Information processing device, information processing method, vehicle and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a vehicle and a non-transitory storage medium. The present invention provides a vehicle that can flexibly change its purpose. The information processing device of the present invention has a control unit that performs: determining a combination of two or more units with different functions mounted on a vehicle platform; and generating instructions for composing a vehicle for a specified purpose based on the determined units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for providing services by a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Attempts have been made to provide services by dispatching self-driving vehicles designed for various purposes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that determines a dispatched vehicle based on demand for the service and the operating conditions of the vehicle and instructs the vehicle to move.

[0003] The vehicle is constructed by combining a vehicle platform (chassis) and a cabin module (carriage), and can respond to various needs by replacing the cabin.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-075047

[0007] According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the purpose of the vehicle can be changed by replacing the car body mounted on the chassis. However, since the equipment can only be replaced in car body units, there is a possibility that part of the equipment is not effectively used. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can be flexibly changed in use.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that generates an instruction for composing a vehicle.

[0010] Specifically, the information processing device is characterized by having a control unit that executes: determining a combination of two or more units with different functions mounted on a vehicle platform; and generating instructions for composing a vehicle for a specified purpose based on the determined units.

[0011] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method performed by the information processing device.

[0012] Specifically, the information processing method is characterized by including: a step of determining a combination of two or more units having different functions mounted on a vehicle platform; and a step of generating instructions for constituting a vehicle for a specified purpose based on the determined units.

[0013] Furthermore, as another aspect, there may be a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method executed by the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program in a non-transitory manner.

[0014] Furthermore, as another aspect, there can be mentioned a vehicle system in which the vehicle is configured by mounting the two or more units specified by the information processing device on the vehicle platform.

[0015] Furthermore, as another aspect, there may be a vehicle in which the two or more units specified by the information processing device are mounted on the vehicle platform, thereby achieving a predetermined function determined for each of the combinations.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a vehicle whose use can be flexibly changed can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the appearance of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shows examples of combinations of vehicle body units for each application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the system configuration of the central server.

[0022] Figure 5 is an example of component data stored by a central server.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an example of chassis information and vehicle body information stored in the central server.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the system configuration of a vehicle component server.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the system configuration of the chassis unit.

[0026] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing details of the process of updating the vehicle database by the central server.

[0027] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the details of the processing performed on the composition of the vehicle.

[0028] Description of reference numerals:

[0029] 100: Central server; 101, 201, 302: Communication unit; 102, 202: Storage unit; 103, 203, 301: Control unit; 303: Camera; 304: Sensor; 305: Motor; 306: Encoder; 307: GPS receiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The information processing device of the embodiment identifies a combination of two or more units having different functions mounted on a vehicle platform, and generates a command for configuring a vehicle for a predetermined purpose based on the identified units.

[0031] The vehicle platform is, for example, a mobile body having a plurality of wheels and a power. The vehicle platform only needs to have the function of traveling, and does not necessarily need to have a room. The vehicle platform is configured to be able to carry a plurality of units having different functions. A vehicle for a specified purpose can be assembled by mounting specified units on the vehicle platform. In addition, the purpose of the vehicle can be changed by separating the mounted units and reloading them with other units. The information processing device of the embodiment is a device that generates instructions for assembling such a vehicle.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this specification, the vehicle platform is referred to as a chassis unit, and the unit mounted on the chassis unit is referred to as a vehicle body unit.

[0033] As units that can be mounted on a vehicle platform, for example, there can be units that provide living space, units that load cargo, units that provide cooking equipment, units that provide refrigeration / freezing functions, units that provide circulating water equipment, units that provide power supply, etc., but it can also be units other than these.

[0034] In the embodiment, instead of mounting a single room on the vehicle platform, two or more units having a predetermined function are selected and the combination of the units is mounted on the vehicle platform. Thus, the assembled vehicle can perform a predetermined function (for example, a customer seat and a cooking room are combined to function as a restaurant).

[0035] Furthermore, the information processing device may further include a storage unit configured to store the combination of the two or more units in association with the purpose of the vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, information specifying a purpose of the vehicle may be acquired from a user, and a combination of units suitable for the purpose may be determined based on the stored data.

[0037] According to this configuration, when a vehicle for a predetermined purpose is requested, an appropriate unit to be mounted on the vehicle platform can be selected.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle may be used for transporting goods, and the two or more units may include at least a storage unit that independently functions as a delivery locker.

