Matching system and matching method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a matching system and a matching method. A matching system that performs matching of a first vehicle that requires valet parking and a remote driver who drives the first vehicle on behalf of the first vehicle in at least one of parking-in and parking-out of the first vehicle, includes a terminal and a server. The terminal transmits a request information on behalf of the first vehicle to the server. The server that receives the request information transmits waiting time information to the terminal. The terminal notifies the user or the manager of the received waiting time information, accepts confirmation of the waiting time information or an additional fee payment instruction, and settles the additional fee in cooperation with the server upon receipt of the payment instruction. In the case where the settlement of the additional fee is completed, the server changes the order of the first vehicle in the waiting queue of the remote operation service in such a manner that the first vehicle is given priority over a second vehicle that does not pay the additional fee.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a matching system and a matching method that match a vehicle that needs at least one of drop-off and pick-up at a parking lot and a remote driver who performs driving of the vehicle by remote operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle remote driving device that enables remote operation of a vehicle is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-295360. SUMMARY

[0003] In order to utilize remote driving in a valet parking service, matching of a vehicle and a remote driver needs to be performed. Here, spending time on matching of a vehicle and a remote driver at the time of drop-off or at the time of pick-up will result in a decrease in convenience of the service.

[0004] The present disclosure was achieved in view of the problems as described above, and aims to shorten time required for matching of a vehicle and a remote driver, and improve convenience of a valet parking service.

[0005] The matching system of the present disclosure matches a first vehicle that needs at least one of drop-off and pick-up at a parking lot and a remote driver who performs driving of the first vehicle by remote operation. The matching system has a terminal and a server. The terminal is operated by a user of the first vehicle or a manager of a facility that provides the parking lot to the user. The server is connected to the terminal via a wireless communication network. The terminal transmits request information for the service to the server. The server that has received the request information transmits waiting time information until the first vehicle accepts a remote operation service performed by the remote driver to the terminal. The terminal notifies the user or the manager of the received waiting time information, and receives confirmation of the waiting time information or a payment instruction of an additional charge from the user or the manager. The terminal performs settlement of the additional charge by cooperation with the server in a case where the payment instruction is received. In a case where the settlement of the additional charge is completed, the server changes an order of the first vehicle in a waiting queue of the remote operation service in such a manner that the first vehicle is given priority over a second vehicle that does not pay the additional charge.

[0006] The server can transmit a case where an additional charge is automatically requested to the terminal in a case where there is a possibility that the first vehicle that is waiting for matching obstructs traffic, and change the order of the first vehicle in the waiting queue in such a manner that the first vehicle is given priority over the second vehicle that does not pay the additional charge.

[0007] The server can transmit revised waiting time information that is shortened along with payment of the additional charge to the terminal in a case where the settlement of the additional charge is completed.

[0008] The first vehicle can also be an autonomous vehicle including an electronic control unit that performs autonomous driving control. Also, in a case where remote operation of the first vehicle by the remote driver has not started even after a predetermined time elapses from when the request information is transmitted from the terminal, the electronic control unit can perform autonomous driving control in such a way that the first vehicle is parked on a shoulder.

[0009] The matching method of the present disclosure performs matching of a first vehicle that needs valet parking and a remote driver who valets driving of the first vehicle by remote operation. According to the matching method, request information for valet is transmitted from a terminal operated by a user of the first vehicle or a manager of a facility that provides a parking lot to a server connected to the terminal via a wireless communication network. Wait time information until the first vehicle accepts remote operation service performed by the remote driver is transmitted from the server that received the request information to the terminal. The wait time information is notified to the user or the manager from the terminal. In the terminal, confirmation of the wait time information or a payment instruction of an additional fee is made by the user or the manager. In a case where the payment instruction is received in the terminal, settlement of the additional fee is performed by cooperation of the terminal and the server. In a case where settlement of the additional fee is completed, the order of the first vehicle in a waiting queue of the remote operation service is changed by the server in such a way that the first vehicle is given priority over a second vehicle that does not pay the additional fee.

