INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND TERMINAL APPARATUS

An information processing apparatus includes a communication interface and a controller. The communication interface receives, from a first terminal apparatus of a first user who entrusts management of a vehicle ridden into a predetermined area, entrustment request information including information that specifies the predetermined area. The controller determines a second user to assume management of the vehicle based on the entrustment request information and outputs information to a second terminal apparatus of the second user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-51060, filed Mar. 23, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a terminal apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Parking lots with a boarding area suitable for automatic valet parking are known. For example, patent literature (PTL) 1 discloses a parking lot including a boarding area with a vehicle waiting space and a passenger space.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Parking lots are used when a user leaves a vehicle. Improved convenience when a user leaves a vehicle is desired.

It would be helpful to improve convenience when a user leaves a vehicle.

An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication interface configured to receive, from a first terminal apparatus of a first user who entrusts management of a vehicle ridden into a predetermined area, entrustment request information including information that specifies the predetermined area; and a controller configured to determine a second user to assume management of the vehicle based on the entrustment request information and output information to a second terminal apparatus of the second user.

An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the aforementioned first terminal apparatus, and the aforementioned second terminal apparatus.

An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving, by an information processing apparatus, from a first terminal apparatus of a first user who entrusts management of a vehicle ridden into a predetermined area, entrustment request information including information that specifies the predetermined area; and determining, by the information processing apparatus, a second user to assume management of the vehicle based on the entrustment request information and outputting information to a second terminal apparatus of the second user.

A terminal apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is for a user who assumes management of vehicles ridden into a predetermined area. The terminal apparatus includes a communication interface configured to transmit assumption request information including information that specifies the predetermined area and receive information on a vehicle determined based on the assumption request information; and a controller configured to output the information on the vehicle to the user.

According to the information processing apparatus, the information processing system, the information processing method, and the terminal apparatus of embodiments of the present disclosure, the convenience when a user leaves a vehicle can be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(Overview of Information Processing System1)

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the information processing system1according to an embodiment includes a server10and a vehicle20. The vehicle20is assumed to be operated by a first user51. The vehicle20may be owned by the first user51.

The information processing system1further includes a first terminal apparatus31and a second terminal apparatus32. The first terminal apparatus31may include an apparatus mounted on the vehicle20or may include an apparatus owned by the first user51. The first terminal apparatus31may function as car navigation for the vehicle20. The second terminal apparatus32is owned by a second user52.

The information processing system1may optionally further include a third terminal apparatus33. The third terminal apparatus33is owned by a third user53. The number of servers10, vehicles20, first terminal apparatuses31, second terminal apparatuses32, and third terminal apparatuses33is not limited to one of each, and two or more of each may be included.

The server10, the vehicle20, the first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and the third terminal apparatus33are connected in a wired or wireless manner so as to communicate with each other over a network40.

Examples of Services Provided by Information Processing System1

The information processing system1can provide the services illustrated below.

The first user51rides into a first area61in the vehicle20, as illustrated inFIG. 3. The first area61includes an area in which the vehicle20can be stopped or parked at least temporarily. The first user51exits the vehicle20in the first area61and spends time in the first area61, in the surrounding area of the first area61, or the like. The first area61may, for example, be an area that includes commercial facilities, entertainment facilities, accommodation facilities, or the like. The first area61may be an outdoor area or an indoor area.

The vehicle20needs to be managed while the first user51is away from the vehicle20. The vehicle20may be managed by being parked in a parking lot or the like, but in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle20is managed by an administrator other than the first user51. The first user51turns over the vehicle20to the second user52when exiting the vehicle20for the second user52to manage the vehicle20as the administrator of the vehicle20. In other words, the second user52takes over the management of the vehicle20from the first user51as the administrator of the vehicle20when the first user51exits the vehicle20. The second user52may move the vehicle20from the first area61to another location while managing the vehicle20. As described below, the second user52may operate the vehicle20as an on-demand bus and allow a third user53to board.

The first user51receives the vehicle20from the second user52at a predetermined time boards the vehicle20, and departs. In other words, the first user51takes over the management of the vehicle20from the second user52when receiving the vehicle20from the second user52and boarding the vehicle20. The first user51may receive the vehicle20from the second user52in the first area61. In this case, the second user52moves the vehicle20to the first area61by a predetermined time for turning over the vehicle20to the first user51. The first user51may receive the vehicle20from the second user52in a second area different from the first area61. In this case, the second user52moves the vehicle20to the second area by the predetermined time for turning over the vehicle20to the first user51.

The first area61into which the first user51rides in the vehicle20to hand management over to the second user52, and the first area61or the second area where the first user51receives the vehicle20from the second user52, are also referred to as a predetermined area.

The period during which the first user51entrusts the second user52with management of the vehicle20is also referred to as the first period. The first period corresponds to a period from the time when the first user51turns over the vehicle20to the second user52to the time when the first user51receives the vehicle20from the second user52. The second user52manages the vehicle20during the first period. The second user52can use the vehicle20throughout the first period in which the second user is managing the vehicle20.

The information processing system1intermediates between the first user51and the second user52so that when the first user51rides into the first area61in the vehicle20, the second user52can be entrusted with management of the vehicle20. The information processing system1may determine the second user52to be entrusted with management of the vehicle20before the first user51rides into the first area61in the vehicle20. The information processing system1may determine the second user52to be entrusted with management of the vehicle20after the first user51rides into the first area61in the vehicle20. When the second user52assumes management, the second user52receives the vehicle20that was ridden into the first area61from the first user51and manages the vehicle20throughout the first period.

The information processing system1transmits information on the first user51wishing to entrust management of the vehicle20, or information on the vehicle20, to the second terminal apparatus32of the second user52wishing to assume management of the vehicle20. This makes it easier for the second user52to determine the vehicle20of which the second user52assumes management.

The information processing system1transmits information on the second user52wishing to assume management of the vehicle20to the first terminal apparatus31of the first user51wishing to entrust management of the vehicle20. This makes it easier for the first user51to determine the second user52to whom the first user51entrusts management of the vehicle20.

The information processing system1according to the present embodiment can provide information required for the first user51to entrust management of the vehicle20and information required for the second user52to assume management of the vehicle20. The information processing system1may output information, to the first user51, introducing the second user52with whom to entrust the management of the vehicle20. The first user51may determine the second user52with whom to entrust management of the vehicle20based on the information on the second user52. The information processing system1may output information, to the second user52, on the vehicle20of which management is to be assumed. Based on the information on the vehicle20, the second user52may determine the vehicle20of which management is to be assumed.