[0039] The unit itself can also function as a delivery locker. That is, the unit that stores and transports goods can also function as a delivery locker after being separated from the vehicle. According to this method, both the transportation of goods and the delivery of goods without human intervention can be performed. In addition, the number of locations where the delivery lockers are configured can be changed by changing the number of units carried.

[0040] Furthermore, the two or more units may include at least a constant temperature transport unit.

[0041] A constant temperature transport unit is a unit that transports goods while maintaining the temperature. A constant temperature transport unit does not necessarily need to be equipped with a heat source, a cooling device, etc. By combining a constant temperature transport unit with a heat source and a cooling device, heat preservation transport, refrigerated transport, frozen transport, etc. using a vehicle can be achieved.

[0042] Furthermore, the information specifying the purpose of the vehicle may include information indicating the amount of cargo to be transported, and the number of units to be combined may be determined based on the amount of cargo.

[0043] The number of units is appropriately selected according to the amount of cargo to be loaded, thereby enabling effective use of the remaining space.

[0044] Furthermore, the vehicle may be used to provide food and beverages, and the two or more units may include at least one of a cooking unit and a water supply and drainage unit.

[0045] Food and drinks can be cooked by combining the cooking unit and the water supply and drainage unit.

[0046] Furthermore, the generated command may be transmitted to a location that can provide the specified two or more units among a plurality of locations constituting the vehicle.

[0047] Information on available units may be collected periodically from a plurality of locations.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are given as examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0049] (First Embodiment)

[0050] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment. The vehicle system according to the present embodiment is configured to include a central server 100 , one or more vehicle component servers 200 , and one or more vehicles 300 .

[0051] In the present embodiment, the vehicle 300 is a vehicle in which the chassis part and the body part are separable. Hereinafter, the chassis part is referred to as a chassis unit 310, and the body part is referred to as a body unit 320. The chassis unit 310 is configured to carry a plurality of body units 320 having different functions. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the body unit 320 is used as a term to collectively refer to a plurality of body units having different functions.

[0052] The vehicle 300 can have its body unit 320 replaced at a vehicle assembly site. The vehicle assembly site is a site where the chassis unit 310 and the body unit 320 are connected and disconnected. The chassis unit 310 and the body unit 320 that are not in operation can also be stored at the vehicle assembly site.

[0053] The vehicle composition server 200 is a server device that controls a device or system for composition of a vehicle 300. Composition of a vehicle means that one or more vehicle body units 320 are mounted on a specific chassis unit 310 to compose a vehicle 300 for a specified purpose. The vehicle composition can be performed by transporting a plurality of vehicle body units 320 prepared in advance and connecting the plurality of vehicle body units 320 to the target chassis unit 310. The vehicle composition server 200 is installed at each vehicle composition base.

[0054] The central server 100 is a device that controls the dispatched vehicle 300 in response to a vehicle dispatch request from a user. The user may be a person who needs to use the vehicle 300 or a company that manages the operation of the vehicle 300.

[0055] Specifically, the central server 100 stores the type of body unit 320 to be mounted on the chassis unit 310 for each vehicle usage, and determines the combination of the chassis unit 310 and the body unit 320 after determining what type of vehicle 300 the user requires.

[0056] Then, a vehicle composition site that can provide the determined type of vehicle body unit 320 is determined, and a command to combine the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320 is sent to the vehicle composition server 200 located at the site.

[0057] The central server 100, the vehicle component server 200, and the vehicle 300 (chassis unit 310) are connected to each other via a network. The network may be a WAN (Wide Area Network) or other communication network, which is a world-wide public communication network such as the Internet. In addition, the network may also include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, and a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0058] Next, the configuration of vehicle 300 will be described in more detail.

[0059] Figure 2 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of a vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 of the present embodiment is composed of a chassis unit 310 and a vehicle body unit 320.

[0060] The chassis unit 310 is a car that autonomously drives by automatic driving. The chassis unit 310 is configured to include wheels, a prime mover or an electric motor, a device for controlling driving, an automatic driving device, etc. The chassis unit 310 drives according to a prescribed instruction sent from a device that manages the operation of the vehicle 300. The chassis unit 310 can move in combination with one or more body units 320, but it can also drive alone. The chassis unit 310 has a function of communicating with the central server 100. According to this function, the chassis unit 310 can send information indicating its current position, operating status, etc. to the central server 100.

