Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method, and provides a technology for efficiently delivering articles. An information processing apparatus (10) includes a control section (13). The control section (13) acquires information of a scheduled time (T1) at which an article (4) is loaded onto a vehicle (20). The control section (13) acquires a predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle (20) at the scheduled time (T1). The control section (13) determines whether there is a space for loading the article (4) in the vehicle (20) at the scheduled time (T1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, technologies for realizing mixed passenger and freight transport were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device for managing the operation of an autonomous vehicle having a loading space for loading goods.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-149576 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In previous technologies, there was room for improvement in the efficiency of transporting goods.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of the above points, is to provide a technique for efficiently transporting articles.

[0008] One embodiment of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure includes a control unit that acquires information about a predetermined time for loading an item into a vehicle, acquires a predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the predetermined time, and determines whether there is space in the vehicle for loading the item at the predetermined time.

[0009] One embodiment of the information processing method disclosed herein includes:

[0010] Obtain information on the scheduled time for loading the items into the vehicle;

[0011] Obtain a predicted value for the number of passengers in the vehicle at the predetermined time; and

[0012] Determine whether there is space in the vehicle at the predetermined time for loading the item.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a technique for efficiently transporting articles can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a block diagram of an information processing system.

[0016] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device.

[0017] (Symbol Explanation)

[0018] 1: Information processing system; 2: Network; 3A, 3B: Station; 4: Goods; 10: Information processing device; 11: Communication unit; 12: Storage unit; 13: Control unit; 20: Vehicle; 21: Communication unit; 22: Positioning unit; 23: Output unit; 24: Storage unit; 25: Control unit; 30: Terminal device; 31: Communication unit; 32: Positioning unit; 33: Input unit; 34: Output unit; 35: Storage unit; 36: Control unit; 40: Output device; 41: Communication unit; 42: Output unit; 43: Storage unit; 44: Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] (Structure of an information processing system)

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 1 includes at least one information processing device 10, at least one vehicle 20, at least one terminal device 30, and at least one output device 40. However, the information processing system 1 may also not include multiple terminal devices 30 and / or multiple output devices 40. The information processing system 1 only needs to include at least one information processing device 10, at least one vehicle 20, at least one terminal device 30, and at least one output device 40. The information processing system 1 does not necessarily include terminal devices 30 and output devices 40.

[0022] The information processing device 10, vehicle 20, terminal device 30, and output device 40 can communicate via network 2. Network 2 can also be any network, including mobile communication networks and the Internet.

[0023] Information processing device 10, for example, manages the operation of vehicle 20. Information processing device 10 may be, for example, a dedicated computer, a general-purpose personal computer, or a cloud computing system configured to function as a server.

[0024] Vehicle 20 travels within a pre-defined area. This area contains a factory. However, vehicle 20 can also travel at any location outside the designated area. In this embodiment, vehicle 20 circulates along a pre-defined route within the area. The route circulated by vehicle 20 may include one or more stations. For example, the route circulated by vehicle 20 may include station 3A and station 3B. Alternatively, the route circulated by vehicle 20 may not include multiple stations. The route circulated by vehicle 20 only needs to include at least one station.

[0025] Vehicle 20 can accommodate both passengers and cargo. That is, vehicle 20 can transport both users and goods together. Users of vehicle 20 may be, for example, workers in a factory within the site. Users use vehicle 20 to commute to and from work. Users board or alight from vehicle 20 at stations. Goods transported by vehicle 20 may be, for example, parts used in the factory or parts produced in the factory. Goods are loaded onto or unloaded from vehicle 20 at stations.

[0026] In this embodiment, vehicle 20 transports item 4. Item 4 is loaded onto vehicle 20 at station 3A. Item 4 is unloaded from vehicle 20 at station 3B. That is, vehicle 20 transports item 4 from station 3A to station 3B.

[0027] Vehicle 20 can be any type of automobile. Vehicle 20 can be, for example, a gasoline-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Vehicle 20 can also be driven by a driver. Part of the driving of vehicle 20 can be automated at any level. The level of automation can be, for example, any of Levels 1 to 5 in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) classification. Vehicle 20 can also be a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) vehicle.

[0028] Terminal device 30 is used by a user. The user, for example, holds terminal device 30 while riding in vehicle 20. Terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, or personal computer (PC).

[0029] The output device 40 is located at a station on the route along which the vehicle 20 cycles. The output device 40 is, for example, a digital sign.

[0030] <Structure of an Information Processing Device>

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0032] The communication section 11 is configured to include at least one communication module connectable to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module corresponding to a standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN. The communication module is not limited to this. The communication module can correspond to any communication standard. The communication section 11 connects to the network 2 via the wired LAN or the wireless LAN through the communication module.

[0033] The storage section 12 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two kinds of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or the like. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), or the like. The storage section 12 can function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. In the storage section 12, data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10 are stored.

[0034] The control section 13 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of them. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized in a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like. The control section 13 controls each section of the information processing device 10 while performing a process related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0035] The functions of the information processing device 10 are achieved by executing the processing program of this embodiment using a processor equivalent to the control unit 13. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are implemented through software. The processing program causes the computer to perform the actions of the information processing device 10, thereby enabling the computer to function as the information processing device 10. In other words, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the actions of the information processing device 10 according to the processing program.

[0036] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 can also be implemented through a dedicated circuit equivalent to the control unit 13. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 can also be implemented in hardware.

