-use information is acquired and the lost item is detected; a collection schedule acquisition means for acquiring a scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to collect the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and an unlock control means for controlling the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle service management device is provided, comprising: an end information acquisition means for acquiring end-of-use information indicating that a user has finished using a vehicle; a detection information acquisition means for acquiring detection information indicating that a left item has been detected in the vehicle; a lost item notification means for issuing a lost item notification indicating that the user has left the item when the end-of-use information and the detection information are acquired; a collection schedule acquisition means for acquiring a planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to collect the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and a vehicle instruction means for sending an unlock control instruction to control the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein the unlock control instruction includes an instruction to allow the user to unlock the vehicle based on the planned collection time.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle service management method is provided in which one or more computers: acquire end-of-use information indicating that a user has finished using a vehicle; detect an item left behind in the vehicle; when the end-of-use information is acquired and the item is detected, issue a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind; acquire a scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to retrieve the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and control the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a recording medium is provided having recorded thereon a program for causing one or more computers to: acquire end-of-use information indicating that a user has finished using a vehicle; detect an item left behind in the vehicle; when the end-of-use information is acquired and the item is detected, issue a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind; acquire a scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to retrieve the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and control the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, if a user leaves an item in a vehicle, it becomes easier for the user to retrieve the item.

[0014] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a vehicle service management system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a vehicle service management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first vehicle service management process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second vehicle service management process. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a vehicle service management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a vehicle service management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of user data. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of usage schedule data. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of a management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of an in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of user management processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of usage schedule management processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of usage start processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of usage termination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management device according to a second embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an in-vehicle device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a notification request unit according to embodiment 3. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an in-vehicle device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a usage termination process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a first lost item response process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a third lost item response process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a fourth lost item response process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a second lost item response process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a fifth lost item response process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a sixth lost item response process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a management device according to embodiment 4. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication unit according to embodiment 4. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to embodiment 4.10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a fifth lost-item handling process according to embodiment 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a first response handling process according to embodiment 4. FIG.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) (Overview) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a vehicle service management system 100 according to embodiment 1. The vehicle service management system 100 includes a completion information acquisition unit 115, a lost item detection unit 151, a lost item notification unit 117, a collection schedule acquisition unit 118, and an unlocking control unit 152.

[0017] The end information acquisition unit 115 acquires use end information indicating that the user has ended use of the vehicle.

[0018] The lost item detection unit 151 detects items left behind in the vehicle.

[0019] The lost-item notification unit 117 issues a lost-item notification when the usage end information is acquired and a lost item is detected.

[0020] In response to the notification of the lost item, the collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires the scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to collect the lost item.

[0021] The unlocking control unit 152 controls the unlocking of the vehicle.

[0022] Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0023] According to this vehicle service management system 100, if a user leaves an item behind in a vehicle, the user can easily retrieve the item.

[0024] 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the vehicle service management device 101 according to embodiment 1. The vehicle service management device 101 includes a completion information acquisition unit 115, a detection information acquisition unit 116, a lost item notification unit 117, a collection schedule acquisition unit 118, and a vehicle instruction unit 119.

[0025] The end information acquisition unit 115 acquires use end information indicating that the user has ended use of the vehicle.

[0026] The detection information acquisition unit 116 acquires detection information indicating that an item left behind in a vehicle has been detected.

[0027] The lost-item notification unit 117 transmits a lost-item notification indicating that an item has been left behind when the usage end information and the detection information are acquired.

[0028] In response to the notification of the lost item, the collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires the scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to collect the lost item.

[0029] The vehicle instruction unit 119 transmits an unlock control instruction for controlling the unlocking of the vehicle.

[0030] The unlocking control instruction includes an instruction to allow the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0031] This vehicle service management device 101 makes it easy for users to retrieve items left behind in their vehicles.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first vehicle service management process.

[0033] The end information acquisition unit 115 acquires use end information indicating that the user has ended use of the vehicle (step S132).

[0034] The lost item detection unit 151 detects any items left behind in the vehicle (step S133).

[0035] When the usage end information is acquired and a lost item is detected, the lost item notification unit 117 issues a lost item notification indicating that a lost item has been left behind (step S136).

[0036] In response to the lost item notification, the collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires the planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to collect the lost item (step S139).

[0037] The unlocking control unit 152 controls the unlocking of the vehicle (step S127).

[0038] Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0039] According to this first vehicle service management process, if a user leaves an item behind in a vehicle, the user can easily retrieve the item.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the second vehicle service management process.

[0041] The end information acquisition unit 115 acquires use end information indicating that the user has ended use of the vehicle (step S132).

[0042] The detection information acquisition unit 116 acquires detection information indicating that an item left behind in the vehicle has been detected (step S135).

[0043] When the usage end information and the detection information are acquired, the lost item notification unit 117 transmits a lost item notification indicating that an item has been left behind (step S136).

[0044] In response to the lost item notification, the collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires the planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to collect the lost item (step S139).

[0045] The vehicle instruction unit 119 transmits an unlock control instruction for controlling the unlocking of the vehicle (step S140).

[0046] The unlocking control instruction includes an instruction to allow the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time.

[0047] According to this second vehicle service management process, if a user leaves an item behind in a vehicle, the user can easily retrieve the item.

[0048] A detailed example of the vehicle service management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0049] (Details) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle service management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle service management system 100 is a system for managing vehicle services. Hereinafter, the vehicle service management system may also be simply referred to as a "management system."

[0050] A vehicle service is a service for multiple users to use a vehicle. In a vehicle service, one or more vehicles are provided for use by multiple users.

[0051] Such vehicle services are typically services generally referred to as car sharing (service) or car sharing (service), but are not limited to these. The vehicle service may be, for example, a service for multiple users to use vehicles owned by a specific organization or individual. Specifically, the vehicle service may be, for example, a service for multiple users to use vehicles owned by a rental car company, or a service for multiple employees to use vehicles owned by a company, local government, etc. The present invention is applicable to various such vehicle services.

[0052] In the following description, a "user" refers to a user of a vehicle service, and a "vehicle" refers to a vehicle used to provide the vehicle service.

[0053] 5, the management system 100 includes a vehicle service management device 101, a plurality of user terminals 103 used by a plurality of users, and an in-vehicle device 105 installed in a vehicle. A vehicle C in the figure is an example of a vehicle.

[0054] The vehicle service management device 101, each of the user terminals 103, and the in-vehicle device 105 are connected to one another via a network NT, and transmit and receive information to and from one another via the network NT. The network NT is a communication line that may be wired, wireless, or a combination of these. The network NT may include at least a wireless communication line in order to connect, for example, the in-vehicle device 105, the mobile user terminal 103, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, each of the user terminals 103 and the in-vehicle device 105 are connected to each other within a predetermined distance via near field communication (NFC), and transmit and receive information to and from each other via the near field communication (NFC).

[0056] It is sufficient that there is one or more user terminals 103. Furthermore, the user terminals 103 are not limited to mobile terminals, and may be stationary terminals.

[0057] (Example of Functional Configuration of Vehicle Service Management Device 101 According to Embodiment 1) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle service management device 101 according to embodiment 1. The vehicle service management device 101 is a device for managing vehicle services. Hereinafter, the vehicle service management device will also be simply referred to as a "management device."

[0058] The management device 101 functionally includes, for example, a user memory unit 111, a user management unit 112, a usage schedule memory unit 113, a usage schedule management unit 114, an end information acquisition unit 115, a detection information acquisition unit 116, a lost item notification unit 117, a collection schedule acquisition unit 118, and a vehicle instruction unit 119.

[0059] The user storage unit 111 is a storage unit for storing user data 111a. The user data 111a is data related to a user. For example, when a user uses a vehicle service, the user is registered in the user data 111a in advance.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the user data 111a.

[0061] The user data 111a associates, for example, a user ID (Identification) with contact information. The user ID is information for identifying each user. The contact information is information indicating the user's contact information.

[0062] For example, the user data 111a shown in the figure includes data indicating that the contact telephone number for a user with a user ID of "UA" is "090-XXXX-XXXX." The telephone number is preferably one that can be used to contact the user on a terminal carried by the user (for example, the user terminal 103).

[0063] Note that the user data 111a is not limited to this. For example, the user data 111a may include one or more of a user ID, a user terminal ID, contact information, the user's name, address, payment information, etc. The user terminal ID is information for identifying each user terminal 103. The information for identifying a user is not limited to a user terminal ID, and may be one or more pieces of information such as a user terminal ID, contact information, or user terminal ID. Furthermore, the contact information may be one or more pieces of information such as a telephone number, an email address, or an ID in an SNS (Social Networking Service) used by the user, for example.

[0064] Referring again to Fig. 6, the user management unit 112 performs processing for managing users.

[0065] For example, the user management unit 112 manages user data 111a based on user information. The user information is information about a user, including, for example, contact information entered by the user. The management of the user data 111a may include one or more of the following: registering a new user in the user data 111a, updating the user data 111a related to an already registered user, etc.

[0066] The usage schedule storage unit 113 is a storage unit for storing usage schedule data 113a. The usage schedule data 113a is data indicating a usage schedule related to a vehicle. In the following, the term "usage schedule" refers to a usage schedule related to a vehicle.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the usage schedule data 113a.

[0068] The usage schedule data 113a associates, for example, a schedule ID, a vehicle ID, a user ID, a planned usage time, a planned usage location, and a usage end flag.

