Vehicle dispatch management device and vehicle dispatch management method

Abstract

The present invention is a vehicle dispatch management device that manages vehicle dispatch in response to a user's vehicle dispatch request. The device comprises: a store information database that manages store information including location information of stores and availability information indicating whether or not the stores are available; a front-end processing unit that performs front-end processing for receiving the vehicle dispatch request from the user's information communication terminal device; and a vehicle dispatch planning unit that creates, on the basis of the received vehicle dispatch request, a vehicle dispatch plan for a vehicle to be dispatched to the user, and instructs the dispatch of the vehicle. The front-end processing unit presents the store information on a user interface of the information communication terminal device on the basis of the store information database, prompts the user to select a store that the user wishes to use, and receives the vehicle dispatch request indicating the store selected by the user. The vehicle dispatch planning unit creates the vehicle dispatch plan for the vehicle to be dispatched to the user, on the basis of the store information of the store indicated by the vehicle dispatch request.

Description

Vehicle Allocation Management Device and Vehicle Allocation Management Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle allocation management device and a vehicle allocation management method.

[0002] Mobility services are services that smoothly provide transportation (transportation) of passengers and the like by vehicles. In mobility services, in order to increase the operation rate of each vehicle and improve user convenience, efficient vehicle allocation is required. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a vehicle allocation management technique that makes it easier for users to use boarding and alighting locations for boarding and alighting vehicles.

[0003] On the other hand, when a user expects congestion when using a specific store, the user often makes a reservation using a Web reservation system. For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a user interface (UI) technique for a user to reserve facilities of a specific store.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-043686, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-025062

[0005] When a user visits a store using a mobility service, with conventional vehicle allocation management techniques, even though the user can access the vehicle allocation service site using the information communication terminal device at hand and request a vehicle allocation reservation, the store reservation service is not provided, and the user has to access another reservation site, which is inconvenient. In particular, since these sites have completely different service business models and thus different operating entities and are not linked, when making a vehicle allocation reservation, the user has to select a stop near the store as the alighting stop while checking the location of the store, which is cumbersome. In addition, a situation where it takes time to complete the procedure of one reservation and the other reservation cannot be made with a slight time difference is also conceivable.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a vehicle allocation management device and a vehicle allocation management method that enable a vehicle allocation reservation for moving up to a store in cooperation with the store reservation.

[0007] More specifically, the present invention aims to propose a vehicle dispatch management device and a vehicle dispatch management method that enable users to make reservations at stores by referring to the store information of the stores, and to make vehicle dispatch reservations suitable for the store reservations.

[0008] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is comprised of the following inventive features or technical characteristics.

[0009] The present invention, in accordance with a certain perspective, is a dispatch management device that manages the dispatch of vehicles in response to a user's dispatch request. The dispatch management device comprises a store information database that manages store information including store location information and availability information indicating whether the store is available for use; a front-end processing unit that performs front-end processing for receiving the dispatch request from the user's information communication terminal device; and a dispatch planning unit that creates a dispatch plan for vehicles to be dispatched to the user based on the received dispatch request and instructs the vehicles to be dispatched. The front-end processing unit presents the store information on the user interface of the information communication terminal device based on the store information database, prompts the user to select a store they wish to use, and receives the dispatch request indicating the store selected by the user. The dispatch planning unit also creates the dispatch plan for vehicles to be dispatched to the user based on the store information of the store indicated by the dispatch request.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention also constitutes a dispatch management method using a dispatch management device that manages vehicle dispatch in response to dispatch requests, a computer program for executing the method, and a recording medium that non-temporarily stores the same.

[0011] According to the present invention, a highly convenient ride-hailing service is provided that enables vehicle dispatch reservations in conjunction with store reservations. In particular, according to the present invention, users can make reservations at stores they wish to use by referring to the store's information, and can also make dispatch reservations for vehicles suitable for the store reservation.

