Vehicle management device and vehicle management method

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1091) that detects the position of a primary delivery vehicle (2); a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1092) that detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle (3); a surrounding situation detection unit (1093) that detects a situation around the primary delivery vehicle (2) and a situation around the secondary delivery vehicle (3); and a boarding / alighting instruction unit (1094) that, on the basis of the detection result of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1091), the detection result of the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1092), and the detection result of the surrounding situation detection unit (1093), causes the primary delivery vehicle (2) to travel while causing the secondary delivery vehicle (3) to boarding / alighting within the boarding / alighting section (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle management device and a vehicle management method for managing the travel of a primary delivery vehicle and a secondary delivery vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there is a known cargo delivery system using an operating bus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this cargo delivery system, after a passenger gets on the operating bus, the operating bus is moved to a cargo collection point and stops on a road near the collection point, and the cargo is stored in the operating bus using an automatic driving vehicle or the like.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-220090 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the cargo delivery system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operating bus stops on the road near the cargo collection point, and the cargo is collected by an automatic driving vehicle or the like relative to the stopped operating bus. Therefore, the operating bus needs to stop on the road, which may cause congestion near the collection point.

[0008] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle management device that enables a secondary delivery vehicle to board or disembark from a primary delivery vehicle without temporarily stopping a primary delivery vehicle capable of carrying a secondary delivery vehicle.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] The vehicle management device disclosed in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, which detects the position of the primary delivery vehicle; a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, which detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle; a surrounding condition detection unit, which detects the conditions around the primary delivery vehicle and the conditions around the secondary delivery vehicle; and a boarding and alighting instruction unit, which causes the primary delivery vehicle to travel while the secondary delivery vehicle is boarded or alighted within the boarding and alighting section based on the detection results of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the detection results of the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, and the detection results of the surrounding condition detection unit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, since it is configured as described above, the secondary delivery vehicle can be boarded or disembarked from the primary delivery vehicle without temporarily stopping the primary delivery vehicle that can carry the secondary delivery vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle management system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a primary delivery vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a secondary delivery vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a boarding and alighting section device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a boarding and alighting control unit in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central management device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the boarding and alighting control unit in the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of boarding and alighting operation of the secondary delivery vehicle with respect to the primary delivery vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B This is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Implementation method 1.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle management system according to the first embodiment.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle management system includes a central management device 1, a primary delivery vehicle 2, a secondary delivery vehicle 3 and a boarding and alighting section device 4.

[0032] The central management device 1 manages the travel of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3, and enables the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and disembark from the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the boarding and disembarking section 5 without temporarily stopping the primary delivery vehicle 2. That is, here, a case where the vehicle management device is applied to the central management device 1 is shown. The boarding and disembarking section 5 is a section where the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can board and disembark from the primary delivery vehicle 2 while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling.

[0033] In addition, here, a case where the above-mentioned travel management is performed by the central management device 1 to deliver goods will be described as an example.

[0034] The details of the central management device 1 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The primary delivery vehicle 2 is a vehicle capable of delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3. Examples of the primary delivery vehicle 2 include large vehicles such as operating buses, and examples include the secondary delivery vehicle 3 and a cargo-passenger mixed vehicle on which people can get on and off.

[0036] The primary delivery vehicle 2 delivers the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to a boarding and alighting section 5 set around a destination where the cargo is carried in or a boarding and alighting section 5 set around a destination where the cargo is carried out.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the single delivery vehicle 2 includes a communication unit 201 , an off-vehicle sensor 202 , and a travel control unit 203 .

[0038] The communication unit 201 exchanges information with the communication unit 101 provided in the central management device 1 .

[0039] The vehicle exterior sensor 202 is a sensor capable of detecting the conditions around the primary delivery vehicle 2. As the vehicle exterior sensor 202, for example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, a position sensor (HDL), LiDAR, and a sonar are used.

[0040] The data indicating the detection result of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 is transmitted to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 201 when the delivery vehicle 2 is located in the boarding and alighting section 5 at least once.

[0041] When at least one primary delivery vehicle 2 is located in the boarding and alighting section 5, the travel control unit 203 controls the travel of the primary delivery vehicle 2 according to the control of the driver of the primary delivery vehicle 2 or the central management device 1. That is, the travel control unit 203 controls the travel path or travel speed of the primary delivery vehicle 2 according to the above control.

[0042] The secondary delivery vehicle 3 is a vehicle capable of loading goods, and is a vehicle capable of boarding and disembarking from the primary delivery vehicle 2 within the boarding and disembarking zone 5. In addition, it is assumed that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is a small vehicle capable of entering the interior of a facility 6 as an import destination and an export destination. As the secondary delivery vehicle 3, for example, a transport robot is cited. In addition, as the facility 6 as the import destination and the export destination, for example, a commercial facility or a residence is cited.