[0069] The schedule ID is information for identifying each usage schedule.

[0070] The vehicle ID is information for identifying a vehicle.

[0071] The user ID corresponds to the user ID included in the user data 111a. The user ID can be used to associate the user data 111a with the usage schedule data 113a.

[0072] The planned use time is information indicating the planned time when the vehicle is to be used. The planned use time includes, for example, a planned start time of use and a planned end time of use. The planned start time of use is the planned time when use of the vehicle will begin. The planned end time of use is the planned time when use of the vehicle will end. These times are expressed, for example, as a combination of date and time, but are not limited to this.

[0073] The planned use location is information about the planned location where the vehicle is used. The planned use location includes, for example, a planned boarding location and a planned return location. The planned boarding location is the planned location where the use of the vehicle will begin. The planned return location is the planned location where the use of the vehicle will end.

[0074] The planned pick-up location and planned return location are locations that the user selects according to his or her preference from a plurality of locations, such as a parking lot designated by the vehicle service.

[0075] The usage completion flag is a flag that indicates that the usage of the vehicle scheduled in the usage schedule has ended. In the usage completion flag in the figure, "0" indicates that the usage of the associated vehicle has not yet ended, and "1" is set when the usage has ended.

[0076] The usage schedule data 113a is not limited to this. For example, a condition for using a vehicle service may stipulate that the planned boarding location and the planned return location are the same location. In such a case, the usage location information may be a single piece of information indicating the common location. Furthermore, the usage end flag is not limited to "0" or "1," and other methods may be used.

[0077] Referring again to Fig. 6, the usage schedule management unit 114 performs processing for managing the usage schedule based on reservation information for a user to reserve a vehicle.

[0078] For example, the usage schedule management unit 114 manages the usage schedule data 113a based on reservation information.

[0079] For example, the reservation information includes one or more of reservation application information, reservation update information, and the like.

[0080] The reservation application information is information that allows a user to make a new reservation for a vehicle, and the reservation update information is information that allows a user to change the details of an already reserved vehicle.

[0081] The usage schedule management unit 114 generates usage schedule data 113a indicating a new usage schedule based on the reservation application information. The schedule registration unit 114a then stores the generated usage schedule data 113a in the usage schedule storage unit 113.

[0082] The usage schedule management unit 114 updates the usage schedule data 113a stored in the usage schedule storage unit 113 based on the reservation update information.

[0083] The end information acquisition unit 115 acquires usage end information.

[0084] The usage end information is information indicating that a user has ended use of a vehicle. The usage end information includes, for example, at least one of a user ID and a vehicle ID for identifying the user and the vehicle, respectively.

[0085] When the end information acquisition unit 115 acquires the use end information, it is preferable to set the use end flag of the use schedule data 113a related to the acquired use end information to "1."

[0086] The detection information acquisition unit 116 acquires the detection information, which is information indicating that an item left behind in the vehicle has been detected.

[0087] The lost property is an item left in a vehicle after use of the vehicle has ended, such as an ETC card, which is used to use an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System).

[0088] The lost-item notification unit 117 notifies the driver that an item has been left behind in the vehicle.

[0089] In this embodiment, the lost-item notification unit 117 issues a lost-item notification when the end-of-use information and detection information are acquired by the end-of-use information acquisition unit 115 and the detection information acquisition unit 116, respectively.

[0090] The lost-item notification unit 117 sends a lost-item notification to the user terminal 103 of the user who left the item in the vehicle. The user who left the item is, for example, the user who most recently used the vehicle when the item was detected in the vehicle. Such a user may be identified using the use end information acquired by the end information acquisition unit 115.

[0091] The collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires the scheduled collection time in response to the lost item notification sent by the lost item notification unit 117. The scheduled collection time is information indicating when the user who left the item will return to the vehicle return location to collect the lost item. The time is expressed using, for example, one or more of a date, a time, a time zone, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0092] The return location is the location where the user returns the vehicle, typically the planned return location. However, if the user changes their plans, the return location may be a different location from the planned return location. In this case, the return location may be any of the locations specified by the vehicle service, just like the planned return location.

[0093] The vehicle instruction unit 119 transmits an unlock control instruction for controlling the unlocking of the vehicle. The unlock control instruction is, for example, an instruction for permitting a specific user to unlock the vehicle at a specific time.

[0094] The unlocking control instruction is sent in response to a user reserving a vehicle or retrieving a lost item.

[0095] For example, the unlocking control instruction in response to a vehicle reservation is an instruction to allow the user who reserved the vehicle to unlock the vehicle from an allowable start time determined based on the scheduled start time of use. In this case, the allowable start time may be the scheduled start time of use or a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before the scheduled start time of use.

[0096] For example, the unlocking control instruction in response to the collection of a lost item is an instruction to allow the user who left the item in the vehicle to unlock the vehicle from an allowance start time determined based on the scheduled collection time. In this case, the allowance start time may be the scheduled collection time, as described above, or may be a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before the scheduled collection time. Note that if the allowance start time is a predetermined time before the scheduled collection time, the predetermined time may be different or the same for the unlocking control instruction in response to the vehicle reservation and the unlocking control instruction in response to the collection of a lost item.

[0097] (Example of functional configuration of user terminal 103 according to embodiment 1) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of functional configuration of the user terminal 103 according to embodiment 1. Each of the user terminals 103 according to this embodiment is a mobile terminal carried by a user, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0098] It is preferable that each of the user terminals 103 has similar functions. Therefore, the functional configuration will be described here using one of the multiple user terminals 103 as an example.

[0099] The user terminal 103 functionally includes, for example, a registration unit 131 , a reservation unit 132 , a personal information output unit 133 , a lost item notification acquisition unit 134 , and a collection schedule notification unit 135 .

[0100] The registration unit 131 transmits user information based on, for example, input by the user.

[0101] The reservation unit 132 generates reservation information based on, for example, an input from a user, and transmits the generated reservation information.

[0102] When the user performs a specified operation, such as when starting or ending use of a reserved vehicle or when retrieving an item left behind in the vehicle, the personal information output unit 133 outputs personal information using, for example, near-field wireless communication (NFC).

[0103] The personal information is information for verifying that the user is the user who reserved the vehicle or the user who left an item in the vehicle. The personal information includes, for example, a user ID. However, the personal information is not limited to this and may also be, for example, a reservation number issued at the time of reservation.

[0104] For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation and predetermined locations of the user terminal 103 and the in-vehicle device 105 are positioned within a predetermined distance, the personal information output unit 133 performs short-range wireless communication (NFC) with the in-vehicle device 105. The personal information output unit 133 transmits personal information to the in-vehicle device 105 using the short-range wireless communication (NFC).

[0105] The lost-item notification acquisition unit 134 acquires the lost-item notification.

[0106] The collection schedule notification unit 135 transmits the collection schedule based on, for example, input by the user.

[0107] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 105 according to embodiment 1. The in-vehicle device 105 functionally includes, for example, a lost item detection unit 151, an unlocking control unit 152, a use end detection unit 153, a end information transmission unit 154, a collection detection unit 155, and a car navigation unit 156.

[0108] The lost item detection unit 151 detects items left behind in the vehicle.

[0109] For example, the lost item detection unit 151 includes one or more sensors that acquire information for detecting items left behind in the vehicle. Examples of the sensors include an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) device and a camera.

[0110] An ETC device is a device for using ETC. When a vehicle user uses ETC, an ETC card is inserted into the ETC device. The ETC device detects the insertion of the ETC card, which is a recording medium. The ETC device then reads the information recorded on the ETC card and uses the read information to perform processing for using ETC.

[0111] If the lost item detection unit 151 includes an ETC device, the lost item detection unit 151 may, for example, obtain information from the ETC device indicating that an ETC card is attached to the ETC device, and detect that the ETC card is in the vehicle as a lost item.

[0112] The ETC device is an example of a device (vehicle-installed device) that is installed in a vehicle and used by connecting a recording medium, a terminal, etc. The recording medium, the terminal, etc. are typically owned by the user, and the method of connecting them to the vehicle-installed device may be through terminal contact by installation, a wired connection using a cable, or a wireless connection. For example, the vehicle-installed device may be a card reader that is not limited to ETC cards and that reads information from card-type media such as membership cards or credit cards. Furthermore, the vehicle-installed device may be a device that is installed with a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage or a memory card (e.g., an SD memory card) and that reads information from the recording medium. Furthermore, the vehicle-installed device may be a device that is connected to a terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet device via a wired or wireless connection and operates by transmitting and receiving information to and from the connected terminal. The vehicle-installed device is not limited to a device installed inside the vehicle, but may also be a device installed outside the vehicle, such as an antenna device.

[0113] If the lost item detection unit 151 includes a camera, the camera takes an image of the interior of the vehicle, for example. The lost item detection unit 151 analyzes the image of the interior of the vehicle taken by the camera to detect any lost items inside the vehicle.

[0114] Common techniques, such as image comparison and machine learning models, can be used to analyze images to detect items left behind in the vehicle.

[0115] When comparing images, the lost item detection unit 151 may, for example, compare an image of the interior of the vehicle without any lost items with an image taken by a camera to determine the similarity between the two images, and detect any lost items in the vehicle based on the results of comparing this similarity with a predetermined threshold value.

