Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and mobile body

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a mobile body. The information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to generate a display device of a mobile type and configured to display information indicating that a stop of a bus is a stop where the display device is located, the display device indicating an instruction to report that the bus will stop at the stop before a prescribed time at a time when the bus stops at the stop.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a mobile body. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a technology that causes a terminal of a user to display a stop of a demand type bus (for example, refer to International Publication No. 2018 / 225320). SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a mobile body that suppress other vehicles from stopping at a stop of a demand type bus.

[0004] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure has a processor configured to generate an instruction to a display apparatus of a mobile type and configured to cause the display apparatus to display information indicating that a place where the display apparatus is located is a stop of a bus, to report that the bus will stop at a place set as the stop of the bus and at a predetermined time before a time when the bus stops.

[0005] The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer. The information processing method includes generating an instruction to a display apparatus of a mobile type and configured to cause the display apparatus to display information indicating that a place where the display apparatus is located is a stop of a bus, to report that the bus will stop at a place set as the stop of the bus and at a predetermined time before a time when the bus stops.

[0006] The mobile body according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a processor configured to autonomously move the mobile body to a place set as a stop of a bus, to cause a display to display information indicating that a place where the mobile body is located is the stop of the bus at the place set as the stop of the bus, and to report that the bus will stop at the place from a predetermined time before a time when the bus stops at the place set as the stop of the bus.

[0007] According to the aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress other vehicles from stopping at a stop of a demand type bus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Hereinafter, features, advantages, technical and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram that shows a brief configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram briefly showing one example of the functional structure of the mobile mark, the user terminal, the server, and the bus, respectively, which constitute the system according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of the server.

[0012] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the user information DB.

[0013] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the bus information DB.

[0014] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the mobile mark information DB.

[0015] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the mobile mark.

[0016] Figure 8 is a diagram showing one example of the screen for reporting that the bus has stopped at a certain location according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the user terminal.

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the process of generating the mobile mark and the operation instruction of the bus in the server according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the process at the time of operation of the mobile mark according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the reporting process started in step S205 of Figure 11

[0021] Figure 13 is a block diagram briefly showing one example of the structure of the on-vehicle device of the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of the on-vehicle device of the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 15 is one example of the screen when the display displays information related to the bus.

[0024] Figure 16 is a flowchart of the reporting process started in step S205 of Figure 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] ​​An information processing apparatus as one of modes of the present disclosure has a control section. The control section generates an instruction so that a mobile display device that displays the fact that a stop of a bus at a location set as a stop of the bus reports that the bus will stop at the location before a prescribed time of a time when the bus stops.

[0026] The location set as the stop of the bus (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the bus stop) includes a location set as the bus stop in advance, a location desired by a user, or a location where a bus can stop in the vicinity of a location desired by a user, and the like. Among them, the location set as the bus stop in advance includes a location utilized as the bus stop only when there is a reservation in advance. The display device is, for example, a mobile body that autonomously travels or autonomously flies. The display device can move, for example, according to a movement instruction received from the control section.

[0027] Here, in an on-demand bus, there are cases where there is no permanent sign at the bus stop, and there are cases where the location is not noticed as the bus stop at first glance. Therefore, there is a possibility that a user who utilizes the bus does not know where to wait. In view of this, it is conceivable to dispatch a mobile display device. By utilizing the display device, it is possible to display that the location is the bus stop at the location utilized as the bus stop. Therefore, by causing the display device to arrive earlier than the arrival time of the bus, the user can recognize the stop location of the bus.

[0028] However, in the case of the bus stop where there is no permanent sign, there is a possibility that other vehicles are parked at the bus stop. For example, since the bus stop is provided at a place where vehicles are easily parked, it is sometimes provided at a place where other vehicles are also easily parked. Therefore, at the time when the bus arrives at the bus stop, there is a possibility that other vehicles are parked at the bus stop. In this case, the bus has to be parked at a location away from the bus stop, and the user who utilizes the bus has to move on foot, and there is a possibility that the getting on and off of the bus is hindered. In addition, if the bus is parked at a place other than the bus stop, there is also a possibility that traffic congestion is caused.

[0029] In view of this, the control section generates an instruction so that the display device reports that the bus will stop at the location set as the bus stop at a prescribed time before the time when the bus stops at the location set as the bus stop. With this instruction, the display device reports to the surroundings that the bus will stop at the location where the bus will stop. The report can include a report that the place is the bus stop, a report of the time when the bus stops at the place, or a report of the time until the time when the bus stops at the place, and the like. With this report, since the driver of the other vehicle can recognize that it is the bus stop, parking at the location is dispelled. Therefore, it is possible to suppress other vehicles from being parked at the bus stop at the time when the bus arrives.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. The structure of the following embodiments is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the structure of the embodiments. In addition, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0031] First Embodiment

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a brief structure of a system 1 involved in the embodiments. The system 1 is a system in which, if the server 30 receives a utilization request for the bus 40 from the user terminal 20, the server 30 generates a route of the bus 40 and dispatches a mobile marker 10 to a stoppage place of the bus 40 so that the user can utilize the bus 40. Also, is a system in which the mobile marker 10 reports to the surroundings that the bus 40 is to be stopped at the stoppage place of the bus 40. Here, it is assumed below that the stoppage place of the bus 40 indicates a place where the user gets on the bus 40, that is, a boarding place, or a place where the user gets off the bus 40, that is, an alighting place.

[0033] The user can reserve the bus 40 by transmitting a utilization request to the server 30 via the user terminal 20. The utilization request is information used by the user to utilize the bus 40. The utilization request includes information related to a place where the user gets on the bus 40, that is, a boarding place, a time when the user gets on the bus 40, that is, a boarding date and time, and a place where the user gets off the bus 40, that is, an alighting place. The user can transmit the utilization request to the server 30, for example, by executing a prescribed application installed in the user terminal 20.

[0034] The bus 40 is a vehicle in on-demand transportation that operates according to reservations by users. The bus 40 is, for example, a vehicle driven by a driver, but can also be a vehicle capable of autonomous driving as another usage. The bus 40 travels on a route including a boarding place and an alighting place of the user. The route can be changed according to boarding places and alighting places of other users. In addition, the positions of bus stops can be determined in advance. Also, the bus stops to be passed through can be selected according to the reservation. In addition, the positions of the bus stops can also be determined arbitrarily. The positions of the bus stops and the route of the bus 40 can be determined by the server 30, for example. Furthermore, the bus 40 is not limited to a large vehicle, and can be a small passenger car or the like.

