Service assistance method, service assistance device, service assistance system, and storage medium in which service assistance program is stored

Abstract

In the present invention, according to a service assistance method, a service assistance device, a service assistance system, and a storage medium storing a service assistance program, when a vehicle is stopped and a visitor to the vehicle is present, environment information about the surroundings of the vehicle is transmitted to a terminal of a manager who manages the vehicle, response information from the manager is received from the terminal, and the response information is outputted to the visitor via the output unit.

Description

Service support method, service support device, service support system, and storage medium storing service support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a service support method, a service support device, a service support system, and a storage medium storing a service support program.

[0002] A technology has been proposed for a service support device that can improve security when delivering or receiving luggage through a luggage compartment of a vehicle (see Patent Document 1). With this service support device, a visitor to a vehicle other than the vehicle manager stores luggage in the luggage compartment of the vehicle or retrieves luggage from the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-077338

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the manager of the vehicle cannot communicate with the visitor and cannot supervise the storage or retrieval of luggage.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a service support method, a service support device, and a storage medium storing a service support program that enable a vehicle manager to communicate with visitors who visit the vehicle.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a service support method, a service support device, a service support system, and a storage medium storing a service support program, when a vehicle is parked and there is a visitor to the vehicle, environmental information about the vehicle's surroundings is sent to a terminal held by an administrator who manages the vehicle, response information from the administrator is received from the terminal, and the response information is output to the visitor via an output unit.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle manager can communicate with visitors who visit the vehicle.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a service support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the service support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (at the start). Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the service support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (at the end).

[0009] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of Service Support System] An example configuration of a service support system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a service support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the service support system includes a terminal 100 and a service support device 200, which are connected to each other via a wireless or wired network 400.

[0011] The network 400 may be, for example, the Internet. The network 400 may also use a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G.

[0012] The terminal 100 outputs various types of information to the administrator PA, who is the user of the terminal 100. The terminal 100 also acquires response information from the administrator PA (information including at least one of an image or a sound related to the administrator PA) and transmits the acquired response information to the service support device 200, which will be described later, via the network 400. Additionally, the terminal 100 may accept operations, etc. from the administrator PA and transmit information related to the accepted operations, etc. to the service support device 200, which will be described later, via the network 400.

[0013] An example of the terminal 100 is a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet, etc.) that a user uses on a daily basis. Details of the terminal 100 will be described later.

[0014] The service support device 200 is mounted on a vehicle managed by an administrator PA. The service support device 200 outputs various information to a visitor PB who visits the vehicle. The service support device 200 also acquires environmental information about the surroundings of the vehicle (information including at least one of images and sounds about the surroundings of the vehicle) and transmits the acquired information to the terminal 100 via the network 400. Details of the service support device 200 will be described later.

[0015] [Configuration of Terminal] Next, a description will be given of the terminal 100. As shown in FIG.

[0016] The output unit 160 outputs environmental information to the administrator PA. The output unit 160 may display buttons related to various commands to the service support system. The output unit 160 outputs various information to the administrator PA.

[0017] The output unit 160 is not limited to outputting various types of information as visual information. The output unit 160 may output information to the user (administrator PA) as auditory information, or may generate vibrations and output information to the user as a vibration stimulus.

[0018] More specifically, the output unit 160 may be a display that outputs visual information or a speaker that outputs auditory information. Alternatively, the output unit 160 may be a vibration device that generates vibrations. The output unit 160 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0019] The sensor 170 acquires response information from the administrator PA (information including at least one of an image and a sound related to the administrator PA). For example, the sensor 170 may be an imaging device that captures an image of the administrator PA, or a microphone that captures the sound emitted by the administrator PA.

[0020] The sensor 170 may also receive operations from the administrator PA in response to various commands from the administrator PA to the service support system. For example, the sensor 170 may be an input interface with multiple buttons or a touch panel with a touch interface.

