Information processing apparatus, information processing system, non-transitory computer readable medium, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure can achieve optimal operation management taking into account a load caused by introduction of a replacement vehicle. An information processing device (10) manages operation of a replacement vehicle (30) when a vehicle (20) has recovered from a failure. The information processing device (10) includes a control section (13). The control section (13) determines to introduce the replacement vehicle (30) in place of the vehicle (20) if the vehicle (20) is determined not to be an operation target based on a failure of the vehicle (20), maintains the determination to introduce the replacement vehicle (30) if recovery information indicating that the vehicle (20) has recovered from the failure is acquired, or cancels introduction of the replacement vehicle (30) and newly determines the recovered vehicle (20) as the operation target.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a program, and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] A technique for managing a running schedule, i.e., a running plan, of a plurality of vehicles is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a vehicle running system related to replacement of an electric vehicle that travels around.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-013379 SUMMARY

[0004] However, the prior art does not consider a case where a replacement vehicle is put into service in the event of a failure of a vehicle in travel, and there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that enables optimal running management that takes into account a load caused by putting a replacement vehicle into service.

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that manages running of a replacement vehicle when a vehicle has recovered from a failure, and includes a control unit that, if the vehicle is determined not to be a running target on the basis of a failure of the vehicle, decides to put a replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle into service, if recovery information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure is acquired, maintains the decision to put the replacement vehicle into service, or cancels putting the replacement vehicle into service and newly decides the recovered vehicle as a running target.

[0007] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing apparatus that manages running of a replacement vehicle when a vehicle has recovered from a failure to perform an action including: determining the vehicle not to be a running target on the basis of a failure of the vehicle; deciding to put a replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle into service; acquiring recovery information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure; and maintaining the decision to put the replacement vehicle into service, or canceling putting the replacement vehicle into service and newly deciding the recovered vehicle as a running target.

[0008] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle that manages running of a replacement vehicle when a vehicle has recovered from a failure, and includes a control unit that, if the vehicle is determined not to be a running target on the basis of a failure of the vehicle, decides to put a replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle into service, if recovery information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure is acquired, maintains the decision to put the replacement vehicle into service, or cancels putting the replacement vehicle into service and newly decides the recovered vehicle as a running target.

[0009] Effects of the invention

[0010] An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a program, and a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve optimal operation management that takes into account a load caused by the introduction of a substitute vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system including an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating respective schematic configurations of an information processing apparatus, Figure 1 a vehicle, and a substitute vehicle.

[0013] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining one example of an information processing method executed by an information processing system according to Figure 1

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a first example of an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus according to Figure 1

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a second example of an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus according to Figure 1

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a third example of an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus according to Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system 1 including an information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Figure 1 , a general outline of an information processing system 1 including an information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described. The information processing system 1 has, in addition to the information processing apparatus 10, a vehicle 20 and a substitute vehicle 30.

[0019] For ease of explanation, Figure 1 ​​​​One information processing device 10, one vehicle 20, and one substitute vehicle 30 are respectively shown, but the number of information processing devices 10, vehicles 20, and substitute vehicles 30 that the information processing system 1 has can be two or more. For example, the information processing system 1 can deploy a plurality of substitute vehicles 30 when a plurality of vehicles 20 have failed. The information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the substitute vehicle 30 are each communicably connected to a network 40 including, for example, a mobile communication network and the Internet.

[0020] The information processing device 10 is a single server device or a plurality of server devices capable of communicating with each other. The information processing device 10 is not limited thereto, but can be any general electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, or another electronic device dedicated to the information processing system 1.

[0021] The vehicle 20 includes, for example, a bus that carries passengers and moves. The vehicle 20 can stop at at least one stop along the way while going back and forth between two prescribed locations, or can stop at at least one stop along the way while moving in one direction on a circular route. The vehicle 20 is not limited thereto, but can include any vehicle that can carry passengers and stop at a stop.