[0037] The control unit 13 can receive the location information of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 via the network 2 through the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 can store the received location information of the vehicle 20 in the storage unit 12, corresponding to the time of receipt. Additionally, the control unit 13 can receive the location information of the terminal device 30 and the user's identification information from the terminal device 30 via the network 2 through the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 can store the received location information of the terminal device 30 and the user's identification information in the storage unit 12, corresponding to the time of receipt.

[0038] <Vehicle Structure>

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 20 includes a communication unit 21, a positioning unit 22, an output unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0040] The communication unit 21 is configured to include at least one communication module that can be connected to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). However, the communication module is not limited to these. The communication module can correspond to any communication standard.

[0041] The communication unit 21 may also be configured to include a communication module capable of performing short-range wireless communication. The communication module may be, for example, a communication module compatible with short-range wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0042] The positioning section 22 is capable of acquiring position information of the vehicle 20. The positioning section 22 is configured to include at least one reception module corresponding to a satellite positioning system. The reception module is, for example, a reception module corresponding to a GPS (Global Positioning System). However, the reception module is not limited thereto. The reception module can be a reception module corresponding to any satellite positioning system.

[0043] The output section 23 is capable of outputting data. The output section 23 is configured to include at least one output interface capable of outputting data. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker, or the like. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. In the present embodiment, the output section 23 is represented as a display. However, the output interface is not limited thereto. Figure 1

[0044] The storage section 24 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two kinds thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM, or the like. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM, or the like. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM, or the like. The storage section 24 can function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. In the storage section 24, data used in the operation of the vehicle 20 and data obtained through the operation of the vehicle 20 are stored.

[0045] The control section 25 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized in a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC, or the like. The control section 25 controls each section of the vehicle 20 while performing a process related to the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0046] The functions of the vehicle 20 are realized by executing the vehicle program of the present embodiment by means of the processor corresponding to the control section 25. That is, the functions of the vehicle 20 are realized by software. The vehicle program causes a computer to perform the operation of the vehicle 20, and causes the computer to function as the vehicle 20. That is, the computer functions as the vehicle 20 by performing the operation of the vehicle 20 in accordance with the vehicle program.

[0047] Part or all of the functions of the vehicle 20 can also be realized by the dedicated circuit corresponding to the control section 25. That is, part or all of the functions of the vehicle 20 can also be realized by hardware.

[0048] ​The control unit 25 obtains the location information of the vehicle 20 through the positioning unit 22. The control unit 25 transmits the obtained location information of the vehicle 20 to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication unit 21. The control unit 25 can obtain the location information of the vehicle 20 at preset time intervals and transmit the obtained location information of the vehicle 20 to the information processing device 10. This time interval can be set according to the average speed of the vehicle 20, etc.

[0049] <Structure of Terminal Device>

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a positioning unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, a storage unit 35, and a control unit 36.

[0051] The communication unit 31 is configured to include at least one communication module that can be connected to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. However, the communication module is not limited to these. The communication module can correspond to any communication standard.

[0052] The positioning unit 32 is capable of acquiring the location information of the terminal device 30. The positioning unit 32 is configured to include at least one receiving module corresponding to a satellite positioning system. The receiving module is, for example, a receiving module corresponding to GPS. However, the receiving module is not limited to this. The receiving module can be a receiving module corresponding to any satellite positioning system.

[0053] The input unit 33 is capable of accepting input from the user. The input unit 33 is configured to include at least one input interface capable of accepting input from the user. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, an electrostatic capacitive key, an indicator device, a touch screen integrated with the display, or a microphone. However, the input interface is not limited to these.

[0054] The output unit 34 is capable of outputting data. The output unit 34 is configured to include at least one output interface capable of outputting data. The output interface may be, for example, a display or a speaker. The display may be, for example, an LCD or an OLED display. However, the output interface is not limited to these.

[0055] The storage unit 35 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 35 can function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 35 stores data used in the operation of the terminal device 30 and data obtained through the operation of the terminal device 30.

[0056] The control unit 36 ​​is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. While controlling various parts of the terminal device 30, the control unit 36 ​​performs processing related to the operation of the terminal device 30.

[0057] The terminal device 30 functions by executing the terminal program of this embodiment using a processor equivalent to the control unit 36. That is, the functions of the terminal device 30 are implemented through software. The terminal program causes the computer to perform the actions of the terminal device 30, thereby enabling the computer to function as the terminal device 30. In other words, the computer functions as the terminal device 30 by executing the actions of the terminal device 30 according to the terminal program.

[0058] Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the terminal device 30 can be implemented through a dedicated circuit equivalent to the control unit 36. That is, some or all of the functions of the terminal device 30 can also be implemented in hardware.

[0059] The control unit 36 ​​obtains the location information of the terminal device 30 through the positioning unit 32. The control unit 36 ​​then transmits the obtained location information of the terminal device 30, along with the user's identification information, to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication unit 31. The user's identification information is information that can uniquely identify the user. The control unit 36 ​​can obtain the location information of the terminal device 30 at preset time intervals and transmit it to the information processing device 10 along with the user's identification information. This time interval can be set according to factors such as the average speed of the terminal device 30.

[0060] <Structure of the output device>

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the output device 40 includes a communication unit 41, an output unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a control unit 44.

[0062] The communication unit 41 is configured to include at least one communication module that can be connected to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. However, the communication module is not limited to these. The communication module can correspond to any communication standard.

[0063] The output unit 42 is capable of outputting data. The output unit 42 is configured to include at least one output interface capable of outputting data. The output interface may be, for example, a display or a speaker. The display may be, for example, an LCD or an OLED display. Figure 1 In this context, output unit 42 is referred to as a display. However, the output interface is not limited to this.

