Operation management device, system, operation management method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

The present invention can implement operation-based vehicle replacement, which is different from ordinary vehicle replacement. An operation management device (20) includes: a control unit (21) that determines whether to operate a second vehicle that replaces the first vehicle during a period from the time specified in the schedule to the replacement time, when a first vehicle that is operated according to a schedule that specifies the time for replacing a rotating vehicle becomes unable to operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation management device, system, operation management method and program. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to replacement of a rotating electric vehicle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-013379. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Considering that when N is set to an integer greater than 1, the rotating electric vehicle is replaced every N cycles and maintenance such as charging is performed. However, if the vehicle becomes unable to operate due to a malfunction or other reasons, it may cause the operation to stop for a long time before the next vehicle is replaced.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to enable vehicle replacement based on an operation, which is different from a normal vehicle replacement.

[0009] Methods used to solve problems

[0010] The operation management device of the present invention has:

[0011] A control unit determines whether to operate a second vehicle replacing the first vehicle during a period from the time specified in the schedule for replacing the first vehicle, i.e., the replacement time, when a first vehicle that operates according to a schedule for replacing a circling vehicle becomes unable to operate.

[0012] The operation management method of the present invention includes a step of determining, through an operation management device, whether to operate a second vehicle replacing the first vehicle during the period from the time specified by the schedule to the replacement time when a first vehicle that operates according to a schedule that specifies the time for replacing a detour vehicle becomes unable to operate.

[0013] The program of the present invention causes a computer to perform an action, wherein, when a first vehicle that operates according to a schedule that specifies the time for replacing a circling vehicle becomes unable to operate, the computer determines whether to operate a second vehicle that replaces the first vehicle during the period from the time for replacing the first vehicle specified by the schedule to the time of replacement.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform vehicle replacement based on an operation, unlike a normal vehicle replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an operation management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle travel route according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a timetable for operating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 Yes Figure 5 A diagram showing an example in which the schedule is changed.

[0022] Figure 7 Yes Figure 5 This figure shows another example in which the schedule is changed.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 , describing the structure of the system 10 of this embodiment.

[0027] The system 10 includes at least one operation management device 20, at least one first terminal device 30, a plurality of vehicles 40, and a plurality of second terminal devices 50. The operation management device 20 is capable of communicating with the first terminal device 30, the plurality of vehicles 40, and the plurality of second terminal devices 50 via a network 60. The first terminal device 30 is capable of communicating with the plurality of vehicles 40 and the plurality of second terminal devices 50. Each vehicle 40 is capable of communicating with a corresponding second terminal device 50.

[0028] The operation management device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center. The operation management device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0029] The first terminal device 30 is installed in the operation management room and is used by the manager 11 who manages the operation of a plurality of vehicles 40. The first terminal device 30 is, for example, a general-purpose device such as a PC or a dedicated device. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0030] Multiple vehicles 40 operate in a rotating pattern according to a schedule. A schedule is a plan that specifies the timing of replacement of rotating vehicles 40. The schedule may also specify when and where each vehicle 40 should be located. "Where" includes, for example, the location where each vehicle 40 leaves the depot, the location where each vehicle 40 stops to accommodate passengers, or the location where each vehicle 40 finally arrives. "When" includes, for example, the time corresponding to each location, namely, the time when each vehicle 40 leaves the depot, the time when each vehicle 40 stops to accommodate passengers, or the time when each vehicle 40 finally arrives. The schedule may also specify the duration of each vehicle 40's stay at each location.

[0031] Each vehicle 40 is any type of car, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is the abbreviation for a hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is the abbreviation for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is the abbreviation for a battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is the abbreviation for a fuel cell electric vehicle. In the present embodiment, each vehicle 40 is an AV, but it can also be driven by a driver or can be driven with any level of automation. "AV" is the abbreviation for an autonomous vehicle. The level of automation is, for example, any one of level 1 to level 5 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is the abbreviation for the Society of Automotive Engineer. Each vehicle 40 can also be a MaaS dedicated vehicle. "MaaS" is the abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0032] Each second terminal device 50 is held by a passenger 12 who assists in the operation of the corresponding vehicle 40 and is used by the passenger 12. Each second terminal device 50 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0033] Network 60 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 60 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks may include, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0034] As a variation of this embodiment, the first terminal device 30 may be held by the administrator 11 instead of being installed in the operation management room. In such a variation, the first terminal device 30 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0035] As a modification of this embodiment, each second terminal device 50 may be mounted on the corresponding vehicle 40 instead of being held by the passenger 12. In such a modification, each second terminal device 50 is, for example, a car navigation device or a dedicated device.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , explaining the contents of this embodiment.