The information processing system1acquires information indicating that the first user51has determined the second user52as the one to whom management of the vehicle20is to be entrusted. The information processing system1acquires information indicating that the second user52has determined the vehicle20of the first user51as the vehicle20of which management is to be assumed. When the information that the first user51has determined to entrust the second user52with management and the information that the second user52has determined to assume management of the vehicle20of the first user51are acquired, the information processing system1establishes a contract for entrustment of management between the first user51and the second user52. The information processing system1may establish a contract for entrustment of management without acquiring the information that the first user51has determined the user to be entrusted. The information processing system1may establish a contract for entrustment of management without acquiring the information that the second user52has determined the vehicle20of which the second user52assumes management. The information processing system1may establish a contract for entrustment of management despite acquiring neither the information that the first user51has determined the user to be entrusted nor the information that the second user52has determined the vehicle20of which the second user52assumes management.

The information processing system1can introduce the first user51and the second user52to each other with regard to the contract for management of the vehicle20. In other words, the information processing system1can intermediate between the first user51and the second user52with respect to the contract for management of the vehicle20. The service in which the information processing system1intermediates between the first user51, who entrusts management of the vehicle20, and the second user52, who assumes management of the vehicle20, is also referred to as a management intermediary service.

<On-Demand Bus Operation of Vehicle20>

The second user52may allow passengers to board the vehicle20and may drive the vehicle20while managing the vehicle20during the first period. The third user53may determine a boardable vehicle20, and may then board the vehicle20, based on conditions including a boarding location or a drop-off location, a boarding time or drop-off time, or the like.

When the second user52acquires information on the third user53who wishes to board the vehicle20as a passenger, the second user52who wishes to drive the vehicle20after a passenger boards can easily determine the third user53to be a passenger who boards the vehicle20. On the other hand, when the third user53acquires the information on the vehicle20onto which the second user52wishes a passenger to board, the third user53can easily determine the vehicle20to board.

The information processing system1according to the present embodiment can provide the information required for boarding passengers onto the vehicle20and operating the vehicle20to the second user52and can provide the information required for boarding the vehicle20as a passenger to the third user53. The information processing system1may output, to the second user52, information introducing the third user53wishing to board the vehicle20as a passenger. The second user52may determine the third user53to board the vehicle20as a passenger based on the information on the third user53. The information processing system1may output information on the vehicle20that can be boarded under conditions desired by the third user53to the third user53. The third user53may determine the vehicle20to board as a passenger based on the information on the vehicle20that can be boarded.

The information processing system1acquires information indicating that the second user52has determined the third user53as a passenger to board the vehicle20. The information processing system1acquires information indicating that the third user53has determined the vehicle20of the second user52as the vehicle20to board. When the information that the second user52has determined to allow the third user53to board and the information that the third user53has determined to board the vehicle20of the second user52are acquired, the information processing system1establishes a contract for boarding between the second user52and the third user53. The information processing system1may establish a contract for boarding without acquiring the information that the second user52has determined a passenger. The information processing system1may establish a contract for boarding without acquiring the information that the third user53has determined the vehicle20to board. The information processing system1may establish a contract for management despite acquiring neither the information that the second user52has determined a passenger nor the information that the third user53has determined the vehicle20to board.

The information processing system1can introduce the second user52and the third user53to each other with respect to boarding the vehicle20. In other words, the information processing system1can intermediate between the second user52and the third user53with respect to boarding the vehicle20. The service in which the second user52operates the vehicle20in accordance with the desire of the third user53is also referred to as an on-demand bus service. The information processing system1can support the operation of the on-demand bus service.

Specific Examples of Each Component of Information Processing System1

The server10may include a single server apparatus, or multiple server apparatuses capable of communicating with each other. The server10is also referred to as an information processing apparatus. The server10may be operated, for example, by an entity providing the management intermediary service. The server10may be operated, for example, by an entity providing the on-demand bus service. The server10may provide a plurality of services together. A server10may be allocated for each provided service.

When providing the management intermediary service, the server10acquires information from the first terminal apparatus31indicating that the first user51requests management of the vehicle20, and acquires information from the second terminal apparatus32indicating that the second user52will take over the vehicle20. Based on the acquired information, the server10may notify the first user51of information related to the second user52who can assume management of the vehicle20. Based on the acquired information, the server10may notify the second user52of information related to the first user51that wishes to entrust the management of the vehicle20. The server10may transmit and receive various information related to the management intermediary service to and from the first terminal apparatus31and the second terminal apparatus32. In addition to these processes, the server10may be capable of executing various processes related to the management intermediary service.

When providing the on-demand bus service, the server10acquires information from the third terminal apparatus33indicating that the third user53wishes to board the vehicle20. The server10determines an operation schedule of the vehicle20. The server10may determine whether to allow the third user53to board the vehicle20based on the information acquired from the third terminal apparatus33and the operation schedule of the vehicle20and may notify the third terminal apparatus33of the determination. The server10may transmit and receive various types of information related to the on-demand bus service to and from the first terminal apparatus31mounted in the vehicle20, the second terminal apparatus32carried by the second user52, and the third terminal apparatus33. In addition to these processes, the server10may be capable of executing various processes related to the on-demand bus service.

The server10includes a server controller12and a server communication interface14. The server controller12is also referred to simply as a controller. The server controller12may include at least one processor. The “processor” is a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing, or the like in the present embodiment but is not limited to these. The server controller12may include at least one dedicated circuit. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The server controller12may include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may include a dedicated circuit along with a processor.

The communication interface14is also referred to simply as a communication interface. The server communication interface14includes a communication module and may communicate with the vehicle20, the first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, or the third terminal apparatus33over the network40. The communication module may include, but is not limited to, a communication module compliant with a mobile communication standard such as the 4th Generation (4G) or the 5th Generation (5G) standards.

The server10may further include a memory. The memory is a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, for example, but is not limited to these. The memory may function, for example, as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The memory may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disc. The memory may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory may store any information used for operation of the server10. For example, the memory may store a system program, an application program, or the like. The server10may store a program, information, or the like, using a DB15as a memory. The memory may be included in the server controller12.

The vehicle20includes a first terminal apparatus31. The first terminal apparatus31is described below. The vehicle20may optionally further include a control apparatus22and a communication apparatus24. The control apparatus22, the communication apparatus24, and the first terminal apparatus31are connected so as to communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), or dedicated lines.

The control apparatus22controls each component included in the vehicle20. The control apparatus22may include at least one processor. The control apparatus22may include at least one dedicated circuit instead of the processor, or may include at least one dedicated circuit along with the processor. The control apparatus22may further include a memory.

The communication apparatus24communicates with the server10or the second terminal apparatus32over the network40. The communication apparatus24may, for example, be a vehicle-mounted communication device. The communication apparatus24may include a communication module to connect with the network40.

The vehicle20may be locked or unlocked by a physical key. A power source, such as an engine or motor, of the vehicle20may be activated by the physical key.

