Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method. The information processing device is provided with a control unit that, when an attached parking lot attached to a destination set on a display screen of a navigation device in a vehicle is congested, displays the congested state of the attached parking lot on the display screen of the navigation device. Then, information of alternative parking lot candidates within a predetermined distance range from the destination is retrieved, and list information of alternative parking lots satisfying predetermined conditions among the retrieved candidates is displayed on a display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique related to the search for parking lot candidates has been known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-112934 discloses a parking lot proposal system that displays a list of parking lot candidates that takes into account the historical record information of the user and a third party, together with the travel time, cost, and parking comfort, when the user sets a destination.

[0003] However, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-112934 does not consider the actual congestion status of parking lots. Therefore, when a vehicle arrives at a candidate parking lot, there is a possibility that the parking lot cannot be used because it is full. In addition, in many cases, the on-site parking lot or the attached parking lot at the destination can be used for free on the premise of using the destination facility, and there is a possibility of suffering an economic loss by being guided to a paid parking lot. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the technique related to the search for parking lot candidates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure completed in view of the above circumstances is to improve the technique related to the search for parking lot candidates.

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus having a communication unit and a control unit that communicates through the communication unit. When the attached parking lot attached to the destination set on the display screen of the navigation device in the vehicle is congested, the control unit displays the congestion status of the attached parking lot on the display screen, and searches for information on alternative parking lot candidates within a specified distance from the destination, and displays list information of alternative parking lots that meet specified conditions among the retrieved candidates on the display screen.

[0006] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by an information processing apparatus as follows: when the attached parking lot attached to the destination set on the display screen of the navigation device in the vehicle is congested, display the congestion status of the attached parking lot on the display screen; search for candidates for alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination; and display list information of alternative parking lots that meet specified conditions among the retrieved candidates on the display screen.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the technique related to the search for parking lot candidates can be improved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, technology, and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components, where:

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing device.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the navigation device. Detailed Embodiments

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] Summary of the Embodiment

[0014] With reference to Figure 1 the summary of the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system 1 includes a vehicle 3, a navigation device 10, an information processing device 20, and a server 30. The navigation device 10, the information processing device 20, and the server 30 are communicably connected to a network 2 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0015] The vehicle 3 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto, and may be any vehicle. The automobile is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), etc., but is not limited to these. The number of vehicles 3 included in the system 1 can be arbitrarily determined.

[0016] The navigation device 10 is a vehicle navigation device provided in the vehicle 3. However, the navigation device 10 is not limited to the so-called "automobile navigation" provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle 3. The navigation device 10 may also be the so-called "smartphone navigation" in which a smartphone or a tablet terminal held by the driver of the vehicle 3 is temporarily placed on the instrument panel and an automobile navigation application is executed on the display screen 14A of the terminal. In the present disclosure, the "automobile navigation" is referred to as the automobile navigation 10A, and the "smartphone navigation" is referred to as the smartphone navigation 10B.

[0017] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. The information processing device 20 can communicate with the navigation device 10 and the server 30 via the network 2.

[0018] The server 30 is, for example, a computer such as a server device owned by an enterprise that operates a facility serving as a destination or an enterprise that operates a service for providing utilization information of a parking lot. The server 30 can communicate with the navigation device 10 and the information processing device 20 via the network 2.

[0019] First, an overview of the present embodiment will be described, and the details will be described later. When the attached parking lot attached to the destination set on the display screen 14A of the navigation device 10 in the vehicle is crowded, the information processing device 20 displays the congestion status of the attached parking lot on the display screen 14A, and retrieves information on candidate alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination, and displays a list of alternative parking lots that meet the specified conditions among the retrieved candidates on the display screen 14A.

[0020] In this way, according to the present embodiment, when the attached parking lot of the destination is crowded, a list of alternative parking lots that meet the specified conditions is displayed. Therefore, even when the attached parking lot is full and it is necessary to use a paid alternative parking lot, the user can select an alternative parking lot that meets the desired conditions from the list of alternative parking lots. Therefore, in terms of improving the convenience of parking lot guidance, the technology related to the retrieval of parking lot candidates can be improved.