[0064] The storage section 43 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two kinds of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM, or the like. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM, or the like. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM, or the like. The storage section 43 can function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. In the storage section 43, data used in the operation of the output device 40 and data obtained through the operation of the output device 40 are stored.

[0065] The control section 44 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of them. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized in a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC, or the like. The control section 44 controls each section of the output device 40 while performing a process related to the operation of the output device 40.

[0066] The function of the output device 40 is realized by executing the output program of the present embodiment by the processor corresponding to the control section 44. That is, the function of the output device 40 is realized by software. The output program causes a computer to perform the operation of the output device 40, and causes the computer to function as the output device 40. That is, the computer functions as the output device 40 by performing the operation of the output device 40 according to the output program.

[0067] Part or all of the function of the output device 40 can also be realized by the dedicated circuit corresponding to the control section 44. That is, part or all of the function of the output device 40 can also be realized by hardware.

[0068] (Process of the information processing system)

[0069] Hereinafter, the process of the information processing device 10 will be described.

[0070] <Acquisition process at predetermined time>

[0071] The control section 13 acquires information of the scheduled time Tl at which the article 4 is loaded to the vehicle 20. In the present embodiment, the control section 13 acquires the information of the scheduled time Tl by receiving the transport information of the article 4 from a terminal device of a manager of the article 4 or an external server or the like via the network 2 using the communication section 11. For example, in a case where the article 4 is transported from a certain factory in the site to another factory by the vehicle 20, the control section 13 receives the transport information of the article 4 from the terminal device of the manager of the article 4 by the communication section 11. For example, in a case where the article 4 is a part produced outside and brought into the site from the outside, the control section 13 receives the transport information of the article 4 from the external server by the communication section 11. Note that the control section 13 can acquire the information of the scheduled time Tl by any method.

[0072] The transport information of the article 4 includes, for example, the information of the scheduled time Tl described above, the information of the station 3A at which the article 4 is loaded to the vehicle 20, the information of the station 3B at which the article 4 is unloaded from the vehicle 20, the information of the size of the article 4, and the information of the weight of the article 4, and the like. Note that the transport information of the article 4 can include any information related to the transport of the article 4.

[0073] The control section 13 can determine the first station at which the article 4 is scheduled to be loaded to the vehicle 20 and the second station at which the article 4 is scheduled to be unloaded from the vehicle 20 upon receiving the transport information of the article 4. In the present embodiment, the control section 13 determines the first station as the station 3A and the second station as the station 3B.

[0074] <Acquisition of Prediction Value>

[0075] The control section 13 acquires the prediction value of the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl after acquiring the information of the scheduled time Tl. The control section 13 can acquire the prediction value of the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl by taking, for example, the time point at which the user completes the boarding and alighting of the vehicle 20 at the station 3A, i.e., the departure time of the vehicle 20 at the station 3A, as the scheduled time Tl. The control section 13 can acquire the prediction value of the number of passengers by any method.

[0076] As one example, the control section 13 can acquire the prediction value of the passenger number of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl, based on the information of the past passenger number of the vehicle 20. In a case where the vehicle 20 circulates on the same route with the same operation schedule on weekdays, the passenger number of the vehicle 20 at the same time of day can be the same degree as long as it is a weekday, even if the day of the week is different. The time indicates, for example, the hour such as 8:50 and the minute. In a case where the vehicle 20 circulates on the same route with the same operation schedule on weekdays, and the scheduled time Tl is a time of day on a weekday, the control section 13 can calculate the average value of the passenger number of the vehicle 20 in the set period at the same time as the scheduled time Tl. The control section 13 can acquire the calculated average value as the prediction value of the passenger number of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl. The set period can be set according to the amount of information of the past passenger number of the vehicle 20, or the like. The control section 13 can receive the information of the past passenger number of the vehicle 20 from an external server or the like that manages the passenger number of the vehicle 20 via the network 2 by the communication section 11.

[0077] As another example, the control section 13 can also acquire the prediction value of the passenger number of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl, based on work information of factories in the site. The work information of the factory can be information indicating the working condition of the factory. The work information of the factory includes, for example, at least any one of information of a scheduled manufacturing line of work and information of a past manufacturing line of work. The information of the manufacturing line includes, for example, information of a work start time of the manufacturing line, a work end time of the manufacturing line, and a kind of the manufacturing line. The control section 13 can receive the work information of the factory from an external server or the like that manages the manufacturing line of the factory via the network 2 by the communication section 11. The control section 13 can use the work information of the factory that is assumed to be the user who gets on and off the vehicle 20 at the station 3A to work. For example, the control section 13 can use the work information of the factory in the site that is located within a set range from the station 3A, or the work information of the factory closest to the station 3A. The set range can be set according to the moving distance by foot movement that the user can tolerate. The control section 13 can predict the prediction value of the passenger number of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl, by predicting the number of people who get on and off the vehicle 20 at the station 3A at the scheduled time Tl, based on the work information of the factory. The control section 13 can also acquire the prediction value of the passenger number of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl, by the prediction result of the number of people who get on and off the vehicle 20 at the station 3A at the scheduled time Tl, and the past passenger number of the vehicle 20.