[0035] The mobile marker 10 has, for example, a structure of an electric automobile that travels by operating a motor using electric power stored in a storage battery. In addition, the mobile marker 10 is capable of autonomous travel. The mobile marker 10 has, for example, a display 18. By causing the display 18 to display a screen indicating that it is a bus stop, it is possible to inform a user of the position of the bus stop, make a report so that surrounding vehicles do not stop. The mobile marker 10 is one example of a mobile display device. The server 30 generates an instruction for causing the mobile marker 10 to move, based on a parking position and a parking time of the bus 40. The server 30 manages the operation of the mobile marker 10, for example, in such a manner that the mobile marker 10 arrives at a position at which a user boards the bus 40, at a time that is a predetermined time earlier than a time that the user has reserved.

[0036] The server 30 is a device that manages the mobile marker 10 and the bus 40. In a case where a request for use of the bus 40 is received from the user terminal 20, the server 30 decides the mobile marker 10 and the bus 40 to be dispatched to a boarding position of the user, generates an operation instruction for the mobile marker 10 and the bus 40, and transmits the operation instruction to the mobile marker 10 and the bus 40.

[0037] In addition, the server 30 instructs the mobile marker 10 to make a report at a parking position of the bus 40 so as to convey to a driver or the like of a surrounding vehicle 50 that it is a parking position of the bus 40. The mobile marker 10 reports that the bus 40 is about to stop, for example, by causing the display 18 to display a place where the bus 40 is parked and a time at which the bus 40 makes a stop. A driver of the vehicle 50 or the like who observes this will not stop at the place. Thus, the bus 40 is able to stop at the bus stop. Furthermore, the report to the surroundings is not limited to causing the display 18 to display, and includes, for example, emitting a sound (including a voice), or transmitting information to the surrounding vehicle 50 via communication.

[0038] The mobile marker 10, the user terminal 20, the server 30, and the bus 40 are connected to each other via a network N1. The network N1 is, for example, a public communication network of a world scale such as the Internet, and can employ a WAN (Wide Area Network), another communication network. In addition, the network N1 can include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In addition, the mobile marker 10 is connected to the bus 40 and the surrounding vehicle 50 via a network N2, for example. The network N2 performs data communication using, for example, V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wide band), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like. Furthermore, the surrounding vehicle 50 can be connected to the network N1.

[0039] Based on Figure 2 The hardware structure of the mobile identifier 10, the user terminal 20, the server 30, and the on-vehicle device 40A of the bus 40 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram briefly showing one example of the structure of each of the mobile identifier 10, the user terminal 20, the server 30, and the bus 40 that constitute the system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0040] The server 30 has a structure of a computer. The server 30 has a processor 31, a main storage section 32, an auxiliary storage section 33, and a communication section 34. They are connected to each other through a bus. The processor 31 is one example of a control section.

[0041] The processor 31 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The processor 31 controls the server 30 and performs various information processing operations. The main storage section 32 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like. The auxiliary storage section 33 is an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable medium, or the like. An operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, and the like are stored in the auxiliary storage section 33. The processor 31 loads the program stored in the auxiliary storage section 33 to a work area of the main storage section 32 and executes it, and controls each of the constituent sections and the like by the execution of the program. Thus, the server 30 realizes a function in accordance with a prescribed purpose. The main storage section 32 and the auxiliary storage section 33 are recording media that can be read by a computer. Among them, the server 30 can be a single computer, or can be a structure in which a plurality of computers cooperate. In addition, the information stored in the auxiliary storage section 33 can be stored in the main storage section 32. In addition, the information stored in the main storage section 32 can be stored in the auxiliary storage section 33.

[0042] The communication section 34 is a mechanism that communicates with the mobile identifier 10, the user terminal 20, and the bus 40 via the network N1. The communication section 34 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board and the wireless communication circuit are connected to the network N1.

[0043] Next, the mobile marker 10 is a mobile body capable of autonomous travel, for example, and has a structure of a computer. The mobile marker 10 has a processor 11, a main storage section 12, an auxiliary storage section 13, a communication section 14, a position information sensor 15, an environment information sensor 16, a drive section 17, a display 18, and a speaker 19. They are connected to each other through a bus. Since the processor 11, the main storage section 12, and the auxiliary storage section 13 are the same as the processor 31, the main storage section 32, and the auxiliary storage section 33 of the server 30, the description is omitted.

[0044] The communication section 14 is a communication mechanism for connecting the mobile marker 10 to the network N1 or the network N2. The communication section 14 is, for example, a circuit for communicating with other devices (for example, the server 30, the bus 40, or the vehicle 50) via the network N1 or the network N2 using a mobile body communication service (for example, a telephone communication network such as 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or the like), a V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) communication network, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wide band), or the like.

[0045] The position information sensor 15 acquires position information (for example, latitude, longitude) of the mobile marker 10 at a prescribed cycle. The position information sensor 15 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving section, a wireless communication section, or the like. Information acquired by the position information sensor 15 is, for example, recorded in the auxiliary storage section 13 or the like and transmitted to the server 30.

[0046] The environment information sensor 16 is a mechanism for sensing a state of the mobile marker 10 or sensing a periphery of the mobile marker 10. As a sensor for sensing a state of the mobile marker 10, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a direction angle sensor can be given. As a sensor for sensing a periphery of the mobile marker 10, a stereo camera, a laser scanner, a LIDAR, or a radar can be given.

[0047] The drive section 17 is a device for causing the mobile marker 10 to travel based on a control instruction generated by the processor 11. The drive section 17 is, for example, configured to include a plurality of motors or the like for driving wheels provided to the mobile marker 10, and autonomous travel of the mobile marker 10 can be realized by the plurality of motors operating according to the control instruction.

[0048] The display 18 is a mechanism for prompting information to the user, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, or the like. In addition, the speaker 19 is a mechanism for outputting a sound or a warning sound, or the like.

[0049] Next, the user terminal 20 will be described. The user terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal information terminal, a wearable computer (a smart watch or the like), a small computer such as a personal computer (PC). The user terminal 20 has a processor 21, a main storage unit 22, an auxiliary storage unit 23, an input unit 24, a display 25, and a communication unit 26. They are connected to each other through a bus. Since the processor 21, the main storage unit 22, and the auxiliary storage unit 23 are the same as the processor 31, the main storage unit 32, and the auxiliary storage unit 33 of the server 30, the description thereof is omitted.

[0050] The input unit 24 is a mechanism for accepting an input operation performed by the user, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or a push button, or the like. The display 25 is a mechanism for prompting information to the user, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, or the like. The input unit 24 and the display 25 can be configured as one touch panel display.

[0051] In addition, the communication unit 26 is a communication mechanism for connecting with the network N1, for example, a circuit for communicating with other devices (for example, the server 30 or the like) via the network N1 by using a mobile body communication service (for example, a telephone communication network such as 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or the like), a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wide band), or the like.