[0021] More specifically, the output unit 160 may display icons represented by pictures or symbols so that the administrator PA can operate them, and the sensor 170 may receive operations from the administrator PA by the administrator PA touching or dragging the displayed icons. The sensor 170 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0022] The communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the network 400. In particular, the communication unit 110 is communicably connected to the service support device 200 via the network 400. The communication unit 110 may store information acquired from the network 400 in a memory or the like (not shown). In particular, the communication unit 110 acquires environmental information transmitted from the service support device 200. The communication unit 110 also transmits response information to the service support device 200.

[0023] For example, the communication unit 110 may be a device having a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G, or may be a device having a Wi-Fi communication function. The communication unit 110 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0024] The controller 140 is connected to the output unit 160, the sensor 170, and the communication unit 110, and information from the sensor 170 and the communication unit 110 is input to the controller 140, and information is output from the controller 140 to the output unit 160 and the communication unit 110.

[0025] The controller 140 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output unit. A computer program (service support program) for functioning as part of the service support system is installed in the controller 140. By executing the computer program, the controller 140 controls the output unit 160, the sensor 170, and the communication unit 110.

[0026] The service support program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or may be provided via a telecommunications line.

[0027] The various information processing functions of the controller 140 may be realized by software or by dedicated hardware.

[0028] When the controller 140 receives door-close information related to a door or trunk of a vehicle via the communication unit 110, the controller 140 may present a lock instruction button related to an instruction to lock the door or trunk related to the door-close information via the output unit 160. The controller 140 may then accept an operation by the manager PA via the sensor 170, and transmit a lock instruction to the service support device 200 via the communication unit 110 when the lock instruction button is operated.

[0029] The "door closed information" is information indicating that a vehicle door or trunk is closed, and is transmitted from the service support device 200. The "door closed information" may include information identifying the closed door or trunk.

[0030] The "locking instruction" is information that instructs locking the vehicle doors or trunk. The "locking instruction" may include information that specifies the doors or trunk to be locked. Based on the "locking instruction," the service support device 200 may determine whether or not to lock the vehicle doors or trunk.

[0031] Furthermore, when the controller 140 receives approach information via the communication unit 110, it may present a response instruction button related to permission to send response information via the output unit 160. The controller 140 may then accept an operation by the administrator PA via the sensor 170, and when the response instruction button is operated, transmit the response information to the service support device 200 via the communication unit 110. Here, the "approach information" is information indicating that a visitor PB visiting the vehicle is present around the vehicle, and is transmitted from the service support device 200.

[0032] Furthermore, when the controller 140 receives approach information via the communication unit 110, the controller 140 may present an unlock instruction button for issuing an instruction to unlock the doors or trunk of the vehicle via the output unit 160. The controller 140 may then accept an operation by the administrator PA via the sensor 170, and transmit an unlock instruction to the service support device 200 via the communication unit 110 when the unlock instruction button is operated.

[0033] The "unlock instruction" is information instructing the unlocking of the vehicle doors or trunk. The "unlock instruction" may include information specifying the door or trunk to be unlocked. Based on the "unlock instruction," the service support device 200 may determine whether or not to unlock the vehicle doors or trunk.

[0034] The controller 140 may also present a request instruction button related to a request instruction for environmental information via the output unit 160. The controller 140 may also receive an operation from the administrator PA via the sensor 170, and transmit a request instruction to the service support device 200 via the communication unit 110 when the request instruction button is operated.

[0035] The "request instruction" is information that instructs a request for environmental information. Based on the "request instruction," the service support device 200 may determine whether or not to transmit the environmental information.

[0036] Furthermore, when the controller 140 receives absence information via the communication unit 110, the controller 140 may present an end instruction button via the output unit 160. The controller 140 may then accept an operation by the administrator PA via the sensor 170, and when the end instruction button is operated, transmit an end instruction to the service support device 200 via the communication unit 110.

[0037] Here, the "absence information" is information indicating that the visitor PB visiting the vehicle is not present around the vehicle, and is transmitted from the service support device 200. The "end instruction" is information instructing the end of acquisition of environmental information. Based on the "end instruction," the service support device 200 may determine whether or not to acquire environmental information.

[0038] [Configuration of Service Support Device] Next, a description will be given of service support device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The output unit 260 outputs response information to the visitor PB who visits the vehicle. The output unit 260 may display buttons related to various commands to the service support system. The output unit 260 outputs various information to the visitor PB.

