Vehicle control device and vehicle control method

By acquiring user and cargo attributes for air conditioning control, the problem of unsuitable air conditioning control in mixed passenger and freight transport has been solved, realizing personalized air conditioning management and improving user comfort.

CN118354919BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-31NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180104733.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-06
Publication Date
2025-10-31
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technology fails to effectively consider the attributes of both users and goods when controlling the air conditioning, resulting in an inability to provide a comfortable in-vehicle environment when passengers and goods are mixed.

Method used

By acquiring attribute information about users and goods, the system determines their riding situation and implements corresponding air conditioning controls, including airflow management and physical isolation, to ensure user comfort.

Benefits of technology

It enables personalized air conditioning control based on user and goods attributes, reducing the impact of goods on users and providing a comfortable in-vehicle environment.

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Abstract

The vehicle control device obtains the attributes of the user (70) and the goods (80), determines whether the user (70) and the goods (80) are already on the vehicle (40), and performs air conditioning control corresponding to the attributes of the user (70) and the goods (80) if it determines that the user (70) and the goods (80) are already on the vehicle (40).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, an invention was known that controlled in-vehicle equipment based on the type of goods a user was carrying (Patent Document 1). The invention described in Patent Document 1 controlled the air conditioning unit to lower the temperature inside the vehicle when it was determined that the goods were not heat-resistant.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-157943 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in mixed passenger and freight transport where users and goods are transported together, it is necessary to consider the attributes of both users and goods when controlling the air conditioning, but the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not consider the attributes of both users and goods.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle control device and vehicle control method that can take into account the attributes of both the user and the goods in the air conditioning control.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle control device that acquires the attributes of a user and the attributes of goods, determines whether the user and goods are already on the vehicle, and performs air conditioning control corresponding to the attributes of the user and goods if it is determined that the user and goods are already on the vehicle.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, air conditioning control can be performed taking into account the attributes of both the user and the goods. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a system overview diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the management server, communication device, communication device, and vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram illustrating the attributes of users and goods.

[0016] Figure 4This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a system that embodies an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a system that embodies an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and the description is omitted.

[0022] Reference Figures 1-2 Here, an example of the configuration of system 10 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, system 10 includes: a management server 20, a communication network 30, vehicles 40-42, a user 70, a communication device 60 held by the user 70, a merchant 71, a communication device 61 held by the merchant 71, and goods 80 sold by the merchant 71. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The system contains three vehicles, but is not limited to this. System 10 may also include four or more vehicles.

[0023] In this embodiment, user 70 and goods 80 travel on the same vehicle. This method is called "passenger-cargo mixed transport." Specifically, "passenger-cargo mixed transport" is defined as "a method of transporting and carrying goods and passengers together." "Goods" is defined as "items transported by a transport agency." "Transport agency" includes railways, buses, taxis, airplanes, ships, etc. In this embodiment, "transport agency" is described as a vehicle. "Items" mainly refer to hand-held goods and small items, whose size is limited to items that can be loaded onto a vehicle. "Items" include animals (pets), plants, food, groceries, etc. "Food" includes food that needs to be refrigerated (refrigerated food) and food that needs to be frozen (frozen food). In "passenger-cargo mixed transport," the space where passengers stay and the space where goods are loaded are usually clearly separated. In this embodiment, the transport agency is a vehicle, and the seats for passengers and the seats for loading goods are clearly separated. Hereinafter, "items" will be referred to as goods, and "passengers" will be referred to as users. "Merchants" include employees of pet shops, flower shops, lunch shops, online supermarkets, etc. Online supermarkets refer to services that accept orders online and deliver goods directly to your home. It should be noted that online supermarkets are also known as online supermarkets or online grocery stores in English-speaking regions. In this implementation, "goods" include pets, flowers, bento boxes, and food (including refrigerated food).

[0024] The management server 20 communicates with vehicles 40-42 and communication devices 60-61 via communication network 30. The management server 20 is a general-purpose computer (controller) with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, memory 22, communication I / O pins 23, and storage device 24, all electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The management server 20 is used for vehicle allocation services for vehicles 40-42. The location of the management server 20 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be located in the management center of the operator operating vehicles 40-42.

[0025] CPU 21 reads various programs stored in storage device 24 and other media from memory 22, and executes the various commands contained in the programs. Memory 22 is a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage device 24 is a storage medium such as SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). It should be noted that part (or all) of the system 10, which includes the functions of management server 20 as described below, can also be provided by an application (Software as a Service (SaaS) or similar) configured on communication network 30.