[0116] When using a machine learning model, the lost item detection unit 151 may detect items left inside the vehicle by, for example, inputting images captured by a camera into a machine learning model that has been trained to detect objects based on input images. In training the machine learning model, for example, training data including training images captured inside the vehicle and correct labels indicating lost items contained in the training images may be used.

[0117] The process for detecting a lost item using the sensor and the information acquired by the sensor is not limited to these. For example, the camera may be provided to capture an image of the exterior of the vehicle so that the lost item detection unit 151 can detect an item attached to the outside of the vehicle. Also, for example, the sensor may be provided inside the dashboard to detect an item left inside the dashboard.

[0118] The unlocking control unit 152 controls the unlocking of the vehicle in accordance with the unlocking control instruction.

[0119] For example, the unlocking control unit 152 normally prohibits all users from unlocking the vehicle.

[0120] When the unlocking control unit 152 receives an unlocking control instruction, it allows the vehicle to be unlocked in accordance with the received unlocking control instruction. If the unlocking of the vehicle is permitted, the unlocking control unit 152 unlocks the vehicle when it receives personal information indicating the user identified by the unlocking control instruction.

[0121] The personal information is acquired from the user terminal 103, for example, by using near field communication (NFC). Note that the method of acquiring the personal information is not limited to this, and the personal information may be acquired, for example, by the user inputting the personal information into the in-vehicle device 105. In this case, it is preferable that the in-vehicle device 105 has an input unit (not shown) for inputting the personal information from outside the vehicle.

[0122] The unlocking control unit 152 continues to unlock the vehicle until the use end detection unit 153 (described later) detects that the vehicle use has ended, or the collection detection unit 155 detects that the left-behind item has been collected.

[0123] The use end detection unit 153 detects that the user has finished using the vehicle based on the reservation.

[0124] There are various methods for detecting the end of vehicle use.

[0125] For example, the usage end detection unit 153 may detect the end of vehicle usage based on a user operation or by acquiring predetermined information based on a user operation from the user terminal 103. The usage end detection unit 153 may detect the end of vehicle usage by acquiring personal information indicating the user who used the vehicle based on a reservation from the user terminal 103 using short-range wireless communication NFC. Note that the method of detecting the end of vehicle usage is not limited to these.

[0126] The end information transmitting unit 154 transmits use end information when the use of the vehicle is ended.

[0127] The end information transmitting unit 154 may be provided in the user terminal 103, and may transmit the usage end information based on a predetermined operation by the user.

[0128] The collection detection unit 155 detects that an article left behind in a vehicle has been collected.

[0129] There are various methods for detecting the retrieval of lost items.

[0130] For example, the collection detection unit 155 may detect that a lost item has been collected when the lost item detection unit 151 does not detect the lost item. For example, the collection detection unit 155 may detect that a lost item has been collected based on a user operation or by obtaining predetermined information based on a user operation from the user terminal 103. For example, the collection detection unit 155 may detect that a lost item has been collected by obtaining personal information indicating the user who left the item from the user terminal 103 using near-field wireless communication NFC. Note that the method of detecting the collection of a lost item is not limited to these.

[0131] The car navigation unit 156 guides the user on the journey of the vehicle C. The car navigation unit 156 has at least one of a display function and an audio output function. The car navigation unit 156 with a display function may, for example, display on a map the current location of the vehicle C, the locations of facilities, roads, and a route from the current location to the destination. The car navigation unit 156 with an audio output function may, for example, output audio to convey various information such as driving guidance to the user.

[0132] Up to now, the explanation has been given mainly on an example of the functional configuration of the management system 100. From here, an example of the physical configuration of the management system 100 will be explained.

[0133] (Physical configuration example of vehicle service management system 100 according to embodiment 1) Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a physical configuration example of the management device 101 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a physical configuration example of the user terminal 103 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a physical configuration example of the in-vehicle device 105 according to embodiment 1.

[0134] Each of the management device 101, the user terminal 103, and the in-vehicle device 105 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, an input interface 1060, and an output interface 1070. Each of the user terminal 103 and the in-vehicle device 105 further has a short-range communication interface 1080. The in-vehicle device 105 further has a device connection interface 1090.

[0135] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, network interface 1050, input interface 1060, and output interface 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0136] The processor 1020 is implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0137] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0138] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read-only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the device that includes the storage device 1040. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them to realize the function corresponding to that program module.

[0139] The network interface 1050 is an interface for connecting a device equipped with the network interface 1050 to the network NT.

[0140] The input interface 1060 is an interface for the user to input information, and is configured from, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0141] The output interface 1070 is an interface for presenting information to the user, and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0142] The short-range communication interface 1080 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information using the short-range wireless communication NFC, and is connected to the bus 1010 .

[0143] The device connection interface 1090 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices, and is connected to the bus 1010. The device connection interface 1090 may be an interface that uses either a wired or wireless connection to connect to other devices.

[0144] FIG. 13 shows an example in which a camera 1091 , an ETC device 1092 and a locking mechanism 1093 are connected to the device connection interface 1090 .

[0145] The camera 1091 and the ETC device 1092 are examples of sensors that make up the lost property detection unit 151. The locking mechanism unit 1093 is a mechanism for controlling the locking and unlocking, for example, mechanically or electromagnetically. Note that the method for controlling the lock is not limited to mechanical or electromagnetic methods and may be changed as appropriate.

[0146] Each of the management device 101 and the user terminal 103 may be physically composed of multiple devices. In this case, each of the multiple devices may physically include the components 1010 to 1070 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 105 may be physically composed of multiple devices. In this case, each of the multiple devices may physically include the components 1010 to 1090 shown in FIG. 13.

[0147] Up to now, the description has been mainly given of an example of the configuration of the management system 100 according to the first embodiment. From here, an example of the operation of the management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0148] The management system 100 executes a vehicle service management process, which includes a user management process, a usage schedule management process, a usage start process, and a usage end process.

[0149] (Example of user management processing according to embodiment 1) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of user management processing according to embodiment 1. The user management processing is processing for managing users of vehicle services. The user management processing is started when the user terminal 103 accepts a predetermined operation by a user, for example, when a new user is registered in the user data 111a, or when the user data 111a of an already registered user is changed. Note that the trigger for starting the user management processing is not limited to this.

[0150] The registration unit 131 generates user information based on the input from the user (step S101).

[0151] For example, the user information includes information input by the user, such as contact information, etc. Furthermore, for example, if the user is already registered, the user information further includes the user ID of the user.

[0152] The registration unit 131 transmits the user information generated in step S101 based on an instruction from the user (step S102).

[0153] The user management unit 112 acquires the user information transmitted in step S102 (step S103).

[0154] The user management unit 112 generates user data 111a based on the user information acquired in step S103 (step S104).

[0155] For example, assume that the user information includes contact information. When a new user is registered, the user management unit 112 automatically generates a user ID, for example, and generates user data 111a including the generated user ID and the acquired contact information. When updating the user data 111a for an already registered user, the user management unit 112 generates user data 111a including the acquired user ID and contact information.

[0156] The user management unit 112 stores the user data 111a generated in step S104 in the user storage unit 111 (step S105), and ends the user management process. This allows the user to be registered.

[0157] (Example of Usage Schedule Management Processing According to Embodiment 1) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of usage schedule management processing according to embodiment 1. The usage schedule management processing is processing for managing usage schedules. The usage schedule management processing is started, for example, when the user terminal 103 accepts a predetermined operation by the user. Note that the trigger for starting the usage schedule management processing is not limited to this.

[0158] The reservation unit 132 generates reservation information based on the user's input (step S111).

[0159] For example, the reservation information may be reservation application information, reservation update information, etc., and may include one or more of the planned time and location of use desired by the user. The reservation information may also include the type of vehicle desired by the user. Vehicle types include, for example, compact cars, passenger cars, wagons, trucks, etc.

[0160] The reservation unit 132 transmits the reservation information generated in step S111 based on the user's instruction (step S112).

[0161] The usage schedule management unit 114 acquires the reservation information transmitted in step S112 (step S113).

[0162] The usage schedule management unit 114 determines whether or not a vehicle can be arranged based on the user's request contained in the reservation information acquired in step S113 (step S114).

[0163] For example, the usage schedule management unit 114 determines whether a vehicle that meets the user's request can be arranged. In detail, for example, the usage schedule management unit 114 determines that a vehicle cannot be arranged if there is no vehicle available at the user's desired planned time and planned location due to a previous reservation, etc. Also, for example, if there is a vehicle, such as vehicle C, available at the user's desired planned time and planned location, the usage schedule management unit 114 determines that a vehicle can be arranged.

[0164] If it is determined that a vehicle cannot be arranged (step S114; No), the usage schedule management unit 114 ends the usage schedule management process. If it is determined that a vehicle can be arranged (step S114; Yes), the usage schedule management unit 114 generates usage schedule data 113a based on the reservation information acquired in step S112 (step S115).

[0165] For example, when the reservation application information is acquired in step S111, the usage schedule management unit 114 automatically generates a schedule ID and generates usage schedule data 113a including the generated schedule ID. This usage schedule data 113a further includes, for example, the user ID, the planned time and place of use, and the vehicle ID of the arranged vehicle C, which are included in the reservation application information.

[0166] For example, when reservation update information is acquired in step S111, the usage schedule management unit 114 acquires usage schedule data 113a including the user ID, schedule ID, etc. included in the reservation update information from the usage schedule storage unit 113. The usage schedule management unit 114 changes at least one of the planned usage time, planned usage location, and vehicle ID of the acquired usage schedule data 113a in accordance with the reservation update information, and generates updated usage schedule data 113a.