[0022] The vehicle 20 is, for example, a vehicle that performs automatic driving. The automatic driving includes, for example, the first to fifth levels defined by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), but is not limited thereto, and can be arbitrarily defined. The vehicle 20 is not limited to a vehicle that performs automatic driving, but can be any vehicle that is driven by a driver.

[0023] The substitute vehicle 30 includes, for example, a bus that carries passengers and moves in place of the vehicle 20 when the vehicle 20 has failed. The substitute vehicle 30 can stop at at least one stop along the way while going back and forth between two prescribed locations, or can stop at at least one stop along the way while moving in one direction on a circular route. The substitute vehicle 30 is not limited thereto, but can include any vehicle that can carry passengers and stop at a stop.

[0024] The substitute vehicle 30 is, for example, a vehicle that performs automatic driving. The automatic driving includes, for example, the first to fifth levels defined by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), but is not limited thereto, and can be arbitrarily defined. The substitute vehicle 30 is not limited to a vehicle that performs automatic driving, but can be any vehicle that is driven by a driver.

[0025] As an overview of an implementation method, the information processing device 10 manages the operation of the replacement vehicle 30 when the vehicle 20 recovers from a malfunction. If the information processing device 10 determines that the vehicle 20 is not a suitable vehicle for operation based on a malfunction, it decides to deploy the replacement vehicle 30. If the information processing device 10 receives recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from a malfunction, it either maintains the decision to deploy the replacement vehicle 30 or cancels the deployment of the replacement vehicle 30 and re-determines the recovered vehicle 20 as a suitable vehicle for operation. In this specification, "recovery information" includes, for example, a recovery notification and a recovery level indicating the extent to which the malfunction has been recovered.

[0026] Next, refer to Figure 2 The description will focus on the respective configurations of the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the alternative vehicle 30 included in the information processing system 1. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic functional block diagram of the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the alternative vehicle 30.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0028] The communication unit 11 includes a communication module connected to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 11 may include a communication module corresponding to mobile communication standards or Internet standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation). In one embodiment, the information processing device 10 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives various types of information via the network 40.

[0029] The storage unit 12 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited to these. The storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache. The storage unit 12 stores any information used for the operation of the information processing device 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store system programs, application programs, and various information received or transmitted by the communication unit 11. The information stored in the storage unit 12 can be updated, for example, using information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 11.

[0030] The control unit 13 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, a "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 13 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the information processing device 10 and controls the overall operation of the information processing device 10.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the vehicle 20 included in the information processing system 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 20 has a communication section 21, a storage section 22, an acquisition section 23, an output section 24, and a control section 25. The communication section 21, the storage section 22, the acquisition section 23, the output section 24, and the control section 25 are communicably connected to each other, for example, via an in-vehicle network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or a dedicated line. Figure 2

[0032] The communication section 21 includes a communication module connected to the network 40. For example, the communication section 21 can include a communication module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 4G and 5G. In one embodiment, the vehicle 20 is connected to the network 40 via the communication section 21. The communication section 21 transmits and receives various information via the network 40.

[0033] The storage section 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited thereto. The storage section 22 can function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache. The storage section 22 stores arbitrary information for the operation of the vehicle 20. For example, the storage section 22 can store a system program, an application program, and various information received or transmitted by the communication section 21. The information stored in the storage section 22 can be updated, for example, using information received from the network 40 via the communication section 21.

[0034] The acquisition section 23 includes an arbitrary module capable of acquiring failure information indicating that the vehicle 20 has failed and recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the failure. For example, the acquisition section 23 includes a sensor module capable of acquiring such information. In this specification, the "failure information" includes, for example, a notification of the failure and the content of the failure.

[0035] The acquisition section 23 includes one or more receivers corresponding to an arbitrary satellite positioning system. For example, the acquisition section 23 can include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The acquisition section 23 acquires a measured value of the position of the vehicle 20 as position information. The position information includes, for example, an address, a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude. The acquisition section 23 can continuously acquire the position information of the vehicle 20, or can acquire it periodically or aperiodically.

