Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing device includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a third acquisition unit, and a determination unit. The first acquisition unit acquires a residual value set as a residual value of a target vehicle at the expiration of a contract period when a vehicle use contract is concluded. The second acquisition unit acquires an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one party of the vehicle use contract. The third acquisition unit acquires a current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point. The determination unit determines a quantity of provision, which is an amount of money or the number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at the predetermined time point, on the basis of the residual value, the evaluation result, and the current value.

Description

Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] In a typical vehicle leasing contract, for example, the total lease amount is determined based on the difference between the residual value of the vehicle at the end of the lease period and the acquisition price of the vehicle. At the end of the lease period, the vehicle user, who is the user of the vehicle, may pay a settlement amount to the leasing company based on the actual condition of the vehicle.

[0003] This settlement amount is determined, for example, based on the difference between the residual value of the subject vehicle set when the contract was concluded and the present value of the subject vehicle at the time of expiration. For example, if the present value at the time of expiration of the lease contract is lower than the residual value, the vehicle user will hand over the subject vehicle to the leasing company and pay the difference between the residual value and the present value as settlement amount.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for estimating this present value. In the technique described in Patent Literature 1, an EV / battery value assessment unit 114 assesses the value of the EV 1 and the battery for the EV 1. For example, the EV / battery value assessment unit 114 assesses the price of the EV 1 in the secondhand market based on the usage period and mileage of the EV 1. Furthermore, for example, the EV / battery value assessment unit 114 assesses the price of the EV 1 battery in the secondhand market based on the deterioration state of the EV 1 battery (the deterioration state is estimated based on the number of times it has been charged, the number of years it has been used, the depth of discharge, the SOC during storage, etc.).

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-190249

[0006] However, the present value at the end of a lease contract is not determined solely by the value of the battery installed in the vehicle. Therefore, even if the present value at the end of a lease contract is determined using the technology described in Patent Document 1, this present value may not be satisfactory to the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Furthermore, it is generally difficult to accurately predict the remaining value (i.e., residual value) of the vehicle at the end of the lease contract when concluding the lease contract. Therefore, it is difficult to determine a settlement amount that satisfies both parties to the vehicle usage contract.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any other technology for increasing satisfaction between the parties to a vehicle usage contract.

[0008] With the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction to both parties.

[0009] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that is highly satisfying for both parties.

[0010] The information processing device of the present disclosure comprises: a first acquisition means for acquiring a residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the end of the contract period when concluding a vehicle usage contract; a second acquisition means for acquiring an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle usage contract; a third acquisition means for acquiring the current value of the target vehicle at a specified point in time; and a determination means for determining an amount of money or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at the specified point in time based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the current value.

[0011] The information processing system according to the present disclosure includes the information processing device and a management device for managing the vehicle usage contract.

[0012] The information processing method disclosed herein involves one or more computers acquiring a residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the end of the contract period when concluding a vehicle usage contract, acquiring an evaluation result from a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle usage contract, acquiring the current value of the target vehicle at a specified point in time, and determining a provision quantity, which is the amount of money or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at the specified point in time, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the current value.

[0013] The recording medium of the present disclosure has recorded thereon a program for causing one or more computers to execute the following: acquire a residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the end of the contract period when a vehicle usage contract is concluded; acquire an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle usage contract; acquire a present value of the target vehicle at a specified point in time; and determine an amount to be provided, which is an amount of money or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at the specified point in time, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction to both parties.

[0015] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a first information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first management device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of contract information according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a second information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a second information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a second acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a second acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first determination unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a first determination unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of a first information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a second determination unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a second determination unit according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments.

[0017] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-087502 (hereinafter referred to as "Related Technical Document 1") states that "residual value is calculated based on the state of the battery and the degree of deterioration of the battery when the vehicle is used under a specified operating environment."

[0018] As mentioned above, the present value at the end of a lease contract is not determined solely by the value of the battery installed in the vehicle. Therefore, even if the present value at the end of a lease contract is determined using the technology described in Related Art Document 1, there is a risk that this present value will not be satisfactory to the parties to the vehicle usage contract, just as in the case of using the technology described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately predict the residual value, just as in the case of using the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0019] Related art document 1 does not disclose any other techniques for increasing satisfaction between the parties to a vehicle usage contract.

[0020] Therefore, even if the technology described in Related Art Document 1 is used, it is difficult to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction to both parties.

[0021] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-067192 (hereinafter referred to as "Related Technical Document 2") states that "during the lease period, the computer 11 periodically and repeatedly receives driving information of the electric vehicle 21 and usage information of the battery 23, and stores the information in the database 14 in association with the vehicle information." The same document also states that "the driving information and usage information are presented to the purchaser when the electric vehicle 21 is handed over after the lease period has expired."

[0022] According to Related Art Document 2, the driving information includes data on the distance traveled and acceleration / deceleration. The usage information of the battery 23 includes the remaining power immediately before charging, the charge amount, the number of times it has been charged, etc.

[0023] Even if it were possible to increase the satisfaction of a purchaser by presenting driving information and usage information to the purchaser using the technology disclosed in Related Art Document 2, it would likely be difficult to increase the satisfaction of the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Therefore, even if the technology described in Related Art Document 2 is used, it is difficult to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction to the parties.

[0024] First Embodiment (Configuration Example of Information Processing Apparatus 100) As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a first acquisition unit 110, a second acquisition unit 120, a third acquisition unit 130, and a determination unit 140.

[0025] The first acquisition unit 110 acquires the residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the time of expiry of the contract period when the vehicle usage contract is concluded.

[0026] The second acquisition unit 120 acquires the evaluation result of the vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle use contract.

[0027] The third acquisition unit 130 acquires the current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time.

[0028] The determination unit 140 determines the amount of money or the number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at a predetermined time based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value.

[0029] According to this information processing device 100, the amount or number of points to be provided to a vehicle user at a predetermined time is determined using the vehicle user's evaluation results in addition to the residual value and present value. Therefore, the vehicle user's evaluation results can be used to increase satisfaction between the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction between the parties.

[0030] (Configuration Example of Information Processing System SYS1) As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system SYS1 includes the above-described information processing device 100 and a management device 50 for managing vehicle usage contracts.