[0026] The Communication I / F23 is configured to be installed as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, enabling wired or wireless communication via a communication network 30, etc. Furthermore, the Communication I / F23 functions as both an input and output unit for receiving / transmitting data.

[0027] The communication network 30 is described as the Internet, but it is not limited to this; other wireless communication methods may also be used. The management server 20, vehicles 40-42, and communication devices 60-61 are connected to the communication network 30 via the Internet.

[0028] An example of vehicles 40-42 is a taxi. Vehicles 40-42 can be ordinary vehicles with a driver or autonomous vehicles without a driver. Autonomous vehicles without a driver can be robot taxis or driverless taxis. In this embodiment, vehicles 40-42 will be described as autonomous vehicles without a driver. In addition, as described above, vehicles 40-42 are vehicles used for "mixed passenger and freight transport".

[0029] User 70 requests a vehicle using communication device 60. Similarly, merchant 71 requests a vehicle using communication device 61. A vehicle reservation application (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle reservation APP) is installed in communication devices 60 and 61, and user 70 and merchant 71 use the vehicle reservation APP to request a vehicle.

[0030] Next, refer to Figure 2 The detailed configuration of the management server 20, vehicle 40, and communication devices 60-61 is described below. It should be noted that... Figure 2 Vehicles 41 to 42 are omitted, but vehicles 41 to 42 have the same configuration as vehicle 40.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, communication device 60 includes a communication I / F 60a, a vehicle-mounted APP 60b, and a GPS receiver 60c. Similarly, communication device 61 includes a communication I / F 61a, a vehicle-mounted APP 61b, and a GPS receiver 61c. Communication I / F 60a and communication I / F 61a have the same configuration as communication I / F 23 and communicate with management server 20 via communication network 30. As an example, communication devices 60-61 are portable terminals such as smartphones and tablets. Alternatively, communication devices 60-61 can also be wearable devices. It should be noted that, although not shown, communication devices 60-61 also have a CPU, memory, storage device, etc., similar to management server 20.

[0032] As described above, the vehicle matching app 60b is used for vehicle requests. The vehicle matching app 60b serves as the user interface when user 70 requests a vehicle. The vehicle matching app 60b is implemented by the CPU of the communication device 60 reading a dedicated application from the storage device of the communication device 60 and executing it. When user 70 uses the vehicle matching app 60b, i.e., when requesting a vehicle, they pre-register their information into the app. This pre-registration is a well-known technique used in many applications. By pre-registering, inherent identification information (also represented as user ID, account ID, etc.) is assigned to user 70, enabling them to use the vehicle matching app 60b to request a vehicle. As an example, the pre-entered information includes user 70's name, nickname, gender, address, phone number, email address, payment method, and attributes.

[0033] Here, regarding the pre-registered "attributes", refer to Figure 3 This is explained below. In this embodiment, "user 70's attributes" refers to information related to user 70's allergies and preferences regarding the air quality inside the vehicle. Allergies are of many types. For example, allergies can be caused by pets (dust mites, mold, etc.) or plants (pollen, etc.). User 70 pre-registers allergy-related information as attributes. In this embodiment, "preferences regarding the air quality inside the vehicle" refers to user 70's preferences regarding odors and temperature inside the vehicle. If a user dislikes products that emit unpleasant odors, this is pre-registered as "preference-related information." Regarding the temperature inside the vehicle, the comfortable temperature varies from user to user. User 70 pre-registers their comfortable temperature as "preference-related information." It should be noted that the "comfortable temperature" may vary depending on the season. Therefore, the system can also require user 70 to input the temperature according to the season.

[0034] Merchant 71 also pre-registered the attributes of the goods 80 they sell. "Attributes of goods 80" refer to information related to allergies, odors, and temperatures. If goods 80 are pets, plants, etc., Merchant 71 registered allergies to mites, mold, pollen, etc. If goods 80 are smelly bento boxes, Merchant 71 registered the smell. If goods 80 are refrigerated food, they registered the need for temperature control below 10 degrees Celsius.

