Operation management device and operation management method

Abstract

The present invention improves techniques related to operation management of an autonomous vehicle. The operation management device includes a control unit that issues an operation plan including an operation time period from an operation start time to a destination arrival time, an operation route, a driving type, and prescribed information every time a vehicle dispatching request is received from a user, and issues a vehicle dispatching request for the user when the driving type is automatic driving. Among vehicles that can be operated in an operation period, a first vehicle that sets a driving type to automatic driving and can receive automatic driving data transmitted from the vehicle is assigned to an operation plan, and when a difference between an assignment time at which the first vehicle is assigned to the operation plan and an operation start time is less than a predetermined time, the first vehicle is assigned to the operation plan. An operation instruction is transmitted to the first vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operation management device and an operation management method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a technology related to the operation management of autonomous vehicles was known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to autonomous vehicles, in which, under normal communication with the operation management center, the vehicle automatically operates in automatic mode according to an operation schedule provided through communication.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-9429 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when the vehicle to execute the operation plan is determined based on communication status rather than the difference between the start time of the trip included in the operation plan and the current time, the efficiency of vehicle allocation decreases. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the technologies related to the operation management of autonomous vehicles.

[0005] In view of this situation, the object of the present invention is to improve the technology related to the operation management of autonomous vehicles.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an operation management device that allocates vehicles for an operation plan. The operation management device includes a control unit. Each time the control unit receives a vehicle dispatch request from a user, it issues an operation plan including an operation time period from the start time of operation to the arrival time at the destination, an operation route, a driving type, and specified information. If the driving type is automatic driving, a first vehicle with the driving type set to automatic driving and capable of receiving automatic driving data sent from the vehicle is allocated to the operation plan from among the vehicles that can operate during the operation time period. If the difference between the allocation time of the first vehicle to the operation plan and the start time of operation is less than a specified time, an operation instruction is sent to the first vehicle.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an operation management method executed by an operation management device for allocating vehicles for an operation plan. The operation management method includes the following steps: each time a dispatch request is received from a user, an operation plan is issued including an operation time period from the start time of operation to the arrival time at the destination, an operation route, a driving type, and specified information; if the driving type is automatic driving, a first vehicle with the driving type set to automatic driving and capable of receiving automatic driving data sent from the vehicle is allocated to the operation plan from among the vehicles capable of operating during the operation time period; and if the difference between the allocation time of the first vehicle to the operation plan and the start time of operation is less than a specified time, an operation instruction is sent to the first vehicle.

[0008] Invention Effects

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the technology related to the operation management of autonomous vehicles is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic structural example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management device. Detailed Implementation

[0012] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0013] refer to Figure 1 The following is a summary description of system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 1 includes a vehicle 10 and an operation management device 20. The vehicle 10 and the operation management device 20 are communicatively connected, for example, to a network 2 including the Internet and mobile communication networks.

[0014] Vehicle 10 may be, for example, a car, but is not limited to this, and may be any vehicle. The car may be a gasoline car, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), etc., but is not limited to these. Vehicle 10 can be set to a driving type (manual / automatic) and can operate as either a first vehicle (autonomous driving vehicle) 10A or a second vehicle (manual driving vehicle) 10B.

[0015] The operation management device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server. The operation management device 20 can communicate with the vehicle 10 via the network 2.

[0016] First, an overview of this embodiment will be given, and detailed information will be provided later. Each time the operation management device 20 receives a vehicle dispatch request from a user, it issues an operation plan including the operation time period from the start time of operation to the arrival time at the destination, the operation route, the driving type, and specified information. If the driving type is automated driving, the device assigns a first vehicle 10A (with its driving type set to automated driving and capable of receiving automated driving data sent from the vehicle 10) to the operation plan from among the vehicles 10 capable of operating during the operation time period. If the difference between the assignment time of the first vehicle 10A to the operation plan and the start time of operation is less than a specified time, an operation instruction is sent to the first vehicle 10A.

[0017] Thus, according to this embodiment, the operation management device 20 automatically assigns the first vehicle 10A to the operation plan from among the vehicles 10 that can operate during the operation period. Therefore, even in cases where the operation plan is determined irregularly based on user requests, such as on-demand operation, and there is a desire to start operation immediately, vehicles can be allocated efficiently, thereby improving the technology related to the operation management of autonomous vehicles.

[0018] (Vehicle structure)

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a communication unit 11, a measurement unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0020] The communication unit 11 has a communication interface for wireless connection to network 2. The communication interface for connection to network 2 supports, for example, 4th Generation (4G) or 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication standards, but is not limited to these.

[0021] The measurement unit 12 includes a sensor 12A. The sensor 12A is a sensor that monitors the environment around the autonomous vehicle 10, including a camera, 3D-LiDAR, millimeter-wave sensor, accelerometer, and GPS sensor. However, the sensor 12A is not limited to these.