[0043] The secondary delivery vehicle 3 gets on and off the primary delivery vehicle 2 traveling in the boarding and alighting section 5. The secondary delivery vehicle 3 then moves from the boarding and alighting section 5 to the inbound destination to load the cargo, and also moves from the boarding and alighting section 5 to the outbound destination to deliver the cargo.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 includes a communication unit 301 , an off-vehicle sensor 302 , and a travel control unit 303 .

[0045] The communication unit 301 exchanges information with the communication unit 101 provided in the central management device 1 .

[0046] The vehicle exterior sensor 302 is a sensor capable of detecting the conditions around the secondary delivery vehicle 3. As the vehicle exterior sensor 302, for example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, a position sensor (HDL), LiDAR, and a sonar are used.

[0047] Data indicating the detection result of the vehicle exterior sensor 302 is sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 301 .

[0048] The travel control unit 303 controls the travel of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 according to the control of the central management device 1. That is, the travel control unit 303 controls the travel path or travel speed of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 according to the above control.

[0049] The boarding and alighting section device 4 is a device provided with respect to the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, the boarding and alighting section device 4 includes a communication unit 401 and a roadside sensor 402 .

[0051] The communication unit 401 exchanges information with the communication unit 101 provided in the central management device 1 .

[0052] The roadside sensor 402 is a sensor capable of detecting the conditions in the boarding and alighting section 5 . For example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor and a LiDAR are used as the roadside sensor 402 . One or more roadside sensors 402 are provided in the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0053] Data indicating the detection result of the roadside sensor 402 is sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 401 .

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 5 A configuration example of the central management device 1 will be described.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the central management device 1 includes a communication unit 101, a boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, a primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, a secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, a shipment entrustment information acquisition unit 105, a vehicle selection unit 106, a boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, a primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, a boarding and alighting control unit 109, and a secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110.

[0056] The communication unit 101 exchanges information with the communication unit 201 provided in the primary delivery vehicle 2 , the communication unit 301 provided in the secondary delivery vehicle 3 , and the communication unit 401 provided in the boarding and alighting section device 4 .

[0057] The boarding section information acquisition unit 102 acquires information related to the boarding section 5. The information related to the boarding section 5 includes, for example, map information showing the boarding section 5 and information showing the installation location and detection range of the roadside sensor 402 with respect to the boarding section 5.

[0058] The map information indicating the boarding and alighting sections 5 is not limited to fixed map information, and map information in which the positions of moving objects such as people and vehicles are updated in real time may be used.

[0059] The primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 acquires information related to the primary delivery vehicle 2. The information related to the primary delivery vehicle 2 includes, for example, information that can identify the primary delivery vehicle 2, information indicating the operation route of the primary delivery vehicle 2, information indicating the number of secondary delivery vehicles 3 that can be boarded on the primary delivery vehicle 2, and information indicating the secondary delivery vehicles 3 boarding on the primary delivery vehicle 2. In addition, it is desirable that the vehicle information acquisition unit acquires the information indicating the secondary delivery vehicles 3 boarding on the primary delivery vehicle 2 every time the information is updated.

[0060] The secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 acquires information related to the secondary delivery vehicle 3. The information related to the secondary delivery vehicle 3 includes, for example, information that can identify the secondary delivery vehicle 3, information indicating the capacity of the goods that can be loaded on the secondary delivery vehicle 3, information indicating the loading status of the goods on the secondary delivery vehicle 3, information indicating whether the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is boarding the primary delivery vehicle 2, and information indicating the charging status of the secondary delivery vehicle 3. In addition, it is desirable that the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 acquires the information indicating the loading status of the goods on the secondary delivery vehicle 3, the information indicating whether the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is boarding the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the information indicating the charging status of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 every time the information is updated.

[0061] The shipment request information acquisition unit 105 acquires information indicating the shipment request of goods made by the user. The information indicating the shipment request of goods includes, for example, information indicating the contents of the goods, information indicating the destination of the goods to be transported in, and information indicating the destination of the goods to be transported out.

[0062] The vehicle selection unit 106 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2. That is, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3 or the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the goods.

[0063] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 performs the above selection based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting section information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 , and the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 .

[0064] The boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 sets the boarding and alighting interval 5 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight, for the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106. That is, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 sets the boarding and alighting interval 5 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the cargo delivery destination, the boarding and alighting interval 5 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the cargo delivery destination, the boarding and alighting interval 5 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the cargo delivery destination, or the boarding and alighting interval 5 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the cargo delivery destination.