The vehicle20may control the lock or activate a power source such as an engine or motor by way of a virtual key based on radio waves, i.e. a smart Key® (smart key is a registered trademark in Japan, other countries, or both). The control apparatus22may control locking of the vehicle20. The control apparatus22may have a function of receiving radio waves outputted by a virtual key. The control apparatus22may control locking of the vehicle20by, for example, receiving radio waves outputted by a virtual key held by the first user51. The control apparatus22may control locking of the vehicle20by, for example, considering the second terminal apparatus32held by the second user52to be a virtual key and receiving radio waves outputted by the second terminal apparatus32. The control apparatus22may permit activation of a power source, such as an engine or a motor, by receiving radio waves outputted by the virtual key.

The first terminal apparatus31may be mounted on the vehicle20by being attached to the dashboard, console, or the like of the vehicle20. The first terminal apparatus31may be a car navigation device that provides a navigation function of the vehicle20. When the first terminal apparatus31is carried by the first user51, the first terminal apparatus31may be a portable terminal, such as a smartphone or tablet. The first terminal apparatus31that is a portable terminal may execute an application that provides a navigation function of the vehicle20. The first terminal apparatus31that is a portable terminal may be attached to the dashboard, console, or the like of the vehicle20or may be carried by the first user51.

The second terminal apparatus32or the third terminal apparatus33may be a portable terminal, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and/or the third terminal apparatus33communicates with the server10over the network40. The first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and/or the third terminal apparatus33may communicate with each other over the network40.

The first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and the third terminal apparatus33are collectively referred to as the terminal apparatus when no distinction therebetween need be made.

The first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and the third terminal apparatus33respectively include a first terminal controller311, a second terminal controller321, and a third terminal controller331. The first terminal controller311, the second terminal controller321, and the third terminal controller331may include one or more processors.

The terminal apparatus may include a memory. The memory may be included in each terminal controller or may be configured separately from each terminal controller. The memory is a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, for example, but is not limited to these. The memory may function, for example, as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The memory may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disc. The memory may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory may store any information used for operation of the server10.

The first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and the third terminal apparatus33respectively include a first terminal communication interface312, a second terminal communication interface322, and a third terminal communication interface332. The first terminal communication interface312, the second terminal communication interface322, and the third terminal communication interface332may include a communication module that connects to the network40. The second terminal communication interface322may transmit radio waves corresponding to a virtual key so that the second terminal apparatus32can function as a virtual key for the vehicle20.

The first terminal apparatus31, the second terminal apparatus32, and the third terminal apparatus33respectively include a first terminal output interface313, a second terminal output interface323, and a third terminal output interface333. The first terminal output interface313, the second terminal output interface323, and the third terminal output interface333may include a display device. The display device may include a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED). The display device may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescent (EL) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display device may include a plasma display panel (PDP). The display device is not limited to these displays and may include various other types of displays. The first terminal output interface313, the second terminal output interface323, and the third terminal output interface333may include an audio output device such as a speaker.

The terminal apparatus may include an input device. The input device may, for example, include a keyboard or a physical key, a touch panel, a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device may be configured integrally with the display device when the input device is a touch panel or a touch sensor. The input device may include, for example, a microphone or the like that accepts audio input. The terminal apparatus is not limited to these examples and may include a variety of other devices as the input device.

The terminal apparatus may include a device that acquires positional information. The terminal apparatus may include a receiver compliant with a satellite positioning system as a device for acquiring the positional information. The receiver compliant with the satellite positioning system may include, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

Specific Examples of Services Provided by Information Processing System1

Specific examples of services provided by the information processing system1are described below.

The first terminal controller311of the first terminal apparatus31and the second terminal controller321of the second terminal apparatus32may run an application used to pair the first user51and the second user52with regard to entrustment and assumption of management of the vehicle20. The first terminal communication interface312of the first terminal apparatus31transmits, to the server10, information on a first area61into which the first user51will ride with the vehicle20and information specifying the first period during which the first user51will leave the vehicle20. The second terminal communication interface322of the second terminal apparatus32transmits, to the server10, information that specifies a period during which the second user52can manage the vehicle20and a location at which the second user52can take over the vehicle20.

In the example of operations described below, the server10pairs the first user51and the second user52based on information received from the first terminal apparatus31and the second terminal apparatus32.

The server communication interface14of the server10receives information, from the first terminal apparatus31, that the first user51requests entrustment of management of the vehicle20. The information that the first user51requests entrustment of management of the vehicle20is also referred to as entrustment request information. The entrustment request information includes information specifying the first area61into which the first user51will ride in the vehicle20. The entrustment request information may further include information specifying a first period during which the first user51will entrust management of the vehicle20.

The server communication interface14receives information, from the second terminal apparatus32, that the second user52requests to assume management of the vehicle20. The information that the second user52requests to assume management of the vehicle20is also referred to as the assumption request information. The assumption request information includes information specifying an area in which the second user52can assume management of the vehicle20. The assumption request information may include information specifying a period during which the second user52can assume management of the vehicle20.

The server controller12of the server10pairs the first user51that entrusts management of the vehicle20with the second user52that assumes management of the vehicle20based on the entrustment request information and the assumption request information, thereby establishing a contract for entrustment and assumption of management. A specific method by which the server controller12pairs the first user51and the second user52is described below.

The server controller12may present the vehicle20, for which entrustment of management has been requested, to the second user52as a candidate for assumption of management by the second user52and may prompt the second user52to select from among candidates. Candidates for which the second user52can assume management are also referred to as assumption candidates.

For example, the server controller12judges whether the area specified by the assumption request information received from the second terminal apparatus32of the second user52includes at least a portion of the first area61specified by the entrustment request information received from the first terminal apparatus31. The area specified in the assumption request information is also referred to as the assumption request area. The server controller12identifies the first terminal apparatus31that transmitted the entrustment request information specifying the first area61when it is judged that the assumption request area includes at least a portion of the first area61. The server controller12extracts the vehicle20in which the identified first terminal apparatus31is mounted, or the vehicle20of the first user51who carries the identified first terminal apparatus31, as an assumption candidate and transmits information on the vehicle20that is the assumption candidate to the second terminal apparatus32.

The second terminal apparatus32causes the second terminal output interface323to display or output the vehicle20that is the assumption candidate to prompt the second user52to select the vehicle20. The second terminal apparatus32receives input of the selection by the second user52and transmits the information, from the second terminal communication interface322to the server10, of the vehicle20selected by the second user52. The vehicle20selected by the second user52is also referred to as the selected vehicle.

The server10transmits information, to provide notification that the second user52assumes management, to the first terminal apparatus31mounted in the selected vehicle or to the first terminal apparatus31carried by the first user51who drives the selected vehicle. The information providing notification that the second user52assumes management is also referred to as assumption information.

The first terminal apparatus31notifies the first user51by causing the first terminal output interface313to display or output the assumption information acquired from the server10. The first user51may determine whether to entrust the management of the vehicle20to the second user52. The first terminal apparatus31may receive input, from the first user51, that determines whether to entrust management of the vehicle20to the second user52and may transmit the inputted information from the first terminal communication interface312to the server10.