[0010] According to the matching system or the matching method of the present disclosure, in a case where the user of the first vehicle pays the additional fee, the order of the first vehicle in a waiting queue of the remote operation service is changed in such a way that the first vehicle is given priority over a second vehicle that does not pay the additional fee. In this way, in a case where it is desired to shorten the wait time at the time of entry or at the time of exit, the time required for matching of the vehicle and the remote driver can be shortened by payment of the additional fee. Thus, convenience of the valet parking service can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the matching system of Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a process of the matching method of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 3A is a diagram showing one example of order change in a waiting queue performed by processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of order change in a waiting queue performed by processing of the flowchart shown in

[0015] Figure 3B is a diagram showing one example of order change in a waiting queue by processing implementation of the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of order change in a waiting queue by processing implementation of the flowchart shown in

[0016] Figure 3C is a diagram showing one example of order change in a waiting queue by processing implementation of the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of order change in a waiting queue by processing implementation of the flowchart shown in

[0017] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a structure example of the matching system of the modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server of Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the vehicle ECU of Embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the case where the number, quantity, amount, range, and the like of each element are mentioned in the embodiments shown below, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the mentioned number except for the case where it is explicitly specified that the number is determined in principle and the case where it is explicitly specified that the number is determined in principle.

[0021] 1. Embodiment 1

[0022] 1-1. Structure Example of Matching System

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a structure example of the matching system 1 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 1 , a vehicle 10 to which the matching system 1 is applied and a remote operation center 30 are shown. Further, in Figure 1 , only one vehicle 10 is shown, but the number of vehicles 10 that are remote driving targets of remote driving by the remote operation center 30 is plural.

[0024] The vehicle 10 is configured to be remotely driven by a remote driver who operates a remote driving terminal 32 described later. In addition, as one example, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle 10 is provided with a steering device 12, a driving device 14, a braking device 16, an on-vehicle electronic control unit (vehicle ECU) 18, an on-vehicle communication machine 20, a vehicle state sensor 22, an identification sensor 24, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 26, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 28, and an emergency stop flasher 29. Further, the vehicle 10 can not necessarily be configured to be autonomously driven as long as it is configured to be remotely driven.

[0025] The steering device 12, the drive device 14, and the brake device 16 are, for example, each of them is of a by-wire type, and perform steering, drive, and braking of the vehicle 10, respectively. The steering device 12, for example, has an electrically driven steering actuator that is mechanically decoupled from a steering wheel and performs steering of wheels. The drive device 14 is, for example, an electric motor or an internal combustion engine having an electronically controlled throttle valve. The brake device 16 is, for example, an electronically controlled brake (ECB).

[0026] The vehicle ECU 18 is a computer that controls the vehicle 10. Specifically, the vehicle ECU 18 has a processor 18a and a storage device 18b. The processor 18a performs various processes. The various processes include a process for controlling travel of the vehicle 10 based on information from the remote operation center 30 and a process for automatic driving control. The storage device 18b stores various information. As the storage device 18b, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive) are exemplified. The various processes performed by the vehicle ECU 18 are realized by execution of various computer programs by the vehicle ECU 18 (the processor 18a). The various programs are stored in the storage device 18b or recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the processor 18a and the storage device 18b can be plural.

[0027] The on-board communication machine 20 includes a processor and communicates with the remote operation center 30 (the communication device 36 described later) via a wireless communication network 40. The vehicle state sensor 22 detects a state of the vehicle 10. As the vehicle state sensor 22, a vehicle speed sensor (wheel speed sensor), a steering angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, and a lateral acceleration sensor are exemplified. The recognition sensor 24 recognizes (detects) a situation around the vehicle 10. As the recognition sensor 24, a camera, a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and a radar are exemplified. The GNSS receiver 26 acquires a position and an orientation of the vehicle 10 based on a signal from a GNSS satellite. As the HMI device 28, a touch panel, a microphone, and a speaker are exemplified.

[0028] The remote operation center 30 has a remote driving terminal 32, a server 34, and a communication device 36. The remote driving terminal 32 and the communication device 36 are connected to the server 34 via a wireless or wired communication network.