[0061] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the chassis unit 310 is an autonomous driving vehicle, but the chassis unit 310 may also be a vehicle driven by a driver or a semi-autonomous driving vehicle driven under the supervision of a driver.

[0062] The vehicle body unit 320 is a unit mounted on the chassis unit 310 and utilized. In the present embodiment, as the vehicle body unit 320, a plurality of units having a specified function are exemplified. For example, a unit utilized as a living room (or office, bedroom, etc.), a unit utilized as a sales floor in the retail industry, a unit utilized as a customer seat (or cooking room, etc.) in the catering industry, a unit utilized as a cargo transport unit in the logistics industry, etc., can be exemplified, but it can also be a unit other than these. In addition, the vehicle body unit 320 can not only carry people and cargo, but also provide resources. For example, the vehicle body unit 320 can also be a unit for supplying power, a refrigerator or freezer unit, a water supply or drainage unit, a sewage treatment unit, etc. A vehicle 300 for a specified purpose can be formed by mounting a plurality of vehicle body units 320 in a combined state on the chassis unit 310.

[0063] It should be noted that in the above example, the vehicle body unit 320 is described as being mounted on the chassis unit 310 , but the vehicle body unit 320 does not necessarily need to be mounted on the chassis unit 310 as long as the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320 can be combined by a predetermined method.

[0064] The method of connecting the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320 is not limited to a specific method. For example, the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320 may be connected and disconnected mechanically using a locking mechanism or the like, or may be connected and disconnected using an electromagnet or the like.

[0065] In addition, the method of loading or unloading the vehicle body unit 320 on or from the chassis unit 310 includes, for example, a method using a dedicated lift, a method using a mechanism provided in the chassis unit 310 or the vehicle body unit 320 itself, etc. In the vehicle 300, the method of loading or unloading the vehicle body unit 320 on or from the chassis unit 310 is not limited to a specific method.

[0066] Next, a method of selecting a vehicle body unit for configuring the vehicle 300 used for a predetermined purpose will be described.

[0067] Figure 3 (A) to (C) are examples of the case where the vehicle 300 functions as a store.

[0068] Figure 3 The showroom unit shown in (A) is a unit that mainly displays items. In addition, the cashier unit is a unit that has a cash register, a settlement terminal, a safe, etc., and mainly performs checkout of goods. By combining these units, the vehicle 300 can function as a mobile store for selling items.

[0069] Figure 3 The refrigerated sales unit shown in (B) is a unit having a refrigerated display cabinet. In addition, the normal temperature sales unit is a unit having a normal temperature display cabinet. By combining these units, the vehicle 300 can function as a mobile store selling food and daily necessities.

[0070] Figure 3 The customer seat unit shown in (C) is a unit having tables and chairs for use by consumers who receive the provided service. In addition, the cooking unit has a cooking heater, a sink, a refrigerator, etc., and is a unit for cooking food. In addition, the power supply unit is a unit that provides service power for operating the cooking heater and the refrigerator. In addition, the water supply unit is a unit that provides water for cooking. By combining these units, the vehicle 300 can function as a mobile restaurant.

[0071] Figure 3 (D) to (F) are examples of the case where the vehicle 300 functions as a delivery vehicle.

[0072] Figure 3 The delivery locker unit shown in (D) is a locker having multiple independently lockable partitions, each of which stores goods. The vehicle 300 can carry one or more delivery locker units on the chassis unit 310 and unload the unit at the destination of movement. That is, after autonomous movement, the delivery locker unit in which goods are stored in advance is unloaded from the vehicle, thereby enabling the delivery locker to be installed at any location (for example, within the site of a station or public facility).

[0073] Figure 3 The transport unit shown in (E) is a unit that stores a plurality of goods and transports them at room temperature. By miniaturizing each unit, the number of units can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the number of goods loaded. That is, when the vehicle 300 functions as a delivery vehicle, it can be expected that the remaining space can be effectively utilized.

[0074] Figure 3 (F) is an example of simultaneously performing transportation at room temperature and transportation at a constant temperature. In this example, in addition to the unit for performing transportation at room temperature, there are also units capable of heat preservation transportation, cooling, and power supply. According to this configuration, both refrigerated (frozen) transportation and transportation at room temperature can be performed.

[0075] It should be noted that in Figure 3 In the example of using the vehicle 300 as a store and the example of using the vehicle 300 as a delivery vehicle, the vehicle may be composed of a combination other than the combination shown in the example as long as the specified purpose can be achieved by combining a plurality of vehicle body units. In addition, vehicle body units having other functions may also be used.