[0040] The output unit 260 is not limited to outputting various types of information as visual information, but may output information to the user (visitor PB) as auditory information, or may generate vibrations and output information to the user as a vibration stimulus.

[0041] More specifically, the output unit 260 may be a display that outputs visual information, a speaker that outputs auditory information, or a vibration that generates vibrations. The output unit 260 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0042] It should be noted that an output unit 260 may be provided for each vehicle door and each vehicle trunk. The correspondence between the output unit 260 and the vehicle door or trunk may be managed by the controller 240, which will be described later. When the state of a vehicle door or trunk changes, one of the multiple output units 260 corresponding to the door or trunk whose state has changed may be extracted by the controller 240, and the extracted output unit 260 may be used. Here, examples of when the state of a vehicle door or trunk has changed include when the vehicle door or trunk is opened or closed, or when it is unlocked or locked.

[0043] The sensor 270 acquires environmental information about the surroundings of the vehicle (information including at least one of images and sounds about the surroundings of the vehicle). For example, the sensor 270 may be an imaging device that captures an image of the visitor PB, or a microphone that captures sounds emitted by the visitor PB.

[0044] The sensor 270 may also acquire status information relating to the status of the vehicle doors or trunk. For example, the sensor 270 may detect a change in the status of the vehicle doors or trunk as the status information. The sensor 270 may be installed for each vehicle door or each vehicle trunk.

[0045] Furthermore, the sensor 270 may acquire object information related to objects around the vehicle. For example, the sensor 270 may include a laser range finder that measures distance using light waves, a camera that acquires still images and videos, a sonar that measures distance using ultrasonic waves, etc. One or more sensors 270 that acquire object information may be installed in the vehicle.

[0046] Furthermore, sensor 270 may acquire driving information related to the driving of the vehicle. For example, sensor 270 may include a vehicle speed sensor and acquire the vehicle speed as driving information. Sensor 270 may be connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) provided in the vehicle and acquire information indicating whether the vehicle is stopped as driving information.

[0047] Alternatively, the sensor 270 may receive operations from the visitor PB corresponding to various commands from the visitor PB to the service support system. For example, the sensor 270 may be an input interface with multiple buttons or a touch panel with a touch interface.

[0048] More specifically, the output unit 260 may display icons represented by pictures or symbols so that the visitor PB can operate them, and the sensor 270 may receive operations from the visitor PB when the visitor PB touches or drags the displayed icons. The sensor 270 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0049] The communication unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the network 400. In particular, the communication unit 210 is communicably connected to the terminal 100 via the network 400. The communication unit 210 may store information acquired from the network 400 in a memory or the like (not shown). In particular, the communication unit 210 acquires response information transmitted from the terminal 100. The communication unit 210 also transmits environmental information to the terminal 100.

[0050] For example, the communication unit 210 may be a device having a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G, or may be a device having a Wi-Fi communication function. The communication unit 210 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0051] The controller 240 is connected to the output unit 260, the sensor 270, and the communication unit 210. Information from the sensor 270 and the communication unit 210 is input to the controller 240, and information is output from the controller 240 to the output unit 260 and the communication unit 210. The controller 240 may also be connected to a locking / unlocking device (not shown) that locks or unlocks the doors or trunk of the vehicle.

[0052] The controller 240 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output units. A computer program (service support program) for functioning as part of the service support system is installed in the controller 240. By executing the computer program, the computer functions as multiple information processing circuits equipped in the service support device 200.

[0053] The service support program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or may be provided via a telecommunications line.

[0054] Here, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing circuits provided in the service support device 200 are realized by software, but it is of course possible to configure the information processing circuits by providing dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below.Furthermore, the multiple information processing circuits may be configured by individual hardware.

[0055] Alternatively, the controller 240 may be an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) provided in the vehicle.

[0056] The controller 240 includes a determination unit 241, an identification unit 243, an information management unit 245, and a locking / unlocking management unit 247 as examples of multiple information processing circuits (information processing functions).