[0035] In this embodiment, the vehicle's air conditioning is controlled based on the attributes of "user 70" and "goods 80". For example... Figure 3 As shown, air conditioning control is implemented when allergy-related information is registered as an attribute of user 70 and when allergy-related information is registered as an attribute of product 80. Additionally, air conditioning control is implemented when odor-related information is registered as an attribute of user 70 and when odor-related information is registered as an attribute of product 80. Furthermore, air conditioning control is implemented when temperature-related information is registered as an attribute of user 70 and when temperature-related information is registered as an attribute of product 80. Figure 3 As shown, in combinations other than those described above, air conditioning control is not implemented. Depending on the user, there may be users who are not allergic, users who don't mind the odor, and users who can tolerate any temperature. These users may also choose not to register attributes. For users who have not registered attributes ( Figure 3 The "no attribute" category refers to goods whose attributes are unrelated to their properties and for which air conditioning control is not implemented. Additionally, depending on the type of goods, there are goods that will not cause allergies, goods that do not emit odors, and goods that do not require temperature management. Merchant 71 may also choose not to register the above-mentioned attributes for goods. For goods with unregistered attributes (… Figure 3 The "no attribute" setting (in this context) is unrelated to the user's attributes and does not implement air conditioning control. However, what is not implemented is the air conditioning control corresponding to the attribute. Ordinary air conditioning control will still be implemented. "Ordinary air conditioning control" refers to air conditioning control preset based on external temperature, etc.

[0036] After completing pre-registration, user 70 inputs their desired pick-up location, pick-up time, destination (drop-off location), arrival time, and seat into the car-sharing app 60b to request a vehicle. For the desired seat, user 70 selects from available seats (unreserved seats). Seat selection is arbitrary. If user 70 does not select a seat, the management server 20 automatically selects one. The car-sharing app 60b sends a car-sharing request to the management server 20 based on user 70's input. Additionally, the communication device 60 displays various information contained in the signal received from the management server 20 in response to the car-sharing request (acceptance of the car-sharing request, scheduled arrival time, scheduled travel route, etc.) on a display. However, the implementation of the car-sharing app 60b is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 60 can access a server providing the car-sharing app 60b functionality to receive functionality provision, and display the execution results of the functionality sent from the server in a browser. Similarly, after completing the pre-registration, merchant 71 enters the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, desired destination (drop-off location), desired arrival time, and desired seat into the car matching APP 61b to request a vehicle.

[0037] The location information of the communication device 60 obtained by the GPS receiver 60c is sent to the management server 20 at any time. Similarly, the location information of the communication device 61 obtained by the GPS receiver 61c is sent to the management server 20 at any time.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, vehicle 40 includes: a communication I / F 401, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 402, a camera 403, a seating sensor 404, an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system 405, and a GPS receiver 406. The communication I / F 401 has the same configuration as communication I / F 23 and communicates with the management server 20 via the communication network 30. The vehicle ECU 402 is a computer used to control vehicle 40. Based on instructions received from the management server 20, the vehicle ECU 402 controls various actuators (brake actuators, accelerator actuators, steering actuators, etc.). The camera 403 is installed inside the vehicle 40. The camera 403 detects the seating position of user 70 (the position of the seat where user 70 sits). Additionally, the camera 403 detects the position of the seat where goods 80 are placed. These positions can also be detected by the seating sensor 404 instead of the camera 403. The HVAC system 405 controls the temperature, humidity, and air circulation inside the vehicle 40, including cooling, heating, and ventilation equipment. The location information of the vehicle 40, obtained by the GPS receiver 406, is sent to the management server 20 at any time.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the CPU 21 of the management server 20, as an example of multiple functions, includes a vehicle dispatching unit 211, an allocation unit 212, a driving route calculation unit 213, and an air conditioning control method generation unit 214. The storage device 24 of the management server 20 stores a map database 241 and a customer database 242.

[0040] Map database 241 stores map information required for route navigation, including road information and facility information. This map information includes the number of lanes, lane width, and road undulation information. Additionally, it includes road signs indicating speed limits, one-way traffic, and road markings such as pedestrian crossings and dividing lines. It should be noted that the map information stored in map database 241 can be either high-resolution map data (HD MAP) or standard map data (SD MAP).

[0041] The customer database 242 stores information about users 70 and merchants 71 (names, attributes, etc.), as well as vehicle usage history.

[0042] The vehicle allocation processing unit 211 accepts vehicle allocation requests from users 70 that have been entered into the communication device 60 (vehicle allocation APP 60b). Additionally, the vehicle allocation processing unit 211 accepts vehicle allocation requests from merchants 71 that have been entered into the communication device 61 (vehicle allocation APP 61b). The vehicle allocation processing unit 211 has the function of transmitting the details of the accepted vehicle allocation request from user 70, the scheduled arrival time at the pick-up location, and the scheduled route to the destination to the communication device 60. Similarly, the vehicle allocation processing unit 211 has the function of transmitting the details of the accepted vehicle allocation request from merchant 71, the scheduled arrival time at the pick-up location, and the scheduled route to the destination to the communication device 61.