When the first user51determines to entrust management of the vehicle20to the second user52, the server10may transmit information indicating that the second user52assumes management of the selected vehicle to the second terminal apparatus32. In this case, the server10establishes a contract for entrustment of management of the vehicle20.

When the first user51determines not to entrust management of the vehicle20to the second user52, the server10may transmit information, to the second terminal apparatus32, indicating that management of the selected vehicle cannot be assumed. In this case, the second terminal apparatus32may prompt the second user52to select another the vehicle20from the remaining assumption candidates. The server10may transmit a new assumption candidate to the second terminal apparatus32.

The server10may entrust management of the vehicle20selected by the first user51without first having the first user51confirm whether to entrust management. This simplifies the establishment of an entrustment contract.

<<Case of First User51Selecting the User to be Entrusted>>

The server controller12may present the second user52, who has requested to assume management, to the first user51as a candidate to whom the first user51can entrust management of the vehicle20and may prompt the first user51to select from among candidates. The candidates to whom the first user51can entrust management of the vehicle20are also referred to as entrustment candidates.

For example, the server controller12judges whether at least a portion of the first area61specified by the entrustment request information received from the first terminal apparatus31of the first user51is included in the assumption request area received from the second terminal apparatus32. When it is judged that at least a portion of the first area61is included in the assumption request area, the server controller12identifies the second terminal apparatus32that transmitted the assumption request area. The server controller12extracts the second user52carrying the identified second terminal apparatus32as an entrustment candidate and transmits the information on the second user52that is the entrustment candidate to the first terminal apparatus31.

The first terminal apparatus31causes the first terminal output interface313to display or output the second user52, who is the entrustment candidate, and prompts the first user51to make a selection. The first terminal apparatus31receives the input of the selection by the first user51and transmits the information, from the first terminal communication interface312to the server10, of the second user52selected by the first user51. The second user52selected by the first user51is also referred to as the user selected for entrustment.

The server10transmits information, to provide notification that the first user51entrusts management of the vehicle20, to the second terminal apparatus32carried by the second user52selected as the user for entrustment by the first user51. The information providing notification that the first user51entrusts management of the vehicle20is also referred to as entrustment information.

The second terminal apparatus32notifies the second user52by causing the second terminal output interface323to display or output the entrustment information acquired from the server10. The second user52may determine whether to assume management of the vehicle20of the first user51. The second terminal apparatus32may receive input, from the second user52, that determines whether to assume management of the vehicle20of the first user51and transmit the inputted information from the second terminal communication interface322to the server10.

When the second user52determines to assume management of the vehicle20of the first user51, the server10may transmit information, to the first terminal apparatus31, indicating the determination to entrust management of the vehicle20to the second user52. In this case, the server10establishes a contract for entrustment of management of the vehicle20.

When the second user52determines not to assume management of the vehicle20of the first user51, the server10may transmit information, to the first terminal apparatus31, indicating that management of the vehicle20cannot be entrusted to the second user52. In this case, the first terminal apparatus31may prompt the first user51to select another second user52from the remaining entrustment candidates. The server10may transmit a new entrustment candidate to the first terminal apparatus31.

The server10may cause the second user52to assume management of the vehicle20without first having the second user52confirm whether to assume management. This simplifies the establishment of an entrustment contract.

The server10may generate information indicating a pairing of the first user51and the second user52based on the information acquired from the first terminal apparatus31and the second terminal apparatus32and transmit the generated information to the first terminal apparatus31and the second terminal apparatus32.

The server10may transmit the information on the second user52who is a candidate to be entrusted with the management of the vehicle20of the first user51to the first terminal apparatus31. The first terminal apparatus31may notify the first user51by causing the first terminal output interface313to display or output the information on the second user52acquired from the server10. The first user51may determine whether to entrust the management of the vehicle20to the second user52. The first terminal apparatus31may receive input from the first user51determining whether to entrust the management of the vehicle20to the second user52and may transmit the inputted information from the first terminal communication interface312to the server10.

The server10may transmit information on the vehicle20that is a candidate for assuming management to the second terminal apparatus32. The second terminal apparatus32may notify the second user52by causing the second terminal output interface323to display or output the information on the vehicle20acquired from the server10. The second user52may determine whether to assume management of the vehicle20of which notification was provided. The second terminal apparatus32may receive input from the second user52regarding whether to assume management and may transmit information indicating whether to assume management to the server10.

When the first user51determines to entrust the management of the vehicle20to the second user52and the second user52determines to assume the management of the vehicle20, the server10establishes an entrustment contract for the management of the vehicle20. When at least one of the first user51and the second user52determines not to entrust or assume management, the server10may generate new information pairing a first user51and a second user52and transmit the information to the first terminal apparatus31and the second terminal apparatus32.

BRIEF SUMMARY

As described above, the information processing system1can pair the first user51and the second user52so that a contract for entrustment of management of the vehicle20can be established.

To entrust the management of the vehicle20, the first user51pays a usage fee for entrustment. The second user52receives remuneration for assuming management. The remuneration for assuming management is also referred to as an assumption remuneration. In other words, the operator of the management intermediary service collects the usage fee from the first user51and grants the assumption remuneration to the second user52. The operator of the management intermediary service may determine, with the server10, the amounts of the usage fee and the assumption remuneration. Specific examples of the server10determining the amounts are described below.

In the first period during which the second user52manages the vehicle20, the vehicle20may be operated as an on-demand bus. In the on-demand bus service, the vehicle20of the first user51is used for transporting passengers. In the on-demand bus service, not only the vehicle20but also other vehicles may be used for transporting passengers. The vehicle20of the first user51and the other vehicles used for transporting passengers in the on-demand bus service are also collectively referred to as operation vehicles.

<<Management of Operation Schedule>>

The information processing system1manages the operation schedule of the operation vehicle. The operation schedule includes the route traveled by the operation vehicle and the time at which points located along the route are passed. An example of operations for managing the operation schedule is described below.

The third terminal controller331of the third terminal apparatus33may execute an application that enables the third user53to request to board the on-demand bus and provides notification of the operation schedule of an operation vehicle that the third user53can board. The second terminal controller321of the second terminal apparatus32may execute an application for notifying the second user52of the operation schedule when the vehicle20managed by the second user52is used as the operation vehicle. When the first terminal apparatus31is mounted in the vehicle20, the first terminal controller311of the first terminal apparatus31may execute an application for notifying the second user52of the operation schedule.

Specifically, the third terminal controller331receives input of information required to request boarding when the third user53wishes to board the operation vehicle. The information required to request boarding is also referred to as boarding request information. The boarding request information includes desired boarding conditions designated by the third user53for boarding the operation vehicle. The desired boarding conditions include a desired boarding location or departure time, a drop-off location or drop-off time, or the like desired by the third user53. The boarding request information may include information specifying the third user53. The boarding request information may include information required to pay the fare of the operation vehicle. The third terminal controller331transmits the boarding request information from the third terminal communication interface332to the server10.