[0057] The determination unit 241 determines whether the vehicle is stopped. For example, the determination unit 241 determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on travel information from the sensor 270. The determination unit 241 also determines whether a visitor PB is present in the vehicle. The determination unit 241 determines whether a visitor PB is present based on object information from the sensor 270.

[0058] More specifically, the determination unit 241 determines whether a target object located within a predetermined distance from the sensor 270 is a person based on the object information, and determines that a visitor PB is present if the target object is determined to be a person. For example, the determination unit 241 may determine whether the distance to the target object included in the object information is within a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the determination unit 241 may determine whether the target object is a person based on the moving speed, size, shape, etc. of the target object included in the object information.

[0059] Furthermore, the determination unit 241 may determine whether a vehicle door or trunk is open based on the state information. Similarly, the determination unit 241 may determine whether a vehicle door or trunk is closed based on the state information. Alternatively, the determination unit 241 may determine whether a vehicle door or trunk is unlocked based on the state information. The determination unit 241 may determine whether a vehicle door or trunk is locked based on the state information.

[0060] The determination unit 241 may determine that a visitor PB is present when it detects that a door or trunk of the vehicle has been opened.

[0061] Furthermore, the determination unit 241 may determine that no visitor PB is present in the vehicle if it is determined that the target object around the vehicle is not a person for a predetermined period of time.

[0062] The identification unit 243 identifies the output unit 260 that is closest to the visitor PB from among the multiple output units 260 based on the object information. For example, the identification unit 243 identifies the relative position of the visitor PB with respect to the vehicle based on the object information. The identification unit 243 identifies the output unit 260 that is closest to the visitor PB based on the identified position of the visitor PB. The output unit 260 may be installed for each door or trunk of the vehicle, and the identification unit 243 may identify the output unit 260 that is closest to the visitor PB based on the correspondence between the output unit 260 and the vehicle door or trunk.

[0063] In addition, if the vehicle does not have multiple output units 260 but has only one output unit 260, the process of identifying the output unit 260 by the identification unit 243 may be omitted.

[0064] The information management unit 245 performs a series of processes when the vehicle is parked and a visitor PB is present in the vehicle. In particular, the information management unit 245 transmits environmental information to the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210. The information management unit 245 then receives response information from the manager PA from the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210, and outputs the response information to the visitor PB via the output unit 260.

[0065] The information management unit 245 may output the response information via the output unit 260 that is closest to the visitor PB. Here, the output unit 260 that is closest to the visitor PB is identified by the identification unit 243.

[0066] Furthermore, when the information management unit 245 detects that a vehicle door or trunk has been opened, it may output response information via one output unit 260 that is arranged in association with the opened vehicle door or trunk. Furthermore, when the information management unit 245 detects that a vehicle door or trunk has been unlocked, it may output response information via one output unit 260 that is arranged in association with the unlocked vehicle door or trunk.

[0067] Furthermore, when the information management unit 245 detects that a vehicle door or trunk has been closed, it may transmit door-close information related to the closed vehicle door or trunk to the terminal 100. Furthermore, when it is determined that a visitor PB is present, the information management unit 245 may generate approach information and transmit the approach information to the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0068] Furthermore, when it is determined that the visitor PB does not exist, the information management unit 245 may terminate transmission of environmental information to the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210. When it is determined that the visitor PB does not exist, the information management unit 245 may terminate output of response information to the visitor PB via the output unit 260.

[0069] The information management unit 245 may generate absence information and transmit the absence information to the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210 when it is determined that the visitor PB is not present.

[0070] Additionally, the information management unit 245 may determine whether to transmit information based on various instructions transmitted from the terminal 100. For example, the information management unit 245 may transmit environmental information when a request instruction is received from the terminal 100. The information management unit 245 may terminate acquisition of environmental information when an end instruction is received from the terminal 100.

[0071] The locking / unlocking management unit 247 receives an unlocking instruction from the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210. When an unlocking instruction is received, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 unlocks the door or trunk of the vehicle corresponding to the unlocking instruction via the locking / unlocking device. That is, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 identifies the door or trunk to be unlocked based on the unlocking instruction, and unlocks the identified door or trunk.