[0037] In the operation management device 20, if the first vehicle 41 that is operating according to the schedule that specifies the time to replace the circling vehicle 40 cannot be operated, it is determined whether the second vehicle 42 is to be operated in place of the first vehicle 41 from the time specified in the schedule to the replacement time, that is, the replacement time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform an operation-based vehicle replacement, which is different from a normal vehicle replacement.

[0038] If, for example, the first vehicle 41 is in its final cycle and there is insufficient time to prepare the second vehicle 42 for deployment before the replacement time, a forced vehicle replacement can cause a conflict between a normal vehicle replacement and an operational vehicle replacement. However, in this embodiment, the operation management device 20 determines whether to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time based on the number of revolutions remaining for the first vehicle 41 at the time the first vehicle 41 becomes inoperable. Therefore, this embodiment prevents conflicts between normal vehicle replacement and operational vehicle replacement.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 , describing the structure of the operation management device 20 of this embodiment.

[0040] The operation management device 20 includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0041] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing. "CPU" is the abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is the abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of a programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is the abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of a dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is the abbreviation for application-specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls the various components of the operation management device 20 and simultaneously performs processing related to the operation of the operation management device 20.

[0042] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. "RAM" is the abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is the abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is the abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is the abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is the abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used to execute the operations of the management device 20 and data obtained by executing the operations of the management device 20.

[0043] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the operation management device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the operation management device 20.

[0044] The functions of the operation management device 20 are realized by the processor serving as the control unit 21 executing the program of this embodiment. That is, the functions of the operation management device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to execute the operations of the operation management device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the operation management device 20. That is, the computer functions as the operation management device 20 by executing the operations of the operation management device 20 according to the program.

[0045] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program can be circulated, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM that stores the program. "SD" is the abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is the abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is the abbreviation for compact disc read-only memory. The program can also be stored in the memory of a server and circulated by transferring the program from the server to other computers. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0046] For example, the computer temporarily stores a program stored in a portable medium or a program transmitted from a server in a main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device through a processor, and the processor executes processing based on the read program. The computer can read the program directly from the portable medium and execute processing according to the program. Each time a program is transmitted from the server to the computer, the computer can execute processing sequentially according to the received program. It is also possible to implement functions only by executing instructions and obtaining results without transmitting the program from the server to the computer, that is, to execute processing through a so-called ASP-type service. "ASP" is the abbreviation of application service provider. A program is information for electronic computers to process, and includes information based on the program. For example, data that has the property of specifying computer processing, although not a direct instruction to the computer, is equivalent to "data based on the program."

[0047] A part or all of the functions of the operation management device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. That is, a part or all of the functions of the operation management device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 The operation of the system 10 of this embodiment will be described below. This operation corresponds to the operation management method of this embodiment.

[0049] In step S101, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 refers to a schedule that specifies the time for replacing the circling vehicle 40. The schedule is pre-stored in the storage unit 22 of the operation management device 20 or in an external memory. The control unit 21 determines whether the current time is a replacement time. The replacement time refers to the time specified by the schedule for replacing the first vehicle 41. The first vehicle 41 refers to the vehicle 40 that is circling at the current time. If the current time is a replacement time, the control unit 21 determines that a normal vehicle replacement is performed at the current time. Then, the process of step S102 is executed. If the current time is not a replacement time, the control unit 21 determines that a normal vehicle replacement is not performed at the current time. Then, the process of step S103 is executed.

[0050] In step S102, a normal vehicle replacement is performed. The normal vehicle replacement can be performed in any order, but in this embodiment, it is performed in the following order.

[0051] The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit first instruction data for instructing vehicle replacement. The communication unit 23 transmits the first instruction data to the first vehicle 41 and the replacement vehicle. The replacement vehicle is the vehicle 40 that starts the rotation in place of the first vehicle 41 as specified in the schedule.