The server controller12of the server10extracts the operation vehicle that the third user53can board based on the desired boarding conditions included in the boarding request information. The operation vehicle that the third user53can board is also referred to as a candidate vehicle. When the server controller12determines that the third user53can board the vehicle20based on the desired boarding conditions of the third user53and the operation schedule of the operation vehicle, the vehicle20may be added to the candidate vehicles.

The server10may, for example, judge whether to add the vehicle20to the candidate vehicles as follows. If the vehicle20is to operate after allowing the third user53to board, the vehicle20at least needs to travel over a route from the first area61back to the first area61or a second area for handing over the vehicle20to the first user51, while passing through the boarding location and the drop-off location. In the case of allowing the first user51to board, the vehicle20also needs to travel the route within the first period during which the second user52manages the vehicle20. If the vehicle20can, within the first period, travel the route when the first user51boards, the server10may judge that the vehicle20can allow the third user53to board based on the desired boarding conditions of the third user53and may add the vehicle20to the candidate vehicles.

The server controller12transmits information on the candidate vehicles from the server communication interface14to the third terminal apparatus33. The third terminal controller331of the third terminal apparatus33notifies the third user53by causing the third terminal output interface333to display or output the information on the candidate vehicle acquired from the server10. The third user53selects a candidate vehicle that the third user wishes to board. The candidate vehicle that the third user53wishes to board is also referred to as the desired boarding vehicle. The third terminal controller331receives input of the desired boarding vehicle from the third user53and transmits information on the desired boarding vehicle from the third terminal communication interface332to the server10.

When the vehicle20is selected as the desired boarding vehicle, the server controller12transmits the information on the third user53from the server communication interface14to the second terminal apparatus32of the second user52that manages the vehicle20. The second terminal controller321of the second terminal apparatus32notifies the second user52by causing the second terminal output interface323to display or output the information on the third user53acquired from the server10.

The second user52may select whether to accept or reject boarding of the third user53. The second terminal controller321may receive input of the selection by the second user52and transmit information, from the second terminal communication interface322to the server10, indicating whether to accept or reject boarding of the third user53. When the second user52rejects boarding of the third user53, the server controller12transmits information on a new candidate vehicle from the server communication interface14to the third terminal apparatus33. When the second user52accepts boarding of the third user53, the server controller12transmits information, from the server communication interface14to the third terminal apparatus33, indicating that boarding on to the desired boarding vehicle has been determined.

The server controller12may determine that the third user53is to board the desired boarding vehicle without receiving the selection by the second user52. The server controller12transmits information indicating that boarding of the desired boarding vehicle has been determined from the server communication interface14to the third terminal apparatus33.

When it is determined that the third user53is to board the vehicle20, the server controller12finalizes the operation schedule of the vehicle20. The server controller12may change the operation schedule of the desired boarding vehicle as necessary based on the desired boarding conditions of the third user53. The server controller12transmits the finalized operation schedule from the server communication interface14to the second terminal apparatus32. When the first terminal apparatus31is mounted in the vehicle20, the server controller12may transmit the finalized operation schedule from the server communication interface14to the first terminal apparatus31.

When the server10transmits the operation schedule to the second terminal apparatus32, the second terminal controller321of the second terminal apparatus32notifies the second user52of the operation schedule by causing the second terminal output interface323to display or output the operation schedule. When the server10transmits the operation schedule to the first terminal apparatus31mounted in the vehicle20, the first terminal controller311of the first terminal apparatus31notifies the second user52of the operation schedule by causing the first terminal output interface313to display or output the operation schedule. The second user52operates the vehicle20based on the notified operation schedule and allows the third user53to board the vehicle20. The vehicle20can thereby serve as an operation vehicle to transport passengers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

As described above, the information processing system1can manage the operation schedule of the vehicle20when the vehicle20is used to transport passengers as an operation vehicle in an on-demand bus service.

The third user53pays a passenger fare for boarding the vehicle20. The second user52receives remuneration for allowing the third user53to board. The remuneration for allowing the third user53to board is also referred to as an operation remuneration. In other words, the operator of the on-demand bus service collects the passenger fare from the third user53and grants the operation remuneration to the second user52. The operator of the on-demand bus service may determine the amounts of the passenger fare and the operation remuneration using the server10. Specific examples of the server10determining the amounts are described below.

Specific Examples of Utilization Charges or Passenger Fares

In the information processing system1, the usage fee and the assumption remuneration for the management intermediary service, or the amounts of the passenger fare and the operation remuneration for the on-demand bus service, are determined by the server controller12of the server10. Specific examples of operations by the server controller12to determine the amounts are described below.

<Usage Fee and Assumption Remuneration for Management Intermediary Service>

The operator of the management intermediary service charges the first user51a usage fee for entrusting management of the vehicle20. In other words, the first user51pays a usage fee to entrust management of the vehicle20. On the other hand, the operator of the management intermediary service pays an assumption remuneration to the second user52. In other words, the second user52receives an assumption remuneration and assumes management of the vehicle20.

The server controller12may determine a usage fee to be charged to the first user51and an assumption remuneration to be paid to the second user52in accordance with the length of time during which management of the vehicle20is entrusted. The server controller12may determine the usage fee to be charged to the first user51and the assumption remuneration to be paid to the second user52to be greater amounts as the time during which management of the vehicle20is entrusted is longer. The server controller12may determine at least a portion of the usage fee to be charged to the first user51as the amount of the assumption remuneration to be paid to the second user52. The operator of the management intermediary service receives the difference between the usage fee charged to the first user51and the assumption remuneration paid to the second user52as a system usage fee of the information processing system1for implementing the management intermediary service.

The server controller12may transmit information on the usage fee from the server communication interface14to the first terminal apparatus31carried by the first user51for the first terminal apparatus31to process the usage fee payment. The server controller12may transmit the information on the assumption remuneration from the server communication interface14to the second terminal apparatus32carried by the second user52for the second terminal apparatus32to process the granting of the assumption remuneration.

The server controller12may transmit information on the usage fee to be charged to the first user51from the server communication interface14to the second terminal apparatus32. In this case, the second user52may receive the usage fee of which the second terminal apparatus32provides notification from the first user51when the second user52takes over the vehicle20from the first user51or turns the vehicle20over to the first user51. The operator of the management intermediary service may collect a portion of the usage fee, received by the second user52from the first user51, as a system usage fee of the information processing system1.

<On-Demand Bus Service Passenger Fare and Operation Remuneration>

The operator of the on-demand bus service charges a fare to the third user53who rides in the operation vehicle. That is, the third user53pays the fare and uses the on-demand bus service. On the other hand, the operator of the on-demand bus service pays the operation remuneration to the second user52. In other words, the second user52receives the operation remuneration and allows the third user53to board the vehicle20.