[0036] ​The output section 24 includes, for example, one or more output interfaces capable of notifying passengers waiting at a stop of arbitrary information. For example, the output section 24 includes a digital sign provided to a side surface of the vehicle 20. The output section 24 can include, without being limited to this, any output interface that affects at least one of vision and hearing of a passenger waiting at the stop. The output section 24 can include, for example, any image output interface other than a digital sign that mainly affects vision of a passenger waiting at the stop. The output section 24 can include, for example, any sound output interface such as a speaker that mainly affects hearing of a passenger waiting at the stop.

[0037] The control section 25 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to this. For example, the control section 25 can include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control section 25 is communicably connected to each of the constituent sections constituting the vehicle 20 and controls the overall operation of the vehicle 20.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the surrogate vehicle 30 included in the information processing system 1 will be described mainly. As shown in FIG. 1, the surrogate vehicle 30 has a communication section 31, a storage section 32, an acquisition section 33, an output section 34, and a control section 35. The communication section 31, the storage section 32, the acquisition section 33, the output section 34, and the control section 35 are communicably connected to each other, for example, via an in-vehicle network such as a CAN or a dedicated line. Figure 2

[0039] The communication section 31 includes a communication module connected to the network 40. For example, the communication section 31 can include a communication module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 4G and 5G. In one embodiment, the surrogate vehicle 30 is connected to the network 40 via the communication section 31. The communication section 31 transmits and receives various information via the network 40.

[0040] The storage section 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited to this. The storage section 32 can function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache. The storage section 32 stores arbitrary information for the operation of the surrogate vehicle 30. For example, the storage section 32 can store a system program, an application program, and various information received or transmitted by the communication section 31. The information stored in the storage section 32 can be updated, for example, using information received from the network 40 via the communication section 31.

[0041] ​The acquisition unit 33 includes one or more receivers corresponding to an arbitrary satellite positioning system. For example, the acquisition unit 33 can include a GPS receiver. The acquisition unit 33 acquires a measurement value indicating the position of the surrogate vehicle 30 as position information. The position information includes, for example, an address, latitude, longitude, and altitude. The acquisition unit 33 can continuously acquire the position information of the surrogate vehicle 30, or can acquire it periodically or irregularly.

[0042] The output unit 34 includes, for example, one or more output interfaces capable of notifying an arbitrary piece of information to a passenger waiting at a stop. For example, the output unit 34 includes a digital sign provided on the side surface of the surrogate vehicle 30. The output unit 34 can include an arbitrary output interface that affects at least one of the vision and the hearing of a passenger waiting at the stop, without being limited to this. The output unit 34 can include, for example, an arbitrary image output interface other than a digital sign that mainly affects the vision of a passenger waiting at the stop. The output unit 34 can include, for example, an arbitrary sound output interface such as a speaker that mainly affects the hearing of a passenger waiting at the stop.

[0043] The control unit 35 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 35 can include an ECU. The control unit 35 is communicably connected to each of the constituent units constituting the surrogate vehicle 30, and controls the operation of the entire surrogate vehicle 30.

[0044] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram for illustrating one example of an information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 of Figure 1 . Referring to Figure 3 , one example of an information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 of Figure 1 is described. Figure 3 The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 10 illustrates a flow of basic processing of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1.

[0045] In step S100, the control unit 25 of the vehicle 20 acquires, with the acquisition unit 23, the failure information indicating that the vehicle 20 has failed.

[0046] In step S101, the control unit 25 of the vehicle 20 transmits the failure information acquired in step S100 to the information processing apparatus 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 40. The control unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the failure information of the vehicle 20.

[0047] In step S102, the control unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target on the basis of the failure of the vehicle 20 on the basis of the failure information acquired in step S101.

