Cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method

Abstract

The cargo hold monitoring device and the cargo hold monitoring method acquire, via an acquisition unit, cargo information including at least information indicating the position of cargo loaded in the cargo hold of a vehicle, and when a new user has taken the vehicle, store the cargo information of the cargo newly loaded in the vehicle in association with the user. Furthermore, whether the cargo information has been updated is determined, whether the vehicle has arrived at the destination of the user is determined, and when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alarm is notified via a notification unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cargo hold monitoring device and a cargo hold monitoring method. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a cargo locking device has been proposed, which controls a cargo locking mechanism in a vehicle cargo compartment and, in order to reduce the time required for a user to retrieve cargo when getting off the vehicle, unlocks the cargo locking mechanism that keeps the user's cargo at the destination when the vehicle arrives at the user's destination (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2020-111990 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] According to Patent Document 1, the position where the user can place the cargo is limited to the periphery of the locking mechanism, limiting the space in the cargo compartment where the cargo can be placed. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot freely place the cargo in the cargo compartment according to the type and size of the cargo.

[0008] The present invention is proposed in view of the above problems and aims to provide a cargo compartment monitoring device and a cargo compartment monitoring method, which can reduce the restrictions on the space in which cargo can be arranged in the cargo compartment of a vehicle, and enable users to freely arrange cargo in the cargo compartment according to the type and size of the cargo.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a cargo compartment monitoring device and a cargo compartment monitoring method according to one embodiment of the present invention acquire cargo information including at least information indicating the position of cargo loaded in a cargo compartment of a vehicle in the cargo compartment through an acquisition unit, and when a new user has boarded the vehicle, the cargo information of the cargo newly loaded on the vehicle is associated with the user and stored. Furthermore, it is determined whether the cargo information has been updated, and whether the vehicle has arrived at the destination of the user, and when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alarm is notified through a notification unit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the restrictions on the space in which cargo can be placed in the cargo compartment of a vehicle are reduced, and the user can freely place cargo in the cargo compartment according to the type and size of the cargo. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a cargo hold monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the cargo registration process of the cargo hold monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the monitoring process (before arrival at the destination) of the cargo hold monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the monitoring process (after arrival at the destination) of the cargo hold monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing an example of a cargo hold loaded with cargo.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a rear view showing an example of a cargo hold loaded with cargo. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0020] [Structure of cargo hold monitoring device]

[0021] Figure 1 : is a block diagram showing the structure of the cargo hold monitoring device of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the cargo hold monitoring device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 71, a communication unit 73, a controller 100, and a notification unit 400. The controller 100 is connected to the acquisition unit 71, the communication unit 73, and the notification unit 400 via a wired or wireless communication line.

[0022] Here, the cargo compartment monitoring device is mounted on a vehicle not shown in the figure. For example, the cargo compartment monitoring device is mounted on a vehicle (allocated vehicle) that is the management object of the vehicle allocation service. The vehicle allocation service obtains a request from a user, vehicle information, etc., and determines the vehicle to be allocated based on the obtained information.

[0023] The request from the user is a request for the use of the vehicle made by the user. The request includes information indicating the departure point and destination of the vehicle. For example, when the user wishes to travel by vehicle, information indicating the boarding place and the alighting place of the user for the vehicle is also included in the request as the departure point and the destination of the vehicle.

[0024] The vehicle is a means of transportation that provides a means of transportation from a departure point to a destination specified in a request, and an example of which may be an autonomous vehicle. In addition, various means of transportation such as manned / unmanned taxis, buses, and trucks may be exemplified as vehicles. The vehicle is not limited to the examples given here.

[0025] In addition, the vehicle is provided with a cargo compartment capable of loading the cargo carried by the user. The cargo compartment may be, for example, a cargo loading device with railings around a commercial vehicle, or a luggage compartment such as a trunk in a car. The cargo compartment is not limited to the examples given here.

