Patent Publication Number: US-2021166208-A1

Title: Control device, system, program, terminal device, and payment allocating method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-217314 filed on Nov. 29, 2019, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The disclosure relates to a control device, a system, a program, a terminal device, and a payment allocating method. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-342426 (JP 2002-342426 A) describes a technology in which a dispatch center obtains dispatch request information from a mobile device and sends dispatch command information to a vehicle based on the dispatch request information. 
     SUMMARY 
     The technology described in JP 2002-342426 A does not provide a sufficient convenience as a dispatch service for a vehicle that transports a plurality of users together. 
     An object of the disclosure is to enhance the convenience of the dispatch service for the vehicle that transports a plurality of users together. 
     A control device according to the disclosure includes a control unit that estimates a relationship of a plurality of users based on one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users, and that allocates payment to the plurality of users depending on the estimated relationship, the payment being payment of a fare for a vehicle that transports the plurality of users together. 
     A program according to the disclosure causes a computer to execute a behavior including: 
     receiving notice of an allocation of payment from a control device that estimates a relationship of a plurality of users based on one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users, and that allocates payment to the plurality of users depending on the estimated relationship, the payment being payment of a fare for a vehicle that transports the plurality of users together; 
     outputting the received notice; and 
     giving a response indicating agreement to the allocation when accepting a user&#39;s operation for the agreement to the allocation. 
     A payment allocating method according to the disclosure includes: 
     a control device estimating a relationship of a plurality of users based on one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users; and 
     the control device allocating payment to the plurality of users depending on the estimated relationship, the payment being payment of a fare for a vehicle that transports the plurality of users together. 
     The disclosure enhances the convenience of the dispatch service for the vehicle that transports a plurality of users together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like signs denote like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to the embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a behavior of the system according to the embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing the behavior of the system according to the embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a screen example of the terminal device according to the embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. 
     In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by identical reference characters. In the embodiment, descriptions of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified when appropriate. 
     The configuration of a system  10  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     The system  10  according to the embodiment includes at least one control device  20 , at least one server device  30 , and terminal devices  40  of a plurality of users such as a first user  11  and a second user  12 . The plurality of users may include a user other than the first user  11  and the second user  12 . 
     The control device  20  can communicate with the server device  30  and at least one vehicle  13  through a network  50  such as the internet. The control device  20  can communicate with each terminal device  40  through the network  50 . 
     The server device  30  can communicate with not only the control device  20  but also each terminal device  40 , through the network  50 . The server device  30  may be capable of communicating with the vehicle  13  through the network  50 . 
     The control device  20  is installed in a facility such as a datacenter. For example, the control device  20  is a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or another computing system. In the embodiment, the control device  20  functions as a dispatch server that provides a dispatch service. 
     The server device  30  is installed in a facility such as a datacenter. For example, the server device  30  is a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or another computing system. In the embodiment, the server device  30  functions as an SNS server that provides an SNS such as an instant messaging service, to the terminal devices  40  of the plurality of users. The term “SNS” is an abbreviation of social networking service. 
     Each terminal device  40  is held by the user. For example, each terminal device  40  is a mobile telephone, a smartphone, a tablet or a PC. The term “PC” is an abbreviation of personal computer. In the embodiment, each terminal device  40  functions as an SNS client that uses an SNS by executing an SNS application such as an instant messenger. 
     For example, the vehicle  13  is an arbitrary kind of automobile such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, an HV, a PHV, an EV or a FCV. The term “HV” is an abbreviation of hybrid vehicle. The term “PHV” is an abbreviation of plug-in hybrid vehicle. The term “EV” is an abbreviation of electric vehicle. The term “FCV” is an abbreviation of fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle  13  is driven by a driver in the embodiment. The driving may be automated at an arbitrary level. For example, the automation level is one of Levels 1 to 5 that are defined by SAE. The term “SAE” is an abbreviation of Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle  13  may be a dedicated vehicle for MaaS. The term “MaaS” is an abbreviation of Mobility as a Service. In the embodiment, the vehicle  13  is an automobile such as a taxi or on-demand bus that is arranged by a dispatch service. 
     An outline of the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     In the system  10  according to the embodiment, the control device  20  estimates a relationship of the plurality of users based on one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users. Depending on the estimated relationship, the control device  20  allocates payment of a fare for the vehicle  13  that transports the plurality of users together, to the users. 
     With the embodiment, it is possible to easily decide how the payment of the fare is shared by the plurality of users, and therefore, it is possible to enhance the convenience of the dispatch service for the vehicle  13  that transports the plurality of users together. 