[0076] As a result, for example, a space for rest, a space for eating (eat-in space, etc.), a space for beauty or grooming, a space for business (conference room, etc.), a space for entertainment, etc. can be provided.

[0077] Next, the details of the central server 100 will be described.

[0078] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the central server 100. The central server 100 is configured to include a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103.

[0079] The central server 100 is composed of a general computer. That is, the central server 100 is a computer having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, and a removable medium. It should be noted that the removable medium may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a disk recording medium such as a CD or a DVD. An operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. are stored in the auxiliary storage device, and the programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of ​​the main storage device for execution. By executing the programs, various components are controlled, and thereby various functions that meet the prescribed purpose as described later can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be implemented by hardware circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). It should be noted that the central server 100 may be composed of a single computer or a plurality of computers cooperating with each other.

[0080] The communication unit 101 is a communication interface for connecting the central server 100 to a network. The communication unit 101 is configured to include, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0081] The storage unit 102 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory that develops the program executed by the control unit 103 and the data used by the control program. The auxiliary storage device is a device that stores the program executed in the control unit 103 and the data used by the control program.

[0082] Furthermore, the storage unit 102 stores a configuration database 102A and a vehicle database 102B.

[0083] The composition database 102A is a database storing information (composition data) related to the combination of units for composing the vehicle 300 used for a prescribed purpose.

[0084] Figure 5This is an example of configuration data. This data describes the purpose of the vehicle 300 and what units (type and quantity) having what functions need to be combined in order to configure the vehicle 300 used for the purpose.

[0085] The vehicle database 102B is a database storing the operation information of the vehicle 300. The vehicle database includes Figure 6 A table recording information related to the chassis unit (chassis information) as shown in (A) and Figure 6 A table as shown in (B) recording information related to the vehicle body unit (vehicle body information).

[0086] The chassis information includes position information of the target chassis unit 310, operating status (for example, whether it is on standby, being assembled and operating, or returning to the air, etc.), information identifying the mounted vehicle body unit 320, and the like.

[0087] In addition, the vehicle body information includes the attributes (provided functions) of the vehicle body unit 320 of the object, position information, operating status (for example, whether it is separated or combined and operating, etc.), information for determining the paired chassis unit 310, etc.

[0088] The chassis information is periodically updated based on the information transmitted from the chassis unit 310. It should be noted that the chassis information is updated based on the information transmitted from the vehicle component server 200 when the chassis unit 310 is in a non-operating state.

[0089] The vehicle body unit 320 does not have a communication unit, and therefore, updates the vehicle body information based on the information transmitted from the vehicle component server 200 .

[0090] These databases are constructed by managing data stored in a storage device by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by a processor. The database used in this embodiment is, for example, a relational database.

[0091] How to use the data stored in the database will be described later.

[0092] The control unit 103 is a computing device that is responsible for controlling the central server 100. The control unit 103 can be realized by a computing processing device such as a CPU.

[0093] The control unit 103 is configured to include three functional blocks, namely, a vehicle management unit 1031, a vehicle identification unit 1032, and a configuration instruction unit 1033. Each functional block may be realized by executing a program stored in an auxiliary storage unit by the CPU.

[0094] The vehicle management unit 1031 collects the position information and operation information of the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320. Specifically, the vehicle management unit 1031 periodically communicates with a plurality of chassis units 310 to collect information related to the chassis unit 310. In addition, the vehicle management unit 1031 collects information related to the vehicle body unit 320 on which the chassis unit 310 is mounted. It should be noted that, when the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320 are separated and left stationary, the information related to each unit is collected via the vehicle component server 200.

[0095] The collected information is reflected in the vehicle database 102B.

[0096] When there is a vehicle dispatch request from the user's vehicle 300, the vehicle identification unit 1032 identifies a combination of the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle body unit 320 for assembling the vehicle desired by the user and a location for assembling the vehicle.

[0097] The composition instruction unit 1033 generates an instruction for composing the vehicle 300 according to the combination determined by the vehicle determination unit 1032, and sends it to the corresponding vehicle composition server 200. It should be noted that, when the target chassis unit 310 is in motion, the composition instruction unit 1033 may also simultaneously send an instruction to the chassis unit 310 to recall the chassis unit 310 to the determined vehicle composition base.

[0098] Next, the configuration of the vehicle component server 200 will be described.