[0012] Other technical features, objectives, and effects or advantages of the present invention will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The effects described herein are illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of a dispatch management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration model of a dispatch management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to dispatch requests in a dispatch management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user interface of an information and communication terminal device in a dispatch management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to dispatch requests in a dispatch management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user interface of an information and communication terminal device in a dispatch management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated below. The present invention can be implemented by various modifications (for example, by combining each embodiment) without departing from its spirit. In addition, in the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions or proportions. There may be parts in the drawings where the relationships between dimensions or proportions differ from those of other parts.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a dispatch management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the dispatch management system 1 comprises a dispatch management device 10, an information and communication terminal device 20, and vehicles V, all of which are interconnected via a communication network N to enable communication with each other. The dispatch management system 1 provides a dispatch service using multiple vehicles V targeting a certain area. The dispatch management system 1 also includes a store terminal device 30 associated with a store that is linked to the dispatch management device 10. The dispatch management system 1 provides a dispatch service using multiple vehicles V. In this disclosure, the vehicles V may be manned vehicles driven by a driver, or they may be unmanned vehicles (autonomous vehicles) without a driver.

[0016] In the dispatch service provided by the dispatch management system 1, for example, a user can reserve a store (e.g., a restaurant) they wish to visit and simultaneously arrange for a vehicle V to take them to a suitable stop via the user interface of a dispatch application running on the information and communication terminal device 20. For example, the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 displays a list of store information for available stores, and the user selects a store they wish to visit from the list via the user interface, enters the necessary reservation information (e.g., number of people, time, etc.), and then requests the dispatch of a vehicle V. A dispatch service in which a vehicle V is dispatched immediately in response to a store reservation is called an on-demand dispatch service, but the dispatch service disclosed herein is not limited to this.

[0017] The dispatch management device 10 is a computing device that comprehensively manages dispatch services using multiple vehicles V within the service area (hereinafter referred to as the "service area"). The service area may be divided into several areas (sub-areas). The dispatch management device 10 implements, for example, a dispatch management server program and realizes the dispatch service by executing the dispatch management server program under the control of a processor. In particular, the dispatch management server program of this disclosure includes a subprogram or module that, upon receiving a user's dispatch request, displays a list of available (e.g., available) store information on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20, allows the user to select a store, executes reservation processing for the selected store, and controls the dispatch of a vehicle V suitable for the reservation to the user.

[0018] In general terms, the dispatch management device 10, based on a dispatch request from a user who wishes to have a vehicle V dispatched for the use of a store, makes a reservation for the store indicated in the dispatch request, selects a vehicle V to be assigned to a user suitable for the reservation, and creates a dispatch plan. The dispatch management device 10 proposes the created dispatch plan, along with the details of the store reservation, to the user only if the store reservation and the dispatch plan can be made. The dispatch management device 10 confirms the dispatch plan and the reservation upon the user's acceptance of the proposed dispatch plan, and issues a dispatch instruction to the vehicle V in accordance with the confirmed dispatch plan.

[0019] The dispatch management device 10 includes various databases 12 for storing and managing data necessary to realize such dispatch services. The databases 12 may include, for example, a user information database 12a, a road map information database 12b, a vehicle information database 12c, a dispatch plan database 12d, and a store information database 12e (see Figure 2). The databases 12 may be configured as part of the dispatch management device 10, or all or part of them may be configured separately from the dispatch management device 10.

[0020] Vehicle V is a vehicle registered in the vehicle information database 12c that is made available for use by users in the ride-hailing service. Vehicle V may be a manned vehicle or an unmanned vehicle (autonomous vehicle) operated by an automated driving system.

[0021] Vehicle V is equipped with a control device (CTL) that controls the vehicle V itself or its onboard equipment (see Figure 2). The control device CTL is composed of a processor, memory, etc., and realizes various functions by executing a vehicle control program. The control device CTL is also equipped with a positioning device that acquires the geographical location information of vehicle V in real time using a positioning system such as GPS. The control device CTL can use the acquired location information for navigation functions and transmit it to the dispatch management device 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the control device CTL includes an authentication terminal device for identifying users who intend to board. For example, when boarding a dispatched vehicle V, the user holds an electronic boarding ticket displayed on the user interface of the ride-hailing application running on the information and communication terminal device 20 over the authentication terminal device, and the authentication terminal device, under the control of the control device CTL, reads the boarding ticket as authentication information. Based on the authentication information read by the authentication terminal device, the control device CTL determines whether or not the user is a legitimate user corresponding to the ride-hailing request and transmits the result of the determination to the ride-hailing management device 10. Alternatively, in order to obtain the determination result of whether or not the user is corresponding to the ride-hailing request, the control device CTL may be controlled to transmit the authentication information read by the authentication terminal device to the ride-hailing management device 10. In addition, the vehicle V may be equipped with an in-vehicle user interface for the user to perform interactive operations. While riding, the user can, for example, operate the in-vehicle user interface UI to view an order menu for services offered by the reserved store and select a specific service. For example, if the destination is a restaurant, the user can order drinks and food from the restaurant's food and beverage menu.

