Taxi vehicle and taxi system

Abstract

A taxi vehicle and a taxi system. A taxi vehicle that transports a user to a destination by automatic driving in a state where a driver is not on board, has a cleaning device that performs a cleaning process that removes at least one of harmful substances and odors that are harmful to the human body from inside the vehicle after use of the taxi vehicle by the user ends, and a notification device that notifies a desired user outside the vehicle of the degree of cleaning of the inside of the vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] A taxi vehicle that transports a user to a destination by automatic driving in a state where a driver does not ride in the taxi vehicle and a taxi system that has a plurality of the taxi vehicles are disclosed in the present specification. BACKGROUND

[0002] A user who is not specified in number rides in the taxi vehicle. Therefore, the driver of the taxi vehicle keeps the inside of the taxi vehicle clean so that any user can ride in comfort. Specifically, the driver of the taxi vehicle performs ventilation or uses a deodorant or a disinfectant as needed to keep the inside of the taxi vehicle clean.

[0003] Further, in recent years, an automatic driving vehicle is proposed to be used as a taxi vehicle. In this case, the driver does not ride in the taxi vehicle. Therefore, in the case of the taxi vehicle that is automatically driven, the driver cannot keep the inside of the taxi vehicle clean.

[0004] Here, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-284038, a technology is disclosed in which a smoking sensor that senses smoking is mounted on a vehicle, and in the case where smoking is detected, ventilation is performed by operating an air conditioning device by external air circulation. However, the technology of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-284038 automatically performs ventilation only when smoking is performed, and cannot clean the inside of the vehicle before a user rides in the vehicle. Further, in the technology of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-284038, the user cannot know whether the inside of the vehicle is clean before riding in the vehicle. As a result, in the conventional technology, the user can not be able to use the taxi vehicle that is automatically driven with confidence. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, in the present specification, a taxi vehicle and a taxi system that a user can use with more confidence are disclosed.

[0006] The taxi vehicle disclosed in the present specification is a taxi vehicle that transports a user to a destination by automatic driving in a state where a driver does not ride in the taxi vehicle, characterized by having: a cleaning device that performs a cleaning process that removes at least one of a harmful substance that is harmful to a human body and an odor from the inside of the taxi vehicle after use of the taxi vehicle by the user ends; and a notification device that notifies a degree of cleaning of the inside of the taxi vehicle to a user who wishes to ride in the taxi vehicle outside the taxi vehicle.

[0007] By adopting this configuration, the taxi vehicle can be kept clean. Further, the user can know the degree of cleaning of the taxi vehicle before riding in the taxi vehicle, and thus can use the taxi vehicle with more confidence.

[0008] In this case, the sanitization process can also include a sterilization process that is a process of outputting at least one of a medicament and a purification energy to the vehicle interior to sterilize the vehicle interior.

[0009] By performing the sterilization process, the risk to the user's health can be greatly reduced.

[0010] In this case, a residual sensor that senses the presence of a person and baggage in the vehicle interior can also be provided, and the sanitization device can not perform the sterilization process during a period in which the presence of at least one of the person and the baggage in the vehicle interior is sensed by the residual sensor.

[0011] With this configuration, the sterilization process can be performed in the absence of a person or baggage. As a result, a high concentration of medicament or a high output of purification energy can be used in the sterilization process, and thus the sterilization can be performed more quickly and reliably.

[0012] Further, a settlement device that settles the usage fee of the taxi vehicle can also be provided, and the sanitization device can end the sterilization process before the completion of the sterilization process in the case where the user starts using the taxi vehicle, and the settlement device can change the usage fee according to the degree of sanitization at the point in time at which the use is started.

[0013] With this configuration, a user in a hurry can start using the taxi vehicle as soon as possible. Further, by starting to use the taxi vehicle before the sterilization is completed, the waiting time for the taxi vehicle can be reduced, and thus the profitability of the taxi vehicle can be improved.

[0014] Further, the notification device can include at least one of a light that is installed in a position of the taxi vehicle that is visually recognizable from the outside of the vehicle, a display that displays an image on a display area provided in a position of the taxi vehicle that is visually recognizable from the outside of the vehicle, a projector that projects an image onto the road surface around the taxi vehicle, a speaker that outputs sound to the outside of the vehicle, and a communication device that transmits information to the outside of the vehicle.

[0015] With this configuration, the user can reliably grasp the degree of sanitization of the taxi vehicle before getting in the vehicle.

[0016] The taxi system disclosed in this specification can also be a taxi system that includes a plurality of the above-described taxi vehicles, and the plurality of taxi vehicles can be classified into a smoking vehicle in which smoking is permitted and a non-smoking vehicle in which smoking is prohibited, and the notification device can output whether smoking is permitted in addition to the degree of sanitization.