[0078] As further other examples, the control section 13 can acquire the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl based on attendance information of a person working at the factory. The attendance information of the person can be information indicating an attendance status of the person. The attendance information of the person includes, for example, at least any one of a scheduled start time, a scheduled end time, a past start time, a past end time, a kind of a scheduled production line at which the person works, and a kind of a production line at which the person has worked in the past. The control section 13 can receive the attendance information of the person working at the factory from an external server or the like that manages the attendance via the network 2 by the communication section 11. The control section 13 can use the attendance information of the person working at the factory who is assumed to get on or off the vehicle 20 at the station 3A. For example, the control section 13 can use the attendance information of the person working at the factory in the site that is located within the above-described set range from the station 3A, or can use the attendance information of the person working at the factory that is closest to the station 3A. The control section 13 can predict the number of persons getting on or off the vehicle 20 at the station 3A at the scheduled time Tl based on the attendance information of the person working at the factory, and predict the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl. The control section 13 can acquire the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl based on the predicted number of persons getting on or off the vehicle 20 at the station 3A at the scheduled time Tl and the past number of passengers of the vehicle 20.

[0079] <Decision process of the first user and the second user>

[0080] The control section 13 determines the user who is getting on the vehicle 20 at a set time T2 before the scheduled time Tl. The date of the set time T2 can be the same as that of the scheduled time Tl. The set time T2 can be set based on the operation schedule of the vehicle 20. For example, the set time T2 can be the departure time or the arrival time of the vehicle 20 at any station before the station 3A at which the vehicle 20 arrives.

[0081] As one example, the control section 13 can determine the user who is getting on the vehicle 20 based on the position information of the vehicle 20 and the position information of the terminal device 30 and the identification information of the user. For example, the control section 13 determines the terminal device 30 that moves together with the vehicle 20 based on the position information of the vehicle 20 and the position information of the terminal device 30 that are received sequentially. The control section 13 determines the user who is getting on the vehicle 20 by acquiring the identification information of the user of the determined terminal device 30.

[0082] As other examples, the control section 13 can also determine the user who is getting on the vehicle 20 by receiving the identification information of the user of the terminal device 30 from the vehicle 20. In this case, in the vehicle 20, the control section 25 receives the identification information of the user of the terminal device 30 existing within a communication range set in advance from the communication section 21 by performing the close proximity wireless communication with the communication section 21. The communication range can be set according to the size of the vehicle 20. The communication range is, for example, several meters. In a case where the same identification information of the user of the terminal device 30 is continuously received for a set time, the control section 25 transmits the identification information of the user of the terminal device 30 to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 21. The set time can be set in units of seconds or in units of minutes. The control section 13 receives the identification information of the user of the terminal device 30 from the vehicle 20 via the network 2 through the communication section 11. The control section 13 determines the user who is getting on the vehicle 20 by receiving the identification information of the user of the terminal device 30.

[0083] The control section 13 selects the first user candidate and the second user candidate from among the users determined to be getting on the vehicle 20 after determining the users getting on the vehicle 20. The first user candidate is a user who is a candidate for the first user. The first user is a user scheduled to load the article 4 to the vehicle 20 at the station 3A. The first user candidate is entrusted to become the first user as described later. The second user candidate is a user who is a candidate for the second user. The second user is a user scheduled to unload the article 4 from the vehicle 20 at the station 3B. The second user candidate is entrusted to become the second user as described later. The first user candidate and the second user candidate can be the same user or different users.

[0084] As one example, the control section 13 can select the first user candidate and the second user candidate according to the weight of the article 4 and the age of the user. In this case, in the storage section 12, the data of the age of the user of the terminal device 30 can be stored in advance in correspondence with the identification information of the user of the terminal device 30. In a case where the weight of the article 4 exceeds a weight threshold value, the control section 13 refers to the storage section 12 to preferentially select a user with a younger age as the first user candidate and the second user candidate. The weight threshold value can be set according to the wrist strength or the like of a general user. The control section 13 can also select a plurality of first user candidates and second user candidates according to the weight or size of the article 4.

[0085] As other examples, the control section 13 can select the first user candidate and the second user candidate in accordance with the weight of the article 4 and the fatigue degree of the user. The fatigue degree of the user is an index indicating the degree of fatigue of the user. The higher the fatigue degree of the user, the greater the degree of fatigue of the user. The control section 13 can estimate the fatigue degree of the user from the user's attendance information. The control section 13 can acquire information of the overtime of the previous day from the user's attendance information, and the longer the overtime, the higher the fatigue degree of the user is estimated to be. In addition, the control section 13 can determine the kind of the manufacturing line in which the user works from the user's attendance information, and in the case where it is determined that the user performs physical labor in the determined manufacturing line, the fatigue degree of the user is estimated to be higher than in the case where the user does not perform physical labor. The control section 13 selects the user with a low fatigue degree preferentially as the first user candidate and the second user candidate from among the users who are on board the vehicle 20. The control section 13 can select a plurality of first user candidates and a plurality of second user candidates in accordance with the weight or the size of the article 4.

[0086] As further other examples, the control section 13 can select as the first user candidate a user whose destination is the station 3A or a user whose destination is closer to the station 3A than other users. In addition, the control section 13 can select as the second user candidate a user whose destination is the station 3B or a user whose destination is closer to the station 3B than other users. The control section 13 can determine the destination of the user by any method.