     Furthermore, in the system  10  according to the embodiment, the control device  20  performs a settlement process for the fare when the terminal devices  40  of the plurality of users accept user&#39;s operations for agreement to an allocation of the payment. 
     With the embodiment, when each user agrees to the allocation of the payment, the settlement of the fare is automatically performed, resulting in a further enhancement of the convenience of the dispatch service. 
     The configuration of the control device  20  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     The control device  20  includes a control unit  21 , a storage unit  22 , a communication unit  23 , an input unit  24  and an output unit  25 . 
     The control unit  21  includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of the processor and the dedicated circuit. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor for a particular process. The term “CPU” is an abbreviation of central processing unit. The term “GPU” is an abbreviation of graphics processing unit. For example, the dedicated circuit is an FPGA or an ASIC. The term “FPGA” is an abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. The term “ASIC” is an abbreviation of application specific integrated circuit. The control unit  21  controls each unit of the control device  20 , and thereby executes a process relevant to a behavior of the control device  20 . 
     The storage unit  22  includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of the semiconductor memory, the magnetic memory and the optical memory. For example, the semiconductor memory is a RAM or a ROM. The term “RAM” is an abbreviation of random access memory. The ROM” is an abbreviation of read only memory. For example, the RAM is an SRAM or a DRAM. The term “SRAM” is an abbreviation of static random access memory. The term “DRAM” is an abbreviation of dynamic random access memory. For example, the ROM is an EEPROM. The term “EEPROM” is an abbreviation of electrically erasable programmable read only memory. For example, the storage unit  22  functions as a main memory, an auxiliary memory or a cache memory. In the storage unit  22 , data to be used for the behavior of the control device  20  and data obtained by the behavior of the control device  20  are stored. 
     The communication unit  23  includes at least one communication interface. For example, the communication interface is a LAN interface. The term “LAN” is an abbreviation of local area network. The communication unit  23  receives the data to be used for the behavior of the control device  20 , and sends the data obtained by the behavior of the control device  20 . 
     The input unit  24  includes at least one input interface. For example, the input interface is a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone. The input unit  24  accepts an operation to input the data to be used for the behavior of the control device  20 . The input unit  24  may be connected to the control device  20  as an external input device, instead of being included in the control device  20 . As a connection method, for example, an arbitrary method such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. The term “USB” is an abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus. The term “HDMI®” is an abbreviation of High-Definition Multimedia Interface. 
     The output unit  25  includes at least one output interface. For example, the output interface is a display or a speaker. For example, the display is an LCD or an organic EL display. The term “LCD” is an abbreviation of liquid crystal display. The term “EL” is an abbreviation of electroluminescence. The output unit  25  outputs the data obtained by the behavior of the control device  20 . The output unit  25  may be connected to the control device  20  as an external output device, instead of being included in the control device  20 . As a connection method, for example, an arbitrary method such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. 
     A function of the control device  20  is realized when a control program according to the embodiment is executed by a processor corresponding to the control unit  21 . That is, the function of the control device  20  is realized by software. The control program causes a computer to execute the behavior of the control device  20 , and thereby causes the computer to function as the control device  20 . That is, the computer executes the behavior of the control device  20  in line with the control program, and thereby functions as the control device  20 . 
     The program can be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. For example, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium is a magnetic recording medium, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium or a ROM. For example, distribution of the program is performed by sale, tradition or rental of a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM in which the program is recorded. The term “DVD” is an abbreviation of digital versatile disk. The term “CD-ROM” is an abbreviation of compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in a storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product. 
     For example, the computer temporarily stores the program recorded in the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server, in the main memory. Then, the computer reads the grogram stored in the main memory with the processor, and executes a process in line with the read program with the processor. The computer may directly read the program from the portable recording medium, and may execute the process in line with the program. The computer may execute the process in line with the received program whenever the program is transferred from the server to the computer. Without the transfer of the program from the server to the computer, the process may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service in which the function is realized simply by execution instruction and result acquisition. The term “ASP” is an abbreviation of application service provider. The program is information that is used for processing by an electronic computer, and includes information equivalent to the program. Examples of the “information equivalent to the program” include data that is not a direct command to the computer but has a property of specifying the processing by the computer. 
     A part or whole of the function of the control device  20  may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit  21 . That is, a part or whole of the function of the control device  20  may be realized by hardware. 
     The configuration of the server device  30  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     The server device  30  includes a control unit  31 , a storage unit  32 , a communication unit  33 , an input unit  34  and an output unit  35 . 
     The control unit  31  includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of the processor and the dedicated circuit. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor for a particular process. For example, the dedicated circuit is an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit  31  controls each unit of the server device  30 , and thereby executes a process relevant to a behavior of the server device  30 . 
