JP7797328B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

With regard to car sharing systems, technology has been disclosed that improves vehicle utilization rates by directly providing incentives to users near the vehicle, even when the vehicle is returned to an area with few users.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-082155

However, the above-mentioned conventional technology merely improves vehicle utilization rates by providing incentives to users who are near vehicles returned to areas with few users. Users cannot park their vehicles if there are no vehicles available in their desired parking space. Furthermore, there is a limit to the number of vehicles that can be parked at each parking space, and once the limit is reached, users cannot park in a parking space closer to their final destination. As a result, they are forced to return their vehicles to parking spaces with fewer users. Therefore, there is a need for a means to adjust the number of vehicles available (number of vehicles that can be rented) and the number of vehicles that can be parked (number of parking spaces) at each parking space.

This application has been made in light of the above, and aims to adjust the number of rental/sharing items held (number available for immediate use) and the number that can be accepted (number that can be accommodated immediately) at each location (facility) of rental/sharing items by offering incentives in a rental/sharing service.

The information processing device according to the present application includes an identification unit that manages the entry and exit of objects for each base that a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifies the number of the objects to identify the current number of objects that can be lent and the current number of objects that can be returned ; an estimation unit that estimates a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and /or the number of objects that can be returned at each base based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned identified for each base; a calculation unit that calculates an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage pattern; a presentation unit that presents the calculated incentive to the user and encourages the user ; and a confirmation unit that confirms that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the incentive provided. and an awarding unit that awards the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to guidance from the presentation of the incentive , wherein , assuming that the maximum capacity of the objects that can be accommodated at a base is n, the estimation unit defines a state in which the number of objects at the base is n as the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, a state in which there are no objects at all as the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of objects at the base is n/2 as the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned, and the calculation unit calculates a lower incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves further from the best state and closer to the worst state, and calculates a higher incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves further from the worst state and closer to the best state .

According to one aspect of the embodiment, in a rental/sharing service, the number of rental/sharing items held and the number of items that can be accepted at each location can be adjusted by offering incentives.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information database. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the history information database. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the guide information database. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration.

Below, detailed explanations will be given of the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") according to the present application, with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, identical components in the following embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[1. Overview of information processing method]
First, an overview of an information processing method performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 describes an example in which, in a rental/sharing service, the number of objects held (number available for immediate use) and the number of objects that can be accepted (number that can be immediately accommodated) for each location (facility) of rental/sharing objects are adjusted by offering an incentive.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 2) via a wired or wireless connection so that they can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 works in conjunction with the server device 100.

The terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a user U, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with any server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation (4G)) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). The terminal device 10 also has a screen such as an LCD display with touch panel functionality, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling, performed by the user U's finger or stylus. Operations performed on the area of the screen where content is displayed may be considered operations on the content. The terminal device 10 may not only be a smart device, but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or laptop PC.

The server device 100 is an information processing device that works in conjunction with each user U's terminal device 10 and provides each user U's terminal device 10 with API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as apps), as well as various data, and is realized by a computer, cloud system, etc.

The server device 100 may also be an information processing device that provides some kind of web service online to the terminal device 10 of each user U. For example, the server device 100 may provide such web services as internet connection, search services, SNS (Social Networking Service), electronic commerce (EC), electronic payments, online games, online banking, online trading, accommodation and ticket reservations, video and music distribution, news, maps, route searches, route guidance, line information, operation information, and weather forecasts. In practice, the server device 100 may work in conjunction with various servers that provide the above-mentioned web services, and may act as an intermediary for the web services or be responsible for processing the web services.

The server device 100 is capable of acquiring user information about the user U. For example, the server device 100 acquires information about the attributes of the user U, such as the user U's gender, age, and residential area. The server device 100 then stores and manages the information about the attributes of the user U along with identification information (such as a user ID) that identifies the user U.

The server device 100 also acquires various historical information (log data) indicating user U's behavior from user U's terminal device 10 or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. For example, the server device 100 acquires user U's location history, which is a history of user U's location and date and time, from the terminal device 10. The server device 100 also acquires user U's search history, which is a history of search queries entered by user U, from a search server (search engine). The server device 100 also acquires user U's browsing history, which is a history of content viewed by user U, from a content server. The server device 100 also acquires user U's purchase history (payment history), which is a history of product purchases and payment processes, from an e-commerce server or a payment processing server. The server device 100 may also acquire user U's listing history and sales history, which are a history of user U's listings on the marketplace, from the e-commerce server or the payment processing server. The server device 100 also acquires user U's posting history, which is a history of user U's posts, from a posting server or SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service. Note that the various servers described above may be the server device 100 itself. In other words, the server device 100 may function as the various servers described above.

[1-1. Mobility Parking Optimization Incentives]
In recent years, rental and sharing of various means of transportation (mobility), such as rental cars, car sharing, shared bicycles (rental cycles), and sharing of electric kick scooters and personal mobility vehicles, has begun to become popular. At the same time, there has been an increase in mobility services that allow one-way use (drop-off) and return of the vehicle at any of multiple bases P (ports) where the means of transportation (mobility) is located. In this embodiment, for convenience, the means of transportation (mobility) will be referred to as a vehicle M.

However, there are some issues with using this system, such as (1) you cannot board if there is no vehicle M at the base P (port), and (2) there is a limit to the number of vehicles M that can be parked at the base P (port), and if the limit is reached, you cannot park at a base P (port) that is closer to your final destination.

To improve user convenience, it is necessary to maintain the following conditions as much as possible: (a) there is at least one vehicle M at the desired location P (port), and (b) there is at least one parking space at the desired location P (port).