[0087] The control section 13 transmits a first request notification to the terminal device 30 of the first user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 after selecting the first user candidate. The first request notification is a notification indicating a request to load the article 4 into the vehicle 20 at the station 3A. In the terminal device 30 of the first user candidate, the control section 36 causes the output section 34 to output the information indicated by the first request notification when the first request notification is received from the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31. For example, the control section 36 causes the information indicated by the first request notification to be displayed as an image on the display of the output section 34 or to be output as a sound from the speaker of the output section 34. The first user candidate can know that the request to load the article 4 into the vehicle 20 at the station 3A is made by confirming the information output from the output section 34. The first user candidate considers whether to accept the request to load the article 4 into the vehicle 20 at the station 3A. The first user candidate inputs an input accepting the request from the input section 33 in a case where it is determined to accept the request. The first user candidate inputs an input rejecting the request from the input section 33 in a case where it is determined not to accept the request. In the terminal device 30 of the first user candidate, the control section 36 transmits a signal accepting the request to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31 in a case where the input accepting the request is accepted through the input section 33. In the terminal device 30 of the first user candidate, the control section 36 transmits a signal rejecting the request to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31 in a case where the input rejecting the request is accepted through the input section 33.

[0088] The control section 13 transmits a second request notification to the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 after selecting the second user candidate. The second request notification is a notification indicating a request to unload the article 4 from the vehicle 20 at the station 3B. In the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate, the control section 36 causes the output section 34 to output the information indicated by the second request notification when the second request notification is received from the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31. For example, the control section 36 causes the information indicated by the second request notification to be displayed as an image on the display of the output section 34 or to be output as a sound from the speaker of the output section 34. The second user candidate inputs an input accepting the request or an input rejecting the request from the input section 33 in the same manner or a similar manner as the first user candidate. In the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate, the control section 36 transmits a signal accepting the request to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31 in a case where the input accepting the request is accepted through the input section 33. In the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate, the control section 36 transmits a signal rejecting the request to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31 in a case where the input rejecting the request is accepted through the input section 33.

[0089] The control section 13 receives, via the network 2 from the terminal device 30 of the first user candidate, a signal of acceptance of the request or a signal of rejection of the request through the communication section 11. The control section 13 determines the first user candidate as the first user in a case where the signal of acceptance of the request is received. The control section 13 selects a new first user candidate and transmits a first request notification to the terminal device 30 of the selected new first user candidate through the communication section 11 in a case where the signal of rejection of the request is received.

[0090] The control section 13 receives, via the network 2 from the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate, a signal of acceptance of the request or a signal of rejection of the request through the communication section 11. The control section 13 determines the second user candidate as the second user in a case where the signal of acceptance of the request is received. The control section 13 selects a new second user candidate and transmits a second request notification to the terminal device 30 of the selected new second user candidate through the communication section 11 in a case where the signal of rejection of the request is received.

[0091] The control section 13 can also determine to give a reward to the first user and the second user after determining the first user and the second user. The reward can be given, for example, in the form of returning the transportation fare of the vehicle 20 to the user. The reward can also be given as points that can be used to pay the transportation fare of the vehicle 20. The reward can also be given as electronic cash. The reward can also be given as points that can be exchanged for valuable objects or paid services. By giving the reward, the possibility that the first user candidate and the second user candidate actively accept the request becomes high. With such a configuration, the first user and the second user can be determined smoothly.

[0092] The control section 13 can also determine to give a reward to the first user in a case where it is determined that the first user actually loads the article 4 to the vehicle 20. The control section 13 can determine that the first user actually loads the article 4 to the vehicle 20 in a case where a report notification that the first user loads the article 4 to the vehicle 20 is received from the terminal device of the manager of the article 4 or the terminal device 30 of the first user, and the like through the communication section 11 via the network 2. With such a configuration, the first user can be made to load the article 4 to the vehicle 20 more reliably.

[0093] The control section 13 can also determine to give a reward to the second user in a case where it is determined that the second user actually unloads the article 4 from the vehicle 20. The control section 13 can determine that the second user actually unloads the article 4 from the vehicle 20 in a case where a report notification that the second user unloads the article 4 from the vehicle 20 is received from the terminal device of the manager of the article 4 or the terminal device 30 of the second user, and the like through the communication section 11 via the network 2. With such a configuration, the second user can be made to unload the article 4 from the vehicle 20 more reliably.

[0094] <Determination processing>

[0095] The control section 13 determines whether there is a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl. For example, the control section 13 determines whether there is a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl based on a predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl, information on the volume occupied by each passenger in the vehicle 20, and information on the size of the article 4.

[0096] The control section 13 can perform an arbitrary process for securing a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 in the case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl. Hereinafter, one example of the process for securing a space will be described.

[0097] <Decision process by the 3rd user>

[0098] The control section 13 selects a 3rd user candidate from among the users who are currently riding in the vehicle 20 in the case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl. The 3rd user candidate is a user who is a candidate for the 3rd user. The 3rd user is a user who is scheduled to get off the vehicle 20 before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A. As will be described later, the 3rd user candidate is entrusted to become the 3rd user. By having the 3rd user get off the vehicle 20 before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A, a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time Tl can be secured. The control section 13 selects a user other than the 1st user and the 2nd user as the 3rd user candidate. The control section 13 can also select a plurality of 3rd user candidates depending on the size of the article 4.

[0099] As one example, the control section 13 can also assign a priority to the users who are currently riding in the vehicle 20 to get off the vehicle 20. The control section 13 preferentially selects a user with a high priority as the 3rd user candidate. The control section 13 can assign the priority in an arbitrary manner. For example, the control section 13 can assign a priority to a user depending on the fatigue level of the user. The control section 13 can estimate the fatigue level of the user as described above, and the higher the estimated fatigue level, the lower the priority assigned to the user. With such a configuration, a user with a low fatigue level can be entrusted to get off the vehicle 20.