[0031] According to this information processing system SYS1, similar to the above-described information processing device 100, the amount or number of points to be provided to a vehicle user at a predetermined time is determined using the vehicle user's evaluation results in addition to the residual value and present value. Therefore, the vehicle user's evaluation results can be used to increase satisfaction between the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction between the parties.

[0032] (Example of Operation of Information Processing Device 100) The information processing device 100 executes information processing as shown in FIG.

[0033] The first acquisition unit 110 acquires the residual value set as the remaining value of the subject vehicle at the time of expiry of the contract period when the vehicle usage contract is concluded (step S110).

[0034] The second acquisition unit 120 acquires the evaluation result of the vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle use contract (step S120).

[0035] The third acquisition unit 130 acquires the current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point (step S130).

[0036] The determination unit 140 determines the amount of money or points to be provided to the vehicle user at a predetermined time based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value (step S140).

[0037] According to this information processing, the amount or number of points to be provided to a vehicle user at a given time is determined using the vehicle user's evaluation results in addition to the residual value and present value. Therefore, the vehicle user's evaluation results can be used to increase satisfaction between the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction between the parties.

[0038] The information processing system SYS1, the information processing apparatus 100, and detailed examples of their operations will be described below.

[0039] (Detailed Example) The information processing system SYS1 is a system for determining the amount or the number of points to be provided to a vehicle user at a predetermined time point in a vehicle usage contract. As described above, the information processing system SYS1 includes the management device 50 and the information processing device 100.

[0040] In the information processing system SYS1, the management device 50 and the information processing devices 100 may be connected to each other via a communication network NT that may be wired, wireless, or a combination of these. This allows the management device 50 and the information processing devices 100 to send and receive information to each other via the communication network NT.

[0041] (Regarding the Management Device 50) The management device 50 is a device for managing vehicle usage contracts.

[0042] A vehicle usage contract is a contract regarding the use of a target vehicle for a period specified in the contract (hereinafter referred to as the "contract period"). A vehicle usage contract is, for example, a contract concluded between a vehicle provider and a vehicle user as parties, in which the vehicle provider allows the vehicle user to use the target vehicle for the contract period. Examples of such vehicle usage contracts include a vehicle lease contract, a vehicle rental contract, and a car sharing contract. The vehicle provider in each of the contracts exemplified here is generally also referred to as a leasing company, a rental company, a car sharing company, etc.

[0043] A representative of the vehicle provider is a typical user of the management device 50. Hereinafter, the term "user" simply refers to a user of the management device 50.

[0044] Note that leasing companies, rental companies, car sharing companies, etc. are examples of vehicle providers, but vehicle providers are not limited to these.

[0045] The target vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle. In the following, an example will be described in which the target vehicle is an electric vehicle. The battery installed in the target vehicle is, for example, a power source for a motor that drives the tires of the electric vehicle, which is the target vehicle, and is a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0046] The target vehicle is not limited to an electric vehicle, but may be a vehicle other than an electric vehicle (for example, a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, etc.) within the scope to which the present disclosure is applicable.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the management device 50 includes a contract storage unit 52, a usage history storage unit 54, and a communication unit 56.

[0048] The contract storage unit 52 is a storage unit for storing contract information.

[0049] (Regarding Contract Information) Contract information is information relating to a vehicle usage contract.

[0050] The contract information is information that associates the target vehicle ID, user ID, contract period, initial price, residual value, predicted battery evaluation value, and usage price, as shown in an example in Figure 5.

[0051] The target vehicle ID (Identification) is information for identifying the target vehicle.

[0052] The user ID (Identification) is information for identifying the vehicle user, that is, the user of the target vehicle.

[0053] The contract period is the period during which a vehicle user identified using the associated user ID can use the target vehicle identified using the associated target vehicle ID.

[0054] The initial price is the price of the target vehicle identified using the associated target vehicle ID at the time of concluding the vehicle usage contract, and is set by the user, for example.

[0055] For example, if the target vehicle is a new or used vehicle purchased in the market, the original price of the target vehicle may be the purchase price of the target vehicle.

[0056] The term "present value" used below refers to the estimated value of the vehicle at the end of the contract period based on the actual condition of the vehicle. Using this term, the initial price can also be considered the present value at the time the vehicle usage contract is concluded.

[0057] The residual value is a price set by the user as the remaining value of the vehicle at the end of the contract period when the vehicle usage contract is concluded. In other words, the residual value is a price according to the value of the vehicle assumed as the remaining value of the vehicle at the end of the contract period when the contract is concluded.

[0058] The predicted battery rating is the battery rating at the time of expiration of the contract period, which is assumed when the vehicle usage contract is concluded.

[0059] The battery evaluation value indicates the state of the battery installed in the target vehicle. For example, the battery evaluation value may be, but is not limited to, the SOH (State of Health), which indicates the state of battery capacity degradation as a value between 0 (%) and 100 (%).

[0060] The usage price is a fee for a vehicle user identified by the associated user ID to use the associated target vehicle ID during the contract period, and is set by the user, for example.

[0061] The usage price may be set to a price calculated based on the current price, residual value, and contract period. In detail, the usage price may be set to a price calculated using a predetermined formula such as (current price - residual value) / contract period.

[0062] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the target vehicle ID and user ID are set to "CAR1" and "USER1," respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the contract period is set to start on September 1, 2023 and end on August 31, 2028.

[0063] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the initial price, residual value, and predicted battery evaluation value are set to "5 million yen," "2 million yen," and "70%," respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 5, when the current price is 5 million yen, the residual value is 2 million yen, and the contract period is 5 years, the usage price is set to "600,000 yen / year," which is the result of using the above calculation formula.

[0064] The structure of the contract information is not limited to the example shown here, and may include, for example, some of the target vehicle ID, user ID, contract period, initial price, residual value, predicted battery evaluation value, and usage price, or may include other information. Furthermore, the method of calculating the usage price is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the usage price is not limited to a price on an annual basis, and may be set in appropriate time units such as months, days, or hours, or may be set in other ways.

[0065] Referring again to Fig. 4, the usage history storage unit 54 is a storage unit for storing usage history information. The usage history information may include, for example, at least one of first history information and second history information.

[0066] (Regarding the first history information) The first history information includes a usage history of the target vehicle. For example, the first history information is information that associates the target vehicle ID, mileage, driving time, driving history, charging history, and charging power usage history other than driving.

[0067] The driving history may include acceleration while driving, which makes it possible to know the history of sudden acceleration, which generally places a heavy burden on the battery.

