On-demand vehicle operation methods and operating systems

Abstract

A method and system for operating on-demand vehicles are provided, which allow on-demand vehicles to operate autonomously in a single lane where scheduled vehicles operate without obstructing their operation. The method involves accepting a reservation for an on-demand vehicle (20) from a user (40) and moving the on-demand vehicle (20) to a waiting meeting place (P) with the user (40). Based on the scheduled operation plan of the scheduled vehicle (10), the available waiting time for the on-demand vehicle (20) at the waiting meeting place (P) is calculated. If the user (40) fails to appear at the waiting meeting place (P) and the available waiting time has elapsed, the on-demand vehicle (20) is moved from the waiting meeting place (P) so as not to affect the operation of the scheduled vehicle (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for operating on-demand vehicles in an automated driving manner in a single lane operated by regularly scheduled vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Prior art related to the operation of on-demand vehicles is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses the following: estimating the time when a user arrives at the pick-up location of the vehicle, and modifying the operation plan of the pick-up vehicle if the estimated arrival time does not coincide with the scheduled pick-up time.

[0003] In addition to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 may also be cited as documents indicating the level of technical expertise in the technical field related to this disclosure.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-060372

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-158843

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-018697

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-186541 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The study explored utilizing the site of a former single-track railway as a single-lane roadway. However, in areas with limited land, sometimes even if a lane were to be built, only a single lane could be guaranteed. On the other hand, MaaS (Mobility as a Service) using vehicles that operate autonomously is currently being researched in various aspects. Autonomous vehicles used in MaaS include on-demand vehicles that operate according to user requests.

[0011] Imagine a scenario where MaaS is widely implemented in society, there would be a need for on-demand vehicles operating autonomously within a single lane previously used by scheduled vehicles. However, none of the prior art documents, including Patent Document 1, disclose a method for operating on-demand vehicles autonomously within a single lane previously used by scheduled vehicles.

[0012] This disclosure was made in view of the problems described above. The object of this disclosure is to provide a technology that enables on-demand vehicles to operate in an autonomous driving manner in a single lane operated by a regularly scheduled vehicle without interfering with the operation of the regularly scheduled vehicle.

[0013] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0014] This disclosure provides an on-demand vehicle operation technology for achieving the above objectives, including an on-demand vehicle operation method and an on-demand vehicle operation system.

[0015] The on-demand vehicle operation method disclosed herein is a method for operating an on-demand vehicle in an automated manner on a single lane operated by a scheduled vehicle. The on-demand vehicle operation method of this disclosure includes the following steps: Step 1: Accepting a reservation for an on-demand vehicle from a user and moving the on-demand vehicle to a waiting area to meet the user. Step 2: Calculating the available waiting time for the on-demand vehicle at the waiting area based on the scheduled operation plan of the scheduled vehicle. Step 3: If the user does not appear at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, moving the on-demand vehicle from the waiting area so as not to affect the operation of the scheduled vehicle.

[0016] The on-demand vehicle operation system disclosed herein is a system that operates on-demand vehicles in an automated manner on a single lane where scheduled vehicles operate. The on-demand vehicle operation system of this disclosure includes: at least one processor; and a program memory, which, in conjunction with the at least one processor, stores a plurality of executable instructions. The plurality of executable instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to perform the following processes: A first process is to accept a reservation for an on-demand vehicle from a user and move the on-demand vehicle to a waiting area to meet the user. A second process is to calculate the available waiting time for the on-demand vehicle at the waiting area based on the scheduled operation plan of the scheduled vehicles. Furthermore, a third process is to move the on-demand vehicle from the waiting area if the user has not appeared at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, so as not to affect the operation of the scheduled vehicles.

[0017] According to the on-demand vehicle operation technology disclosed herein, it is possible to maximize the care for users who arrive late to the waiting meeting place while preventing on-demand vehicles from obstructing the operation of regularly running vehicles on a single lane with limited passing space.

[0018] In the on-demand vehicle operation technology disclosed herein, reservations for on-demand vehicles from the next user can also be accepted, and an operation plan can be created to pick up the next user after the previous user has been picked up. In this case, the available waiting time for the previous user can be calculated based on the regular operation plan of the regularly running vehicles, taking into account the minimum waiting time required for the next user to board at the waiting meeting place. Thus, even if the on-demand vehicle also picks up the next user, it is possible to prevent the next user from suffering losses due to the previous user not showing up at the waiting meeting place.

[0019] In the on-demand vehicle operation technology disclosed herein, even if the user has not appeared at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, the user can be notified to move the on-demand vehicle from the waiting area. This prevents the on-demand vehicle from disappearing from the waiting area without the user's knowledge, thus suppressing any decrease in user satisfaction with the service.