[0052] The first vehicle 41 receives the first instruction data sent from the operation management device 20 via an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard. "LTE" is the abbreviation of Long Term Evolution. "4G" is the abbreviation of 4th generation. "5G" is the abbreviation of 5th generation. The first vehicle 41 ends the rotation according to the received first instruction data and returns to Figure 4 Garage 13 shown.

[0053] The alternate vehicle receives the first instruction data transmitted from the operation management device 20 via an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. Based on the received first instruction data, the alternate vehicle exits the garage 13 and begins a rotation. From this point on, the alternate vehicle becomes the first vehicle 41.

[0054] After the vehicle is replaced, the process of step S101 is performed again.

[0055] In step S103, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 determines whether the first vehicle 41 is operable. This process can be executed in any order, but in this embodiment, it is executed in the following order.

[0056] The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit inquiry data for inquiring whether the first vehicle 41 is operable. The communication unit 23 transmits the inquiry data to the first vehicle 41 .

[0057] The first vehicle 41 receives the sent inquiry data via an interface corresponding to the mobile communication standard. Based on the received inquiry data, the first vehicle 41 sends status data indicating whether the first vehicle 41 is able to operate to the operation management device 20 via the interface corresponding to the mobile communication standard. When the first vehicle 41 is unable to operate due to a malfunction or the like, it can also independently detect the inability to operate, or it can be notified of the inability to operate by the passenger 12. In the latter case, the first vehicle 41 receives data notifying the inability to operate from the second terminal device 50 via an interface corresponding to the mobile communication standard or an interface corresponding to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0058] The communication unit 23 of the operation management device 20 receives the status data transmitted from the first vehicle 41. The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 obtains the status data received by the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 determines whether the first vehicle 41 is operable by referring to the obtained status data.

[0059] The status data may be transmitted from the first vehicle 41 to the operation management device 20 without an inquiry from the operation management device 20. For example, the status data may be transmitted from the first vehicle 41 to the operation management device 20 periodically or when an event occurs that affects the operation of the first vehicle 41, such as a failure.

[0060] If the first vehicle 41 is capable of running, the process of step S101 is executed again. If the first vehicle 41 is not capable of running, the process of step S104 is executed.

[0061] In step S104, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 notifies the manager 11 that the first vehicle 41 operating according to the schedule has become unable to operate. This process can be performed in any order, but in this embodiment, it is performed in the following order.

[0062] The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit notification data notifying that the first vehicle 41 is no longer operable. The communication unit 23 transmits the notification data to the first terminal device 30 .

[0063] The first terminal device 30 receives the notification data sent from the operation management device 20 via a LAN interface or an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard or 5G standard. The first terminal device 30 displays the received notification data on a display such as an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is the abbreviation of liquid crystal display. "EL" is the abbreviation of electroluminescence. The first terminal device 30 receives the operation of selecting whether to deploy the second vehicle 42 to replace the first vehicle 41 from the manager 11 via an interface such as a physical key, a capacitive key, a clicking device, a touch screen integrated with the display, or a microphone. In the case where the second vehicle 42 is selected, the first terminal device 30 sends request data requesting the implementation of the vehicle replacement based on the operation to the operation management device 20 via a LAN interface or an interface corresponding to the mobile communication standard.

[0064] The communication unit 23 of the operation management device 20 receives the request data transmitted from the first terminal device 30. The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 acquires the request data received by the communication unit 23.

[0065] In step S105, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 compares the number of remaining revolutions of the first vehicle 41 at the time the first vehicle 41 becomes inoperable and until the replacement time with a threshold value Th. In this embodiment, threshold value Th is 1, but may alternatively be 2. If the remaining number of revolutions is less than threshold value Th, the control unit 21 determines not to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time. In other words, the control unit 21 determines not to perform an operation-based vehicle replacement. Specifically, even if request data was obtained in step S104, the control unit 21 determines not to respond to the request from the administrator 11 and notifies the administrator 11 of the non-response. The process of step S101 is then repeated. If the remaining number of revolutions is greater than threshold value Th, the control unit 21 determines to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time. In other words, the control unit 21 determines to perform an operation-based vehicle replacement. Specifically, if request data was obtained in step S104, the control unit 21 determines to respond to the request from the administrator 11 and notifies the administrator 11 of the response. The process of step S106 is then executed. If the request data is not obtained in step S104, the control unit 21 may determine not to perform the vehicle replacement based on the operation. In this case, the process of step S101 is performed again.