In this embodiment, the user U (user) chooses the pick-up and parking locations P (ports) themselves, and incentives such as fees, discounts, special offers, coupons, etc. are set to maintain the following conditions: (A) there is at least one vehicle M at each location P (port) whenever possible (as much as possible), and (B) there is at least one parking space.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the server device 100 manages the entry and exit (entry/exit) of vehicles M for each location P (port) of vehicles M that a user U (user) can start using at any location P (port) and return to any location P (port), and identifies the number of vehicles M (step S1).

At this time, the server device 100 may manage the start of use (borrowing) and return of vehicle M, or the entry and exit (entry and exit) of vehicle M to and from the base P (port) by communicating with equipment within the base P (port), communicating with or detecting vehicle M, or communicating with or detecting terminal device 10 of user U (user).

The base P (port) where user U (user) begins using (borrows) vehicle M and the base P (port) where user U returns (parks) vehicle M may be the same base P (port) or different bases P (ports). In this case, server device 100 manages vehicle M entry/exit and vacancy information for each base P (port), and identifies the number of vehicles M available for use (number available for rental) and the number of vehicles M that can be parked (number of parking spaces).

Next, the server device 100 estimates the preferred/optimal usage pattern for each location P (port) based on the identified number of available vehicles and number of parking spaces for each location P (port) (step S2).

At this time, the server device 100 estimates the usage pattern that will ensure that the number of available vehicles (and/or the number of parking spaces) at each base P (port) meets specified conditions, based on the identified number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces available for each base P (port).

For example, suppose there is a base P (port) with parking spaces for n vehicles. The worst case scenario is when n vehicles M are parked there (no parking available) or when there are no vehicles at all (no spaces available for rent). The best case scenario is when n/2 vehicles M are parked there (spaces available for both renting and parking).

When there are exactly half (n/2) of the number of vehicles M that can be parked at the base P (port) (total vehicles), both rental and parking are possible, and this is far from the worst case scenario. However, in cases where there are usually only 10% of the number of vehicles M that can be parked at the base P (port) (total vehicles), most of the vehicles M are always out, and the probability of a new vehicle being rented is higher than the probability of a new vehicle being parked, so a value greater than n/2 may be the best case scenario. In other words, because the number of vehicles considered to be in the best case scenario varies depending on the situation and conditions of the base P (port), the server device 100 may adjust the number of vehicles considered to be in the best case scenario depending on the situation and conditions of the base P (port).

At this time, the server device 100 considers the probability of vehicle M being present at each base P (port) on a random basis, and by assuming the probability of vehicle M increasing or decreasing, it can also calculate the number of parked vehicles at each base P (port) and the probability that that base P (port) will become full or empty within a certain period of time.

The server device 100 may also use machine learning to estimate the expected number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces for each day of the week and time period, and based on the estimated number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces, estimate the usage pattern that will ensure that the number of available vehicles (and/or the number of parking spaces) at each base P (port) meets specified conditions.

Machine learning techniques such as deep learning, recurrent neural networks (RNNs), or long short-term memories (LSTMs) may be used. Note that these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

In addition, the server device 100 may estimate and change the preferred/optimal usage mode in real time based on the number of available vehicles and the number of parking spaces available for each location P (port), which change in real time.

Next, the server device 100 calculates incentives based on the estimated usage patterns (step S3).

For example, the server device 100 calculates incentives according to the preferred/optimal usage pattern for each location P (port). If the estimated usage pattern changes, the incentives also change. Note that the server device 100 may calculate and change incentives in real time according to the preferred/optimal usage pattern for each location P (port), which changes in real time.

Next, the server device 100 presents incentives to the user U to encourage the user U to adopt the estimated usage pattern (step S4).

For example, the server device 100 may specify a location P (port) that the user U (user) is desired to use, and may offer the most advantageous incentive if the user U uses that location P (port). At this time, the server device 100 may present the incentive to the user U's terminal device 10 along with identification information (number, location, etc.) indicating the location P (port) that the user U is desired to use. Alternatively, the server device 100 may present to the user U's terminal device 10 a list of incentives for each location P (port), or a ranking of the locations P (ports) based on the magnitude of the incentives.

Furthermore, the server device 100 may present the user U with a high incentive if he/she rents a vehicle M from a base P (port) with a large surplus of available vehicles M (number of vehicles that can be rented out), and may present the user U with a low incentive (including the case where no incentive is available) if he/she rents a vehicle M from a base P (port) with a small surplus of available vehicles M (number of vehicles that can be rented out).

Furthermore, the server device 100 may present the user U with a high incentive if he/she returns the vehicle M to a base P (port) with a large capacity for parking the vehicle M (number of parking spaces), and may present the user U with a low incentive (including the case where no incentive is available) if he/she returns the vehicle M to a base P (port) with a small capacity for parking the vehicle M (number of parking spaces).

Next, the server device 100 confirms that user U has started using (borrowed) vehicle M or returned vehicle M in response to the incentive offer (step S5).

At this time, the server device 100 confirms that the user U has started using (borrowed) or returned the vehicle M at the location P (port) that is eligible for the incentive. In other words, the server device 100 confirms that the user U has met the conditions for the incentive.

Next, if user U starts using (borrows) or returns vehicle M in response to the incentive offer, the server device 100 grants the incentive to user U (step S6).

In other words, if user U meets the conditions for granting an incentive, the server device 100 grants the incentive to user U.

Incentives are offered separately for starting use (renting) and parking (returning). Incentives include fees/discounts (applied immediately), kickbacks, points, extended usage time (e.g., one hour free extension), additional options/services (free, low-cost, special/limited services, etc.), and coupons for your next visit (one free use, discounts, etc.).