[0072] The locking / unlocking management unit 247 also receives a locking instruction from the terminal 100 via the communication unit 210. When a locking instruction is received, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 unlocks the door or trunk of the vehicle corresponding to the locking instruction via the locking / unlocking device. That is, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 identifies the door or trunk to be locked based on the locking instruction, and locks the identified door or trunk.

[0073] Alternatively, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 may lock the door or trunk via the locking / unlocking device when it is determined that the visitor PB is not present.

[0074] [Processing Procedure of Service Support System (at Start)] Next, the processing procedure of the service support system (at start) will be described. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the service support system according to this embodiment (at start).

[0075] In step S101, the sensor 270 acquires object information relating to objects around the vehicle.

[0076] In step S103, the sensor 270 obtains status information regarding the status of the vehicle doors or trunk.

[0077] In step S105, the determination unit 241 determines whether or not a visitor PB is present in the vehicle, and whether or not the vehicle is parked.

[0078] If it is determined that the visitor PB is not present (NO in step S105), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if it is determined that the visitor PB is present (YES in step S105), in step S107, the sensor 270 starts acquiring environmental information about the surroundings of the vehicle.

[0079] In step S109 , the information management unit 245 transmits the environmental information to the terminal 100 .

[0080] In step S111, the information management unit 245 generates approach information.

[0081] In step S113 , the information management unit 245 transmits approach information to the terminal 100 .

[0082] In step S115, the terminal 100 starts presenting the environmental information received from the service support device 200. Additionally, the terminal 100 presents an unlock instruction button for issuing an instruction to unlock the vehicle doors or trunk, and a response instruction button for permitting transmission of response information.

[0083] In step S117, the terminal 100 accepts an operation by the administrator PA and determines whether or not there is an unlocking instruction (whether or not the unlocking instruction button has been operated).

[0084] If there is an unlocking instruction (YES in step S117), in step S119, the terminal 100 transmits the unlocking instruction to the service support device 200. In step S121, after receiving the unlocking instruction, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 unlocks the door or trunk of the vehicle corresponding to the unlocking instruction via the locking / unlocking device.

[0085] On the other hand, if there is no unlocking instruction (NO in step S117), the process proceeds to step S123.

[0086] In step S123, the terminal 100 accepts an operation by the administrator PA and determines whether or not a response instruction has been given (whether or not the response instruction button has been operated).

[0087] If a response instruction has been received (YES in step S123), in step S125 the sensor 170 acquires response information from the administrator PA. In step S127, the terminal 100 transmits the response information to the service support device 200. In step S129, the information management unit 245 receives the response information from the administrator PA and outputs the response information to the visitor PB.

[0088] [Processing Procedure of Service Support System (at Termination)] Next, the processing procedure of the service support system (at termination) will be described. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the service support system according to this embodiment (at termination).

[0089] In step S201, the sensor 270 acquires object information relating to objects around the vehicle.

[0090] In step S203, the sensor 270 obtains status information regarding the status of the vehicle doors or trunk.

[0091] In step S205, the determination unit 241 determines whether or not the visitor PB is present, and also determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped.

[0092] If it is determined that the visitor PB is present (YES in step S205), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if it is determined that the visitor PB is not present (NO in step S205), in step S207, the locking / unlocking management unit 247 locks the door or trunk via the locking / unlocking device.

[0093] In step S209, the information management unit 245 generates absence information, and in step S211, the information management unit 245 transmits the absence information to the terminal 100.

[0094] In step S213, the terminal 100 displays the absence information and also displays an end instruction button.

[0095] In step S215, the terminal 100 accepts an operation by the administrator PA and determines whether or not an end instruction has been issued (whether or not the end instruction button has been operated).

[0096] If there is an end instruction (YES in step S215), terminal 100 transmits the end instruction to service support device 200 in step S217.

[0097] In step S219, the terminal 100 ends the presentation of the environmental information. In step S221, the sensor 170 ends the acquisition of the environmental information. The information management unit 245 may end the acquisition of the environmental information when an end instruction is received from the terminal 100.