[0021] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0022] Configuration of the Navigation Device

[0023] As Figure 1 shown, the navigation device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a positioning unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0024] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 2. This communication interface corresponds to, for example, a mobile communication standard such as the fourth generation (4G) or the fifth generation (5G), but is not limited to these. In the present embodiment, the navigation device 10 communicates with the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 11 and the network 2.

[0025] The positioning unit 12 includes one or more devices that acquire the position information of the vehicle 3. Specifically, the positioning unit 12 includes, for example, a receiver corresponding to GPS, but is not limited thereto, and may also include a receiver corresponding to any satellite positioning system.

[0026] The input unit 13 is configured to include at least one input interface capable of accepting an input made by the driver of the vehicle 3. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a camera, a touch screen integrally provided with the display of the output unit 14 described later, or a microphone that picks up the driver's voice, etc. However, the input interface is not limited to these.

[0027] The output unit 14 is configured to include at least one sound output interface capable of outputting sound, and at least one display interface capable of displaying text or images. The sound output interface is, for example, a speaker (hereinafter referred to as speaker 14B). The display interface is, for example, a display screen such as an LCD or an organic EL display (hereinafter referred to as display screen 14A). The sound output interface and the display interface are not limited to these.

[0028] The storage unit 15 includes one or more memories. The memory is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, etc., but is not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 15 can function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit 15 stores any information used in the operation of the navigation device 10. For example, the storage unit 15 can store system programs, application programs, and installed software, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 15 can be updated, for example, using information obtained from the network 2 via the communication unit 11.

[0029] The control unit 16 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor customized for specific processing, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit is, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), but is not limited thereto. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), but is not limited thereto. The control unit 16 controls the overall operation of the navigation device 10.

[0030] Configuration of the information processing device

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the information processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0032] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 2. The communication interface corresponds to, for example, a mobile body communication standard, a wired local area network (LAN) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, etc., but is not limited to these and can correspond to any communication standard. In the present embodiment, the information processing device 20 communicates with the navigation device 10 and the server 30 via the communication unit 21 and the network 2.

[0033] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 can function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing apparatus 20. For example, the storage unit 22 can store system programs, application programs, and databases, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 22 can be updated, for example, using information obtained from the network 2 via the communication unit 21.

[0034] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 23 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 20.

[0035] Configuration of the server

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, the server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0037] The communication unit 31 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 2. This communication interface corresponds to, for example, a mobile body communication standard, a wired local area network (LAN) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but is not limited to these and can also correspond to any communication standard. In the present embodiment, the server 30 communicates with the information processing apparatus 20 via the communication unit 31 and the network 2.

[0038] The storage unit 32 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 32 can function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit 32 stores any information used in the operation of the server 30. For example, the storage unit 32 can store system programs, application programs, and databases, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 32 can be updated, for example, using information obtained from the network 2 via the communication unit 31.

[0039] The control unit 33 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 33 controls the overall operation of the server 30.

[0040] Operation flow of the information processing apparatus

[0041] Refer to Figure 2 to describe the operation of the information processing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment. This operation is related to the display of a list of alternative parking lots that meet specified conditions.

[0042] S101: The control unit 23 receives the information of the destination set on the display screen 14A of the navigation device 10 in the vehicle.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the navigation device 10. The information of the destination is the location information of the destination. The location information is the information of the latitude and longitude of the place that is the object. As Figure 3 shown, if the driver of the vehicle 3 sets a destination on the display screen 14A of the navigation device 10, the current location information of the vehicle 3 located by the positioning unit 12 and the location information of the destination are sent to the information processing device 20.

[0044] S102: The control unit 23 acquires the information of the attached parking lot attached to the received destination.