[0068] The charging history may include a history of rapid charging. Rapid charging refers to charging the battery mounted on the target vehicle in a charging mode in which the battery is charged at a faster rate than the normal charging rate in a battery charging device. This allows the history of rapid charging, which generally places a greater burden on the battery than the normal charging mode, to be known.

[0069] The charging history may also include the charging time and one or both of the current value and voltage value during charging. This allows the battery evaluation value (e.g., SOH) of the target vehicle being used by the vehicle user to be calculated using a common method. The charging history may further include this battery evaluation value.

[0070] Furthermore, the charging history may include the power source configuration of the power used for charging. The power source configuration may be information indicating, for example, renewable energy or other general power sources. Renewable energy sources include, but are not limited to, solar, biomass, wind, and geothermal energy. General power sources include, but are not limited to, natural gas, coal, oil, hydroelectric power, and nuclear power.

[0071] The usage history of the charging power other than for driving is, for example, a usage history of the power when the power charged in the battery is used for purposes other than driving the target vehicle. In detail, for example, the usage history of the charging power other than for driving may include at least one of a usage history for the vehicle user's daily life, a history of selling the power to a power company, etc.

[0072] The configuration of the first history information is not limited to the example given here, and may include, for example, part of the target vehicle ID, mileage, driving time, driving history, charging history, and charging power usage history other than driving, or may include other information.

[0073] (Regarding Second History Information) The second history information includes a usage history of a service predetermined in a vehicle usage contract, etc. In detail, for example, the second history information includes a history of the vehicle user using the predetermined service.

[0074] The predetermined services may include, for example, one or more of charging stations, which are facilities for charging batteries installed in electric vehicles, retail stores, vehicle maintenance and inspection services, vehicle accessory sales services, etc.

[0075] The retail store may include, for example, one or more of a convenience store, a supermarket, a commercial facility, etc. The vehicle maintenance and inspection service may include, for example, one or more of a vehicle inspection service, a battery diagnostic service that diagnoses the condition of a battery, etc. The vehicle accessory sales service is, for example, a service that sells vehicle-related products such as vehicle tires, batteries, etc.

[0076] The usage history of a predetermined service may include at least one of the time of use, the period of use, the frequency of use, and the amount of use of the service.

[0077] Here, the amount of service usage may be determined based on, for example, the total amount of money paid when using the service over a predetermined period. Furthermore, if points from a general point service are available for use with the service, the amount of service usage may be determined based on the points used. When both money and points are used, the ratio of money to points used in determining the amount of service usage may be determined, for example, in a vehicle usage contract.

[0078] Here, a general point service is, for example, a system in which points are given to users of a service as a reward for using the service.

[0079] When the communication unit 56 acquires the contract information and the charging history information, the communication unit 56 stores them in the contract storage unit 52 and the usage history storage unit 54. Furthermore, when the communication unit 56 receives a request for information,

[0080] For example, the communication unit 56 may acquire the contract information and the information request from the management device 50 or a terminal device (not shown) via the communication network NT or a different communication network. The contract information may be transmitted from the management device 50 or the terminal device in response to a user operation when concluding a vehicle usage contract. The transmitted contract information may then be acquired by the communication unit 56.

[0081] For example, the communication unit 56 may acquire the first history information from a charging device (not shown) via the communication network NT or a different communication network. The first history information may be transmitted from an in-vehicle terminal mounted on the target vehicle, or may be transmitted from the charging device when the battery mounted on the target vehicle is charged. The transmitted charging history information may then be acquired by the communication unit 56.

[0082] The charging device is a device used to charge a battery installed in the target vehicle. Note that information for identifying the charging device (a charging device ID) may be set in the contract information in association with the target vehicle, for example, when a vehicle usage contract is concluded, and may be included in the first history information. By using this charging device ID, the target vehicle can be associated with the first history information even if the first history information transmitted from the charging device does not include the target vehicle ID.

[0083] (Regarding the information processing device 100) The information processing device 100 is a device for determining the amount or number of points to be provided to a vehicle user at a predetermined time point in a vehicle usage contract. The user of the information processing device 100 is typically the same as the user of the management device 50, but may be different.

[0084] In the following, an example will be described in which the predetermined time point is the expiration of the contract period in a vehicle usage contract, and the provided quantity is a monetary amount.

[0085] The predetermined time point is not limited to the expiration of the contract period, but may be a predetermined time during the contract period. The provided quantity may be, for example, one or both of the number of points used in a general point service that is predetermined in a vehicle usage contract or the like, or a monetary amount. When both money and points are used, the allocation of the monetary amount and the number of points in the provided quantity may be determined, for example, in the vehicle usage contract or the like.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6 , the information processing device 100 includes a first acquisition unit 110 , a second acquisition unit 120 , a third acquisition unit 130 , a determination unit 140 , and an output unit 150 .

[0087] The first acquisition unit 110, the second acquisition unit 120, the third acquisition unit 130, and the determination unit 140 have been outlined above.

[0088] That is, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the time of expiration of the contract period when the vehicle usage contract is concluded. The second acquisition unit 120 acquires the evaluation result of the vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle usage contract. The third acquisition unit 130 acquires the present value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time.

[0089] The determination unit 140 determines the quantity to be provided, which is the amount or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at a specified time, based on the residual value acquired by each of the first acquisition unit 110, the second acquisition unit 120, and the third acquisition unit 130, the evaluation result, and the present value.

[0090] The output unit 150 outputs the supply quantity determined by the determination unit 140 .

[0091] The information processing device 100 executes information processing such as that shown in FIG.

[0092] Steps S110 to S140 are performed as described above.

[0093] That is, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the time of expiry of the contract period when the vehicle usage contract is concluded (step S110).

[0094] The second acquisition unit 120 acquires the evaluation result of the vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle use contract (step S120).

[0095] The third acquisition unit 130 acquires the current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point (step S130).

[0096] The determination unit 140 determines the amount or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at a specified time based on the residual value obtained in steps S110, S120, and S130, respectively, the evaluation result, and the present value (step S140).

[0097] The output unit 150 outputs the supply quantity determined in step S140.

[0098] (Regarding Acquisition of Residual Value) The first acquisition unit 110 acquires the residual value of the target vehicle from the management device 50 by, for example, making a request to the management device 50 in response to an instruction from the user.