[0026] The cargo hold monitoring device of this embodiment monitors the cargo hold provided in the vehicle, thereby preventing the cargo loaded in the cargo hold from being taken away by users other than the cargo owner, i.e., the user. In addition, the cargo loaded in the cargo hold is prevented from being left there without being unloaded by the cargo owner, i.e., the user. That is, the cargo hold monitoring device of this embodiment manages the relationship between the cargo loaded in the cargo hold and the user using the vehicle.

[0027] The acquisition unit 71 acquires cargo information including at least information indicating the position of cargo loaded in the cargo hold of the vehicle in the cargo hold.

[0028] The acquisition unit 71 may include a plurality of load detection sensors disposed on the floor of the cargo hold, and acquire information indicating the position of the cargo in the cargo hold based on the load distribution on the floor acquired by the load detection sensors. Figure 5 is a top view showing an example of a cargo hold loaded with cargo. Figure 5 , the cargo BG1 to BG5 are loaded on the cargo hold floor. By configuring a plurality of load detection sensors in a grid pattern on the cargo hold floor, the acquisition unit 71 can detect the positions of the cargo BG1 to BG5 on the cargo hold floor as the values ​​of the coordinates AX and AY.

[0029] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 71 may include an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, and acquire information indicating the height of the cargo from the cargo hold floor in addition to the information indicating the position of the cargo in the cargo hold. Figure 6 is a rear view showing an example of a cargo hold loaded with cargo. Figure 6 In, corresponding to Figure 5 , indicating that cargoes BG1 to BG5 are loaded on the cargo hold floor. The acquisition unit 71 can detect the heights of the cargoes BG1 to BG5 on the cargo hold floor as the values ​​of the coordinates AZ.

[0030] In addition, the acquisition unit 71 may have a camera that takes pictures of the inside of the cargo hold and generates pictures, and obtains information indicating the position of the cargo in the cargo hold by image analysis based on the pictures. For example, a camera is provided above the cargo hold in such a manner that the entire cargo hold floor can be photographed. The acquisition unit 71 may use the camera to compare the image taken before the cargo is loaded into the cargo hold with the image taken after the cargo is loaded into the cargo hold, and obtain information indicating the position of the cargo loaded in the cargo hold. In addition, the acquisition unit 71 may use a camera that takes pictures of the cargo hold from the side to obtain information indicating the height of the cargo loaded in the cargo hold.

[0031] When the cargo hold is composed of a plurality of racks, the acquisition unit 71 may be provided for each rack. In this case, the acquisition unit 71 may acquire information indicating the position of the cargo on the rack loading surface and information indicating the height of the cargo from the loading surface for each cargo.

[0032] In addition, the acquisition unit 71 may acquire return information indicating that the cargo has been returned to the vehicle. More specifically, when the latest cargo information cannot be acquired for the cargo with which cargo information is registered, the acquisition unit 71 determines that the cargo has been transported out of the cargo hold. Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo has been transported out of the cargo hold, the acquisition unit 71 may receive an instruction from the user indicating that the cargo has been returned to the vehicle as the return information. It should be noted that the acquisition unit 71 may also receive the instruction via an input device not shown in the figure.

[0033] In addition, when it is determined that the cargo has been shipped out of the cargo hold, the acquisition unit 71 can determine whether the latest cargo information can be obtained for the cargo with registered cargo information. More specifically, the acquisition unit 71 can detect cargo characteristics such as weight, shape, pattern, color, etc. related to the cargo, and determine whether the cargo with registered cargo information has been loaded into the cargo hold again. Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo has been loaded into the cargo hold again, the acquisition unit 71 can generate (acquire) regression information.

[0034] The communication unit 73 is connected to a server or the like that provides an external vehicle allocation service, and acquires a request from a user. In particular, the communication unit 73 acquires first identification information that identifies the user who requested the vehicle, and information indicating the user's destination (destination information).