[0052] Next, the bus 40 has an on-vehicle device 40A. The on-vehicle device 40A has a structure of a computer. The on-vehicle device 40A of the bus 40 has a processor 41, a main storage section 42, an auxiliary storage section 43, a communication section 44, a position information sensor 45, and a display 46. They are connected to each other through a bus. Since the processor 41, the main storage section 42, and the auxiliary storage section 43 are the same as the processor 31, the main storage section 32, and the auxiliary storage section 33 of the server 30, the description is omitted. Also, since the communication section 44 and the position information sensor 45 are the same as the communication section 14 and the position information sensor 15 of the mobile mark 10, the description is omitted. Also, since the display 46 is the same as the display 25 of the user terminal 20, the description is omitted. Further, the bus 40 can be, for example, a mobile body capable of autonomously traveling. In this case, as with the mobile mark 10, the processor 41 controls the bus 40 based on an instruction from the server 30.

[0053] Next, the functions of the server 30 are described. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional structure of the server 30. The server 30 has a control section 300, a user information DB 311, a bus information DB 312, a mobile mark information DB 313, and a map information DB 314 as functional structure elements. The processor 31 of the server 30 executes the processing of the control section 300 through a computer program on the main storage section 32. Here, any one of the functional structure elements or a part of the processing thereof can be executed by a hardware circuit. The control section 300 includes a bus management section 301, a mobile mark management section 302, and an instruction section 303.

[0054] The user information DB 311, the bus information DB 312, the mobile mark information DB 313, and the map information DB 314 are constructed by managing the data stored in the auxiliary storage section 33 by a program of a database management system (DBMS) executed by the processor 31. The user information DB 311, the bus information DB 312, the mobile mark information DB 313, and the map information DB 314 are, for example, a relational database.

[0055] Further, any one of the functional structure elements of the server 30 or a part of the processing thereof can be executed by another computer connected to the network N1.

[0056] The bus management section 301 collects information related to the bus 40, and updates the bus information DB 312 described later. Specifically, the bus management section 301 periodically communicates with a plurality of buses 40, and collects information related to the current position of the bus 40. The collected information is reflected to the bus information DB 312 described later.

[0057] Further, the bus management section 301 acquires a use request from a user who wishes to use the bus 40. The use request is information transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 30. The use request includes information relating to a user ID, a boarding place, a boarding date and time, and an alighting place, and the like. Further, the use request can include information relating to the number of people who use the bus 40. The user ID is an identifier unique to the user. User information (for example, name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and the like) corresponding to the user ID can be registered in advance by the user using the user terminal 20, or can be transmitted from the user terminal 20 together with the use request. This user information is stored in association with the user ID in the auxiliary storage section 33. Further, the information relating to the boarding place, the boarding date and time, and the alighting place, and the like included in the use request is stored in the user information DB 311.

[0058] Here, Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration of the user information DB 311. The user information DB 311 has fields of a user ID, a boarding place, a boarding date and time, an alighting place, and the number of people. In the user ID field, information (user ID) capable of identifying the user is input. In the boarding place field, information relating to the boarding place included in the use request is stored. The boarding place is a place where the user wishes to board the bus 40, and is expressed by, for example, coordinates (latitude and longitude), an address, the name of a building, or the name or number of a bus stop, or the like.

[0059] In the boarding date and time field, information relating to the boarding date and time included in the use request is stored. The boarding date and time is the date and time when the user wishes to board the bus 40. Here, the boarding date and time can be specified as a time period having a certain degree of width. In the alighting place field, information relating to the alighting place included in the use request is stored. The alighting place is a place where the user wishes to alight from the bus 40, and is expressed by, for example, coordinates (latitude and longitude), an address, the name of a building, or the name or number of a bus stop, or the like. Further, the boarding place or the alighting place can be a place registered in advance in the auxiliary storage section 33 of the server 30 as a place where the bus 40 can stop. In the number of people field, information relating to the number of people included in the use request is stored. The number of people is the number of people who wish to board the bus 40.

[0060] Upon receiving a request from the user terminal 20, the instruction unit 303 selects a dispatchable bus 40 based on information included in the request, such as the boarding location, boarding date and time, and alighting location. A dispatchable bus 40 is one with available seats, capable of moving to the boarding location on the boarding date and time, and subsequently to the alighting location. For example, a bus 40 with reservations for boarding or alighting at different locations on the same date and time does not qualify as a bus 40 capable of moving to the boarding location on the boarding date and time. Therefore, a bus 40 can be selected based on its current route.

[0061] If a dispatchable bus 40 is selected, the instruction unit 303 generates an instruction, i.e., a running instruction, to make the bus 40 run. The running instruction includes, for example, the route of the bus 40. The instruction unit 303 generates the route based on map information stored in map information DB314. For example, the instruction unit 303 generates the running instruction in a manner such that the bus 40 departs from the current location and travels through various dispatch locations on the dispatch date and time.

[0062] The map information DB314 stores, for example, road segment data related to roads (road sections), node data related to nodes, intersection data related to intersections, search data for route searching, facility data related to facilities, and search data for location retrieval. Additionally, the map information DB314 may store information related to locations where buses 40 and moving signs 10 can park.

[0063] If the command unit 303 generates an operating command for bus 40, it updates the bus information DB312. Here, based on... Figure 5 The composition of the bus information stored in bus information DB312 is explained. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of bus information DB312. The bus information table has fields for Bus ID, Current Location, Route, Stop Location, Stop Date and Time, User ID, and Available Seats. The Bus ID field contains information that identifies the bus 40 (Bus ID). The Bus ID is assigned to each bus 40, for example, by the bus management department 301. The Current Location field contains information related to the current location of the bus 40 (location information). The current location of the bus 40 is detected by the bus 40's location information sensor 45 and sent to the server 30. The Current Location field is updated whenever location information is received from the bus 40.

[0064] Enter information related to the route of bus 40 in the Route field. Enter information related to the location where bus 40 will stop in the Parking Location field. In the Parking Location field, enter information related to locations that could be the destination of bus 40, such as coordinates, address, or building name. The parking location of bus 40 is the location where the user boards or alights, and is entered based on information related to the boarding or alighting locations included in any user's usage request. The parking locations are arranged in the order in which bus 40 stops. Enter information related to the parking date and time of bus 40 corresponding to the parking location in the Parking Date and Time field. Furthermore, the date and time when the user alights at the alighting location can be calculated based on the boarding time and the time required for bus 40 to travel from the boarding location to the alighting location. Since the travel time of bus 40 can be calculated based on past data or travel distance, the date and time of bus 40's arrival at the alighting location can be calculated based on this time.

[0065] Enter the user's unique identifier (User ID) in the User ID field. Additionally, append a string corresponding to boarding or alighting from the bus after the User ID. If the user boards at the corresponding stop, append the string "ON" after the User ID; if the user alights at the corresponding stop, append the string "OFF" after the User ID. Store the number of empty seats on bus 40 when it departs from the corresponding stop in the Available Seats field.