[0099] (Regarding Acquisition of Vehicle User's Evaluation Result) The vehicle user's evaluation result is determined based on, for example, usage history information by the vehicle user.

[0100] The second acquisition unit 120 may include, for example, a usage history acquisition unit 121 and an evaluation unit 122 as shown in FIG. 8 .

[0101] The usage history acquisition unit 121 acquires usage history information of the vehicle user. The evaluation unit 122 obtains an evaluation result of the vehicle user based on the usage history information acquired by the usage history acquisition unit 121.

[0102] The second acquisition unit 120 may execute a second acquisition process as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

[0103] The usage history acquisition unit 121 acquires usage history information of the vehicle user (step S121). The evaluation unit 122 determines an evaluation result of the vehicle user based on the usage history information acquired in step S122 (step S122).

[0104] (Regarding the second acquisition unit 120) The second acquisition unit 120 may acquire the usage history information of the requested vehicle user from the management device 50, for example, by making a request to the management device 50 in response to a user instruction. The second acquisition unit 120 may also acquire current state information regarding the current state of at least one of the exterior and interior of the target vehicle, for example, based on at least one of a user input, usage history information, a vehicle image captured of the target vehicle, etc. The current state may include at least one of scratches, dents, dirt, wear, odor, etc.

[0105] In detail, for example, the current status information may include at least one of the pieces of information exemplified in Examples 1 to 5 below.

[0106] (Example 1) Information indicating whether a specific object has been taken on board A specific object is, for example, a predetermined object such as a pet that may cause dirt, odor, etc. inside the vehicle. In other words, Example 1 is an example of current state information regarding the current state inside the target vehicle.

[0107] (Example 2) Information indicating whether smoking has occurred inside the vehicle Whether smoking has occurred inside the vehicle affects the dirt, odor, etc. In other words, Example 2 is an example of current state information regarding the current state inside the target vehicle.

[0108] (Example 3) Information indicating whether or not the target vehicle has been used for a specific purpose, such as outdoors, or the number of times it has been used. A specific purpose is, for example, a predetermined purpose of using the target vehicle that affects scratches, dents, dirt, wear, odors, etc. on the outside or inside of the vehicle, such as outdoors, fishing, etc. In other words, Example 3 is an example of current state information regarding the current state of the outside and inside of the target vehicle.

[0109] (Example 4) Information indicating the presence or absence of damage in the interior of the target vehicle or a value corresponding to the degree of damage Damage in the interior of the vehicle is, for example, at least one of scratches, dents, dirt, etc. in various parts of the interior of the vehicle, such as the dashboard or seats. Damage in the interior of the vehicle may also include worn seats, etc. In other words, Example 4 is an example of current state information regarding the current state of the interior of the target vehicle.

[0110] Seat wear is the permanent deformation of a seat that occurs as a result of use of the vehicle. Seat wear is an example of seat performance deterioration, and affects seating comfort, etc.

[0111] (Example 5) Information indicating the presence or absence of damage to the exterior of the target vehicle or a value corresponding to the extent of the damage. Damage to the exterior of the vehicle is, for example, at least one of scratches, dents, dirt, etc. on various parts of the exterior of the vehicle, such as the body, fenders, windows, etc. Damage to the exterior of the vehicle may also include wear and tear on the suspension, etc. In other words, Example 5 is an example of current state information regarding the current state of the exterior of the target vehicle.

[0112] Suspension wear is a permanent deformation that occurs in the suspension due to use of the vehicle seat. Suspension wear is an example of suspension performance degradation, and affects the vehicle's driving performance, ride comfort, etc.

[0113] Here, the values ​​corresponding to the degree of damage to the exterior and interior of the target vehicle may be, for example, predetermined values ​​that indicate the degree of damage in stages. These values ​​are not limited to numerical values, but may be one or a combination of letters, symbols, numbers, etc.

[0114] In detail, for example, the value for scratches may be a predetermined value indicating the degree of scratches in stages based on a combination of the length and depth of the scratches. The value for dirt may be a predetermined value indicating the degree of dirt in stages based on a combination of the density and area of ​​the dirt. The value for dents may be a predetermined value indicating the degree of dirt in stages based on a combination of the depth of the dents and the area of ​​the dented portion. The value for settling may be a predetermined value indicating the degree of settling in stages based on the amount of sinking of the seat and / or suspension compared to when the product was first used.

[0115] There are various methods for the second acquisition unit 120 to acquire the current status information. For example, the second acquisition unit 120 may acquire the current status information regarding the current status of the target vehicle based on at least one of a user input, usage history information, a vehicle image captured of the target vehicle, etc.

[0116] The user may input the current status information, for example, by observing the target vehicle or by listening to the vehicle user.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, the second acquisition unit 120 may acquire current status information of the target vehicle using a detection model with one or more vehicle images captured of at least one of the interior and exterior of the target vehicle as input. The detection model is a machine learning model trained to detect vehicle damage (e.g., scratches, dirt, etc.). In training the detection model, for example, training vehicle images and ground truth data indicating vehicle damage contained therein may be used to train the detection model to detect scratches, dirt, etc. contained in the training vehicle images. When acquiring current status information using vehicle images, image processing such as comparison of vehicle images at the start of use and current vehicle images of the target vehicle, and pattern matching with pre-prepared images indicating damage may be used in addition to or instead of the detection model.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, whether or not a particular purpose was used and the number of times of use may be acquired from the usage history information when the usage history information includes the route used.

[0119] The information included in the current status information and the method for acquiring the current status information are not limited to the above examples.

[0120] (Regarding the evaluation unit 122) The evaluation unit 122 may determine an evaluation result of the vehicle user by integrating item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information, for example. That is, the evaluation result may be determined by integrating item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information.

[0121] The evaluation unit 122 may, for example, determine the evaluation result of the vehicle user by integrating the item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information as well as the current status information described above.

[0122] (Regarding Evaluation Items) Evaluation items are, for example, items used by a vehicle provider to evaluate a vehicle user. Evaluation items are, for example, items related to the user's actions that bring benefits to the vehicle provider, in other words, items used to evaluate the benefits that the user brings to the vehicle provider. In this case, the evaluation items may, for example, include at least one of (1) direct benefits and (2) indirect benefits.