[0023] Returning to Figure 1, the information and communication terminal device 20 is a computing device for which a user who wishes to arrange a vehicle operates a user interface to make a dispatch request. The information and communication terminal device 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook personal computer, a desktop computer, etc., but is not limited to these. The information and communication terminal device 20 implements, for example, a dispatch management client program (a so-called dispatch app). Alternatively, instead of a dispatch app, the information and communication terminal device 20 may provide the dispatch service to the user using a web-based browser. Typically, the information and communication terminal device 20 has a positioning function that acquires its own geographical location information in real time using a positioning system such as GPS. Under the control of the processor, the information and communication terminal device 20 executes the dispatch app, thereby enabling the user to use the dispatch service of the dispatch management device 10. For example, when a user boards vehicle V, they display a boarding ticket on the user interface of their information and communication terminal device 20 and have the authentication terminal device read it. Furthermore, the user can operate the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 to view the order menu for services offered by the reserved store and select a specific service.

[0024] The store terminal device 30 is a computing device that allows store managers, linked to the ride-hailing service, to operate a user interface to register store information and check reservation status. The store terminal device 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook personal computer, or a desktop computer, but is not limited to these. The store terminal device 30 may implement a browser for accessing the store site provided by the ride-hailing management device 10. Store managers can operate the user interface of the store terminal device 30 to access the store site and upload store information, including store attributes (location, telephone number / URL, type, etc.), photos of the store interior and exterior, service details (e.g., menu items, recommended items, etc.), reservation status (date and time, availability, etc.), latest congestion status, and payment methods (e.g., whether card payments are accepted, etc.), to the ride-hailing management device 10 and register it in the store information database 12e. Managers can also operate the user interface of the store terminal device 30 to access the store site and check reservation status and input the latest congestion status, etc.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration model of a dispatch management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the dispatch management device 10 may be configured as a functional configuration model that includes, for example, a front-end processing unit 110, a store management unit 120, a dispatch planning unit 130, and a vehicle communication unit 140. The dispatch management device 10 is also configured to be able to access various databases 12. Such a functional model is realized by the dispatch management device 10 executing a dispatch management server program under the control of a processor, thereby cooperating with various hardware resources. The functional configuration model shown here is just one example, and all or part of the functions of one functional component may be realized by other functional components.

[0026] The user information database 12a stores information about users who use the ride-hailing service (hereinafter referred to as "user information"). User information is registered in the user information database 12a under the control of the ride-hailing management device 10 when the user enters predetermined information, for example, when the ride-hailing app is first launched. User information includes, for example, the user's user ID and password, email address, and information about personal attributes (gender, age, and address, etc.). User information may also include store history information about stores the user has used in the past.

[0027] The road map information database 12b stores road map information for the service area of ​​the ride-hailing service. The road map information includes, for example, map data related to addresses, place names, road networks (links and nodes), pick-up and drop-off locations (bus stops), and various facilities (e.g., shops). The road map information also includes information necessary for searching for a travel route, such as road information, feature information, and environmental information. The road information includes, for example, road type such as local roads and main roads, and road attribute information such as road width, pedestrian / vehicle separation, median strip, and lanes. The road map information is used, for example, to determine the travel route of vehicle V indicated in the ride-hailing plan.

[0028] The vehicle information database 12c stores information about vehicles V available for use by users (vehicle information). The vehicle information includes information such as vehicle ID, vehicle attributes (vehicle registration number, vehicle type, and maximum passenger capacity / maximum load capacity, level of automation, etc.), vehicle characteristics, other specifications (overall length, overall width, vehicle height, and weight, etc.), current dispatch plan, current location, and current status (service status, battery remaining capacity (driving range), and number of passengers, etc.). The vehicle information is used, for example, to select the optimal vehicle V to dispatch to a user who has made a dispatch request.