[0029] In the remote driving terminal 32, as a remote operator operated by an operator (remote driver) for remote operation of the vehicle 10, for example, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, and a brake pedal are provided. In addition, the remote driving terminal 32 is provided with a display used in remote operation by the remote driver. The display displays, for example, an image of the surroundings (at least the front) of the vehicle 10 taken by a camera (recognition sensor 24) of the vehicle 10.

[0030] The server 34 is a computer that executes processing related to remote driving of the vehicle 10 by the remote driving terminal 32 and processing related to matching in the matching system 1. Specifically, the server 34 is provided with a processor 34a and a storage device 34b. The processor 34a executes various processing. The storage device 34b stores various information. The storage device 34b is specifically the same as the example of the storage device 18b described above. By executing various computer programs by the server 34 (processor 34a), various processing implemented by the server 34 is realized. The various computer programs are stored in the storage device 34b or recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the processor 34a and the storage device 34b can also be plural.

[0031] The remote driving terminal 32 connected to the server 34 can also be plural. That is, the server 34 can also have a function of managing a plurality of remote driving terminals 32.

[0032] The communication device 36 communicates with the vehicle 10 (on-vehicle communication machine 20) via the wireless communication network 40. Specifically, in a case where the remote driving terminal 32 remotely operates the vehicle 10, the communication device 36 acquires information displayed on the display of the remote driving terminal 32 and the like, information required for remote driving, from the vehicle 10, and transmits it to the remote driving terminal 32 via the server 34. In addition, the communication device 36 acquires operation information of the vehicle 10 performed by the remote driver from the remote driving terminal 32 via the server 34, and transmits it to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the communication device 36 transmits and receives information related to matching in the matching system 1 between the on-vehicle communication machine 20.

[0033] 1-2. Matching of vehicle and remote driver

[0034] According to Figure 1The illustrated system structure enables the use of remote driving of the vehicle 10 by a remote driver in a valet parking service. More specifically, a user of the vehicle 10 moves to a facility having a parking lot (e.g., a hotel) as a destination by automatic driving or manual driving by the user. The user who has arrived at a waiting place for valet parking (e.g., an entrance of the hotel) in the vicinity of the destination can entrust the remote driver with the task of parking the vehicle 10 in the parking lot. In addition, the valet parking service using remote driving is not limited to the parking-in, but can also be used at the time of parking-out from the parking lot. That is, the user can also entrust the remote driver with the task of parking the vehicle 10 out of the parking lot.

[0035] The matching system 1 performs matching of the vehicle 10 that needs to be parked in or out of the parking lot, and the remote driver who performs the driving of the vehicle 10 by remote operation. Here, there is a problem that the convenience of the valet parking service (i.e., the parking-in or out service) decreases when time is taken in matching the vehicle and the remote driver at the time of parking-in or out due to the number of vehicles 10 that request the task and wait being large, or the like.

[0036] In view of the above problem, the matching in the matching system 1 of the present embodiment is performed using the matching method described below. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the matching method of Embodiment 1. The matching is performed by cooperation of the server 34 and the on-vehicle communication machine 20. In addition, the on-vehicle communication machine 20 corresponds to one example of the "terminal" of the present disclosure. Further, in the following description, the vehicle 10 that is described as an object of the processing performed by the server 34 or the on-vehicle communication machine 20 will be appropriately also referred to as "this vehicle 10 (corresponding to the "first vehicle" of the present disclosure)" in order to distinguish from other vehicles 10 that desire matching.

[0037] In Figure 2 In the on-vehicle communication machine 20, the processing starts when the user of the this vehicle 10 that desires the parking-in or out service (valet parking service) performed by the remote driver starts a dedicated application.

[0038] The on-vehicle communication machine 20 transmits the task request information to the server 34 in step S100 in the case where the parking-in or out task request has been accepted from the user of the this vehicle 10 that uses the above-described application. Specifically, for example, in the storage device 32b of the server 34, vehicle information necessary for implementing remote driving is registered in advance for each vehicle 10 that desires to use the task service. In the task request information in step S100, the vehicle information of the this vehicle 10 that requests the task this time is also included together with information indicating the task request.