[0048] In step S103, if the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines that the vehicle 20 is not the operation target in step S102, the replacement vehicle 30 that replaces the vehicle 20 is decided to be dispatched. For example, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 can decide to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30 having a higher transport capacity than the vehicle 20 that has broken down, to alleviate the congestion in the vehicle that is caused in conjunction with the confusion of the operation schedule. For example, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 can decide to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30 that can transport a larger number of people than the vehicle 20 that has broken down.

[0049] In step S104, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits the operation instruction to the replacement vehicle 30 decided in step S103, via the communication section 11 and the network 40.

[0050] In step S105, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 generates the first display information indicating that the vehicle 20 is not the operation target, if the vehicle 20 is determined to be not the operation target in step S102. In the present specification, the "first display information" includes, for example, the character information such as "Out of Service".

[0051] In step S106, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits the first display information generated in step S105 to the vehicle 20, via the communication section 11 and the network 40. The control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 causes the output section 24 of the vehicle 20 to output the first display information generated in step S105.

[0052] In step S107, the control section 25 of the vehicle 20 acquires the recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the breakdown, by the acquisition section 23.

[0053] In step S108, the control section 25 of the vehicle 20 transmits the recovery information acquired in step S107 to the information processing apparatus 10, via the communication section 21 and the network 40. The control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the recovery information of the vehicle 20.

[0054] In step S109, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30, or cancels the dispatch of the replacement vehicle 30 and decides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target again, if the recovery information is acquired in step S108.

[0055] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first example of an information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 10. Figure 1 is a flowchart for explaining a first example of an information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 10. Figure 4In the flowchart shown, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 performs the same processing as step S109 based on the time point at which the replacement vehicle 30 enters the operation route after the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30. Figure 3 For example, the control section 13 maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30 if the recovery information is acquired after the replacement vehicle 30 enters the operation route. For example, the control section 13 cancels the dispatch of the replacement vehicle 30 and newly decides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation object if the recovery information is acquired before the replacement vehicle 30 enters the operation route.

[0056] In step S200, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the failure information of the vehicle 20. For example, the control section 13 receives the failure information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication section 11.

[0057] In step S201, the control section 13 decides that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation object based on the failure of the vehicle 20 based on the failure information acquired in step S200.

[0058] In step S202, the control section 13 decides to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30 for the vehicle 20 if the vehicle 20 is decided not to belong to the operation object in step S201. At this time, the control section 13 transmits the operation instruction to the decided replacement vehicle 30 via the communication section 11 and the network 40.

[0059] In step S203, the control section 13 generates the first display information indicating that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation object if the vehicle 20 is decided not to belong to the operation object in step S201. At this time, the control section 13 causes the output section 24 of the vehicle 20 to output the generated first display information.

[0060] In step S204, the control section 13 acquires the recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the failure. For example, the control section 13 receives the recovery information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication section 11.

[0061] In step S205, the control section 13 decides whether the replacement vehicle 30 has entered the operation route. For example, the control section 13 can decide whether the replacement vehicle 30 has entered the operation route based on the position information of the replacement vehicle 30 acquired by the acquisition section 33 of the replacement vehicle 30. The control section 13 performs the processing of step S206 if it is decided that the operation route has been entered. The control section 13 performs the processing of step S207 if it is decided that the operation route has not been entered.

[0062] In step S206, the control section 13 maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle 30 if it is decided that the operation route has been entered in step S205.

[0063] In step S207, the control section 13 cancels the dispatch of the replacement vehicle 30 and newly determines the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target, if it is determined in step S205 that the operation route has not been entered.

[0064] In step S208, the control section 13 generates second display information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the failure, if it newly determines the vehicle 20 as the operation target in step S207. At this time, the control section 13 causes the output section 24 of the vehicle 20 to output the generated second display information. In the present specification, the "second display information" includes, for example, literal information such as "recovery".