[0066] In step S106, vehicle replacement based on operation is performed. Vehicle replacement based on operation can be performed in any order, but in this embodiment, it is performed in the following order.

[0067] The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit second instruction data instructing a vehicle replacement. The communication unit 23 transmits the second instruction data to the first vehicle 41 and the second vehicle 42. The second vehicle 42 is a vehicle 40 that replaces the first vehicle 41 and begins a rotation, unlike a simple replacement vehicle, not specified by a schedule.

[0068] The first vehicle 41 receives the second instruction data transmitted from the operation management device 20 via an interface compatible with the mobile communication standard. Based on the received second instruction data, the first vehicle 41 returns to the garage 13. Alternatively, if the first vehicle 41 cannot return by its own power, it is towed back to the garage 13.

[0069] Second vehicle 42 receives the second instruction data from operation management device 20 via an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. Based on the received second instruction data, second vehicle 42 exits garage 13 and begins a rotation. From this point on, second vehicle 42 becomes first vehicle 41.

[0070] After the vehicle is replaced, the process of step S101 is performed again.

[0071] Reference Figures 4 to 7 , a specific example of the operation of the system 10 of this embodiment is described.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, in this example, of the seven shuttle buses corresponding to vehicles 40, three are circling along route 15, while the remaining four are waiting in garage 13. Each of the shuttle buses is an autonomous vehicle (AV) capable of operating without a driver. Each of the shuttle buses is also a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), and while waiting, it is charged using charging equipment 14 within garage 13. Each of the shuttle buses departs garage 13 according to a schedule, stops at stations P1, P2, and P3 on route 15 to pick up and drop off passengers, and ultimately arrives at garage 13.

[0073] like Figure 5As shown, in this example, the circling buses B1, B2, and B3 sequentially exit the garage 13, each delayed by one cycle. The circling buses B1, B2, and B3 each make five rotations along the route 15 and return to the garage 13. The circling buses B4, B5, and B6 sequentially exit the garage 13, each delayed by one cycle, and are replaced by the circling buses B1, B2, and B3 that have returned to the garage 13. The circling buses B4, B5, and B6 each make five rotations along the route 15 and return to the garage 13. The circling buses B1, B2, and B3 again sequentially exit the garage 13, each delayed by one cycle, and are replaced by the circling buses B4, B5, and B6 that have returned to the garage 13. The circling bus operation is repeated in the same manner.

[0074] The timetable specifies when each shuttle bus leaves garage 13, when it arrives at stops P1, P2, and P3, how many minutes it stops, and when it returns to garage 13. In this example, it is assumed that all passengers must get off the shuttle bus when it stops at stop P3 before returning to garage 13, and no one can get on.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, it is assumed that the round-trip bus B2 cannot run due to a breakdown or the like in the middle of the third round.

[0076] In step S101, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 determines whether the current time is a replacement time. The current time is midway through the third round of bus B2's scheduled rotation. The replacement time is the end of the fifth round of bus B2's scheduled rotation. Because the current time is not a replacement time, the control unit 21 determines not to perform a normal vehicle replacement at the current time.

[0077] In step S103 , the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 determines that the bypass bus B2 cannot operate.

[0078] In step S104, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit notification data notifying the operator that the bypass bus B2 is no longer operational. The first terminal device 30 displays the transmitted notification data on its display. The first terminal device 30 receives the operator's selection from the administrator 11 regarding whether to deploy the pre-prepared bypass bus B7 as the second vehicle 42 replacing the bypass bus B2 corresponding to the first vehicle 41. If the operator selects to deploy the bypass bus B7, the first terminal device 30 transmits request data to the operation management device 20 requesting the vehicle replacement based on the operation. The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 receives the transmitted request data.

[0079] In step S105, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 compares the number of remaining turns of the bypass bus B2 until the replacement time at the time when the bypass bus B2 became unavailable for operation with the threshold value Th. The remaining number of turns of the bypass bus B2 is 2. The threshold value Th is 1. Because the remaining number of turns is greater than the threshold value Th, the control unit 21 determines to operate the bypass bus B7 until the replacement time. In other words, the control unit 21 determines to perform the vehicle replacement based on the operation. The control unit 21 notifies the manager 11 that the request has been responded to.