At this time, the server device 100 may use machine learning to calculate a more effective incentive for user U. For example, the server device 100 may use machine learning to learn which of the incentives presented to user U was the most effective (most preferred) for each user U (or may be based on user attributes, user segments, or user personas), and calculate the most effective incentive for each user U (or may be based on user attributes, user segments, or user personas).

The server device 100 may grant (or present) relatively more advantageous incentives to the user U as the user U approaches the wishes of the service provider (administrator, operating business, etc.), such as starting to use (borrow) a vehicle M from a base P (port) with a small number of users and a surplus of vehicles, or returning a vehicle M to a base P (port) with a large number of users and a small number of returns. Furthermore, if the user U deviates from the wishes of the service provider, the incentive may be lowered (or not granted at all).

For example, if there is only one vehicle M at a base P (port) that can accommodate five vehicles, the server device 100 may lower the incentive (provide a low incentive) when a user U (user) uses the vehicle M at that base P (port) (gets into the vehicle M at that base P (port)), and may increase the incentive (provide a high incentive) when the user U (user) parks at that base P (port).

Furthermore, the server device 100 may be configured to provide a relatively higher incentive the more the location P (port) where the user U (user) starts using (borrows) the vehicle M is a location P (port) with a relatively low number of users and a surplus of vehicles, or the more the location P (port) where the user U (user) parks is a location P (port) with a relatively high number of users and a low number of returned vehicles.

Note that the location P (port) where user U (user) starts using (borrows)/returns (parks) vehicle M may also be interpreted as the location P (port) where user U (user) plans to start using (borrows)/return (parks) vehicle M. This is because incentives are presented to guide user U (user) before user U (user) starts using (borrows)/returns (parks) vehicle M.

At this time, the server device 100 may tally up the entry and exit of vehicle M at each of multiple bases P (ports) (each base P (port)), and calculate and rank scores according to the number of users and the number of parked vehicles at each base P (port). The score and rank of each base P (port) may also change in real time according to the current number of parked vehicles. The server device 100 may then provide incentives according to the score and rank of the base P (port) where user U (user) begins using (renting) vehicle M, or the base P (port) where user U (user) parks.

By setting up coupons based on this incentive when a user U (user) selects a location P (port) to rent/park, it is possible to reduce the number of cases where a user U is unable to pick up or park, thereby increasing the convenience of the service. In some cases, it may be possible to systematically encourage users to pick up and park at locations with higher incentives.

The convenience for user U (user) is not significantly different whether one or two cars are parked. A user U wishing to rent can start using the parking lot as long as there is at least one car parked, and a user U wishing to park is satisfied with just one free car. The only difference is that having an excess number of cars increases the options available to user U. It is important to adjust the number of cars at each base P (port) so that incentives affect the renting/parking behavior of individual users U.

The server device 100 may also calculate and display how many kcals will be consumed if the user uses a different base P (port) (such as a nearby base P (port) a little further away) than the base P (port) closest to the destination (the nearest base P (port)) and walks a slightly longer distance. For example, if the base P (port) where the user U wants to get on and off is a base P (port) that the operator does not want users to use often (there is no incentive), the server device 100 may display on the map something like, "If you get off at this nearby base P (port) and walk to your destination, approximately how many kcals will be consumed."

The server device 100 may also identify (or estimate) the areas where user U will use and return the item from the user U's usage history, identify a base P (port) where user U is likely to use or return the item, and notify (provide) the user that an incentive will be provided for use or return at that base P (port).

In addition to the base P (port), the server device 100 may also identify the vehicle M (vehicle M that the user U) is desired to borrow (or rent) and the parking space in which the user U is desired to park, and may present the most advantageous incentive to the user U when the user borrows the vehicle M or parks in that parking space.

For example, the server device 100 may present an incentive to the terminal device 10 of the user U along with identification information (number, location, etc.) indicating the vehicle M that the user U is desired to borrow, or identification information (number, location, etc.) indicating the parking space that the user U is desired to park in.

In other words, the server device 100 presents a pair of a vehicle M that the user U is interested in renting and an incentive that will be given when the user rents the vehicle M, and encourages the user U to rent the vehicle M.

Similarly, the server device 100 presents a pair of a parking space where the user U is desired to park and an incentive to be given when the user parks in that parking space, and encourages the user U to park in that parking space.

At this time, the server device 100 may present to the user U's terminal device 10 a list of incentives for each vehicle M and parking space, or a ranking of vehicles M and parking spaces based on the magnitude of the incentives.

Furthermore, the server device 100 may take into account the closing time (closing time of business) of the base P (port) when calculating the incentive. This is because it is preferable to return the vehicle M to a base P (port) where there is still time before closing time and where there may be a next user, rather than returning the vehicle M to a base P (port) that is closing time and where there is clearly no next user to use it, as this will lead to increased opportunities for the user to use the service.

For example, if a base P (port) associated with a facility is closed at night in accordance with the facility's business hours, and there is a nearby base P (port) that closes later than the base P (port) (e.g., is open at night/late-night, or 24 hours a day) and is frequently used/rented by users, the server device 100 may encourage user U by offering a higher incentive (by presenting a higher incentive) for returning vehicle M to that (nearby) base P (port).

Alternatively, the server device 100 may provide a higher incentive the more the user U returns the vehicle M to a location P (port) where the vehicle M can be returned that has a later closing time. Furthermore, if the closing times are the same, the server device 100 may provide a higher incentive the more frequently the user returns the vehicle M to a location P (port) with the same closing time that is more frequently used/borrowed by the user.