[0029] The dispatch plan database 12d stores the dispatch plan for each vehicle V, which is created by the dispatch plan unit 130 based on the dispatch request. The dispatch plan includes the travel route from the starting waiting location, through several pick-up / drop-off locations, to the final waiting location, and the estimated arrival time at each intermediate location.

[0030] The store information database 12e stores store information about stores available to users within the service area. Store information includes, for example, store attributes (location, telephone number / URL, etc.), photos of the store interior and exterior, service details (e.g., menu items, recommended items, etc.), reservation status (date and time, availability, etc.), latest congestion status, and payment methods (e.g., whether credit cards are accepted, etc.). Location information is linked to nearby bus stops in the road map information database 12b. Reservation status includes, for example, availability status and reservation details for each time slot on each day. The store information database 12e is accessed by the information and communication terminal device 20 and the store terminal device 30 under the control of the store management unit 120.

[0031] The front-end processing unit 110 performs various processes by communicating information with the user's information and communication terminal device 20 and the store terminal device 30. As an example, the front-end processing unit 110 performs login authentication processing for login requests with the ride-hailing application running on the user's information and communication terminal device 20. As another example, the front-end processing unit 110 performs processing to obtain ride-hailing requests, including store reservations, with the user's ride-hailing application. As yet another example, under the control of the ride-hailing planning unit 130, the front-end processing unit 110 proposes a vehicle dispatch plan to the user based on the ride-hailing request and accepts or rejects the plan with the user's ride-hailing application. As yet another example, the front-end processing unit 110 performs processing to obtain store information with the browser of the store terminal device 30, and under the control of the store management unit 120, provides the user's reservation status to the browser of the store terminal device 30.

[0032] The store management unit 120 works in cooperation with the front-end processing unit 110 to manage the store information database 12e. For example, the store management unit 120 obtains store information from the store terminal device 30 of each store and updates the store information database based on the obtained store information. For example, a store manager accesses the dispatch management device 10 from the browser of the store terminal device 30 and uploads store information. This makes it possible to provide store information to the user's information and communication terminal device 20 (dispatch application) in the dispatch service.

[0033] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 controls the system so that a list of store information is displayed on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 in response to access from the user's information and communication terminal device 20. In this case, the store management unit 120 can control the system so that store information is displayed preferentially on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 the more recently it has been updated. For example, store information with a recently updated congestion status can be displayed at the top of the screen layout on the user interface of the ride-hailing app, and / or is displayed with visual emphasis (e.g., by adding an icon indicating "latest"). By prioritizing the presentation of store information in this way, it becomes more noticeable to users, increasing its advertising effect. Therefore, store managers who want their store information to be displayed preferentially on the user interface of the user's information and communication terminal device 20 have a strong incentive to access the ride-hailing management device 10 from the store terminal device 30 and upload new store information. As a result, it is expected that the store information in the store information database 12e of the ride-hailing management device 10 will always be active. Furthermore, the store management unit 120 may control the display of more detailed store information for the store selected by the user via the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20.

[0034] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 can control the store information displayed on the user interface of the ride-hailing app based on the user information in the user information database 12a. For example, the store management unit 120 may control the display of store information that indicates stores that match the user's preferences based on the user's personal attribute information. Alternatively, the store management unit 120 may control the display of store information that the user has used in the past based on the user's store history information. This makes it possible to provide store information that indicates stores that the user is likely to use.

[0035] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 controls the system to ensure that the user's reservation is executed at the store selected by the user. For example, when a user selects a store they wish to use from a list of store information displayed on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 and submits a reservation request, the information and communication terminal device 20 receives this request and sends a dispatch request including the reservation request for the selected store to the dispatch management device 10. Based on the reservation request included in the dispatch request, the store management unit 120 refers to the store information database 12e for the store selected by the user and executes the reservation process. The reservation is confirmed, for example, after a provisional reservation by tentatively holding the date and time, upon acceptance of the dispatch plan. This allows the user to simultaneously arrange for a vehicle dispatch and make a store reservation in the dispatch service by selecting their desired store from a list of store information.