[0045] The attached parking lot is a parking lot for visitors attached to facilities such as banks, stores, commercial facilities, schools, and hospitals that are destinations. In many cases, the attached parking lot can be used for free on the premise of using the destination facility. The information of the attached parking lot is, for example, a value indicating the occupancy rate of the parking space, but is not limited to this. For example, when the occupancy rate of the parking space is 100%, the attached parking lot is in a full state. The control unit 23 acquires the occupancy rate of the parking space of the attached parking lot from the server 30 of the enterprise operating the facility that is the destination or the enterprise providing the service of operating the utilization information of the parking lot via the communication unit 21 and the network 2, for example.

[0046] S103: The control unit 23 determines whether the attached parking lot is crowded. If the attached parking lot is crowded, it proceeds to S104, and if it is not crowded, it proceeds to S108.

[0047] If the occupancy rate of the parking space of the attached parking lot exceeds a specified value, the control unit 23 determines that the attached parking lot is crowded. The specified value is, for example, 90%, but is not limited to this.

[0048] S104: The control unit 23 displays the congestion status of the attached parking lot on the display screen 14A of the navigation device 10.

[0049] Figure 3 This is an example of the display screen 14A of the smartphone navigation 10B. As Figure 3 shown, the display of the congestion status is, for example, a banner display on the display screen 14A, but the display method is not limited to the banner display. The congestion status can also be notified by sound through the speaker 14B of the smartphone navigation 10B.

[0050] Moreover, when the parking fee of the attached parking lot of the destination is higher than the normal fee at the scheduled date and time when the vehicle 3 arrives at the destination, or when a part or all of the attached parking lot is under construction, the control unit 23 can display the fee information or the construction status of the attached parking lot as a banner on the display screen 14A.

[0051] S105: The control unit 23 retrieves information on candidate alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination.

[0052] The control unit 23 obtains information on alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination from the server 30 of an enterprise that provides a service for utilization information of operating parking lots via the communication unit 21 and the network 2. The information on alternative parking lots includes, but is not limited to, the names, addresses, location information, and occupancy rates of parking spaces at the time of retrieval of candidate alternative parking lots. As Figure 3 shown, the control unit 23 obtains information on multiple candidate alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination (20 in the Figure 3 example) and displays the information on multiple candidate alternative parking lots on the display screen 14A. The control unit 23 can retrieve alternative parking lots whose occupancy rates of parking spaces at the time of retrieval are below a specified value (for example, 90% or less).

[0053] As Figure 3 shown, it can be configured such that information on candidate alternative parking lots is retrieved when the driver of the vehicle 3 clicks on a banner display, or it can be configured such that retrieval of candidate alternative parking lots starts at a stage when it is determined that the attached parking lot is congested.

[0054] S106: The control unit 23 generates list information on alternative parking lots that meet specified conditions among the retrieved candidate alternative parking lots.

[0055] Specified conditions are, for example: (i) the parking fee per specified time (for example, 1 hour) is relatively cheap among candidate alternative parking lots, or (ii) the total time of the time for the vehicle 3 to move from the departure place to the entrance of the alternative parking lot, the time for the vehicle 3 to move from the entrance of the alternative parking lot to the parking space, and the time for the driver of the vehicle 3 to walk from the parking space of the alternative parking lot to the entrance of the destination facility is relatively short among candidate alternative parking lots. However, the specified conditions are not limited to these. Conditions desired by the driver of the vehicle 3 can be set as the specified conditions.

[0056] S107: The control unit 23 displays the generated list information on alternative parking lots on the display screen 14A of the navigation device 10.

[0057] As Figure 3 shown, the control unit 23, for example, displays a specified number of candidate alternative parking lots on the display screen 14A. In Figure 3In the example, the specified quantity is 5 from Parking Lot A to Parking Lot E, but it is not limited to this. In the case of the above-mentioned specified condition (i), the control unit 23 displays a list of alternative parking lots of the specified quantity on the display screen 14A in ascending order of parking fees. In the case of the above-mentioned specified condition (ii), the control unit 23 displays a list of alternative parking lots of the specified quantity on the display screen 14A in ascending order of the total time.