[0100] The control section 13 transmits the third request notification to the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 after selecting the third user candidate. The third request notification is a notification indicating that the request is to get off the vehicle 20 before the vehicle 20 arrives at the first station where the article 4 is scheduled to be loaded onto the vehicle 20, i.e., the station 3A. In the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate, the control section 36 causes the output section 34 to output the information indicated by the third request notification when the third request notification is received from the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31. For example, the control section 36 causes the information indicated by the third request notification to be displayed as an image on the display of the output section 34 or to be output as a sound from the speaker of the output section 34. The third user candidate can know that the request is to get off the vehicle 20 before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A by confirming the information output from the output section 34. The third user candidate inputs an input of accepting the request from the input section 33 in a case where it is determined to accept the request. The third user candidate inputs an input of rejecting the request from the input section 33 in a case where it is determined not to accept the request. In the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate, the control section 36 transmits a signal of accepting the request to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31 in a case where the input of accepting the request is accepted by the input section 33. In the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate, the control section 36 transmits a signal of rejecting the request to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31 in a case where the input of rejecting the request is accepted by the input section 33.

[0101] The control section 13 receives the signal of accepting the request or the signal of rejecting the request from the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11. The control section 13 determines the third user candidate as the third user in a case where the signal of accepting the request is received. The control section 13 selects a new third user candidate and transmits the third request notification to the terminal device 30 of the selected new third user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 in a case where the signal of rejecting the request is received.

[0102] The control section 13 can determine to give the reward to the third user. The possibility that the third user candidate actively accepts the request is high by giving the reward. With such a configuration, the third user can be determined smoothly.

[0103] The control section 13 can also determine to give the reward to the third user in a case where it is determined that the third user actually gets off the vehicle 20 before the arrival at the station 3A. The control section 13 can determine that the third user actually gets off the vehicle 20 before the arrival at the station 3A in a case where a signal indicating the intention of the third user to get off the vehicle 20 before the arrival at the station 3A is received from the terminal device 30 of the third user or the like via the network 2. With such a configuration, the third user can be caused to get off the vehicle 20 before the arrival at the station 3A more reliably.

[0104] The control section 13 can also select a third user candidate of two or more persons and decide the third user of two or more persons. In a case where the user who gets off the vehicle 20 is one person, the user hesitates to get off the vehicle 20, and as a result, sometimes cancels getting off the vehicle 20. By deciding the third user of two or more persons, the third user can be caused to more reliably get off the vehicle 20.

[0105] <Notification Processing>

[0106] The control section 13 can also execute notification processing in addition to or instead of the decision processing of the third user in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the predetermined time Tl. The notification processing is processing of reporting information to the user via the output device 40 of the station or the vehicle 20.

[0107] As one example, the control section 13 transmits a first notification to the output device 40 of an arbitrary station or the vehicle 20 via the network 2 through the communication section 11. The first notification indicates that the vehicle 20 can be boarded before the first station at which the article 4 is scheduled to be loaded to the vehicle 20, that is, the station 3A, or that boarding the vehicle 20 is restricted after the station 3A. The control section 13 can transmit the first notification to the output device 40 of an arbitrary station before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A.

[0108] In a case where the first notification is transmitted to the output device 40, the control section 44 receives the first notification from the information processing device 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 41. The control section 44 causes the output section 42 to output the information indicated by the first notification when the first notification is received. For example, the control section 44 causes the information indicated by the first notification to be displayed as an image on the display of the output section 42 or causes the speaker of the output section 42 to output as a sound. By outputting the information indicated by the first notification from the output section 42, the user who is waiting at the station can know that the vehicle 20 can be boarded before the station 3A or that boarding the vehicle 20 is restricted after the station 3A. The user can study other means of movement other than the vehicle 20 in a case where the destination is a station after the station 3A.

[0109] In a case where the first notification is transmitted to the vehicle 20, in the vehicle 20, the control section 25 receives the first notification from the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 2. The control section 25 causes the output section 23 to output the information indicated by the first notification upon receiving the first notification. For example, the control section 25 causes the information indicated by the first notification to be displayed as an image on a display of the output section 23 or to be output as a sound from a speaker of the output section 23. By outputting the information indicated by the first notification from the output section 23, a user who is riding on the vehicle 20 is able to know that it is possible to ride on the vehicle 20 before the station 3A or that it is restricted to ride on the vehicle 20 after the station 3A. The user is able to investigate getting off the vehicle 20 before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A.

[0110] As another example, the control section 13 transmits a second notification to the output apparatus 40 of an arbitrary station or the vehicle 20 via the network 2 by the communication section 11. The second notification indicates that the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 is limited in an interval from a first station at which the article 4 is scheduled to be loaded onto the vehicle 20, that is, the station 3A, to a second station at which the article 4 is scheduled to be unloaded from the vehicle 20, that is, the station 3B. The control section 13 can transmit the second notification to the output apparatus 40 of an arbitrary station before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A or an arbitrary station from the station 3A to the station 3B on a route on which the vehicle 20 circulates by the communication section 11. The second notification can further indicate information of a maximum value of the number of passengers who are able to ride on the vehicle 20. In this case, the control section 13 can acquire the maximum value of the number of passengers who are able to ride on the vehicle 20 in a state in which a space for loading the article 4 is secured in the vehicle 20.