[0099] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the vehicle composition server 200. The vehicle composition server 200 is configured to include a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0100] The vehicle composition server 200 is also constituted by a general computer similarly to the central server 100. The vehicle composition server 200 may be constituted by a single computer or may be constituted by a plurality of computers cooperating with each other.

[0101] The communication unit 201 is a communication interface for connecting the vehicle component server 200 to a network. The communication unit 201 is configured to include, for example, a network interface board, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0102] The storage unit 202 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory that develops the program executed by the control unit 203 and the data used by the control program. The auxiliary storage device is a device that stores the program executed in the control unit 203 and the data used by the control program.

[0103] The control unit 203 is a computing device that is responsible for controlling the vehicle component server 200. The control unit 203 can be realized by a computing processing device such as a CPU.

[0104] The control unit 203 is configured to include two functional blocks, namely, a management unit 2031 and a component unit 2032. Each functional block may be realized by executing a program stored in an auxiliary storage unit by the CPU.

[0105] The management unit 2031 manages the chassis unit 310 and the body unit 320 located at the vehicle assembly base corresponding to the device. Specifically, when the chassis unit 310 and the body unit 320 start / stop operation, data indicating where each unit is located (whether it is located at a specific vehicle assembly base or is mounted on a specific chassis unit and traveling) is generated and notified to the central server 100. In this way, the central server 100 can grasp the location of the chassis unit and the body unit even when the vehicle is not in operation.

[0106] The assembly unit 2032 assembles the vehicle 300 based on the instruction from the central server 100. The assembly of the vehicle can be performed by a known means such as a lift or a jack.

[0107] Next, the chassis unit 310 constituting the vehicle 300 will be described.

[0108] Figure 8 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the chassis unit 310. In the present embodiment, the chassis unit 310 is an electric vehicle capable of autonomous driving.

[0109] The chassis unit 310 includes a control unit 301 , a communication unit 302 , a camera 303 , a sensor 304 , a motor 305 , an encoder 306 , and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 307 .

[0110] The control unit 301 is a unit for controlling the driving of the vehicle. The control unit 301 may be a general-purpose computer or an electronic control unit (ECU). When the control unit 301 is a computer, the control unit 301 may also include a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. In addition, the functions of the control unit 301 may also be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory.

[0111] The control unit 301 determines the speed, trajectory, etc. of the vehicle based on the information obtained from the camera and sensors described later and the stored map data, and controls the travel of the vehicle by driving the motor described later. In addition, the control unit 301 compares the signal obtained by the GPS receiver 307 with the pre-stored map data to determine the current position and the direction to be traveled. In addition, the control unit 301 processes the images obtained by the camera 303 at each predetermined frame period and the signals obtained by the multiple sensors 304, identifies obstacles existing around the vehicle 300, and controls the travel direction and steering angle in a manner to avoid the obstacles.

[0112] In addition to controlling the travel of the vehicle, the control unit 301 may also control the provision of services (labor). For example, when the vehicle arrives at a predetermined location, the control unit 301 may control the opening of a store and the start of business.

[0113] The communication unit 302 is a communication interface for communicating with various servers on the network. The communication unit 302 performs wireless communication using wireless signals and wireless communication methods that comply with a prescribed wireless communication standard. In addition to the data exemplified in this specification, the data sent and received may also be data related to autonomous driving or data related to services provided to users.

[0114] The camera 303 is an imaging device implemented by an image sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS), or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The camera 303 acquires an image at a predetermined time interval called a frame period, and stores the image in a frame buffer in the control unit 301. A plurality of cameras 303 may be provided. For example, the plurality of cameras 303 may be arranged on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the chassis unit 310 facing the outside of the vehicle.

[0115] The sensor 304 is an ultrasonic sensor, a radar, etc. The sensor 304 emits ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, etc. in the direction of the detection object, and detects the existence, position, relative speed, etc. of obstacles in the direction of the object based on the reflected waves. Obstacles include, for example, pedestrians, bicycles, structures, buildings, etc. A plurality of sensors 304 may also be provided. For example, a plurality of sensors 304 may also be arranged on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the chassis unit 310 facing the outside of the vehicle.

[0116] The motor 305 includes a driving motor and a steering motor. The driving motor drives each wheel according to a command from the control unit 301. The steering motor controls the steering angle of the steering wheel according to a command from the control unit 301.