[0017] By adopting this configuration, a smoker and a non-smoker can use the taxi vehicle separately from each other, and both of them can use the taxi vehicle comfortably.

[0018] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a user can use the taxi vehicle more at ease. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements, and wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a taxi system.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a pickup use.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a pickup use.

[0023] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a taxi vehicle.

[0024] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management device.

[0025] Figure 6 is a view showing one example of a clean-up device.

[0026] Figure 7 is a view showing another example of a clean-up device.

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a notification device.

[0028] Figure 9 is a view showing one example of an image displayed on a user terminal based on a vehicle list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, a configuration of a taxi system 10 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the taxi system 10. The taxi system 10 is provided with a plurality of taxi vehicles 12 and a management device 14.

[0030] The taxi vehicle 12 is a vehicle that, upon receiving a request from a user, transports the user to a destination based on a separate contract. The taxi vehicle 12 of the present example is a one-person vehicle. Note that, of course, infants and the like are not counted as riders and can ride together with adults. In addition, the taxi vehicle 12 is an autonomous vehicle that performs all dynamic driving tasks on the vehicle side. Therefore, there is no driver in the taxi vehicle 12.

[0031] Here, "autonomous driving" means that a vehicle performs almost all dynamic driving tasks, for example, any one of Level 3 to Level 5 defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in the United States. Level 3 is a driving form in which all dynamic driving tasks are automated at a specific place such as a highway, and the operation of the driver is required in an emergency. Further, Level 4 is a driving form in which all dynamic driving tasks are automated only at a specific place, and the response in an emergency is also handled automatically. Level 5 is a driving form in which almost all conditions can be automatically driven regardless of the place, and is a so-called "full autonomous driving".

[0032] The management device 14 manages the vehicle dispatch of the taxi vehicles 12. The management device 14 collects and manages the positions and the operating states of the respective taxi vehicles 12. Here, as the operating state of the taxi vehicle 12, for example, there are an empty vehicle, an in-service, an out-of-service, a pick-up, and a cleaning. Further, the management device 14 also collects and manages a cleaning level indicating the degree of cleaning of the interior of the taxi vehicle 12, which will be described later. The management device 14 also calculates an ideal arrangement of the taxi vehicles 12 in consideration of the request from the user, the distribution of the taxi vehicles 12 and people in the city, and the like, and outputs a vehicle dispatch instruction to the taxi vehicles 12. The taxi vehicles 12 appropriately travel according to the vehicle dispatch instruction.

[0033] Here, as the use form of the taxi vehicle 12, there are a reservation use in which the use date and time of the taxi vehicle 12 are specified, a pick-up use in which the user 100 calls the taxi vehicle 12 to use, and a boarding use in which the user 100 moves to the vicinity of the taxi vehicle 12 to start using. In the case of the reservation use, the user 100 operates an information terminal (hereinafter referred to as "user terminal 110") managed by the user 100 himself / herself to transmit a reservation request to the management device 14. The reservation request includes at least the desired boarding date and time and the boarding position of the user. The management device 14 dispatches the taxi vehicle 12 to the specified place at the specified date and time in accordance with the reservation request.

[0034] Next, the pick-up use will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic view of the pick-up use. In the case of the pick-up use, the user 100 operates the user terminal 110 to transmit a use request 64 to the management device 14. The use request 64 includes at least the position information of the user 100. Further, the use request 64 can include at least one of the destination, the payment method, the number of taxi vehicles 12 to be used, and other desired matters (for example, the air conditioning condition of the taxi vehicle 12).

[0035] If the management device 14 receives the use request 64, the vehicle list 66 is sent to the user terminal 110. The vehicle list 66 is a list of the taxi vehicles 12 that the user 100 can use, i.e., the taxi vehicles 12 that can move to the user 100 within a prescribed time. The user 100 selects the taxi vehicle 12 to be used from among the plurality of taxi vehicles 12 recorded in the vehicle list 66. To assist in this selection, the vehicle list 66 can also include the estimated time until the arrival of each taxi vehicle 12 at the location of the user 100, the level of cleaning of the taxi vehicle 12, and the like. In any case, if the user 100 selects the taxi vehicle 12 to be used, the management device 14 sends a vehicle dispatch instruction 68 to the selected taxi vehicle 12. The taxi vehicle 12 that receives the vehicle dispatch instruction 68 moves to the current location of the user 100 by automatic driving.