[0123] (1) Examples of Evaluation Items Related to Direct Benefits Evaluation items related to direct benefits are evaluation items for evaluating the direct benefits that users provide to vehicle providers. Evaluation items related to direct benefits may include, for example, at least one of (1-1) the vehicle condition of the target vehicle, (1-2) the amount of service usage, and (1-3) the charging power usage status of the battery installed in the target vehicle. The amount of service usage is the amount of usage of a predetermined service included in the usage history information.

[0124] (1-1) The vehicle state may include at least one of the state of the battery installed in the target vehicle and the state of the target vehicle other than the battery (for example, the state of at least one of the outside and inside of the target vehicle).

[0125] (2) Examples of Evaluation Items Related to Indirect Benefits Evaluation items related to indirect benefits are used to evaluate the indirect benefits that users provide to vehicle providers. Evaluation items related to indirect benefits may include, for example, at least one of (2-1) advertising effectiveness and (2-2) carbon dioxide emission reduction effect (hereinafter also referred to as "CO2 reduction effect").

[0126] (Regarding the evaluation method and evaluation results for each evaluation item) The evaluation result may be a value obtained by aggregating the item-specific evaluation values ​​using a predetermined method, such as the sum of the item-specific evaluation values ​​determined for each evaluation item, or the sum of the values ​​obtained by weighting each item-specific evaluation value with a predetermined weight (weighted sum).

[0127] (1-1) The itemized evaluation value for the vehicle condition is, for example, a value obtained by aggregating the evaluation value for the condition of the battery installed in the target vehicle and the evaluation value for the condition of the target vehicle other than the battery using a predetermined method. This aggregation method may be, for example, a sum, a sum of values ​​weighted by a predetermined weight (weighted sum), etc.

[0128] The evaluation value regarding the state of the battery mounted on the target vehicle may be determined, for example, based on the first history information, so that the larger the battery evaluation value, the larger the value.

[0129] The evaluation value for the state of the battery mounted on the target vehicle may be determined based on, for example, at least one of the mileage, the driving time, the driving history, and the charging history. In this case, the evaluation value may be determined so as to be smaller as the mileage, the driving time, the number or duration of sudden acceleration / deceleration (acceleration and / or deceleration at or above a predetermined acceleration) increases, and the number or duration of rapid charging increases.

[0130] The evaluation value for the condition of the target vehicle other than the battery may be determined based on current status information, for example.

[0131] In detail, for example, the evaluation value regarding the condition of the target vehicle other than the battery may be determined to be small when no specific object is being carried in the vehicle. The evaluation value may be determined to be small when no smoking is being performed in the vehicle. The evaluation value may be determined to be small when the vehicle is not being used for a specific purpose. The evaluation value may be determined to be small when there is no damage inside the target vehicle, and the evaluation value may be determined to be small when there is no damage outside the target vehicle.

[0132] Furthermore, for example, the evaluation value may be determined to be smaller the fewer times the vehicle is used for a specific purpose, the evaluation value may be determined to be smaller the lower the level of damage to the interior of the target vehicle, or the evaluation value may be determined to be smaller the lower the level of damage to the exterior of the target vehicle.

[0133] In determining these evaluation values, for example, one or more of a predetermined calculation formula, a predetermined table, etc. may be used.

[0134] (1-2) The item-specific evaluation value regarding the service usage amount may be determined based on, for example, the second history information.

[0135] In detail, for example, the item-specific evaluation value related to the amount of service usage may be determined using at least one of the service usage time, usage period, usage frequency, usage amount, etc., and one or more of a predetermined calculation formula, a predetermined table, etc. More specifically, for example, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it increases as the interval between usage times becomes shorter. For example, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it increases as the usage frequency becomes higher. For example, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it increases as the amount of usage becomes higher.

[0136] (1-3) The evaluation value for each item regarding the charging power usage status may be determined based on, for example, the first history information (history of charging power usage other than for driving).

[0137] In detail, for example, the item-specific evaluation value related to the charging power usage status may be determined using at least one of the usage history for the vehicle user's daily life, the history of power sales to an electric power company, etc., and one or more of a predetermined calculation formula, a predetermined table, etc. More specifically, for example, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it increases as the usage history for the vehicle user's daily life in a specific time period (for example, a time period when the consumption of power provided by an electric power company is high). For example, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it increases as the amount of power sold increases.

[0138] (2-1) The item-specific evaluation value regarding advertising effectiveness may be determined based on, for example, the second history information.

[0139] In detail, for example, the item-specific evaluation value related to advertising effectiveness may be determined using at least one of the usage time, usage period, usage frequency, usage amount, etc. of a specific service, which is one or more pre-specified services, and one or more predetermined calculation formulas, pre-specified tables, etc. More specifically, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it is larger, for example, the shorter the interval between usage times. The item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it is larger, for example, the higher the usage frequency. The item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it is larger, for example, the higher the usage amount.

[0140] The specific service may be, for example, a service provider whose payment to the vehicle provider is greater than a predetermined value. In this way, the advertising effectiveness is an evaluation item that uses the usage volume of the specific service. By using the item-specific evaluation value for the advertising effectiveness, it is possible to encourage users to use the specific service that brings indirect benefits to the vehicle provider.

[0141] (2-2) The itemized evaluation value for the CO2 reduction effect may be determined based on, for example, the first history information (charging history).

[0142] In detail, for example, the item-specific evaluation value related to the CO2 reduction effect may be determined using the power source configuration of the power used for charging and one or more of a predetermined calculation formula, a predetermined table, etc. More specifically, the item-specific evaluation value may be determined so that it increases as one or more of the amount of charging using renewable energy, the number of charging times, and the charging frequency increase.

[0143] By using such item-specific evaluation values ​​regarding CO2 reduction effects, it is possible to improve the indirect benefits that users bring to vehicle providers, for example, in carbon pricing for vehicle providers.

[0144] The evaluation items are not limited to those exemplified here, and the method of evaluating the vehicle user for each evaluation item is not limited to those exemplified here.

[0145] (Regarding Acquisition of the Present Value of the Target Vehicle) The present value at a predetermined point in time (for example, at the time of expiration of the vehicle usage contract) may be acquired in response to a user input or may be acquired automatically.

[0146] The present value at a predetermined time (e.g., at the expiration of the vehicle contract) may be obtained based on the condition of the battery installed in the subject vehicle (e.g., the battery evaluation value).The present value may also be obtained based on the market price at the predetermined time of a vehicle that is the same as the subject vehicle or a vehicle that has a similar evaluation in the market.