[0065] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of an information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 10 of Figure 1 In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 performs the same processing as step S109 of the first example, based on a preparation time from the time when the dispatch of the replacement vehicle 30 is determined to the time when the replacement vehicle 30 enters the operation route. For example, the control section 13 maintains the determination of the dispatch of the replacement vehicle 30, if the recovery information is acquired after the preparation time elapses. For example, the control section 13 cancels the dispatch of the replacement vehicle 30 and newly determines the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target, if the recovery information is acquired before the preparation time elapses. Figure 5 Figure 3

[0066] In step S300, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the failure information of the vehicle 20. For example, the control section 13 receives the failure information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication section 11.

[0067] In step S301, the control section 13 determines that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target based on the failure of the vehicle 20, based on the failure information acquired in step S300.

[0068] In step S302, the control section 13 determines the replacement vehicle 30 that replaces the vehicle 20, if it determines that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target in step S301. At this time, the control section 13 transmits an operation instruction to the determined replacement vehicle 30 via the communication section 11 and the network 40.

[0069] In step S303, the control section 13 generates first display information indicating that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target, if it determines that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target in step S301. At this time, the control section 13 causes the output section 24 of the vehicle 20 to output the generated first display information.

[0070] ​​In step S304, the control unit 13 acquires recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the fault. For example, the control unit 13 receives the recovery information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication unit 11.

[0071] In step S305, the control unit 13 determines whether the preparation time from the decision to deploy the replacement vehicle 30 in step S302 to the time the replacement vehicle 30 enters the operating route has elapsed. For example, the control unit 13 can obtain the aforementioned preparation time information from the operation management company that manages the operation of the vehicles 20 and the replacement vehicles 30. For example, the control unit 13 can receive information on the average preparation time related to multiple replacement vehicles 30 from the operation management company's terminal device via the network 40 and the communication unit 11. If the control unit 13 determines that the preparation time has elapsed, it executes the processing in step S306. If the control unit 13 determines that the preparation time has not elapsed, it executes the processing in step S307.

[0072] In step S306, if the control unit 13 determines in step S305 that the preparation time has expired, it maintains the decision to deploy the replacement vehicle 30.

[0073] In step S307, if the control unit 13 determines in step S305 that the preparation time has not been completed, it cancels the deployment of the replacement vehicle 30 and re-determines the restored vehicle 20 as the running target.

[0074] In step S308, if the control unit 13 re-determines vehicle 20 as the running target in step S307, it generates second display information indicating that vehicle 20 has recovered from the fault. At this time, the control unit 13 causes the output unit 24 of vehicle 20 to output the generated second display information.

[0075] Figure 6 It is used to explain by Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a third example of an information processing method executed by the information processing device 10. Figure 6 In the flowchart shown, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 executes commands based on the fault information of the vehicle 20. Figure 3 The same process applies to step S109. For example, if the control unit 13 determines that the malfunction of vehicle 20 is severe, it maintains the decision to deploy a replacement vehicle 30. For example, if the control unit 13 determines that the malfunction of vehicle 20 is minor, it cancels the deployment of the replacement vehicle 30 and re-determines the restored vehicle 20 as the operating target.

[0076] In step S400, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 acquires fault information of the vehicle 20. For example, the control unit 13 receives the fault information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication unit 11.

[0077] In step S401, the control section 13 determines that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target on the basis of the failure information acquired in step S400 on the basis of the failure of the vehicle 20.

[0078] In step S402, the control section 13 decides to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30 in place of the vehicle 20 if the vehicle 20 is determined not to belong to the operation target in step S401. At this time, the control section 13 transmits an operation instruction to the decided substitute vehicle 30 via the communication section 11 and the network 40.

[0079] In step S403, the control section 13 generates first display information indicating that the vehicle 20 does not belong to the operation target if the vehicle 20 is determined not to belong to the operation target in step S401. At this time, the control section 13 causes the output section 24 of the vehicle 20 to output the generated first display information.

[0080] In step S404, the control section 13 acquires recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the failure. For example, the control section 13 receives the recovery information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication section 11.