Furthermore, when calculating the incentive, the server device 100 may take into account the parking situation at nearby bases P (ports). For example, the server device 100 may guide the user U by increasing the incentive (offering a higher incentive) for returning the vehicle M to a less congested base P (port), depending on the parking situation at bases P (ports) within a predetermined range (within a radius of XX meters) centered on the planned return base P (port). Alternatively, the server device 100 may increase the incentive the more the user U returns the vehicle M to a base P (port) that has more available parking spaces (among the bases P (ports) where the vehicle M can be returned.

[2. Example of information processing system configuration]
Next, the configuration of an information processing system 1 including a server device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. These various devices are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection. The network N is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 2 is not limited to that shown. For example, in Figure 2, only one terminal device 10 is shown to simplify the illustration, but this is merely an example and is not limiting; there may be two or more devices.

The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user U. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, a mobile phone such as a feature phone (Gala-ke/Gala-ho), a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game console or AV equipment with communication functions, a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smartwatch or head-mounted display, smart glasses, etc. The terminal device 10 may also be a house/building, a car, a home appliance, an electronic device, etc. that is compatible with the Internet of Things (IoT).

Furthermore, such terminal device 10 can connect to network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: fifth generation mobile communication system), or via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and communicate with server device 100.

The server device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or a blade server, or a mainframe or workstation. The server device 100 may also be implemented using cloud computing.

3. Example of terminal device configuration
Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

(Communication unit 11)
The communication unit 11 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 2 ) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a network interface card (NIC), an antenna, or the like.

(Display section 12)
The display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as position information. For example, the display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescent display (OLED). The display unit 12 is also a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

(Input unit 13)
The input unit 13 is an input device that accepts various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons for inputting characters, numbers, and the like. The input unit 13 may be an input/output port P (I/O port) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port P (port), etc. In addition, when the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. In addition, the input unit 13 may be a microphone that accepts voice input from the user U, etc. The microphone may be wireless.

(Positioning unit 14)
The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from satellites of the GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires, based on the received signals, location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current location of the terminal device 10. That is, the positioning unit 14 measures the location of the terminal device 10. Note that the GPS is merely an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

In addition, the positioning unit 14 can determine the position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may determine the position using various communication functions of the terminal device 10 as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

(Wi-Fi positioning)
For example, the positioning unit 14 uses the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or the communication networks of each communication company to determine the position of the terminal device 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication or the like to determine the distance to a nearby base station or access point, thereby determining the position of the terminal device 10.

(Beacon positioning)
Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

(geomagnetic positioning)
The positioning unit 14 also measures the position of the terminal device 10 based on the geomagnetic pattern of the structure measured in advance and a geomagnetic sensor included in the terminal device 10 .

(RFID positioning)
Furthermore, for example, if the terminal device 10 has the functionality of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, in stores, etc., or has the functionality to read an RFID tag, the location of use is recorded together with information on payments, etc., made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may obtain such information to determine the location of the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

If necessary, the positioning unit 14 may use one or a combination of the positioning methods described above to determine the position of the terminal device 10.

(Sensor unit 20)
The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection may be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

Note that the sensors 21-28 described above are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. That is, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21-28, or may include other sensors, such as a humidity sensor, in addition to or instead of the sensors 21-28.

The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as the direction of movement, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as tilt in three axial directions, based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10. The air pressure sensor 23 detects, for example, the air pressure around the terminal device 10.

The terminal device 10 is equipped with the acceleration sensor 21, gyro sensor 22, barometric pressure sensor 23, etc. described above, and is therefore able to determine the position of the terminal device 10 using techniques such as pedestrian dead-reckoning (PDR) that utilize these sensors 21-23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor position information that is difficult to obtain using positioning systems such as GPS.

For example, a pedometer using the acceleration sensor 21 can calculate the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked. Furthermore, the gyro sensor 22 can be used to determine the user U's direction of travel, line of sight, and body tilt. Furthermore, the atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 23 can be used to determine the altitude and floor on which the user U's terminal device 10 is located.

The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the geomagnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures images of the area around the terminal device 10.

The above-mentioned air pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the environment and situation surrounding the terminal device 10 by detecting air pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, and capturing images of the surroundings. Furthermore, the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 can be improved based on the environment and situation surrounding the terminal device 10.

(Control unit 30)
The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input/output points P (ports), and various other circuits. The control unit 30 may also be configured with hardware such as an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmitting unit 31, a receiving unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

(Transmitter 31)
The transmission unit 31 can transmit, for example, various information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by each sensor 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 measured by the positioning unit 14 to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

(Receiving unit 32)
The receiving unit 32 can receive various information provided by the server device 100 and requests for various information from the server device 100 via the communication unit 11 .

(Processing unit 33)
The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output various information transmitted by the transmission unit 31 and various information received from the server device 100 by the reception unit 32 to the display unit 12 for display.

(Storage unit 40)
The storage unit 40 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 40 stores various programs, various data, etc.

4. Example of Server Device Configuration
Next, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

(Communication unit 110)
The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is also connected to a network N (see FIG. 2) by wire or wirelessly.

(Storage unit 120)
The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk, etc. As shown in FIG. 4 , the storage unit 120 has a user information database 121, a history information database 122, and a guidance information database 123.

(User information database 121)
The user information database 121 stores user information about the user U. For example, the user information database 121 stores various information such as the attributes of the user U. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 121. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the user information database 121 has items such as "User ID (Identifier),""Age,""Gender,""Home,""Workplace," and "Interests."

"User ID" refers to identification information for identifying user U. Note that "user ID" may be user U's contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.), or may be identification information for identifying user U's terminal device 10.