[0111] In a case where the second notification is transmitted to the output apparatus 40, the control section 44 receives the second notification from the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 2 by the communication section 41. The control section 44 causes the output section 42 to output the information indicated by the second notification upon receiving the second notification. For example, the control section 44 causes the information indicated by the second notification to be displayed as an image on a display of the output section 42 or to be output as a sound from a speaker of the output section 42. By outputting the information indicated by the second notification from the output section 42, a user who is waiting at a station is able to know that the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 is limited in an interval from the station 3A to the station 3B. The user is able to investigate other means of movement other than the vehicle 20 in a case where a destination is an arbitrary station in the interval from the station 3A to the station 3B.

[0112] In a case where the 2nd notification is transmitted to the vehicle 20, the control section 25 receives the 2nd notification from the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 21. The control section 25 causes the output section 23 to output the information indicated by the 2nd notification upon receiving the 2nd notification. For example, the control section 25 causes the information indicated by the 2nd notification to be displayed as an image on a display of the output section 23 or to be output as a sound from a speaker of the output section 23. By outputting the information indicated by the 2nd notification from the output section 23, the user who is riding on the vehicle 20 is able to know that the number restriction of passengers who board the vehicle 20 is implemented in the section from the station 3A to the station 3B. The user is able to investigate getting off the vehicle 20 before the vehicle 20 arrives at the station 3A.

[0113] (Action of information processing system)

[0114] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing Figure 2 the action of the information processing apparatus 10. The action corresponds to one example of the information processing method of the present embodiment. For example, after the transport information of the article 4 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 10, the control section 13 starts the process of step S1.

[0115] The control section 13 receives the transport information of the article 4 from a terminal apparatus of a manager of the article 4 or an external server or the like via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (step S1). The control section 13 acquires the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle 20 at the scheduled time T1 (step S2). The control section 13 determines the user who is riding on the vehicle 20 at a set time T2 before the scheduled time T1 (step S3).

[0116] The control section 13 selects the 1st user candidate from among the users who are riding on the vehicle 20 determined in the process of step S3 (step S4). The control section 13 transmits a 1st commission notification to the terminal apparatus 30 of the 1st user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (step S5). The control section 13 determines whether or not a signal of accepting the commission is received from the terminal apparatus 30 of the 1st user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (step S6). The control section 13 returns to the process of step S4 in a case where it is determined that a signal of rejecting the commission is received (step S6: "No"). The control section 13 proceeds to the process of step S7 in a case where it is determined that a signal of accepting the commission is received (step S6: "Yes"). In the process of step S7, the control section 13 determines the 1st user candidate selected in the process of step S4 as the 1st user.

[0117] In the processing of Step S8, the control section 13 selects the second user candidate from among the users who are determined to be riding in the vehicle 20 in the processing of Step S3. The control section 13 transmits a second request notification to the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (Step S9). The control section 13 determines whether or not a signal accepting the request is received from the terminal device 30 of the second user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (Step S10). The control section 13 returns to the processing of Step S8 in a case where it is determined that a signal rejecting the request is received (Step S10: No). The control section 13 proceeds to the processing of Step Sll in a case where it is determined that a signal accepting the request is received (Step S10: Yes). In the processing of Step Sll, the control section 13 determines the second user candidate selected in the processing of Step S8 as the second user.

[0118] In the processing of Step S12, the control section 13 determines whether or not there is a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the predetermined time Tl. The control section 13 ends the processing in a case where it is determined that there is a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the predetermined time Tl (Step S12: Yes). The control section 13 proceeds to the processing of Step S13 in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the predetermined time Tl (Step S12: No).

[0119] In the processing of Step S13, the control section 13 selects the third user candidate from among the users who are determined to be riding in the vehicle 20 in the processing of Step S3. The control section 13 transmits a third request notification to the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (Step S14). The control section 13 determines whether or not a signal accepting the request is received from the terminal device 30 of the third user candidate via the network 2 through the communication section 11 (Step S15). The control section 13 returns to the processing of Step S13 in a case where it is determined that a signal rejecting the request is received (Step S15: No). The control section 13 proceeds to the processing of Step S16 in a case where it is determined that a signal accepting the request is received (Step S15: Yes). In the processing of Step S16, the control section 13 determines the third user candidate selected in the processing of Step S13 as the third user.

[0120] In the information processing device 10 as such, the control section 13 determines whether or not there is a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 at the predetermined time Tl. With such a structure, the control section 13 is able to execute an arbitrary process for securing a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20 in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20. By executing the process for securing a space for loading the article 4 in the vehicle 20, the article 4 is able to be smoothly transported by the vehicle 20. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for efficiently transporting the article 4.

[0121] The present disclosure is explained in accordance with the drawings and the embodiments, but it should be noted that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that these modifications and changes be included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions and the like included in each structural part or each step and the like can be reconfigured in a manner that avoids logical contradiction, and a plurality of structural parts or steps and the like can be combined into one or divided.

[0122] For example, the control section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 can also transmit the first notification or the second notification to the terminal apparatus 30 of the user going to the station 3A or the station 3B via the network 2 through the communication section 11 upon determining the user going to the station 3A or the station 3B. The control section 13 can receive the schedule information of the user from an external server or the like that manages the schedule of the user via the network 2 through the communication section 11. The control section 13 can determine the user going to the station 3A or the station 3B by analyzing the received schedule information of the user. In the terminal apparatus 30 of the user going to the station 3A or the station 3B, the control section 36 can cause the output section 34 to output the information indicated by the first notification or the second notification upon receiving the first notification or the second notification from the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 2 through the communication section 31. For example, the control section 36 causes the information indicated by the first notification or the second notification to be displayed as an image on the display of the output section 34 or output as a sound from the speaker of the output section 34.