[0043] The vehicle allocation processing unit 211 obtains the location information of user 70 from communication device 60, the location information of merchant 71 from communication device 61, and the location information of vehicle 40 from vehicle 40. "Location information of user 70" refers to the location information of communication device 60 held by user 70. "Location information of merchant 71" refers to the location information of communication device 61 held by merchant 71. The vehicle allocation processing unit 211 outputs the obtained location information to the allocation unit 212 and the driving route calculation unit 213.

[0044] Based on the received vehicle allocation request, the allocation unit 212 allocates a suitable vehicle from among multiple vehicles 40 to 42. For example, to improve efficiency, the allocation unit 212 may allocate the vehicle closest to the desired pick-up location of the user 70 or merchant 71 from among the multiple vehicles 40 to 42. In this embodiment, vehicle 40 will be described as the allocated vehicle.

[0045] The route calculation unit 213 calculates the route from the location of vehicle 40 to the destination via the pick-up location, referring to the location information obtained from the vehicle dispatching unit 211 and the map database 241. In this embodiment, to improve the operating efficiency of vehicle 40, it is based on the premise that user 70 and goods 80 share a ride. Regarding sharing a ride, it can be explained whether sharing a ride is allowed by confirming with user 70 and merchant 71. The order in which user 70 or goods 80 boards the vehicle first is irrelevant. When the destinations of user 70 and goods 80 are in the same direction, the efficient operation of vehicle 40 can be achieved. However, in the application of this invention, the destinations may not be in the same direction.

[0046] The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 refers to the customer database 242 to obtain the attributes of user 70 and product 80. Based on the attributes of user 70 and product 80, the air conditioning control method generation unit 214 generates an air conditioning control method. The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 sends the generated air conditioning control method to the HVAC system 405.

[0047] Next, refer to Figures 4-5The sequence diagram illustrates an action example of system 10. In step S101, user 70 requests a vehicle using communication device 60. The request signal is sent from communication device 60 to management server 20. In step S103, merchant 71 requests a vehicle using communication device 61. The request signal is sent from communication device 61 to management server 20. In step S105, management server 20 allocates a vehicle or calculates a driving route based on the accepted request. Processing proceeds to step S107, where management server 20 refers to customer database 242 to obtain the attributes of user 70 and goods 80. Processing proceeds to step S109, where management server 20 generates an air conditioning control method based on the attributes of user 70 and goods 80. Management server 20 sends a vehicle allocation plan, including the driving route, and the air conditioning control method to vehicle 40.

[0048] In step S111, vehicle 40 obtains the vehicle allocation plan and air conditioning control method from management server 20. The process proceeds to step S113, where vehicle ECU 402 controls various actuators to make vehicle 40 travel along the driving path. Vehicle 40 moves towards the desired seating position of user 70, allowing user 70 to board. Additionally, vehicle 40 moves towards the desired loading position of goods 80 and loads goods 80. The process proceeds to step S115, where camera 403 or seating sensor 404 detects the position of the seat occupied by user 70 and the position of the seat where goods 80 are placed. The process proceeds to step S117, where HVAC system 405 controls the air conditioning using the air conditioning control method obtained from management server 20. The process proceeds to step S119, where goods 80 are unloaded at the desired unloading position, and air conditioning control ends. (See reference...) Figures 6-8 The details of the processing in steps S107, 109, 115, and 117 are explained below.

[0049] First, the details of step S107 will be explained. Figure 6 In step S201, when the management server 20 obtains the attributes of user 70 and product 80, it first obtains the attributes of product 80. That is, the attribute acquisition order is product 80 first, followed by user 70. The management server 20 then determines whether the attributes of product 80 might affect user 70. For example, in... Figure 3 As explained, if the attributes of product 80 include any of the attributes such as allergies, odors, and temperature, the management server 20 determines that the attributes of product 80 may affect user 70 (YES in step S203). It should be noted that if NO is set in step S203, that is, if product 80 has no attributes (no attributes of product 80 are registered), normal air conditioning control is implemented (step S205).