[0066] In addition, after selecting the bus 40 corresponding to the user's boarding and alighting locations, the instruction unit 303 also selects a mobile marker 10 corresponding to the boarding and alighting locations. Different mobile markers 10 can be selected for the boarding and alighting locations, or the same mobile marker 10 can be selected. For example, one mobile marker 10 can be assigned to each bus 40. In this case, the mobile marker 10 can travel before the bus 40 and move along the same route as the bus 40. Specifically, the mobile marker 10 arrives at the bus stop a predetermined time earlier than the bus 40. Therefore, the instruction unit 303 generates a running instruction for the mobile marker 10 such that the mobile marker 10 arrives a predetermined time earlier than the time the bus 40 arrives at its designated stop. The running instruction includes the route, each stop location, the arrival time to each stop location, and the departure time from each stop location. The generated running instruction is sent to the corresponding mobile marker 10.

[0067] Furthermore, one mobile sign 10 can correspond to multiple buses 40. In this case, the mobile sign 10 may not correspond to all the parking positions of a bus 40, but rather to a portion of the parking positions. For example, one or more mobile signs 10 can be assigned to a designated area, so that one or more mobile signs 10 operate in a manner corresponding to buses 40 parked within that designated area. In this case, the instruction unit 303 selects a mobile sign 10 within the designated area that can arrive at the parking position of the bus 40 before the bus 40 arrives at a designated time, and generates an operation instruction including the route of the mobile sign 10. The generated operation instruction is sent to the corresponding mobile sign 10.

[0068] If the instruction unit 303 generates an operation instruction for the mobility identifier 10, it updates the mobility identifier information DB313. Here, based on Figure 6 The composition of the mobile identification information stored in the mobile identification information DB313 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the mobile identification information DB313. The mobile identification information table has fields for Mobile Identifier ID, Current Location, Route, Parking Location, Parking Date and Time, and Bus ID. The Mobile Identifier ID field contains information that identifies the mobile identifier 10 (Mobile Identifier ID). The Mobile Identifier ID is assigned to each mobile identifier 10, for example, by the Mobile Identifier Management Department 302. The Current Location field contains information related to the current location of the mobile identifier 10 (Location Information). At predetermined intervals, the current location of the mobile identifier 10 is detected using the location information sensor 15 and sent to the server 30.

[0069] Enter information related to the route of mobile identifier 10 in the Route field. Enter information related to the parking location of mobile identifier 10 in the Parking Location field. In the Parking Location field, enter information related to a location that could be the destination of mobile identifier 10, such as coordinates, address, or building name. The parking location of mobile identifier 10 is the location where the user picks up or alights, and is the same as the parking location of the corresponding bus 40. The parking location fields are arranged according to the order in which mobile identifier 10 stops. Enter information related to the parking date and time of mobile identifier 10 corresponding to the parking location in the Parking Date and Time field. Additionally, information related to the departure date and time from the bus stop can be entered. Enter the bus ID corresponding to the parking location in the Bus ID field.

[0070] Additionally, the instruction unit 303 generates an instruction to the mobile sign 10 to report to the vicinity of the bus 40 at the bus 40's parking location, indicating that the bus 40 will subsequently stop, and sends this instruction to the mobile sign 10. The instruction unit 303 may, for example, generate an instruction to cause the display 18 of the mobile sign 10 to output information related to the bus 40's parking location. This information related to the bus 40's parking location may include, for example, information indicating that the location of the mobile sign 10 is where the bus 40 will stop, and information indicating the time of the bus 40's arrival at the location of the mobile sign 10. At the bus 40's parking location, this reporting begins at a predetermined time before the scheduled arrival time of the bus 40. Furthermore, the instruction is generated in such a manner that the reporting continues until the bus 40 arrives, or until the departure time of the mobile sign 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the command unit 303 can, instead of displaying a screen on the monitor 18 indicating the location where the bus 40 will stop, report the location and arrival time of the bus 40 via sound from the speaker 19, or simultaneously display the information on the monitor 18 and report the location and arrival time of the bus 40 via sound from the speaker 19. For example, the command unit 303 can generate commands by playing sounds such as "The bus will stop at this location at 10:00" or "The bus will arrive in 5 minutes" from the speaker 19.

[0072] Next, the function of the mobile identifier 10 will be explained. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the functional structure of the mobile identifier 10. As functional structural elements, the mobile identifier 10 includes a driving unit 101 and a reporting unit 102. The processor 11 of the mobile identifier 10 executes the processing of the driving unit 101 and the reporting unit 102 via a computer program on the main storage unit 12. However, any one of the functional structural elements or a portion thereof can be executed by hardware circuitry. Furthermore, any one of the functional structural elements of the mobile identifier 10 or a portion thereof can also be executed by another computer connected to the network N1.

[0073] The driving unit 101 controls the movement of the mobile sign 10 during autonomous driving. The driving unit 101 uses data detected by the environmental information sensor 16 to generate control commands for controlling the drive unit 17. For example, the driving unit 101 controls the speed of the mobile sign 10 or controls the steering angle by controlling the rotation speed of multiple motors.

[0074] The driving unit 101 generates a driving trajectory for the mobile sign 10 based on data detected by the environmental information sensor 16, and controls the drive unit 17 to drive the mobile sign 10 along this trajectory. The method for enabling the mobile sign 10 to drive autonomously can employ known methods. The driving unit 101 can implement feedback control based on the detection values ​​of the environmental information sensor 16 during autonomous driving. The driving unit 101 drives autonomously by cruising along a predetermined route. This route is included in the operating instructions sent from the server 30. For example, the driving unit 101 drives the mobile sign 10 based on the driving route and parking position included in the operating instructions received from the server 30. The operating instructions received from the server 30 are, for example, stored by the driving unit 101 in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0075] In addition, the driving unit 101 periodically sends information related to the mobility identifier 10 to the server 30. For example, the driving unit 101 sends information related to the current location and the remaining capacity of the battery, obtained by the location information sensor 15, to the server 30 as information related to the mobility identifier 10.

[0076] Next, the reporting unit 102 performs reporting processing at the bus 40's parking location. This reporting processing involves reporting the bus 40's parking location and other relevant information to nearby people or vehicles 50. The reporting unit 102 performs reporting processing only when both the location-related conditions and the time-related conditions of the mobile identifier 10 are met. The reporting unit 102 compares the location information detected by the location information sensor 15 with the parking location included in the operation command sent from the server 30. If the current location of the mobile identifier 10 is within a specified area of ​​the bus 40's parking location, the location-related condition is determined to be met. Furthermore, the reporting unit 102 compares the current time with the time received from the server 30 when the bus 40 will stop at the parking location. If the current time is within a specified time before the time the bus 40 will stop at the parking location, the time-related condition is determined to be met.