     The storage unit  32  includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of the semiconductor memory, the magnetic memory and the optical memory. For example, the semiconductor memory is a RAM or a ROM. For example, the RAM is an SRAM or a DRAM. For example, the ROM is an EEPROM. For example, the storage unit  32  functions as a main memory, an auxiliary memory or a cache memory. In the storage unit  32 , data to be used for the behavior of the server device  30  and data obtained by the behavior of the server device  30  are stored. 
     The communication unit  33  includes at least one communication interface. For example, the communication interface is a LAN interface. The communication unit  33  receives the data to be used for the behavior of the server device  30 , and sends the data obtained by the behavior of the server device  30 . 
     The input unit  34  includes at least one input interface. For example, the input interface is a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone. The input unit  34  accepts an operation to input the data to be used for the behavior of the server device  30 . The input unit  34  may be connected to the server device  30  as an external input device, instead of being included in the server device  30 . As a connection method, for example, an arbitrary method such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. 
     The output unit  35  includes at least one output interface. For example, the output interface is a display or a speaker. For example, the display is an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit  35  outputs the data obtained by the behavior of the server device  30 . The output unit  35  may be connected to the server device  30  as an external output device, instead of being included in the server device  30 . As a connection method, for example, an arbitrary method such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. 
     A function of the server device  30  is realized when a server program according to the embodiment is executed by a processor corresponding to the control unit  31 . That is, the function of the server device  30  is realized by software. The server program causes a computer to execute the behavior of the server device  30 , and thereby causes the computer to function as the server device  30 . That is, the computer executes the behavior of the server device  30  in line with the server program, and thereby functions as the server device  30 . 
     A part or whole of the function of the server device  30  may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit  31 . That is, a part or whole of the function of the server device  30  may be realized by hardware. 
     The configuration of the terminal device  40  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     The terminal device  40  includes a control unit  41 , a storage unit  42 , a communication unit  43 , an input unit  44 , an output unit  45  and a positioning unit  46 . 
     The control unit  41  includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of the processor and the dedicated circuit. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor for a particular process. For example, the dedicated circuit is an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit  41  controls each unit of the terminal device  40 , and thereby executes a process relevant to a behavior of the terminal device  40 . 
     The storage unit  42  includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of the semiconductor memory, the magnetic memory and the optical memory. For example, the semiconductor memory is a RAM or a ROM. For example, the RAM is an SRAM or a DRAM. For example, the ROM is an EEPROM. For example, the storage unit  42  functions as a main memory, an auxiliary memory or a cache memory. In the storage unit  42 , data to be used for the behavior of the terminal device  40  and data obtained by the behavior of the terminal device  40  are stored. 
     The communication unit  43  includes at least one communication interface. For example, the communication interface is an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G or 5G, an interface corresponding to a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, or a LAN interface. The term “LTE” is an abbreviation of Long Term Evolution. The term “4G” is an abbreviation of 4th generation. The term “5G” is an abbreviation of 5th generation. The communication unit  43  receives the data to be used for the behavior of the terminal device  40 , and sends the data obtained by the behavior of the terminal device  40 . 
     The input unit  44  includes at least one input interface. For example, the input interface is a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone. The input unit  44  accepts an operation to input the data to be used for the behavior of the terminal device  40 . The input unit  44  may be connected to the terminal device  40  as an external input device, instead of being included in the terminal device  40 . As a connection method, for example, an arbitrary method such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. 
     The output unit  45  includes at least one output interface. For example, the output interface is a display or a speaker. For example, the display is an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit  45  outputs the data obtained by the behavior of the terminal device  40 . The output unit  45  may be connected to the terminal device  40  as an external output device, instead of being included in the terminal device  40 . As a connection method, for example, an arbitrary method such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. 
     The positioning unit  46  includes at least one GNSS receiver. The term “GNSS” is an abbreviation of Global Navigation Satellite System. For example, the GNSS is GPS, QZSS, GLONASS or Galileo. The term “GPS” is an abbreviation of Global Positioning System. The term “QZSS” is an abbreviation of Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. A satellite in the QZSS is called quasi-zenith satellite. The term “GLONASS” is an abbreviation of Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit  46  measures the position of the terminal device  40 . 
     A function of the terminal device  40  is realized when a terminal program according to the embodiment is executed by a processor corresponding to the control unit  41 . That is, the function of the terminal device  40  is realized by software. The terminal program causes a computer to execute the behavior of the terminal device  40 , and thereby causes the computer to function as the terminal device  40 . That is, the computer executes the behavior of the terminal device  40  in line with the terminal program, and thereby functions as the terminal device  40 . 