[0050] In step S207, the management server 20 obtains the attributes of user 70. The process proceeds to step S209, where the management server 20 determines whether the attributes of user 70 are consistent with the attributes of product 80. "Attribute consistency" means that user 70 has pollen allergy as an attribute, and product 80 has plants that spread pollen as an attribute. Alternatively, "attribute consistency" means that user 70 has a dislike of odors as an attribute, and product 80 has a bento box that emits an odor as an attribute. Alternatively, "attribute consistency" means that user 70 has a vehicle interior temperature as an attribute, and product 80 has food that requires refrigeration as an attribute. Alternatively, "attribute consistency" can also be defined as the keywords of the attributes of user 70 and product 80 being consistent. Alternatively, "attribute consistency" can also be defined as the nature, characteristics, or properties of the attributes of user 70 and product 80 being consistent. If the attributes of user 70 match those of product 80 (YES in step S209), the process proceeds to step S211, where the management server 20 implements air conditioning control based on the attributes of user 70 and product 80. It should be noted that in step S107... Figure 4 Consistent judgments are made during the processing of ).

[0051] Next, the details of step S115 will be explained. Figure 7 This indicates the interior of vehicle 40. Markings 90 and 91 indicate the air conditioning unit of HVAC system 405, which includes refrigeration, heating, and ventilation equipment. Marking 92 indicates the exhaust vent. Markings 93-96 indicate seating areas. (Example...) Figure 7 As shown, suppose user 70 is seated in seat 96 and goods 80 are placed in seat 94. In this case, camera 403 or seating sensor 404 detects the position of the seat where user 70 is seated and the position of the seat where goods 80 are placed.

[0052] Next, details of steps S109 and S117 will be explained. The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 generates an air conditioning control method based on the seat position detected by the camera 403 or the seating sensor 404. Figure 7 In this scenario, suppose user 70 is registered with pollen allergy as an attribute, and product 80 is registered with a plant that disperses pollen. In this case, the attributes of user 70 and product 80 are identical. The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 generates an air conditioning control method to reduce the impact of product 80 on user 70. Examples of air conditioning control methods include... Figure 7The method shown is to supply air from ventilation devices 90-91 to exhaust port 92. This reduces the impact of allergens in product 80 (plant) on user 70. Furthermore, as another example, suppose user 70 is registered as disliking odors, and product 80 is registered as emitting an odor. In this case, examples such as... Figure 7 The method shown is to supply air from ventilation devices 90-91 to exhaust port 92. This reduces the impact of odor from goods 80 (bento) on user 70. It should be noted that air can also be supplied from ventilation devices 90-91 to user 70. This ensures that air is always circulating around user 70, reducing the impact of allergens or odors. Alternatively, air can be supplied with user 70 upstream and goods 80 downstream relative to the airflow. It should be noted that reducing the impact on user 70 also includes situations where there is no impact on user 70.

[0053] Furthermore, as another example, suppose the interior temperature is registered as an attribute of user 70, and food requiring refrigeration is registered as an attribute of goods 80. As an example of an air conditioning control method in this case, the following can be cited: Figure 8 The air curtain shown. Figure 8 The designation 100 indicates an air curtain generating device (a type of HVAC system 405), and the designation 101 indicates an air curtain. An "air curtain" generates a film of rapid airflow, cutting off air movement. It should be noted that "cutting off" is used not only to completely cut off air movement but also to include suppressing air movement. An "air curtain" is used to cut off cooling and heating and prevent odor intrusion, utilizing space without the need for walls, partitions, etc. In this embodiment, the air curtain 101 generates an airflow film from the ceiling to the floor. Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle compartment 40 is divided into zone 102 and zone 103 using an air curtain 101. Zone 102 is cooled to below 10 degrees Celsius by a refrigeration unit. This keeps the goods 80 (refrigerated food) at a suitable temperature. Because of the air curtain 101, the cold air circulating in zone 102 does not flow into zone 103. Therefore, the user 70 can reduce the impact of cold air. Thus, even users who dislike cold air can ride in the vehicle 40 with refrigerated food. Furthermore, zone 103 can be adjusted to the user 70's desired temperature. For example, if the user 70's desired temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, the HVAC system 405 can be controlled to set zone 103 to 23 degrees Celsius. Even when zone 103 is set to 23 degrees Celsius, zone 102 will not be affected by the air curtain 101 and will remain below 10 degrees Celsius. It should be noted that the air curtain 101 can also be used to address allergies and odors. Alternatively, it can replace the air curtain 101 by setting up physical barriers such as gates or partitions to cut off the movement of air.