[0167] The usage schedule management unit 114 stores the usage schedule data 113a generated in step S115 in the usage schedule storage unit 113 (step S116), and ends the usage schedule management process. This allows the user to make a new reservation for a vehicle C that meets their needs, or to update an existing reservation to different details.

[0168] (Example of Start-of-Use Process According to Embodiment 1) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the start-of-use process according to embodiment 1. The start-of-use process is a process for starting use of a vehicle based on a user's reservation. The start-of-use process is started, for example, when it is time to send an unlocking control instruction according to the vehicle reservation. The time to send this unlocking control instruction is, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) before the next scheduled start time of use. Note that the trigger for starting the start-of-use process is not limited to this.

[0169] The following describes an example of a process for starting use of vehicle C reserved by user UA based on the use schedule associated with schedule ID "SCA" in the use schedule data 113a shown in FIG.

[0170] The vehicle instruction unit 119 transmits an unlock control instruction according to the vehicle reservation (step S121).

[0171] For example, the unlocking control instruction sent in step S121 is an instruction to allow user UA (specific user) to unlock vehicle C five minutes or more (specific time) before the scheduled start time of use "TAS".

[0172] The unlocking control unit 152 acquires the unlocking control instruction transmitted in step S121 (step S122).

[0173] The unlocking control unit 152 determines whether or not short-range wireless communication NFC has been established between the user terminal 103 and the in-vehicle device 105 (step S123). If short-range wireless communication NFC has not been established (step S123; No), the unlocking control unit 152 waits until short-range wireless communication NFC is established.

[0174] When short-range wireless communication (NFC) is established with the unlock control unit 152 in response to a predetermined operation by the user, the personal information output unit 133 outputs personal information (step S124).

[0175] For example, the personal information output unit 133 performs an operation on the user terminal 103 to output personal information, and brings the user terminal 103 close to the in-vehicle device 105. As a result, near-field wireless communication (NFC) is established between the user terminal 103 and the in-vehicle device 105.

[0176] If the near field communication NFC is established (Step S123; Yes), the unlocking control unit 152 acquires the personal information output in Step S124 (Step S125).

[0177] The unlocking control unit 152 determines whether the time when the personal information was acquired in step S125 and the user indicated by the personal information satisfy the specific time and user included in the unlocking control instruction acquired in step S122 (step S126).

[0178] When both the specific time and the user included in the unlocking control instruction are satisfied, the unlocking control unit 152 determines that the specific time and the user are satisfied. A case where both are satisfied is, for example, when the time when the personal information was acquired is included in the specific time and the user indicated by the personal information is a specific user. When at least one of the specific time and the user included in the unlocking control instruction is not satisfied, the unlocking control unit 152 determines that the specific time and the user are not satisfied.

[0179] If it is determined that the specific time and user are not satisfied (step S126; No), the unlocking control unit 152 executes step S123 again. The unlocking control unit 152 may return to step S123 until the scheduled start time of use "TAS" has passed, or until a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled start time of use "TAS," or until both the specific time and user are satisfied. Then, if both the specific time and user are not satisfied even after the scheduled start time of use "TAS" or the predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled start time of use "TAS," the unlocking control unit 152 may, for example, terminate the start-of-use process.

[0180] If it is determined that the specific time and user are met (step S126; Yes), the unlocking control unit 152 unlocks the reserved vehicle C as the vehicle unlocking control (step S127), and terminates the usage start process.

[0181] As a result, the unlocking control unit 152 can allow the user UA to unlock the vehicle C based on the planned start time of use. After the vehicle C is unlocked in step S127, the user UA can use the key to use the vehicle C. For example, the user UA can use the car navigation unit 156 to drive the vehicle C as needed. The user UA can also use the key to unlock and lock the vehicle C as needed.

[0182] 17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of the flow of the usage termination process according to the first embodiment. The usage termination process is a process for terminating the use of a vehicle based on a user's reservation. The usage termination process is started, for example, when the usage termination detection unit 153 detects that the use of the vehicle has ended and the unlock control unit 152 locks the vehicle C. Note that the trigger for starting the usage termination process is not limited to this.

[0183] The following describes an example of the utilization end process for vehicle C reserved by user UA based on the utilization schedule associated with schedule ID "SCA" in utilization schedule data 113a shown in FIG.

[0184] When the use end detection unit 153 detects that the use of the vehicle C has ended, the end information transmission unit 154 transmits use end information (step S131).

[0185] The end information acquiring unit 115 acquires the usage end information transmitted in step S131 (step S132). At this time, the end information acquiring unit 115 may set the usage end flag associated with the schedule ID "SCA" in the usage schedule data 113a shown in FIG. 8 to "1."

[0186] The lost item detection unit 151 determines whether or not a lost item has been detected in the vehicle C (step S133). If no lost item has been detected (step S133; No), the lost item detection unit 151 ends the usage termination process.

[0187] If a lost item is detected (step S133; Yes), the lost item detection unit 151 transmits detection information indicating that a lost item has been detected in vehicle C (step S134).

[0188] The detection information acquisition unit 116 acquires the detection information transmitted in step S134 (step S135).

[0189] In response to the acquisition of the detection information in step S135, the lost item notification unit 117 issues a lost item notification indicating that an item has been left behind in the vehicle C (step S136).

[0190] For example, the lost item notification unit 117 refers to the user data 111a to identify the contact information of the user UA who most recently used the vehicle C in which the lost item was detected. The lost item notification unit 117 then sends a notification to the identified contact information. If the contact information is a telephone number, the lost item notification unit 117 sends a notification by telephone using an automated voice, for example. This allows the lost item notification unit 117 to send a lost item notification when usage end information is acquired and a lost item is detected. Note that the lost item notification is not limited to a notification by telephone, but may be a notification by email to the user's email address, a notification to the SNS used by the user, or any other method.

[0191] The lost-item notification acquisition unit 134 acquires the lost-item notification made in step S136 (step S137).

[0192] For example, if the lost-item notification is made by telephone, the lost-item notification acquisition unit 134 acquires the lost-item notification when the user UA answers the telephone call. This allows the user UA to know that they have left an item in the vehicle C through an automated voice message.

[0193] The collection schedule notification unit 135 transmits the scheduled collection time based on the input of the user UA in response to the lost item notification acquired in step S137 (step S138).

[0194] For example, if the lost item notification is made by telephone, the user UA follows the automated voice prompts and inputs the scheduled collection time using numeric input keys, etc. The numeric input keys may be, for example, those provided with a general telephone function for inputting a telephone number. The collection schedule notification unit 135 transmits the scheduled collection time input by the user UA.

[0195] The collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires the planned collection time transmitted in step S138 (step S139).

[0196] The vehicle instruction unit 119 transmits an unlocking control instruction corresponding to the collection of the left behind item based on the scheduled collection time acquired in step S139 (step S140).

[0197] For example, the unlocking control instruction sent in step S140 is an instruction to allow the user UA (specific user) who left the item behind to unlock the vehicle C five minutes before the specified time (specific time) before the scheduled collection time.

[0198] The unlocking control unit 152 acquires the unlocking control instruction sent in step S140 (step S141).

[0199] Subsequently, the same processes as those in steps S123 to S126 described above are executed.

[0200] If it is determined that the specific time and user are not satisfied (step S126; No), the unlocking control unit 152 executes step S123 again. The unlocking control unit 152 may return to step S123 until the scheduled collection time or a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled collection time, or until both the specific time and user are satisfied. Then, if the scheduled collection time or a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled collection time, and both the specific time and user are not satisfied, the unlocking control unit 152 may, for example, terminate the usage termination process.

[0201] If it is determined that the specific time and user conditions are met (step S126; Yes), the unlocking control unit 152 unlocks the vehicle C in which the left-behind item was detected (step S142).

[0202] This allows the unlocking control unit 152 to allow the user UA to unlock the vehicle C based on the scheduled collection time.

[0203] The collection detection unit 155 determines whether the item left behind in the vehicle C has been collected (step S143). If the collection of the item has not been detected (step S143; No), the collection detection unit 155 repeatedly executes step S143 and waits until the item left behind in the vehicle C has been collected.

[0204] In this way, vehicle C remains unlocked until the retrieval of the lost item is detected, allowing user UA to retrieve the lost item in vehicle C.

[0205] If the retrieval of the lost property is detected (step S143; Yes), the unlocking control unit 152 locks the vehicle C (step S144). As a result, the unlocking control unit 152 prohibits all users from unlocking the vehicle C, and ends the usage termination process.

[0206] (Operations and Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the management system 100 includes the completion information acquisition unit 115 , the lost item detection unit 151 , the lost item notification unit 117 , the collection schedule acquisition unit 118 , and the unlocking control unit 152 .

[0207] The end information acquisition unit 115 acquires use end information indicating that the user has finished using the vehicle. The lost property detection unit 151 detects any items left behind in the vehicle. The lost property notification unit 117 issues a lost property notification indicating that an item has been left behind when the use end information is acquired and a lost property is detected.

[0208] The collection schedule acquisition unit 118 acquires a collection schedule indicating when the user will return to the vehicle's parking location to collect the lost item in response to the lost item notification. The unlocking control unit 152 controls the unlocking of the vehicle. Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the collection schedule.