[0081] In step S405, the control section 13 determines whether the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe. For example, the control section 13 can determine whether the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe by analyzing the failure content included in the failure information acquired in step S400. At this time, the control section 13 can refer to, for example, any history data that associates the failure content of the vehicle 20 with information of whether it is severe or light. The control section 13 executes the processing of step S406 if it is determined that the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe. The control section 13 executes the processing of step S407 if it is determined that the failure of the vehicle 20 is not severe, i.e., light.

[0082] In step S406, the control section 13 maintains the decision to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30 if it is determined in step S405 that the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe. That is, the control section 13 maintains the decision to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30 if it is determined that the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe, i.e., the vehicle 20 is unlikely to be able to operate again even if the recovery information is acquired.

[0083] In step S407, the control section 13 cancels the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 and redecides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target if it is determined in step S405 that the failure of the vehicle 20 is not severe. That is, the control section 13 redecides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target if it is determined that the failure of the vehicle 20 is light, i.e., the vehicle 20 is able to operate stably after the recovery information is acquired.

[0084] In step S408, the control section 13 generates second display information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the trouble if the vehicle 20 is newly decided as the operation target in step S407. At this time, the control section 13 causes the output section 24 of the vehicle 20 to output the generated second display information.

[0085] According to one embodiment as described above, it is possible to achieve optimal operation management taking into account the load including time, human resources, and cost, etc. caused by the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 maintains the decision of the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 or cancels the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 and newly decides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target if the recovery information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the trouble is acquired. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 can adjust the balance between the load caused by the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 and the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule while achieving the optimal operation management.

[0086] The information processing apparatus 10 maintains the decision of the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 if the recovery information is acquired after the substitute vehicle 30 enters the operation route. Thereby, since a long time has passed since the vehicle 20 has failed, the load caused by the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 also becomes large, and thus the information processing apparatus 10 can put more emphasis on the load caused by the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 than the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule, thereby managing the operation of the substitute vehicle 30. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve the optimal operation management in such a manner that the load generated before the recovery information is acquired is not wasted.

[0087] On the contrary, the information processing apparatus 10 cancels the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 and newly decides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target if the recovery information is acquired before the substitute vehicle 30 enters the operation route. Thereby, since a long time has not passed since the vehicle 20 has failed, the load caused by the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30 is also small, and thus the information processing apparatus 10 can put more emphasis on the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule than the load caused by the introduction of the substitute vehicle 30, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle 20. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve the optimal operation management in such a manner that the confusion of the operation schedule can be reduced to the maximum.

[0088] If the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the recovery information after the elapse of the preparation time from the decision to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30 to the entry of the substitute vehicle 30 into the operation route, the information processing apparatus 10 maintains the decision to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30. Thus, since a long time has elapsed since the occurrence of the failure of the vehicle 20, the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 is large, and therefore the information processing apparatus 10 can give priority to the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 over the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule, thereby managing the operation of the substitute vehicle 30. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve the optimal operation management in such a manner that the load generated before the acquisition of the recovery information is not wasted.

[0089] On the other hand, if the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the recovery information before the elapse of the preparation time from the decision to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30 to the entry of the substitute vehicle 30 into the operation route, the information processing apparatus 10 cancels the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 and redecides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target. Thus, since a long time has not elapsed since the occurrence of the failure of the vehicle 20, the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 is small, and therefore the information processing apparatus 10 can give priority to the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule over the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle 20. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve the optimal operation management in such a manner that the confusion of the operation schedule is reduced to the maximum.

[0090] If the information processing apparatus 10 determines that the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe, the information processing apparatus 10 maintains the decision to dispatch the substitute vehicle 30. Thus, since the vehicle 20 is likely to be unable to operate again even if the recovery information is acquired, the information processing apparatus 10 can give priority to the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule over the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30, thereby managing the operation of the substitute vehicle 30. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve the optimal operation management in such a manner that the confusion of the operation schedule caused by the reoccurrence of the failure of the vehicle 20 will not further expand in the future.