[0077] If the reporting unit 102 determines that both the time and position conditions are met, then, for example, it causes the display 18 to show... Figure 8 The image shown. Figure 8 This is an example of a screen showing a situation where the report according to the first embodiment indicates the location where bus 40 will stop. The display 18 shows information indicating that the location of the moving sign 10 is the location where bus 40 will stop, and information indicating the time when bus 40 will arrive at the location of the moving sign 10. Figure 8The system reports that the location is the stop for bus 40 by displaying "The bus will arrive at 10:00." Additionally, the display may show phrases such as "Bus Stop" or "In front of the Municipal Hospital" to indicate that it is a bus stop, or the name of the bus stop. This allows users of bus 40 to identify the location of the bus stop.

[0078] At the location where bus 40 will stop, the display will begin at a predetermined time before the scheduled arrival time of bus 40. Figure 8 The screen shown displays the scheduled arrival time of bus 40, which corresponds to the parking date and time stored in bus information DB312. Furthermore, it continuously displays... Figure 8 The screen shown continues until bus 40 arrives or until moving sign 10 departs.

[0079] Additionally, the instruction unit 303 can replace the display 18 in making it display. Figure 8 The location where the bus 40 will stop and the time of its arrival can be announced by the speaker 19 while the display 18 is being shown. For example, the speaker 19 can play sounds such as "The bus will stop at 10 o'clock" or "The bus will arrive in 5 minutes".

[0080] For example, if the scheduled stopping time of bus 40 has passed, the reporting unit 102 can end the report. Alternatively, the reporting unit 102 can end the report upon receiving notification from the server 30 or bus 40 that bus 40 has arrived at the stopping location. In this case, the communication unit 44 of bus 40 and the communication unit 14 of the mobility identifier 10 can communicate via network N2. In this way, the reporting unit 102 can report the stopping location of bus 40 until bus 40 actually arrives. If bus 40 arrives later than the scheduled stopping time, the reporting unit 102 can report the stopping location of bus 40 after the scheduled stopping time without reporting the stopping time of bus 40.

[0081] Furthermore, if bus 40 arrives, the driving unit 101 moves the movement sign 10 toward the next destination.

[0082] Next, the functions of user terminal 20 will be explained. Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of user terminal 20. User terminal 20 has a bus utilization unit 201 as a functional structural element. The processor 21 of user terminal 20 executes the processing of bus utilization unit 201 via a computer program on main storage unit 22. However, a portion of the processing of bus utilization unit 201 can also be executed by hardware circuitry. Furthermore, a portion of the processing of bus utilization unit 201 can be executed by another computer connected to network N1.

[0083] The bus access unit 201 has the function of accessing and interacting with the server 30. This function can be implemented through a web browser or dedicated application software running on the user terminal 20. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the bus access unit 201 is configured to execute application software for communicating with the server 30. The bus access unit 201 generates an access request based on input to the input unit 24 of the user terminal 20.

[0084] For example, the bus utilization unit 201 requests the user's desired boarding location (hereinafter also referred to as the desired boarding location), desired boarding date and time (hereinafter also referred to as the desired boarding date and time), desired alighting location (hereinafter also referred to as the desired alighting location), and number of passengers. At this time, the user terminal 20's current location can be used as the desired boarding location, and the current date and time can be used as the desired boarding date and time. If the bus utilization unit 201 sends information related to the desired boarding location, desired boarding date and time, and desired alighting location to the server 30, the server 30 selects locations where the bus 40 can stop at the desired boarding date and time and in the vicinity of the desired boarding location and the desired alighting location as candidate parking locations for the bus 40, and sends these locations to the user terminal 20. At this time, the bus utilization unit 201 can send only parking locations corresponding to the buses 40 that can be booked. Furthermore, the bus utilization unit 201 displays a map on the display 25 showing the locations where the bus 40 can stop. If there are multiple locations where the bus 40 can stop, the bus utilization unit 201 displays multiple locations. Users can select their boarding and alighting locations by clicking on the locations where the bus 40 can stop, which are displayed on the monitor 25.

[0085] If a pick-up and drop-off location is selected, the bus utilization unit 201 generates a utilization request including the user ID, pick-up location, pick-up date and time, drop-off location, and number of passengers, and sends it to the server 30. Then, for example, if the server 30 sends a message indicating that the reservation is complete, the bus utilization unit 201 displays a screen indicating that the reservation is complete on the display 25. Furthermore, the reservation method is not limited to this; other methods can also be used.

[0086] Next, the processing of the generation of the mobile identifier 10 and the operation instructions of the bus 40 in the server 30 will be explained. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating the mobility identifier 10 and the operating instructions for the bus 40 in the server 30 according to this embodiment. In the server 30, the process is executed at predetermined intervals. Figure 10 The processing shown.

[0087] In step S101, the bus management unit 301 determines whether a usage request has been received from the user terminal 20. If an affirmative determination is made in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the procedure ends. In step S102, the bus management unit 301 selects a bus 40 for the user to ride. The bus management unit 301 selects the bus 40 based on the information included in the usage request and the bus information stored in the bus information DB312. Specifically, the bus management unit 301 selects a bus 40 with an available number of seats that allows passengers to travel to the boarding location and then to the alighting location on the designated travel date and time. After selecting the bus 40, the bus management unit 301 may send a notification indicating that the reservation for the bus 40 has been completed to the user terminal 20.

[0088] In step S103, the command unit 303 generates a travel instruction for the bus 40, which departs from its current location and travels via the boarding and alighting points on the specified date and time. In this way, the command unit 303 sets the bus stops based on information related to the boarding and alighting points received from the user terminal 20. At this time, the command unit 303 can generate the route for the bus 40 and include the route in the travel instruction. This travel instruction can, for example, cause the bus 40's display 46 to show a screen guiding the bus 40 along its route.

[0089] Then, in step S104, the instruction unit 303 sends a run instruction to the bus 40. And, in step S105, the instruction unit 303 updates the bus information DB312. The instruction unit 303 inputs a new route into the corresponding bus 40's route field and updates the fields for stop location, stop date and time, user ID, and available seats. At this time, if necessary, the instruction unit 303 updates the records so that the stop locations are arranged according to the stop order in the bus 40's route.

[0090] In step S106, the instruction unit 303 selects a mobile sign 10 to be dispatched to the stop location of the bus 40. The instruction unit 303 selects the mobile sign 10, for example, based on bus information stored in the bus information DB312. Specifically, the instruction unit 303 selects a mobile sign 10 capable of moving to a newly added boarding or alighting location. Different mobile signs 10 may correspond to different boarding and alighting locations. For example, the instruction unit 303 selects a mobile sign 10 capable of arriving at a newly added boarding location before a specified time on the boarding date. At this time, the instruction unit 303 selects the mobile sign 10 based on the route, stop location, and stop date and time stored in the mobile sign information DB313. For example, the instruction unit 303 may select the mobile sign 10 based on the condition that a new added boarding location exists within a specified distance from the current route of the mobile sign 10. The specified distance may be determined based on cost, for example. The same applies to the alighting location. Furthermore, if one mobile sign 10 is assigned to each bus 40, the already assigned mobile sign 10 is selected.