Furthermore, "age" indicates the age of user U identified by the user ID. Note that "age" may be information indicating user U's specific age (e.g., 35 years old), or may be information indicating user U's generation (e.g., 30s). Alternatively, "age" may be information indicating user U's date of birth, or may be information indicating user U's generation (e.g., born in the 1980s). Furthermore, "gender" indicates the gender of user U identified by the user ID.

"Home" indicates the location information of the home of user U, who is identified by the user ID. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Home" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC11," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Also, for example, "Home" may be the name of an area or an address.

"Workplace" indicates the location information of the workplace (or school in the case of a student) of user U, who is identified by the user ID. In the example shown in Figure 5, "workplace" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC12," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Also, for example, "workplace" may be the name of a region or an address.

Furthermore, "Interests" indicate the interests of user U, who is identified by the user ID. In other words, "Interests" indicate subjects in which user U, who is identified by the user ID, is highly interested. For example, "Interests" may be search queries (keywords) that user U enters into a search engine. Note that in the example shown in Figure 5, each user U is shown with one "Interest," but there may be multiple "Interests."

For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the age of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "20s" and the gender is "male." Also, for example, the user U identified by user ID "U1" indicates that his home address is "LC11." Also, for example, the user U identified by user ID "U1" indicates that his workplace is "LC12." Also, for example, the user U identified by user ID "U1" indicates that he is interested in "sports."

In the example shown in Figure 5, abstract values such as "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are used to illustrate the data, but "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are assumed to store specific information such as character strings and numerical values. Below, abstract values may also be illustrated in diagrams relating to other information.

The user information database 121 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the user information database 121 may store various types of information related to the terminal device 10 of user U. The user information database 121 may also store information related to user U's demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, geographic attributes, behavioral attributes, and other attributes. For example, the user information database 121 may store information such as name, family composition, hometown (local area), occupation, job position, income, qualifications, type of residence (detached house, apartment, etc.), whether or not the user has a car, commuting time, commuting route, commuter pass area (station, line, etc.), frequently used stations (other than the station nearest to home or workplace), extracurricular activities (location, time of day, etc.), hobbies, interests, lifestyle, and the like.

(History information database 122)
The history information database 122 stores various information related to history information (log data) that indicates the behavior of the user U. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the history information database 122. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the history information database 122 has items such as "user ID,""locationhistory,""searchhistory,""browsinghistory,""purchasehistory," and "posting history."

"User ID" indicates identification information for identifying user U. "Location history" indicates the location history, which is the history of user U's locations and movements. "Search history" indicates the search history, which is the history of search queries entered by user U. "Browsing history" indicates the browsing history, which is the history of content viewed by user U. "Purchase history" indicates the purchase history, which is the history of purchases made by user U. "Posting history" indicates the posting history, which is the history of posts made by user U. "Posting history" may also include questions about user U's possessions.

For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, user U, identified by user ID "U1," moved as shown in "Location History #1," searched as shown in "Search History #1," viewed content as shown in "Browse History #1," purchased specific products at specific stores as shown in "Purchase History #1," and posted as shown in "Post History #1."

In the example shown in Figure 6, abstract values such as "U1", "Location History #1", "Search History #1", "Browse History #1", "Purchase History #1", and "Post History #1" are used for the illustration, but it is assumed that specific information such as character strings and numbers is stored in "U1", "Location History #1", "Search History #1", "Browse History #1", "Purchase History #1", and "Post History #1".

The history information database 122 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the history information database 122 may store user U's usage history of a specific service. The history information database 122 may also store user U's store visit history or facility visit history. The history information database 122 may also store user U's payment history (electronic payment) using the terminal device 10.

(Guidance information database 123)
The guidance information database 123 stores various information related to incentives for guiding the behavior of the user U toward the estimated usage pattern. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance information database 123. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the guidance information database 123 has items such as "base ID,""maximum number of vehicles,""available number of vehicles,""borrowingincentive,""number of vehicles that can be parked," and "return incentive."

"Base ID" indicates identification information for identifying the base P (port). "Maximum number" indicates the maximum number of vehicles M that the base P (port) can accommodate. "Available number" indicates the available number (number of vehicles that can be borrowed), which is the number of vehicles M currently owned (remaining) by the base P (port). "Borrowing incentive" indicates an incentive (reward) granted when a user U begins using (borrowing) a vehicle M from the base P (port). "Number of vehicles that can be parked" indicates the number of vehicles that can be parked (number of parking spaces), which is the number of vehicles M that can currently be accommodated at the base P (port). "Return incentive" indicates an incentive granted when a user U returns a vehicle M to the base P (port).

For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the location P (port) identified by the location ID "P1" has an upper limit of "10 vehicles," an available number of vehicles "6 vehicles," a borrowing incentive of "Borrowing Reward #P1," a parking capacity of "4 vehicles," and a return incentive of "Return Reward #P1."

Here, in the example shown in Figure 7, abstract values such as "P1", "Borrowing Reward #P1", and "Returning Reward #P1" are used for the illustration, but "P1", "Borrowing Reward #P1", and "Returning Reward #P1" are assumed to store specific information such as character strings or numbers.

The guidance information database 123 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the guidance information database 123 may store information about incentives calculated for each user U (which may also be user attributes, user segments, or user personas). Furthermore, the guidance information database 123 may store, for each base P (port), a pair of identification information for identifying individual vehicles M or parking spaces, and an incentive to be granted when that vehicle M or parking space is used.

(Control unit 130)
Returning to Fig. 4, the description will be continued. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, by executing various programs (corresponding to examples of information processing programs) stored in a storage device inside the server device 100 using a storage area such as a RAM as a working area. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, an identification unit 132, an estimation unit 133, a calculation unit 134, a presentation unit 135, and an assignment unit 137.

