Patent ID: 12223747

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by same reference characters. In the description of the embodiment, descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified when appropriate.

With reference toFIG.1, a configuration of a system10according to the embodiment will be described.

The system10according to the embodiment includes a control device20, one or more terminal devices30, and one or more vehicles40. For the simplification of the description,FIG.1illustrates one terminal device30and one vehicle40. However, in the system10, the number of terminal devices30and the number of vehicles40are not limited to one, and may be freely decided.

In the following description, when a vehicle40A and a vehicle40B are not particularly distinguished, the vehicle40A and the vehicle40B are collectively referred to as a vehicle40. Further, when a user11A to a user11D are not particularly distinguished, the user11A to the user11D are collectively referred to as a user11.

The control device20can communicate with the terminal device30and the vehicle40through a network50.

The network50includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or a combination of them. The “WAN” is an abbreviation of wide area network. The “MAN” is an abbreviation of metropolitan area network. The network50may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or a combination of them. Examples of the wireless network include an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network and a terrestrial microwave network. The “LAN” is an abbreviation of local area network.

The control device20is installed in a facility such as a data center. For example, the control device20is a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or another computing system. For example, the control device20may be installed in an office of a business operator that provides a car-sharing service. In the embodiment, the control device20has both the function of a device that manages the operation of the car-sharing service and the function of a device that evaluates the user11as described below in detail, but is not limited to this form. The control device20may be configured such that the device that manages the operation of the car-sharing service and the device that evaluates the user11are separate devices and the two devices communicate with each other.

The terminal device30is used by the user11that uses the car-sharing service. For example, the terminal device30is a mobile device such as a cellular phone, a smartphone, a wearable device and a tablet, or a PC. The “PC” is an abbreviation of personal computer.

For example, the vehicle40is an arbitrary kind of automobile such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, an HV, a PHV, an EV or an FCV. The “HV” is an abbreviation of hybrid vehicle. The “PHV” is an abbreviation of plug-in hybrid vehicle. The “EV” is an abbreviation of electric vehicle. The “FCV” is an abbreviation of fuel cell vehicle. In the embodiment, the vehicle40is driven by a driver, but the driving of the vehicle40may be automated at an arbitrary level. For example, the level of the automation is one of Level 1 to Level 5 that are defined by SAE. The “SAE” is an abbreviation of “Society of Automotive Engineers”. The vehicle40may be a MaaS-dedicated vehicle. The “MaaS” is an abbreviation of Mobility as a Service. The vehicle40includes a vehicle that is used in the car-sharing service. In the embodiment, the user11rides in the vehicle40.

With reference toFIG.1, a brief summary of the embodiment will be described.

In the system10shown inFIG.1, the control device20acquires a first image resulting from photographing the vehicle40before the user11gets in the vehicle40, a second image resulting from photographing the vehicle40after the user11gets out of the vehicle40, and report information that is relevant to a change in the state of the vehicle and that is reported by the user11. The control device20detects the change in the state of the vehicle40based on the first image and the second image. The control device20evaluates the user11based on the detected change and the report information. The change includes an appearance of a damage of the vehicle40.

The term “first image” is an image resulting from photographing the vehicle before the user11gets in the vehicle40. The term “second image” is an image resulting from photographing the vehicle40after the user11gets out of the vehicle40. In the embodiment, each of the first image and the second image is an image resulting from photographing the interior of the vehicle40. Without being limited to this, each of the first image and the second image may be an image resulting from photographing the external appearance of the vehicle40. Specifically, the term “interior of the vehicle40” is the interior of a vehicle cabin of the vehicle40. The number of first images and the number of second images may be freely decided. Each of the first image and the second image may be an image resulting from photographing a plurality of portions in the interior of the vehicle40. Each of the first image and the second image may be a monochrome image, or may be a color image. For example, the resolution of each of the first image and the second image is a resolution that makes it possible to recognize the damage of a car trim in the interior of the vehicle40. The term “change” is a difference between the first image and the second image, and includes an appearance of the damage of car trim in the vehicle40. For example, the damage includes a scratch and dirt on an instrument panel, a seat, a windshield, a door glass, or the like, a stain due to spill of liquid, and others. The change is not limited to these, and may include a difference in the position of a seat or the position of a backrest, for example. The term “report information” is information that is generated by the terminal device30based on the input by the user11. The report information includes a user identifier of the user11and a report from the user11about the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The report information may include, for example, an answer to a questionnaire about the car-sharing service. The report information is sent from the terminal device30to the control device20, as described below in detail.

With reference toFIG.2, the configuration of the control device20according to the embodiment will be described. The control device20includes a control unit21, a storage unit22, a communication unit23, an input unit24and an output unit25.

The control unit21includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of them. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor for a particular process. The “CPU” is an abbreviation of central processing unit. The “GPU” is an abbreviation of graphics processing unit. For example, the dedicated circuit is an FPGA or an ASIC. The “FPGA” is an abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. The “ASIC” is an abbreviation of application specific integrated circuit. The control unit21executes processes relevant to the operation of the control device20, while controlling each unit of the control device20.

The control unit21manages the operation of the car-sharing service. The operation management of the car-sharing service will be briefly described below.

First, the user11makes a reservation for the car-sharing service, through the terminal device30. The terminal device30sends information such as a scheduled date and time for use start and a scheduled date and time for use end, which are input by the user11, and the user identifier of the user11, to the control device20. The control unit21of the control device20receives the information sent from the terminal device30, through the communication unit23. Based on the received information, the control unit21creates a reservation information table indicating the reservation status of the car-sharing service, while referring to a user information table indicating information about the user11and a vehicle information table indicating information about the vehicle40. The user information table and the vehicle information table are stored in the storage unit22. In the “user information table”, the user identifier and the total possessed point of the user11are recorded so as to be associated with each other. In addition, the user information table may include information about the age, sex, address and others of the user11. For example, the user information table is created based on information provided by the user11, when the user11uses the car-sharing service for the first time. In the “vehicle information table”, a vehicle identifier of the vehicle40and the parking place of the vehicle40are recorded so as to be associated with each other. The “reservation information table” includes information such as the user identifier, the vehicle identifier, the release status of authentication information, a lending place and returning place for the vehicle40, the scheduled date and time for use start and the scheduled date and time for use end. The control unit21stores the reservation information table created in this way, in the storage unit22.