[0035] For example, the first identification information may be information specifying the terminal of the user who sent the request, or may be the characteristics of the user acquired through the user's terminal (including characteristic patterns of the body such as fingerprints, irises, veins, and faces). In addition, the first identification information may also be information associated with an authentication card held by the user. In addition, the information indicating the user's destination includes information indicating the location of the destination (destination location information).

[0036] In addition, the communication unit 73 obtains information indicating the vehicle position (vehicle position information) from a position specifying device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle. For example, the position specifying device is a GPS receiver mounted on the vehicle. The GPS receiver detects the vehicle position information on the ground by receiving radio waves from artificial satellites. The vehicle position information detected by the GPS receiver includes latitude information and longitude information.

[0037] It should be noted that the method of detecting the vehicle position information by the position specifying device is not limited to the method using a GPS receiver. For example, the position may be estimated using a method called odometry. The odometry is a method of estimating the position of the vehicle by calculating the movement amount and movement direction of the vehicle based on the rotation angle and rotation angular velocity of the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication unit 73 acquires second identification information for identifying a user riding in the vehicle from an authentication device (not shown) mounted in the vehicle.

[0039] For example, the second identification information may be information obtained through the authentication device that specifies the terminal of the user riding in the vehicle, or may be the user's features (including fingerprints, irises, veins, facial features, and other body patterns) obtained through the authentication device. In addition, the second identification information may also be information associated with an authentication card held by the user.

[0040] The notification unit 400 notifies various alarms based on the determination results of the controller 100 described later. The notification unit 400 receives information from the controller 100 and presents various information.

[0041] For example, the notification unit 400 may use the display of a display, the flashing of a light, etc. as visual information to notify various alarms. In addition, the notification unit 400 may also use a speaker, etc. as auditory information to notify various alarms. In addition, the notification unit 400 may also generate vibrations to notify the user of various alarms using the stimulation of vibrations. The notification unit 400 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0042] Next, various alarms notified by the notification unit 400 are described. When the controller 100 determines that the cargo information has not been updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the notification unit 400 may notify a first alarm. It should be noted that the first alarm indicates that cargo is placed, and the notification unit 400 notifies the first alarm relative to the outside of the vehicle.

[0043] In addition, when the controller 100 determines that the cargo information is not updated and the current time is after the notification start time, the notification unit 400 may notify the first alarm. Here, the notification start time refers to a time that is a predetermined time earlier than the estimated time when the vehicle arrives at the destination.

[0044] In addition, when the controller 100 determines that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the notification unit 400 may notify the second alarm. It should be noted that the second alarm indicates that the cargo has moved, and the notification unit 400 notifies the second alarm to the inside of the vehicle.

[0045] In addition, when the controller 100 determines that the cargo information is not updated within the parking time of the vehicle set when arriving at the user's destination, the notification unit 400 can notify the third alarm. It should be noted that the third alarm indicates that cargo is placed, and the notification unit 400 can also notify the third alarm via the user's terminal.

[0046] In addition, when the controller 100 determines that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination, the notification unit 400 may notify the fourth alarm. It should be noted that the fourth alarm indicates that the cargo has been moved. In addition, when the acquisition unit 71 acquires the return information, the notification unit 400 receives an instruction from the controller 100 and stops notifying the fourth alarm.

[0047] The controller 100 (an example of a control unit or a processing unit) is a general-purpose computer having a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, and an input / output unit. The controller 100 is installed with a computer program (cargo hold monitoring program) that is used as a part of the cargo hold monitoring device. By executing the computer program, the controller 100 is used as a plurality of information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) that the cargo hold monitoring device has.

[0048] It should be noted that, here, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of the cargo hold monitoring device are implemented by software. However, dedicated hardware for executing each information processing as shown below may be prepared to constitute the information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160). In addition, the multiple information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may also be constituted by separate hardware.

[0049] The controller 100 includes a plurality of information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) including a passenger authentication unit 110, a cargo information storage unit 120, an update determination unit 130, a parking determination unit 140, an alarm generation unit 150, and a parking control unit 160.