[0036] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 can control the system to display an order menu of services offered by the store on the user interface of the user's information and communication terminal device 20 while the user is riding in the vehicle V, and prompt the user to select a service from the order menu. The order menu, for example, if the store is a restaurant, is a food and beverage menu for ordering drinks and meals. The user selects a specific service from the order menu displayed on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20, and in response, the information and communication terminal device 20 transmits the selected specific service to the dispatch management device 10. The store management unit 120 can receive the selected specific service and control the system to execute the order to the store according to the received specific service. As a result, the user can order services offered by the store in advance, in addition to making a reservation at the store, when using the dispatch service, and can receive the service immediately upon arriving at the store in the dispatched vehicle V.

[0037] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 can accept the selection of a specific service until the user disembarks from the vehicle V. In other words, the user can operate the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 to order a specific service from the order menu of services offered by the store until the vehicle V they are riding in arrives at a stop associated with the store (for example, a stop near the store). This allows the store to accept the user's order in advance and provide the ordered service at just the right time when the user arrives, so the user does not have to wait for a long time.

[0038] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 can control the system so that when a user boards vehicle V, the user's reservation for the selected store is executed. For example, under the control of the control device CTL, vehicle V transmits the user's authentication information to the dispatch management device 10 via an authentication terminal device, and the store terminal device 30 confirms the reservation for the store according to the authentication result based on the authentication information. This allows the store to confirm that the user is boarding vehicle V and heading to the reserved store, thus preventing last-minute cancellations where the user does not show up without any contact despite having a reservation.

[0039] Furthermore, the store management unit 120 can add a user to a waiting list if the user is unable to make a reservation at a store, and can control the system to ensure that the user's reservation is executed according to the waiting list. For example, if another user who made a reservation before the user cancels their reservation or leaves the store, creating an available slot, the store management unit 120 will make the user's reservation at the store according to the waiting list. In this case, the dispatch planning unit 130 can determine that the user's reservation is possible and create a dispatch plan. As a result, even if there are no available slots at the store the user wants to use, the user can add their reservation request to the waiting list, and a dispatch plan for vehicle V will be automatically created when a slot becomes available, thus freeing them from the hassle of making a reservation.

[0040] The dispatch planning unit 130 determines a route based on the user's dispatch request, selects a vehicle from among the vehicles V in the service area, and provisionally creates a dispatch plan. The dispatch request may include a store reservation request. Dispatch plans may be created for several different route and vehicle V candidates. For example, the dispatch planning unit 130 determines a route based on the user's pick-up and drop-off stops indicated in the dispatch request, selects an appropriate vehicle V, and provisionally creates a dispatch plan for the selected vehicle V. For example, the dispatch planning unit 130 selects a vehicle V waiting near the pick-up stop. Subsequently, the dispatch planning unit 130, in cooperation with the front-end processing unit 110, proposes the provisionally created dispatch plan to the user, and confirms the dispatch plan after receiving the user's approval. The dispatch planning unit 130 then stores the confirmed dispatch plan in the dispatch plan database 12d and issues a dispatch instruction to the corresponding vehicle V via the vehicle communication unit 140.

[0041] Furthermore, if a reservation request is included in the dispatch request, the dispatch planning unit 130 determines a route where the user boards the vehicle V and the user disembarks at a stop associated with the store indicated in the reservation request. Based on the determined route, it creates a provisional dispatch plan for vehicle V. This automatically selects a convenient disembarking stop for the user to reach the store selected by the user, eliminating the user's need to choose a disembarking stop. Meanwhile, the store management unit 120 makes a provisional reservation for a store's usage slot (e.g., seats or tables) based on the reservation request. The store management unit 120 excludes accepting reservations from other users while a provisional reservation is in place. The dispatch planning unit 130 also works in cooperation with the front-end processing unit 110 to propose the provisional dispatch plan to the user along with the reservation information indicated by the provisional reservation, and confirms the dispatch plan after receiving the user's approval. Once the dispatch plan is confirmed, the store management unit 120 confirms the reservation for the store's usage slot that was in the provisional reservation state. This allows the confirmation of the store reservation and the confirmation of the vehicle V dispatch plan to be carried out simultaneously, thus preventing reservation cancellations due to the inability to arrange vehicle V after the reservation has been confirmed.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing related to a vehicle allocation request in a vehicle allocation management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such processing is realized by the vehicle allocation management device 10 cooperating with various hardware resources by executing a vehicle allocation management server program under the control of a processor.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the vehicle allocation management device 10 waits until there is an access to the vehicle allocation service from the user's information communication terminal device 20 (S301). For example, when the monitoring user operates the user interface of the vehicle allocation application on the information communication terminal device 20 to log in to the vehicle allocation management device 10, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that there is a user access (Yes in S301), and controls to display a list screen of store information showing stores as shown in FIG. 4(a) on the user interface of the information communication terminal device 20 (S302). In the list screen of store information shown in FIG. 4(a), the stores are shown in the order of the latest update date and time of the store information.