[0036] Next, the onboarding use will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the onboarding use. In the case of onboarding use, the user 100 moves to the vicinity of a taxi vehicle 12 in an empty vehicle state and notifies the taxi vehicle 12 of the start of use of the taxi vehicle 12. Here, the notification of the start of use can be performed by operating the user terminal 110 or by operating a user interface device (hereinafter referred to as a "user I / F") mounted on the taxi vehicle 12. Thus, the user 100 can operate the user terminal 110 to send data indicating the start of use to the taxi vehicle 12. In addition, the user 100 can also get into the taxi vehicle 12 and operate the user I / F (e.g., a touch panel or the like) mounted on the taxi vehicle 12 to notify the taxi vehicle 12 of the start of use. Upon receiving the notification of the start of use, the taxi vehicle 12 notifies the management device 14 that the user 100 has started to be transported, i.e., has become a passenger-carrying state.

[0037] In any of the reservation use, the meet-and-greet use, and the onboarding use, if the user 100 arrives at the destination, the end of use of the taxi vehicle 12 is notified. The settlement of the use cost of the taxi vehicle 12 is performed at the point in time when the notification of the end of use is received. After the settlement, the taxi vehicle 12 moves to the next destination in accordance with the vehicle dispatch instruction 68 from the management device 14. In addition, if the use of the taxi vehicle 12 is ended by the user 100, the taxi vehicle 12 starts the cleaning process to remove harmful substances and / or odors from the interior. Details of this cleaning process will be described later.

[0038] Next, the configuration of each of the taxi vehicle 12 and the management device 14 will be described. Figure 4is a block diagram showing the configuration of the taxi vehicle 12. The drive unit 26 is a device that generates a mechanical action for causing the taxi vehicle 12 to travel, and includes, for example, a prime mover, a power transmission device, a brake device, a suspension device, a steering device, and the like. The vehicle sensor group 28 includes a plurality of sensors for sensing various kinds of information required for the taxi vehicle 12 to travel. The vehicle sensor group 28 includes, for example, a sensor for sensing the surrounding environment of the taxi vehicle 12 (such as a camera, a LiDAR, a millimeter wave radar, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like), a sensor for sensing the current position of the taxi vehicle 12 (such as a GPS, and the like), a sensor for sensing the traveling state of the taxi vehicle 12 (such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like), and the like. The information sensed by the vehicle sensor group 28 is transmitted to the vehicle controller 20. The vehicle controller 20 calculates the amount of acceleration and deceleration and the amount of steering of the taxi vehicle 12 on the basis of the information sensed by the vehicle sensor group 28, and drives the drive unit 26.

[0039] The communication I / F 30 communicates with information devices outside the vehicle using a communication technique. In this case, as the information devices that are the communication targets, for example, the management device 14, the user terminal 110, and other taxi vehicles 12, and the like are included. Such communication can be performed using mobile data communication provided by a portable telephone company, can be performed using close-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and can also be performed using a dedicated communication line.

[0040] The user I / F 32 is a device that prompts the user 100 of information, and accepts an operation from the user 100. The user I / F 32 has, for example, an output device that outputs information to the user 100, and an input device that accepts an operation of the user 100. The output device can include, for example, at least one of a display, a speaker, and a lamp. Further, the input device can include, for example, at least one of a touch panel, a keyboard, a switch, a lever, a pedal, and a microphone.

[0041] The door actuator 34 is an actuator that opens and closes the door of the taxi vehicle 12. The door of the taxi vehicle 12 is automatically opened and closed by the door actuator. Therefore, the user 100 does not need to touch the door of the taxi vehicle 12 when getting on and off the taxi vehicle 12.

[0042] The residual sensor 36 is a sensor that senses the presence of people and baggage in the vehicle. This residual sensor 36 can be, for example, a weight sensor that senses the weight of the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle controller 20 determines that people or baggage are present if the sensed weight is greater than the weight of the vehicle in the initial state in which no people or baggage are present. Further, as another form, the residual sensor 36 can also be a camera that takes an image of the interior of the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle controller 20 analyzes the image taken by the camera, thereby determining the presence or absence of people and baggage. Further, as another form, the residual sensor 36 can also be a concave-convex sensor that senses the concave-convex of an object based on the reflected wave when a radio wave (e.g., infrared rays, etc.) or an ultrasonic wave is irradiated. In this case, the residual sensor 36 determines that people or baggage are present if the concave-convex state of the interior of the vehicle is different from the initial state stored in advance. Also, in any of these cases, the vehicle controller 20 determines whether or not the cleaning process, particularly the sterilization process, can be performed based on the sensing result of the residual sensor 36.