The actual use of the vehicle40in the car-sharing service is performed as described below. First, the control unit21sends the authentication information that is valid only in a period from the scheduled date and time for use start to the scheduled date and time for use end, to the terminal device30and the vehicle40. The control unit21updates the release status of the authentication information in the reservation information table, so as to show that the authentication information is released. The terminal device30and the vehicle40receive the authentication information. The terminal device30sends the authentication information to the vehicle40, in response to an input by the user11. The vehicle40collates the authentication information received from the terminal device30, and allows the unlocking of a door, the start of an engine, and others. Thereby, the vehicle40can be used.

When the user11ends the use of the vehicle40, the user11inputs a notice of the end of the use, to the terminal device30. The terminal device30sends end notice information for giving the notice of the end of the use, to the control device20. The terminal device30may send the end notice information also to the vehicle40. The control unit21of the control device20receives the end notice information through the communication unit23. The control unit21determines whether the current time is within the scheduled date and time for use end, by referring to the reservation information table, and decides a fee and others. Further, the control unit21decides the number of points for the user11, and updates the total possessed point of the user11in the user information table, as described later in detail. The control unit21sends an instruction to invalidate the authentication information, to the vehicle40, through the communication unit23. The vehicle40receives the instruction, and invalidates the authentication information in response to the instruction. The control unit21updates the release status of the authentication information in the reservation information table, so as to show that the release is ended.

In this way, the control unit21manages the operation of the car-sharing service.

The control unit21acquires the first image and second image photographed by a photographing unit46, from the vehicle40, by receiving the first image and the second image through the communication unit23. The control unit21compares the acquired first image and second image, and detects the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The control unit21may detect the change by analyzing the first image and the second image using a well-known image analysis technology. For example, the control unit21may detect the change by comparing luminance values of pixels of the images. For example, the control unit21may detect the change based on a condition generated by machine learning. The control unit21stores information indicating a result of the comparison between the first image and the second image, in the storage unit22.

FIG.3AandFIG.3Bshow examples of the first image and second image photographed by the photographing unit46and acquired by the control unit21.FIG.3AandFIG.3Bshow images resulting from photographing a driver's seat and passenger's seat of the vehicle40A, from a ceiling surface.FIG.3Ashows the first image photographed before the user11A gets in the vehicle40A.FIG.3Bshows the second image photographed after the user11A gets out of the vehicle40A. The control unit21recognizes a scratch S in the second image. The scratch S is not recognized in the first image. As a result of the comparison between the first image and the second image, the control unit21detects a change, that is, an increase in damage as the state of the interior of the vehicle40.

FIG.4is a diagram for describing the change detected by the control unit21. InFIG.4, the result of the comparison is shown in a table format, but the format is not limited to this as long as the same content is shown. On the leftmost row inFIG.4, line numbers are put for convenience of description. On each line inFIG.4, pieces of information are recorded so as to be associated with each other. When the control unit21acquires the first image and the second image from the vehicle40, the control unit21acquires also the vehicle identifier of the vehicle40. The control unit21refers to the reservation information table stored in the storage unit22, and confirms the user identifier corresponding to the acquired vehicle identifier. Thereby, the control unit21can associate the result of the comparison between the first image and the second image, the information about the user11and the information about the vehicle40.

For example, the first line, the second line and the third line inFIG.4indicate that the user11A, the user11B and the user11C rode in the vehicle40A in this order. The first line inFIG.4indicates that a damage not recognized from the first image was recognized from the second image. Specifically, a damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat was recognized. In this example, the damage is the scratch S shown inFIG.3B. From the first line inFIG.4, it is found that the control unit21detected the change, that is, the increase in damage as the state of the interior of the vehicle40A. The second line inFIG.4indicates that the damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat was recognized from the first image and the same damage was recognized also from the second image. From the second line inFIG.4, it is found that the control unit21detected that there was no change as the state of the interior of the vehicle40A. The third line inFIG.4indicates that the damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat was recognized from the first image and a damage on the seating surface of the driver's seat was further recognized from the second image. From the record on the third line inFIG.4, it is found that the control unit21detected the change, that is, the increase in damage as the state of the interior of the vehicle40A. The fourth line inFIG.4indicates that no damage was recognized from the first image and no damage was recognized from the second image. From the record on the fourth line inFIG.4, it is found that the control unit21detected that there was no change as the state of the interior of the vehicle40B. The change that is detected by the control unit21is not limited to the increase in damage, and can include a change in the place of an object in the interior of the vehicle40, for example.

The control unit21acquires the report information from the terminal device30. Specifically, the control unit21acquires the report information by receiving the report information through the communication unit23. The control unit21stores the acquired report information in the storage unit22.

Here, the report information will be described. The report information is created by the terminal device30, based on the input to the terminal device30by the user11.FIG.5shows an example of a screen for input that is displayed on an output unit35of the terminal device30. The user11inputs a report about the state of the interior of the vehicle40before the use of the vehicle40, to an answer section351and an answer section352inFIG.5, and inputs a report about the state of the interior of the vehicle40after the use of the vehicle40, to an answer section353and an answer section354. A control unit31of the terminal device30creates the report information based on the input information. The created report information includes the user identifier of the user11, in addition to the report from the user11. The control unit31sends the report information to the control device20.

InFIG.5, each of the answer section351and the answer section353has a checkbox-type input format, and each of the answer section352and the answer section354has a text-input-type input format. After the control unit21acquires the report information, the control unit21can extract the place of the damage in the vehicle40, based on information of texts input to the answer section352and the answer section354. The method for the input of the report by the user11is not limited to the format shown inFIG.5, and may be freely set. In the case where there is no input in any answer section, the report is not included in the report information. For example, when a certain time lapses after the display of the screen inFIG.5, the terminal device30may create the report information that does not include the report, and may send the report information to the control device20.

FIG.6is a diagram for the report from the user11about the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. InFIG.6, the report from the user11is shown in a table format, but the format is not limited to this as long as the same content is shown. On the leftmost row inFIG.6, line numbers are put for convenience of description. On each line inFIG.6, pieces of information are recorded so as to be associated with each other. When the control unit21acquires the report information from the terminal device30, the control unit21acquires also the user identifier of the user11. The control unit21refers to the reservation information table stored in the storage unit22, and confirms the vehicle identifier corresponding to the acquired user identifier. Thereby, the control unit21can associate the report from the user11, the information about the user11, and the information about the vehicle40.

For example, the first line inFIG.6indicates a report from the user11A that rode in the vehicle40A. Information indicated on a row with a title “STATE BEFORE USE” inFIG.6corresponds to the information input to the answer section351and the answer section352inFIG.5. Information indicated on a row with a title “STATE AFTER USE” corresponds to the information input to the answer section353and the answer section354inFIG.5. For example, suppose that the user11A input the check to the NO box in the answer section351inFIG.5, input the check to the YES box in the answer section353, input a text “the seating surface of the passenger's seat” to the answer section354, and sent the report information. The control unit21acquires the report information, and records the report information as shown on the first line inFIG.6. From the first line inFIG.6, it is found that the user11A reported “there was no damage before the use of the vehicle40A, but there was a damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat after the use”. In this example, the damage is the scratch S shown inFIG.3B.

Further, for example, suppose that the user11B input the check to the YES box in the answer section351inFIG.5, input the text “the seating surface of the passenger's seat” to the answer section352, input the check to the NO box in the answer section353, and sent the report information. The control unit21acquires the report information, and records the report information as shown on the second line inFIG.6. From the second line inFIG.6, it is found that the user11B reported that there had already been a damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat before the use of the vehicle40A and the damage was still on the seating surface of the passenger's seat after the use.

Further, for example, suppose that the user11C did not perform input to any answer section inFIG.5and the terminal device30sent the report information to the control device20after the lapse of a certain time. The control unit21acquires the report information, and records the report information as shown on the third line inFIG.6. From the third line inFIG.6, it is found that the user11C did not perform the report about the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40A after the ride. From the third line inFIG.6, the control unit21can determine that the acquired report information does not include the report about the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40.

The control unit21may store the detected change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40and the report from the user11in the storage unit22, in association with the reservation information table. Thereby, for example, a staff of the business operator that provides the car-sharing service can investigate the history of the appearance of the damage in a particular vehicle40, by referring to the reservation information table.

As described below, the control unit21evaluates the user11based on the detected change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40and the report from the user11. The evaluation is quantified as a point. The method for the evaluation is not limited to this, and may be freely set. Further, the number of points to be given are not limited to numbers described below, and may be freely set.

First, the control unit21evaluates the user11based on whether the acquired report information includes the report from the user11. In the case where the report information includes the report, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11, and in the case where the report information does not include the report, the control unit21decides to subtract 1 point, that is, to give −1 point. For example, from the first, second and fourth lines inFIG.6, the control unit21determines that the report information received from the terminal device30of each of the user11A, the user11B and the user11D includes the report information. The control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11A, the user11B and the user11D. From the third line inFIG.6, the control unit21determines that the report information received from the terminal device30of the user11C does not include the report, and decides to give −1 point to the user11C.

Next, the control unit21evaluates the user11based on whether the change that is the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40and that is detected based on the comparison between the first image and the second image coincides with the content of the report from the user11. In the case where the detected change shown inFIG.4coincides with the content of the report from the user11shown inFIG.6, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11, and in the case where the detected change does not coincide with the content of the report from the user11, the control unit21decides not to give any point, that is, to give 0 points. For example, the control unit21compares each line inFIG.6with the corresponding line inFIG.4, and determines whether the detected change coincides with the content of the report from the user11. The row with the title “STATE BEFORE USE” inFIG.6corresponds to a row with a title “FIRST IMAGE” inFIG.4, and the row with the title “STATE AFTER USE” inFIG.6corresponds to a row with a title “SECOND IMAGE” inFIG.4.

The first line inFIG.6indicates the report of “there was no damage before the use of the vehicle40A, but there was a damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat after the use”. The content of the report coincides with the detected change recorded on the first line inFIG.4, that is, “the increase in damage as the state of the interior of the vehicle40A”. Therefore, the control unit21determines that the detected change coincides with the content of the report from the user11. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11A. Similarly, the control unit21determines that the content of the report on the second line inFIG.6coincides with the detected change on the second line inFIG.4. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11B. The third line inFIG.6indicates that the report information does not include the report. The control unit21cannot determine whether the change recorded on the third line inFIG.4coincides with the content of the report, and therefore, decides to give 0 points to the user11C. The fourth line inFIG.6indicates a report that there was a damage on a door glass on the passenger's seat side both before the use of the vehicle40B and after the use of the vehicle40B. However, the fourth line inFIG.4indicates that no damage was detected from the first image and the second image. Therefore, the control unit21determines that the detected change does not coincide with the content of the report from the user11. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 0 points to the user11D.

The control unit21evaluates the user11based on whether the change detected by the comparison between the first image and the second image is a deterioration. In the case where the detected change is not a deterioration, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11, and in the case where the detected change is a deterioration, the control unit21decides not to give any point, that is, to give 0 points. For example, the control unit21determines that the change in the state of the interior of each of the vehicle40A and the vehicle40B recorded on the second line and the fourth line inFIG.4is not a deterioration because the damage is not increased. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to each of the user11B and the user11D. On the other hand, the control unit21determines that the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40A recorded on the first line and the third line inFIG.4is a deterioration because the damage is increased. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 0 points to each of the user11A and the user11C.

The control unit21sums the decided number of points, and finally decides the number of points to be given. For example, the control unit21finally decides that the number of points to be given to the user11A is 2 points resulting from the summing.

The control unit21refers to the user information table stored in the storage unit22. The control unit21updates the information indicating the total possessed point of the user11and included in the user information table, by adding the finally decided number of points. For example, suppose that the number of points of the user11A that is finally decided is 2 points and the total possessed point of the user11A is 30. The control unit21adds 2 points finally decided, and updates the total possessed point of the user11to32. The control unit21stores the user information table after the update, in the storage unit22.

The control device20may send a notice indicating the finally decided number of points and the total number of possessed points after the update, to the terminal device30. In this way, the control unit21sends a notice indicating the result of the evaluation of the user11, to the terminal device30. The control unit31of the terminal device30receives the notice through a communication unit33. The control unit31displays the notice to the user11through the output unit35. Thereby, the user11can know the number of points added by this use and the current total number of possessed points of the user11. The control device20may send the information indicating the total number of possessed points, to the terminal device30, periodically or in response to a request from the terminal device30.

The total number of possessed points may be used when the business operator that provides the car-sharing service decides a member rank of the user11. The member rank may be freely used depending on the policy of the business operator that provides the car-sharing service. For example, depending on the rank, the level of the priority of the reservation may be changed, or the rate of the point to be given may be changed. The total number of possessed points may be freely used depending on the policy of the business operator that provides the car-sharing service. For example, the service may be restricted for the user11having a lower number of points than a predetermined number.

The storage unit22includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two kinds of the memories. For example, the semiconductor memory is a RAM or a ROM. The “RAM” is an abbreviation of random-access memory. The “ROM” is an abbreviation of read-only memory. For example, the RAM is a SRAM or a DRAM. The “SRAM” is an abbreviation of static random-access memory. The “DRAM” is an abbreviation of dynamic random-access memory. For example, the ROM is an EEPROM. The “EEPROM” is an abbreviation of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. For example, the storage unit22functions as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device or a cache memory. The storage unit22stores information to be used for the operation of the control device20and information obtained by the operation of the control device20. The storage unit22stores a system program, an application program, the information indicating the result of the comparison between the first image and the second image, the report information, the reservation information table, the vehicle information table, the user information table, and others.

The communication unit23includes at least one communication interface. For example, the communication interface is a LAN interface. The communication unit23receives the information to be used for the operation of the control device20, and sends the information obtained by the operation of the control device20.

The input unit24includes 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 unit24accepts an operation for inputting the information to be used for the operation of the control device20. The input unit24may be connected to the control device20as an external input device, instead of being included in the control device20. As the connection scheme, for example, an arbitrary scheme such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used. The “USB” is an abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus. The “HDMI®” is an abbreviation of High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

The output unit25includes 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 “LCD” is an abbreviation of liquid crystal display. The “EL” is an abbreviation of electroluminescence. The output unit25outputs the information obtained by the operation of the control device20. The output unit25may be connected to the control device20as an external output device, instead of being included in the control device20. As the connection scheme, for example, an arbitrary scheme such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used.

The function of the control device20is realized when a control program according to the embodiment is executed by a processor corresponding to the control unit21. That is, the function of the control device20is realized by software. The control program causes a computer to execute an operation of the control device20, and thereby causes the computer to function as the control device20. That is, the computer functions as the control device20by executing the operation of the control device20in accordance with the control program.

The program can be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable medium is a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. For example, the program is distributed by selling, transferring or lending of a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM in which the program is recorded. The “DVD” is an abbreviation of digital versatile disc. The “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 other computers. The program may be provided as a program product.

For example, the computer once stores the program recorded in the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server, in the main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device, with the processor, and executes a process in accordance with the read program, with the processor. The computer may directly read the program from the portable recording medium, to execute the process in accordance with the program. The computer may execute a process in accordance 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 only by execution instruction and result acquisition. The “ASP” is an abbreviation of application service provider. The program includes information that is used for a process by an electronic computer and that is similar to a program. For example, data that is not a command to be directly given to the computer but has a property of defining the process of the computer is included in the “information that is similar to a program”.

Some or all of the functions of the control device20may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit21. That is, some or all of the functions of the control device20may be realized by hardware.

The configuration of the terminal device30according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.2. The terminal device30includes the control unit31, a storage unit32, the communication unit33, an input unit34and the output unit35.

The control unit31includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of them. 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 unit31executes processes relevant to the operation of the terminal device30, while controlling each unit of the terminal device30. In this example, the control unit31creates the report information based on the input from the user11. The control unit31sends the report information to the control device20. The report information includes the report about the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40and the user identifier of the user11.

The storage unit32includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two kinds of the memories. For example, the semiconductor memory is a RAM or a ROM. For example, the RAM is a SRAM or a DRAM. For example, the ROM is an EEPROM. For example, the storage unit32functions as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device or a cache memory. The storage unit32stores information to be used for the operation of the terminal device30and information obtained by the operation of the terminal device30.

The communication unit33includes at least one communication interface. For example, the communication interface is an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard or the 5G standard, an interface corresponding to a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, or a LAN interface. The “LTE” is an abbreviation of Long Term Evolution. The “4G” is an abbreviation of 4-th generation. The “5G” is an abbreviation of 5-th generation. The communication unit33receives the information to be used for the operation of the terminal device30, and sends the information obtained by the operation of the terminal device30.

The input unit34includes 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 unit34accepts an operation for inputting the information to be used for the operation of the terminal device30. The input unit34may be connected to the terminal device30as an external input device, instead of being included in the terminal device30. As the connection scheme, for example, an arbitrary scheme such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used.

The output unit35includes at least one output interface. For example, the output interface is a display, a speaker or a vibrating motor. For example, the display is an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit35outputs the information obtained by the operation of the terminal device30. The output unit35may be connected to the terminal device30as an external output device, instead of being included in the terminal device30. As the connection scheme, for example, an arbitrary scheme such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used.

The function of the terminal device30is realized when a terminal program according to the embodiment is executed by a processor corresponding to the control unit31. That is, the function of the terminal device30is realized by software. The terminal program causes a computer to execute the operation of the terminal device30, and thereby causes the computer to function as the terminal device30. That is, the computer functions as the terminal device30by executing the operation of the terminal device30in accordance with the terminal program.

Some or all of the functions of the terminal device30may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit31. That is, some or all of the functions of the terminal device30may be realized by hardware.

The configuration of the vehicle40according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.2. As shown inFIG.2, the vehicle40includes a control unit41, a storage unit42, a communication unit43, an input unit44, an output unit45and the photographing unit46.

Each of the control unit41, the storage unit42, the communication unit43, the input unit44, the output unit45and the photographing unit46may be built in the vehicle40, or may be provided in the vehicle40in a detachable manner. Some or all of the control unit41, the storage unit42, the communication unit43, the input unit44, the output unit45and the photographing unit46may be built in a general-purpose device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal or a navigation device, for example, and may be connected to an on-board network in a communicable manner. The control unit41, the storage unit42, the communication unit43, the input unit44, the output unit45and the photographing unit46may be connected to an on-board network such as Controller Area Network (CAN) in a communicable manner.

The control unit41includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of them. 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 unit41executes processes relevant to the operation of the vehicle40, while controlling each unit of the vehicle40.

The control unit41determines where the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40. The determination may be performed by an arbitrary method. For example, in the case where the control unit41has received the authentication information from the terminal device30, the control unit41may determine that the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40.

In the case where the control unit41determines that the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40, the control unit41controls the photographing unit46such that the photographing unit46photographs the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The control unit41acquires the image photographed by the photographing unit46, as the first image. The control unit41sends the acquired first image to the control device20through the communication unit43. Furthermore, the control unit41sends the vehicle identifier of the vehicle40to the control device20.

The control unit41determines whether the user11has got out of the vehicle40. The determination may be performed by an arbitrary method. For example, in the case where the control unit41has received the instruction to invalidate the authentication information from the control device20, the control unit41may determine that the user11has got out of the vehicle40.

In the case where the control unit41determines that the user11has got out of the vehicle40, the control unit41controls the photographing unit46such that the photographing unit46photographs the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The control unit41acquires the image photographed by the photographing unit46, as the second image. The control unit41sends the acquired second image to the control device20through the communication unit43. Furthermore, the control unit41sends the vehicle identifier of the vehicle40to the control device20.

The storage unit42includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two kinds of the memories. For example, the semiconductor memory is a RAM or a ROM. For example, the RAM is a SRAM or a DRAM. For example, the ROM is an EEPROM. For example, the storage unit42functions as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device or a cache memory. The storage unit42stores information to be used for the operation of the vehicle40and information obtained by the operation of the vehicle40. The storage unit42stores a system program, an application program, the authentication information sent from the control device20, and others.

The communication unit43includes at least one communication interface. For example, the communication interface is an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard or the 5G standard. For example, an on-board communication device such as a Data Communication Module (DCM) may function as the communication unit43. The communication unit43receives the information to be used for the operation of the vehicle40, and sends the information obtained by the operation of the vehicle40.

The input unit44includes 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 unit44accepts an operation for inputting the information to be used for the operation of the vehicle40. The input unit44may be connected to the vehicle40as an external input device, instead of being included in the vehicle40. As the connection scheme, for example, an arbitrary scheme such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used.

The output unit45includes at least one output interface. For example, the output interface is a display, a speaker or a vibrating motor. For example, the display is an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit45outputs the information obtained by the operation of the vehicle40. The output unit45may be connected to the vehicle40as an external output device, instead of being included in the vehicle40. As the connection scheme, for example, an arbitrary scheme such as USB, HDMI® or Bluetooth® can be used.

The photographing unit46includes one or more on-board cameras. Specifically, as the on-board camera, for example, an in-vehicle camera can be used. The in-vehicle camera can photograph the state of the interior of the vehicle40. In the embodiment, the in-vehicle camera is fixed to the ceiling surface of the vehicle cabin. The position of the in-vehicle camera is not limited to this, and may be freely set. For example, the in-vehicle camera may be fixed to the instrument panel. A range that can be photographed by the in-vehicle camera includes a driver's seat, a passenger's seat, rear seats and foot spaces of the seats. The in-vehicle camera may include a wide-angle lens. Thereby, the in-vehicle camera can photograph the inside or door glass of the door at each seat. The in-vehicle camera may rotate. Thereby, the in-vehicle camera can photograph the interior of the vehicle40at an arbitrary angle. In the embodiment, an example in which one in-vehicle camera is provided is shown, but the number of in-vehicle cameras may be freely decided.

In the case where it is determined that the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40, the photographing unit46photographs the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The image is acquired by the control unit41as the first image. Further, in the case where it is determined that the user11has got out of the vehicle40, the photographing unit46photographs the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The photographed image is acquired by the control unit41as the second image.

The operation of the system10according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.3A,FIG.3B,FIG.7A,FIG.7BandFIG.8. This operation corresponds to a control method according to the embodiment. In this example, the user11reserves the use of the vehicle40, using the car-sharing service. For simplification,FIG.7AandFIG.7Bshow one vehicle40, one terminal device30and one user11.FIG.7AandFIG.7Bshow a processing flow of the whole of the system10according to the embodiment.FIG.8shows the operation of the control unit21of the control device20.

In step S101inFIG.7A, the vehicle40determines whether the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40. The determination may be performed by an arbitrary method. In this example, when the control unit41of the vehicle40has received the authentication information from the terminal device30, the control unit41of the vehicle determines that the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40. When the vehicle40determines that the user11has arrived in the vicinity of the vehicle40, the operation of the system10proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the vehicle40acquires the first image after photographing the state of the interior of the vehicle40. In this example, the photographing unit46of the vehicle40photographs the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The control unit41of the vehicle40acquires the image photographed by the photographing unit46, as the first image.

In step S103, the vehicle40sends the first image to the control device20. In this example, the control unit41sends the acquired first image to the control device20through the communication unit43.

In step S104, the control device20acquires the first image from the vehicle40. In this example, the control unit21of the control device20acquires the first image by receiving the first image through the communication unit23. The control unit21stores the acquired first image in the storage unit22.

In step S105, the use of the vehicle40by the user11is started. In this example, the user11starts the vehicle40, and starts driving.

In step S106, the use of the vehicle40by the user11is ended. In this example, the user11stops the vehicle40, and ends driving.

In step S107, the vehicle40determines whether the user11has got out of the vehicle40. The determination may be performed by an arbitrary method. In this example, when the control unit41of the vehicle40has received the instruction to invalidate the authentication information from the control device20, the control unit41of the vehicle determines that the user11has got out of the vehicle40. When the control unit41of the vehicle40determines that the user11has got out of the vehicle40, the operation of the system10proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the vehicle40acquires the second image by photographing the state of the interior of the vehicle40. In this example, the photographing unit46of the vehicle40photographs the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The control unit41of the vehicle40acquires the image photographed by the photographing unit46, as the second image.

In step S109, the vehicle40sends the second image to the control device20. In this example, the control unit41sends the acquired second image to the control device20through the communication unit43.

In step S110, the control device20acquires the second image from the vehicle40. In this example, the control unit21of the control device20acquires the second image by receiving the second image through the communication unit23. The control unit21stores the acquired second image in the storage unit22.

In step S111, the terminal device30sends the report information to the control device20. In this example, the control unit31of the terminal device30accepts the input from the user11through the input unit34. In this example, the report information includes the report from the user11, “there was no damage before the use of the vehicle40, but there was a damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat after the use”. The control unit31creates the report information including the report and the user identifier of the user11, and sends the report information to the control device20through the communication unit33.

In step S112, the control device20acquires the report information from the terminal device30. In this example, the control unit21of the control device20acquires the report information by receiving the report information through the communication unit23. The control unit21stores the acquired report information in the storage unit22.

In step S113, the control device20evaluates the user11based on the acquired first image, second image and report information. In this example, the control unit21evaluates the user11by referring to the first image, second image and report information stored in the storage unit22.

FIG.8shows a specific processing flow of the evaluation by the control unit21in step S113ofFIG.7B.

First, in step S201, the control unit21compares the acquired first image and second image, and detects the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. In this example, the control unit21compares the first image shown inFIG.3Aand the second image shown inFIG.3B. The control unit21recognizes the scratch S on the seating surface of the passenger's seat, in the second image. The scratch S is not recognized in the first image. The control unit21detects the change, “the increase in damage as the state of the interior of the vehicle40”. The control unit21stores the detected result in the storage unit22.

In step S202, the control unit21determines whether the acquired report information includes the report from the user11about the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. In the case where the report information includes the report, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11. In the case where the report information does not include the report, the control unit21decides to subtract 1 point, that is, to give −1 point. In this example, the acquired report information includes the report from the user11. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11.

In step S203, the control unit21determines whether the change detected in step S201coincides with the content of the report included in the report information. In the case where the change detected in step S201coincides with the content of the report included in the report information, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11. In the case where the change detected in step S201does not coincide with the content of the report included in the report information, the control unit21decides not to give any point to the user11, that is, to give 0 points. In this example, the change detected in step S201, that is, “the increase in damage as the state of the interior of the vehicle40” coincides with the content of the report from the user11, that is, “there was no damage before the use of the vehicle40, but there was a damage on the seating surface of the passenger's seat after the use”. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11.

In step S204, the control unit21determines whether the change detected in step S201is the deterioration in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. In the case where the detected change is not the deterioration in the state of the interior of the vehicle40, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11. In the case where the detected change is the deterioration in the state of the interior of the vehicle40, the control unit21decides not to give any point to the user11, that is, to give 0 points. In this example, the change detected in step S201is the increase in damage in the interior of the vehicle40, and the deterioration in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. Therefore, the control unit21decides to give 0 points to the user11.

Next, in step S205, the control unit21sums points decided in step S202to step S204, and finally decides the number of points to be given. In this example, the control unit21decides to give 1 point in each of step S202and step S203, and decides to give 0 points in step S204. Therefore, the control unit21sums the points, and finally decides to give 2 points to the user11. Then, the process for the evaluation by the control unit21ends.

Back toFIG.7B, next, in step S114, the control unit21updates the total number of possessed points of the user, by adding the number of points finally decided in step S205. In this example, first, the control unit21refers to the information included in the user information table stored in the storage unit22and indicating the total possessed point of the user11. Here, suppose that the total possessed point of the user11is 30. The control unit21adds 2 points finally decided in step S205, and updates the total possessed point to 32 of the user11. The control unit21stores the user information table after the update, in the storage unit22.

In step S115, the control unit21sends the notice indicating the number of points finally decided in step S205and the total number of possessed points after the update in step S114, to the terminal device30. In this way, the control unit21sends the notice indicating the result of the evaluation of the user11, to the terminal device30. In this example, the control unit21sends a notice indicating that the finally decided number of points is 2 and the total number of possessed points after the update is 32, to the terminal device30, through the communication unit23.

In step S116, from the control device20, the terminal device30receives the notice indicating the finally decided number of points and the total number of possessed points after the update. In this example, the control unit31of the terminal device30receives the notice through the communication unit33.

In step S117, the control unit31displays the received notice to the user11. In this example, through the output unit35, the control unit31displays the notice indicating that the finally decided number of points is 2 and the total number of possessed points is 32, to the user11. Thereby, the user11can recognize the number of points added by this use and the current total number of possessed points of the user11.

As described above, the control device20according to the embodiment includes the control unit21configured to acquire the first image resulting from photographing the vehicle40before the user11gets in the vehicle40, the second image resulting from photographing the vehicle40after the user11gets out of the vehicle40, and the report information that is relevant to the change in the state of the vehicle and that is reported by the user11, to detect the change in the state of the vehicle40based on the first image and the second image, and to evaluate the user11based on the detected change and the report information.

The control unit21of the control device20can accurately detect the change in the state of the vehicle40, by comparing the acquired first image and second image. The control unit21can comprehensively evaluate the user11, by using the detected change as an objective evaluation and using the report information from the user11as a subjective evaluation. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

As described above, the change includes the appearance of the damage of the vehicle40.

The control unit21can detect the appearance of the damage of the vehicle40, as the change. When it is possible to accurately detect the appearance of the damage, it is easy to objectively determine the situation of the use of the vehicle40by the user11. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

As described above, the control unit21evaluates the user11based on whether the report information includes the report about the change from the user11.

When the report information includes the report input by the user11, the control unit21more highly evaluates the user11than when the report information does not include the report. Therefore, the user11has higher motivation to report the state of the vehicle40, so that the user11is likely to report the state of the vehicle40. Therefore, it is easy to evaluate the user11based on the report from the user11, and it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

As described above, the control unit21evaluates the user11based on whether the detected change coincides with the content of the report.

When the detected change coincides with the content of the report from the user11, the control unit21more highly evaluates the user11than when the detected change does not coincide with the content of the report from the user11. Therefore, the user11has higher motivation to exactly report the state of the vehicle40, so that the user11is likely to perform an exact and honest report. Therefore, it is easy to evaluate the user11based on the exact and honest report from the user11, and it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

As described above, the control unit21evaluates the user11based on whether the detected change is the deterioration in the state of the vehicle40.

When the detected change is not the deterioration in the state of the vehicle40, the control unit21more highly evaluates the user11than when the detected change is the deterioration in the state of the vehicle40. Therefore, the user11has higher motivation to use the vehicle40while maintaining the state of the vehicle40, so that the user11is likely to properly use the vehicle40. The opportunity of the appearance of the damage in the vehicle40decreases, and therefore a period during which the vehicle40cannot be used due to the repair decreases, so that it is easy to smoothly operate the car-sharing service. Further, it is easy to evaluate the user11based on the result of the objective detection of the state of the vehicle40. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

As described above, the control device20further includes the communication unit23that communicates with the terminal device30of the user11. The control unit21sends the notice indicating the result of the evaluation of the user11, to the terminal device30, through the communication unit23.

The terminal device30receives the notice indicating the result of the evaluation of the user11, from the control device20. The terminal device30gives the notice of the result of the evaluation, to the user11. Thereby, the user11can recognize whether the way to use the vehicle40and the report after the use are proper. Then, the user11has higher motivation to properly use the vehicle40and properly perform the report after the use, at the time of subsequent uses. Therefore, the user11is likely to perform the report. Accordingly, it is easy to evaluate the user11based on the report from the user11, and it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

Modification 1

As a modification of the embodiment, the control unit21of the control device20may further evaluate the user11based on whether the report information includes a change that is the change in the state of the vehicle40and that is not detected based on the first image and the second image.

In the modification, the report information includes a report relevant to a change in the state of the vehicle40from the user11. The change is a change that is not detected by the control unit21based on the first image and the second image. In this case, for example, the control unit21decides to give 2 points to the user11. In this way, the number of points to be given in the modification is higher than the number of points to be given when the change detected by the control unit21coincides with the content of the report from the user11in the above-described embodiment. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the control unit21can add the decided number of points to the total possessed point of the user11.

In the modification, the control unit21may decide to give the point to the user11after the control unit21determines that the change reported by the user11is exact. The determination may be performed by an arbitrary method. For example, in the case where the change detected based on the first image and the second image does not coincide with the content of the report from the user11, the control device20may send inspection request information for requesting an inspection about the change reported by the user11, to a terminal device of the business operator that provides the car-sharing service. The terminal device receives the inspection request information, and displays the inspection request information to the staff. Suppose that the staff refers to the displayed information, inspects the vehicle40, and determines that the report from the user11is exact as a result of the inspection. In this case, the staff sends information indicating that the report is exact, to the control device20, using the terminal device. The control unit21of the control device may decide to give 2 points to the user11after receiving the information. Without being limited to this, for example, the inspection request information may be sent to a terminal device that is used by a subsequent user different from the user11. Suppose that the subsequent user inspects the vehicle40and determines that the report from the user11is exact as a result of the inspection. In this case, the subsequent user may send information indicating that the report is exact, to the control device20, using the terminal device of the subsequent user.

As described above, when the report information includes the change that is the change in the state of the vehicle40and that is not detected based on the first image and the second image, the control unit21more highly evaluates the user11than when the detected change coincides with the content of the report.

The user11becomes conscious of being highly evaluated when the user11reports the change that cannot be detected based on the first image and the second image. Therefore, the user11has higher motivation to exactly report the state of the vehicle40, so that the user11is likely to exactly report the state of the vehicle40. For example, the user11checks even a portion that is hard to be photographed by the photographing unit46of the vehicle40, and performs the report. Thus, it is easy to evaluate the user11based on the exact report from the user11, and it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11. Further, it is easy to find the damage of the vehicle40that cannot be detected based on the first image and the second image, and therefore, it is easy to keep the vehicle40in a good state, and to smoothly operate the car-sharing service.

Modification 2

As a modification of the embodiment, the control unit21of the control device20may further acquire check information indicating a result of check of the state of the vehicle40by a subsequent user different from the user11, and may evaluate the user11based on the check information. In the modification, after the user11gets out of the vehicle40, the subsequent user gets in the same vehicle40. In the modification, the user11is referred to as a precedent user, for a clear description.

When the subsequent user gets in the vehicle40, the subsequent user checks the state of the vehicle40, and inputs the result of the check, to the terminal device30that is used by the subsequent user. The state of the vehicle40that is checked includes the existence of the damage of car trims and others of the vehicle40. In addition, the state of the vehicle40that is checked may include whether the position of the seat is the regular position, whether there is trash, and the like. The control unit31of the terminal device30sends the input information to the control device20as the check information.

The control unit21of the control device20acquires the check information by receiving the check information. The control unit21compares the acquired check information with the second image photographed after the precedent user gets out of the vehicle40. For example, in the case where the check information indicates that there is no damage of car trims and others and where the second image indicates that there is no damage of car trims and others, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the precedent user. For example, in the case where the check information indicates that the position of the seat is the regular position and where the second image indicates that the position of the seat is the regular position, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the precedent user. For example, in the case where the check information indicates that there is no trash in the interior of the vehicle40and where the second image indicates that there is no trash in the interior of the vehicle40, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the precedent user. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the control unit21can add the decided number of points to the total possessed point of the precedent user.

In the modification, as described above, the control unit21further acquires the check information indicating the result of the check of the state of the vehicle40by the subsequent user that is different from the user11and that gets in the vehicle40after the user11gets out of the vehicle40, and evaluates the user11based on the check information.

The user11as the precedent user becomes conscious of the influence of the result of the check by the subsequent user on the evaluation. Therefore, the user11has higher motivation to properly use the vehicle40. The opportunity of the appearance of the damage in the vehicle40decreases, and therefore the period during which the vehicle40cannot be used due to the repair decreases, so that it is easy to smoothly operate the car-sharing service. Further, by acquiring the check information from the subsequent user, the control unit21can evaluate the user11more objectively. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

Modification 3

As a modification of the embodiment, the control unit21of the control device20may further acquire a third image resulting from photographing the vehicle40while the user11rides in the vehicle40.

In the modification, the photographing unit46of the vehicle40photographs the interior of the vehicle40while the user11rides in the vehicle40. The control unit41of the vehicle40acquires the photographed image as the third image. The control unit41sends the third image to the control device20through the communication unit43. The timing when the photographing unit46photographs the third image may be freely set. The number of third images may be freely decided, and the third image may be an image resulting from photographing a plurality of portions in the interior of the vehicle40.

The control unit21of the control device20acquires the third image by receiving the third image. The control unit21compares the first image, the second image and the third image, and detects the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. Because of the increase in the image that is compared, the control unit21can detect the change more accurately. Thereby, the possibility that the control unit21can detect the change increases. For example, the damage that cannot be recognized in the first image and the second image can be recognized in the third image. In the case where the damage in the interior of the vehicle40is recognized in the first image and where the damage is not recognized in the second image and the third image, the control unit21may analyze the first image again. Further, in addition to the comparison between the first image and the second image, the control unit21can detect the change based on the comparison between the first image and the third image or the comparison between the second image and the third image. Thereby, it is possible to detect the timing when the state of the interior of the vehicle40changes.

In the modification, as described above, the control unit21further acquires the third image resulting from photographing the vehicle40while the user11rides in the vehicle40, and detects the change in the state of the vehicle40, based on the first image, the second image and the third image.

The control unit21detects the change in the state of the vehicle40based on the third image, in addition to the first image and the second image. Thereby, the control unit21can detect the change in the state of the vehicle40more accurately compared to the case where the control unit21detects the change based on only the first image and the second image. Thus, it is possible to evaluate the user11more objectively, and therefore it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11.

Modification 4

As a modification of the embodiment, the change that is detected from the first image and the second image by the control unit21of the control device20may include a placement of a personal item of the user11in the vehicle40.

In the modification, when the control unit21recognizes the personal item of the user11in the second image based on the comparison between the first image and the second image, the control unit21detects the existence of the personal item as the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40. The personal item recognized in the second image is a lost article of the user11. The control unit21may selectively analyze places that are in the second image and where the user11easily loses the personal item, as exemplified by a dashboard and a door pocket.

In the modification, the report information includes a report about whether there is a lost article. For example, in the case where the change detected based on the comparison between the first image and the second image coincides with the content of the report from the user11, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11. For example, in the case where the control unit21determines that there is no personal item of the user11in the second image, that is, there is no lost article, based on the comparison between the first image and the second image, the control unit21decides to give 1 point to the user11. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the control unit21can add the decided number of points to the total possessed point of the user11.

In the case where the control unit21detects that there is a personal item of the user11in the second image based on the comparison between the first image and the second image, the control unit21may send a notice to the terminal device30. The control unit31of the terminal device30receives the notice through the communication unit33. The control unit31displays the notice to the user11through the output unit35. Thereby, the user11can recognize the lost article in the vehicle40.

In the modification, as described above, the change includes the placement of the personal item of the user11in the vehicle40.

The user11becomes conscious of the influence of the non-existence of the lost article in the vehicle40on the evaluation. Therefore, the user11has higher motivation to exactly report the state of the vehicle40, so that the user11is likely to exactly perform the report. Therefore, it is easy to evaluate the user11based on the exact report, and it is possible to enhance the quality of the evaluation of the user11. Further, the user11has higher motivation to avoid the personal item from being lost in the interior of the vehicle40. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the vehicle40cannot be used until the lost article of the user11is retrieved. As a result, it is easy to smoothly operate the car-sharing service.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications. For example, the change that is detected is not limited to the change in the state of the interior of the vehicle40, and may be the change in the state of the external appearance of the vehicle40. For example, a plurality of blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing a plurality of steps described in the flowcharts in temporal series in accordance with the description, it is allowable to execute the steps in parallel or in a different order, depending on processing powers of the devices that execute the steps or as necessary. In addition, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.