[0091] Furthermore, the instruction unit 303 can, for example, regenerate the routes of the multiple moving signs 10 in a manner that minimizes the total travel distance of the multiple moving signs 10. That is, since a new bus stop 40 has been added, it is also possible to consider situations where the overall travel distance is shorter compared to changing the route of a single moving sign 10. In this case, the routes of the multiple moving signs 10 can be changed.

[0092] In step S107, the instruction unit 303 generates an operation instruction based on the premise that the mobile sign 10 departs from its current location and arrives at the parking location before the specified time of the bus 40's parking date, and performs report processing. The operation instruction includes the route of the mobile sign 10. If the routes of multiple mobile signs 10 are changed, the instruction unit 303 generates an operation instruction corresponding to each mobile sign 10.

[0093] In step S108, the command unit 303 sends a run command to the mobile identifier 10. Then, in step S109, the command unit 303 updates the mobile identifier information DB313. That is, the command unit 303 inputs a new route into the route field of the corresponding mobile identifier 10 and updates the fields for parking location, parking date and time, and bus ID. At this time, if necessary, the command unit 303 updates the record so that the parking locations are arranged according to the parking order in the route of the mobile identifier 10.

[0094] Next, the processing in the moving identifier 10 will be explained. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the runtime process of the mobility identifier 10 according to this embodiment. In the mobility identifier 10, execution is performed at predetermined intervals. Figure 11 The processing shown.

[0095] In step S201, the driving unit 101 determines whether a running command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202; otherwise, the routine ends. In step S202, the driving unit 101 performs driving control toward the stopping location of the bus 40. The driving unit 101 determines, for example, the stopping location of the bus 40 that will be the next transit point based on the current position of the movement marker 10 and the route included in the running command, and controls the drive unit 17 to move the movement marker 10 to that stopping location. Furthermore, the driving unit 101 controls the drive unit 17 to arrive at each stopping location before the predetermined time of the bus 40's stopping date. The autonomous driving involved in the driving unit 101 can be achieved using known techniques.

[0096] In step S203, the driving unit 101 determines whether the motion sign 10 has arrived at the bus 40's stopping location. The driving unit 101, for example, compares the location information obtained by the location information sensor 15 with the information related to the bus 40's stopping location included in the operating instructions obtained from the server 30 to determine whether the motion sign 10 has arrived at the stopping location. If a positive determination is made in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204; if a negative determination is made, the process of step S203 is executed again.

[0097] In step S204, the reporting unit 102 determines whether the bus 40 is at its designated parking time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reporting begins before the designated parking time of the bus 40, indicating the bus 40 is at its parking position. However, it is also possible to begin reporting immediately after the moving sign 10 arrives at the bus 40's parking position. Additionally, the driving unit 101 can control the movement of the moving sign 10 in such a way that the moving sign 10 arrives at the bus 40's parking position before the designated parking time. If a positive determination is made in step S204, the process proceeds to step S205; if a negative determination is made, the processing of step S204 is repeated.

[0098] In step S205, the reporting unit 102 performs report processing. For example, the reporting unit 102 causes the display 18 to show... Figure 8The image shown, and the sound played from speaker 19, indicates the stopping location of bus 40. In step S206, the reporting unit 102 determines whether bus 40 has arrived. For example, the reporting unit 102 can determine whether bus 40 has arrived by communicating with bus 40 via network N2. Alternatively, as another method, server 30 can notify the mobile sign 10 of bus 40's arrival based on the location information received from bus 40. Furthermore, as another method, if the stopping date and time are specified, the reporting unit 102 can consider bus 40 to have arrived. Additionally, the reporting unit 102 can determine whether bus 40 has arrived based on the detection value of environmental information sensor 16. In this case, for example, the reporting unit 102 can determine bus 40's arrival by using environmental information sensor 16 to capture images of the surrounding area of ​​mobile sign 10 and performing image analysis. If a positive determination is made in step S206, the process proceeds to step S207; if a negative determination is made, the process of step S206 is executed again.

[0099] In step S207, the reporting unit 102 ends the report processing. For example, the reporting unit 102 ends the report by clearing the image displayed on the display 18 and stopping the sound. In step S208, the driving unit 101 determines whether there is a next stop on the route. In other words, the driving unit 101 determines whether all the stops have been passed (if there is no next stop, all stops have been passed). If it is determined in step S208 that there is no next stop, the process proceeds to step S209; if it is determined that there is a next stop, the process returns to step S202, and the movement marker 10 moves towards the next stop.

[0100] In step S209, the driving unit 101 performs driving control towards the base. The base is a place for storing and maintaining the mobile marker 10, and a place for charging the mobile marker 10, etc.

[0101] As explained above, according to the first embodiment, by dispatching the mobile sign 10 to the location where the bus 40 will stop, users can easily know the stopping location of the bus 40. Furthermore, since the mobile sign 10 reports the location where the bus 40 will stop to surrounding vehicles 50, it can prevent vehicles 50 from parking at the bus stop. Thus, a suitable stopping location for the bus 40 can be ensured. Therefore, users are not forced to make additional movements. In addition, the bus 40 can operate smoothly.

[0102] Implementation Method 2

[0103] In the first embodiment, only the report related to the display 18 or the speaker 19 is made, but in the second embodiment, the content of the report is changed according to the situation around the bus stop.Figure 12 Is Figure 11 The flowchart for the report processing that begins in step S205. Figure 12 The process shown is repeated until a positive determination is made in step S206. This is performed according to the execution instructions sent from server 30. Figure 12 The processing shown.

[0104] In step S301, the reporting unit 102 displays the bus stop name on the display 18. This notifies users of bus 40 that the location is a bus stop. In step S302, the reporting unit 102 determines whether a vehicle 50 exists within a designated area centered on the current location of the mobile sign 10. The designated area is a distance at which there is a risk of obstructing the parking of bus 40, and can be determined, for example, based on the size of bus 40. This designated area can be specified by the server 30. For example, the reporting unit 102 can determine whether a vehicle 50 exists within the designated area by using the environmental information sensor 16 to capture images of the area surrounding the mobile sign 10 and performing image analysis. Alternatively, the reporting unit 102 can determine whether a vehicle 50 exists within the designated area by communicating with the vehicle 50 via network N1 or network N2. If a positive determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S303; if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0105] In step S303, the reporting unit 102 reports to move the vehicle 50. For example, the reporting unit 102 reports by displaying the phrase "Please move the vehicle" on the screen of the display 18 and playing the sound "Please move the vehicle" from the speaker 19. Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step S302, the bus stop name continues to be displayed on the screen of the display 18. Even when the vehicle 50 is parked, there is a possibility that the driver has left the vehicle 50. In this case, it is also considered that the driver will not notice the display on the display 18. Therefore, a report can be made solely by sound. In this case, for example, the volume can be louder than the report in step S305 described later. Alternatively, as another method, the reporting unit 102 may use the environmental information sensor 16 to photograph the vehicle 50 and determine whether a driver is present in the vehicle 50. The volume can be decreased if a driver is present and increased if no driver is present. Furthermore, if a driver is present, the reporting unit 102 may make a report using only the display 18, or a report using only the display 18 and the speaker 19.