[0117] The encoder 306 includes a driving wheel encoder for detecting the rotation speed of the driving wheel and a steering angle encoder for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel. The driving wheel encoder detects the speed of the driving wheel at a predetermined time interval and sends it to the control unit 301. In addition, the steering angle encoder detects the steering angle at a predetermined time interval and sends it to the control unit 301.

[0118] The GPS receiver 307 receives signals from a plurality of artificial satellites (Global Positioning Satellite) orbiting the earth, and transmits the signals or position information obtained by processing the signals to the control unit 301 .

[0119] Next, the processing performed by each element (central server 100, vehicle component server 200, chassis unit 310) included in the vehicle system of the present embodiment and the data transmitted and received between the elements will be described.

[0120] Fig. 9 3 is a flowchart of a process in which the central server 100 updates the vehicle database based on information transmitted from the chassis unit 310 and the vehicle component server 200 .

[0121] The chassis unit 310 can accept the formation at the vehicle formation base. The formation of the vehicle can also be triggered by the dispatch vehicle request from the user.

[0122] When the vehicle 300 is composed, the vehicle composition server 200 (management unit 2031) generates information indicating the locations of the corresponding chassis units 310 and body units 320, and notifies the central server 100 (step S11).

[0123] For example, when there is a body unit separated from the chassis unit 310, the vehicle composition server 200 transmits information to the central server 100 indicating that the body unit is placed at the vehicle composition base corresponding to the own device. In addition, when there is a body unit newly mounted on the chassis unit 310, the vehicle composition server 200 transmits information to the central server 100 indicating that the body unit is mounted on a specific chassis unit 310. In addition, the vehicle composition server 200 transmits information to the central server 100 indicating that the composed chassis unit 310 is in operation away from the base. When the operation of the chassis unit 310 is terminated and the system enters a standby state, the vehicle composition server 200 transmits information to the central server 100 indicating that the chassis unit is placed at the vehicle composition base corresponding to the own device.

[0124] Furthermore, the chassis unit 310 periodically transmits the location of the vehicle (location information, information on the vehicle body unit being mounted) to the central server 100 during operation (step S12 ).

[0125] The central server 100 (vehicle management unit 1031 ) updates the vehicle database based on the received information (step S13 ).

[0126] For example, Figure 6 As shown in (A), the vehicle management unit 1031 updates information such as whether a specific chassis unit is in operation, its position information if in operation, which vehicle component base it is placed in if not in operation, and which vehicle body unit it is connected to. In addition, for example, Figure 6 As shown in (B), for a specific vehicle body unit, information such as whether it is in operation, at which vehicle component base it is placed when not in operation, and which chassis unit it is connected to is updated.

[0127] When the vehicle 300 is in operation, the central server 100 can obtain the position information of the chassis unit 310 from the chassis unit 310. In addition, when the vehicle component server 200 notifies that a certain vehicle body unit 320 has been connected to the chassis unit 310, the position information of the chassis unit 310 can be processed as the position information of the vehicle body unit 320.

[0128] When the vehicle 300 is not running, the position information of the chassis unit and the body unit can be acquired from the vehicle composition server 200 that composes or separates the vehicle.

[0129] Through the above processing, the central server 100 can grasp the locations of the chassis units and vehicle body units under management.

[0130] Next, refer to Fig.10 The process of the central server 100 instructing the configuration of the vehicle 300 will be described.

[0131] First, the vehicle determination unit 1032 obtains a dispatch vehicle request of the vehicle 300 (step S21). The dispatch vehicle request of the vehicle 300 can be obtained from a terminal associated with the user, or can be obtained via an input / output device of the device. In addition to the user identifier, the request can also include information related to the purpose of the vehicle (for example, "food sales", "restaurant", "normal temperature cargo transportation", etc.), information indicating the destination of the dispatch vehicle (location information, etc.), the use period of the vehicle, etc.

[0132] Next, the vehicle determination unit 1032 determines the combination of the vehicle body unit 320 to be mounted on the chassis unit 310 based on the acquired dispatch vehicle request (step S22). Figure 5 ) to determine the combination of the vehicle body unit 320.

[0133] Next, the vehicle identification unit 1032 identifies a vehicle assembly base that can provide the vehicle body unit 320 to be used (step S23). Figure 6 (B)) determines the vehicle composition base that can provide the vehicle body unit. In the example shown in the figure, for example, it can be known that the vehicle body unit with the ID B003 is located at the base A in a standby state.