[0091] On the other hand, if the information processing apparatus 10 determines that the failure of the vehicle 20 is slight, the information processing apparatus 10 cancels the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 and redecides the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target. Thus, since the vehicle 20 can stably operate after the acquisition of the recovery information, the information processing apparatus 10 can give priority to the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 over the reduction of the confusion of the operation schedule, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle 20. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve the optimal operation management in such a manner that the load caused by the dispatch of the substitute vehicle 30 will not further expand after the acquisition of the recovery information.

[0092] The information processing apparatus 10 can easily inform, for example, passengers waiting at a stop, that the vehicle 20 is not an operation target by causing the vehicle 20 to output the first display information indicating that the vehicle 20 is not an operation target. Thus, the passengers can be prevented from boarding the vehicle 20 that is not an operation target.

[0093] The information processing apparatus 10 can easily inform, for example, passengers waiting at a stop, that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the failure by causing the vehicle 20 to output the second display information indicating that the vehicle 20 has recovered from the failure. Thus, the passengers can easily grasp the state related to the failure and the recovery of the vehicle 20.

[0094] The information processing apparatus 10 can alleviate the congestion in the vehicle accompanying the confusion of the operation schedule by deciding the substitute vehicle 30 having a higher transport capacity than the vehicle 20. Thus, the situation in which the passengers at the stop are slow to board the substitute vehicle 30 due to the congestion in the vehicle can be prevented, and further confusion of the operation schedule can be prevented.

[0095] Although the present disclosure is described based on the drawings and the embodiments, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes according to the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions and the like included in each configuration or each step can be reconfigured logically without contradiction, and a plurality of configurations or steps can be combined into one or a configuration or a step can be split.

[0096] For example, at least a part of the processing actions performed in the information processing apparatus 10 in the above-described embodiments can be performed in the vehicle 20 or the substitute vehicle 30. For example, the vehicle 20 itself can perform the above-described processing actions related to the information processing apparatus 10 instead of the information processing apparatus 10. At least a part of the processing actions performed in the vehicle 20 or the substitute vehicle 30 can be performed in the information processing apparatus 10.

[0097] For example, the following configuration can be employed: a general electronic device such as a smartphone or a computer functions as the information processing apparatus 10 related to the above-described embodiments. Specifically, a program in which processing contents for realizing each function of the information processing apparatus 10 and the like related to the embodiments are described is stored in a memory of the electronic device, and the program is read by a processor of the electronic device to be executed. Thus, the invention related to one embodiment can be realized as a program executable by the processor.

[0098] Alternatively, the invention related to one embodiment can also be realized as a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program to be executed by one or more processors, by executing the program to cause the information processing apparatus 10 and the like related to the embodiment to execute each function. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] For example, the information processing apparatus 10 explained in the above-described embodiment can also be mounted on the vehicle 20. At this time, the information processing apparatus 10 can directly perform information communication with the vehicle 20 without via the network 40.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, it is explained that the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the failure information from the vehicle 20 and determines the vehicle 20 as not belonging to the operation target by directly receiving the notification of the failure from the vehicle 20, but not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also independently perform the same determination processing while monitoring the operation status of the vehicle 20.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, it is explained that the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the recovery information from the vehicle 20, but not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also independently acquire the recovery information of the vehicle 20 while monitoring the operation status of the vehicle 20.

[0102] The information processing apparatus 10 can independently perform the utilization of the recovery information acquired from the vehicle 20. Figure 4 to Figure 6 The first to third examples of the information processing method explained respectively can also be combined and executed in parallel or independently. For example, even if the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the recovery information before the replacement vehicle 30 enters the operation route, if it is determined that the failure of the vehicle 20 is severe, the decision to put the replacement vehicle 30 into operation can be maintained instead of re-deciding the recovered vehicle 20 as the operation target.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, it is explained that the information processing apparatus 10 causes the vehicle 20 to output the first display information indicating that it does not belong to the operation target, but not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also not cause the vehicle 20 to output without generating the first display information. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also cause an image output interface such as a digital sign provided at a stop to output such first display information instead of or in addition to the vehicle 20.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, it is explained that the information processing apparatus 10 causes the vehicle 20 to output the second display information indicating that it has recovered from the failure, but not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also not cause the vehicle 20 to output without generating the second display information. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also cause an image output interface such as a digital sign provided at a stop to output such second display information instead of or in addition to the vehicle 20.