[0209] This allows users to easily retrieve items left behind in their vehicles by unlocking the vehicle at the scheduled time of collection. This also reduces the time and effort required to go to a collection point for lost items. This makes it easier for users to retrieve items left behind in their vehicles.

[0210] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, for the sake of brevity, the description overlapping with that of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0211] The management system according to the second embodiment includes a management device 201 and an in-vehicle device 205 that replace the management device 101 and the in-vehicle device 105 according to the first embodiment, respectively.

[0212] 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a management device 201 according to embodiment 2. The management device 201 functionally includes, for example, a termination information acquisition unit 215 that replaces the termination information acquisition unit 115 according to embodiment 1.

[0213] The end information acquisition unit 215 acquires the parking location of the vehicle whose use has been completed, in addition to the use end information similar to that of the first embodiment. The end information acquisition unit 215 determines whether the acquired parking location is the planned return location of the vehicle whose use has been completed.

[0214] 20 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 205 according to embodiment 2. The in-vehicle device 205 further includes, for example, a parking location detection unit 257.

[0215] The parking location detection unit 257 detects the parking location of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked after use has ended.

[0216] For example, when a user parks a vehicle, the parking location detection unit 257 detects the location of the parking location using functions such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), Wi-Fi, etc. Parking a vehicle means, for example, stopping the vehicle and stopping the operation of the vehicle's drive source (for example, an engine or a motor).

[0217] So far, the description has been mainly given of an example of the configuration of the management system according to the second embodiment. From here, an example of the operation of the management system according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0218] The vehicle service management executed by the management system according to the second embodiment includes a usage termination process that is partially different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the processing included in the usage termination process that is different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0219] (Example of Usage Termination Processing According to Embodiment 2) Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of usage termination processing according to embodiment 2. In the usage termination processing according to embodiment 2, following step S131, the parking location detection unit 257 detects the parking location of vehicle C (step S245) and transmits the detected parking location.

[0220] The end information acquisition unit 215 acquires the parking location detected in step S245 (step S246). The end information acquisition unit 215 determines whether the parking location acquired in step S246 is the planned return location of vehicle C (step S247).

[0221] If the parking location is not the planned return location of vehicle C (step S247; No), the termination information acquisition unit 215 terminates the usage termination process.

[0222] If the parking location is the planned return location of vehicle C (step S247; Yes), and an item left behind in vehicle C is detected, step S135 is executed, similar to that in embodiment 1. Note that in this embodiment, instead of when step S132 is executed, if the parking location is the planned return location of vehicle C (step S247; Yes), the termination information acquisition unit 115 may set the usage termination flag associated with the schedule ID "SCA" to "1."

[0223] Then, the lost-item notification unit 117 sends a lost-item notification indicating that an item has been left behind in the vehicle C (step S136), as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lost-item notification is sent when the usage end information is acquired, a lost item is detected, and the parking location is a predetermined location (e.g., a return location).

[0224] (Operations and Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the management system includes the parking location detection unit 257. The parking location detection unit 257 detects the parking location of a vehicle when the vehicle is parked. A lost item notification is sent when usage end information is acquired, a lost item is detected, and the parking location is in a predetermined location.

[0225] This allows a user to receive a lost item notification when the user parks the vehicle in a parking space. This allows the user to easily retrieve the lost item directly from the vehicle by returning to the parking space to retrieve the lost item. This makes it easy for users to retrieve the lost item when they leave it in the vehicle.

[0226] In this embodiment, when a left-behind item is detected in a vehicle, a different process (a lost-item handling process) is executed according to a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, for the sake of brevity, the description overlapping with that of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will mainly focus on the configuration different from the first embodiment.

[0227] The management system according to the third embodiment includes a management device 301, a user terminal 303, and an in-vehicle device 305, which replace the management device 101, the user terminal 103, and the in-vehicle device 105 according to the first embodiment, respectively.

[0228] 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the management device 301 according to embodiment 3. The management device 301 further includes, functionally, a lost-item handling unit 320, a schedule change prohibition unit 321, a billing unit 322, a notification request unit 323, and a point granting unit 324, for example.

[0229] When an article is left behind in the vehicle, the lost article handling unit 320 controls the vehicle to execute different lost article handling processes based on the scheduled start time of the next use and the scheduled time of collection of the lost article.

[0230] The next scheduled start time of use is the scheduled start time of use of the next user. The next user is the user who plans to use the vehicle in which the lost item was left (i.e., who has made a reservation for such use) after the user who left the item behind.

[0231] For example, the lost-item handling unit 320 controls the execution of different first and second lost-item handling processes based on whether the scheduled collection time is before the next scheduled start time of use. Details of the first and second lost-item handling processes will be described later.

[0232] The lost item handling unit 320 may also control the execution of different lost item handling processes based on, for example, whether the time difference between the scheduled collection time and the next scheduled start time of use is within a specified time.

[0233] The schedule change prohibition unit 321 prohibits changes to the vehicle usage schedule. For example, the schedule change prohibition unit 321 prohibits the usage schedule management unit 114 from changing the usage schedule data 113a based on reservation information. Furthermore, the schedule change prohibition unit 321 cancels the prohibition on changes to the usage schedule when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a left-behind item is retrieved).

[0234] The changes to the usage schedule prohibited by the schedule change prohibition unit 321 are changes to the usage schedule data 113a based on at least one of reservation application information, reservation update information, etc. That is, for example, the schedule change prohibition unit 321 prohibits either or both of a new reservation based on reservation information and a change to the content of an existing reservation based on reservation update information.

[0235] The billing unit 322 determines the usage fee for the user. The usage fee is a fee for using the vehicle service.

[0236] For example, the charging unit 322 may determine an additional fee.

[0237] Furthermore, for example, the charging unit 322 may determine charging conditions for determining the fee for vehicle use. In this case, the charging unit 322 may determine the fee for vehicle use in accordance with the charging conditions. For example, if the fee for vehicle use is determined according to the vehicle usage time, the charging conditions are the start time of charging and the end time of charging. The start time of charging is usually, for example, the time when vehicle use starts. The end time of charging is usually, for example, the time when vehicle use ends.

[0238] When an article is left behind in a vehicle, the notification request unit 323 requests that the article be returned to a predetermined location. The predetermined location is, for example, a location where lost articles are collected (a lost article collection location), and in detail, for example, a police station or a police box, but is not limited to these.

[0239] 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the notification request unit 323 according to embodiment 3. The notification request unit 323 includes, for example, a notification request notification unit 323a, a notification request transmission unit 323b, and a completion report acquisition unit 323c.

[0240] The notification request unit 323a notifies the next user of a first notification request to return the lost item to a predetermined location. The first notification request is information indicating a request to return the lost item to a predetermined location. For example, the notification request unit 323a notifies the user terminal 103 of the first notification request.

[0241] The notification request sending unit 323b sends a second notification request to the next user to present one or more candidate locations for the predetermined location. The second notification request is information indicating a request to present one or more candidate locations for the predetermined location to the next user.

[0242] When the next user reports the lost item to a predetermined location, the completion report acquisition unit 323c acquires a completion report from the next user indicating that the lost item has been reported.

[0243] Referring again to FIG. 23 , the point allocating unit 324 determines points to be allocated to the user. For example, the point allocating unit 324 determines points to be allocated to the user in accordance with various predetermined conditions. The points are used to provide the user with benefits that can be used for vehicle services, etc., depending on, for example, the accumulated points. The management device 301 may store data including, for example, the current points, so that the points can be managed by the management device 301.

[0244] For example, when a completion report is received, the point giving unit 324 determines the number of points to be given to the next user for returning the lost item.

[0245] 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 303 according to embodiment 3. The user terminal 303 further includes, functionally, a notification request acquisition unit 336 and a completion reporting unit 337, for example.

[0246] The notification request acquisition unit 336 acquires the first notification request. In response to the acquired first notification request, the notification request acquisition unit 336 notifies the user to report the item left in the vehicle to a predetermined location.

[0247] The completion reporting unit 337 transmits a completion report based on, for example, a predetermined operation by the user.

[0248] 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 305 according to embodiment 3. The in-vehicle device 305 functionally includes, for example, a collection completion notification unit 358 and a notification location presentation control unit 359.

[0249] The collection completion notification unit 358 issues a collection completion notification. The collection completion notification is a notification indicating that the item left in the vehicle has been collected. For example, when the collection detection unit 155 detects that the item left in the vehicle has been collected, the collection completion notification unit 358 issues the collection completion notification.

[0250] The notification location presentation control unit 359 receives a second notification request. In response to the received second notification request, the notification location presentation control unit 359 presents one or more candidate locations for a predetermined location. The candidate locations are, for example, lost property collection locations (e.g., police stations, police boxes, etc.) that are close to (within a predetermined distance from) the current location of the vehicle in which the lost item was left when the vehicle was first used.

[0251] So far, the description has been mainly given of an example of the configuration of the management system according to the second embodiment. From here, an example of the operation of the management system according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0252] The vehicle service management executed by the management system according to the second embodiment includes a usage termination process that is partially different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the processing included in the usage termination process that is different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0253] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of usage termination processing according to the third embodiment.

[0254] Following step S139, the lost and found unit 320 determines whether the scheduled collection time is before the next scheduled start time of use (step S348).

[0255] If the scheduled collection time is before the next scheduled start time of use (step S348; Yes), the lost and found unit 320 controls to execute the first lost and found process (step S349).