     A part or whole of the function of the terminal device  40  may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit  41 . That is, apart or whole of the function of the terminal device  40  may be realized by hardware. 
     A behavior of the system  10  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . The behavior corresponds to a payment allocating method according to the embodiment. In  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , an “IM” means an instant message.  FIG. 7  shows a screen example of the terminal device  40  of the first user  11 . 
     As a practical example, suppose that X who is the first user  11  and Y who is the second user  12  have a chat in the SNS by exchanging instant messages with each other. It is assumed that the vehicle  13  is a taxi. The “practical example” is an example for facilitating understanding of the embodiment, and the disclosure is not limited to the practical example. 
     In step S 101 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X accepts an X&#39;s operation to input a text to Y, through the input unit  44 . In the practical example, it is assumed that X inputs a text “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?” to the terminal device  40 . 
     The control unit  41  outputs the input text through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the control unit  41  displays the input text on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the input text from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. The control unit  41  generates an instant message including the input text. The control unit  41  sends the generated instant message to the server device  30  through the communication unit  43 . 
     In step S 102 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the instant message sent in step S 101 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  sends the received instant message to the terminal device  40  of Y through the communication unit  33 , and processes the received instant message. Specifically, the control unit  31  performs the same process as that in a conventional SNS chat, to the received instant message, and saves the text included in the received instant message, in the storage unit  32 . The control unit  31  analyzes the content of the saved text, and determines whether dispatch is necessary. In the practical example, it is unknown whether X will go to eat sushi only from the question “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?”, and therefore the control unit  31  determines that the dispatch is not necessary. 
     In step S 103 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y receives the instant message sent in step S 102 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the text included in the received instant message, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the text included in the received instant message, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, the control unit  41  displays the text “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?” on the display. 
     In step S 104 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y accepts a Y&#39;s operation to input a text to X, through the input unit  44 . In the practical example, it is assumed that Y inputs a text “Mr. X, I really want to go!” to the terminal device  40 . 
     The control unit  41  outputs the input text through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the input text on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the input text from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. The control unit  41  generates an instant message including the input text. The control unit  41  sends the generated instant message to the server device  30  through the communication unit  43 . 
     In step S 105 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the instant message sent in step S 104 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  sends the received instant message to the terminal device  40  of X through the communication unit  33 , and processes the received instant message. Specifically, the control unit  31  performs the same process as that in a conventional SNS chat, to the received instant message, and saves the text included in the received instant message, in the storage unit  32 . The control unit  31  analyzes the content of the saved text, and determines whether the dispatch is necessary. In the practical example, since the answer “Mr. X, I really want to go!” is returned to the question “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?”, the control unit  31  can estimate that X and Y will go to eat sushi together, and therefore determines that the dispatch is necessary. 
     In step S 106 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X receives the instant message sent in step S 105 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the text included in the received instant message, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the text included in the received instant message, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, the control unit  41  displays the text “Mr. X, I really want to go!” on the display. 
     When the control unit  31  determines that the dispatch is necessary in step S 105 , the control unit  31  displays or outputs by voice, for example, a system message “The dispatch bot has detected your conversation.”, on both the terminal device  40  of X and the terminal device  40  of Y. By the display or voice output of the system message, it is possible to ease a suddenness feeling of X and Y at the time of proposition of the dispatch. 
     In step S 107 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  generates an instant message for proposing the dispatch. The control unit  31  sends the generated instant message to both the terminal device  40  of X and the terminal device  40  of Y through the communication unit  33 . In the practical example, the control unit  31  sends an instant message including a text “Would you like to arrange a taxi? Please provide your position and destination.” to both the terminal device  40  of X and the terminal device  40  of Y 
     In step S 108 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X receives the instant message sent in step S 107 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the text included in the received instant message, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the text included in the received instant message, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the control unit  41  displays the text “Would you like to arrange a taxi? Please provide your position and destination.” on the display. 
     In step S 109 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y receives the instant message sent in step S 107 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . Details of the process in step S 109  are the same as details of the process in step S 108 , and therefore the description is omitted. 
     In step S 110 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X accepts an X&#39;s operation to input position information P 1  about the current place and the name of a destination, through the input unit  44 . The position information P 1  may be directly input by the X&#39;s operation as a text of the address. Alternatively, the position information P 1  may be acquired by the positioning unit  46  in line with the X&#39;s operation, and may be input by the positioning unit  46  as data such as two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates. In the embodiment, the current place of X is regarded as the getting-in spot of X. If X hopes to get in a taxi at a place other than the current place, position information about the getting-in spot where X hopes to get may be input instead of the position information P 1  about the current place. In the embodiment, the name of the destination is explicitly input by the X&#39;s operation. The name of the destination may be implicitly input so as to be included in one or more instant messages exchanged between X and Y. In the embodiment, the destination is designated by the name. The designation may be designated by position information such as an address or coordinates. In the practical example, it is assumed that X inputs a text including the name “ABC sushi restaurant” of the destination to the terminal device  40 . 