[0043] The cleaning device 38 is a device that performs a cleaning process that cleans the interior of the vehicle. Here, cleaning means removing at least one of harmful substances and odor that are harmful to the human body from the interior of the vehicle. The detailed configuration of this cleaning device 38 will be described later.

[0044] The notification device 40 is a device that notifies the cleaning level of the taxi vehicle 12 to a user who wishes to use the taxi vehicle 12 outside the vehicle. The user who receives the notification can be a person who is located in the vicinity of the taxi vehicle 12, i.e., a person who wishes to use the taxi vehicle 12 in a ride-sharing manner, or a person who is away from the taxi vehicle 12, i.e., a person who wishes to use the taxi vehicle 12 in a pick-up manner. The detailed configuration of this notification device 40 will also be described later.

[0045] The settlement device 42 settles the usage fee of the taxi vehicle 12. The form of settlement is not particularly limited and can include at least one of cash settlement, prepaid card settlement, automatic deduction settlement, credit card settlement, and bar code settlement. To cope with these settlements, the settlement device 42 can have a money device that counts the amount of cash inserted and gives change as needed, a card reader, an RFID reader, a bar code reader, and the like.

[0046] The vehicle controller 20 controls the drive of the taxi vehicle 12. The vehicle controller 20, for example, grasps the surrounding environment of the taxi vehicle 12 based on the sensing result of the vehicle sensor group 28 and controls the drive of the drive unit 26 in such a manner that the taxi vehicle 12 can safely travel. Further, the vehicle controller 20 drives the cleaning device 38 as needed to clean the interior of the vehicle.

[0047] Such a vehicle controller 20 is a computer physically having a processor 22 and a memory 24. The "computer" also includes a microcontroller in which a computer system is assembled into one integrated circuit. Further, the processor 22 refers to a broad processor including a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.), a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Further, the processor 22 does not need to be physically one unit, and can include a plurality of processors existing at physically separate locations. Likewise, the memory 24 does not need to be physically one unit, and can be constituted by a plurality of memories existing at physically separate locations. Further, the memory 24 can include at least one of a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM, ROM, solid state drive, etc.) and a magnetic disk (for example, hard disk drive, etc.).

[0048] Next, the configuration of the management device 14 is described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 14. The management device 14 has a management controller 50, a communication I / F 56, a vehicle DB 58, and a user DB 60. The communication I / F 56 communicates with the user terminal 110 via a general-purpose communication network such as a mobile data communication network. Further, the communication I / F 56 communicates with a plurality of taxi vehicles 12 via a general-purpose communication network or a dedicated communication network.

[0049] The vehicle DB 58 is a database in which information of the plurality of taxi vehicles 12 constituting the taxi system 10 is recorded. The vehicle DB 58 records identification information, a position, an operation state, a cleaning level, and the like of each of the plurality of taxi vehicles 12.

[0050] The user DB 60 records information of the user 100. As the information of the user 100 recorded in the user DB 60, for example, identification information, a name, a settlement method, a contact method, and the like of the user 100 are included. Further, addresses of places that the user 100 has set as destinations many times, for example, own home, a company of work, and the like can be recorded in correspondence with the identification information of the user 100.

[0051] The management controller 50 controls the vehicle dispatch of the taxi vehicle 12 in accordance with a request from the user 100 sent from the user terminal 110. Further, the management controller 50 updates the vehicle DB 58 based on information sent from the taxi vehicle 12. Further, the management controller 50 also updates the user DB 60 based on the registration information of the user 100 sent from the user terminal 110. Such a management controller 50 is also constituted by a computer having a processor 52 and a memory 54.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the decontamination device 38 mounted on the taxi vehicle 12 will be described in detail. The decontamination device 38 is a device that decontaminates the interior of the vehicle. As described above, decontamination means removal of at least one of harmful substances and odors that are harmful to the human body from the interior of the vehicle. As harmful substances, for example, bacteria that are the cause of infectious diseases, viruses, allergens that are the cause of allergies, other organic substances that adversely affect health, chemical substances, and the like are included.

[0053] In order to remove such harmful substances, the decontamination device 38 can also have a sterilization device that decontaminates harmful substances using a decontamination energy or an agent. In this case, the sterilization device can output ultraviolet rays (for example, ultraviolet C waves having a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm or the like) or heat as the decontamination energy. Note that, in order to prevent leakage of ultraviolet rays to the outside of the vehicle in the case of irradiating ultraviolet rays, an electrically driven sunshade can be provided in advance on the window, and the window can be covered by the electrically driven sunshade during the ultraviolet ray irradiation period. In the case of outputting heat, the sterilization device can either heat the sterilization target itself or supply a heat medium (for example, hot water, steam, or the like) to the sterilization target. Further, the sterilization device can also output at least one of ozone, ethanol, chlorine-based sterilizing agents, and surfactants as the agent. Such an agent can be output as a gas or as a liquid. Note that, the decontamination energy and the agent that generally decontaminate harmful substances also have the effect of deodorizing a part of the cause substances of odors. Therefore, by sterilizing using the sterilization device, a deodorizing effect is also often obtained.