[0050] The vehicle authentication unit 110 authenticates the user who attempts to board the vehicle. More specifically, the vehicle authentication unit 110 determines whether the first authentication information and the second authentication information are consistent, and if they are consistent, allows the user who wants to board the vehicle to board the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle authentication unit 110 can open the vehicle's boarding and alighting gate when allowing the user to board the vehicle, and can also open the vehicle's cargo compartment loading and unloading gate. The vehicle authentication unit 110 can instruct the user to load the user's cargo.

[0051] In addition, the boarding authentication unit 110 can determine whether the new user has boarded the vehicle. More specifically, after allowing the user to board the vehicle, the boarding authentication unit 110 can determine that the user has boarded the vehicle from the vehicle's boarding gate based on information from an obstacle sensor (not shown). In addition, the boarding authentication unit 110 can also determine that the user has boarded the vehicle based on an instruction from the user.

[0052] When a new user has boarded the vehicle, the cargo information storage unit 120 associates the cargo information of the cargo newly loaded on the vehicle with the user and stores it. More specifically, when it is determined that a new user has boarded the vehicle, the cargo information storage unit 120 stores the acquired user information (first identification information or second identification information) and the cargo information as a set. As a result, the position of the corresponding cargo in the cargo hold can be stored for each user boarding the vehicle.

[0053] It should be noted that the cargo information storage unit 120 may also associate and store the captured image obtained by capturing the cargo hold with the cargo information and the user. For example, the cargo information storage unit 120 may store the acquired first identification information, cargo information, and the captured image as a group.

[0054] The update determination unit 130 repeatedly acquires cargo information of cargo loaded in the cargo hold via the acquisition unit 71. Furthermore, the update determination unit 130 compares cargo information stored in association with the user, and determines whether the latest cargo information has been updated.

[0055] It should be noted that the update determination unit 130 may also determine that the cargo information has been updated when the position (including the height) of the cargo in the cargo hold has changed by more than a predetermined value based on the cargo position information. In addition, the update determination unit 130 may determine that the cargo information has been updated when the latest cargo information related to the cargo to be determined cannot be obtained due to the cargo being taken out of the cargo hold, etc.

[0056] In addition, the update determination unit 130 may determine whether the cargo information has been updated within the parking time of the vehicle set when the vehicle arrives at the user's destination.

[0057] The parking determination unit 140 determines whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination. For example, the parking determination unit 140 obtains the speed of the vehicle based on a speed sensor (not shown) and determines that the vehicle has stopped when the speed of the vehicle is less than a predetermined speed.

[0058] In addition, the parking determination unit 140 determines whether the vehicle has stopped at the destination based on the destination position information and the vehicle position information. For example, the parking determination unit 140 determines that the vehicle has stopped at the destination when the vehicle has stopped at the destination or its surrounding area. Here, the surrounding area refers to a range that is less than a predetermined distance from the destination. The predetermined distance may be preset or may be appropriately set according to the driving scenario of the vehicle.

[0059] In addition, the parking determination unit 140 can determine whether the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination based on the destination location information and the vehicle location information. For example, the parking determination unit 140 can determine that the vehicle is not parked at the destination when the vehicle is not located at the destination and its surrounding area.

[0060] Alternatively, the time that is a predetermined time earlier than the estimated time when the vehicle arrives at the destination may be used as the notification start time, and the parking determination unit 140 may determine whether the current time is after the notification start time. Here, the parking determination unit 140 may obtain the estimated time when the vehicle arrives at the destination from a server that provides an external vehicle allocation service, or the parking determination unit 140 itself may calculate the estimated time based on the vehicle's travel plan.

[0061] The alarm generation unit 150 generates various alarms to be notified by the notification unit 400. The generated various alarms are output to the notification unit 400.