The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare of the third user53. The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare of the third user53based on the travel distance or the travel time of the operation vehicle from the boarding location to the drop-off location of the third user53. The server controller12may determine that the passenger fare charged to the third user53is higher as the travel distance or the travel time of the operation vehicle is longer. The server controller12may determine at least a portion of the amount of the passenger fare charged to the third user53as the amount of the operation remuneration paid to the second user52. The operator of the on-demand bus service receives the difference between the passenger fare charged to the third user53and the operation remuneration paid to the second user52as a system usage fee of the information processing system1that implements the on-demand bus service.

The server controller12may transmit information on the passenger fare from the server communication interface14to the third terminal apparatus33carried by the third user53for the third terminal apparatus33to process payment of the passenger fare. The server controller12may transmit information on the operation remuneration from the server communication interface14to the second terminal apparatus32carried by the second user52for the second terminal apparatus32to process the granting of the operation remuneration.

The server controller12may transmit information on the passenger fare from the server communication interface14to the second terminal apparatus32. When the first terminal apparatus31is mounted in the vehicle20, the server controller12may transmit information on the passenger fare from the server communication interface14to the first terminal apparatus31. The second user52may receive the passenger fare, of which the first terminal apparatus31or the second terminal apparatus32provides notification, from the third user53when the third user53boards or exits. In this case, the operator of the on-demand bus service may collect a portion of the passenger fare, received by the second user52from the third user53, from the second user52as the system usage fee of the information processing system1.

The reason why the manager of the on-demand bus service can receive the passenger fare from the third user53is not only because the second user52operates the vehicle20, but also because the first user51provides the vehicle20. Therefore, the passenger fare may be distributed not only to the second user52but also to the first user51. The server controller12may distribute predetermined percentages of the passenger fare to the manager, the first user51, and the second user52.

The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare to be distributed to the first user51based on the cost of energy required to drive the vehicle20, such as the fuel cost or the electricity cost of the vehicle20. The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare to be distributed to the first user51based on the distance or time that the vehicle20traveled after the third user53boarded. The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare to be distributed to the first user51based on the number of third users53who boarded the vehicle20. As the number of third users53who boarded the vehicle20is greater, the cost of energy needed to drive the vehicle20increases, and the conditions inside the vehicle20are more likely to be worse. The server controller12may increase the passenger fare to be distributed to the first user51as the number of third users53who boarded the vehicle20is higher.

The server controller12may transmit information, related to the amount to distribute to each of the first user51and the second user52, from the server communication interface14to the first terminal apparatus31carried by the first user51and the second terminal apparatus32carried by the second user52.

The server controller12may use the passenger fare distributed to the first user51to offset the usage fee of the management intermediary service to be collected from the first user51. When the passenger fare distributed to the first user51is higher than the usage fee of the management intermediary service, the first user51receives the difference. When the passenger fare allocated to the first user51is lower than the usage fee of the management intermediary service, the first user51pays the difference. The server controller12may transmit information related to the difference to the first terminal apparatus31carried by the first user51for the first terminal apparatus31to process the granting or payment of the difference.

(Summary of Information Processing System1)

As described above, the information processing system1according to the present embodiment, along with the server10and the terminal apparatuses, can provide a management intermediary service. In this way, when the first user51rides into the first area61with the vehicle20, the first user51does not need to park the vehicle20in a parking space in order to leave the vehicle20. Furthermore, the vehicle20is managed by the second user52who acts as a manager while the first user51is away from the vehicle20. Consequently, the first user51can obtain a sense of security about the management status of the vehicle20, and convenience for the first user51is improved.

The information processing system1according to the present embodiment, along with the server10and the terminal apparatuses, can also provide an on-demand bus service using the vehicle20for which management is entrusted. In this way, the vehicle20can be effectively utilized. The first user51therefore benefits. Increasing the number of operation vehicles in the on-demand bus service also makes it easier for the third user53to board an operation vehicle. Convenience is therefore improved for the third user53.

Example of Information Processing Method

To provide the management intermediary service or the on-demand bus service, the information processing system1may perform an information processing method including procedures such as those in the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, or the like. An example of the information processing method is described below.

Example of Information Processing Method for Providing Management Intermediary Service

The information processing system1may perform the information processing method illustrated below to provide a management intermediary service.

Example of Information Processing Method Performed by Server10

To provide a management intermediary service, the server controller12of the server10may perform an information processing method that includes the procedures of the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 4. The information processing method may be implemented as an information processing program to be executed by a processor such as the server controller12. The information processing program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The server controller12receives the entrustment request information from the first terminal apparatus31(step S1). The server controller12receives the assumption request information from the second terminal apparatus32(step S2). The server controller12extracts the assumption candidates or the entrustment candidates based on the entrustment request information and the assumption request information and transmits the candidates to the terminal apparatus (step S3). The server controller12transmits the assumption candidates to the second terminal apparatus32and transmits the entrustment candidates to the first terminal apparatus31.

The server controller12receives the selected vehicle or the user selected for entrustment (step S4). The server controller12receives the selected vehicle from the second terminal apparatus32and receives the user selected for entrustment from the first terminal apparatus31.

The server controller12judges whether a pairing of the first user51that entrusts management of the vehicle20and the second user52that assumes management of the vehicle20is established (step S5). Specifically, the server controller12may judge that the pairing is established when the example conditions below are satisfied. For example, the server controller12may judge that the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is established when receiving the user selected for entrustment from the first terminal apparatus31and receiving the determination to assume management from the second terminal apparatus32. The server controller12may judge that the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is established when the selected vehicle is received from the second terminal apparatus32and the determination to entrust management is received from the second terminal apparatus32. The server controller12may judge that the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is established when the user selected for entrustment is received from the first terminal apparatus31or when the selected vehicle is received from the second terminal apparatus32.

When the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is not established (step S5: NO), the server controller12returns to the procedure of step S3. When the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is established (step S5: YES), the server controller12transmits the determination of the user to assume management to the first terminal apparatus31and transmits the determination of the user to be entrusted to the second terminal apparatus32(step S6).

The server controller12receives the status of management of the vehicle20(step S7). Specifically, the server controller12receives information indicating that the second user52is managing the vehicle20in the first period or information indicating that the first user51has taken the vehicle20back from the second user52after the first period elapses. The server controller12may judge that the second user52is managing the vehicle20when acquiring, from the first terminal apparatus31, information indicating that the first user51has handed over management of the vehicle20to the second user52. The server controller12may judge that the second user52is managing the vehicle20when acquiring, from the second terminal apparatus32, information indicating that the second user52has taken over management of the vehicle20from the first user51. The server controller12may judge that the first user51has taken over the vehicle20from the second user52when acquiring, from the first terminal apparatus31, information indicating that the first user51has taken over the vehicle20from the second user52. The server controller12may judge that the first user51has taken over the vehicle20from the second user52when acquiring, from the second terminal apparatus32, information indicating that the second user52has handed over the vehicle20to the first user51.