[0054] Further, the sterilization device can be either a surface sterilization device that sterilizes the surface of an object in the interior of the vehicle or a space sterilization device that sterilizes the entire space in the interior of the vehicle. The surface sterilization device can include, for example, a UV lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, a steamer that sprays steam, an agent nozzle that discharges a liquid agent, and the like. Note that, the steam sprayed by the steamer can be either saturated steam generated by boiling a liquid or superheated steam obtained by further heating the saturated steam. Such a surface sterilization device is very effective as an infectious disease countermeasure, and on the other hand, the sterilization target site is limited to the surface of an object, so the sterilization time can be shortened compared to the case of sterilizing the entire interior of the vehicle.

[0055] Further, the space disinfecting device can include at least one of a UV lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the space, a sprayer that sprays a liquid medicament into the vehicle, and an ejector that ejects a gaseous gas into the space. Here, the higher the concentration of the medicament, the better the disinfecting effect, but a high concentration medicament is mostly harmful to humans. Therefore, in the case where a high concentration medicament is supplied into the vehicle in a mist or gas state, in order to prevent leakage of the medicament to the outside of the vehicle, a sufficient sealing mechanism is provided in advance in the taxi vehicle 12. Further, during the period in which the high concentration medicament is supplied into the vehicle in a mist or gas state, the air exchange process of exchanging the air inside the vehicle with the air outside the vehicle is not performed, and in addition, the opening of the doors is prohibited.

[0056] Further, in such a disinfecting process, the higher the intensity of the purification energy, and in addition, the higher the concentration of the medicament, the better the disinfecting effect, and thus the vehicle can be disinfected in a short time. However, a high intensity purification energy or a high concentration medicament is mostly harmful to humans and animals. In addition, depending on the type of the purification energy and the medicament, there are raw materials that are deteriorated and damaged. For example, ozone gas has a good disinfecting effect, but it is known that a high concentration of ozone gas deteriorates resins. Therefore, it is not desirable to perform the disinfecting process in a state where a human or baggage (including animals) is left inside the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle controller 20 confirms the sensing result of the residual sensor 36 before performing the disinfecting process. Then, in the case where the residual of at least one of a human and baggage is sensed inside the vehicle, the vehicle controller 20 prohibits the disinfecting process. In addition, in the case where the residual of baggage is sensed, the vehicle controller 20 can also transmit a message informing the residual to the user terminal 110.

[0057] Further, in the execution of the disinfecting process, in the case where a person outside the vehicle wishes to start using the taxi vehicle 12, even before the completion of the disinfecting process, the cleaning device 38 ends the disinfecting process, and becomes a state in which the user 100 can ride. In this case, the settlement device 42 can change the usage fee of the taxi vehicle 12 according to the degree of cleaning at the time point of starting the use. That is, in the case where the use is started in a state where the cleaning is insufficient, compared to the case where the use is started in a state where the cleaning is completed, the usage fee can be reduced.

[0058] Further, in order to remove harmful substances and / or odor from the vehicle interior, the cleaning device 38 can also have an air replacement device that replaces the air in the vehicle interior with clean air. The air replacement device can have at least one of a ventilation device and an air cleaner. The ventilation device is a device that exchanges the air in the vehicle interior with air outside the vehicle, and for example, a vehicle-mounted air conditioning device functions as a ventilation device by operating in an outside air introduction mode. Further, the air cleaner is a device that returns the air in the vehicle interior to the vehicle interior after cleaning the air in the vehicle interior using a filter or the like. The air in the vehicle interior can be cleaned by using such a ventilation device or air cleaner. Note that the taxi vehicle 12 in this example is a small vehicle for one person, and has a small volume, so air replacement can be achieved in several minutes or so. Further, the cleaning device 38 can also include a device that outputs a fragrant agent in order to mask odor with another good scent.