[0065] At this time, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 performs the above setting based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 , and the selection result of the vehicle selection unit 106 .

[0066] The primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 .

[0067] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above detection based on at least one of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 and the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 .

[0068] For example, the single-delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 can also confirm whether a single-delivery vehicle 2, which is given information consistent with the information that can identify the single-delivery vehicle 2 obtained by the single-delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, has entered the boarding and alighting interval 5 based on the detection result of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting interval device 4, thereby detecting the arrival of the single-delivery vehicle 2.

[0069] In addition, for example, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 may detect the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 by confirming whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 has entered an environment that matches the environment in the boarding and alighting section 5 based on the detection result of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0070] When the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 at the boarding and alighting section 5 is detected by the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109 causes the primary delivery vehicle 2 to travel while causing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight. That is, the boarding and alighting control unit 109 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get on the primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivering the goods, or the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get on the primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivering the goods.

[0071] At this time, the boarding and alighting control unit 109 performs the above-mentioned boarding and alighting based on one or more of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4, the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0072] A configuration example of the boarding and alighting control unit 109 will be described below.

[0073] The secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 moves the secondary delivery vehicle 3. That is, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from the boarding and alighting section 5 to the carry-in destination, to move from the carry-in destination to the boarding and alighting section 5, to move from the boarding and alighting section 5 to the carry-out destination, or to move from the carry-out destination to the boarding and alighting section 5.

[0074] In addition, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 loads the goods after moving to the carry-in destination. In addition, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 delivers the goods after moving to the carry-out destination.

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 6 A configuration example of the boarding and alighting control unit 109 will be described.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the boarding and alighting control unit 109 includes a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 , a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 , a surrounding situation detection unit 1093 , and a boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 .

[0077] The primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 detects the position of the primary delivery vehicle 2 .

[0078] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 performs the above detection based on one or more of the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 .

[0079] The secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 .

[0080] At this time, secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 performs the above detection based on one or more of the detection results of vehicle exterior sensor 302 installed in secondary delivery vehicle 3 and the detection results of roadside sensor 402 installed in boarding and alighting section device 4 .

[0081] The surrounding situation detection unit 1093 detects the surrounding situation of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the surrounding situation of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 .

[0082] At this time, the surrounding condition detection unit 1093 performs the above-mentioned detection based on one or more of the detection results of the external sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, the detection results of the external sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3, and the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4.

[0083] The boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling in the boarding and alighting section 5 based on the detection results of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 , the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 , and the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 .

[0084] Next, refer to Figure 7 right Figure 5 , 6 An operation example of the central management device 1 according to the illustrated embodiment 1 will be described.

[0085] The boarding and alighting section information acquisition unit 102 acquires information on the boarding and alighting section 5. The primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 acquires information on the primary delivery vehicle 2. The secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 acquires information on the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0086] exist Figure 5 , 6 In the example of the operation of the central management device 1 of the embodiment 1 shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, first, the shipment request information acquisition unit 105 acquires information indicating the shipment request of goods by the user (step ST701).

[0087] Next, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3, and after the primary delivery vehicle 2 arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the goods, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is made to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is moved to the destination of the goods (step ST702). The details of step ST702 will be described later.

[0088] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2a on which the secondary delivery vehicle 3a is riding as the primary delivery vehicle 2. Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 1 , the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2a after the primary delivery vehicle 2a arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the goods. Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 moves the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to the facility 6a which is the destination of the goods. Then, the goods are loaded on the secondary delivery vehicle 3a in the facility 6a. Figure 8 The middle triangle mark refers to cargo.

[0089] Next, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the goods, and after the primary delivery vehicle 2 arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the goods, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is loaded on the primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST703). The details of step ST703 will be described later.

[0090] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2b as the primary delivery vehicle 2. Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 1 , after the primary delivery vehicle 2b arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the cargo delivery, the central management device 1 allows the secondary delivery vehicle 3a loaded with cargo to board the primary delivery vehicle 2b.

[0091] Next, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the goods arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the goods, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 and moves the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to the destination of the goods (step ST704). The details of step ST704 will be described later.

[0092] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2b after the primary delivery vehicle 2b arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the cargo. Figure 8 In the example of , the secondary delivery vehicle 3a is moved to the facility 6b which is the destination of the goods. Thereafter, the goods are transported out from the secondary delivery vehicle 3a in the facility 6b.

[0093] Next, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3, and after the primary delivery vehicle 2 arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the cargo, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST705). The details of step ST705 will be described later.

[0094] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2c as the primary delivery vehicle 2. Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 1 , after the primary delivery vehicle 2c arrives at the boarding and alighting section 5 around the destination of the cargo delivery, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to board the primary delivery vehicle 2c.

[0095] In addition, Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 selects one primary delivery vehicle 2 as the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3 in each section. However, the central management device 1 is not limited to this, and may select multiple primary delivery vehicles 2 as the primary delivery vehicles 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3 in one section. In this case, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is delivered via multiple primary delivery vehicles 2. In this case, the central management device 1 implements the transfer of the primary delivery vehicle 2 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 according to the same process as described above.

[0096] In addition, Figure 8 In the example of , the central management device 1 selects one primary delivery vehicle 2 as the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering goods in each section. However, the central management device 1 is not limited to this, and may select multiple primary delivery vehicles 2 as the primary delivery vehicles 2 for delivering goods in one section. In this case, the goods are delivered via multiple primary delivery vehicles 2. In this case, the central management device 1 implements the transfer of the primary delivery vehicle 2 for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 loaded with goods according to the same process as above.

[0097] Next, refer to Fig. 9 An operation example of step ST702 performed by the central management device 1 will be described.

[0098] In the example of the operation of step ST702 based on the central management device 1, Fig. 9 As shown, first, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST901).

[0099] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 performs the above selection based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting section information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 , and the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 .

[0100] For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 that passes by the vicinity of the destination of the cargo and has a secondary delivery vehicle 3 that can load the cargo on board, among the primary delivery vehicles 2 .

[0101] In addition, when the selected primary delivery vehicle 2 is equipped with a plurality of secondary delivery vehicles 3 capable of carrying goods, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a secondary delivery vehicle 3 for delivering the goods from among them. For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a secondary delivery vehicle 3 based on the charging status of the secondary delivery vehicle 3, etc.

[0102] Next, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets the boarding and alighting section 5 for causing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selecting unit 106 near the destination of the cargo delivery (step ST902 ).

[0103] At this time, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 performs the above setting based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 , and the selection result of the vehicle selection unit 106 .

[0104] For example, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets a point in the operation route of the primary delivery vehicle 2 that is located near the destination of the cargo and is expected to be free of traffic as the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0105] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 (step ST903 ).

[0106] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above detection based on at least one of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 and the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 .

[0107] Next, when the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects that the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling (step ST904).

[0108] At this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 performs the above-mentioned boarding and alighting based on one or more of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4, the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0109] In addition, at this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also ensure space for the boarding and alighting section 5. For example, if the primary delivery vehicle 2 is provided with a display such as a sign, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the display to display the situation that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 through text, animation, or icons, thereby notifying the subsequent vehicle. In addition, for example, if the subsequent vehicle is provided with a communicator, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the communicator to notify the subsequent vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0110] In addition, for example, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may determine the congestion status in the boarding and alighting section 5, and if it is determined that congestion occurs, the primary delivery vehicle 2 may be moved forward after making the above notification, thereby ensuring the alighting space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3. In addition, for example, if it is determined that congestion does not occur in the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may make a notification of recommended overtaking after making the above notification, thereby making adjustments so that congestion does not occur and the alighting space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is ensured.

[0111] Thereby, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 can ensure space for the boarding and alighting section 5 and ensure safety.

[0112] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 moves the secondary delivery vehicle 3 from the boarding and alighting section 5 to the delivery destination (step ST905 ).

[0113] Then, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 moves to the delivery destination and then loads the cargo.

[0114] Next, refer to Fig.10 , an example of the operation of step ST703 based on the central management device 1 is described.

[0115] In the example of the operation of step ST703 by the central management device 1, Fig.10 As shown, first, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering goods (step ST1001).

[0116] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 performs the above selection based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting section information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 , and the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 .

[0117] For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 that passes through the vicinity of the cargo delivery destination and the vicinity of the cargo delivery destination and that can accommodate the secondary delivery vehicle 3 .

[0118] Next, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets the boarding and alighting section 5 for allowing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selecting unit 106 in the vicinity of the delivery destination (step ST1002 ).

[0119] At this time, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 performs the above setting based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 , and the selection result of the vehicle selection unit 106 .

[0120] For example, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets a point in the operation route of the primary delivery vehicle 2 that is located near the destination of the cargo and is expected to be free of traffic as the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0121] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 moves the secondary delivery vehicle 3 from the delivery destination to the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 (step ST1003 ).

[0122] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 (step ST1004 ).

[0123] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above detection based on at least one of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 and the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 .

[0124] Next, when the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects that the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling (step ST1005).

[0125] At this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 performs the above-mentioned boarding and alighting based on one or more of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4, the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0126] In addition, at this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also ensure space in the boarding and alighting section 5. For example, if the primary delivery vehicle 2 is provided with a display such as a sign, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the display to display the situation that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 through text, animation, or icons, thereby notifying the subsequent vehicle. In addition, for example, if the subsequent vehicle is provided with a communicator, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the communicator to notify the subsequent vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to board the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may determine the congestion status in the boarding and alighting section 5, and if it is determined that congestion occurs, the primary delivery vehicle 2 may be moved forward after making the above notification to ensure the riding space of the secondary delivery vehicle 3. Furthermore, for example, if it is determined that congestion does not occur in the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may make a notification of recommended overtaking after making the above notification, thereby making adjustments so that congestion does not occur and the riding space of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is ensured.

[0128] Thereby, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 can ensure space for the boarding and alighting section 5 and ensure safety.

[0129] Next, refer to Fig.11 , an example of the operation of step ST704 based on the central management device 1 is described.

[0130] In the example of the operation of step ST704 by the central management device 1, Fig.11 As shown, first, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets the boarding and alighting section 5 for causing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selecting unit 106 in the vicinity of the delivery destination (step ST1101 ).

[0131] At this time, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 performs the above setting based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 , and the selection result of the vehicle selection unit 106 .

[0132] For example, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets a point in the operation route of the primary delivery vehicle 2 that is located near the destination of the cargo and is expected to be free of congestion as the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0133] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 (step ST1102 ).

[0134] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above detection based on at least one of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 and the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 .

[0135] Next, when the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects that the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to get off while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling (step ST1103).

[0136] At this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 performs the above-mentioned boarding and alighting based on one or more of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4, the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0137] In addition, at this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also ensure space for the boarding and alighting section 5. For example, if the primary delivery vehicle 2 is provided with a display such as a sign, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the display to display the situation that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2 through text, animation, or icons, thereby notifying the subsequent vehicle. In addition, for example, if the subsequent vehicle is provided with a communicator, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the communicator to notify the subsequent vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to get off the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0138] In addition, for example, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may determine the congestion status in the boarding and alighting section 5, and if it is determined that congestion occurs, the primary delivery vehicle 2 may be moved forward after making the above notification, thereby ensuring the alighting space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3. In addition, for example, if it is determined that congestion does not occur in the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may make a notification of recommended overtaking after making the above notification, thereby making adjustments so that congestion does not occur and the alighting space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is ensured.

[0139] Thereby, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 can ensure space for the boarding and alighting section 5 and ensure safety.

[0140] Next, secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 moves secondary delivery vehicle 3 from boarding and alighting section 5 to the carrying-out destination (step ST1104 ).

[0141] Then, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 moves to the carrying-out destination and then delivers the goods.

[0142] Next, refer to Fig.12 , an example of the operation of step ST705 based on the central management device 1 is described.

[0143] In the example of the operation of step ST705 by the central management device 1, Fig.12 As shown, first, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects the primary delivery vehicle 2 for delivering the secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST1201).

[0144] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 performs the above selection based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting section information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 , and the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 .

[0145] For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 that is to pass through the vicinity of the destination of the cargo delivery and that can accommodate the secondary delivery vehicle 3 .

[0146] Next, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets a boarding and alighting section 5 for allowing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selecting unit 106 in the vicinity of the delivery destination (step ST1202 ).

[0147] At this time, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107 performs the above setting based on the acquisition results of the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102 , the acquisition results of the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 , the acquisition results of the delivery request information acquisition unit 105 , and the selection result of the vehicle selection unit 106 .

[0148] For example, the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 sets a point in the operation route of the primary delivery vehicle 2 that is located near the destination of the cargo and is expected to be free of congestion as the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0149] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 moves the secondary delivery vehicle 3 from the delivery destination to the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 (step ST1203 ).

[0150] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5 set by the boarding and alighting section setting unit 107 (step ST1204 ).

[0151] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above detection based on at least one of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 and the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 .

[0152] Next, when the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects that the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling (step ST1205).

[0153] At this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 performs the above-mentioned boarding and alighting based on one or more of the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4, the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the detection results of the external vehicle sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0154] In addition, at this time, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also ensure space in the boarding and alighting section 5. For example, if the primary delivery vehicle 2 is provided with a display such as a sign, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the display to display the situation that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to board the primary delivery vehicle 2 through text, animation, or icons, thereby notifying the subsequent vehicle. In addition, for example, if the subsequent vehicle is provided with a communicator, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may also use the communicator to notify the subsequent vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is about to board the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may determine the congestion status in the boarding and alighting section 5, and if it is determined that congestion occurs, the primary delivery vehicle 2 may be moved forward after making the above notification, thereby ensuring the riding space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3. Furthermore, for example, if it is determined that congestion does not occur in the boarding and alighting section 5, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 may make a notification of recommended overtaking after making the above notification, thereby making adjustments so that congestion does not occur and the riding space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is ensured.

[0156] Thereby, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 can ensure space for the boarding and alighting section 5 and ensure safety.

[0157] Finally, refer to Fig.13 ,right Figure 6 An operation example of the boarding and alighting control unit 109 in the first embodiment shown will be described.

[0158] exist Figure 6 In the example of the operation of the boarding and alighting control unit 109 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, first, the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 detects the position of the primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST1301).

[0159] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 performs the above detection based on one or more of the detection results of the vehicle exterior sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4 .

[0160] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST1302).

[0161] At this time, secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 performs the above detection based on one or more of the detection results of vehicle exterior sensor 302 installed in secondary delivery vehicle 3 and the detection results of roadside sensor 402 installed in boarding and alighting section device 4 .

[0162] Next, the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 detects the surrounding situation of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the surrounding situation of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST1303).

[0163] At this time, the surrounding condition detection unit 1093 performs the above-mentioned detection based on one or more of the detection results of the external sensor 202 installed in the primary delivery vehicle 2, the detection results of the external sensor 302 installed in the secondary delivery vehicle 3, and the detection results of the roadside sensor 402 installed in the boarding and alighting section device 4.

[0164] Furthermore, by using the detection results of the roadside sensor 402, the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 can detect an area that is a blind spot of the exterior sensor 202 and the exterior sensor 302, compared to the case where only the detection results of the exterior sensor 202 and the detection results of the exterior sensor 302 are used. In this case, the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 can detect the surrounding situation with higher accuracy.

[0165] Next, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling within the boarding and alighting interval 5 based on the detection results of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091, the detection results of the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092, and the detection results of the surrounding condition detection unit 1093 (step ST1304).

[0166] At this time, for example, first, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 determines whether the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can board or alight with respect to the primary delivery vehicle 2 based on the surrounding conditions in the boarding and alighting section 5 .

[0167] Then, when it is determined that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can be boarded or disembarked from the primary delivery vehicle 2, the boarding and disembarking instruction unit 1094 instructs to open the door so that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can be boarded or disembarked from the primary delivery vehicle 2. Fig.14 As shown by reference numeral 204 in the figure, it is a door provided in the storage room of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 in the primary delivery vehicle 2. Then, the primary delivery vehicle 2 opens the door according to the above instruction.

[0168] Then, the boarding and disembarking instruction unit 1094 controls the driving of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 according to the positional relationship between the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3, thereby causing the primary delivery vehicle 2 to travel while causing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and disembark. At this time, the boarding and disembarking instruction unit 1094 may further consider the speed or inclination of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3, or the road surface condition or inclination of the road surface in the boarding and disembarking section 5, and perform driving control. For example, in the case of causing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to disembark from the primary delivery vehicle 2, the boarding and disembarking instruction unit 1094 increases the speed of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 relative to the speed of the primary delivery vehicle 2, causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to disembark from the primary delivery vehicle 2, and causes the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to run parallel to each other in a certain section, and then branches. In addition, for example, in the case of causing the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board the primary delivery vehicle 2, the boarding and disembarking instruction unit 1094 increases the speed of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 relative to the speed of the primary delivery vehicle 2 after causing the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to run parallel to each other in a certain section, and causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0169] Then, the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 instructs the primary delivery vehicle 2 to close the door. Then, the primary delivery vehicle 2 closes the door according to the instruction.

[0170] In addition, when it is determined that it is difficult to board or disembark the secondary delivery vehicle 3 with respect to the primary delivery vehicle 2 within the boarding or disembarking interval 5, the boarding or disembarking instruction unit 1094 stops the implementation of the boarding or disembarking of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 with respect to the primary delivery vehicle 2. In this case, for example, the central management device 1 may instruct the boarding or disembarking interval setting unit 107 to reset the boarding or disembarking interval 5.

[0171] In this way, in the central management device 1 of the first embodiment, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is allowed to board and disembark while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is being driven, according to the positions of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 and the conditions around them. Thus, in the central management device 1 of the first embodiment, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can be allowed to board and disembark with respect to the primary delivery vehicle 2 without temporarily stopping the primary delivery vehicle 2 capable of carrying the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0172] Furthermore, in the central management device 1 of the first embodiment, the above-mentioned boarding and alighting control is performed to deliver the goods. Thus, in the central management device 1 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to temporarily stop the primary delivery vehicle 2 on the road, and thus it is possible to alleviate congestion around the area where the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is boarded and alighted. Furthermore, in the central management device 1 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight, and thus it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator.

[0173] Furthermore, in the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment, the operation cost can be reduced compared with the conventional ones.

[0174] That is, in the central management device 1 of embodiment 1, the boarding and alighting places of the secondary delivery vehicles 3 can be adjusted dynamically, thereby improving the operation efficiency. For example, in the central management device 1 of embodiment 1, even if an unexpected accident occurs in the boarding and alighting section 5, other boarding and alighting sections 5 can be provided, and flexible response can be achieved. In addition, in the central management device 1 of embodiment 1, matching with the primary delivery vehicle 2 can be performed using the optimal path. For example, in the central management device 1 of embodiment 1, the boarding and alighting places of the secondary delivery vehicles 3 can be calculated in the gap of the process of moving in the goods and taking into account the optimal path until the moving-in destination. Therefore, in the central management device 1 of embodiment 1, even if the moving-in destination or the moving-out destination is a personal residence, it can be flexibly responded to.

[0175] Furthermore, in the central management device 1 of the first embodiment, the boarding and alighting of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 and the boarding and alighting of people can be managed separately.

[0176] In the above description, the vehicle management device is applied to the central management device 1 which is a device different from the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vehicle management device may be applied to the primary delivery vehicle 2 or the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0177] In addition, the above description shows a case where all the structures of the vehicle management device are applied to one device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structures of the vehicle management device may be divided and applied to two or more of the central management device 1, the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0178] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the vehicle management device includes: the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 that detects the position of the primary delivery vehicle 2; the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 that detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle 3; the surrounding condition detection unit 1093 that detects the conditions around the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the conditions around the secondary delivery vehicle 3; and the boarding and alighting instruction unit 1094 that causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight while the primary delivery vehicle 2 is traveling in the boarding and alighting section 5 based on the detection results of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091, the detection results of the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092, and the detection results of the surrounding condition detection unit 1093. Thus, the vehicle management device of the first embodiment can cause the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to board and alight with respect to the primary delivery vehicle 2 without temporarily stopping the primary delivery vehicle 2 that can carry the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0179] Finally, a hardware configuration example of the vehicle management device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15 .

[0180] The functions of the communication unit 101, the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the delivery entrustment information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 in the central management device 1 are implemented by the processing circuit 51. The processing circuit 51 can be as follows Fig.15A As shown in the figure, it is a dedicated hardware, or it can be Fig. 15B As shown, a CPU (also referred to as a Central Processing Unit, a central processing device, a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) 52 executes a program stored in a memory 53 .

[0181] When the processing circuit 51 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 51 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of the communication unit 101, the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the delivery entrustment information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 can be realized by the processing circuit 51 respectively, or the functions of each unit can be realized uniformly by the processing circuit 51.

[0182] When the processing circuit 51 is a CPU 52, the functions of the communication unit 101, the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the delivery entrustment information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described in the form of programs and stored in the memory 53. The processing circuit 51 implements the functions of each unit by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 53. That is, the central management device 1 has a memory 53, which is used to store the results of the execution by the processing circuit 51, such as the execution of Figure 7 , 91 to 13. In addition, these programs can also be said to be programs that cause the computer to execute the processes and methods of the communication unit 101, the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the delivery request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110. Here, as the memory 53, for example, it corresponds to a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a high-density disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0183] In addition, each function of the communication unit 101, the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the shipment entrustment information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and partially realized by software or firmware. For example, the communication unit 101 may be realized by the processing circuit 51 as dedicated hardware, and the boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the shipment entrustment information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the boarding and alighting interval setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the boarding and alighting control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 may be realized by the processing circuit 51 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 53.

[0184] In this way, the processing circuit 51 can implement the above-mentioned functions through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0185] In addition, any constituent elements of the embodiment may be modified or omitted.

[0186] Industrial Applicability

[0187] The vehicle management device of the present disclosure can allow a secondary delivery vehicle to board or disembark from a primary delivery vehicle without temporarily stopping the primary delivery vehicle that can carry the secondary delivery vehicle, and is suitable for use in a vehicle management device that manages the travel of primary and secondary delivery vehicles.