[0039] The processing in the server 34 (the processor 34a) starts upon receiving the commission request information from the on-vehicle communication machine 20. The server 34 that has received the commission request information adds the own vehicle 10 that has transmitted the commission request information to the waiting queue Q in step S200.

[0040] The waiting queue Q is a list of the vehicles 10 for which remote operation by a remote driver is desired. The waiting queue Q can be exclusive to the commission service (valet parking service) of the present embodiment, or can be shared with other vehicles for which a taxi service or the like is desired, for example. In addition, the waiting queue Q is managed in principle according to the rule of FIFO (First-In-First-Out). Therefore, in principle, the vehicles that have made a request first are sequentially completed for matching with a remote driver.

[0041] Further, in the case where a plurality of remote drivers are provided in the remote operation center 30, either one waiting queue Q can be made for each remote driver, or one waiting queue Q can be shared by a plurality of remote drivers. In the case where a waiting queue Q is made for each remote driver, the processing of the server 34 in step S200 includes processing of deciding a remote driver who will undertake the remote driving service for the own vehicle 10 that has made the present commission request, in accordance with a predetermined rule.

[0042] Figure 3A is a view that shows one example of the waiting queue Q used in the processing of step S200. In Figures 3A to 3C , three vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C that have made a commission request before the own vehicle 10 are illustrated in addition to the own vehicle 10. The waiting order of these three vehicles 10 is the order of the vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C. According to the rule of FIFO, in this example, the own vehicle 10 is added to the waiting queue Q after the vehicle 10C.

[0043] In step S202 that follows step S200, the server 34 transmits waiting time information until the own vehicle 10 accepts the commission service by a remote driver, to the on-vehicle communication machine 20. The waiting time information is, for example, information that indicates the waiting order of the own vehicle 10 itself as shown in Figure 3A . Alternatively, for example, the server 34 can calculate the waiting time of the own vehicle 10 from the waiting queue Q, and use the calculated waiting time as the waiting time information.

[0044] The on-vehicle communication machine 20, after receiving the waiting time information in step S102, notifies the user of the own vehicle 10 of the waiting time information in step S104. For example, it is possible to notify the waiting time information to at least one of display to a display and sound, by using the HMI device 28. After that, the processing proceeds to step S106.

[0045] In step S106, the in-vehicle communication machine 20 receives a confirmation of the waiting time information notified in step S104 from the user, or a payment instruction of an additional charge. The additional charge is, for example, a fixed amount of money.

[0046] In a case where the user's confirmation is received in step S106, the in-vehicle communication machine 20 transmits the confirmation information to the server 34 in step S108, and performs settlement of the basic charge in cooperation with the server 34. After the process in step S108 is completed, the process of the in-vehicle communication machine 20 ends.

[0047] On the other hand, in a case where the payment instruction of the additional charge is received in step S106, the in-vehicle communication machine 20 transmits information indicating the intention of payment of the additional charge to the server 34 in step S110, and performs settlement of the basic charge and the additional charge in cooperation with the server 34.

[0048] In step S204, the server 34 receives the confirmation information or the information indicating the intention of payment of the additional charge. As a result, in a case where the confirmation information is received from the in-vehicle communication machine 20, the server 34 performs settlement of the basic charge in cooperation with the in-vehicle communication machine 20 in step S206. Thereafter, the process of the server 34 ends.

[0049] In addition, in a case where the information indicating the intention of payment of the additional charge is received from the in-vehicle communication machine 20 in step S206, the server 34 performs settlement of the basic charge and the additional charge in cooperation with the in-vehicle communication machine 20 in step S208. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0050] In step S210, the server 34 changes the order of the own vehicle 10 in the waiting queue Q in such a manner that the own vehicle 10 having paid the additional charge is given priority over vehicles (corresponding to "second vehicles" of the present disclosure) having not paid the additional charge.