[0147] When the third acquisition unit 130 automatically acquires the present value, the third acquisition unit 130 may acquire a charging history from the management device 50 and calculate a battery evaluation value using the acquired charging history and a predetermined calculation formula, etc. Furthermore, the third acquisition unit 130 may acquire a market price from an external device (not shown). Then, the third acquisition unit 130 may acquire the present value using at least one of the battery evaluation value, the market price, etc., or by combining two or more of them in a predetermined manner.

[0148] (Regarding Determination of the Offering Quantity) For example, when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined criterion, the determination unit 140 may determine the offering quantity based on the difference between the residual value and the present value. In other words, when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined criterion, the offering quantity may be determined based on the difference between the residual value and the present value.

[0149] Furthermore, for example, when the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the determination unit 140 may determine the provision quantity to be a specified value. That is, when the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the provision quantity may be determined to be a specified value. The specified value is typically zero, but an appropriate value may be set.

[0150] The criteria may be, for example, criteria for determining whether the vehicle user is a good user. In detail, for example, the criteria may include whether the evaluation result of the vehicle user is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0151] The difference between the residual value and the present value is, for example, the difference.

[0152] The determination unit 140 may include, for example, a first determination unit 141, a second determination unit 142a, and a quantity determination unit 143a, as shown in FIG.

[0153] The first determination unit 141 determines whether the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0154] The second determination unit 142a determines whether the present value is greater than the residual value. For example, the second determination unit 142a determines whether the residual value is greater than the present value.

[0155] The quantity determination unit 143a determines the quantity to be provided based on the determination results of the first determination unit 141 and the second determination unit 142a.

[0156] The determination unit 140 may execute a determination process (step S140) as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

[0157] The first determination unit 141 determines whether the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard (Step S141).

[0158] If it is determined that the evaluation result satisfies the predetermined standard (Step S141; Yes), the second determination unit 142a determines whether the residual value is greater than the present value (Step S142a).

[0159] If it is determined that the residual value is greater than the present value (step S142a; Yes), the quantity determination unit 143a determines the quantity to be provided to be "residual value-present value" (step S143a_1).

[0160] If it is determined that the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined standard (step S141; No), the quantity determination unit 143a determines the provision quantity to be a specified value (e.g., zero) (step S143a_2).Furthermore, if it is determined that the residual value is not greater than the present value (i.e., the residual value is equal to or less than the present value) (step S142a; No), the quantity determination unit 143a determines the provision quantity to be a specified value (e.g., zero) (step S143a_2).

[0161] In this example of the determination process (step S140), the quantity to be provided is the difference (difference) between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is lower than the residual value.

[0162] If the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard and the present value is lower than the residual value, the quantity to be provided may be a quantity corresponding to the difference (difference) between the present value and the residual value. For example, using a predetermined relational expression or the like, the quantity to be provided may be determined so that the greater the difference between the present value and the residual value, the greater the quantity to be provided, either stepwise or continuously.

[0163] In a typical vehicle usage contract such as a lease contract, if the present value is lower than the residual value, the vehicle user must pay the difference. As a result, the vehicle user may be required to make unexpected payments when signing the vehicle usage contract.

[0164] In the example of the determination process (step S140) described above, even if the present value is lower than the residual value, a vehicle user who meets the criteria can be provided with an amount of money or points according to the difference. This allows a good vehicle user to compensate for unexpected payments made when concluding a vehicle usage contract. This makes it possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that is highly satisfying for both parties.

[0165] In contrast, in this example of the determination process (step S140), the provided quantity is determined to be a specified value if the evaluation result does not meet the predetermined criteria. Therefore, vehicle users who do not meet the criteria, i.e., non-good vehicle users, are not provided with the compensation that is provided to good vehicle users. In this way, by determining whether to provide compensation depending on whether the vehicle user is good or bad, vehicle users can be treated fairly. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction to both parties.

[0166] Also, in this example of the determination process (step S140), the quantity provided is a specified value (the same specified value as when the present value and the residual value are equal) when the evaluation result meets predetermined criteria and the present value is higher than the residual value.

[0167] When the present value is higher than the residual value, vehicle users are generally unlikely to be asked to make unexpected payments when the vehicle usage contract is concluded. Therefore, even for good vehicle users, there is almost no need to provide compensation. When the present value is higher than the residual value, even if the provision quantity is set to a specified value, there is little chance that vehicle users will feel dissatisfied or unfair. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of vehicle usage contracts that are highly satisfying for both parties.

[0168] The quantity provided to a good vehicle user may be increased by a fixed amount or by an amount according to the evaluation result. In this case, if the added quantity is based on the evaluation result, the added quantity may be determined using one or more predetermined calculation formulas, tables, etc., so that the higher the evaluation result, the larger the added quantity. This can encourage good vehicle users to lease or purchase a vehicle for the next time, and can provide compensation for necessary expenses associated with using the target vehicle. As a result, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction between the parties.

[0169] (Regarding output of the provided quantity) The output method may be, for example, display or transmission. When transmitting the provided quantity, the transmission destination may be the management device 50 or a device not shown (for example, a device specified by the user or a predetermined device).

[0170] (Example of Physical Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 100) As shown in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 100 physically includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, and a user interface 1060.

[0171] 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.

[0172] The processor 1020 is implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0173] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0174] 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.

[0175] The network interface 1050 is an interface for connecting a device equipped with it to a communication network.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] In this way, the functions of the information processing device 100 can be realized by the physical components cooperating to execute a software program. Therefore, the present invention may be realized as a software program or as a non-transitory storage medium on which the program is recorded.

[0179] The management device 50 may be physically configured in the same way as the information processing device 100, for example. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 and the management device 50 may be physically configured as a single device, such as the information processing device 100 having the functions of the management device 50. Alternatively, the overall functions of the information processing device 100 and the management device 50 may be provided separately in multiple devices in a manner different from the above example.

[0180] (Operations and Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 100 includes the first acquisition unit 110 , the second acquisition unit 120 , the third acquisition unit 130 , and the determination unit 140 .

[0181] The first acquisition unit 110 acquires a residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the expiration of the contract period when the vehicle usage contract is concluded. The second acquisition unit 120 acquires an evaluation result of the vehicle user, who is one of the parties to the vehicle usage contract. The third acquisition unit 130 acquires the present value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time. The determination unit 140 determines the provision quantity, which is the amount of money or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at a predetermined time, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value.