[0062] If it is determined that the cargo information is not updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the alarm generating unit 150 generates a first alarm. Alternatively, if it is determined that the cargo information is not updated and the current time is after the notification start time, the alarm generating unit 150 may generate a first alarm.

[0063] Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the alarm generating unit 150 may generate a second alarm.

[0064] In addition, when it is determined that the cargo information is not updated within the parking time of the vehicle set when arriving at the user's destination, the alarm generation unit 150 may generate a third alarm.

[0065] Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination, the alarm generating unit 150 may generate a fourth alarm.

[0066] The parking control unit 160 sets a parking time for maintaining the parking state of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination. Furthermore, the parking control unit 160 maintains the parking state of the vehicle during the set parking time. It should be noted that, when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated, the parking control unit 160 sets the first parking time as the parking time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated, the parking control unit 160 may set a second parking time that is longer than the first parking time as the parking time.

[0067] It should be noted that, when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has parked at a location other than the destination, the parking control unit 160 may maintain the parking state of the vehicle. In addition, the parking control unit 160 may release the parking state of the vehicle when the cargo information is not updated within the second parking time.

[0068] In addition, the parking control unit 160 may release the parking state of the vehicle when the acquisition unit 71 acquires the return information.

[0069] [Cargo registration processing]

[0070] Figure 2 1 is a flowchart showing the cargo registration process of the cargo hold monitoring device according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 The cargo registration process shown is started at the time when the vehicle that has received the request from the user stops at the user's boarding place.

[0071] In step S101 , the communication unit 73 acquires first identification information for identifying the user who has requested the vehicle and second identification information for identifying the user who is riding in the vehicle.

[0072] In step S103 , the vehicle authentication unit 110 authenticates the user who attempts to board the vehicle.

[0073] In step S105 , the boarding authentication unit 110 instructs the user to load the luggage carried by the user.

[0074] In step S107, the cargo information storage unit 120 determines whether the user has completed loading of the cargo. More specifically, the user determines that the user has completed loading of the cargo based on an instruction from the user or when movement in the cargo hold cannot be detected after a predetermined time.

[0075] When it is determined that the loading of the cargo by the user has not been completed (NO in step S107), the process returns to step S105.

[0076] On the other hand, when it is determined that the loading of the cargo by the user has been completed (in the case of YES in step S107 ), in step S109 , the acquisition unit 71 acquires cargo information.

[0077] In step S111 , when a new user has boarded the vehicle, the cargo information storage unit 120 associates cargo information of cargo newly loaded on the vehicle with user information (first identification information or second identification information) and stores the cargo information.

[0078] [Monitoring process (before reaching the destination)]

[0079] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the monitoring process (before arrival at the destination) of the cargo hold monitoring device according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 The monitoring process shown is executed until the vehicle arrives at the user's destination, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

[0080] In step S201, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the latest cargo information for cargo whose cargo information is registered.

[0081] In step S203, the update determination unit 130 compares the merchandise information stored in association with the user information, and determines whether the latest merchandise information has been updated.

[0082] When it is determined that the cargo information is not updated (NO in step S203), in step S205, the parking determination unit 140 determines whether the current time is after the notification start time.

[0083] If the current time is after the notification start time (if YES in step S205), in step S207, the notification unit 400 notifies the first alarm. Figure 3 On the other hand, if the current time is before the notification start time (if NO is given in step S205), the monitoring process is terminated. Figure 3 monitoring processing.

[0084] When it is determined that the cargo information has been updated (in the case of YES in step S203 ), in step S209 , the notification unit 400 notifies the second alarm.

[0085] In step S211, the parking determination unit 140 determines whether the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination. If the vehicle has not stopped at a location other than the destination (NO in step S211), that is, has not stopped, or if the vehicle has stopped at the destination, the process ends. Figure 3 monitoring processing.

[0086] If the vehicle is parked at a location other than the destination (YES in step S211), the parking control unit 160 maintains the parking state of the vehicle in step S213. Furthermore, in step S215, the notification unit 400 notifies the fourth alarm.