[0051] Figure 3B is a diagram showing a specific example 1 of the process in step S210. The specific example 1 corresponds to a case where none of the three vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C which have issued the commission request prior to the own vehicle 10 have paid the additional charge. In this specific example 1, the server 34 changes the order of the own vehicle 10 in such a manner that the own vehicle 10 having paid the additional charge is moved to the head of the waiting queue Q. In conjunction therewith, the waiting orders of the vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C are each shifted one position backward. Further, in a case where the waiting queue Q is shared with other remote operation services such as a taxi service, the server 34 may, for example, change the order of the own vehicle 10 in such a manner that the own vehicle 10 is given priority not only over the vehicles 10A to 10C but also over vehicles waiting for provision of the other remote operation services.

[0052] Figure 3C is a drawing showing a specific example 2 of the processing of step S210. The specific example 2 corresponds to an example in which only the vehicle 10A pays the additional fee among the vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C. In this specific example 2, the server 34 changes the order of the own vehicle 10 in such a manner that the own vehicle 10 moves next to the vehicle 10A which paid the additional fee first. Along therewith, the waiting orders of the vehicles 10B and 10C which did not pay the additional fee are each shifted one step back. Further, in another example in which not only the vehicle 10A but also the vehicle 10B pays the additional fee, the server 34 changes the orders of the own vehicle 10 and the vehicle 10C in such a manner that the own vehicle 10 moves next to the vehicle 10B.

[0053] In step S212 following step S210, the server 34 transmits the corrected waiting time information shortened in association with the payment of the additional fee to the on-vehicle communication machine 20. Thereafter, the processing of the server 34 ends.

[0054] The on-vehicle communication machine 20 receives the corrected waiting time information in step S112 following step S110, and notifies the user of the received corrected waiting time information using the HMI device 28 in step S114. Thereby, the user can grasp the waiting time after the payment of the additional fee. Thereafter, the processing of the on-vehicle communication machine 20 ends.

[0055] 1-3. Effects

[0056] According to the matching system 1 described above, in a case where the user of the own vehicle 10 pays the additional fee to the remote operation center 30, the order of the own vehicle 10 in the waiting queue Q of the remote operation service is changed in such a manner that the own vehicle 10 is given priority over the vehicles which did not pay the additional fee. In this way, in a case where it is desired to shorten the waiting time at the time of entry into the garage or at the time of exit from the garage, the time required for the matching of the vehicle 10 and the remote driver can be shortened by the payment of the additional fee. Thereby, the convenience of the concierge service (valet parking service) can be improved.

[0057] 1-4. Modification

[0058] In the above-described embodiment 1, the on-vehicle communication machine 20 is described as one example of the "terminal" of the present disclosure. However, the "terminal" can also be a portable terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user of the vehicle 10.

[0059] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a structure example of a matching system 2 of a modification of the embodiment 1. The matching system 2 is different from the matching system 1 of the embodiment 1 in that a portable terminal 50 is additionally provided. Figure 1The matching system 1 shown differs. Specifically, the portable terminal 50 includes a processor, and is connected to the remote operation center 30 and the vehicle 10 via the wireless communication network 40.

[0060] The portable terminal 50 is owned by, for example, the user of the vehicle 10. The user who has arrived at a waiting place for valet parking can also operate the portable terminal 50 instead of the on-vehicle communication machine 20 to request the valet service from the server 34. That is, with respect to matching, the portable terminal 50 performs the same processing as the on-vehicle communication machine 20 explained in Embodiment 1. By using the portable terminal 50, the user can request the valet service after getting off the vehicle 10. In this case, in order for the server 34 to determine the vehicle 10 that accepts the valet service, the portable terminal 50 and the vehicle 10 need to be associated. Therefore, for example, information required for determining the vehicle 10 from information of the portable terminal 50 that performs communication for matching can be registered in advance in a database possessed by the storage 32b of the server 34.

[0061] In addition, the valet request to the remote driver at the time of entry into the garage or at the time of exit from the garage can also be made not by the user of the vehicle 10 but by a manager of a facility (for example, a hotel) that provides a parking lot to the user. Therefore, Figure 4 The portable terminal 50 shown can also be owned not by the user of the vehicle 10 but by the manager. According to this example in which the portable terminal 50 is operated by the manager, the above facility can provide the user with the valet parking service (valet service) of high convenience using the matching system 2 including payment of an additional charge.