[0059] Next, a specific example of the cleaning device 38 will be described. Figure 6 is a view that shows one example of the cleaning device 38. In Figure 6 example, the cleaning device 38 has a UV lamp 84, an actuator 86, and a ventilation device 82. The UV lamp 84 emits ultraviolet rays called "ultraviolet C rays" having a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm. The ultraviolet C rays are also called "germicidal ultraviolet rays", and are known to effectively inactivate bacteria and viruses that are causes of infectious diseases. For example, it is known that 99.9% inactivation of influenza viruses can be achieved by irradiation with 6.6 mJ / cm 2 of the above ultraviolet C rays.

[0060] Note that the ultraviolet C rays have high sterilizing ability, but the back side where the ultraviolet C rays cannot reach is of course not sterilized. Therefore, Figure 6 The cleaning device 38 in this example has the actuator 86 that changes at least one of the posture and position of the UV lamp 84 in accordance with an instruction from the vehicle controller 20. The actuator 86 has, for example, a motor, an electromagnetic cylinder, or the like. At least one of the position and posture of the UV lamp 84 is changed by the actuator 86, whereby the ultraviolet rays can reach various parts in the vehicle interior. Further, the UV lamp 84 and the actuator 86 do not need to be single, and a plurality of UV lamps 84 and actuators 86 can be provided in one taxi vehicle 12. Also, in Figure 6 example, the ultraviolet C rays are used to perform space sterilization that sterilizes the entire space in the vehicle interior.

[0061] Note that ultraviolet C waves have high sterilization ability, but on the other hand, are harmful to the human body, and therefore use in the presence of people is prohibited. As repeatedly described above, the driver is not in the vehicle, and the taxi vehicle 12 of this example becomes an unoccupied vehicle after the user 100 gets out of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate ultraviolet C waves to the entire interior of the vehicle. Further, in order to prevent light from the UV lamp 84 from leaking to the outside of the vehicle, the taxi vehicle 12 of this example has an electric sunroof 92. The electric sunroof 92 covers the window portion to prevent leakage of the UV lamp 84 to the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle controller 20 drives the electric sunroof 92 to cover the window portion by the sunroof member before the start of lighting of the UV lamp 84. Further, during lighting of the UV lamp 84, the vehicle door is locked by the vehicle door actuator 34 to prevent people from getting in the vehicle. Also, in the case where the presence of a person or baggage is sensed by the residual sensor 36, the UV lamp 84 is not lit.

[0062] The air exchange device 82 is a device that exchanges the air in the vehicle interior for the air outside the vehicle, and is specifically a vehicle-mounted air conditioner. This air exchange device 82 can be driven in parallel with the irradiation of ultraviolet C waves. Note that, of course, an air cleaner can be provided instead of or in addition to the air exchange device 82. In either case, in the case where the air cleaner is provided, the air cleaner is driven in parallel with the irradiation of ultraviolet C waves. Figure 6 In the case where the air cleaner is provided, the air cleaner is driven in parallel with the irradiation of ultraviolet C waves. In the case where the air cleaner is provided, the air cleaner is driven in parallel with the irradiation of ultraviolet C waves. In either case, in the case where the air cleaner is provided, the air cleaner is driven in parallel with the irradiation of ultraviolet C waves.

[0063] Next, another example of the cleaning device 38 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the cleaning device 38. This cleaning device 38 has the local sterilization device 80 and the air exchange device 82. As described above, the air exchange device 82 is a device that exchanges the air in the vehicle interior for the air outside the vehicle, and is specifically a vehicle-mounted air conditioner.

[0064] The local disinfection device 80 is a device that disinfects the surface of a contact portion that is touched by the fingers of the user 100. As the contact portion, for example, an operation panel, a handle, a seat, and the like are included. The local disinfection device 80 performs surface disinfection processing on such a contact portion. The configuration of the local disinfection device 80 is not particularly limited, but for example, can have at least one of a UV lamp 84 that irradiates ultraviolet C waves, a steam generator 88 that sprays steam, and a medicine nozzle 90 that discharges a disinfectant agent in a liquid state. Furthermore, the local disinfection device 80 can also change the content of the disinfection processing according to the characteristics of the disinfection target portion. For example, in the case of disinfecting the surface of an electronic component such as an operation panel, the local disinfection device 80 can use the UV lamp 84 or a volatile agent (for example, ethanol or the like) to disinfect without using the steam generator 88, a moisture-rich agent. Furthermore, in the case of disinfecting the surface of a member containing resin such as a handle, the local disinfection device 80 can use the steam generator 88 or an agent that does not deteriorate the resin without using the UV lamp 84.

[0065] Note that, even in the case of local disinfection, the electric sunshade 92 is driven in advance to cover the window in the case of irradiating ultraviolet C waves. Furthermore, in the case where the presence of at least one of a person and luggage in the vehicle is sensed by the residual sensor 36, the vehicle controller 20 does not drive the local disinfection device 80.