[0256] If the scheduled collection time is not before the next scheduled start time of use (step S348; No), the lost and found unit 320 controls to execute the second lost and found process (step S350).

[0257] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the first lost-item handling process (step S349) according to the third embodiment.

[0258] The lost and found unit 320 determines whether the scheduled collection time is within a predetermined time T1 (for example, one hour) from the end of use (step S349a).

[0259] For example, the lost and found unit 320 identifies the end of use time based on the time when the use end information was acquired in step S132. Based on the identified end of use time and the planned collection time acquired in step S139, the lost and found unit 320 determines whether the planned collection time is within a predetermined time T1 from the end of use time.

[0260] If the scheduled collection time is within the predetermined time T1 from the end of use time (step S349a; Yes), the lost and found unit 320 controls to execute the third lost and found process (step S349b).

[0261] If the scheduled collection time is not within the predetermined time T1 from the end of use time (step S349a; No), the lost and found unit 320 controls to execute the fourth lost and found process (step S349c).

[0262] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the third lost-item handling process (step S349b) according to the third embodiment.

[0263] The schedule change prohibition unit 321 prohibits changes to the vehicle usage schedule (step S351), thereby preventing the next user from using the vehicle with the item left behind in the vehicle.

[0264] The vehicle for which changes to the usage schedule are prohibited is a vehicle in which a lost item has been left behind.

[0265] The processes from step S140 onward are performed in the same manner as in embodiment 1. Following step S352, the collection completion notification unit 358 issues a collection completion notification (step S352).

[0266] The schedule change prohibition unit 321 receives the collection completion notification sent in step S352 (step S353). The schedule change prohibition unit 321 cancels the change of the usage schedule prohibited in step S351 (step S354). As a result, after the item left in the vehicle has been collected, the user can reserve and use the vehicle.

[0267] 29 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the fourth lost-item handling process (step S349c) according to embodiment 3. The fourth lost-item handling process (step S349c) includes step S355 in addition to the processes included in the third lost-item handling process (step S349b).

[0268] The charging unit 322 determines an additional fee for prohibiting the change of the vehicle usage schedule in order to retrieve the left-behind item (step S355).

[0269] The additional fee is charged to the user who left something behind in the vehicle, which at least reduces the loss to the vehicle service provider that would have occurred due to prohibiting changes to the vehicle use schedule beyond the predetermined time T1.

[0270] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the second lost-item handling process (step S350) according to the third embodiment.

[0271] The lost and found unit 320 determines whether the scheduled collection time is within a predetermined time T2 (for example, one hour) from the end of use (step S350a).

[0272] For example, the lost and found unit 320 identifies the end of use time based on the time when the use end information was acquired in step S132. Based on the identified end of use time and the planned collection time acquired in step S139, the lost and found unit 320 determines whether the planned collection time is within a predetermined time T2 from the end of use time.

[0273] If the scheduled collection time is within the predetermined time T2 from the end of use (step S350a; Yes), the lost and found unit 320 controls to execute the fifth lost and found process (step S350b).

[0274] If the scheduled collection time is not within the predetermined time T2 from the end of use (step S350a; No), the lost and found unit 320 controls to execute the sixth lost and found process (step S350c).

[0275] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the fifth lost-item handling process (step S350b) according to the third embodiment.

[0276] The notification request unit 323a notifies the user terminal 103 of the next user (next user) who will use the vehicle where the lost item was left, of the first notification request (step S361). The notification request acquisition unit 336 acquires the first notification request notified in step S361 (step S362). This notification may be made using the next user's contact information included in the user data 111a. If the contact information is a telephone number, this notification may be made by, for example, an automated voice message.

[0277] The notification request sending unit 323b sends a second notification request to the in-vehicle device 305 of the vehicle where the lost item was left (step S363).

[0278] The notification location presentation control unit 359 receives the second notification request transmitted in step S363 (step S364). The notification location presentation control unit 359 causes, for example, the car navigation unit 156 to present one or more candidate locations for the predetermined location (step S365).

[0279] This allows the next user to return the lost item to a convenient police station or the like by following the guidance of the car navigation unit 156 using a map, voice, etc. In this case, the map may preferably show one or more candidate locations, and a route from the current position of the vehicle to at least one or more candidate locations.

[0280] When the next user has completed the reporting of the lost item, the next user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 103, and the completion reporting unit 337 transmits a completion report (step S366).

[0281] The completion report acquisition unit 323c acquires the completion report sent in step S366 (step S367).

[0282] The billing unit 322 changes the start time of billing (step S368). As a result, the next user will not be charged for the time it takes to report the lost item. This can encourage the next user to report the lost item.

[0283] The point allocating unit 324 awards points to the next user for reporting the lost item (step S369). This allows a reward to be awarded for reporting the lost item. This encourages the next user to report the lost item, and increases the likelihood that the lost item will be safely returned to the user.

[0284] The point allocating unit 324 may determine the number of points to be allocated to the next user for reporting a lost item if the frequency at which the next user reports a lost item (the number of times the next user reports a lost item within a predetermined period) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (e.g., three times a month) in step S369. There is a risk that users may abuse the point system, intentionally leaving items behind to obtain a large number of points, by limiting the frequency. By imposing a frequency limit, it is possible to reduce the risk of abuse of the point system, which is intended to encourage users to report lost items.

[0285] 32 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the sixth lost-item handling process (step S350c) according to embodiment 3. The sixth lost-item handling process is similar to the fifth lost-item handling process (step S350b) except that it does not include steps S366 to S369.

[0286] When the sixth lost-item handling process (step S350c) is executed, a time longer than the predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the end of use. Therefore, in the sixth lost-item handling process (step S350c), a request to report the lost item as soon as possible may be made in steps S361 and S363. In this case, for example, in step S362, a voice message urging the next user to report the lost item quickly may be provided. Also, for example, in step S364, the car navigation unit 156 may guide the next user to report the lost item to the nearest police station (e.g., the nearest one) as close as possible to the current location of the vehicle.

[0287] (Operations and Effects) According to the present embodiment, the management system includes the lost property handling unit 320. The lost property handling unit 320 controls the execution of different lost property handling processes based on the planned start time of use and planned collection time of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle.

[0288] This allows different lost property handling processes to be performed based on the planned start time of the next user and the planned collection time. This reduces the possibility of the next user having to return to retrieve their lost property after starting to use the vehicle, and allows the user who left their property to head to the appropriate location to retrieve it. This makes it easier for users to retrieve their lost property if they leave it in the vehicle.

[0289] According to this embodiment, the management system includes a schedule change prohibition unit 321 that prohibits changes to the vehicle usage schedule.

[0290] This reduces the possibility that a user will have to return to retrieve their forgotten item after the next user has started using the vehicle due to a change in the usage schedule, and increases the possibility that the user who left their item will be able to retrieve it directly from the vehicle. Therefore, if a user leaves something behind in the vehicle, it becomes easier for the user to retrieve the item.

[0291] According to this embodiment, prohibiting changes to the usage schedule is executed when the scheduled collection time is before the scheduled start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle.

[0292] This reduces the possibility that a user will have to return to retrieve their forgotten item after the next user has started using the vehicle due to a change in the usage schedule, and increases the possibility that the user who left their item will be able to retrieve it directly from the vehicle. Therefore, if a user leaves something behind in the vehicle, it becomes easier for the user to retrieve the item.

[0293] According to this embodiment, the prohibition on changing the usage schedule is lifted when the left-behind item is retrieved.

[0294] In this way, after the lost property is retrieved from the vehicle, the vehicle can be made available for use by another user, thereby reducing the decline in the convenience of the vehicle service.

[0295] According to this embodiment, the management system includes a billing unit 322 that determines a usage fee for the user. Determining the usage fee includes determining an additional fee for the user based on the collection time, which is the time when the lost item is collected.

[0296] This at least reduces the loss caused by the vehicle not being available to retrieve the lost item, thus making it easier for the user to retrieve the lost item while reducing the loss for the vehicle service provider.

[0297] According to this embodiment, the management system includes a notification request unit 323 that requests the next user to return the lost item to a predetermined location.

[0298] This increases the likelihood that the item will be delivered to a safe location where it is less likely to be stolen, even if it is difficult for the user to retrieve the item directly from the vehicle. This reduces the possibility of theft and allows the user to reliably retrieve the item.

[0299] According to this embodiment, the report request unit 323 notifies the next user of a first report request indicating a request to turn in the lost item.

[0300] This increases the likelihood that the item will be delivered to a safe location where it is less likely to be stolen, even if it is difficult for the user to retrieve the item directly from the vehicle. This reduces the possibility of theft and allows the user to reliably retrieve the item.

[0301] According to this embodiment, the notification request unit 323 transmits a second notification request indicating a request to present one or more candidate locations for a predetermined location to the next user.

[0302] This increases the likelihood that the item will be delivered to a safe location where it is less likely to be stolen, even if it is difficult for the user to retrieve the item directly from the vehicle. This reduces the possibility of theft and allows the user to reliably retrieve the item.

[0303] According to this embodiment, the notification request unit 323 receives a completion report from the next user indicating that the lost item has been delivered. The management system further includes a point granting unit 324 that, when the completion report is received, determines points to be delivered to the next user for delivering the lost item.

[0304] This system can encourage the next user to return their lost item by awarding points to the next user for returning the lost item. Therefore, even if it is difficult for the user who left their item to retrieve it directly from the vehicle, it is possible to increase the possibility that the item will be returned to a safe location where the possibility of theft is low. This reduces the possibility of theft and allows the user to reliably retrieve their lost item.