     The control unit  41  outputs the input position information P 1  and text through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the control unit  41  displays the input position information P 1  and text on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the input position information P 1  and text from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. The control unit  41  generates an instant message including the input position information P 1  and text. The control unit  41  sends the generated instant message to the server device  30  through the communication unit  43 . 
     In step S 111 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the instant message sent in step S 110 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  sends the received instant message to the terminal device  40  of Y through the communication unit  33 , and processes the received instant message. Specifically, the control unit  31  performs the same process as that in a conventional SNS chat, to the received instant message, and saves the position information P 1  and text included in the received instant message, in the storage unit  32 . 
     In step S 112 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y receives the instant message sent in step S 111 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the position information P 1  and text included in the received instant message, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the position information P 1  and text included in the received instant message, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, the control unit  41  displays the position information P 1  such as the address or coordinates of the current place of X and the text including the name “ABC sushi restaurant” of the destination, on the display. 
     In step S 113 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y accepts a Y&#39;s operation to input position information P 2  about the current place, through the input unit  44 . The position information P 2  may be directly input by the Y&#39;s operation as a text of the address or the like. Alternatively, the position information P 2  may be acquired by the positioning unit  46  in line with the Y&#39;s operation, and may be input by the positioning unit  46  as data such as two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates. In the embodiment, the current place of Y is regarded as the getting-in spot of Y. If Y hopes to get in a taxi at a place other than the current place, position information about the getting-in spot where Y hopes to get may be input instead of the position information P 2  about the current place. The control unit  41  outputs the input position information P 2  through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the input position information P 2  on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the input position information P 2  from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. The control unit  41  generates an instant message including the input position information P 2 . The control unit  41  sends the generated instant message to the server device  30  through the communication unit  43 . 
     In step S 114 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the instant message sent in step S 113 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  sends the received instant message to the terminal device  40  of X through the communication unit  33 , and processes the received instant message. Specifically, the control unit  31  performs the same process as that in a conventional SNS chat, to the received instant message, and saves the position information P 2  included in the received instant message, in the storage unit  32 . 
     In step S 115 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X receives the instant message sent in step S 114 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the control unit  41  displays the position information P 2  included in the received instant message, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the position information P 2  included in the received instant message, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, the control unit  41  displays the position information P 2  such as the address or coordinates of the current place of Y, on the display. 
     In step S 121 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  acquires the texts saved in the storage unit  32  in step S 102 , step S 105  and step S 111 , the position information P 1  saved in the storage unit  32  in step S 111 , and the position information P 2  saved in the storage unit  32  in step S 114 . The control unit  31  generates a dispatch request including the acquired texts, including the acquired position information P 1  as the position information about the getting-in spot of X, and including the acquired position information P 2  as the position information about the getting-in spot of Y. The control unit  31  sends the generated dispatch request to the control device  20  through the communication unit  33 . In the practical example, the control unit  31  sends, to the control device  20 , the dispatch request including the text “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?”, the text “Mr. X, I really want to go!”, the text including the name “ABC sushi restaurant” of the destination, the position information P 1  such as the address or coordinates of the current place of X, and the position information P 2  such as the address or coordinates of the current place of Y. 
     In step S 122 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  receives the dispatch request sent in step S 121 , through the communication unit  23 . The control unit  21  decides the dispatch depending on the received dispatch request. Specifically, the control unit  21  monitors the position of the vehicle  13  and a service status such as information of whether there is a passenger, through the communication unit  23 , and when the vehicle  13  can meet the dispatch request, the control unit  21  decides that the vehicle  13  transports X and Y together. Alternatively, the control unit  21  makes an inquiry about whether the vehicle  13  can meet the dispatch request, to the vehicle  13  or the driver of the vehicle  13  through the communication unit  23 , and when the vehicle  13  or the driver of the vehicle  13  gives an answer indicating that the vehicle  13  can meet the dispatch request, the control unit  21  decides that the vehicle  13  transports X and Y together. 
     In step S 123 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  estimates a relationship of the plurality of users based on one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users. 