[0080] In step S106, a vehicle replacement based on the operation is performed. Specifically, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit second instruction data instructing the vehicle replacement. The bypass bus B2 returns to the depot 13 in accordance with the transmitted second instruction data. Alternatively, if bypass bus B2 cannot return on its own, it is towed back to the depot 13. Based on the transmitted second instruction data, bypass bus B7 leaves the depot 13 and begins its rotation. The time when bypass bus B7 begins its rotation is the start of the fourth cycle specified in the schedule for bypass bus B2.

[0081] Circling bus B7 continues operating until the replacement time specified in the schedule for circling bus B2. Specifically, the time when circling bus B7 completes its circling, i.e., the time when the normal vehicle replacement for circling bus B7 is implemented, is the end of the fifth week specified in the schedule for circling bus B2. Thereafter, in this example, circling bus B7 replaces circling bus B2. For example, between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of the overall route, the normal vehicle replacement is implemented, and circling bus B7 begins its circling operation by replacing circling bus B5.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, it is assumed that the round-trip bus B2 cannot run due to a breakdown or the like in the middle of the fifth round.

[0083] In step S101, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 determines whether the current time is a replacement time. The current time is midway through the fifth round of bus B2's scheduled rotation. The replacement time is the end of the fifth round of bus B2's scheduled rotation. Since the current time is not a replacement time, the control unit 21 determines not to perform a normal vehicle replacement at the current time.

[0084] In step S103 , the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 determines that the bypass bus B2 cannot operate.

[0085] In step S104, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit notification data indicating that the bypass bus B2 cannot operate. The first terminal device 30 displays the transmitted notification data on its display. The first terminal device 30 receives the operator's operation from the administrator 11 to select whether to deploy the pre-prepared bypass bus B7 as the second vehicle 42 replacing the bypass bus B2 corresponding to the first vehicle 41. If the operator selects to deploy the bypass bus B7, the first terminal device 30 transmits request data to the operation management device 20 requesting the vehicle replacement based on the operation. The control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 receives the transmitted request data.

[0086] In step S105, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 compares the number of remaining turns of the bypass bus B2 from the time when the bypass bus B2 became unavailable until the replacement time with the threshold value Th. The remaining number of turns of the bypass bus B2 is 0. The threshold value Th is 1. Because the remaining number of turns is less than the threshold value Th, the control unit 21 determines not to operate the bypass bus B7 until the replacement time. In other words, the control unit 21 determines not to perform the vehicle replacement based on the operation. The control unit 21 notifies the manager 11 of the non-response request.

[0087] Circling bus B7 does not operate until the replacement time specified in the schedule for circling bus B2. However, in this example, after the replacement time specified in the schedule for circling bus B2, circling bus B7 replaces circling bus B2. For example, between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of the overall schedule, a normal vehicle replacement is performed, and circling bus B7 begins circling by replacing circling bus B5.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, when a first vehicle 41, which is operating according to a schedule that specifies the time to replace a rotating vehicle 40, cannot operate, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 determines whether to operate the second vehicle 42 in place of the first vehicle 41 during the period until the replacement time, which is specified by the schedule and ends at the time of replacement of the first vehicle 41. Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time based on the number of rotations remaining in the first vehicle 41 at the time when the first vehicle 41 cannot operate. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent conflicts between normal vehicle replacement and vehicle replacement based on operation.

[0089] As a variation of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 may determine whether to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time based on the "time" remaining until the replacement time at the time when the first vehicle 41 becomes inoperable. This variation, similar to the case where the determination of whether to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time is based on the "number of revolutions" remaining at the time when the first vehicle 41 becomes inoperable, can prevent conflicts between normal vehicle replacement and operational vehicle replacement.

[0090] Reference Figure 8 The operation of the system 10 of this modification example will be described below. This operation corresponds to the operation management method of this modification example.