[0305] According to this embodiment, when determining points, if the number of times the next user turns in lost items within a specified period is less than a specified value, the points to be awarded to the next user for turning in a lost item are determined.

[0306] This reduces the risk of abuse of the points system that encourages users to report lost items, thereby making it easier for users to retrieve their lost items while reducing losses for vehicle service providers.

[0307] (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, even if the scheduled collection time is after the scheduled start time of the next use, if the user who left the item in the vehicle can delay the scheduled start time of the next use, there is a possibility that the user can collect the item earlier. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the fifth lost item processing includes processing for communicating between the user who left the item in the vehicle and the next user of the vehicle. In this embodiment, for the sake of brevity, explanations that overlap with embodiment 3 will be omitted as appropriate, and the configuration that differs from embodiment 3 will be mainly described.

[0308] The management system according to the fourth embodiment includes a management device 401 and a user terminal 403 that replace the management device 301 and the user terminal 303 according to the third embodiment, respectively.

[0309] 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a management device 401 according to embodiment 4. The management device 401 further includes, for example, a communication unit 425.

[0310] The communication unit 425 performs a communication process. The communication process is a process for communicating between a vehicle user and the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle. The communication process is performed, for example, when the scheduled collection time is after the scheduled start time of the next user's use. However, the conditions for performing the communication process are not limited to this.

[0311] 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the communication unit 425 according to embodiment 4. The communication unit 425 includes, for example, a delay request unit 425a, a response acquisition unit 425b, and a response response unit 425c.

[0312] The delay request unit 425a notifies the next user of the delay request. The delay request is information indicating a request to delay the scheduled start time of the next user's use.

[0313] The response acquisition unit 425b acquires the next user's response to the delay request.

[0314] The response response unit 425c controls to execute different response response processes depending on the response acquired by the response acquisition unit 425b. For example, the response response unit 425c controls to execute different first and second response response processes based on whether the next user accepts the delay request.

[0315] 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 403 according to embodiment 4. The user terminal 403 further includes, functionally, a delay request acquisition unit 438 and a reply unit 439, for example.

[0316] The delay request acquisition unit 438 acquires a delay request. The reply unit 439 transmits the reply of the next user to the delay request acquired by the delay request acquisition unit 438.

[0317] So far, the explanation has been mainly given of an example of the configuration of the management system according to the fourth embodiment. From here, an example of the operation of the management system according to the fourth embodiment will be explained.

[0318] The vehicle service management executed by the management system according to the fourth embodiment includes a fifth lost-item handling process that is partially different from the fifth lost-item handling process (step S350b) according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, among the processes included in the usage termination process, the fifth lost-item handling process that is different from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0319] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the fifth lost-item handling process according to the fourth embodiment.

[0320] The delay request unit 425a notifies the next user of the delay request (step S471). The delay request acquisition unit 438 acquires the delay request notified in step S471 (step S472). This notification may be made using the next user's contact information included in the user data 111a. If the contact information is a telephone number, this notification may be made by, for example, an automated voice message.

[0321] The delay request may include, for example, delaying the scheduled start time of the next user's use to a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes) after the scheduled collection time. The delay request may include, for example, the time of delaying the scheduled collection to a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes) after the scheduled collection time.

[0322] When the next user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 103 in response to the delay request acquired in step S472, the response unit 439 transmits the next user's response to the delay request (step S473).

[0323] For example, if the delay request is notified by telephone, the next user inputs a response using numeric input keys or the like in response to the automated voice. The numeric input keys may be, for example, those provided in a general telephone function for inputting a telephone number. The response unit 439 transmits the response input by the next user.

[0324] For example, the response may include whether or not to accept the request for delay. In particular, for example, the response may include whether or not to accept that the scheduled start time of use by the next user is delayed by a predetermined time from the scheduled collection time.

[0325] The response acquisition unit 425b acquires the response of the next user transmitted in step S473 (step S474).

[0326] The response handling unit 425c determines whether the next user has accepted the delay request based on the response acquired in step S474 (step S475).

[0327] If the delay request is accepted (step S475; Yes), the response handling unit 425c controls to execute the first response handling process (step S476).If the delay request is not accepted (step S475; No), the response handling unit 425c controls to execute the second response handling process (step S477).

[0328] The second response process (step S477) may be similar to the fifth lost-item response process (step S350b) according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 31). Therefore, the first response process (step S476) according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0329] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the first response response process (step S476) according to the fourth embodiment.

[0330] The usage schedule management unit 114 changes the usage schedule of the next user (step S481).

[0331] For example, the usage schedule management unit 114 changes the scheduled start time of use for the next user's usage schedule included in the usage schedule data 113a to a time a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) after the scheduled collection time.

[0332] In accordance with this change, the vehicle unlocking control is controlled so that the next user is allowed to unlock the vehicle based on the changed scheduled start time, for example, from the changed scheduled start time or a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before that time.

[0333] In this way, a predetermined time interval can be set between the scheduled collection time and the scheduled start time of the next user, thereby reducing the possibility of trouble arising from contact between the user who left their item in the vehicle and the next user of the vehicle.

[0334] Step S140 is executed.

[0335] Subsequently, the point allocating unit 324 allocates points to the next user for accepting the delay request (step S482).

[0336] This allows a reward to be given for accepting the delay request, which encourages the next user to accept the delay request and increases the likelihood that the lost item will be safely returned to the user.

[0337] The point allocating unit 324 may determine the number of points to be allocated to the next user for accepting the delay request if the frequency with which the next user accepted the delay request (the number of times the next user delivered within a predetermined period) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (e.g., three times per month) in step S372. There is a risk that users may abuse the allocation of points by intentionally leaving things behind to obtain a large number of points. By setting a frequency limit, it is possible to reduce the risk of abuse of the point system, which is intended to encourage acceptance of delay requests.

[0338] (Operations and Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the management system further includes a communication unit 425 that performs communication processing for communication between a vehicle user and the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle.

[0339] This allows the user who left an item in the vehicle to communicate with the next user of the vehicle and coordinate the time when the item will be retrieved and the time when the next user will begin using the vehicle, making it easier for the user to retrieve the item if left in the vehicle while minimizing the inconvenience to other users.

[0340] According to this embodiment, the contact process is performed when the scheduled collection time is after the scheduled start time of use of the next user.

[0341] In such a case, if a user who left an item in a vehicle returns to the vehicle to retrieve it without contacting the next user, the next user will have already started using the vehicle, and there is a high possibility that the user will not be able to retrieve the item even if they return to the vehicle. By performing the contact process, this possibility can be reduced. Furthermore, as described above, the timing of retrieving the item in the vehicle and the timing when the next user starts using the vehicle can be coordinated. Therefore, if a user leaves an item in a vehicle, it becomes easier for the user to retrieve the item while minimizing the inconvenience to other users.

[0342] According to this embodiment, the communication unit 425 includes a delay request unit 425a, a response acquisition unit 425b, and a response handling unit 425c. The delay request unit 425a notifies the next user of a delay request to delay the next user's scheduled start time of use. The response acquisition unit 425b acquires the next user's response to the delay request. The response handling unit 425c controls the execution of different response handling processes depending on the acquired response.

[0343] This allows different response processes to be executed depending on the response of the next user to the delay request, making it easier for users to retrieve items left behind in the vehicle while minimizing the inconvenience to other users.

[0344] According to this embodiment, the management system includes a usage schedule management unit 114 that updates the usage schedule for the vehicle. Updating the usage schedule includes changing the scheduled start time of the next user to a predetermined time after the scheduled collection time when the response includes acceptance of the delay request. Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle also includes controlling the unlocking of the vehicle so that the next user is allowed to unlock the vehicle based on the changed scheduled start time of the vehicle.

[0345] This reduces the possibility of trouble occurring when a user who left something behind in a vehicle comes into contact with the next user of that vehicle, and therefore enables users who leave something behind in a vehicle to safely retrieve it.