[0062] Further, in the above Embodiment 1, an example in which the additional charge paid for shortening the waiting time is a fixed amount is explained. However, the amount of the additional charge can also be arbitrary, for example, by the user or the manager. Also, in the case where a plurality of vehicles that have paid the additional charge exist in the waiting queue Q, the amount of the additional charge can also be made more preferential the earlier the request for the valet service is made. That is, the order of the vehicles in the waiting queue Q can also be changed in such a manner that the vehicle for which the request for the valet service is made later and for which the additional charge is more is given priority over the vehicle for which the request for the valet service is made earlier and for which the additional charge is less.

[0063] 2. Embodiment 2

[0064] Embodiment 2 adds to the server 34 the processing of Figure 5 The processing shown differs from Embodiment 1.

[0065] Figure 5is a flowchart showing the processing of the server 34 of Embodiment 2. The processing of this flowchart starts when the server 34 receives the request information from the on-vehicle communication machine 20.

[0066] If it takes time to match, there is a possibility that the vehicle 10 waiting for matching blocks traffic. Therefore, in Figure 5 , the server 34 determines whether there is a possibility that the vehicle 10 waiting for matching blocks traffic in step S300.

[0067] The determination of step S300 can be made, for example, by detecting vehicles around the vehicle 10 with a camera included in the recognition sensor 24. In addition, the determination can also be made using position information of each vehicle shared by communication between the vehicle 10 and vehicles around it.

[0068] In a case where there is no possibility that the vehicle 10 blocks traffic in step S300, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is ended. In this case, the processing for matching according to the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is continued.

[0069] On the other hand, in a case where there is a possibility that the vehicle 10 blocks traffic in step S300, instead of the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 2 , the processing of the following steps S302 and S304 is executed.

[0070] In step S302, the server 34 transmits a case where an additional charge is automatically requested for the purpose of quickly completing matching of the vehicle 10 and the remote driver to the on-vehicle communication machine 20. In the example where the portable terminal 50 is provided, the server 34 can also transmit a case where an additional charge is automatically requested to the portable terminal 50.

[0071] In step S304 following step S302, the server 34 changes the order of the vehicle (the vehicle itself) 10 in the waiting queue Q in such a manner that the vehicle (the vehicle itself) 10 is given priority over a vehicle that does not pay an additional charge.

[0072] According to the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 described above, in a case where there is a possibility that the vehicle 10 waiting for matching blocks traffic, the server 34 automatically requests an additional charge regardless of whether the user of the vehicle 10 has the idea of paying the additional charge. As a result, the waiting time for matching is shortened, and the vehicle 10 can be moved quickly. Therefore, it is possible to provide a valet parking service using remote driving while suppressing the vehicle 10 waiting for matching from blocking traffic.

[0073] 3. Embodiment 3

[0074] Implementation method 3 involves adding the following to the vehicle ECU 18. Figure 6 The aspects of the processing shown are different from those in Implementation 1.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the vehicle ECU 18 in Embodiment 3. The processing described in this flowchart is as follows: Figure 2 In step S100 of the flowchart shown, the process begins when the vehicle-mounted communication unit 20 sends a proxy request information.

[0076] exist Figure 6 In step S400, the vehicle ECU 18 (processor 18a) determines whether a predetermined time T has elapsed since the vehicle communication unit 20 (terminal) sent the proxy request information. This predetermined time T is, for example, equivalent to the standard time required from sending the proxy request information to the remote driver initiating remote operation. If the predetermined time T has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0077] In step S402, the vehicle ECU 18 determines whether remote operation of the vehicle (this vehicle) 10 performed by the remote driver has started. Whether remote operation has started can be determined, for example, based on the transmission and reception results of signals for remote operation between the server 34 and the vehicle ECU 18. As a result, if remote operation has started, the current flowchart processing ends.

[0078] On the other hand, in step S402, if remote operation has not started even after a predetermined time T has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the vehicle ECU 18 performs automatic driving control by causing the vehicle 10 to leave the waiting area and stop on the shoulder. Additionally, the vehicle ECU 18 causes the emergency stop flasher 29 to flash.