[0087] In step S217, the parking control unit 160 determines whether the acquisition unit 71 has acquired the return information. If it is determined that the return information has been acquired (if it is YES in step S217), in step S219, the parking control unit 160 releases the parking state of the vehicle, and then ends. Figure 3 On the other hand, when it is determined that the regression information is not obtained (NO in step S217), the process returns to step S213.

[0088] [Monitoring process (after arrival at destination)]

[0089] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the monitoring process (after arrival at the destination) of the cargo hold monitoring device according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 The monitoring process shown is performed during the period after the vehicle arrives at the user's destination.

[0090] In step S301, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the latest cargo information for cargo whose cargo information is registered.

[0091] In step S303 , the update determination unit 130 compares the item information stored in association with the user, and determines whether the latest item information has been updated.

[0092] If it is determined that the cargo information has been updated (YES in step S303), in step S313, the parking control unit 160 maintains the parking state of the vehicle during the first parking time. Figure 4 monitoring processing.

[0093] If it is determined that the cargo information is not updated (NO in step S303), the notification unit 400 notifies the first alarm in step S305. Thereafter, in step S307, the parking control unit 160 maintains the parking state of the vehicle during the second parking time.

[0094] In step S309 , the update determination unit 130 determines whether the cargo information has been updated during the parking time of the vehicle.

[0095] If it is determined that the cargo information has been updated during the parking time (if it is YES in step S309), the process ends. Figure 4 On the other hand, when it is determined that the cargo information is not updated within the parking time (in the case of NO in step S309), in step S311, the notification unit 400 notifies the third alarm.

[0096] [Effects of Embodiment]

[0097] As described in detail above, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment acquire cargo information including at least information indicating the position of cargo loaded in the cargo compartment of the vehicle in the cargo compartment through the acquisition unit, and when a new user has boarded the vehicle, the cargo information of the cargo newly loaded on the vehicle is associated with the user and stored. Furthermore, it is determined whether the cargo information has been updated, and whether the vehicle has arrived at the destination of the user, and when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the first alarm is notified through the notification unit.

[0098] As a result, the restrictions on the space in the cargo compartment of the vehicle that can accommodate cargo are reduced, and the user can freely arrange cargo in the cargo compartment according to the type and size of the cargo, etc. As a result, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0099] In particular, since there is no need for a locking mechanism to lock the cargo in the cargo hold in order to prevent the cargo from being taken away by users other than the cargo owner, the restrictions on the space where the cargo can be placed can be reduced. In addition, since there is no restriction due to the locking mechanism, the user can freely place the cargo in the cargo hold according to the type and size of the cargo.

[0100] In addition, it is possible to prevent the cargo loaded in the cargo hold from being left unloaded by the user who is the owner of the cargo.

[0101] In addition, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment can notify the first alarm to the outside of the vehicle via the notification unit, thereby increasing the possibility that the user who gets off the vehicle will notice that the cargo associated with the user is placed in the vehicle.

[0102] In addition, in the cargo compartment monitoring device and the cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment, the first alarm may indicate that cargo is placed in the vehicle. Thus, the user who gets off the vehicle can be aware that cargo associated with the user is placed in the vehicle.

[0103] In addition, the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of the present embodiment can use a time that is a predetermined time earlier than the estimated time when the vehicle arrives at the destination as the notification start time, and determine whether the current time is after the notification start time. Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the current time is after the notification start time, the first alarm can be notified via the notification unit. Thus, the user can be made aware that the cargo associated with the user is loaded in the cargo hold and needs to be unloaded when getting off the vehicle.

[0104] In particular, since the first alarm is notified before the vehicle arrives at the destination, the user can be urged to prepare to unload the goods.