The server controller12transmits the usage fee and the remuneration (step S8). Specifically, the server controller12calculates the usage fee to charge the first user51and transmits the usage fee to the first terminal apparatus31. The server controller12also calculates the assumption remuneration to pay to the second user52and transmits the assumption remuneration to the second terminal apparatus32. After confirming, by the procedure of step S7, that the entrustment and assumption of management of the vehicle20have been performed, the server controller12calculates the usage fee and the assumption remuneration. After execution of the procedure in step S8, the server controller12ends execution of the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 4.

The server controller12may generate a pairing of the first user51and the second user52in the procedure of step S3. The server controller12may transmit the first user51in the generated pairing to the second terminal apparatus32as an assumption candidate and transmit the second user52in the generated pairing to the first terminal apparatus31as an entrustment candidate. In this case, the server controller12receives information, from the first terminal apparatus31, that the first user51has determined to entrust management of the vehicle20to the entrustment candidate in the procedure of step S4. The server controller12receives information, from the second terminal apparatus32, that the second user52has determined to assume management of the vehicle20of the assumption candidate. The server controller12may judge that the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is established in the procedure of step S5when receiving the determination of entrustment or assumption of management. The server controller12may judge that the pairing of the first user51and the second user52is unconditionally established in the procedure of step S5when information on the pairing of the first user51and the second user52could be generated in the procedure of step S3.

Example of Information Processing Method Performed by First Terminal Apparatus31

The first terminal controller311of the first terminal apparatus31may perform an information processing method including the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 5so that the first user51can use the management intermediary service. The procedures illustrated inFIG. 5represent procedures when the first user51determines the user selected for entrustment from among entrustment candidates. The information processing method may be implemented as an information processing program to be executed by a processor such as the first terminal controller311. The information processing program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The first terminal controller311transmits the entrustment request information to the server10(step S11). The first terminal controller311receives entrustment candidates from the server10(step S12). The first terminal controller311transmits the user selected for entrustment to the server10(step S13).

The first terminal controller311judges whether a determination that the management of the vehicle20can be entrusted has been made (step S14). Specifically, the first terminal controller311judges that the determination that the management of the vehicle20can be entrusted has been made when acquiring information, from the server10, indicating that the second user52designated as the user selected for entrustment has determined to assume management of the vehicle20. The first terminal controller311judges that the determination that the management of the vehicle20can be entrusted has not been made when acquiring information, from the server10, indicating that the second user52designated as the user selected for entrustment has determined not to assume management of the vehicle20.

When the first terminal controller311has not determined that the management of the vehicle20can be entrusted (step S14: NO), the process returns to step S12. When the first terminal controller311has determined that the management of the vehicle20can be entrusted (step S14: YES), the first terminal controller311transmits the management status of the vehicle20to the server10(step S15). Specifically, when the first user51hands off the management of the vehicle20to the second user52or takes back the vehicle20from the second user52, the first user51inputs the change in the status of management of the vehicle20to the first terminal apparatus31. The first terminal controller311transmits, to the server10, information indicating that the first user51has handed off the management of the vehicle20to the second user52or information indicating that the first user51has taken over the vehicle20from the second user52.

The first terminal controller311receives the usage fee from the server10(step S16). Specifically, after completion of entrustment of management of the vehicle20, the server10calculates the usage fee to be charged to the first user51and transmits the amount of the usage fee to the first terminal apparatus31. The first terminal controller311receives the amount of the usage fee calculated by the server10. The first terminal controller311may execute processing for the first user51to pay the received amount of the usage fee. After execution of the procedure in step S16, the first terminal controller311ends execution of the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 5.

When the first terminal controller311judges that it has not been determined to entrust management of the vehicle20in the procedure of step S14, the first terminal controller311may return to the procedure of step S12and receive a new entrustment candidate from the server10. The first terminal controller311may return to the procedure of step S13to determine a user selected for entrustment from among other entrustment candidates.

Example of Information Processing Method Executed by Second Terminal Apparatus32

The second terminal controller321of the second terminal apparatus32may perform an information processing method including the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 6so that the second user52can use the management intermediary service. The procedures illustrated inFIG. 6represent procedures when the second user52determines the selected vehicle from among the assumption candidates. The information processing method may be implemented as an information processing program to be executed by a processor such as the second terminal controller321. The information processing program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The second terminal controller321transmits assumption request information to the server10(step S21). The second terminal controller321receives assumption candidates from the server10(step S22). The second terminal controller321transmits the selected vehicle to the server10(step S23).

The second terminal controller321judges whether assumption of management of the vehicle20by the second user52has been determined (step S24). Specifically, when the second terminal controller321acquires information, from the server10, indicating that the first user51has determined to entrust the management of the vehicle20designated as the selected vehicle, the second terminal controller321judges that assumption of management of the vehicle20by the second user52has been determined. When the second terminal controller321acquires information, from the server10, indicating that the first user51has decided not to entrust the management of the vehicle20designated as the selected vehicle, the second terminal controller321judges that assumption of management of the vehicle20by the second user52has not been determined.

When assumption of management of the vehicle20by the second user52has not been determined (step S24: NO), the second terminal controller321returns to the procedure of step S22. When assumption of management of the vehicle20by the second user52has been determined (step S24: YES), the second terminal controller321transmits the management status of the vehicle20to the server10(step S25). Specifically, when the second user52takes over the management of the vehicle20from the first user51or hands over the vehicle20to the first user51, the second user52inputs the change in the status of management of the vehicle20to the second terminal apparatus32. The second terminal controller321transmits, to the server10, information indicating that the second user52has taken over the management of the vehicle20from the first user51or information indicating that the second user52has handed over the vehicle20to the first user51.

The second terminal controller321receives remuneration from the server10(step S26). Specifically, after completion of the assumption of management of the vehicle20, the server10calculates the assumption remuneration to be paid to the second user52and transmits the assumption remuneration to the second terminal apparatus32. The second terminal controller321receives the assumption remuneration calculated by the server10. The second terminal controller321may execute processing for the second user52to accept the received assumption remuneration. After execution of the procedure of step S26, the second terminal controller321ends execution of the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 6.

When the first terminal controller311judges that assumption of management of the vehicle20has not been determined in the procedure of step S24, the first terminal controller311may return to the procedure of step S22and receive a new assumption candidate from the server10. The first terminal controller311may return to step S23to determine the selected vehicle from among other assumption candidates.

Example of Information Processing Method for Providing On-Demand Bus Service

The information processing system1may perform the information processing method illustrated below to provide an on-demand bus service.

Example of Information Processing Method Performed by Server10

The server controller12of the server10may perform an information processing method that includes the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 7to provide an on-demand bus service. The information processing method may be implemented as an information processing program to be executed by a processor such as the server controller12. The information processing program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The server controller12receives boarding request information from the third terminal apparatus33(step S31). The server controller12extracts candidate vehicles based on the boarding request information including the desired boarding conditions of the third user53and transmits the candidate vehicles to the third terminal apparatus33(step S32). The server controller12receives the desired boarding vehicle from the third terminal apparatus33(step S33).