(Acquisition unit 131)
The acquisition unit 131 acquires a search query input by the user U. For example, when the user U inputs a search query into a search engine or the like to perform a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. In other words, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the keywords input by the user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or app via the communication unit 110.

The acquisition unit 131 also acquires user information about user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as a user ID) identifying user U, location information about user U, attribute information about user U, etc. from user U's terminal device 10. The acquisition unit 131 may also acquire identification information identifying user U, attribute information about user U, etc. when registering user U. The acquisition unit 131 then registers the user information in the user information database 121 of the storage unit 120.

The acquisition unit 131 also acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information indicating the behavior of user U from user U's terminal device 10 or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. Then, the acquisition unit 131 registers the various types of history information in the history information database 122 of the storage unit 120.

In addition, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information regarding the start of use (borrowing) or return of an object, or the entry and exit (entry and exit) of an object at the base P (port) via the communication unit 110, by communicating with equipment within the base P (port), communicating with or detecting an object (vehicle M), or communicating with or detecting the terminal device 10 of the user U (user).

(Specific unit 132)
The identification unit 132 identifies the number of objects (vehicles M) held (number available for immediate use) and the number of objects that can be accepted (number that can be accommodated immediately) for each base P (port) of objects (vehicles M) that a user U (user) can borrow from any base P (port) and return to any base P (port).

(Estimation unit 133)
The estimation unit 133 estimates the usage pattern that will enable the number of objects held at each location P (port) to satisfy specified conditions, based on the number of objects held identified for each location P (port) and the number of objects that can be accepted at each location P (port).

(Calculation unit 134)
The calculation unit 134 calculates incentives based on the estimated usage mode. For example, the calculation unit 134 calculates incentives according to the preferred/optimal usage mode for each base P (port). If the estimated usage mode changes, the incentives also change. That is, the usage mode and incentives change in real time according to changes in the number of objects held and the number that can be accepted for each base P (port). In this case, the calculation unit 134 may calculate and change the incentives in real time according to the preferred/optimal usage mode for each base P (port), which changes in real time.

(Presentation unit 135)
The presentation unit 135 presents an incentive to the user U so as to induce the user U to adopt the estimated usage pattern. For example, the presentation unit 135 presents the calculated incentive to the user U.

In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents the user U with the fact that a high incentive will be obtained if the user borrows an object from a base P (port) that has a large surplus of object items, and presents the user U with the fact that only a low incentive will be obtained (including the case where no incentive will be obtained) if the user borrows an object from a base P (port) that has a small surplus of object items.

In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents the user U with a high incentive if he or she returns the object to a base P (port) that has a large capacity to accept the object, and presents the user U with a low incentive (including the case where no incentive is available) if he or she returns the object to a base P (port) that has a small capacity to accept the object.

The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location P (port) that are granted when the user U borrows an object. The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location P (port) that are granted when the user U returns an object.

In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents a pair of a specific object (vehicle M) that the user U can use and an incentive that will be granted when the specific object is used, thereby encouraging the user U to use the specific object.

The presentation unit 135 also presents a pair of a specific return space (parking space) where the user U can return the object (vehicle M) and an incentive to be granted when the object is returned to the specific return space, thereby encouraging the user U to return the object to the specific return space.

(Confirmation unit 136)
The confirmation unit 136 confirms, based on information regarding the entry and exit of the object (entry and exit), that the user U has started using (borrowed) the vehicle M or returned the vehicle M in response to the presentation of the incentive. Note that the confirmation unit 136 may be a part of the acquisition unit 131.

(Giving unit 137)
The granting unit 137 grants an incentive to the user U when the user U acts in accordance with the usage pattern. The granting unit 137 may transmit information, data, etc. granted as an incentive to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110, or may arrange for mailing or delivery to mail or deliver an item granted as an incentive to the user U's home, etc. Alternatively, the granting unit 137 may grant special treatment or rights (benefits) to the user U as an incentive. In other words, the granting unit 137 may be any device that performs some kind of processing related to granting incentives.

Furthermore, the recipient of the incentive provided by the granting unit 137 does not have to be the user U or his/her terminal device 10. For example, the granting unit 137 may grant the incentive to a person designated by the user U or to a person who will benefit the user U.

5. Processing Procedure
Next, a processing procedure performed by the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the server device 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires information regarding the start of use (borrowing) or return of an object, or the entry and exit (entry and exit) of an object at the base P (port) via the communication unit 110, by communicating with equipment within the base P (port), communicating with or detecting an object (vehicle M), or communicating with or detecting the terminal device 10 of the user U (user) (step S101).

Next, the identification unit 132 of the server device 100 identifies the number of objects (vehicles M) held (number available for immediate use) and the number of objects that can be accepted (number that can be immediately accommodated) for each base P (port) of objects (vehicles M) that the user U (user) can borrow from any base P (port) and return to any base P (port) (step S102).

The estimation unit 133 of the server device 100 then estimates the preferred/optimal usage pattern for each location P (port) based on the number of items held that has been identified for each location P (port) and the number of items that can be accepted by each location P (port) (step S103). For example, the estimation unit 133 estimates the usage pattern that will enable the number of items held at each location P (port) to satisfy a predetermined condition, based on the number of items held and the number that can be accepted by each location P (port).

Next, the calculation unit 134 of the server device 100 calculates incentives based on the estimated usage patterns (step S104). For example, the calculation unit 134 calculates incentives according to the preferred/optimal usage patterns for each base P (port).

Next, the presentation unit 135 of the server device 100 presents an incentive to the user U to guide the user U toward the estimated usage pattern (step S105).