[0105] In addition, the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of the present embodiment can notify the second alarm via the notification unit when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has not arrived at the destination. This can increase the possibility that the user notices that the cargo associated with the user has changed. For example, the user can notice that the cargo is scattered in the cargo hold or that the cargo is unloaded from the cargo hold by another user (a situation where the wrong cargo has been taken).

[0106] In addition, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment can notify the second alarm to the inside of the vehicle via the notification unit, thereby increasing the possibility that the user on the vehicle will notice that the cargo associated with the user has changed.

[0107] In addition, in the cargo compartment monitoring device and the cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment, the second alarm may indicate that the cargo has moved, thereby enabling the user who has boarded the vehicle to be aware that the cargo associated with the user has changed.

[0108] In addition, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment can maintain the parking state of the vehicle during the parking time when it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination. Moreover, the parking time when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated can be used as the first parking time, and the parking time when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated can be used as the second parking time, and the second parking time can be set longer than the first parking time. In this way, the time corresponding to the user using the vehicle can be ensured so that the cargo can be properly loaded in the cargo compartment. For example, the user can be provided with time to modify the configuration of the cargo in the cargo compartment. In addition, in the event of taking the wrong cargo, the user can be provided with time to return the cargo.

[0109] In addition, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment can cancel the parking state of the vehicle and notify the third alarm through the notification unit when the cargo information is not updated within the second parking time. This can increase the possibility that the user who has gotten off the vehicle and left the vehicle will notice that the cargo associated with the user is placed in the vehicle.

[0110] In addition, in the cargo compartment monitoring device and the cargo compartment monitoring method of the present embodiment, the third alarm may indicate that cargo is placed in the vehicle, thereby enabling the user who has left the vehicle to be aware that cargo associated with the user is placed in the vehicle.

[0111] In addition, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of this embodiment can notify the third alarm through the notification unit and the user's terminal. In this way, the notification content can be delivered to the user who has left the vehicle. Even when far away from the vehicle, the notification content can be delivered to the user, so that the user can retrieve the cargo forgotten in the vehicle later.

[0112] In addition, the cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method of this embodiment can determine whether the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination. Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination, the vehicle can be kept parked and the fourth alarm can be notified via the notification unit. Thus, the time corresponding to the user using the vehicle can be ensured so that the cargo can be properly loaded in the cargo compartment.

[0113] In addition, in the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of this embodiment, the fourth alarm may indicate that the cargo has been moved. Thus, for example, the user can be provided with a time to modify the configuration of the cargo in the cargo hold. In addition, in the event of taking the wrong cargo, the user can be provided with a time to return the cargo.

[0114] In addition, the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of the present embodiment can obtain return information indicating that the cargo has been returned to the vehicle through the acquisition unit, and release the parking state of the vehicle based on the return information. As a result, the vehicle can start driving after the cargo is properly loaded in the cargo hold. Since the parking state of the vehicle is released based on the return information, unnecessary parking time can be reduced.

[0115] Furthermore, in the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit may have a plurality of load detection sensors arranged on the floor of the cargo hold, and acquire information indicating the position based on the load distribution on the floor acquired by the load detection sensors. Thus, the position of the cargo in the cargo hold can be acquired. In addition, since the weight information of the cargo can be acquired as cargo information, it is possible to make a determination related to the loading balance of the cargo. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the stability of vehicle driving.

[0116] In addition, in the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit may include a camera for photographing the cargo hold and generating photographed images, and acquire information indicating the location by image analysis based on the photographed images. Thus, various characteristics of the cargo such as weight, shape, pattern, color, etc. related to the cargo can be acquired.

[0117] In addition, the cargo hold monitoring device and cargo hold monitoring method of the present embodiment can associate and store the captured image with cargo information and the user. Thus, when various alarms are issued to the user, the image of the cargo itself associated with the user can also be prompted. As a result, the user can easily identify the cargo loaded in the cargo hold.

[0118] The functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits, including programmed processors, electronic circuits, etc., and also include devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and circuit structure components configured to perform the functions.