[0091] Regarding the processing from step S201 to step S204, Figure 3 The processing from step S101 to step S104 is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0092] In step S205, the control unit 21 of the operation management device 20 compares the remaining time until the replacement time at the time the first vehicle 41 becomes inoperable with the time Ti required to prepare for deployment of the second vehicle 42. Time Ti includes, for example, the time it takes for the passenger 12 to board the second vehicle 42. If the remaining time is less than time Ti, the control unit 21 determines not to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time. In other words, the control unit 21 determines not to perform an operation-based vehicle replacement. Specifically, even if request data was obtained in step S204, the control unit 21 determines not to respond to the request from the administrator 11 and notifies the administrator 11 of the non-response. The process of step S201 is then repeated. If the remaining time is longer than time Ti, the control unit 21 determines to operate the second vehicle 42 until the replacement time. In other words, the control unit 21 determines to perform an operation-based vehicle replacement. Specifically, if request data was obtained in step S204, the control unit 21 determines to respond to the request from the administrator 11 and notifies the administrator 11 of the response. Then, the process of step S206 is executed. If the request data is not obtained in step S204, the control unit 21 may determine that the vehicle replacement based on the operation is not to be implemented. In this case, the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0093] Regarding the processing of step S206, Figure 3 The processing of step S106 is the same as that of step S106, so the description is omitted.

[0094] As another variation of this embodiment, when the first vehicle 41 is unable to operate, the location where the first vehicle 41 is unable to operate may be set as a temporary station. For example, all passengers on the first vehicle 41 may be allowed to disembark at this station. When a vehicle replacement is performed based on an operation, the second vehicle 42 may be started from this station.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or a single block may be divided. Instead of executing the steps in chronological order as described in the specification, two or more steps described in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step described in the flowchart or as needed. Furthermore, modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0096] Description of Reference Signs

[0097] 10 systems;

[0098] 11. Manager;

[0099] 12 passengers;

[0100] 13 garages;

[0101] 14. Charging equipment;

[0102] 15 paths;

[0103] 20 Operation management device;

[0104] 21 Control Department;

[0105] 22 Storage Department;

[0106] 23 Ministry of Communications;

[0107] 30 first terminal device;

[0108] 40 vehicles;

[0109] 41 first vehicle;

[0110] 42 second vehicle;

[0111] 50 second terminal device;

[0112] 60 network.

Claims

1. An operation management device comprising: The control unit is configured to, when the first vehicle operating according to the schedule defining the timing of replacing the circling vehicle becomes unable to operate, When the first vehicle becomes unable to operate and the number of remaining revolutions of the first vehicle until the time of replacing the first vehicle specified in the schedule, i.e., the replacement time, is greater than a threshold value, the first vehicle is caused to complete the revolution and return to the garage, and a second vehicle replacing the first vehicle is caused to leave the garage and operate in place of the first vehicle. When the remaining number of revolutions is less than the threshold, the first vehicle ends its revolution and returns to the garage, the second vehicle stops running until the replacement time, and replaces the first vehicle after the replacement time.

2. The operation management device according to claim 1, wherein: The threshold is 1.

3. The operation management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first vehicle and the second vehicle are each a shuttle bus that can be operated without a driver.

4. A system comprising: The operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A plurality of vehicles includes the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

5. An operation management method comprising, when a first vehicle operating according to a schedule defining a time for replacing a detour vehicle becomes unable to operate, When the first vehicle becomes unable to operate and the number of remaining revolutions of the first vehicle until the time of replacing the first vehicle specified in the schedule, i.e., the replacement time, is greater than a threshold value, the first vehicle is caused to complete the revolution and return to the garage, and a second vehicle replacing the first vehicle is caused to leave the garage and operate in place of the first vehicle. When the remaining number of revolutions is less than the threshold, the first vehicle ends its revolution and returns to the garage, the second vehicle stops running until the replacement time, and replaces the first vehicle after the replacement time.

6. The operation management method according to claim 5, wherein: The threshold is 1.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an action of, in a case where a first vehicle operating according to a schedule defining a time to replace a circling vehicle cannot operate, When the first vehicle becomes unable to operate and the number of remaining revolutions of the first vehicle until the time of replacing the first vehicle specified in the schedule, i.e., the replacement time, is greater than a threshold value, the first vehicle is caused to complete the revolution and return to the garage, and a second vehicle replacing the first vehicle is caused to leave the garage and operate in place of the first vehicle. When the remaining number of revolutions is less than the threshold, the first vehicle ends its revolution and returns to the garage, the second vehicle stops running until the replacement time, and replaces the first vehicle after the replacement time.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7, wherein: The threshold is 1.

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