[0188] Description of Reference Numerals

[0189] 1 central management device, 2 primary delivery vehicle, 3 secondary delivery vehicle, 4 boarding and alighting interval device, 5 boarding and alighting interval, 6 facilities, 51 processing circuit, 52 CPU, 53 memory, 101 communication unit, 102 boarding and alighting interval information acquisition unit, 103 primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit, 104 secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit, 105 delivery entrustment information acquisition unit, 106 vehicle selection unit, 107 boarding and alighting interval setting unit, 108 primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit, 109 boarding and alighting control unit, 110 secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit, 201 communication unit, 202 vehicle exterior sensor, 203 driving control unit, 204 door, 301 communication unit, 302 vehicle exterior sensor, 303 driving control unit, 401 communication unit, 402 roadside sensor, 1091 primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, 1092 secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, 1093 surrounding condition detection unit, 1094 boarding and alighting instruction unit.

Claims

1. A vehicle management device, wherein: The vehicle management device comprises: A primary delivery vehicle position detection unit detects the position of a primary delivery vehicle; A secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, which detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle; a surrounding condition detection unit configured to detect a condition around the primary delivery vehicle and a condition around the secondary delivery vehicle; as well as A boarding and alighting instruction unit causes the secondary delivery vehicle to board and alight while the primary delivery vehicle is traveling in the boarding and alighting section based on the detection result of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the detection result of the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, and the detection result of the surrounding situation detection unit.

2. The vehicle management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surrounding condition detection unit performs detection based on detection results of an external sensor installed in a primary delivery vehicle and capable of detecting surrounding conditions, detection results of an external sensor installed in a secondary delivery vehicle and capable of detecting surrounding conditions, and one or more roadside sensors installed in the boarding and alighting section and capable of detecting conditions within the boarding and alighting section.

3. The vehicle management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vehicle management device comprises: a shipment entrustment information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a shipment entrustment of goods; a vehicle selection unit that selects a primary delivery vehicle based on the acquisition result of the delivery request information acquisition unit; a boarding and alighting interval setting unit that sets a boarding and alighting interval for a secondary delivery vehicle to board or alight from the primary delivery vehicle selected by the vehicle selection unit; a primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit, which detects the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle selected by the vehicle selection unit at the boarding and alighting interval set by the boarding and alighting interval setting unit; a boarding and alighting control unit that, when the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle at the boarding and alighting section is detected by the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit, causes the primary delivery vehicle to travel while allowing the secondary delivery vehicle to board and alight; and a secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit that moves the secondary delivery vehicle after the passenger gets off the vehicle through the boarding and alighting control unit, The boarding and alighting control unit includes the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the surrounding situation detection unit, and the boarding and alighting instruction unit.

4. The vehicle management device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vehicle selection unit selects a primary delivery vehicle for delivering a secondary delivery vehicle or a primary delivery vehicle for delivering goods.

5. The vehicle management device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The boarding and alighting interval setting unit sets a boarding and alighting interval for a secondary delivery vehicle to get off a primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a cargo delivery destination, a boarding and alighting interval for a secondary delivery vehicle to board a primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a cargo delivery destination, a boarding and alighting interval for a secondary delivery vehicle to get off a primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a cargo delivery destination, or a boarding and alighting interval for a secondary delivery vehicle to board a primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a cargo delivery destination.

6. The vehicle management device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The boarding and alighting control unit implements the disembarkation of a secondary delivery vehicle from a primary delivery vehicle used to deliver the secondary delivery vehicle, the boarding of a secondary delivery vehicle to a primary delivery vehicle used to deliver the secondary delivery vehicle, the disembarkation of a secondary delivery vehicle from a primary delivery vehicle used to deliver goods, or the boarding of a secondary delivery vehicle to a primary delivery vehicle used to deliver goods.

7. The vehicle management device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit implements the movement of the secondary delivery vehicle from the boarding and alighting section to the cargo carrying-in destination, the movement of the secondary delivery vehicle from the cargo carrying-in destination to the boarding and alighting section, the movement of the secondary delivery vehicle from the boarding and alighting section to the cargo carrying-out destination, or the movement of the secondary delivery vehicle from the cargo carrying-out destination to the boarding and alighting section.

8. A vehicle management method, wherein: The vehicle management method comprises the following steps: A delivery vehicle position detection unit detects the position of a delivery vehicle; The secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit detects the position of the secondary delivery vehicle; A surrounding condition detection unit detects a condition around the primary delivery vehicle and a condition around the secondary delivery vehicle; as well as The boarding and alighting instruction unit causes the secondary delivery vehicle to board and alight while the primary delivery vehicle is traveling in the boarding and alighting section based on the detection results of the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the detection results of the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, and the detection results of the surrounding situation detection unit.

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