     In the embodiment, the control unit  21  analyzes the contents of the texts included in the dispatch request received in step S 122 , and estimates a hierarchical relationship as the relationship of X and Y. For example, the hierarchical relationship is a relationship of a superior and a subordinate, a relationship of a senior and a junior, and a relationship of an elder and a younger. In the practical example, the control unit  41  analyzes the content of the text “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?” in the instant message from X to Y and the content of the text “Mr. X, I really want to go!” in the instant message from Y to X. The control unit  41  estimates that X is a superior and Y is a subordinate, that X is a senior and Y is a junior, or that X is an elder and Y is a younger, based on a difference in politeness about calling way between “Y” and “Mr. X” and a difference in politeness about speaking way between “do you wanna go for sushi?” and “I really want to go!”. 
     In step S 124 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  allocates, to the plurality of users, payment of a fare for the vehicle  13  that transports the plurality of users together, depending on the relationship estimated in step S 123 . 
     In the embodiment, the control unit  21  refers to the position information about the getting-in spot of X, the position information about the getting-in spot of Y and the text including the name of destination, which are included in the dispatch request received in step S 122 , and calculates the fare for the vehicle  13  that transports X and Y from the getting-in spot of X through the getting-in spot of Y to the destination. As a calculation method for the fare, an arbitrary method can be used. For example, using a calculation table or calculation expression for the fare for the vehicle  13 , the control unit  21  calculates a fare corresponding to the total of the straight-line distance from the getting-in spot of X to the getting-in spot of Y and the straight-lie distance from the getting-in spot of Y to the destination. Alternatively, the control unit  21  searches a transportation route from the getting-in spot of X through the getting-in spot of Y to the destination, and calculates a fare corresponding to the distance of the transportation route, using the calculation table or calculation expression for the fare for the vehicle  13 . As a search method for the transportation route, an arbitrary method can be used. For example, the control unit  21  independently searches the transportation route using map data that is previously stored in the storage unit  22 . Alternatively, the control unit  21  searches the transportation route, using an external system such as a GIS on the internet, through the communication unit  23 . The term “GIS” is an abbreviation of geographic information system. The calculation table for the fare is previously stored in the storage unit  22 . The calculation expression for the fare is previously defined. In the practical example, it is assumed that the fare is 3000 yen. 
     The control unit  21  allocates the payment of the calculated fare to X and Y, depending on the estimated hierarchical relationship of X and Y. When the control unit  21  estimates that X and Y have no hierarchical relationship, the control unit  21  equally allocates the payment of the calculated fare to the users of X and Y. In the practical example, when it is previously decided that a superior, senior or elder pays the full amount, the control unit  21  decides that the payment amount of X is 3000 yen and the payment amount of Y is 0 yen. 
     In step S 125 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  generates a dispatch response giving notice of the allocation of the payment decided in step S 124 . The control unit  21  sends the generated dispatch response to the server device  30  through the communication unit  23 . In the practical example, the control unit  21  sends, to the server device  30 , a dispatch response giving notice that the payment amount of X is 3000 yen and the payment amount of Y is 0 yen and notice of the name “ABC sushi restaurant” of the destination extracted from the dispatch request received in step S 122 . 
     In step S 126 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the dispatch response sent in step S 125 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  generates an instant message giving notice of the dispatch along the received dispatch response. The control unit  31  sends the generated instant message to both the terminal device  40  of X and the terminal device  40  of Y through the communication unit  33 . In the practical example, the control unit  31  sends an instant message including a text “A taxi has been arranged.” and giving notice that the name of the destination is “ABC sushi restaurant”, that the payment amount of X is 3000 yen, and that the payment amount of Y is 0 yen, to both the terminal device  40  of X and the terminal device  40  of Y. 
     In step S 127 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X receives the instant message sent in step S 126 , through the communication unit  43 , and thereby receives the notice of the allocation of the payment, from the control device  20 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . That is, the control unit  41  outputs the received notice. In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the text included in the received instant message and the notice, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the text included in the received instant message and the notice, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the control unit  41  displays the text “A taxi has been arranged.” and the notice that the name of the destination is “ABC sushi restaurant”, that the payment amount of X is 3000 yen, and that the payment amount of Y is 0 yen, on the display. 
     In step S 128 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y receives the instant message sent in step S 126 , through the communication unit  43 , and thereby receives the notice of the allocation of the payment, from the control device  20 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . That is, the control unit  41  outputs the received notice. Details of the process in step S 128  are the same as details of the process in step S 127 , and therefore the description is omitted. 
     In step S 129 , when the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X accepts a user&#39;s operation for the agreement to the allocation to the notice of the allocation of the payment that is output in step S 127 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X gives a response indicating the agreement to the allocation. When the control unit  41  does not accept the user&#39;s operation for the agreement to the allocation, the control unit  41  gives a response indicating disagreement to the allocation. 