[0119] The contents of the present invention are described above based on the implementation modes, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and it is clear that various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art. The discussion and drawings constituting part of the present disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Based on the present disclosure, it is obvious that those skilled in the art will think of various alternative implementation modes, embodiments, and application technologies.

[0120] The present invention naturally includes embodiments not described here, etc. Therefore, based on the above description, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by the invention-specified matters of the appropriate claims.

[0121] This application claims priority based on patent application No. 2022-077535 filed in Japan on May 10, 2022, all the contents of which are incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0122] Description of Reference Numerals

[0123] 71 acquisition unit; 73 communication unit; 100 controller; 110 boarding authentication unit; 120 cargo information storage unit; 130 update determination unit; 140 parking determination unit; 150 alarm generation unit; 160 parking control unit; 400 notification unit.

Claims

1. A cargo hold monitoring device, comprising: an acquisition unit, a controller, and a notification unit, wherein the cargo hold monitoring device is characterized in that: The acquisition unit acquires cargo information including at least information indicating a position of cargo loaded in a cargo hold of a vehicle in the cargo hold, For the controller, In the case where a new user has boarded the vehicle, associating and storing the cargo information of the cargo newly loaded on the vehicle with the user; Determining whether the cargo information has been updated; Determining whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination; The notification unit notifies a first alarm when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination.

2. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notifying section notifies the outside of the vehicle of the first alarm.

3. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first alarm indicates that the cargo is placed.

4. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller sets a time which is a predetermined time before the estimated time when the vehicle arrives at the destination as a notification start time, and determines whether the current time is after the notification start time. The notification unit notifies the first alarm when it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the current time is after the notification start time.

5. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification unit notifies a second alarm when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has not arrived at the destination.

6. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The notification unit notifies the interior of the vehicle of the second alarm.

7. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second alarm indicates that the cargo has been moved.

8. The cargo hold monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When the controller determines that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the controller maintains the vehicle in a parked state during a parking time. The parking time when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated is used as the first parking time, The parking time when it is determined that the cargo information is not updated is used as the second parking time, The second parking time is set to be longer than the first parking time.

9. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 8, characterized in that: the controller releases the parking state of the vehicle if the cargo information is not updated within the second parking time, The notifying section notifies a third alarm.

10. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The third alarm indicates that the cargo is placed.

11. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The notification unit notifies the third alarm via a terminal of the user.

12. The cargo hold monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: For the controller, determining whether the vehicle has stopped at a location other than the destination; When it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has been parked at a location other than the destination, maintaining the parked state of the vehicle; The notifying section notifies a fourth alarm.

13. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The fourth alarm indicates that the cargo has been moved.

14. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The acquiring unit acquires return information indicating that the cargo has been returned to the vehicle, The controller releases the parking state of the vehicle based on the return information.

15. The cargo hold monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: For the acquisition unit, A plurality of load detection sensors are arranged on the bottom plate of the cargo hold; Based on the load distribution on the bottom plate acquired by the load detection sensor, information indicating the position is acquired.

16. The cargo hold monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: For the acquisition unit, A camera is provided for photographing the interior of the cargo hold and generating photographed images; Information indicating the position is acquired through image analysis based on the captured image.

17. The cargo hold monitoring device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The controller associates and stores the captured image with the cargo information and the user.

18. A cargo hold monitoring method, comprising controlling a controller connected to an acquisition unit and a notification unit, wherein the cargo hold monitoring method is characterized in that: For the controller, acquiring, via the acquisition unit, cargo information including at least information indicating a position of cargo loaded in a cargo hold of a vehicle within the cargo hold; In the case where a new user has boarded the vehicle, associating and storing the cargo information of the cargo newly loaded on the vehicle with the user; Determining whether the cargo information has been updated; Determining whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination; When it is determined that the cargo information has not been updated and the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alarm is notified via the notifying unit.

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