Next, the confirmation unit 136 of the server device 100 confirms, based on information regarding the entry and exit of the object (entry and exit), that the user U has started using (borrowed) or returned the vehicle M in response to the presentation of the incentive (guidance to a preferred usage pattern) (step S106).

Next, the granting unit 137 of the server device 100 grants the incentive to user U when user U starts using (borrows) vehicle M or returns vehicle M in response to the incentive offer (step S107).

6. Modifications
The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment. Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the server device 100 may actually be performed by the terminal device 10. For example, processing may be completed in a stand-alone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have the functions of the server device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 is linked to the server device 100, so from the perspective of the user U, it appears that the processing of the server device 100 is also being performed by the terminal device 10. In other words, from another perspective, the terminal device 10 can also be said to be equipped with the server device 100.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the means of transportation (mobility) ridden by user U may be a bicycle (city bicycle, electric bicycle, road bike, mountain bike, folding bicycle, etc.), a vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc.), or a small watercraft (pleasure boat, motorboat, yacht, jet ski, jet ski, etc.).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the means of transportation (mobility) used by user U (user) may be an autonomous vehicle. Even if the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, the above embodiment can be applied as long as it is normally parked at a base P (port), similar to rental cars and car sharing, and the user can specify the base P (port) where they will start using (borrow) vehicle M and the base P (port) where they will return (park) vehicle M.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the target item is described as a means of transportation (mobility) that the user U rides on, but the target item in the above embodiment is not limited to a means of transportation that the user U rides on. For example, umbrella rental and sharing services have also been on the rise in recent years. In this case, the base P (port) may be interpreted as an installation location (spot). In reality, the item may be one that the user U can acquire and begin using at any facility (store, etc.) or counter, and return to any facility or counter, subject to payment of a fee (usage fee). In other words, the item may be one that can be rented or shared, and can be returned at a facility or counter other than the one where the user U rented it.

For example, the items covered by the above embodiments may be items that are commonly loaned and returned, expensive brand-name goods, costumes and tools that are only used temporarily, or expensive or specialized equipment. Examples of such items include books, DVDs, personal computers (PCs), peripherals, projectors, printers, smartphones, tablets, flip phones, feature phones, mobile batteries, drones, game consoles, home appliances, cameras, astronomical telescopes, binoculars, luxury watches, brand-name bags and accessories, decorative items (jewelry and accessories), clothing and shoes, antiques, vintage items, rare items, musical instruments (guitars, basses, amplifiers, drums, pianos, digital pianos, string instruments, wind instruments, brass instruments, etc.), art (paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, crafts, etc.), sporting goods (golf, surfing, snowboarding, skiing, tennis equipment, etc.), outdoor equipment (camping equipment, barbecue equipment, canoes, kayaks, etc.), and fishing tackle (rods, reels, lures, etc.). Furthermore, eligible items are not limited to those that can be returned in person at any facility or counter, but may also be items that can be returned to any facility or counter by mail, delivery, etc.

7. Effects
As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) of the present application includes an identification unit 132 that identifies the number of objects held and the number of objects that can be accepted for each location where a user U (user) can borrow from any location and return to any location; an estimation unit 133 that estimates a usage pattern that will allow the number of objects held at each location to satisfy a specified condition based on the number of objects held identified for each location and the number of objects that can be accepted for each location; a presentation unit 135 that presents an incentive to user U to guide user U to the estimated usage pattern; and an awarding unit 137 that awards an incentive to user U when user U acts in accordance with the usage pattern.

The information processing device according to the present application further includes a calculation unit 134 that calculates an incentive based on the estimated usage pattern. A presentation unit 135 presents the calculated incentive to user U.

In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents the user U with a high incentive if he borrows an object from a base that has a large surplus of the object, and presents the user U with a low incentive if he borrows an object from a base that has a small surplus of the object.

In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents the user U with a high incentive if he or she returns the object to a base that has a large capacity to accept the object, and presents the user U with a low incentive if he or she returns the object to a base that has a small capacity to accept the object.

The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location that are granted when the user U rents an item.

The presentation unit 135 also presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location that will be granted when the user U returns the item.

In addition, usage patterns and incentives change in real time depending on changes in the number of items held and available at each location.

In addition, the presentation unit 135 presents a pair of a specific object that the user U can use and an incentive that will be granted when the specific object is used, thereby encouraging the user U to use the specific object.

The presentation unit 135 also presents a pair of a specific return space where the user U can return the object and an incentive to be granted when the user U returns the object to the specific return space, thereby encouraging the user U to return the object to the specific return space.

By using any one or a combination of the above processes, the information processing device according to the present application can adjust the number of rental/sharing items held and the number of items that can be accepted at each location by offering incentives in a rental/sharing service.

8. Hardware Configuration
The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 9, for example. The server device 100 will be described below as an example. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I/F (Interface) 1060, an input I/F 1070, and a network I/F 1080 are connected via a bus 1090.

The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The arithmetic unit 1030 is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.

The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), that primarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The secondary storage device 1050 may be internal storage or external storage. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, etc.

The output I/F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a display, projector, printer, etc., and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface, registered trademark). The input I/F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, keypad, buttons, scanner, etc., and is realized by USB, for example.

Furthermore, the output I/F 1060 and the input I/F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. In other words, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

Furthermore, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated, such as a touch panel. In this case, the output I/F 1060 and the input I/F 1070 may also be integrated as an input/output I/F.

The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, optical recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical Disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memories.

The network I/F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the computing device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the computing device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I/F 1060 and the input I/F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the server device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also load a program acquired from another device via the network I/F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also cooperate with other devices via the network I/F 1080 and call and use program functions, data, etc. from other programs on the other devices.