[0066] As Figure 7 in the example, only the portion touched by the fingers of the user 100 is disinfected without disinfecting the entire vehicle interior, whereby the time required for disinfection can be greatly shortened compared to the case where the entire vehicle interior space is disinfected. On the other hand, by disinfecting the portion touched by the fingers of the user 100, in addition, the risk of infection of infectious diseases can be sufficiently reduced by air exchange.

[0067] Note that, Figure 6 , Figure 7 the configuration of the cleaning device 38 illustrated in Figure 6 is one example and can be appropriately changed. For example, in Figure 6 , ultraviolet C waves are used in order to disinfect the vehicle interior space, but other agents such as ozone gas, hypochlorous acid water, and the like can also be used. Furthermore, the configuration of the local disinfection device can also be appropriately changed.

[0068] Next, the configuration of the notification device 40 will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic view that shows the configuration of the notification device 40. As described above, the notification device 40 is a device that notifies a person outside the vehicle of the cleaning level of the vehicle 12. Here, the cleaning level is a value that indicates the degree of cleaning of the vehicle interior, and for example, is a value that indicates the progress of the cleaning processing. In Figure 8In the example of FIG. 1, the cleaning level is set to Lv. 0 to Lv. 5. Also, the value of the cleaning level is increased by one every 20% of the cleaning process, and becomes Lv. 5 if the cleaning process is completed.

[0069] The notification device 40 notifies the cleaning level to a person outside the taxi vehicle 12. In order to make the notification, the notification device 40 can have, for example, a notification lamp 70 installed in a position of the taxi vehicle 12 that is visually recognized from outside (e.g., the ceiling of the taxi vehicle 12, etc.) The cleaning level can be notified to the surrounding people by changing the color and lighting form of the notification lamp 70 according to the cleaning level.

[0070] Further, as another form, the notification device 40 can have a display 72 that displays an image in a display region provided in a position of the taxi vehicle 12 that is visually recognized from outside (e.g., the side of the taxi vehicle 12, etc.). Further, as another form, the notification device 40 can have a projector 74 that projects an image to the road surface around the taxi vehicle 12. In this case, the display 72 or the projector 74 can display or project an image that indicates the cleaning level. Further, in addition to displaying or projecting an image that indicates the cleaning level, an image that indicates the estimated time until the cleaning process is completed can be displayed or projected.

[0071] Further, as another form, the notification device 40 can have a speaker 76 that outputs sound toward the outside of the taxi vehicle 12. In this case, the speaker 76 can output at least a sound that indicates the cleaning level, and can also output the estimated time until the cleaning process is completed, etc. Further, as another form, the notification device 40 can have a communication device 78 that transmits the cleaning level to a user terminal 110 located around the taxi vehicle 12.

[0072] By providing such a notification device 40, a user who wishes to use the taxi vehicle 12, i.e., a person who wants to use the taxi vehicle 12 in a ride-sharing manner, can grasp the degree of cleaning of the taxi vehicle 12 even if he or she does not ride in the taxi vehicle 12. Also, this can greatly reduce the user's 100 anxiety about hygiene when using the taxi vehicle 12.

[0073] Further, as described above, in the present example, even if the sanitization process is not completed, the user 100 can start using the taxi vehicle 12 if the user 100 so desires. That is, in the case of the ride-use, if the user 100 notifies the taxi vehicle 12 of the intention to start using, the taxi vehicle 12 ends the sterilization process and allows the use of the taxi vehicle 12 by the user 100 to start. In this case, the use fee of the taxi vehicle 12 is discounted compared to the case where the use starts after the sanitization process is completed. By adopting this configuration, the user 100 who is in a hurry can start using the taxi vehicle 12 as early as possible. Further, for the taxi vehicle 12, the waiting time for the user 100 who does not get in the vehicle is reduced, and thus the profitability is improved.

[0074] Further, in the explanation so far, the notification device 40 notifies the people located in the periphery of the taxi vehicle 12, that is, the people who want to use the taxi vehicle 12 in the ride-use, of the sanitization level. However, the notification device 40 can also notify the people who are away from the taxi vehicle 12, that is, the people who want to use the taxi vehicle 12 in the meet-use, of the sanitization level.