     In the embodiment, the control unit  41  accepts an X&#39;s operation to input a text indicating the agreement to the allocation, through the input unit  44 . In the practical example, it is assumed that X inputs a text “OK” to the terminal device  40 . 
     The control unit  41  outputs the input text through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the control unit  41  displays the input text on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  outputs the input text from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. The control unit  41  generates an instant message including the input text. The control unit  41  sends the generated instant message to the server device  30  through the communication unit  43 . 
     In step S 130 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the instant message sent in step S 129 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  sends the received instant message to the terminal device  40  of Y through the communication unit  33 , and processes the received instant message. Specifically, the control unit  31  performs the same process as that in a conventional SNS chat, to the received instant message, and saves the text included in the received instant message, in the storage unit  32 . The control unit  31  analyzes the content of the saved text, and determines whether X agrees to the allocation of the payment in the notice given in step S 126 . In the practical example, the control unit  31  determines that X agrees to the allocation of the payment, from the answer “OK”. 
     In step S 131 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y receives the instant message sent in step S 130 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . In the embodiment, the control unit  41  displays the text included in the received instant message, on the display corresponding to the output unit  45 . The control unit  41  may output the text included in the received instant message, from the speaker corresponding to the output unit  45  by voice. In the practical example, the control unit  41  displays the text “OK” on the display. 
     In step S 132 , when the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y accepts a user&#39;s operation for the agreement to the allocation to the notice of the allocation of the payment that is output in step S 128 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of Y gives a response indicating the agreement to the allocation. When the control unit  41  does not accept the user&#39;s operation for the agreement to the allocation, the control unit  41  gives a response indicating disagreement to the allocation. Details of the process in step S 132  are the same as details of the process in step S 129 , and therefore the description is omitted. 
     In step S 133 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  receives the instant message sent in step S 132 , through the communication unit  33 . The control unit  31  sends the received instant message to the terminal device  40  of X through the communication unit  33 , and processes the received instant message. Details of the process in step S 133  are the same as details of the process in step S 130 , and therefore the description is omitted. 
     In step S 134 , the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  of X receives the instant message sent in step S 133 , through the communication unit  43 . The control unit  41  outputs the received instant message through the output unit  45 . Details of the process in step S 134  are the same as details of the process in step S 131 , and therefore the description is omitted. 
     In step S 135 , the control unit  31  of the server device  30  generates a payment response indicating a result of the determination of whether X and Y agree to the allocation of the payment in step S 130  and step S 133  respectively. The control unit  31  sends the generated payment response to the control device  20  through the communication unit  33 . In the practical example, the control unit  31  sends a payment response indicating that X and Y agree to the allocation of the payment, to the control device  20 . 
     In step S 136 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  receives the payment response sent in step S 135 , through the communication unit  23 . When the received payment response indicates that X and Y agree to the allocation of the payment in the notice given in step S 125 , the control unit  21  performs a settlement process for the fare. That is, in the case where the control unit  21  receives the response indicating the agreement to the allocation of the payment in the notice after giving the notice of the allocation of the payment to the users of X and Y, the control unit  21  performs the settlement process for the fare. As a method of the settlement process, an arbitrary method can be used. For example, the control unit  21  charges the payment amount of each user to a credit card that is previously registered by the user. In the embodiment, the control unit  21  performs a reservation process for the dispatch of the vehicle  13 , along with the settlement process for the fare. As a method of the reservation process for the dispatch, an arbitrary method can be used. For example, the control unit  21  informs the vehicle  13  or the driver of the vehicle  13  of the reservation for the dispatch, through the communication unit  23 . 
     As described above, in the embodiment, the control unit  21  of the control device  20  estimates the relationship of the plurality of users based on one or more instant message exchanged by the plurality of users. The control unit  21  allocates, to the plurality of users, the payment of the fare for the vehicle  13  that transports the plurality of users together, depending on the estimated relationship. 
     With the embodiment, it is possible to easily decide how the payment of the fare is shared by the plurality of users, and therefore, it is possible to enhance the convenience of the dispatch service for the vehicle  13  that transports the plurality of users together. 
     In the embodiment, the control unit  41  of the terminal device  40  receives the notice of the allocation of the payment, from the control device  20 . The control unit  41  outputs the received notice. When the control unit  41  accepts the user&#39;s operation for the agreement to the allocation, the control unit  41  gives the response indicating the agreement of the allocation. 
     With the embodiment, each user does not need to think how the payment of the fare is shared by the plurality of users, resulting in the enhancement of the convenience of the dispatch service for the vehicle  13  that transports the plurality of users together. 