[0106] In step S304, the reporting unit 102 determines whether the vehicle 50 is approaching a designated area. For example, the approach of the vehicle 50 can be detected based on the detection values ​​of the radar included in the environmental information sensor 16. Alternatively, the reporting unit 102 can determine whether the vehicle 50 is approaching by using the environmental information sensor 16 to capture images of the surrounding area of ​​the moving sign 10 and performing image analysis. Furthermore, as another method, the reporting unit 102 can determine whether the vehicle 50 is approaching by communicating with the vehicle 50 via network N1 or network N2. If a positive determination is made in step S304, the process proceeds to step S305; if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0107] In step S305, the reporting unit 102 reports to prevent vehicle 50 from parking in the designated area. For example, the reporting unit 102 reports by displaying the statement "This is a bus stop" on the screen of display 18 or playing the sound "This is a bus stop" from the speaker 19. In this way, if the driver of vehicle 50 is informed that it is a bus stop, parking of vehicle 50 can be prevented. If a negative determination is made in step S304, the reporting unit 102 reports by either continuing to display the bus stop name on the screen of display 18 or continuing to move vehicle 50.

[0108] In step S306, the reporting unit 102 determines whether a person is approaching the designated area. For example, similar to detecting the approach of a vehicle 50, the approach of a person can be detected based on the detection value of the radar included in the environmental information sensor 16 or image analysis. If a positive determination is made in step S306, the process proceeds to step S307; if a negative determination is made, the procedure ends.

[0109] In step S307, the reporting unit 102 causes the display 18 to show the bus stop name. This allows people approaching the bus 40 to be notified that the location is a bus stop.

[0110] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the effectiveness of the report can be improved by changing the content of the report according to the situation.

[0111] Third implementation method

[0112] In the third embodiment, the mobile sign 10 communicates with surrounding vehicles 50 via the communication unit 14, reporting that the location is a bus stop. The surrounding vehicles 50 include vehicles traveling within the designated area including the mobile sign 10, vehicles approaching the mobile sign 10, and vehicles parked within the designated area including the mobile sign 10. The vehicles 50 can be manually driven or autonomously driven. The vehicles 50 are vehicles other than the mobile sign 10 and the bus 40. The vehicle 50 is equipped with an on-board unit 50A. Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the vehicle-mounted device 50A of the vehicle 50. Since the structures of the mobile identification 10, user terminal 20, server 30, and bus 40 are the same as in the first embodiment, descriptions are omitted.

[0113] The vehicle-mounted device 50A has a computer-like structure, typically a navigation system. The vehicle 50 includes a processor 51, main storage 52, auxiliary storage 53, communication unit 54, position information sensor 55, and display 56. These are interconnected via a bus. Since the processor 51, main storage 52, and auxiliary storage 53 are the same as those in the server 30, their descriptions are omitted. Similarly, since the communication unit 54 and position information sensor 55 are the same as those in the mobile identifier 10, their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, since the display 56 is the same as the display 25 in the user terminal 20, its description is omitted. Moreover, the vehicle 50 may be, for example, a vehicle capable of autonomous driving. In this case, similar to the mobile identifier 10, the processor 51 can control the vehicle 50 based on instructions from the server 30.

[0114] Next, the functions of the on-board device 50A of vehicle 50 will be explained. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of an on-board unit 50A of a vehicle 50. The on-board unit 50A of the vehicle 50 includes a navigation unit 501 as a functional structural element. The processor 51 of the on-board unit 50A of the vehicle 50 executes the processing of the navigation unit 501 via a computer program stored in the main storage unit 52. However, any one of the functional structural elements or a portion thereof can be executed by hardware circuitry.

[0115] The navigation unit 501 displays a map of the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 50's current location based on map information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 53. Additionally, the navigation unit 501 generates a route for the vehicle 50 based on driver input and guides the driver along that route. The navigation unit 501 may, for example, display a map and route on the display 56 and provide voice guidance on the direction of movement.

[0116] The mobile sign 10 reports the stopping location of bus 40 to surrounding vehicles 50 via communication unit 14, starting before the designated stopping time of bus 40. The data transmitted at this time can be broadcast, for example, via inter-vehicle communication. Furthermore, the data transmitted at this time includes information related to the stopping location of bus 40 and information related to the stopping time of bus 40.

[0117] If the navigation unit 501 receives data from the movement identifier 10, it causes the display 56 to show a map and the stopping position of the bus 40. At this time, the navigation unit 501 may also cause the display 56 to show, for example, the stopping time of the bus 40 or the time up to the stopping time of the bus 40. Figure 15 This is an example of a screen displaying information related to bus 40 on display 56. Figure 15 This example displays the stopping position and stopping time of bus 40 on a map based on information sent from mobile identifier 10. The display 56 shows a road map of the designated area surrounding vehicle 50, with an icon of vehicle 50 displayed approximately in the center. Additionally, an icon for the bus stop is displayed at the location corresponding to the stopping position of bus 40. Furthermore, the arrival time of bus 40 is displayed next to the bus stop icon. Alternatively, the time until bus 40's arrival can also be displayed next to the bus stop icon. In this way, the driver can determine the stopping position of bus 40 on the map by observing the information displayed on display 56.

[0118] Additionally, as another method, if the end of the route of the guided vehicle 50 is within a designated area of ​​the bus 40's parking location, the navigation unit 501 can, for example, report to the driver that the bus 40's parking location is very close via sound. Furthermore, as another method, if the vehicle 50 enters the designated area from the bus 40's parking location, the navigation unit 501 can, for example, report to the driver that the bus 40's parking location is very close via sound. Additionally, when the vehicle 50 intends to park within the designated area of ​​the bus 40's parking location, the navigation unit 501 can, for example, report to the driver that the bus 40's parking location is very close via sound. In this case, for example, if the driver turns off the vehicle 50's power switch, the navigation unit 501 can determine that parking is necessary at that location. The designated area is the range within a distance that could potentially obstruct the parking of the bus 40, and can be determined, for example, based on the size of the bus 40.