[0075] For example, as described above, further, as Figure 2 indicated in the example of FIG. 8, in the case of the meet-use, the user 100 sends the use request 64 to the management device 14 in order to call the taxi vehicle 12. If the management device 14 receives the use request 64, the management device 14 sends the vehicle list 66 of the taxi vehicles 12 that the user 100 can use to the user terminal 110. Further, the management device 14 sends the sanitization level of each taxi vehicle 12 to the user terminal 110 together with the vehicle list 66. The user terminal 110 displays the information sent on the screen. Figure 9 is an example of an image displayed on the user terminal 110 based on the vehicle list 66. In Figure 9 the example of FIG. 8, the map image of the periphery of the user 100 is superimposed with the mark Pl indicating the current position, and the marks VI to V5 indicating the taxi vehicles 12 that can be used. Further, the marks VI to V5 indicating the taxi vehicles 12 also include the images indicating the current sanitization level of the taxi vehicles 12. The user 100 watches the image displayed on the user terminal 110 to select the taxi vehicle 12 that the user 100 wants to call.

[0076] For example, in a case where the user 100 wants to use the taxi vehicle 12 as early as possible even if the cleaning level is low, the user 100 can select the mark V1 of the nearest taxi vehicle 12. Further, in a case where sanitation is valued, the user 100 can select the mark V5 of the taxi vehicle 12 which is slightly far away but has a high cleaning level. In this way, the user 100 can be able to select the taxi vehicle 12 which meets the user's own desire by being informed of the respective cleaning levels of the taxi vehicles 12.

[0077] Further, the notification device 40 can inform of whether or not smoking is possible in addition to the cleaning level. That is, the taxi system 10 has a plurality of taxi vehicles 12, but the plurality of taxi vehicles 12 can be classified into a non-smoking vehicle in which smoking is prohibited and a smoking vehicle in which smoking is possible. Then, whether or not smoking is possible can be informed to the user outside the vehicle via the notification device 40. With this configuration, the smoker and the non-smoker can use the taxi vehicle 12 separately from each other, and thus both can use the taxi vehicle 12 comfortably.

[0078] Further, the configurations explained so far are one example, and the taxi vehicle 12 can be configured as long as the taxi vehicle 12 has a cleaning device 38 which performs cleaning processing after use of the taxi vehicle 12 by the user 100 ends and a notification device 40 which informs of the degree of cleaning in the vehicle to the user outside the vehicle, and the user is transported to the destination by automatic driving in a state where the driver is not on board. For example, in the present example, the taxi vehicle 12 is configured to be one-person seating, but the taxi vehicle 12 can be multi-person seating as long as the taxi vehicle 12 becomes unoccupied after use ends.

Claims

1. A taxi system comprising a plurality of taxi vehicles and a management device, characterized in that, the taxi vehicle transports a user to a destination by automatic driving in a state where a driver is not on board, the taxi vehicle is provided with: a cleaning device that performs a cleaning process for removing at least one of harmful substances and odors that are harmful to a human body from inside the vehicle after use of the taxi vehicle by the user ends, the cleaning process including a sterilization process that is a process of sterilizing the inside of the vehicle by outputting at least one of a medicament and a purification energy to the inside of the vehicle; a notification device that notifies a user who wishes to use the vehicle outside the vehicle of a cleaning level indicating a degree of cleaning of the inside of the vehicle; and a settlement device that settles a use fee of the taxi vehicle, the settlement device changes the use fee in accordance with the cleaning level at a time point when the user starts using the taxi vehicle, in the taxi system, the management device collects and manages positions, operating states, and the cleaning level of a plurality of taxi vehicles, the management device receives a use request, transmits a vehicle list including an estimated time until each taxi vehicle reaches a position of the user and the cleaning level of the taxi vehicle to a user terminal, the user selects a taxi vehicle to be used from a plurality of taxi vehicles recorded in the vehicle list, and the cleaning device ends the sterilization process even before the sterilization process is completed in a case where the user starts using the taxi vehicle. Further provided are:

2. The taxi system according to claim 1, characterized in that, a residual sensor that senses a residual of a person and baggage in the inside of the vehicle, the cleaning device does not perform the sterilization process during a period in which the residual sensor senses a residual of at least one of the person and the baggage in the inside of the vehicle.

3. The taxi system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the notification device includes at least one of a lamp attached to a position in the taxi vehicle that is visually recognizable from outside the vehicle, a display that displays an image on a display area provided at a position in the taxi vehicle that is visually recognizable from outside the vehicle, a projector that projects an image to a road surface around the taxi vehicle, a speaker that outputs a sound to outside the vehicle, and a communication device that transmits information to outside the vehicle.

4. The taxi system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, a plurality of the taxi vehicles are classified into a smoking vehicle in which smoking is permitted and a non-smoking vehicle in which smoking is prohibited, the notification device outputs whether smoking is permitted or not in addition to outputting a progress of the cleaning process. ​

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