[0123] For example, an embodiment in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiments can also be implemented. Specifically, a program in which the processing content of each function of the information processing apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiments is described is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the program is read out and executed by the processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by the processor or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a control section that acquires information of a scheduled time at which an article is to be loaded into a vehicle, acquires a predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the scheduled time, and determines whether there is a space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, based on the predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the scheduled time, information of a volume occupied by each passenger in the vehicle, and information of a size of the article, the vehicle travels within a site set in advance, there is a factory within the site, the control section acquires the predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the scheduled time based on work information of the factory.

2. An information processing apparatus comprising a control section that acquires information of a scheduled time at which an article is to be loaded into a vehicle, acquires a predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the scheduled time, and determines whether there is a space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, based on the predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the scheduled time, information of a volume occupied by each passenger in the vehicle, and information of a size of the article, the vehicle travels within a site set in advance, there is a factory within the site, the control section acquires the predicted value of the number of passengers in the vehicle at the scheduled time based on attendance information of a person working at the factory.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control section determines users who are riding in the vehicle at a set time before the scheduled time, and decides a first user who is scheduled to load the article into the vehicle and a second user who is scheduled to unload the article from the vehicle from among the determined users who are riding in the vehicle.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus further comprises a communication section, the control section selects a first user candidate who is a candidate for the first user and a second user candidate who is a candidate for the second user from among the determined users who are riding in the vehicle, transmits, to a terminal apparatus of the first user candidate, a first request notification indicating a request to load the article into the vehicle, through the communication section, transmits, to a terminal apparatus of the second user candidate, a second request notification indicating a request to unload the article from the vehicle, through the communication section, decides the first user candidate as the first user in a case where a signal indicating acceptance of the request is received from the terminal apparatus of the first user candidate through the communication section, decides the second user candidate as the second user in a case where a signal indicating acceptance of the request is received from the terminal apparatus of the second user candidate through the communication section.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control section selects a new first user candidate in a case where a signal indicating rejection of the request is received from the terminal apparatus of the first user candidate through the communication section, and transmits the first request notification to a terminal apparatus of the selected new first user candidate through the communication section.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The control section selects a new second user candidate in a case where a signal of rejection of the request is received from the terminal device of the second user candidate through the communication section, and transmits a third request notification to the terminal device of the selected new second user candidate through the communication section.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The control section selects the first user candidate and the second user candidate in accordance with the weight of the article and the age of the user.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The control section selects the first user candidate and the second user candidate in accordance with the weight of the article and the fatigue degree of the user.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The control section decides a third user who is scheduled to get off the vehicle before the vehicle arrives at a first station from among the users other than the first user and the second user who are determined to be on the vehicle in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, The first station is a station at which the article is scheduled to be loaded into the vehicle.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The information processing apparatus further includes a communication section, The control section The control section decides a third user who is scheduled to get off the vehicle before the vehicle arrives at a first station from among the users other than the first user and the second user who are determined to be on the vehicle in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, The control section decides a third user who is scheduled to get off the vehicle before the vehicle arrives at a first station from among the users other than the first user and the second user who are determined to be on the vehicle in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, The control section decides the third user candidate as the third user in a case where a signal of acceptance of the request is received from the terminal device of the third user candidate through the communication section.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The control section selects a new third user candidate in a case where a signal of rejection of the request is received from the terminal device of the third user candidate through the communication section, and transmits the third request notification to the terminal device of the selected new third user candidate through the communication section.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The control section assigns the priority to the user in accordance with the fatigue degree of the user.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The control section decides to assign a reward to the third user.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The control section decides to assign a reward to the first user and the second user.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The information processing apparatus further includes a communication section, The control section transmits a first notification to an output device of a station or the vehicle via the communication section, the first notification indicating that the vehicle can be boarded before a first station or that boarding the vehicle is limited after the first station, in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, The first station is a station at which the article is scheduled to be loaded into the vehicle.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing apparatus further comprises a communication section, The control section transmits a second notification to an output device of a station or the vehicle via the communication section, the second notification indicating that a number of passengers of the vehicle is limited in an interval from a first station to a second station, in a case where it is determined that there is no space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, The first station is a station at which the article is scheduled to be loaded into the vehicle. The second station is a station at which the article is scheduled to be unloaded from the vehicle.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control section acquires a maximum value of a number of passengers who can board the vehicle in a state where the space is secured, the second notification further indicates information of the maximum value.

18. An information processing method comprising: acquiring information of a scheduled time at which an article is loaded into a vehicle; acquiring a predicted value of a number of passengers of the vehicle at the scheduled time; and determining whether there is a space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, based on the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle at the scheduled time, information of a volume occupied by each passenger in the vehicle, and information of a size of the article, the vehicle travels within a site set in advance, there is a factory within the site, the information processing method further comprises acquiring the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle at the scheduled time based on work information of the factory.

19. An information processing method comprising: acquiring information of a scheduled time at which an article is loaded into a vehicle; acquiring a predicted value of a number of passengers of the vehicle at the scheduled time; and determining whether there is a space for loading the article in the vehicle at the scheduled time, based on the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle at the scheduled time, information of a volume occupied by each passenger in the vehicle, and information of a size of the article, the vehicle travels within a site set in advance, there is a factory within the site, the information processing method further comprises acquiring the predicted value of the number of passengers of the vehicle at the scheduled time based on attendance information of a person working at the factory.

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