[0020] In the on-demand vehicle operation technology disclosed herein, multiple passing areas, including stops for regularly scheduled vehicles, may be provided in a single lane. In this case, moving the on-demand vehicle from the waiting area may also include moving the on-demand vehicle to the nearest passing area among the multiple passing areas that it can reach before the regularly scheduled vehicle passes. This allows the regularly scheduled vehicle to pass with minimal movement of the on-demand vehicle.

[0021] In the on-demand vehicle operation technology disclosed herein, after the regularly operating vehicle has passed the nearest passing area, the on-demand vehicle can also be moved again to the waiting meeting place. This allows for relief for users who arrive late to the waiting meeting place.

[0022] In the on-demand vehicle operation technology disclosed herein, even if a user fails to appear at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, the user can be notified to move the on-demand vehicle from the waiting area. In this case, a request for redeployment from the user can be used as a condition to move the on-demand vehicle back to the waiting area. This provides relief to users who intend to use the on-demand vehicle and reduces unnecessary operation of the on-demand vehicle.

[0023] The effects of the invention

[0024] As described above, the on-demand vehicle operation technology of this disclosure can maximize the convenience for users who arrive late to the meeting place while operating on-demand vehicles without hindering the operation of regularly running vehicles on a single lane with limited passing space. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an outline of the vehicle operating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle operating system according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 This figure illustrates a first example of a vehicle operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 This figure illustrates a first example of a vehicle operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This figure illustrates a second example of a vehicle operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This figure illustrates a third example of a vehicle operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 This figure illustrates a third example of a vehicle operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This figure illustrates the fourth example of a vehicle operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Label Explanation

[0034] 2. Single-lane route

[0035] 4. A parking station used as a passing area

[0036] 10. Regularly operated vehicles

[0037] 12 autonomous driving ECUs

[0038] 20 on-demand vehicles

[0039] 22 Autonomous Driving ECUs

[0040] Users of 40, 40A, and 40B on-demand vehicles

[0041] 42 Portable Terminal

[0042] 100 Operation Management Server

[0043] 110 processor

[0044] 120 Program Memory

[0045] 122 Instruction

[0046] 130 storage

[0047] 132 Regularly running plan database Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, the implementation methods of the vehicle operation method and the operation system of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the embodiments shown below, when numbers, quantities, quantities, ranges, etc., of each element are mentioned, the mentioned numbers do not limit the ideas involved in this disclosure, unless specifically stated or obviously determined in principle. In addition, the structures, etc., described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily necessary for the ideas involved in this disclosure, unless specifically stated or obviously determined in principle.

[0049] 1. Overview of the vehicle's operating system

[0050] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an outline of a vehicle operating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operating system is a system for operating vehicles 10 and 20 on a single-lane route 2. The single-lane route 2 is, for example, a route constructed on the site of a former single-track railway. On the single-lane route 2, two vehicles 10 and 20 cannot travel side-by-side or pass each other. Therefore, multiple passing points are provided on the route 2 to allow vehicles 10 and 20 to pass each other and overtake.

[0051] The passing area includes at least one stop 4. If route 2 is built on the site of an existing single-track railway, then stop 4 is equivalent to a railway station. Even on a single track, the station is constructed to allow trains traveling on the outbound and inbound routes to pass each other. Thus, stop 4, converted from a station, makes it possible for two trains 10 and 20 to pass and overtake each other. Stop 4 includes a waiting room 6 for users 30. Passing areas located outside stop 4 on route 2 are solely for passing and overtaking of trains 10 and 20 and do not include a waiting room 6.

[0052] Vehicles 10 and 20, operated by the system, are scheduled vehicle 10 and on-demand vehicle 20, respectively. Scheduled vehicle 10 operates regularly according to a scheduled schedule. On-demand vehicle 20 operates without a fixed schedule, based on user requests. Additionally, on-demand vehicle 20 also serves as a ride-sharing vehicle, picking up users who wish to share a ride. In the system, autonomous vehicles operating in an automated manner are used as scheduled vehicle 10 and also as on-demand vehicle 20.

[0053] The operation management of the regularly operating vehicle 10, which is an autonomous vehicle, is performed by the operation management server 100. Additionally, the operation management of the on-demand vehicle 20, which is also an autonomous vehicle, is performed by the operation management server 100. Both the regularly operating vehicle 10 and the on-demand vehicle 20 are connected to the operation management server 100 via network 200.

[0054] Both the scheduled vehicle 10 and the on-demand vehicle 20 can be electric vehicles, motorized vehicles, or hybrid vehicles. Electric vehicles, as referred to here, include not only vehicles equipped with batteries or fuel cells, but also vehicles that draw power from a pantograph, like trolleybuses. Furthermore, neither vehicle 10 nor 20 is limited to vehicles with wheels; they can also be vehicles that run on tracks, like trolleybuses. In this case, the scheduled vehicle 10 could be an autonomous trolleybus, like a streetcar in an urban area, and the on-demand vehicle 20 could be an autonomous car.

[0055] User 30 using scheduled vehicle 10 boards at stop 4. Scheduled vehicle 10 stops at stop 4 according to its scheduled operation plan. User 40 using on-demand vehicle 20 can call for on-demand vehicle 20 not only at stop 4, but anywhere along route 2. User 40 reserves the on-demand vehicle 20 via a portable terminal 42, represented by a smartphone. The on-demand vehicle 20 reservation is made with the operation management server 100. The operation management server 100 uses the location information from the portable terminal 42 to determine the waiting location of user 40.

[0056] 2. Composition of the vehicle's operating system

[0057] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle operating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operating system includes an operating management server 100. The operating management server 100 includes at least one processor (hereinafter referred to as processor) 110, a program memory 120, and a storage device 130. The processor 110 is combined with the program memory 120 and the storage device 130. The program memory 120 is a non-transitory memory that stores a plurality of executable instructions 122. The storage device 130 is, for example, flash memory, SSD, or HDD, and stores a periodic operating plan database 132.

[0058] The operation management server 100 communicates with the autonomous driving ECU 12 of the regularly operating vehicle 10, sending instructions to the autonomous driving ECU 12 including the operation plan of the regularly operating vehicle 10. The operation plan of the regularly operating vehicle 10 is determined according to the regular operation plan registered in the regular operation plan database 132. These processes are performed by the operation management server 100 by executing predetermined instructions 122 by the processor 110.

[0059] The operation management server 100 communicates with the autonomous driving ECU 22 of the on-demand vehicle 20, sending instructions to the autonomous driving ECU 22 including the operation plan of the on-demand vehicle 20. The operation plan of the on-demand vehicle 20 is determined based on the vehicle allocation requests of the users 40 of the on-demand vehicle 20, and with reference to the periodic operation plans registered in the periodic operation plan database 132. These processes are performed by the operation management server 100 by executing predetermined instructions 122 by the processor 110.

[0060] The operation management server 100 communicates with the portable terminal 42 of the user 40. The operation management server 100 receives from the portable terminal 42 the user 40's vehicle dispatch request for the on-demand vehicle 20 and the user 40's location information. The operation management server 100 sends a reservation completion notification to the portable terminal 42, indicating that the on-demand vehicle 20's dispatch reservation has been completed, and location information indicating the current driving location of the on-demand vehicle 20. These processes are performed by the operation management server 100 through the execution of predetermined instructions 122 by the processor 110.

[0061] The next chapter will use specific examples to illustrate the operation method of the on-demand vehicle 20 executed by the operation management server 100.

[0062] 3. On-demand vehicle operation method

[0063] 3-1. Prerequisites

[0064] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the first example of the operation method of on-demand vehicle 20. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the second example of the operation method of on-demand vehicle 20. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the third example of the operation method for on-demand vehicle 20. Furthermore, Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the fourth example of the operation method for on-demand vehicle 20. The left side of each diagram shows the timeline for each vehicle 10 and 20, and the right side shows the movement of each vehicle 10 and 20 on route 2. The premises for each example will be explained below.

[0065] In each example, Route 2 connects Station A and Station B. On Route 2, there are three stations sequentially located between Station A and Station B: Station X, Station Y, and Station Z. These three stations are the stops 4 on Route 2. For simplicity, the passing loops on Route 2 are shown as having only three stops 4. Furthermore, in each example, only one scheduled train 10 operates simultaneously between Station A and Station B, and only one on-demand train 20 operates simultaneously between Station A and Station B.

[0066] In each example, the scheduled train 10 runs from station B to station A. The scheduled train 10 travels according to the scheduled operation plan, stopping sequentially at all stations designated as stops 4. The stopping time of the scheduled train 10 at each stop 4 is determined in the scheduled operation plan.

[0067] On-demand vehicle 20 runs from station A to station B or from station B to station A. On-demand vehicle 20 is designed to make U-turns (U-turns) en route. However, in route 2, which is a single-lane road, there are few places where vehicles can change direction. Therefore, it is preferable that on-demand vehicle 20 can travel in both directions. On-demand vehicle 20 is designed to stop at the waiting meeting place for user 40, that is, at the place where on-demand vehicle 20 picks up user 40.

[0068] 3-2.Example 1

[0069] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the first example shown, after the scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station B, user 40 makes a reservation for on-demand vehicle 20. The waiting meeting place P desired by user 40 is located between station X and station Y. User 40 wants to travel from waiting meeting place P to station B. Therefore, on-demand vehicle 20 waiting at station A becomes a vehicle assigned to user 40.

[0070] The operation management server 100, which received reservations from users 40, was created as follows. Figure 3 The operation plan, as shown, involves moving the on-demand vehicle 20 to the waiting meeting point P, picking up user 40, and then taking it to station B. The operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20 is based on the scheduled operation plan for the regular vehicle 10. On the single-lane route 2, the two vehicles can only pass each other at stop 4. Furthermore, when both the regular vehicle 10 and the on-demand vehicle 20 are operating on the single-lane route 2, priority should be given to the regular vehicle 10, which has a greater impact on users. Therefore, the operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20 is created so that it passes through stop 4 while the regular vehicle 10 is stopped at stop 4 according to its scheduled operation plan.

[0071] Upon completing the operation plan for creating the on-demand vehicle 20, the operation management server 100 notifies the user 40 of its reservation approval. Furthermore, the operation management server 100 notifies the user 40 of the operation plan for the created on-demand vehicle 20 along with the reservation approval notification. As a means of notification to the user 40, a message sent from the operation management server 100 to the portable terminal 42 can be used, for example. The message includes the location of the waiting meeting place P and the arrival time of the on-demand vehicle 20 to the waiting meeting place P (hereinafter referred to as the waiting meeting time).

[0072] Furthermore, the message includes the latest departure time of on-demand vehicle 20 from waiting meeting place P (hereinafter referred to as the limit departure time), or the available waiting time of on-demand vehicle 20 in waiting meeting place P. The available waiting time is the maximum time that on-demand vehicle 20 can wait in waiting meeting place P without obstructing the operation of scheduled vehicle 10. In the first example, on-demand vehicle 20 is scheduled to pass scheduled vehicle 10 at station Y, which is ahead of waiting meeting place P. Therefore, if on-demand vehicle 20 does not arrive at station Y before the departure time of scheduled vehicle 10 from station Y, it will hinder the departure of scheduled vehicle 10. The limit departure time is the latest departure time from waiting meeting place P that on-demand vehicle 20 can reach before scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station Y. The operation management server 100 calculates the available waiting time in waiting meeting place P based on the waiting meeting time in waiting meeting place P and the limit departure time from waiting meeting place P.

[0073] However, the available standby time must be longer than the minimum standby time. The minimum standby time is the necessary time required for on-demand vehicle 20 to arrive, for user 40 to board on-demand vehicle 20, and for on-demand vehicle 20 to depart. If a standby time longer than the minimum standby time cannot be guaranteed, an operation plan for on-demand vehicle 20 cannot be created. In this case, the operation management server 100 notifies user 40 of its disagreement with the reservation. Then, if a standby time longer than the minimum standby time can be achieved by waiting for a change in meeting location P or a change in meeting time, the operation management server 100 suggests an alternative to user 40.

[0074] Furthermore, the minimum standby time is set based on the assumption that users 40 are people who need time to travel, such as the elderly or disabled. However, it is also possible to set the minimum standby time based on the information entered by user 40 when making a reservation, including their own and their fellow passengers' information. If the system determines, based on the entered information, that the operation management server 100 can also set a short minimum standby time, then the operation plan for on-demand vehicles 20 can be created with a short available standby time.

[0075] The operation management server 100 notifies the user 40 of a reminder before the scheduled meeting time. The user 40 can arbitrarily set the number of reminders and the timing. When the user 40 boards the on-demand vehicle 20 at the meeting location P, the on-demand vehicle 20 notifies the operation management server 100 that the ride has been completed. As an authentication method for the user 40's ride to the on-demand vehicle 20, authentication can be performed, for example, via short-range wireless communication between the user 40's portable terminal 42 and the on-demand vehicle 20.

[0076] Even if the waiting time for the meeting has passed and no confirmation has been received from user 40 regarding their ride to on-demand vehicle 20, the operation management server 100 will send an alert to user 40. The alert will be sent before the scheduled departure time. User 40 can arbitrarily set the number of alerts and the timing of these alerts. If multiple users 40 have booked rides at the waiting meeting location P, confirmation of rides and alert notifications will be sent to each user 40 individually.

[0077] Figure 4 This describes an example of the operation of on-demand vehicle 20 where user 40 does not appear at the waiting meeting point P even when the extreme departure time has arrived. In this case, the operation management server 100 dispatches on-demand vehicle 20 to station Y, the nearest passing point, at the exact moment the extreme departure time arrives. At station Y, on-demand vehicle 20 and scheduled vehicle 10 pass each other. When on-demand vehicle 20 departs from waiting meeting point P, the operation management server 100 notifies user 40, who is not present at waiting meeting point P, that on-demand vehicle 20 has been moved from waiting meeting point P. By receiving this notification, user 40 understands the reason why on-demand vehicle 20 is not at waiting meeting point P, thus preventing a decrease in user 40's satisfaction with the service.

[0078] Users 40 who arrive late to the waiting meeting place P can request the redeployment of on-demand vehicle 20 from the operation management server 100. This is to provide relief to users 40 who wish to use on-demand vehicle 20 and to reduce the unused operation of on-demand vehicle 20. Whether on-demand vehicle 20 can be redeployed depends on factors such as whether there are other users who have booked to ride on on-demand vehicle 20, the waiting time of other users, the regular operation schedule of scheduled vehicle 10, and whether there is any interference with the operation schedule of other on-demand vehicles. If on-demand vehicle 20 cannot be redeployed, the operation management server 100 notifies user 40 of the situation.

[0079] If the on-demand vehicle 20 can be redeployed, the operation management server 100 will create a new operation plan to return to the waiting meeting place P to pick up user 40 and depart for station B again. When creating the operation plan, the operation management server 100 sets the waiting meeting time at the waiting meeting place P so that the on-demand vehicle 20 will not overtake the scheduled vehicle 10 that has already departed from station Y. After creating the new operation plan, the operation management server 100 sends a message to user 40 containing information about the location of the waiting meeting place P, the waiting meeting time, and the maximum departure time from the waiting meeting place P (or the available standby time in the waiting meeting place P).

[0080] The operation management server 100 instructs the on-demand vehicle 20 to return from station Y to the waiting meeting place P. Upon confirmation of user 40's boarding of the on-demand vehicle 20 at the waiting meeting place P, the operation management server 100 instructs the on-demand vehicle 20 to depart for station B.

[0081] 3-3.Example 2

[0082] exist Figure 5 In the second example shown, after the scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station B, users 40A and 40B make reservations for on-demand vehicle 20. User 40A's desired meeting point P1 is located between station A and station X. User 40B's desired meeting point P2 is located between station X and station Y. Both users 40A and 40B wish to go to station B. Therefore, on-demand vehicle 20 waiting at station A is dispatched as a shared ride for users 40A and 40B.

[0083] The operation management server 100 creates an operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20. In the operation plan, firstly, the on-demand vehicle 20 moves to the waiting meeting point P1 for user 40A. Then, after picking up user 40A, it moves to the waiting meeting point P2 for user 40B, and after picking up user 40B, it goes to station B. The operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20 is created with reference to the scheduled operation plan for the regularly running vehicle 10. Figure 5 In the example shown, only stations X and Y allow on-demand vehicle 20 to pass each other with scheduled vehicle 10. However, when on-demand vehicle 20 is configured to pass each other with scheduled vehicle 10 at station X, the arrival time to station B, the destination of users 40A and 40B, will be significantly delayed. Therefore, the operation management server 100 creates an operation plan for on-demand vehicle 20 to allow on-demand vehicle 20 to pass each other with scheduled vehicle 10 at station Y.

[0084] Upon completing the operation plan for creating the on-demand vehicle 20, the operation management server 100 notifies users 40A and 40B of their reservation approval. Additionally, the operation management server 100 notifies users 40A and 40B of the created operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20 along with the reservation approval notification. The message notified to user 40A includes the location of the waiting meeting place P1, the waiting meeting time, and the maximum possible departure time from waiting meeting place P1 (or the available waiting time within waiting meeting place P1). The message notified to user 40B includes the location of the waiting meeting place P2, the waiting meeting time, and the maximum possible departure time from waiting meeting place P2. However, while the arrival time of the on-demand vehicle 20 at waiting meeting place P1 is determined according to the operation plan, the arrival time of the on-demand vehicle 20 at waiting meeting place P2 depends on the departure time from waiting meeting place P1. Therefore, the arrival time of the on-demand vehicle 20 at waiting meeting place P2, where it is notified to user 40B, is used as the waiting meeting time.

[0085] In the second example, the operation management server 100 takes into account the minimum standby time in the waiting meeting place P2 and calculates the maximum departure time and the available standby time in the waiting meeting place P1. That is, the conditions for operation are that the on-demand vehicle 20 must arrive at station Y before the scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station Y, and that it must have at least a minimum standby time in the waiting meeting place P2. The latest departure time from the waiting meeting place P1 that can meet these conditions is the maximum departure time in the waiting meeting place P1, and the maximum standby time that can meet these conditions is the available standby time in the waiting meeting place P1.

[0086] Furthermore, if a minimum waiting time cannot be guaranteed at both meeting place P1 and meeting place P2, users 40A and 40B cannot use the on-demand vehicle 20. In this case, the operation management server 100 only notifies the user 40A or 40B who first requested the reservation for the on-demand vehicle 20 of their consent, and notifies the user who requested the reservation later of their disagreement.

[0087] The operation management server 100 notifies user 40A of a reminder before the scheduled meeting time at waiting location P1. Furthermore, if user 40A has not boarded the on-demand vehicle 20 even after the meeting time has passed, the operation management server 100 sends an alarm to user 40A. If user 40A does not appear at waiting location P1 even when the final departure time arrives, the operation management server 100 dispatches the on-demand vehicle 20 to the next waiting location P2 at the exact moment the final departure time arrives. When dispatching the on-demand vehicle 20 from waiting location P1, the operation management server 100 notifies user 40A, who is not present at waiting location P1, that the on-demand vehicle 20 has been moved from waiting location P1.

[0088] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, user 40A cannot request the operation management server 100 to reassign on-demand vehicle 20. To reassign user 40A, after the next user 40B boards on-demand vehicle 20, it would be necessary to have on-demand vehicle 20 pass by the scheduled vehicle 10 at station Y, and then have on-demand vehicle 20 return to the waiting meeting place P1. Such an operation would be significantly disadvantageous to user 40B and cannot be adopted. Therefore, when on-demand vehicle 20 is used as a carpooling vehicle, unless at least other users agree, the on-demand vehicle 20 will not be reassigned to users who did not board.

[0089] 3-4.Example 3

[0090] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the third example shown, after the scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station B, user 40 makes a reservation for on-demand vehicle 20. The waiting meeting place P desired by user 40 is located between station X and station Y. User 40 wants to travel from waiting meeting place P to station A. Therefore, on-demand vehicle 20 waiting at station B becomes a vehicle assigned to user 40.

[0091] The operation management server 100, which received reservations from users 40, was created as follows. Figure 6The operation plan, as shown, moves on-demand vehicle 20 to the waiting meeting place P and then takes user 40 to station A. The operation plan for on-demand vehicle 20 is based on the scheduled operation plan for regular vehicle 10. On-demand vehicle 20 is faster than regular vehicle 10, therefore it can catch up with the previously departed regular vehicle 10 en route. However, on the single-lane route 2, overtaking between vehicles can only occur at stop 4. Therefore, the operation management server 100 causes on-demand vehicle 20 to pass through station Y while regular vehicle 10 is stopped at station Y before the waiting meeting place P. That is, the operation management server 100 causes on-demand vehicle 20 to overtake regular vehicle 10 at station Y.

[0092] Once the operation management server 100 has completed the operation plan for creating the on-demand vehicle 20, it notifies the user 40 of the reservation approval. Furthermore, the operation management server 100 notifies the user 40 of the operation plan for the created on-demand vehicle 20 along with the reservation approval notification. The message notified to the user 40 includes the location of the waiting meeting place P, the waiting meeting time, and the maximum departure time from the waiting meeting place P (or the available waiting time within the waiting meeting place P).

[0093] In the third example, scheduled train 10 departs from station Y after on-demand train 20. While on-demand train 20 is waiting at meeting point P, scheduled train 10 approaches meeting point P. If scheduled train 10 catches up with on-demand train 20, it cannot overtake on-demand train 20 unless the point of contact is a passing point. In this situation, scheduled train 10 must slow down, causing a delay in its operating schedule.

[0094] In Example 3, the critical departure time is the departure time at which on-demand vehicle 20 is not overtaken by scheduled vehicle 10 that subsequently departs from station Y. The critical departure time is determined based on the time when scheduled vehicle 10 passes through meeting point P. For example, the time before the scheduled time when scheduled vehicle 10 passes through meeting point P is set as the critical departure time. Alternatively, the critical departure time is set so that on-demand vehicle 20 departs at the time when scheduled vehicle 10 arrives at a location that is a predetermined distance from meeting point P. The predetermined time and predetermined distance are set taking into account the departure delay of on-demand vehicle 20 and the acceleration delay after departure. The operation management server 100 calculates the available standby time in meeting point P based on the meeting time in meeting point P and the critical departure time from meeting point P.

[0095] If a longer standby time than the minimum standby time cannot be guaranteed, the operation management server 100 notifies the user 40 of its disagreement with the appointment. In that case, if a longer standby time than the minimum standby time can be achieved by changing the meeting location P or the meeting time, the operation management server 100 suggests an alternative solution to the user 40.

[0096] The operation management server 100 notifies the user 40 of the scheduled meeting time at the meeting place P before the scheduled meeting time. Furthermore, if the meeting time has passed and the user 40 has not been confirmed to board the on-demand vehicle 20, the operation management server 100 sends an alarm to the user 40.

[0097] Figure 7 This describes an example of the operation of on-demand vehicle 20 where user 40 has not appeared at the waiting meeting point P even when the maximum departure time has been reached. In this case, the operation management server 100 dispatches on-demand vehicle 20 to station X, which is the nearest passing point, at the exact moment the maximum departure time arrives. At station X, on-demand vehicle 20 passes the scheduled vehicle 10. Furthermore, stations X and Y are approximately equidistant from the waiting meeting point P, but the scheduled vehicle 10 has already moved from station Y towards the waiting meeting point P. Therefore, on-demand vehicle 20 cannot depart from station Y. However, if on-demand vehicle 20 can arrive at station Y before the scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station Y, station Y can also be used as a passing point. The operation management server 100 notifies user 40, who has not appeared at the waiting meeting point P, that on-demand vehicle 20 has been moved from the waiting meeting point P.

[0098] User 40, who arrives late at the waiting meeting place P, can request the operation management server 100 to reassign the on-demand vehicle 20. If the on-demand vehicle 20 can be reassigned, the operation management server 100 will create a new operation plan to return to the waiting meeting place P to pick up user 40 and depart for station A again. When creating the operation plan, the operation management server 100 sets the departure time from the waiting meeting place P so as not to overtake the scheduled vehicle 10 that has already departed from station X for station A. After creating the new operation plan, the operation management server 100 sends a message to user 40 containing information about the location of the waiting meeting place P, the waiting meeting time, and the departure time from the waiting meeting place P.

[0099] The operation management server 100 instructs the on-demand vehicle 20 to return from station X to the waiting meeting place P. Upon confirmation of user 40's boarding of the on-demand vehicle 20 at the waiting meeting place P, the operation management server 100 instructs the on-demand vehicle 20 to depart for station B.

[0100] 3-5.Case 4

[0101] exist Figure 8 In the fourth example shown, after the scheduled vehicle 10 departs from station B, users 40A and 40B make reservations for on-demand vehicle 20. User 40A's desired meeting point P1 is located between stations B and Z. User 40B's desired meeting point P2 is located between stations X and Y. Both users 40A and 40B wish to travel to station A. Therefore, on-demand vehicle 20, waiting at station B, is dispatched as a shared ride for users 40A and 40B.

[0102] The operation management server 100 creates an operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20. In the operation plan, firstly, the on-demand vehicle 20 moves to the waiting meeting point P1 for user 40A. Then, after picking up user 40A, it moves to the waiting meeting point P2 for user 40B, and after picking up user 40B, it proceeds to station A. The operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20 is created with reference to the scheduled operation plan for the regularly running vehicle 10. Figure 8 In the example shown, the only location where on-demand vehicle 20 can overtake scheduled vehicle 10 is station Y. The operation management server 100 creates an operation plan for on-demand vehicle 20 so that on-demand vehicle 20 can overtake scheduled vehicle 10 at station Y.

[0103] After completing the operation plan for creating the on-demand vehicle 20, the operation management server 100 notifies users 40A and 40B of their reservation consent. Furthermore, the operation management server 100 notifies users 40A and 40B of the created operation plan for the on-demand vehicle 20 along with the reservation consent notification. The content of the message notified to users 40A and 40B is the same as in Example 2.

[0104] In example 4, the operation management server 100 considers the minimum standby time in waiting meeting place P2 and calculates the maximum departure time and available standby time in waiting meeting place P1. That is, the operating conditions are that the on-demand vehicle 20 must depart from waiting meeting place P2 before catching up with the scheduled vehicle 10, and that it must have at least a minimum standby time in waiting meeting place P2. The latest departure time from waiting meeting place P1 that meets these conditions is the maximum departure time in waiting meeting place P1, and the maximum standby time is the available standby time in waiting meeting place P1.

[0105] Furthermore, if a minimum waiting time cannot be guaranteed at both meeting place P1 and meeting place P2, users 40A and 40B cannot use the on-demand vehicle 20. In this case, the operation management server 100 only notifies the user 40A or 40B who first requested the reservation for the on-demand vehicle 20 of their consent, and notifies the user who requested the reservation later of their disagreement.

[0106] The operation management server 100 notifies user 40A of the scheduled meeting time at the waiting meeting location P1 before the scheduled meeting time. Furthermore, if user 40A has not boarded the on-demand vehicle 20 even after the meeting time has passed, the operation management server 100 sends an alarm to user 40A. If user 40A does not appear at the waiting meeting location P1 even if the final departure time is reached, the operation management server 100 dispatches the on-demand vehicle 20 to the next waiting meeting location P2 at the exact moment the final departure time arrives. When dispatching the on-demand vehicle 20 from the waiting meeting location P1, the operation management server 100 notifies user 40A, who is not present at the waiting meeting location P1, that the on-demand vehicle 20 has been moved from the waiting meeting location P1.

[0107] 3-6. Effects

[0108] In the four specific examples above, if user 40 fails to appear at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, the on-demand vehicle 20 is moved from the waiting area to avoid affecting the operation of the scheduled vehicle 10. By operating the on-demand vehicle 20 in this way, it is possible to maximize the care for users 40 who arrive late to the waiting area while preventing the on-demand vehicle 20 from obstructing the operation of the scheduled vehicle 10 on a single lane with limited passing space.

[0109] 4. Other

[0110] In the four specific examples of the above embodiments, all passing points are parking stations, but passing points other than parking stations may also be included. However, parking stations are preferred as the place where the regularly operating vehicle 10 waits for the on-demand vehicle 20 to pass. This is because there is the possibility of passengers coming to board the parked regularly operating vehicle 10. On the other hand, when the on-demand vehicle 20 is waiting for the regularly operating vehicle 10 to pass, a parking station may also be included, and the vehicle may wait at a certain passing point.

[0111] The autonomous driving ECU 22 of the on-demand vehicle 20 can also be included as a component of the operating system. In this case, at least one processor means the processor 110 of the operation management server 100 and the processor of the autonomous driving ECU 22. In addition, in this case, multiple instructions mean the instructions stored in the program memory 120 of the operation management server 100 and the instructions stored in the program memory of the autonomous driving ECU 22.

Claims

1. A method for operating an on-demand vehicle, comprising using a server communicating with the on-demand vehicle to operate an on-demand vehicle in an autonomous driving manner on a single lane operated by a regularly scheduled vehicle, characterized in that, Cause the server to execute: Accept reservations for the on-demand vehicle from the user and the next user, and create an operation plan to pick up the next user after picking up the user; According to the operational plan, the on-demand vehicle is moved to the waiting meeting place with the user; Based on the regular operation plan of the regularly operating vehicle, the available standby time of the on-demand vehicle at the waiting meeting place will be calculated, taking into account the minimum standby time required for the next user to board the vehicle at the next waiting meeting place. as well as If the user does not appear at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, the on-demand vehicle is moved from the waiting area so as not to affect the operation of the regularly running vehicle.

2. The method for operating on-demand vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also causes the server to perform: If the user fails to appear at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, the user will be notified to move the on-demand vehicle from the waiting area.

3. The method for operating on-demand vehicles according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple passing areas, including parking areas for the regularly operating vehicles, are provided in the single lane. Moving the on-demand vehicle from the waiting meeting place includes moving the on-demand vehicle to the nearest passing place among the plurality of passing places that it can reach before the regularly running vehicle passes.

4. The method for operating on-demand vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also causes the server to perform: After the regularly operating vehicle passes the nearest passing area, the on-demand vehicle is moved to the waiting meeting place again.

5. The method for operating on-demand vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also causes the server to perform: In the case where the user has not appeared at the waiting meeting place and the available waiting time has elapsed, the user is notified to move the on-demand vehicle from the waiting meeting place; and The on-demand vehicle is moved back to the waiting meeting place as a condition of a request from the user to redeploy the vehicle.

6. An on-demand vehicle operation system, characterized in that, an on-demand vehicle operates in an automated driving manner on a single lane previously used by regularly scheduled vehicles, and is further characterized in that, have: At least one processor; and A program memory, which is combined with the at least one processor, stores a plurality of executable instructions. The plurality of executable instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to execute: Accept reservations for the on-demand vehicle from the user and the next user, and create an operation plan to pick up the next user after picking up the user; According to the operational plan, the on-demand vehicle is moved to the waiting meeting place with the user; Based on the regular operation plan of the regularly operating vehicle, the available standby time of the on-demand vehicle at the waiting meeting place will be calculated, taking into account the minimum standby time required for the next user to board the vehicle at the next waiting meeting place. as well as If the user does not appear at the waiting area and the available waiting time has elapsed, the on-demand vehicle is moved from the waiting area so as not to affect the operation of the regularly running vehicle.

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