[0182] As a result, the amount or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at a given time is determined using the vehicle user's evaluation results in addition to the residual value and present value. Therefore, the vehicle user's evaluation results can be used to increase satisfaction between the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction between the parties.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the evaluation result is determined based on usage history information of the vehicle user, which includes at least one of first history information including a usage history of the target vehicle and second history information including a usage history of a predetermined service.

[0184] This allows the evaluation result of the vehicle user to be determined using at least one of the first history information and the second history information. Because the first history information and the second history information are objective information about the vehicle user, the evaluation result of the vehicle user can be determined and used to increase satisfaction between the parties to the vehicle usage contract. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction between the parties.

[0185] According to this embodiment, the quantity to be provided is determined based on the difference between the residual value and the present value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0186] This allows the system to determine the appropriate quantity to be provided to vehicle users who meet the criteria based on the difference between the residual value and the present value, thereby helping to create vehicle usage contracts that are highly satisfying for both parties.

[0187] According to this embodiment, the provided quantity is determined to be a specified value when the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined standard.

[0188] This allows the system to determine the appropriate number of vehicles to be provided to vehicle users who do not meet the criteria, thereby helping to create vehicle usage contracts that are highly satisfying for both parties.

[0189] According to this embodiment, the present value is obtained based on the state of the battery installed in the target vehicle.

[0190] This allows for the determination of an appropriate present value, thereby helping to create a vehicle usage contract that satisfies both parties.

[0191] According to this embodiment, the evaluation result is determined by integrating item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information. The evaluation items include at least one of the vehicle condition of the target vehicle, the usage amount of predetermined services included in the usage history information, the charging power usage status of the battery installed in the target vehicle, the advertising effectiveness, and the carbon dioxide emission reduction effect.

[0192] This allows vehicle users to be evaluated objectively and fairly, and vehicle users can be treated fairly. Therefore, the amount of money or points to be provided to a vehicle user at a given time can be fairly determined. Furthermore, since these evaluation items are related to actions by the user that directly or indirectly bring benefits to the vehicle provider, it is possible to increase direct or indirect benefits to the vehicle provider. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that provides high satisfaction to both parties.

[0193] According to this embodiment, the provided quantity is a quantity according to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard and the present value is lower than the residual value.

[0194] As described above, this allows a good vehicle user to be compensated for unexpected payments when concluding a vehicle usage contract, thereby helping to realize a vehicle usage contract that is highly satisfying for both parties.

[0195] According to this embodiment, the provided quantity is a specified value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value.

[0196] This makes it possible to provide almost no money or points to the vehicle user at a specified time. Even in this case, as mentioned above, there is little possibility that the vehicle user will feel dissatisfied or unfair. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that is highly satisfying for both parties.

[0197] [Embodiment 2] The quantity to be provided may be a quantity corresponding to the difference (amount difference) between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value. This is because various incentives can be given to vehicle users. In this embodiment, an example of such a determination unit 140 will be described.

[0198] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the determination unit 140 may include the first determination unit 141, the second determination unit 142b, and the quantity determination unit 143b described in the first embodiment.

[0199] The second determination unit 142b determines the magnitude relationship between the present value and the residual value, similar to the second determination unit 142a. For example, the second determination unit 142b determines at least two of whether the residual value is greater than the present value, whether the residual value is equal to the present value, or whether the present value is greater than the residual value.

[0200] The quantity determination unit 143b determines the quantity to be provided based on the determination results of the first determination unit 141 and the second determination unit 142b.

[0201] The determination unit 140 may execute a determination process (step S140) as shown in FIG. 14, for example.

[0202] The determination process (step S140) illustrated in Fig. 14 includes steps S142b and S143b in addition to steps S141, S142a, S143a_1, and S143a_2 similar to those in embodiment 1. Here, differences from the determination process (step S140) illustrated in Fig. 11 will be described.

[0203] If it is determined that the residual value is not greater than the present value (i.e., the residual value is less than or equal to the present value) (step S142a; No), the second judgment unit 142b determines whether the present value is greater than the residual value (step S142b).

[0204] If it is determined that the present value is not greater than the residual value (that is, the present value and the residual value are equal) (step S142b; No), step S143a_2 similar to that in the first embodiment is executed.

[0205] If it is determined that the present value is higher than the residual value (step S142b; Yes), the quantity determination unit 143b determines the quantity to be provided to be "present value-residual value" (step S143b).

[0206] In this example of the determination process (step S140), the quantity to be provided is the difference (difference) between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value.

[0207] If the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value, the quantity to be provided may be a quantity corresponding to the difference (difference) between the present value and the residual value. For example, using a predetermined relational expression or the like, the quantity to be provided may be determined so that the greater the difference between the present value and the residual value, the greater the quantity to be provided, either stepwise or continuously.

[0208] In this case, as described in the first embodiment, there is little need to compensate the vehicle user. However, in this case, by providing the vehicle user with money or points corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value, the vehicle user can be given an incentive to treat the target vehicle so that the present value is higher than the residual value, an incentive to become a good vehicle user, etc. Furthermore, even if such money or points are given, there is little possibility that the vehicle user will feel dissatisfied or feel a sense of unfairness. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that is highly satisfying for both parties, while providing the vehicle user with an incentive to treat the target vehicle carefully and to become a good vehicle user.

[0209] (Actions and Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the quantity to be provided is a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value.

[0210] As a result, as described above, vehicle users can be given incentives to treat the target vehicle so that its current value is higher than its residual value, incentives to become good vehicle users, etc. Furthermore, even if such money or points are awarded, there is little chance that the vehicle users will feel dissatisfied or unfair. Therefore, it is possible to support the realization of a vehicle usage contract that is highly satisfying for both parties, while giving vehicle users incentives to treat the target vehicle carefully and to become good vehicle users.