[0119] As explained above, according to the third embodiment, since the vehicle 50 can be prevented from parking at the bus 40's parking position, passengers on and off the bus 40 can be boarded and disembarked smoothly. Furthermore, even if the driver of the vehicle 50 does not notice the moving sign 10, the vehicle 50's navigation unit 501 can notify the driver, thus more reliably transmitting the bus 40's parking position to the driver of the vehicle 50.

[0120] Implementation Method 4

[0121] In the fourth embodiment, an example of not reporting vehicle 50 will be described. Even if vehicle 50 is about to stop at the bus 40's parking spot, for example, if it is a vehicle carrying a wheelchair or a vehicle classified as an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car, no report will be made. For example, the mobility identifier 10 can obtain feature values ​​from an image of the vicinity of the mobility identifier 10 captured by the environmental information sensor 16, and determine the type of vehicle 50 and whether the vehicle 50 carries a wheelchair by matching the feature values ​​in a pattern. Alternatively, the mobility identifier 10 can determine that vehicle 50 is a vehicle carrying a wheelchair if it detects a sticker indicating that a wheelchair is being carried. Furthermore, as another method, the mobility identifier 10 can determine whether vehicle 50 belongs to the aforementioned vehicle types via vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0122] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the name of the bus stop is also displayed. Thus, it is displayed that the location is a bus stop.

[0123] Figure 16 Is Figure 11 The flowchart for the report processing that begins in step S205. Repeatedly execute... Figure 16 The process continues until a positive determination is made in step S206. Figure 16 In China, regarding execution and Figure 12 The same processing steps are labeled with the same reference numerals and descriptions are omitted. Execution is performed according to the run instructions sent from server 30. Figure 16 The processing shown.

[0124] exist Figure 16In the flowchart shown, if a positive determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the reporting unit 102 determines whether a vehicle 50 existing in the designated area is an excluded vehicle. An excluded vehicle is a vehicle 50 that is not reported even if it exists in the designated area, such as the aforementioned vehicle carrying a wheelchair or an emergency vehicle. Information related to excluded vehicles is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage unit 33 of the server 30, and is sent from the server 30 to the mobility identifier 10 along with the operation command. Furthermore, information related to excluded vehicles is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. This information related to excluded vehicles includes, for example, information related to feature quantities during image analysis. If a positive determination is made in step S401, no report is made, and the process proceeds to step S304; if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S303, where a report is made.

[0125] In addition, Figure 16 In the flowchart shown, if a positive determination is made in step S304, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, the reporting unit 102 determines whether the vehicle 50 approaching the designated area is an excluded vehicle. If a positive determination is made in step S402, no report is made, and the process proceeds to step S306. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S305, where a report is made.

[0126] As explained above, according to the fourth embodiment, by setting up exclusion vehicles that do not report, it is possible to facilitate the movement of people using vehicle 50.

[0127] Other implementation methods

[0128] The above-described implementation is merely an example, and this disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0129] The processing and mechanisms described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradictions arise.

[0130] Furthermore, it can be shown that processing intended for one device can also be performed by multiple devices. Alternatively, it can be shown that processing intended for different devices can also be performed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware architecture (server configuration) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed. For example, the mobile identifier 10 can have some of the functions of the server 30.

[0131] For example, the movement identifier 10 can be configured to spontaneously perform reporting processing at the stopping position of the bus 40. For example, a program that, upon receiving the stopping position and stopping time of the bus 40 from the server 30, starts reporting to the surrounding area at the stopping position of the bus 40 and before the stopping time of the bus 40 by a predetermined time is stored in the main storage unit 12 of the movement identifier 10, and the processor 11 can perform the reporting by executing the program.

[0132] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a computer program with the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having the program read and executed by one or more processors of the computer. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a hard disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-in dedicated memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that, The processor includes a processor configured to generate an instruction for a mobile display device to display information indicating that the location of the display device is a bus stop, and to report an instruction that the bus will stop at the location set as a bus stop, prior to a predetermined time before the time when the bus stops at the location. The processor is configured to send a movement command to the display device, the movement command instructing the display device to move to a location designated as the bus stop before a predetermined time before the bus stops. The processor is configured to set the bus stops based on information received from the user's terminal related to the bus's boarding or alighting location.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is configured such that the instructions include instructing the display device to display an image related to the situation that the bus is about to stop at the location.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured such that the instructions include an instruction to play a sound related to the situation that the bus is about to stop at the location from the speaker of the display device.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to generate the instruction that instructs the display device to report to the other vehicles via communication with them that the bus is about to stop at the location.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned other vehicles are vehicles that are close to the aforementioned display device and are traveling within the specified range including the aforementioned display device.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The other vehicles mentioned above are those parked within the specified range, including the aforementioned display device.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The processor is configured such that the instructions include displaying the location set as the bus stop on the map of the navigation system of the other vehicles.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a storage unit that stores information related to excluded vehicles that are not reported as potentially stopping at the aforementioned location, wherein... The processor is configured to generate an instruction that instructs the display device not to report that the bus will stop at the location if the other vehicle is one of the excluded vehicles specified above.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured such that the instructions include instructions to report the time when the bus arrives at the location designated as the bus stop, or the time up to the time the bus arrives at the location designated as the bus stop.

10. An information processing method, executed by a computer, characterized in that, include: The mobile display device generates an instruction to display information indicating that the location of the mobile display device is a bus stop, and to report an instruction that the bus will stop at the location set as the bus stop, before a predetermined time when the bus will stop at the location. Sending a movement instruction to the aforementioned display device, the movement instruction indicating that the display device shall move to a location designated as the bus stop before the aforementioned predetermined time when the bus stops, further includes: The bus stops are set based on information received from the user's terminal related to the boarding or alighting location of the bus.

11. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: The aforementioned instructions include displaying an image on the display device relating to the situation that the bus will stop at the aforementioned location.

12. The information processing method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The aforementioned instructions include an instruction to play an audio message related to the situation that the bus is about to stop at the aforementioned location from the speaker on the aforementioned display device.

13. The information processing method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The device generates an instruction to the other vehicles via communication with them, instructing them to report that the bus will stop at the aforementioned location.

14. The information processing method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The aforementioned instructions include instructions to report the time when the bus arrives at the location designated as the bus stop, or the time up to the time when the bus arrives at the location designated as the bus stop.

15. A mobile body, characterized in that, Includes a processor, which is configured as follows: The aforementioned mobile body is enabled to move autonomously to a location designated as a bus stop. At locations designated as bus stops, the display shows information indicating that the location of the mobile vehicle is a bus stop; and At locations designated as stops for the aforementioned buses, a report shall be submitted indicating that the bus will be stopping at the designated location at a predetermined time prior to the scheduled time when the bus will arrive at the designated location. The processor is configured to move the mobile body in such a way that it arrives at the location designated as the bus stop before the specified time when the bus stops. The processor is configured to set the bus stops based on information received from the user's terminal related to the bus's boarding or alighting location.

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