[0044] The user can select a store of interest or a store they want to go to on such a list screen of store information. The vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether a specific store has been selected on the list screen of store information displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal device 20 (S303). For example, the user selects "Chinese Restaurant Aji Kuraku" on the list screen of store information. In response to this, a detailed screen of the store information of the selected store as shown in FIG. (b) is displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal device 20. The user can determine whether to use the store on such a detailed screen of store information.

[0045] Next, the dispatch management device 10 determines whether the user has requested a ride-hailing service based on the detailed store information screen displayed on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 (S304). For example, the user selects the "Go Here" button on the store details screen. In response, the information and communication terminal device 20 transmits to the dispatch management device 10 that the user requests a ride. If the dispatch management device 10 determines that the user requests a ride (Yes in S304), the dispatch management device 10 controls the system so that a ride-hailing request screen (not shown) is displayed on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20. On the ride-hailing request screen, the user enters, for example, the desired boarding stop and the number of passengers, and in response, the information and communication terminal device 20 transmits the ride-hailing request to the dispatch management device 10. That is, the ride-hailing request includes a reservation request for the store. As a result, the dispatch management device 10 accepts the user's ride-hailing request (S305).

[0046] Next, the dispatch management device 10 makes a provisional reservation for the usage slot of the store indicated by the reservation request, based on the reservation request included in the dispatch request (S306). For example, the dispatch management device 10 assigns a provisional reservation flag to the usage slot of the store in the store information database 12e and performs exclusive control to prevent other reservations from being made.

[0047] Next, the dispatch management device 10 creates or updates a dispatch plan based on the dispatch request (S307). Specifically, the dispatch management device 10 refers to the road map information database 12b and determines the stops (boarding and alighting points) for the user to board and alight. Next, based on the determined stops, the dispatch management device 10 refers to the road map information database 12b and determines a travel route consisting of road links from the boarding point to the alighting point. Subsequently, the dispatch management device 10 selects the optimal vehicle V according to the travel route. Then, the dispatch management device 10 creates or updates a provisional dispatch plan based on the determined travel route.

[0048] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 proposes the content of the created / updated vehicle allocation plan to the user (S308). The content of the vehicle allocation plan includes the reservation information indicated by the provisional reservation at the store. As a result, the user can check the content of the proposed vehicle allocation plan and accept or reject it.

[0049] Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether it has received acceptance from the user for the proposal of the vehicle allocation plan (S309). When the vehicle allocation management device 10 has received acceptance from the user for the proposal of the vehicle allocation plan (Yes in S309), the vehicle allocation management device 10 finalizes the current vehicle allocation plan and finalizes the reservation at the store (S310). Alternatively, the vehicle allocation management device 10 may finalize the reservation at the store when the user boards the allocated vehicle V. As a result, the store can confirm that the user is heading to the store reserved while boarding the vehicle V, and can avoid the occurrence of a last-minute cancellation such as not showing up without any notice despite having a reservation.

[0050] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 stores the finalized vehicle allocation plan in the vehicle allocation plan database 12d. Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 transmits a confirmation notice of the vehicle allocation reservation to the information communication terminal device 20, finalizes the reservation at the store, and transmits a confirmation notice of the store reservation to the store terminal device 30. Furthermore, the vehicle allocation management device 10 transmits a vehicle allocation instruction based on the vehicle allocation plan to the vehicle V (S311).