[0134] Next, the vehicle identification unit 1032 identifies the chassis unit 310 to be dispatched to the user (step S24). The dispatched chassis unit 310 may be, for example, a chassis unit retained at the determined vehicle assembly base, but if there is no chassis unit retained at the vehicle assembly base, a chassis unit existing in the surrounding area and not in operation may be selected.

[0135] Next, the composition instruction unit 1033 generates an instruction (vehicle composition instruction) for combining the determined chassis unit 310 and vehicle body unit 320 (step S25 ).

[0136] The vehicle composition instruction is, for example, data that specifies a vehicle composition site for composition of the vehicle 300, a target chassis unit 310, and one or more vehicle body units 320 mounted on the chassis unit. The vehicle composition instruction is transmitted to the target vehicle composition server 200 (step S26).

[0137] It should be noted that the vehicle configuration instruction may also include an identifier of the user who requested the vehicle, data related to the use period of the vehicle, data for user authentication, and the like.

[0138] It should be noted that, when the chassis unit 310 of the target is located outside the vehicle composition base, in order to recall the chassis unit 310 to the vehicle composition base, the generated vehicle composition instruction (step S27A) may be sent to the chassis unit 310. The chassis unit 310 that receives the vehicle composition instruction moves to the designated vehicle composition base (step S27B).

[0139] In step S28, the vehicle is assembled at the vehicle assembly base.

[0140] When the vehicle assembly is completed, the vehicle 300 is loaned to the user and starts to operate. It should be noted that the vehicle 300 may be returned to the vehicle assembly base when the determined loan period ends. In addition, the vehicle assembly server 200 may also perform an operation of separating the vehicle body unit 320 from the returned vehicle 300. When this operation is performed, the process of step S11 is executed to update the vehicle database of the central server 100.

[0141] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a configuration of a vehicle used for a predetermined purpose is requested, the central server 100 selects an appropriate vehicle body unit 320 to be mounted on the chassis unit 310. This makes it possible to flexibly and quickly provide a vehicle desired by the user.

[0142] (Second Embodiment)

[0143] In the first embodiment, information on the use of the vehicle is included in the dispatch vehicle request, and the central server 100 determines the vehicle body unit to be combined based on the information.

[0144] On the other hand, when the vehicle is used to transport goods, the type and number of vehicle body units to be carried may change depending on the type and number of goods to be transported. Figure 3 In the case of example (E), when there is little cargo, the number of transport units can be reduced to accommodate other units. Figure 3 In the case of example (F), the type and number of vehicle body units to be carried can be changed according to the number of goods that need to be refrigerated and the number of goods that can be transported at room temperature. In addition, when there is no goods that need to be refrigerated, the power supply unit and the cooling unit are not required.

[0145] In the second embodiment, in order to cope with this, the dispatch vehicle request includes information related to the type of goods to be transported (category data) and information related to the quantity of goods (quantity data). The information related to the type of goods is, for example, "normal temperature", "refrigerated", "frozen", etc., but any data used to identify the type of vehicle unit may be other data. In addition, the information related to the quantity of goods is, for example, the size, quantity, weight, etc. of each piece of goods, but any data used to identify the quantity of vehicle units may be other data.

[0146] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, in step S22, the vehicle determination unit 1032 determines the combination of the vehicle body units 320 that should be mounted on the chassis unit 310 based on the information included in the dispatch vehicle request. Specifically, the number of vehicle body units required for transporting the goods is calculated based on the category data / quantity data included in the dispatch vehicle request and the amount of goods that can be stored in one vehicle body unit. Furthermore, the calculation process is performed for each type of goods. Information related to the amount of goods that can be stored in one vehicle body unit (for example, the internal dimensions of the transport unit, etc.) may also be stored in advance. In addition, a table, a formula, etc. for determining the number of vehicle body units based on the quantity data may also be stored in advance.

[0147] Through this processing, for example, the type and number of vehicle body units to be used for transporting goods can be determined, such as "3 normal temperature transport units" and "2 heat preservation transport units". In addition, units other than transport units required for providing services are selected based on the composition data. For example, in the case of refrigerated transport, in addition to the heat preservation transport unit, a cooling unit and a power supply unit are also selected. It should be noted that the number of cooling units and power supply units can also be changed according to the number of units (required capacity).

[0148] In this way, according to the second embodiment, an appropriate number of vehicle body units can be selected according to the type and amount of cargo.