[0105] In the above-described embodiments, it is explained that the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the failure information from the vehicle 20 and receives the failure content directly from the vehicle 20, but is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 can also independently estimate the failure content of the vehicle 20 based on the travel record of the vehicle 20.

[0106] Explanation of reference signs

[0107] 1 Information processing system

[0108] 10 Information processing apparatus

[0109] 11 Communication section

[0110] 12 Storage section

[0111] 13 Control section

[0112] 20 Vehicle

[0113] 21 Communication section

[0114] 22 Storage section

[0115] 23 Acquisition section

[0116] 24 Output section

[0117] 25 Control section

[0118] 30 Substitute vehicle

[0119] 31 Communication section

[0120] 32 Storage section

[0121] 33 Acquisition section

[0122] 34 Output section

[0123] 35 Control section

[0124] 40 Network

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that manages operation of a replacement vehicle when a vehicle has recovered from a failure, having a control section, the control section decides to dispatch a replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle if the vehicle is determined not to be an operation target based on a failure of the vehicle, maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if recovery information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure is acquired, or cancels the dispatch of the replacement vehicle and newly decides the recovered vehicle as an operation target, the control section maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if the recovery information is acquired after the replacement vehicle enters an operation route.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if the failure of the vehicle is determined to be severe.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes the vehicle to output first display information indicating that the vehicle is not an operation target if the vehicle is determined not to be an operation target based on a failure of the vehicle.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes the vehicle to output second display information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure if the dispatch of the replacement vehicle is canceled and the recovered vehicle is newly decided as an operation target.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section decides to dispatch the replacement vehicle that has a higher transport capacity than the vehicle.

6. An information processing system that has: the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the vehicle that provides failure information indicating that the vehicle has failed to the information processing apparatus; and the replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle.

7. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program executable by one or more processors, the program causing an information processing apparatus that manages operation of a replacement vehicle when a vehicle has recovered from a failure to perform functions by executing the program, the functions including: determining the vehicle not to be an operation target based on a failure of the vehicle; deciding to dispatch a replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle; acquiring recovery information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure; maintaining the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle, or canceling the dispatch of the replacement vehicle and newly deciding the recovered vehicle as an operation target; and maintaining the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if the recovery information is acquired after the replacement vehicle enters an operation route.

8. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the functions include maintaining the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if the failure of the vehicle is determined to be severe.

9. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the functions include causing the vehicle to output first display information indicating that the vehicle is not an operation target if the vehicle is determined not to be an operation target based on a failure of the vehicle.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the functions include causing the vehicle to output second display information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure if the dispatch of the replacement vehicle is canceled and the recovered vehicle is newly decided as an operation target. The functions include, if the replacement vehicle is canceled from being dispatched and the recovered vehicle is newly decided as an operation object, causing the vehicle to output second display information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure.

11. A vehicle that manages operation of a replacement vehicle when the vehicle has recovered from a failure, The vehicle includes a control unit, The control unit decides a replacement vehicle that replaces the vehicle if the vehicle is determined not to be an operation object based on a failure of the vehicle, maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if recovery information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure is acquired, or cancels the dispatch of the replacement vehicle and newly decides the recovered vehicle as an operation object, The control unit maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if the recovery information is acquired after the replacement vehicle enters an operation route.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein The control unit maintains the decision to dispatch the replacement vehicle if the failure of the vehicle is determined to be severe.

13. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein The control unit outputs first display information indicating that the vehicle is not an operation object if the vehicle is determined not to be an operation object based on a failure of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein The control unit outputs second display information indicating that the vehicle has recovered from the failure if the replacement vehicle is canceled from being dispatched and the recovered vehicle is newly decided as an operation object.

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