[0346] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0347] In addition, in the example of the flow of multiple processes used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments and variations can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0348] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0349] 1. A vehicle service management system comprising: end information acquisition means for acquiring usage end information indicating that a user has finished using a vehicle; lost item detection means for detecting an item left behind in the vehicle; lost item notification means for issuing a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind when the usage end information is acquired and the lost item is detected; recovery schedule acquisition means for acquiring a planned recovery time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to retrieve the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and unlock control means for controlling the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the planned recovery time. 2. The vehicle service management system set forth in 1., further comprising parking location detection means for detecting the parking location of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked, and the lost item notification is issued when the usage end information is acquired, the lost item is detected, and the parking location is a predetermined location. 3. The vehicle service management system according to 1. or 2., further comprising a lost item handling means that controls the execution of different lost item handling processes based on the planned start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle next and the planned collection time. 4. The vehicle service management system according to any one of 1. to 3., further comprising a schedule change prohibition means that prohibits changes to the usage schedule for the vehicle. 5. The vehicle service management system according to 4., wherein the prohibition of changes to the usage schedule is executed when the planned collection time is before the planned start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle next. 6. The vehicle service management system according to 4. or 5., wherein the prohibition of changes to the usage schedule is lifted when the left-behind item is collected. 7. The vehicle service management system according to any one of 4. to 6., further comprising a billing management means that determines a usage fee for the user, and determining the usage fee includes determining an additional fee for the user based on the collection time, which is the time when the left-behind item is collected.8. The vehicle service management system according to any one of 1. to 7., further comprising a communication means for performing communication processing for communication between the user of the vehicle and the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle next. 9. The vehicle service management system according to 8., wherein the communication processing is performed when the planned collection time is after the planned start time of use of the next user. 10. The vehicle service management system according to 8. or 9., wherein the communication means includes: delay request means for notifying the next user of a delay request to delay the planned start time of use of the next user; response acquisition means for acquiring the next user's response to the delay request; and response response means for controlling to execute different response response processing depending on the acquired response. 11. 10. The vehicle service management system according to 10., further comprising a usage schedule management means for updating a usage schedule related to the vehicle, wherein updating the usage schedule includes changing the next user's planned start time of use to a time predetermined later than the planned collection time if the response includes acceptance of the delay request, and controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes control to allow the next user to unlock the vehicle based on the changed planned start time of use. 12. The vehicle service management system according to any one of 1. to 11., further comprising a report request means for requesting the next user to return the lost item to a predetermined location. 13. 13. The vehicle service management system described in 12, wherein the notification request means includes: a notification request notifying means for notifying the next user of a first notification request requesting that the next user turn in the lost item; a notification location presentation control means for sending a second notification request requesting that the next user be presented with one or more candidate locations for the predetermined location; and a completion report obtaining means for obtaining from the next user a completion report that the turning in of the lost item has been completed, and further comprising a point giving means for determining points to be given to the next user for turning in the lost item when the completion report has been obtained.14. The vehicle service management system according to 13., wherein determining the points involves determining the points to be awarded to the next user for reporting the lost item if the number of times the next user has turned in a lost item within a predetermined period is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 15. A vehicle service management device comprising: end information acquisition means for acquiring use end information indicating that a user will end use of a vehicle; detection information acquisition means for acquiring detection information indicating that a lost item has been detected in the vehicle; lost item notification means for issuing a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind when the use end information and detection information have been acquired; collection schedule acquisition means for acquiring a planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to collect the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and vehicle instruction means for sending an unlock control instruction to control the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein the unlock control instruction includes an instruction to allow the user to unlock the vehicle based on the planned collection time. 16. 17. A vehicle service management method comprising one or more computers: acquiring usage end information indicating that a user has finished using a vehicle; detecting an item left behind in the vehicle; issuing a lost item notification indicating the presence of the left item when the usage end information is acquired and the left item is detected; acquiring a planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to retrieve the left item in response to the lost item notification; and controlling the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the planned collection time. 17. The vehicle service management method set forth in 16., further comprising detecting a parking location of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked, and the lost item notification is issued when the usage end information is acquired, the left item is detected, and the parking location is in a predetermined location. 18. The vehicle service management method set forth in 16. or 17., further comprising controlling to execute different lost item handling processes based on the planned start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle next and the planned collection time.19. The vehicle service management method according to any one of 16. to 18., further comprising prohibiting changes to the usage schedule for the vehicle. 20. The vehicle service management method according to 19., wherein prohibiting changes to the usage schedule is executed when the scheduled collection time is before the scheduled start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle. 21. The vehicle service management method according to 19. or 20., wherein prohibiting changes to the usage schedule is lifted when the left-behind item is collected. 22. The vehicle service management method according to any one of 19. to 21., further comprising determining a usage fee for the user, wherein determining the usage fee includes determining an additional fee for the user based on the collection time, which is the time when the left-behind item is collected. 23. The vehicle service management method according to any one of 16. to 22., further comprising performing communication processing for communication between the user of the vehicle and the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle. 24. The vehicle service management method according to 23., wherein the contact processing is performed when the planned collection time is later than the planned start time of use of the next user. 25. The vehicle service management method according to 23. or 24., wherein the contact processing includes notifying the next user of a delay request to delay the planned start time of use of the next user, obtaining the next user's response to the delay request, and controlling to execute different response response processing depending on the obtained response. 26. The vehicle service management method according to 25., further including updating a usage schedule for the vehicle, wherein updating the usage schedule includes, if the response includes acceptance of the delay request, changing the next user's planned start time of use to a predetermined time after the planned collection time, and controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes control to allow the next user to unlock the vehicle based on the changed planned start time of use. 27. The vehicle service management method according to any one of 16. to 26., further including requesting the next user to return the left-behind item to a predetermined location.28. The vehicle service management method according to 27., wherein requesting the next user to return the lost item includes notifying the next user of a first notification request indicating a request to return the lost item, sending a second notification request indicating a request to present the next user with one or more candidate locations for the predetermined location, and obtaining a completion report from the next user indicating that returning the lost item has been completed, and the vehicle service management method further includes, when the completion report is obtained, determining points to be awarded to the next user for returning the lost item. 29. The vehicle service management method according to 28., wherein determining the points determines the points to be awarded to the next user for returning the lost item when the number of times the next user has returned lost items within a predetermined period is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 30. 31. A program that causes one or more computers to execute the vehicle service management method recited in any one of 17. to 29., the program causing one or more computers to: acquire usage end information indicating that a user will end use of a vehicle; detect an item left behind in the vehicle; when the usage end information is acquired and the left item is detected, issue a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind; acquire a planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to retrieve the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and control the unlocking of the vehicle, the controlling the unlocking of the vehicle comprising allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the planned collection time. 32. A program that causes one or more computers to execute the vehicle service management method recited in any one of 17. to 29.32. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing one or more computers to: acquire usage end information indicating that a user will end use of a vehicle; detect an item left behind in the vehicle; when the usage end information is acquired and the left item is detected, issue a lost item notification indicating that the item has been left behind; acquire a planned collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to retrieve the lost item in response to the lost item notification; and control the unlocking of the vehicle, wherein controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the planned collection time. 33. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing one or more computers to execute the vehicle service management method set forth in any one of 17. to 29.

[0350] 100 Vehicle service management system (management system) 101, 201, 301, 401 Vehicle service management device (management device) 103, 303, 403 User terminal 105, 205, 305 In-vehicle device 111 User memory unit 111a User data 112 User management unit 113 Usage schedule memory unit 113a Usage schedule data 114 Usage schedule management unit 114a Schedule registration unit 115, 215 End information acquisition unit 116 Detection information acquisition unit 117 Lost item notification unit 118 Collection schedule acquisition unit 119 Vehicle instruction unit 131 Registration unit 132 Reservation unit 133 Personal information output unit 134 Lost item notification acquisition unit 135 Collection schedule notification unit 151 Lost item detection unit 152 Unlocking control unit 153 Use end detection unit 154 End information transmission unit 155 Collection detection unit 156 Car navigation unit 257 Parking location detection unit 320 Lost and found response unit 321 Schedule change prohibition unit 322 Charging unit 323 Report request unit 323a Report request notification unit 323b Report request transmission unit 323c Completion report acquisition unit 324 Points assignment unit 336 Report request acquisition unit 337 Completion report unit 358 Collection completion notification unit 359 Report location presentation control unit 425 Contact unit 425a Delay request unit 425b Response acquisition unit 425c Response response unit 438 Delay request acquisition unit 439 Response unit

Claims

1. an end information acquisition means for acquiring use end information indicating that the user has ended use of the vehicle; a left-behind item detection means for detecting an item left behind in the vehicle; a lost-item notification means for issuing a lost-item notification indicating that the item has been left behind when the usage end information is acquired and the item has been detected; a collection schedule acquiring means for acquiring a collection schedule indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to collect the lost item in response to the lost item notification; an unlocking control means for controlling unlocking of the vehicle, Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time. Vehicle service management system.

2. Further, a parking location detection means is provided for detecting a parking location of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked, The notification of the lost item is made when the usage end information is acquired, the lost item is detected, and the parking location is a predetermined location. The vehicle service management system of claim 1 .

3. The vehicle further includes a lost property handling means for controlling the execution of different lost property handling processes based on the planned start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle next and the planned collection time. The vehicle service management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle management system further includes a schedule change prohibition means for prohibiting changes to the vehicle use schedule. The vehicle service management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The prohibition of changing the use schedule is executed when the scheduled collection time is before the scheduled start time of use of the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle next. The vehicle service management system of claim 4 .

6. The prohibition on changing the usage schedule will be lifted when the lost item is retrieved. The vehicle service management system of claim 4 .

7. The vehicle further includes a communication means for performing communication processing to communicate with the user of the vehicle and the next user who is scheduled to use the vehicle. The vehicle service management system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The system further includes a notification requesting means for requesting the next user to return the lost item to a predetermined location. The vehicle service management system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. One or more computers Acquire use termination information indicating that the user will terminate use of the vehicle; Detecting items left behind in the vehicle; When the usage end information is acquired and the left-behind item is detected, a lost item notification is issued indicating that the left-behind item has been found; In response to the notification of the lost item, a scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to collect the lost item is obtained; controlling the unlocking of the vehicle; Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time. Vehicle service management methods.

10. On one or more computers, Acquire use termination information indicating that the user will terminate use of the vehicle; Detecting items left behind in the vehicle; When the usage end information is acquired and the left-behind item is detected, a lost item notification is issued indicating that the left-behind item has been found; In response to the notification of the lost item, a scheduled collection time indicating when the user will return to the parking location of the vehicle to collect the lost item is obtained; Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle; Controlling the unlocking of the vehicle includes allowing the user to unlock the vehicle based on the scheduled collection time. Program for.