[0022] The storage unit 13 includes one or more memories. These memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 13 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores any information related to the operation of the vehicle 10. The storage unit 13 may store system programs, application programs, and embedded software, etc.

[0023] The control unit 14 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor for specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The programmable circuit may be, for example, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), but is not limited thereto. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), but is not limited thereto. The control unit 14 controls the overall movement of the vehicle 10.

[0024] (Structure of the operation and management device)

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the operation management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0026] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 2. These communication interfaces may support, for example, mobile communication standards, wired local area network (LAN) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but may also support any communication standard.

[0027] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. These memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used to operate the management device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, and embedded software.

[0028] The display unit 23 is configured to include at least one display interface capable of displaying data. The output interface is, for example, a display screen such as an LCD or an organic EL display. However, the display interface is not limited to this.

[0029] The control unit 24 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The control unit 24 controls the overall operation of the operation management device 20.

[0030] (Operational procedures of the operation management device)

[0031] refer to Figure 2The operation of the operation management device 20 involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0032] The operation management device 20 manages multiple regions that provide multiple operation services by multiple operators and manages information on which operation plan multiple vehicles 10 are assigned to by region.

[0033] The operation management device 20 manages the scheduled and route-based operation of shared buses (route buses) and other similar services according to the timetable, and issues on-demand operation plans each time an on-demand operation reservation is received from a user. The operation management device 20 allocates vehicles 10 for each issued operation plan.

[0034] S101: Control unit 24 receives vehicle dispatch requests from users.

[0035] The control unit 24 performs the following processing: (i) each time it receives a dispatch request from a user, (ii) it determines whether the request can be accepted, and (iii) it prompts the user with the determination result. The control unit 24 performs the following processing: (iv) if it determines that the request can be accepted, it creates and issues the operation plan described later based on the dispatch request sent by the user.

[0036] S102: The control unit 24 issues an operation plan P that includes the operation time period Tz from the start time Ta to the destination arrival time Td, the operation route, the type of vehicle, and the prescribed information.

[0037] Required information includes, but is not limited to, the number of passengers, the desired vehicle type, and the size / quantity of luggage.

[0038] S103: Control unit 24 confirms whether there is a vehicle 10 that can operate during the operating time period Tz. If there is a vehicle 10 that can operate, proceed to S104; if there is no vehicle 10 that can operate, proceed to S117.

[0039] S104: Control unit 24 confirms whether the driving type requirement in the operation plan is automatic or manual driving. If automatic driving is selected, proceed to S105; if manual driving is selected, proceed to S112.

[0040] In order for the control unit 24 to identify the operating modes of each vehicle 10, a driving type is set for each vehicle 10.

[0041] S105: Control unit 24 confirms whether there is a vehicle 10 with its driving type set to automatic driving among the vehicles 10 that can operate during the operating time period Tz. If there is a vehicle 10 with its driving type set to automatic driving, proceed to S106; if there is no vehicle 10 with its driving type set to automatic driving, proceed to S117.

[0042] S106: Control unit 24 checks whether it can receive autonomous driving data d sent from vehicle 10 whose driving type is set to autonomous driving. If it can receive the data, proceed to S107; if it cannot receive the data, proceed to S117.

[0043] The autonomous driving data d is information sent from the autonomous driving device installed in the vehicle 10 to the operation management device 20, such as latitude / longitude, vehicle speed, and current driving mode (manual / automatic). However, the autonomous driving data d is not limited to these. For example, if the autonomous driving device malfunctions or if the communication connection between the vehicle 10 and the operation management device 20 fails / is obstructed, the control unit 24 may be unable to receive the autonomous driving data d sent from the vehicle 10.

[0044] S107: The control unit 24 assigns the first vehicle 10A, whose driving type is set to automatic driving and which is capable of receiving automatic driving data d sent from vehicle 10, to the operation plan.

[0045] In the case of multiple vehicles 10 whose driving type is set to automatic driving and which are capable of receiving automatic driving data d, the control unit 24 can select the first vehicle 10A according to the prescribed information (number of passengers, vehicle type, etc.).

[0046] S108: Control unit 24 confirms whether the difference between the allocation time Tb for assigning vehicle 10A to operation plan P and the operation start time Ta is less than a predetermined time α. If the difference is less than the predetermined time α, proceed to S116; if the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined time α, proceed to S109.

[0047] In order to start operation from the start time Ta, the control unit 24 confirms the real-time status of the first vehicle 10A within a period from the start time Ta, for example, from the start time Ta, which is a specified time α earlier than the start time Ta. The case where the difference is less than the specified time α refers to the time period after the start time Tc and before the start time Ta. During this period when the difference is less than the specified time α, for example, in on-demand operation where there is a requirement to "start operation immediately," the control unit 24, by confirming the real-time vehicle status, allocates only vehicles that can be immediately used for operation to the operation plan P.

[0048] S109: If the difference between the allocation time Tb and the start time Ta is a predetermined time α or more, the control unit 24 puts the first vehicle 10A into standby mode until the start time Tc.