[0098] [Effects of the embodiment] As described in detail above, according to the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program of the present embodiment, when a vehicle is parked and there is a visitor to the vehicle, environmental information about the vehicle's surroundings is sent to a terminal held by the manager who manages the vehicle, response information from the manager is received from the terminal, and the response information is output to the visitor via the output unit.

[0099] This allows the manager of the vehicle to communicate with visitors who visit the vehicle. In particular, when providing services via the vehicle, communication between the manager and the visitor is promoted. As a result, the provision of the service can be supported. The manager can monitor how the service is provided to the visitor by the vehicle managed by the manager.

[0100] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may acquire object information about surrounding objects via a sensor and determine whether or not a visitor is present based on the object information. This allows the presence or absence of a visitor to be detected by the sensor equipped in the vehicle, and communication between the manager and the visitor can be initiated.

[0101] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may determine whether a target object located within a predetermined distance from the sensor is a person based on the object information, and determine the presence of a visitor if the target object is determined to be a person. This allows for accurate detection of visitors who are expected to communicate with the administrator. Furthermore, when the target object is not a person, or when the target object is a person but is not present within the predetermined distance, unnecessary notifications to the administrator are suppressed. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0102] Furthermore, the service assistance method, service assistance device, service assistance system, and service assistance program according to the present embodiment may identify, from among multiple output units, the output unit closest to the visitor based on the object information, and output response information via the identified output unit. This allows communication with the manager to be performed using the output unit closest to the visitor when providing a service via a vehicle. Furthermore, when the visitor uses the service while communicating with the manager, the visitor does not need to move around the vehicle. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0103] Furthermore, the service assistance method, service assistance device, service assistance system, and service assistance program according to the present embodiment may acquire status information relating to the status of the vehicle doors or trunk via a sensor. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to provide a service using the vehicle, or to assist in the provision of a service, based on changes in the status of the vehicle doors or trunk.

[0104] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may determine the presence of a visitor when it detects that a vehicle door or trunk has been opened based on the status information. This allows the presence of a visitor to be determined with high accuracy. Furthermore, communication between the administrator and the visitor can be carried out in association with the service used by the visitor.

[0105] Furthermore, the service assistance method, service assistance device, service assistance system, and service assistance program according to the present embodiment may output response information via an output unit associated with the opened vehicle door or trunk when the service assistance method, service assistance device, service assistance system, and service assistance program detect that a vehicle door or trunk has been opened based on the status information. This eliminates the need for the visitor to move around the vehicle when using the service while communicating with the administrator. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0106] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may output response information via an output unit associated with the unlocked vehicle door or trunk when the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program detect that a vehicle door or trunk has been unlocked based on the status information. This eliminates the need for the visitor to move around the vehicle when using the service while communicating with the administrator. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0107] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may transmit door-close information relating to the closed vehicle door or trunk when it detects that the vehicle door or trunk is closed based on the status information. The terminal associated with the service support system may then present a lock instruction button for locking the closed vehicle door or trunk when the lock instruction button is operated, and transmit a lock instruction to the service support device. This allows the administrator to confirm that the vehicle door or trunk related to the service provision is locked.

[0108] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may transmit approach information to a terminal via a communication unit when it is determined that a visitor is present, thereby enabling the manager to confirm via the manager's own terminal that a visitor has approached the vehicle.

[0109] Furthermore, in the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment, the terminal associated with the service support system may, upon receiving approach information, present a response instruction button for permitting transmission of response information, and, upon operating the response instruction button, transmit the response information to the service support device. This provides the manager with an opportunity to decide whether or not to initiate communication with a visitor who has visited the vehicle. Furthermore, since the manager can initiate communication with the visitor after confirming the visitor, the quality of service provision is improved. Furthermore, unauthorized use of services by malicious visitors is inhibited, improving security.

[0110] Furthermore, in the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment, a terminal associated with the service support system may, upon receiving approach information, present an unlock instruction button for issuing an instruction to unlock the vehicle doors or trunk, and, upon operating the unlock instruction button, transmit an unlock instruction to the service support device. This allows the administrator an opportunity to decide whether to unlock the vehicle doors or trunk for a visitor who visits the vehicle. Furthermore, after confirming the visitor, the administrator can decide whether to unlock the doors or trunk. As a result, malicious visitors are prevented from using fraudulent services, improving security.