     In the embodiment, the terminal device  40  of each user is installed with a chat application allowing the taxi dispatch reservation from a chat room in which the plurality of users participates. The control device  20  analyzes the content of the chat including a text, an image or a combination of the text and the image, and thereby estimates the relationship of the plurality of users that participates in the chat. When the taxi dispatch reservation is performed, the control device  20  decides the payment ratio or payment amount of each user that participates in the chat, based on the estimated relationship. When each user agrees to the payment ratio or payment amount, the control device  20  performs electronic settlement and fixes the dispatch reservation. An arbitrary algorithm can be employed as a technique for estimating the relationship of the plurality of users from the chat content. For example, by natural language processing, the control device  20  may estimate what kinds of persons are having a conversation in the chat. For example, the control device  20  estimates that a superior and a subordinate are having a conversation. The control device  20  may consider the content of a posted image in addition to texts. For example, the control device  20  may decide the payment ratio or payment amount in consideration of the contents of stamps such as a stamp “I&#39;ll treat you today.” and a subsequent stamp “Thanks!”. The control device  20  may refer to registered user information such as company and job position, for enhancement of estimation accuracy. 
     As a modification of the embodiment, in step S 123 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  may estimate the relationship of the plurality of users, based on only one instant message exchanged by the plurality of users. Alternatively, the control unit  21  may estimate the relationship of the plurality of users, based on three or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users. 
     For example, suppose that an instant message including a text “I&#39;ll treat you at ABC sushi restaurant today.” is sent from X to Y after the instant message including the text “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?” from X to Y and the instant message including the text “Mr. X, I really want to go!” from Y to X. In this case, by analyzing the content of the text “I&#39;ll treat you at ABC sushi restaurant today.”, it is possible to estimate a relationship in which X usually looks out for Y, and to identify the name of the destination. 
     As a modification of the embodiment, in step S 123 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  may estimate a business relationship or a parent-child relationship instead of the hierarchical relationship. For example, the business relationship is a relation of a person that gives a business entertainment and a client that takes the business entertainment. 
     For example, when the control unit  21  estimates that X is a person that gives a business entertainment and Y is a client, the control unit  21  may cause X to pay the full amount. That is, the control unit  21  may allocate the payment to a user that is of the plurality of users and that is other than a user estimated to be a client. Further, when the control unit  21  estimates that X is a parent and Y is a child, the control unit  21  may cause X to pay the full amount. That is, the control unit  21  may allocate the payment to only a user that is of the plurality of users and that is estimated to be a parent. 
     As a modification of the embodiment, in step S 123 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  may estimate the relationship of the plurality of users, based on personal data about each user, along with one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users. 
     For example, it is assumed that the personal data includes data indicating an academic background. In this case, the relationship of a senior and a junior is easily estimated. 
     For example, it is assumed that the personal data includes data indicating a work experience. In this case, the relation of a superior and a subordinate or the relation of a senior and a junior is easily estimated. 
     As a modification of the embodiment, in step S 123 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  may further estimate a payment willingness of each user, based on one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users. In step S 124 , the control unit  21  may allocate the payment to a user that is of the plurality of users and that is estimated to have a payment willingness. 
     For example, suppose that the instant message including the text “I&#39;ll treat you at ABC sushi restaurant today.” is sent from X to Y after the instant message including the text “Y, do you wanna go for sushi?” from X to Y and the instant message including the text “Mr. X, I really want to go!” from Y to X. In this case, by analyzing the content of the text “I&#39;ll treat you at ABC sushi restaurant today.”, it is possible to estimate that X is willing to pay the full amount. 
     As a modification of the embodiment, in step S 124 , the control unit  21  of the control device  20  may allocate the payment of the fare to the users, by deciding payment share ratios of the users without calculating the fare. With the modification, it is not necessary to perform the settlement process for the fare in step S 136 , and each user can perform the settlement in the vehicle  13  by arbitrary means such as cash, the credit card or electronic money. 
     In the embodiment, the server device  30  provides the instant messaging service to the terminal devices  40  of the plurality of users, and the control devices  20  acquires one or more instant messages exchanged by the plurality of users, from the server device  30 . As a modification of the embodiment, the server device  30  may be incorporated in the control device  20 . That is, the instant messaging service may be provided to the terminal devices  40  of the plurality of users, by the control device  20 . 
     The disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, a plurality of blocks described in the block diagrams may be merged, or one block may be divided. A plurality of steps described in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, as necessary or depending on the processing capacities of devices that execute the steps, instead of being executed in chronological order as described above. In addition, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.