[0211] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0212] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show a sequence of steps (processes), the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the sequence shown in the flowcharts. In each embodiment, the order of steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0213] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. An information processing device comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring a residual value set as the remaining value of a target vehicle at the expiration of a contract period when a vehicle usage contract is concluded; a second acquisition means for acquiring an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle usage contract; a third acquisition means for acquiring the present value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point; and a determination means for determining an amount to be provided, which is an amount of money or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at the predetermined time point, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value. 2. The information processing device described in 1., wherein the evaluation result is determined based on usage history information by the vehicle user, and the usage history information includes at least one of first history information including a usage history of the target vehicle and second history information including a usage history of a predetermined service. 3. The information processing device described in 1. or 2., wherein the amount to be provided is determined based on the difference between the residual value and the present value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard. 4. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 3., wherein the provided quantity is determined to be a specified value when the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined standard. 5. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 4., wherein the present value is acquired based on the state of a battery mounted on the target vehicle. 6. The information processing device according to 2., wherein the evaluation result is determined by integrating item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information, the evaluation items including at least one of the vehicle state of the target vehicle, the usage amount of a predetermined service included in the usage history information, the charging power usage status of a battery mounted on the target vehicle, advertising effectiveness, and carbon dioxide emission reduction effect. 7. The information processing device according to 3., wherein the provided quantity is a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard and the present value is lower than the residual value.8. The information processing device described in 3., wherein the provision quantity is a specified value or a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value. 9. An information processing system comprising: the information processing device described in any one of 1. to 8.; and a management device for managing the vehicle usage contract. 10. An information processing method in which one or more computers acquire a residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the expiration of the contract period when concluding the vehicle usage contract, acquire an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one party to the vehicle usage contract, acquire the present value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point, and determine a provision quantity, which is an amount of money or number of points, to be provided to the vehicle user at the predetermined time point based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value. 11. The evaluation result is determined based on usage history information of the vehicle user, and the usage history information includes at least one of first history information including a usage history of the target vehicle and second history information including a usage history of a predetermined service. 12. The information processing method according to 10. or 11., wherein the provided quantity is determined based on the difference between the residual value and the present value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined standard. 13. The information processing method according to any one of 10. to 12., wherein the provided quantity is determined to be a specified value when the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined standard. 14. The information processing method according to any one of 10. to 13., wherein the present value is acquired based on the state of a battery mounted on the target vehicle. 15. The information processing method according to 11., wherein the evaluation result is determined by integrating item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information, and the evaluation items include at least one of the vehicle state of the target vehicle, the usage amount of predetermined services included in the usage history information, the charging power usage status of the battery mounted on the target vehicle, advertising effectiveness, and carbon dioxide emission reduction effect.16. The information processing method described in 12., wherein the provision quantity is a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is lower than the residual value. 17. The information processing method described in 12., wherein the provision quantity is a specified value or a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value. 18. A program for causing one or more computers to execute the following: acquiring a residual value set as the remaining value of the target vehicle at the expiration of the contract period when a vehicle usage contract is concluded; acquiring an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one party to the vehicle usage contract; acquiring the present value of the target vehicle at a predetermined point in time; and determining a provision quantity, which is an amount of money or number of points to be provided to the vehicle user at the predetermined point in time, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the present value. 19. The program described in 18., wherein the evaluation result is determined based on usage history information by the vehicle user, and the usage history information includes at least one of first history information including a usage history of the target vehicle and second history information including a usage history of a predetermined service. 20. The program described in 18. or 19., wherein the provided quantity is determined based on the difference between the residual value and the present value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard. 21. The program described in any one of 18. to 20., wherein the provided quantity is determined to be a specified value when the evaluation result does not meet the predetermined standard. 22. The program described in any one of 18. to 21., wherein the present value is obtained based on the state of a battery installed in the target vehicle. 23. 19. The program described in Item 19, wherein the evaluation result is determined by integrating item-specific evaluation values ​​obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information, and the evaluation items include at least one of the vehicle condition of the target vehicle, the usage amount of predetermined services included in the usage history information, the charging power usage status of a battery installed in the target vehicle, advertising effectiveness, and carbon dioxide emission reduction effect.24. The program described in 20., wherein the provided quantity is a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is lower than the residual value. 25. The program described in 20., wherein the provided quantity is a specified value or a quantity corresponding to the difference between the present value and the residual value when the evaluation result meets a predetermined standard and the present value is higher than the residual value. 26. A recording medium having the program described in any one of 18. to 25. recorded thereon.

[0214] 50 Management device 52 Contract storage unit 54 Usage history storage unit 56 Communication unit 100 Information processing device 110 First acquisition unit 120 Second acquisition unit 121 Usage history acquisition unit 122 Evaluation unit 130 Third acquisition unit 140 Determination unit 141 First determination unit 142a, 142b Second determination unit 143a, 143b Quantity determination unit 150 Output unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring a residual value set as the residual value of a target vehicle at the end of a contract period when concluding a vehicle use contract; a second acquisition means for acquiring an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle use contract; a third acquisition means for acquiring the current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time; and a determination means for determining a provision quantity, which is an amount or number of points provided to the vehicle user at the predetermined time, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the current value.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation result is determined based on usage history information of the vehicle user, and the usage history information includes at least one of first history information including a usage history of the target vehicle and second history information including a usage history of a predetermined service.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the provision quantity is determined based on the difference between the residual value and the current value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined criterion.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the provision quantity is determined as a specified value when the evaluation result does not satisfy a predetermined criterion.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation result is determined by integrating item-by-item evaluation values obtained by evaluating the vehicle user for each of one or more predetermined evaluation items based on the usage history information, and the evaluation items include at least one of the vehicle state of the target vehicle, the usage amount of a predetermined service included in the usage history information, the charging power usage status of a battery mounted on the target vehicle, an advertising effect, and a reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the provision quantity is a quantity corresponding to the difference between the current value and the residual value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined criterion and the current value is lower than the residual value.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the provision quantity is a specified value or a quantity corresponding to the difference between the current value and the residual value when the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined criterion and the current value is higher than the residual value.

8. An information processing system comprising: the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a management apparatus for managing the vehicle use contract.

9. An information processing method in which one or more computers obtain a residual value set as the residual value of a target vehicle at the end of a contract period when concluding a vehicle use contract, obtain an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle use contract, obtain the current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point, and determine, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the current value, an amount provided to the vehicle user or a quantity of points provided at the predetermined time point, which is the quantity of the offer.

10. A recording medium on which a program is recorded for causing one or more computers to obtain a residual value set as the residual value of a target vehicle at the end of a contract period when concluding a vehicle use contract, obtain an evaluation result of a vehicle user who is one of the parties to the vehicle use contract, obtain the current value of the target vehicle at a predetermined time point, and determine, based on the residual value, the evaluation result, and the current value, an amount provided to the vehicle user or a quantity of points provided at the predetermined time point, which is the quantity of the offer.

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