[0111] Furthermore, in the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment, the terminal associated with the service support system may present a request instruction button for requesting environmental information, and when the request instruction button is operated, transmit the request instruction to the service support device. The service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may transmit environmental information when the request instruction is received. This allows the administrator to check environmental information around the vehicle at any time. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0112] In the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment, the service support device of the service support system may be connected to a locking / unlocking device that locks and unlocks the doors or trunk of a vehicle. This allows for support of services using the vehicle interior or luggage compartment. Furthermore, communication between the manager and the visitor can be promoted, thereby supporting the provision of services.

[0113] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may receive an unlocking instruction from a terminal via a communication unit, and when the unlocking instruction is received, unlock the vehicle door or trunk corresponding to the unlocking instruction via a locking / unlocking device. This allows the vehicle manager to reliably unlock the vehicle door or trunk in order to provide the service.

[0114] The service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may receive a locking instruction from a terminal via a communication unit, and when the locking instruction is received, lock the vehicle doors or trunk corresponding to the locking instruction via a locking / unlocking device. This allows the vehicle manager to reliably lock the vehicle doors or trunk after completing the provision of the service.

[0115] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may lock the doors or trunk via the locking / unlocking device when no visitor is present. This allows the doors or trunk to be locked when no service is required, ensuring that any luggage or other items loaded in the vehicle remain securely in the vehicle. This also prevents malicious visitors from using fraudulent services, improving security.

[0116] Furthermore, the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment may terminate the transmission of environmental information and the output of response information when there is no visitor to the vehicle. This stops the transmission and reception of environmental information when there is no need to provide service, thereby reducing the processing load. Furthermore, because the output of response information on the vehicle side is terminated, unnecessary energy consumption can be reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, in the service support method, service support device, service support system, and service support program according to the present embodiment, the environmental information may include at least one of images and sounds related to the surroundings of the vehicle, thereby allowing the vehicle manager to visually or aurally recognize information about the surroundings of the vehicle.

[0118] In the service assistance method, service assistance device, service assistance system, and service assistance program according to the present embodiment, the response information may include at least one of an image and a sound related to the manager, thereby allowing visitors to the vehicle to visually or audibly recognize the response from the manager.

[0119] Each of the functions described in the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits, including programmed processors, electrical circuits, and even devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or circuit components arranged to perform the described functions.

[0120] Although the contents of the present disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications and improvements are possible, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present disclosure. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0121] Of course, the present disclosure includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the invention-specifying matters according to the scope of the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Terminal 110 Communication unit 140 Controller 160 Output unit 170 Sensor 200 Service support device 210 Communication unit 240 Controller 241 Determination unit 243 Identification unit 245 Information management unit 247 Locking / unlocking management unit 260 Output unit 270 Sensor 400 Network PA Administrator PB Visitor

Claims

1. A service support method for a service support device including a communication unit, a sensor, an output unit, and a controller, wherein the communication unit is communicably connected to a terminal of an administrator who manages a vehicle, the sensor acquires environmental information about the surroundings of the vehicle, and the controller, when the vehicle is parked and there is a visitor to the vehicle, transmits the environmental information to the terminal via the communication unit, receives response information of the administrator from the terminal via the communication unit, and outputs the response information to the visitor via the output unit.

2. The sensor acquires object information about the surrounding objects, and the controller determines whether a visitor is present based on the object information.

3. The controller determines whether an object within a predetermined distance or less from the sensor is a person based on the object information, and determines that a visitor is present when it is determined that the object is a person.

4. The controller identifies the output unit closest to the visitor among a plurality of the output units based on the object information, and outputs the response information via the identified output unit.

5. The sensor acquires state information about the state of a door or a trunk of the vehicle.

6. The controller determines that a visitor is present when it detects that the door or the trunk of the vehicle has been opened based on the state information.