The server controller12judges whether boarding of the third user53on the desired boarding vehicle has been determined (step S34). Specifically, the server controller12may judge that boarding of the third user53has been determined when the example conditions below are satisfied. For example, the server controller12may judge that boarding of the third user53on the vehicle20designated as the desired boarding vehicle has been determined when the server controller12receives a determination of acceptance of boarding from the second terminal apparatus32of the second user52that manages the desired boarding vehicle. The server controller12may judge that boarding of the third user53on the vehicle20designated as the desired boarding vehicle has not been determined when the server controller12receives a determination of rejection of boarding from the second terminal apparatus32of the second user52that manages the desired boarding vehicle. When the server controller12receives the desired boarding vehicle by the procedure in step S33, the server controller12may judge that boarding of the third user53on the desired boarding vehicle has been determined without confirming with the second user52.

When boarding of the third user53on the desired boarding vehicle is not determined (step S34: NO), the server controller12returns to step S32. When boarding of the third user53on the desired boarding vehicle is determined (step S34: YES), the server controller12receives boarding conditions of the vehicle20(step S35). Specifically, the server controller12receives information indicating that the third user53has boarded the vehicle20designated as the desired boarding vehicle, or information indicating that the third user53has exited from the vehicle20, from the second terminal apparatus32or the first terminal apparatus31mounted in the vehicle20. In this case, the second user52may provide input to the second terminal apparatus32or the first terminal apparatus31indicating that the third user53has boarded the vehicle20or that the third user53has exited from the vehicle20.

The server controller12transmits the passenger fare and the remuneration (step S36). Specifically, the server controller12calculates a passenger fare to be charged to the third user53and an operation remuneration to be paid to the second user52and transmits the passenger fare and operation remuneration to the second terminal apparatus32or the first terminal apparatus31. The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare and the operation remuneration in advance, before the third user53boards the vehicle20, based on the desired boarding conditions of the third user53. The server controller12may calculate the passenger fare and the operation remuneration after confirming with the vehicle20in step S35that the third user53has boarded the vehicle20. After execution of the procedure in step S36, the server controller12ends execution of the procedures of the flowchart inFIG. 7.

In the procedure of step S35, the server controller12may receive information, from the third terminal apparatus33, indicating that the third user53has boarded the vehicle20designated as the desired boarding vehicle. In this case, the third user53may provide input to the third terminal apparatus33indicating that the third user53boarded the vehicle20.

In the procedure of step S35, the server controller12may receive positional information for the terminal apparatus from the third terminal apparatus33and from the second terminal apparatus32or the first terminal apparatus31and may judge that the third user53has boarded the vehicle20based on the positional information. For example, when the position of the third terminal apparatus33and the position of the second terminal apparatus32or the first terminal apparatus31move along the same path for a predetermined time, the server controller12may judge that the third user53is onboard the vehicle20.

(Summary of Information Processing Methods)

A management intermediary service is provided according to an information processing method of the present embodiment, as described above. In this way, when the first user51rides into the first area61with the vehicle20, the first user51does not need to park the vehicle20in a parking space in order to leave the vehicle20. Furthermore, the vehicle20is managed by the second user52who acts as a manager while the first user51is away from the vehicle20. Consequently, the first user51can obtain a sense of security about the management status of the vehicle20, and convenience for the first user51is improved.

An on-demand bus service, using the vehicle20of which management is entrusted, is provided according to an information processing method of the present embodiment. In this way, the vehicle20can be effectively utilized. The first user51therefore benefits. Increasing the number of operation vehicles in the on-demand bus service also makes it easier for the third user53to board an operation vehicle. Convenience is therefore improved for the third user53.

Other Embodiments

<Change in First Period>

In the management intermediary service, the first period corresponds to the period during which the first user51entrusts management of the vehicle20. In other words, at the end of the first period, entrustment of management of the vehicle20ends. In this case, the first user51needs to take back the vehicle20at the end of the first period. This is because a delay in the first user51taking back the vehicle20would constrain the second user52beyond the time of the entrustment contract, and a parking space for the vehicle20might become necessary.

The server controller12of the server10that provides the management intermediary service may change the first period based on the time at which the first user51takes back the vehicle20. The server controller12may apply a penalty to the first user51when the first period is extended. The penalty may include an increase in the usage fee or may include restrictions on requests by the first user51.

On the other hand, when the first user51takes back the vehicle20by the end of the first period that is determined based on the entrustment request information, the server controller12may provide an incentive to the first user. The incentive may include a reduction in the usage fee or may include preferential acceptance of requests by the first user51.

The server controller12may receive the boarding request information on the third user53from the third terminal apparatus33and accept a boarding reservation prior to receiving the entrustment request information on the vehicle20from the first terminal apparatus31. The server controller12generates an operation schedule of the vehicle20based on the boarding reservation received from the third user53. When receiving a request from the first user51to entrust management of the vehicle20, the server controller12may preferentially accept entrustment of management of a vehicle20that can be operated in accordance with the operation schedule generated based on the boarding reservation of the third user53.

The server controller12may accept entrustment of management of the vehicle20on the condition that the first period is changed in accordance with the operation schedule generated based on the boarding reservation of the third user53. The server controller12may provide an incentive to the first user51when the first user51agrees to change the first period, which was set in the entrustment request information, in accordance with the operation schedule.

User convenience can be increased by implementation of a change in the first period and an incentive or penalty associated with the change. For example, the first user51is less susceptible to restrictions on behavior when moving away from the vehicle20. The third user53can easily find an operation vehicle to board.

<Method of Handing Over Vehicle20>

The vehicle20may be handed over when the first user51and the second user52meet. In this case, a physical key of the vehicle20may be passed between the first user51and the second user52. The vehicle20may also be handed over without direct contact between the first user51and the second user52. In this case, a physical key of the vehicle20may be passed between the first user51and the second user52using a means such as a locker.

The vehicle20may be configured so that locking is controlled, and a power source such as an engine or motor is activated, by a virtual key based on radio waves, as described above. The first user51may exit the vehicle20in the first area61, lock the vehicle20, and move away from the vehicle20. The server10may transmit information about the radio waves corresponding to the virtual key of the vehicle20to the second terminal apparatus32. The second user52may unlock the vehicle20or drive the vehicle20by causing the second terminal apparatus32to transmit radio waves corresponding to the virtual key of the vehicle20. In other words, the second user52can use the second terminal apparatus32as a virtual key of the vehicle20. In this way, there is no need to pass a physical key when the vehicle20is handed over without direct contact between the first user51and the second user52. The vehicle20can therefore be handed over easily, improving convenience for the user.

While an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the drawings and examples, it should be noted that various modifications and revisions may be implemented by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications and revisions are included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions or the like included in each means, each step, or the like can be rearranged without logical inconsistency, and a plurality of means, steps, or the like can be combined together or divided.