[0054] (Effects)

[0055] As described above, the following effects can be achieved according to this embodiment.

[0056] The management server 20 (controller) acquires the attributes of user 70 and goods 80. Attribute acquisition is achieved by referencing the customer database 242. The management server 20 determines whether user 70 and goods 80 are already in the vehicle. This determination is based on data detected by camera 403 or seating sensor 404. If the management server 20 determines that user 70 and goods 80 are in the vehicle, it performs air conditioning control corresponding to the attributes of user 70 and goods 80. Therefore, air conditioning control can be performed considering the attributes of both user 70 and goods 80.

[0057] User 70's attributes include information related to specified allergies or information indicating preferences for the air quality inside the vehicle. "Information indicating preferences for the air quality inside the vehicle" refers to information indicating user 70's preferences for odors and temperatures inside the vehicle. Product 80's attributes include information related to specified allergies, odors, or information indicating the need for temperature management.

[0058] The air conditioning control includes at least one of the following: controlling airflow to reduce the impact on user 70 caused by goods 80; using airflow to separate the space between goods 80 and user 70; or using physical devices to separate the space between goods 80 and user 70. The management server 20 selects one of these three air conditioning controls based on the attributes of user 70 and goods 80. Therefore, user 70 is not affected by goods 80, and a comfortable interior space is provided for user 70.

[0059] The functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented using one or more processing circuits. The processing circuit includes a programmed processing device such as a processing apparatus having electronic circuitry. The processing circuit also includes devices such as integrated circuits (ASICs) or circuit components arranged for a specific purpose to perform the functions.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the discussions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the invention. Based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art should understand various alternative embodiments, examples, and techniques employed.

[0061] The management server 20 has been described as a vehicle control device, but the vehicle control device is not limited to the management server 20. The configuration and functions of the management server 20 can also be installed in the vehicle 40. In this case, the controller installed in the vehicle 40 is used as the vehicle control device. The attributes of the goods 80 do not necessarily need to be pre-registered. Merchant 71 can also input the attributes of the goods 80 when booking the vehicle. In addition, an odor detection sensor can be installed on the vehicle 40, and the sensor can detect whether the goods 80 emit an odor when loading.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0063] 20 Management Server; 211 Vehicle Allocation Acceptance Department; 212 Allocation Department; 213 Driving Route Calculation Department; 214 Air Conditioning Control Method Generation Department.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, applied to a vehicle that simultaneously transports users and goods, characterized in that, It has a controller. The controller acquires the attributes of the goods. Determine whether the attributes of the goods may affect the user. In the absence of registered attributes for the goods, it is determined that the attributes of the goods are unlikely to affect the user. If it is determined that the attributes of the goods may affect the user, the user's attributes are obtained, and it is determined whether the user's attributes are consistent with the attributes of the goods. Determine whether the user and the goods are already on the vehicle. If it is determined that the properties of the goods are unlikely to affect the user, and the user and the goods are already on the vehicle, then normal air conditioning control shall be implemented. If it is determined that the user's attributes and the goods' attributes are consistent, and the user and the goods are already on the vehicle, then air conditioning control corresponding to the attributes of the user and the goods will be performed.

2. The vehicle control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The user's attributes include information related to specified allergies or information indicating preferences for the air quality inside the vehicle. The attributes of the goods include information related to specified allergies, information related to odor, or information indicating the need for temperature management.

3. The vehicle control device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The air conditioning control includes at least one of the following: (a) controlling airflow to reduce the impact of the goods on the user; (b) using airflow to separate the space between the goods and the user; or (c) using a physical device to separate the space between the goods and the user. The controller selects one of (a) to (c) for air conditioning control based on the attributes of the user and the goods.

4. A vehicle control method, which is a vehicle control device applied to a vehicle simultaneously transporting users and goods, characterized in that, Obtain the attributes of the goods. Determine whether the attributes of the goods may affect the user. In the absence of registered attributes for the goods, it is determined that the attributes of the goods are unlikely to affect the user. If it is determined that the attributes of the goods may affect the user, the user's attributes are obtained, and it is determined whether the user's attributes are consistent with the attributes of the goods. Determine whether the user and the goods are already on the vehicle. If it is determined that the properties of the goods are unlikely to affect the user, and the user and the goods are already on the vehicle, then normal air conditioning control shall be implemented. If the user's attributes and the goods' attributes are consistent, and the user and the goods are already on the vehicle, then the air conditioning control is performed according to the attributes of the user and the goods.

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