[0149] (Variation Example)

[0150] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0151] For example, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0152] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiment, the type and number of vehicle units to be mounted are determined based solely on the dispatch vehicle request. However, if there is sufficient space for mounting vehicle units, any vehicle unit not directly related to the dispatch vehicle request may be mounted in order to effectively utilize the space.

[0153] In the description of the embodiment, the vehicle 300 is shown as an example, but the object to be assembled may be a transportation tool other than a vehicle. For example, an aircraft or a ship for a specified purpose may be assembled by mounting a vehicle body unit having a specific function on an aircraft platform or a ship platform.

[0154] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change which hardware configuration (server configuration) is used to implement each function.

[0155] The present disclosure may also be implemented in the following manner: a computer program having the functions described in the above-mentioned embodiments installed is provided to a computer, and one or more processors of the computer read out the program and execute it. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (Floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk drive (HDD)), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD optical disk / Blu-ray optical disk, etc.), read-in dedicated memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, The control unit performs: determining a combination of two or more vehicle body units having different functions mounted on a chassis unit; and Based on the determined vehicle body unit, a vehicle assembly location that can provide the vehicle body unit is determined, and based on the vehicle assembly location and the chassis unit to be used determined by the vehicle determination unit, an instruction is generated to assemble a vehicle for a specified purpose using the determined chassis unit and the vehicle body unit, The two or more vehicle body units include at least two different units among a showroom unit, a cashier unit, a sales unit, a cooking unit, a water supply and drainage unit, a customer seat unit, and a storage unit functioning as a delivery locker.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A storage unit stores the combination of the two or more vehicle body units in association with a purpose of the vehicle.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit acquires information specifying a purpose of the vehicle from a user, and determines a combination of vehicle body units suitable for the purpose based on the stored data.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The purpose of the vehicle is the transportation of goods. The two or more vehicle body units include at least a storage unit that independently functions as a delivery locker.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein: The two or more vehicle body units at least include a constant temperature transport unit.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: the information specifying the purpose of the vehicle includes information indicating the amount of cargo to be transported, The control unit determines the number of vehicle body units to be combined according to the amount of the cargo.

7. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The purpose of the vehicle is to provide food and beverages. The two or more vehicle body units include at least one of a cooking unit and a water supply and drainage unit.

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein: The control unit transmits the generated command to a location that can provide the two or more vehicle body units identified among a plurality of locations constituting the vehicle.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit periodically collects information on the vehicle body units that can be provided from the plurality of bases. 10 . A vehicle, wherein the two or more vehicle body units specified by the information processing device according to claim 1 are mounted on the chassis unit, thereby achieving a predetermined function determined for each combination.

11. An information processing method, comprising: A step of determining a combination of two or more vehicle body units having different functions mounted on a chassis unit; as well as The steps of determining a vehicle assembly location that can provide the vehicle body unit based on the determined vehicle body unit, and generating an instruction to assemble a vehicle for a specified purpose using the determined chassis unit and the vehicle body unit based on the vehicle assembly location and the chassis unit to be used determined by the vehicle determination unit, The two or more vehicle body units include at least two different units among a showroom unit, a cashier unit, a sales unit, a cooking unit, a water supply and drainage unit, a customer seat unit, and a storage unit functioning as a delivery locker.

12. The information processing method according to claim 11, further comprising: The step of acquiring data associating a combination of the two or more vehicle body units with a purpose of the vehicle.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein: Information specifying a purpose of the vehicle is acquired from a user, and a combination of vehicle body units suitable for the purpose is determined based on the acquired data.

14. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein: The purpose of the vehicle is the transportation of goods. The two or more vehicle body units include at least a storage unit that independently functions as a delivery locker.

15. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein: The two or more vehicle body units at least include a constant temperature transport unit.

16. The information processing method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: the information specifying the purpose of the vehicle includes information indicating the amount of cargo to be transported, The number of vehicle body units to be combined is determined according to the amount of the cargo.

17. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein: The purpose of the vehicle is to provide food and beverages. The two or more vehicle body units include at least one of a cooking unit and a water supply and drainage unit.

18. The information processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 15 and 17, further comprising: The step of transmitting the generated command to a location that can provide the two or more vehicle body units identified among a plurality of locations constituting the vehicle.

19. The information processing method according to claim 18, further comprising: The step of periodically collecting information related to the vehicle body units that can be provided from the plurality of bases. 20 . A non-transitory storage medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 11 .

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