[9. Other]
Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of so-called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown.

Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

For example, the above-mentioned server device 100 may be implemented using multiple server computers, and depending on the function, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate to the extent that the processing content is not contradictory.

Furthermore, the "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be read as "means" or "circuit." For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Terminal device 100 Server device 110 Communication unit 120 Storage unit 121 User information database 122 History information database 123 Guidance information database 130 Control unit 131 Acquisition unit 132 Identification unit 133 Estimation unit 134 Calculation unit 135 Presentation unit 136 Confirmation unit 137 Assignment unit

Claims (11)

an identification unit that manages the entry and exit of objects for each base where a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifies the number of objects, thereby identifying the number of objects that can be borrowed and the number of objects that can be returned at the current time;
an estimation unit that estimates a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and /or the number of objects that can be returned at each base based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned specified for each base;
a calculation unit that calculates an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage mode;
a presentation unit that presents the calculated incentive to the user and guides the user ;
a confirmation unit that confirms that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive;
an incentive granting unit that grants the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to the inducement of the incentive ;
Equipped with
When the maximum storage capacity of the object at a base is n, the estimation unit determines a state in which the number of the object at the base is n as the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, a state in which there is no object at all as the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of the object at the base is n/2 as the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned,
The calculation unit calculates a lower incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and calculates a higher incentive for the user's borrowing or returning behavior of the object as the base moves away from the worst state and closer to the best state.
1. An information processing device comprising: The estimation unit
The optimal number varies depending on the situation and conditions of the base, so we will adjust the optimal number depending on the situation and conditions of the base.
The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that when there are only a predetermined percentage of the objects at the base that is less than half of the maximum number of the objects that can be stored, the probability of them being newly borrowed is higher than the probability of them being newly returned, so a value greater than n/2 is set as the best state . The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the presentation unit presents to the user that a high incentive will be obtained if the user borrows the object from a base that has a large available number of the object available for loan, and presents to the user that only a low incentive will be obtained if the user borrows the object from a base that has a small available number of the object available for loan. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the presentation unit presents to the user that a high incentive will be obtained if the user returns the object to a base that has a large amount of available returnable numbers of the object, and presents to the user that only a low incentive will be obtained if the user returns the object to a base that has a small amount of available returnable numbers of the object. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the presentation unit presents a list or ranking of incentives for each location that are given to the user when the user borrows or returns the object. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the estimation unit uses machine learning to estimate the expected number of items that can be loaned and/or returned for each location, day of the week, or time period, and based on the estimated number of items that can be loaned and returned, estimates the usage pattern that will ensure that the number of items that can be loaned and/or returned at each location meets specified conditions . The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the usage mode and the incentive change in real time in accordance with a change in the number of loanable and returnable objects at each base. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a base owns a plurality of objects, the presentation unit presents a pair of identification information indicating a specific object among the plurality of objects that the user is desired to use , and an incentive to be granted when the specific object is used, thereby guiding the user to use the specific object. The information processing device of claim 1, characterized in that , when there are multiple return spaces at a base, the presentation unit presents a pair of identification information indicating a specific return space among the multiple return spaces in which the user is desired to return the object, and an incentive to be granted when the user returns the object to the specific return space, thereby guiding the user to return the object to the specific return space. An information processing method executed by an information processing device,
an identification step of managing the entry and exit of objects for each base at which a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifying the number of objects, thereby identifying the number of objects that can be borrowed and the number of objects that can be returned at the current time;
an estimation step of estimating a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and / or the number of objects that can be returned at each base to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned specified for each base;
a calculation step of calculating an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage pattern;
a presentation step of presenting the calculated incentive to the user to induce the user ;
a confirmation step of confirming that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive;
a granting step of granting the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to the inducement of the incentive ;
Including,
In the estimation step, if the maximum storage capacity of the object at a base is n, a state in which the number of the object at the base is n is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, and a state in which there is no object at all is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of the object at the base is n/2 is considered to be the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned,
In the calculation step, the incentive is calculated to be lower as the behavior of borrowing or returning the object by the user moves the base away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and the incentive is calculated to be higher as the behavior of borrowing or returning the object by the user moves the base away from the worst state and closer to the best state.
1. An information processing method comprising: a step of managing the entry and exit of objects for each base at which a user can borrow from any base and return to any base, and identifying the number of objects, thereby identifying the number of objects that can be borrowed and the number of objects that can be returned at the current time;
an estimation step of estimating a usage pattern for the number of objects that can be lent and / or the number of objects that can be returned at each base to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the number of objects that can be lent and the number of objects that can be returned specified for each base;
a calculation step of calculating an incentive for the user based on the user and the estimated usage mode;
a presentation step of presenting the calculated incentive to the user and guiding the user ;
a confirmation step of confirming that the user has borrowed or returned the object in response to the inducement of the incentive;
a granting step of granting the incentive to the user when the user borrows or returns the object in response to the inducement of the incentive ;
An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above,
In the estimation procedure, if the maximum storage capacity of the object at a base is n, a state in which the number of the object at the base is n is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be returned, and a state in which there is no object at all is considered to be the worst state in which the object cannot be borrowed, and a state in which the number of the object at the base is n/2 is considered to be the best state in which the object can be both borrowed and returned,
In the calculation step, with respect to the borrowing or returning behavior of the object by the user, the incentive is calculated to be lower as the behavior of the base moves away from the best state and closer to the worst state, and the incentive is calculated to be higher as the behavior of the base moves away from the worst state and closer to the best state.
An information processing program characterized by: