Information processing apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium that improve technology related to vehicle travel during a disaster. An information processing device (40) determines a travel path of a vehicle (10) traveling within a facility, including: a control section (41) that determines a travel path of a vehicle (10) based on at least one of operation information of a disaster prevention device provided within a facility and first image information including an image of a passageway within the facility captured by an imaging device provided within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating a position of the vehicle (10); and a communication section (43) that transmits travel path information indicating the travel path to the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, technologies related to vehicle operation during disasters were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device for displaying a driving route derived from road information available during a disaster on a carpool vehicle in a disaster-time scenario.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-33708 Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is room for improvement in technologies related to vehicle operation during disasters.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of the above circumstances, is to improve the technology related to vehicle operation during disasters.

[0008] One embodiment of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus for determining the travel path of a vehicle traveling within a facility, comprising: a control unit that determines the travel path of the vehicle based on at least one of operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility and the first image information including at least one of images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the position of the vehicle; and a communication unit that sends the travel path information indicating the travel path to the vehicle.

[0009] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a method executed by an information processing apparatus for determining the travel path of a vehicle traveling within a facility, comprising: a step of determining the travel path of a vehicle based on at least one of operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility and first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle; and a step of sending the travel path information indicating the travel path to the vehicle.

[0010] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes an information processing device for determining the travel path of a vehicle traveling within a facility to perform: a step of determining the travel path of the vehicle based on at least one of operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility and at least one of the first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle; and a step of sending the travel path information indicating the travel path to the vehicle.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology related to vehicle driving during disasters. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of a system according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the general structure of the vehicle.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the monitoring device.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of an information processing device.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a timing diagram used to illustrate one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] (Symbol Explanation)

[0018] 1: System; 10: Vehicle; 11: Control unit; 12: Storage unit; 13: Communication unit; 14: Positioning unit; 15: Input unit; 20: Monitoring device; 21: Control unit; 22: Communication unit; 30: Imaging device; 40: Information processing device; 41: Control unit; 42: Storage unit; 43: Communication unit; 50: Network. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following describes the implementation of this disclosure.

[0020] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic structure of a system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. System 1 includes a vehicle 10, a monitoring device 20, a camera 30, and an information processing device 40. The vehicle 10, monitoring device 20, camera 30, and information processing device 40 are communicatively connected, for example, to a network 50 including the Internet and mobile communication networks.

[0022] exist Figure 1 For ease of explanation, one unit each of the vehicle 10, monitoring device 20, camera 30, and information processing device 40 in System 1 is shown in the illustration, but the number of units is not limited to this. System 1 may also have two or more information processing devices 40. Additionally, System 1 may also have two or more monitoring devices 20. Furthermore, System 1 may also have two or more camera 30s. Additionally, the number of vehicles 10 in System 1 may be two or more, and can be arbitrarily determined.

[0023] Vehicle 10 is, for example, a car, but is not limited to this; it can be any vehicle. A car can be, for example, a gasoline car, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), but is not limited to these. Furthermore, in this embodiment, vehicle 10 is conceived as any autonomous vehicle operating without human intervention, but it can also be a manned vehicle.

[0024] In this embodiment, vehicle 10 carries users (customers or general users) and travels within a facility such as a factory. Furthermore, "within a facility" refers not only to indoor spaces but may also include outdoor spaces.

[0025] The information processing device 40 is, for example, a computer such as a server. For instance, the information processing device 40 is a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. However, the information processing device 40 is not limited to these; it can be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or other electronic devices specific to System 1. The information processing device 40 can communicate with the vehicle 10, the monitoring device 20, and the camera 30 via the network 50. In this embodiment, the information processing device 40 manages visits within the facility using the vehicle 10 of System 1.

[0026] First, an overview of this embodiment will be given, with details to follow later. The information processing device 40 determines the travel path of vehicle 10 based on at least one of the following: operational information indicating whether disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility is operational, image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by the imaging device 30 installed within the facility (first image information), and vehicle position information indicating the position of vehicle 10 traveling within the facility. Furthermore, the information processing device 40 sends travel path information indicating the travel path to vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 can then travel within the facility according to the travel path indicated by the travel path information.

[0027] Thus, according to this embodiment, the driving path of vehicle 10 is determined based on at least one of the working information and the first image information. For example, the driving path is determined in a way that excludes the area around the disaster prevention equipment that is currently in operation. Additionally, for example, the driving path is determined in a way that excludes the damaged passage shown in the first image. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the probability of determining a safe driving path for vehicle 10 is increased. Therefore, the probability of vehicle 10 being safe to drive is increased. Therefore, the technology related to the driving of vehicle 10 during a disaster is improved, resulting in increased safety during the driving of vehicle 10.

[0028] Next, the structure of System 1 will be described in detail.

[0029] (Vehicle structure)

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a positioning unit 14, and an input unit 15.

[0031] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specifically designed for particular processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). While controlling the various parts of the vehicle 10, the control unit 11 performs processing related to the actions of the vehicle 10.

[0032] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memory units. These memory units can be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, but are not limited to these. Semiconductor memory units can be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). RAM can be, for example, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). ROM can be, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Each memory unit included in the storage unit 12 can function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the storage unit 12 can also store system programs, application programs, and embedded software. The information stored in the storage unit 12 can also be updated, for example, using information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 13. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 can store information used in the operation of the vehicle 10.

[0033] The communication unit 13 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. This communication interface may be, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation), or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (a registered trademark), but is not limited to these. The communication unit 13 receives information used in the operation of the vehicle 10.

[0034] The positioning unit 14 includes one or more devices for acquiring vehicle position information indicating the position of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 includes a receiver corresponding to, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System), but is not limited thereto, and may also include a receiver corresponding to any positioning system. The positioning unit 14 may acquire vehicle position information continuously, or periodically or irregularly.

[0035] The input unit 15 includes an input unit for inputting information to the vehicle 10. For example, the input unit 15 includes a camera module capable of capturing images of any area around the vehicle 10. The camera module includes one or more cameras, each positioned at an appropriate location on the vehicle 10 to capture images of its surroundings. In this embodiment, the input unit 15 is capable of capturing images of the path along which the vehicle 10 travels.

[0036] (Structure of the monitoring device)

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the monitoring device 20 includes a control unit 21 and a communication unit 22.

[0038] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specifically designed for particular processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 21 performs the processing of monitoring disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility and generating information related to the operation of the disaster prevention equipment.

[0039] Disaster prevention equipment is equipment designed to mitigate disasters, including fire protection equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, and disaster detectors. Fire protection equipment includes fire-resistant roller shutters, fire doors, and fire shutters. Fire extinguishing equipment includes fire extinguishers, indoor fire hydrants, outdoor fire hydrants, and sprinkler systems. Disaster detectors include fire detectors and gas leak detectors.

[0040] The communication unit 22 includes one or more external communication interfaces connected to the network 50. The communication interface can be either a wired or wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface may be, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The communication unit 22 transmits data obtained from the operation of the monitoring device 20 to the outside. Furthermore, the communication unit 22 can also communicate with various disaster prevention devices to obtain information related to their operational status. In this embodiment, the communication unit 22 communicates with the information processing device 40 via the network 50.

[0041] (Structure of the filming device)

[0042] The camera device 30 is any camera module installed within the facility and capable of capturing images of the passageways within the facility. The camera module includes one or more cameras, which may include monocular cameras, stereo cameras, omnidirectional cameras, etc. The camera device 30 can be installed to capture all passageways within the facility or to capture only a portion of the passageways. Additionally, the camera device 30 can also be configured to capture images of disaster prevention equipment. Furthermore, the camera device 30 has communication capabilities, transmitting data obtained through its operation to an external source. In this embodiment, the camera device 30 communicates with the information processing device 40 via network 50. Additionally, the camera device 30 can also communicate with the monitoring device 20 via network 50.

[0043] (Structure of an information processing device)

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the information processing device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43.

[0045] The control unit 41 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specifically designed for particular processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. While controlling the various parts of the information processing device 40, the control unit 41 performs processing related to the operation of the information processing device 40.

[0046] Storage unit 42 includes one or more memory units. These memory units may be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, but are not limited to these. Semiconductor memory units may be, for example, RAM or ROM. RAM may be, for example, SRAM or DRAM. ROM may be, for example, EEPROM. Each memory unit included in storage unit 42 functions as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Storage unit 42 stores information used in the operation of information processing device 40. For example, storage unit 42 may also store system programs, application programs, and databases. The information stored in storage unit 42 can also be updated, for example, using information obtained from network 50 via communication unit 43. In this embodiment, storage unit 42 can store information required for determining the driving path of vehicle 10.

[0047] The communication unit 43 includes one or more external communication interfaces connected to the network 50. The communication interface can be either a wired or wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface may be, for example, a LAN interface or a USB interface. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface may be, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The communication unit 43 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 40 and transmits the data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 40 to the outside. In this embodiment, the communication unit 43 communicates with the vehicle 10, the monitoring device 20, and the imaging device 30 via the network 50.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment Figure 4 The information processing device 40 does not include an input unit and an output unit, but it may also include an input unit and an output unit. That is, in addition to receiving (inputting) and sending (outputting) information via the communication unit 43, information can also be inputted and output via the input unit and output unit provided by the information processing device 40.

[0049] The functions of the information processing device 40 are implemented by a processor, equivalent to the control unit 41, executing a program related to the information processing method of this embodiment. In other words, the functions of the information processing device 40 are implemented through software. The program causes the computer to perform the actions of the information processing device 40, thereby enabling the computer to function as the information processing device 40. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 40 by executing the actions of the information processing device 40 according to the program.

[0050] In this embodiment, the program can be pre-recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as magnetic recording devices, optical discs, optical-magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Program distribution can be achieved, for example, by selling, transferring, or renting removable recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) or CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) containing the program. Alternatively, program distribution can also be achieved by storing the program on an external server's storage device or sending the program from the external server to other computers. Furthermore, the program can also be provided as a program product.

[0051] (System's action flow)

[0052] Reference Figure 5The operation of system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. In addition, the operation of system 1 described below includes the operation of information processing device 40 according to this embodiment (steps S103, S106, S108 to S110).

[0053] Step S101: The control unit 21 of the monitoring device 20 determines whether the disaster prevention equipment installed in the facility is working and generates working information of the disaster prevention equipment (information indicating whether each disaster prevention device is working).

[0054] The control unit 21 can also determine whether the disaster prevention equipment is operating based on the electrical signals that change along with its operation. Furthermore, the control unit 21 can also determine whether the disaster prevention equipment is operating based on image information of the disaster prevention equipment, including images captured by the equipment. In addition, in the structure where the control unit 21 determines whether the disaster prevention equipment is operating based on image information, the monitoring device 20 can either have a camera unit with a camera function, or it can receive image information of the disaster prevention equipment from other devices (such as the camera unit 30). The monitoring device 20 can be integrated with the disaster prevention equipment or configured independently.

[0055] Multiple disaster prevention devices can also be installed within the facility. In this case, the control unit 21 determines whether each of the multiple disaster prevention devices is operational and generates operational information, including information indicating whether the disaster prevention device is operational and information for identifying the disaster prevention device. Furthermore, the control unit 21 can generate operational information continuously, periodically, or irregularly. Additionally, the control unit 21 can generate operational information based on requests from the information processing device 40.

[0056] Step S102: The communication unit 22 of the monitoring device 20 sends the working information of the disaster prevention equipment to the information processing device 40.

[0057] Step S103: The communication unit 43 of the information processing device 40 receives the work information sent by the communication unit 22 of the monitoring device 20.

[0058] Step S104: The imaging device 30 captures an image of the passageway within the facility and generates first image information including the first image (image of the passageway).

[0059] The imaging device 30 can generate the first image either continuously, periodically, or irregularly. The imaging device 30 can also generate the first image according to a request from the information processing device 40.

[0060] Step S105: The imaging device 30 sends the first image information, including the first image, to the information processing device 40.

[0061] Step S106: The communication unit 43 of the information processing device 40 receives the first image information transmitted by the imaging device 30.

[0062] Step S107: The communication unit 13 of the vehicle 10 sends the vehicle position information measured by the positioning unit 14.

[0063] Step S108: The communication unit 43 of the information processing device 40 receives vehicle location information measured by the positioning unit 14 of the vehicle 10 and transmitted by the communication unit 13.

[0064] Step S109: The control unit 41 of the information processing device 40 determines the driving path based on at least one of the working information and the first image information, and the vehicle position information.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit 41 determines the travel route from the location indicated by the vehicle location information to the destination based on the work information or the first image information. The destination can be a pre-determined location within the facility, or it can be determined in relation to the type of disaster. For example, if the disaster type is fire, the destination can be a facility exit. Furthermore, if the disaster type is earthquake, the destination can be either a facility exit or a designated evacuation site within the facility where safety is ensured.

[0066] As an example, the control unit 41 can determine the travel path by excluding passageways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is installed. As another example, the control unit 41 can determine a damaged passageway based on the first image information and determine the travel path by excluding that passageway. The control unit 41 can determine the damaged passageway based on the first image information through arbitrary image processing. Here, damage to the passageway refers to damage to the ground, floor, walls, ceiling, etc., that constitute the passageway. The predetermined range is a range that is difficult to access due to the operation of the disaster prevention equipment, and can also be determined for each disaster prevention equipment. Furthermore, the control unit 41 can determine the travel path based on both the work information and the first image information.

[0067] Step S110: The communication unit 43 of the information processing device 40 sends the driving path information, which represents the driving path, to the vehicle 10 under the control of the control unit 41.

[0068] Step S111: The communication unit 13 of the vehicle 10 receives the driving route information sent from the information processing device 40.

[0069] Step S112: Vehicle 10 travels along the travel path indicated by the travel path information.

[0070] Furthermore, in the description of the operation of System 1 above, the order of the processing of steps S101 to S103, steps S104 to S106, and steps S107 and S108 is not limited to this. System 1 may also execute the processing of steps S101 to S103, steps S104 to S106, and steps S107 and S108 in any order. In addition, System 1 may execute any two or more of the processing of steps S101 to S103, steps S104 to S106, and steps S107 and S108 at the same time. In addition, System 1 may also omit the processing of steps S101 to S103 and any one of the processing of steps S104 to S106.

[0071] As described above, the information processing device 40 of this embodiment determines the travel path of the vehicle 10 based on at least one of the following: operational information of the disaster prevention equipment installed in the facility, images of the pathways within the facility captured by the camera 30 installed in the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the position of the vehicle 10 traveling within the facility. Furthermore, the information processing device 40 sends travel path information indicating the travel path to the vehicle 10.

[0072] According to the above structure, the information processing device 40 can suppress the dangers associated with the vehicle 10 traveling on difficult-to-drive routes within a facility, and can increase the probability of determining a safe route to the destination. In the event of a disaster, information regarding the damage to roads is provided by various businesses or organizations on ordinary roads such as highways, but in facilities such as factories, the damage to the facility is identified by the observation of facility managers. However, the observation by managers takes time, and due to the chaos accompanying a disaster, managers are sometimes unable to conduct observations. Thus, it is difficult to reliably identify a drivable route for the vehicle 10. In contrast, according to the above structure, the probability of determining a safe route for the vehicle 10 is increased. Consequently, the probability of the vehicle 10 being able to travel safely is increased. Therefore, the technology related to the travel of the vehicle 10 during a disaster is improved, resulting in increased safety during the vehicle 10's travel.

[0073] This disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each structural part or step can be logically reconfigured without contradiction, and multiple structural parts or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0074] For example, in the above embodiments, it is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which the structure and operation of the information processing device 40 are distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Additionally, for example, it is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which some or all of the components of the information processing device 40 are disposed in the vehicle 10. It is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which the structure and operation of the monitoring device 20 are distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Additionally, for example, it is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which some or all of the components of the monitoring device 20 are disposed in the vehicle 10 or the information processing device 40.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the communication unit 22 of the monitoring device 20 can also send work information to the information processing device 40 in advance under the control of the control unit 21. In such a structure, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 40 can also calculate the working frequency based on the pre-received work information and determine the travel path based on the working frequency. As an example, if work information cannot be obtained from the monitoring device 20 during a disaster, the control unit 41 can select a predetermined number of disaster prevention devices from among the multiple disaster prevention devices installed in the facility, ordered according to their working frequency from high to low, and determine the travel path in a manner that excludes paths within a predetermined range from the location where the selected disaster prevention device is installed. As another example, the control unit 41 can select disaster prevention devices with a working frequency higher than the predetermined frequency and determine the travel path in a manner that excludes paths within a predetermined range from the location where the selected disaster prevention device is installed. In addition, the predetermined frequency can be, for example, set as the average of the working frequencies of the multiple disaster prevention devices installed in the facility.

[0076] The routes surrounding disaster prevention equipment that are frequently used based on operational information are routes that were frequently difficult to navigate during past disasters, and therefore are likely to be difficult to navigate in the event of current or future disasters. Thus, for example, in the event that the monitoring device 20 malfunctions due to a disaster and therefore does not operate, the information processing device 40, based on previously received operational information, can determine a relatively safe driving route by excluding routes that are likely to become difficult to navigate.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the communication unit 43 of the information processing device 40 can also receive user location information indicating the location of a predetermined user within the facility who is riding in vehicle 10. In such a configuration, the control unit 41 can also determine the driving route based on work information or first image information, vehicle location information, and user location information. Specifically, the control unit 41 determines the driving route in a manner that includes a path facing the area containing the user's location indicated by the user location information. Thus, in the event of a disaster occurring while the user is not riding in vehicle 10, the information processing device 40 can determine the driving route in a way that prevents vehicle 10 from traveling on a path that would be dangerous due to the disaster, and allows the predetermined user to ride in the vehicle. Therefore, the probability that vehicle 10 can safely transport the user is increased. For example, in the event of a disaster occurring while the user is riding in vehicle 10, the information processing device 40 can also determine the driving route without relying on user location information.

[0078] The information processing device 40 can obtain user location information by any method. For example, the information processing device 40 can receive user location information from a portable information terminal with a GPS receiver carried by the user, or from an authentication system used when the user enters various areas of the facility.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the communication unit 13 of the vehicle 10 may also send the surrounding information obtained by the input unit 15 when the vehicle 10 travels along the driving path to the information processing device 40. For example, the surrounding information includes image information (second image information) of the vehicle's surroundings captured by the imaging module included in the input unit 15 of the vehicle 10. In such a configuration, the communication unit 43 of the information processing device 40 may receive the second image information sent from the vehicle 10, and the control unit 41 may change the driving path based on the second image information.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 40 can determine the damaged path based on the second image information and change the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path. More specifically, the control unit 41 can change the portion of the driving path indicated by the driving path information from the position of the vehicle 10 to the destination in a manner that excludes the damaged path. For example, as described above, in a structure where the imaging device 30 is installed such that it can only photograph a portion of the path within the facility, not all of it, damage sometimes occurs in a path that is included in the driving path determined by the information processing device 40 based on the first image information but which was not photographed by the imaging device 30. Even in such cases, the vehicle 10 can determine the damage to the path based on the second image information generated by the imaging module included in the input unit 15 and can change the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path. Consequently, the vehicle 10 can travel along the changed driving path, thus further increasing the probability of safe driving.

[0081] Alternatively, an embodiment can be adopted in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing apparatus 40 according to the above embodiments. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for implementing the functions of the information processing apparatus 40 according to the above embodiments is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, this disclosure can also be implemented as a processor-executable program or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

[0082] The following examples illustrate a portion of the embodiments of this disclosure. However, it is to be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these.

[0083] [Postscript 1]

[0084] An information processing device for determining the travel path of a vehicle traveling within a facility, comprising:

[0085] The control unit determines the vehicle's travel path based on at least one of the following: operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility, first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's location; and

[0086] The communication unit sends the driving path information, representing the driving path, to the vehicle.

[0087] [Postscript 2]

[0088] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0089] The control unit determines the travel path in a manner that excludes passageways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is installed.

[0090] [Postscript 3]

[0091] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein,

[0092] The control unit determines the driving route based on the working frequency calculated according to the pre-obtained working information.

[0093] [Postscript 4]

[0094] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein,

[0095] The control unit determines the damaged path based on the first image information and decides the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

[0096] [Postscript 5]

[0097] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein,

[0098] The control unit then determines the travel route based on user location information indicating the location of the intended user within the facility.

[0099] [Postscript 6]

[0100] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein,

[0101] The control unit then changes the driving path based on second image information, including images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by the camera module as the vehicle travels along the driving path.

[0102] [Postscript 7]

[0103] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0104] The control unit determines the damaged path based on the second image information and changes the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

[0105] [Postscript 8]

[0106] A method executed by an information processing device for determining the travel path of a vehicle traveling within a facility, comprising:

[0107] The process of determining the vehicle's travel path based on at least one of the following: operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility, first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's position; and

[0108] The process of sending the driving path information, representing the driving path, to the vehicle.

[0109] [Postscript 9]

[0110] According to the method described in Appendix 8, wherein,

[0111] In the decision-making process, the travel path is determined in a manner that excludes passageways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is installed.

[0112] [Postscript 10]

[0113] According to the method described in Appendix 8 or 9, wherein,

[0114] In the decision-making process, the travel path is determined based on the work frequency calculated according to the work information obtained in advance.

[0115] [Postscript 11]

[0116] According to the method described in any one of notes 8 to 10, wherein,

[0117] In the decision-making process, the damaged path is determined based on the first image information, and the driving path is determined in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

[0118] [Postscript 12]

[0119] According to the method described in any one of notes 8 to 11, wherein,

[0120] In the decision-making process, the travel route is further determined based on user location information indicating the location of the intended user riding the vehicle within the facility.

[0121] [Postscript 13]

[0122] The method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 12, wherein it further includes

[0123] The process of changing the driving path based on second image information, including images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by a camera module traveling along the driving path.

[0124] [Postscript 14]

[0125] According to the method described in Appendix 13, wherein,

[0126] In the modification process, the damaged path is determined based on the second image information, and the driving path is modified in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

[0127] [Postscript 15]

[0128] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes an information processing device to execute decisions about the routes of vehicles traveling within the facility:

[0129] The process of determining the vehicle's travel path based on at least one of the following: operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility, first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's position; and

[0130] The process of sending the driving path information, representing the driving path, to the vehicle.

[0131] [Postscript 16]

[0132] According to Appendix 15, the non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein,

[0133] The program causes the information processing device to determine a travel path in a manner that excludes pathways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is located.

[0134] [Postscript 17]

[0135] According to Appendix 15 or 16, the non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein,

[0136] The program causes the information processing device to perform the following: determine the driving route based on the working frequency calculated according to the pre-obtained working information.

[0137] [Postscript 18]

[0138] The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Appendix 15 to 17, wherein,

[0139] The program causes the information processing device to perform the following: determine the damaged path based on the first image information, and determine the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

[0140] [Postscript 19]

[0141] The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Appendices 15 to 18, wherein,

[0142] The procedure causes the information processing device to further perform: determining the travel route based on user location information indicating the location of a predetermined user within the facility who is riding in the vehicle.

[0143] [Postscript 20]

[0144] The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of notes 15 to 19, wherein,

[0145] The program causes the information processing device to perform the following: change the driving path based on second image information, including images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by a camera module as the vehicle travels along the driving path.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that determines a travel route of a vehicle traveling within a facility, wherein have: The control unit determines the vehicle's travel path based on at least one of the following: operational information of the disaster prevention equipment installed in the facility, first image information including images of the pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed in the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's position. as well as The communication unit sends the driving route information, representing the driving route, to the vehicle. The control unit determines the driving route based on the working frequency calculated according to the pre-obtained working information.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the travel path in a manner that excludes passageways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is installed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the damaged path based on the first image information and decides the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit then determines the travel route based on user location information indicating the location of the intended user within the facility.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit then changes the driving path based on second image information, including images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by the camera module as the vehicle travels along the driving path.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit determines the damaged path based on the second image information and changes the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

7. A method executed by an information processing apparatus that determines a travel route of a vehicle traveling within a facility, wherein include: The process of determining the vehicle's travel path based on at least one of the following: operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility, first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's position; and The process of sending the driving path information, representing the driving path, to the vehicle. In the decision-making process, the travel path is determined based on the work frequency calculated according to the work information obtained in advance.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, In the decision-making process, the travel path is determined in a manner that excludes passageways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is installed.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, In the decision-making process, the damaged path is determined based on the first image information, and the driving path is determined in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, In the decision-making process, the travel route is further determined based on user location information indicating the location of the intended user riding the vehicle within the facility.

11. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, Also includes The process of changing the driving path based on second image information, including images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by a camera module traveling along the driving path.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the modification process, the damaged path is determined based on the second image information, and the driving path is modified in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes an information processing device for determining the travel path of a vehicle traveling within a facility to execute: The process of determining the vehicle's travel path based on at least one of the following: operational information of disaster prevention equipment installed within the facility, first image information including images of pathways within the facility captured by a camera installed within the facility, and vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's position; and The process of sending the driving path information, representing the driving path, to the vehicle. The program causes the information processing device to perform the following: determine the driving route based on the working frequency calculated according to the pre-obtained working information.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 13, wherein, The program causes the information processing device to determine a travel path in a manner that excludes pathways within a predetermined range from the location where the disaster prevention equipment shown to be in operation in the work information is located.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 13, wherein, The program causes the information processing device to perform the following: determine the damaged path based on the first image information, and determine the driving path in a manner that excludes the damaged path.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The procedure causes the information processing device to further perform: determining the travel route based on user location information indicating the location of a predetermined user within the facility who is riding in the vehicle.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The program causes the information processing device to perform the following: change the driving path based on second image information, including images of the vehicle's surroundings captured by a camera module traveling along the driving path.

Images