[0079] Based on the above explanation Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates that, in the case where the start of remote operation performed by a remote driver takes time relative to the pre-determined standard time T, the autonomous driving control of vehicle 10 can be used to suppress vehicle 10 from obstructing traffic.

Claims

1. A matching system for matching a first vehicle requiring assistance with at least one aspect of parking lot entry and exit with a remote driver who is acting as the driver for the first vehicle via remote operation, the matching system being characterized by comprising: The terminal is operated by the user of the first vehicle or by the manager of the parking facility provided to the user; and The server is connected to the terminal via a wireless communication network. The terminal sends the request information for the errand to the server. Upon receiving the request information, the server adds the first vehicle to the waiting queue for remote operation services performed by the remote driver, and sends the waiting time information until the first vehicle accepts the remote operation service performed by the remote driver to the terminal. The terminal will notify the user or the administrator of the received waiting time information, and the user or administrator may confirm the waiting time information or issue an instruction to pay additional fees based on the payment. Upon receiving the payment instruction, the terminal, in cooperation with the server, executes the settlement of the additional fee. Upon completion of the settlement of the additional fee, the server changes the order of the first vehicle in the waiting queue of the remote operation service in a manner that prioritizes the first vehicle over the second vehicle that has not paid the additional fee. If the server determines that there is a possibility that the first vehicle is obstructing traffic while waiting for the match by detecting vehicles around the first vehicle through the identification sensor installed on the first vehicle, or if it determines that there is a possibility that the first vehicle is obstructing traffic while waiting for the match by sharing the location information of each vehicle through communication between the first vehicle and the vehicles around the first vehicle, the server automatically requests the additional fee from the terminal.

2. The matching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upon completion of the settlement of the additional fee, the server sends the terminal information regarding the shortened waiting time associated with the payment of the additional fee.

3. The matching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first vehicle is an autonomous vehicle that includes an electronic control unit for autonomous driving control. If, even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request information was sent from the terminal, the remote operation of the first vehicle by the remote driver has not yet commenced, the electronic control unit causes the first vehicle to perform the automatic driving control by parking it on the shoulder.

4. A matching method for matching a first vehicle requiring assistance with at least one aspect of parking lot entry and exit, and a remote driver facilitating the driving of the first vehicle via remote operation, the matching method being characterized in that... The proxy request information is sent from a terminal operated by the user of the first vehicle or the manager of the parking facility providing the parking lot to the user to a server connected to the terminal via a wireless communication network. Upon receiving the request information, the server adds the first vehicle to the waiting queue for remote operation services performed by the remote driver, and sends the waiting time information to the terminal until the first vehicle accepts the remote operation service performed by the remote driver. The terminal notifies the user or administrator of the waiting time information. In the terminal, the user or administrator confirms the waiting time information or issues an instruction to pay additional fees. Upon receiving the payment instruction, the terminal, through the collaboration of the terminal and the server, executes the settlement of the additional fee. Upon completion of the settlement of the additional fee, the server shall change the order of the first vehicle in the waiting queue of the remote operation service in a manner that prioritizes the first vehicle over the second vehicle, which has not paid the additional fee. If the server determines that there is a possibility that the first vehicle is obstructing traffic while waiting for the match by detecting vehicles around the first vehicle through the identification sensor installed on the first vehicle, or if it determines that there is a possibility that the first vehicle is obstructing traffic while waiting for the match by sharing the location information of each vehicle through communication between the first vehicle and the vehicles around the first vehicle, the server automatically requests the additional fee from the terminal.

5. The matching method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Upon completion of the settlement of the additional fee, the server sends information from the terminal regarding the shortened waiting time that accompanied the payment of the additional fee.

6. The matching method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first vehicle is an autonomous vehicle that includes an electronic control unit for autonomous driving control. If, even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request information was sent from the terminal, the remote operation of the first vehicle by the remote driver has not yet commenced, the electronic control unit shall cause the first vehicle to perform the autonomous driving control by stopping on the shoulder.

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