[0051] On the other hand, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 has received non-acceptance (rejection) from the user for the proposal of the vehicle allocation plan (No in S309), the vehicle allocation management device 10 cancels the current vehicle allocation plan based on the vehicle allocation request of the user and the provisional reservation at the store (S32). In this case, the vehicle allocation management device 10 returns the temporarily reserved vehicle allocation plan used for re-creating the vehicle allocation plan to the originally reserved vehicle allocation plan. If the user desires another vehicle allocation service, the user will make a new vehicle allocation request.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process related to a vehicle allocation request in the vehicle allocation management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a process is realized by the vehicle allocation management device 10 executing a vehicle allocation management server program under the control of a processor in cooperation with various hardware resources.

[0053] As shown in the figure, the dispatch management device 10 monitors whether a user has boarded the dispatched vehicle V at the boarding stop (S501). For example, vehicle V moves to the boarding stop in accordance with the dispatch instruction and allows the user to board. For example, when boarding, the user holds their boarding ticket over the authentication terminal device of vehicle V, and the control device CTL transmits the authentication information read by the authentication terminal device to the dispatch management device 10. Based on the authentication information transmitted from vehicle V, the dispatch management device 10 determines whether a legitimate user who responded to the dispatch request has boarded.

[0054] If the dispatch management device 10 determines that a legitimate user who has responded to a dispatch request has boarded the vehicle (Yes in S501), the dispatch management device 10 then determines whether the user wishes to place an order in advance (S502). For example, once the dispatch management device 10 confirms that a user has boarded the vehicle V, it sends a short message or email to the user's information and communication terminal device 20 to inform the user that it is possible to place an order in advance for the reserved store. In response, the user operates the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 to access the order screen for the store and displays a dispatch guidance screen as shown in Figure 6(a). The user selects the pre-order button on the dispatch guidance screen displayed on the user interface. Alternatively, the control device CTL may control the system to display an order screen on the in-vehicle user interface and accept pre-orders from the user.

[0055] Returning to Figure 5, if the dispatch management device 10 determines that the user wishes to place an order in advance (Yes in S502), the dispatch management device 10 controls the user interface of the information and communication terminal device 20 so that an advance order screen, as shown in Figure 6(b), is displayed (S503). The advance order screen includes an order menu that shows the services offered by the store (for example, food and beverages in the case of a restaurant).

[0056] Next, the dispatch management device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle V has arrived at its destination (the user's drop-off stop) (S503). In other words, the user can place an order in advance until the vehicle V arrives at its destination. If the dispatch management device 10 determines that the vehicle V has not yet arrived at its destination (the user's drop-off stop) (No. in S503), the dispatch management device 10 accepts the order in advance from the user's information and communication terminal device 20 (S504). As shown in Figure 6(b), the user can place an order for a specific service in advance on the order screen.

[0057] Next, the dispatch management device 10 determines whether the user has placed a pre-order on the pre-order screen and whether the pre-order has been confirmed (S505). The user can order and / or change services until the pre-order is confirmed until the vehicle V arrives at the destination. If the dispatch management device 10 determines that the user has confirmed the pre-order (Yes in S505), the dispatch management device 10 confirms the pre-order and notifies the store of the details of the pre-order (S506). As a result, the store terminal device 30 receives the user's pre-order from the dispatch management device 10.

[0058] Furthermore, if the dispatch management device 10 determines that the vehicle V has arrived at its destination (the user's drop-off stop) (Yes in S503), the dispatch management device 10 closes the pre-orders from the user and terminates the pre-order processing, for example, as shown in Figure 6(c). Also, if the user does not wish to place a pre-order (No in S502), the pre-order processing is terminated without accepting a pre-order.

[0059] As described above, this embodiment enables a highly convenient ride-hailing service that allows users to reserve a vehicle in conjunction with making a reservation at a store they wish to use. In particular, this embodiment allows users to make a reservation at a store they wish to use by referring to the store's information, and also allows them to reserve a vehicle suitable for that store. Furthermore, this embodiment allows a user who has boarded a vehicle V dispatched according to a ride-hailing reservation linked to a store reservation to pre-order specific services offered by the reserved store while on board, and by notifying the store of the pre-ordered items, the store can provide services more efficiently.