[0058] If the driver of Vehicle 3 selects a desired alternative parking lot on the display screen 14A (Parking Lot A in the Figure 3 example), the control unit 16 of the navigation device 10 starts route guidance from the current location to the selected Parking Lot A.

[0059] S108: The control unit 23 determines whether Vehicle 3 has arrived at the selected parking lot. If it has not arrived at the parking lot, it returns to S102 to continue the information processing. If it has arrived, the information processing ends.

[0060] If the control unit 23 receives a notification from the navigation device 10 that Vehicle 3 has arrived at the alternative parking lot, it ends the information processing. On the other hand, if Vehicle 3 has not arrived at the selected alternative parking lot, the control unit 23 returns to S102 to continue the information processing. When it becomes possible to use the attached parking lot due to a change in the situation, or when the alternative parking lot desired by the driver of Vehicle 3 is changed, the control unit 23 performs information processing corresponding to the change in the situation.

[0061] As described above, when the attached parking lot attached to the destination set on the display screen 14A of the navigation device 10 in the vehicle is crowded, the information processing device 20 according to the present embodiment displays the congestion status of the attached parking lot on the display screen 14A, and retrieves information on candidate alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination, and displays a list of alternative parking lots that meet the specified conditions among the retrieved candidates on the display screen 14A.

[0062] According to the above configuration, when the attached parking lot at the destination is crowded, a list of alternative parking lots that meet the specified conditions is displayed. Therefore, even when the attached parking lot is full and unavailable and it is necessary to use a paid alternative parking lot, the user can select an alternative parking lot that meets the desired conditions from the list of alternative parking lots. Therefore, in terms of improving the convenience of parking lot guidance, the technology related to the retrieval of parking lot candidates can be improved.

[0063] The present disclosure has been described based on the respective drawings and embodiments, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and changes are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or each step, etc., can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided.

[0064] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment can also be implemented in which the configuration and operation of the information processing apparatus 20 are distributed to a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other. As another example, an embodiment can also be implemented in which a part or all of the constituent elements of the information processing apparatus 20 are provided in the navigation apparatus 10. For example, the navigation apparatus 10 mounted on the vehicle 3 may include a part or all of the constituent elements of the information processing apparatus 20.

[0065] In addition, for example, an embodiment can also be implemented in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing apparatus 20 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing contents of each function of the information processing apparatus 20 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read out and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be implemented as a program executable by a processor or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a communication unit and a control unit for communicating via the communication unit, wherein: When an attached parking lot attached to a destination set on a display screen of a navigation device in a vehicle is crowded, the control unit displays the congestion condition of the attached parking lot on the display screen, retrieves information on candidate alternative parking lots within a specified distance from the destination, and displays a list of candidate alternative parking lots that meet specified conditions on the display screen.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the parking fee of the attached parking lot is higher than the usual fee at the scheduled date and time for the vehicle to arrive at the destination, or when part or all of the attached parking lot is under construction, the control unit will also display the fee information or construction status of the attached parking lot on the display screen of the navigation device.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined condition is that the parking fee per predetermined time is relatively cheap among the candidates for the alternative parking lot, The control unit displays a list of a predetermined number of alternative parking lots on the display screen in order of parking fees from cheapest to most expensive.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined condition is that the total time of the time for the vehicle to move from the departure point to the entrance of the alternative parking lot, the time for the vehicle to move from the entrance of the alternative parking lot to the parking space, and the time for the driver of the vehicle to move on foot from the parking space to the entrance of the destination facility is relatively short among the candidates for the alternative parking lot, The control unit displays a predetermined amount of list information of alternative parking lots on the display screen in order of the total time from shortest to longest.

5. An information processing method, wherein: The following processing is performed by the information processing device: When a parking lot attached to a destination set on a display screen of a navigation device in a vehicle is congested, displaying the congestion status of the parking lot on the display screen; searching for candidates for alternative parking lots within a predetermined distance from the destination; and displaying a list of alternative parking lots satisfying a predetermined condition among the retrieved candidates on the display screen.

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