7. The controller outputs the response information via one of the output units arranged in association with the opened door or trunk of the vehicle when it detects that the door or the trunk of the vehicle has been opened based on the state information.

8. When the controller detects that the door or trunk of the vehicle has been unlocked based on the state information, the controller outputs the response information via one of the output units arranged in association with the unlocked door or trunk of the vehicle. The service support method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is characterized by this.

9. When the controller detects that the door or trunk of the vehicle has been closed based on the state information, the controller transmits door closing information related to the closed door or trunk of the vehicle. When the terminal receives the door closing information, the terminal presents a locking instruction button related to the locking instruction of the closed door or trunk of the vehicle, and when the locking instruction button is operated, the terminal transmits the locking instruction to the controller. The service support method according to any one of claims 5 to 8 is characterized by this.

10. When it is determined that the visitor exists, the controller transmits proximity information to the terminal via the communication unit. The service support method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is characterized by this.

11. When the terminal receives the proximity information, the terminal presents a response instruction button related to permission to transmit the response information, and when the response instruction button is operated, the terminal transmits the response information to the controller. The service support method according to claim 10 is characterized by this.

12. When the terminal receives the proximity information, the terminal presents an unlocking instruction button related to the unlocking instruction of the door or trunk of the vehicle, and when the unlocking instruction button is operated, the terminal transmits the unlocking instruction to the controller. The service support method according to claim 10 or 11 is characterized by this.

13. The terminal presents a request instruction button related to a request instruction for the environmental information, and when the request instruction button is operated, the terminal transmits the request instruction to the controller. When the controller receives the request instruction, the controller transmits the environmental information. The service support method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is characterized by this.

14. The controller is connected to a locking / unlocking device that locks and unlocks the door or trunk of the vehicle. The service support method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is characterized by this.

15. The controller receives an unlocking instruction from the terminal via the communication unit, and when there is the unlocking instruction, unlocks the door or trunk of the vehicle corresponding to the unlocking instruction via the locking / unlocking device. The service support method according to claim 14, characterized in that.

16. The controller receives a locking instruction from the terminal via the communication unit, and when there is the locking instruction, locks the door or trunk of the vehicle corresponding to the locking instruction via the locking / unlocking device. The service support method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that.

17. The controller locks the door or the trunk via the locking / unlocking device when the visitor is not present. The service support method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that.

18. The controller terminates the transmission of the environmental information and terminates the output of the response information when there is no visitor to the vehicle. The service support method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that.

19. The environmental information includes at least one of an image or voice regarding the surroundings. The service support method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that.

20. The response information includes at least one of an image or voice regarding the administrator. The service support method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that.

21. A service support device comprising a communication unit, a sensor, an output unit, and a controller, wherein the communication unit is communicably connected to a terminal possessed by an administrator who manages a vehicle, the sensor acquires environmental information regarding the surroundings of the vehicle, and the controller, when the vehicle is parked and there is a visitor to the vehicle, transmits the environmental information to the terminal via the communication unit, receives response information of the administrator from the terminal via the communication unit, and outputs the response information to the visitor via the output unit. A service support device characterized by that.

22. A service support system comprising a terminal of an administrator who manages a vehicle, and a service support device including a communication unit, a sensor, an output unit, and a controller, wherein the communication unit is communicably connected to the terminal, the sensor acquires environmental information regarding the surroundings of the vehicle, and the controller, when the vehicle is parked and there is a visitor to the vehicle, transmits the environmental information to the terminal via the communication unit, receives response information of the administrator from the terminal via the communication unit, and outputs the response information to the visitor via the output unit. A service support system characterized by the above.

23. A storage medium storing a service support program for execution in a controller connected to an output unit, a sensor that acquires environmental information regarding the surroundings of the vehicle, and a communication unit communicably connected to a terminal of an administrator who manages the vehicle, wherein the service support program, when the vehicle is parked and there is a visitor to the vehicle, includes steps of transmitting the environmental information to the terminal via the communication unit, receiving response information of the administrator from the terminal via the communication unit, and outputting the response information to the visitor via the output unit. A storage medium storing a service support program, characterized by the above.

Images