[0060] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments only. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0061] For example, in the methods disclosed herein, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in different orders, as long as this does not result in a contradiction in the outcome. The steps, operations, and functions described are provided merely as examples, and some of the steps, operations, and functions may be omitted, combined with each other to form a single unit, or other steps, operations, or functions may be added, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0062] Furthermore, although various embodiments are disclosed herein, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to or replaced in other embodiments, with appropriate modifications, and such forms are also included in the gist of the present invention.

[0063] 1... Dispatch management system 10... Dispatch management device 110... Front-end processing unit 120... Store management unit 130... Dispatch planning unit 140... Vehicle communication unit 12... Database 12a... User information database 12b... Road map information database 12c... Vehicle information database 12d... Dispatch planning database 12e... Store information database 20... Information and communication terminal device 30... Store terminal device N... Communication network V... Vehicle CTL... Control device

Claims

1. A dispatch management device for managing vehicle dispatch in response to a user's dispatch request, comprising: a store information database for managing store information including store location information and availability information indicating whether the store is available for use; a front-end processing unit for performing front-end processing to receive the dispatch request from the user's information communication terminal device; and a dispatch planning unit for creating a dispatch plan for vehicles to be dispatched to the user and instructing the vehicles to be dispatched based on the received dispatch request, wherein the front-end processing unit presents the store information on the user interface of the information communication terminal device based on the store information database, prompts the user to select a store they wish to use, receives the dispatch request indicating the store selected by the user, and the dispatch planning unit creates the dispatch plan for vehicles to be dispatched to the user based on the store information of the store indicated by the dispatch request.

2. The dispatch management device according to claim 1, further comprising a store management unit that manages the store information database, wherein the store management unit acquires the store information from each of the stores and updates the store information database based on the acquired store information.

3. The vehicle dispatch management device according to claim 2, wherein the store management unit controls the system so that the user's reservation is executed at the selected store.

4. The vehicle dispatch management device according to claim 3, wherein the store management unit displays an order menu for services provided by the store on the user interface of the information and communication terminal device of the user riding in the vehicle, prompts the user to select a service from the order menu, accepts the selection of a specific service, and controls the execution of an order to the store according to the accepted specific service.

5. The dispatch management device according to claim 4, wherein the store management unit accepts the selection of the specific service until the user disembarks from the vehicle.

6. The vehicle dispatch management device according to claim 2, wherein the store management unit controls the display of store information on the user interface to be prioritized the more recent the update date and time of the store information.

7. The dispatch management device according to claim 2, further comprising a user information database for managing user information for each user, wherein the store management unit controls the store information displayed on the user interface based on the user information.

8. The dispatch management device according to claim 1, wherein the dispatch planning unit determines the route of the vehicle based on the boarding stop for the user to board the vehicle and the alighting stop based on the location information of the selected store, and creates the dispatch plan based on the determined route.

9. The vehicle dispatch management device according to claim 2, wherein the store management unit makes a provisional reservation for the selected store, the dispatch planning unit creates a provisional dispatch plan in accordance with the provisional reservation for the selected store, the front-end processing unit controls the system to prompt the user to accept the provisionally created dispatch plan, and the store management unit confirms the reservation for the store when the dispatch plan is accepted.

10. The vehicle dispatch management device according to claim 2, wherein the store management unit controls the system so that when the user boards the vehicle, the user's reservation for the selected store is executed.

11. The vehicle dispatch management device according to claim 2, wherein the store management unit, when it is not possible to make a reservation for the store, adds the user to a waiting list for the store and controls the system so that the user's reservation for the store is executed according to the waiting list.

12. A dispatch management method using a dispatch management device that manages the dispatch of vehicles in response to a user's dispatch request, comprising: managing store information including store location information and availability information indicating whether the store is available in a store information database; performing front-end processing to receive the dispatch request from the user's information communication terminal device; creating a dispatch plan for vehicles to be dispatched to the user based on the received dispatch request; and instructing the vehicles to be dispatched according to the dispatch plan, wherein the front-end processing includes presenting the store information on the user interface of the information communication terminal device based on the store information database to prompt the user to select a store they wish to use; and receiving the dispatch request indicating the store selected by the user; and creating the dispatch plan includes creating the dispatch plan for vehicles to be dispatched to the user based on the store information of the store indicated by the dispatch request.

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