[0049] S110: Control unit 24 confirms whether the operation preparation time Tc has been reached. If the time has reached the operation preparation time Tc, proceed to S111; otherwise, repeat the process in S110.

[0050] S111: Control unit 24 confirms whether it can receive the automatic driving data d sent from vehicle 10A. If it can receive the data, proceed to S116; if it cannot receive the data, proceed to S117.

[0051] When the operation preparation time Tc is reached, the control unit 24 reconfirms the real-time status of the first assigned vehicle 10A to determine whether the first assigned vehicle 10A is a vehicle that can be used for operation. If the automatic driving data d cannot be received, the control unit 24 can notify the user on the display screen of the display unit 23, as described later in S117, that the allocation of vehicle 10 for operation plan P is reserved. Furthermore, if the control unit 24 has an automatic reassignment function and the automatic reassignment function is activated, it can reassign other vehicles 10 for operation plan P.

[0052] S112: Control unit 24 checks whether there is a second vehicle 10B with the driving type set to manual among the vehicles 10 that can operate during the operating time period Tz. If there is a second vehicle 10B, proceed to S113; if there is no second vehicle 10B, proceed to S117.

[0053] S113: Control unit 24 assigns the second vehicle 10B, whose driving type is set to manual driving, to the operation plan.

[0054] In the presence of multiple vehicles 10 with their driving mode set to manual, the control unit 24 can select a second vehicle 10B based on specified information (number of passengers, vehicle type, etc.).

[0055] S114: Control unit 24 puts vehicle 10B into standby mode until operation preparation time Tc.

[0056] S115: Control unit 24 confirms whether the operation preparation time Tc has been reached. If the time has reached the operation preparation time Tc, proceed to S116; otherwise, repeat the process in S115.

[0057] S116: The control unit 24 sends an operation instruction to the assigned vehicle 10.

[0058] S117: The control unit 24 notifies the user on the display screen of the display unit 23 that the allocation of vehicle 10 for the operation plan P is reserved.

[0059] As described above, each time the operation management device 20 of this embodiment receives a vehicle dispatch request from a user, it issues an operation plan P including an operation time period Tz from the start time Ta to the destination arrival time Td, the operation route, the driving type, and specified information. When the driving type is automatic driving, the first vehicle 10A, whose driving type is set to automatic driving and which can receive automatic driving data d sent from the vehicle 10, is assigned to the operation plan from the vehicles 10 that can operate during the operation time period Tz. If the difference between the allocation time Tb of the first vehicle 10A to the operation plan and the start time Ta is less than a specified time α, an operation instruction is sent to the first vehicle 10A.

[0060] According to this structure, the operation management device 20 automatically assigns the first vehicle 10A to the operation plan P from among the vehicles 10 that can operate during the operation period Tz. Therefore, even in cases where the operation plan is determined irregularly based on user requests, such as on-demand operation, and users want to start operation immediately, vehicles can be allocated efficiently. From this point of view, the technology related to the operation management of autonomous vehicles is improved.

[0061] The present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; however, those skilled in the art should note that various modifications and alterations can be made according to the present invention. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each structural part or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple structural parts or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, it is also possible to configure an embodiment in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing apparatus 20 according to the above embodiments. Specifically, a program containing processing content for implementing the various functions of the information processing apparatus 20 according to the above embodiments is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present invention can also be implemented as a program executable by a processor or as a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

[0063] In one example, the operation management device 20 can be used to provide Mobility as a Service (MaaS) as a service that utilizes mobility.

[0064] Symbol Explanation

[0065] 1-System, 2-Network, 10-Vehicle, 10A-Vehicle 1 (Autonomous Vehicle), 10B-Vehicle 2 (Manually Driven Vehicle), 11-Communication Unit, 12-Measurement Unit, 12A-Sensor, 13-Storage Unit, 14-Control Unit, 20-Operation Management Device, 21-Communication Unit, 22-Storage Unit, 23-Display Unit, 24-Control Unit.

Claims

1. An operation management device for allocating vehicles according to an operation plan, characterized in that, The system includes a control unit that, upon receiving a vehicle dispatch request from a user, issues an operation plan including an operation time period from the start time of operation to the arrival time at the destination, an operation route, a driving type, and specified information. If the driving type is autonomous driving, the control unit assigns a first vehicle, whose driving type is set to autonomous driving and which is capable of receiving autonomous driving data sent from the vehicle, to the operation plan from among the vehicles capable of operating during the operation time period. If the difference between the allocation time of the first vehicle to the operation plan and the start time of operation is less than a specified time, the control unit sends an operation instruction to the first vehicle.

2. The operation management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the difference between the allocation time and the start time of operation is greater than or equal to the specified time, the control unit puts the first vehicle into standby mode until the operation preparation time. When the time reaches the operation preparation time, if the control unit can receive the automatic driving data sent from the first vehicle, it sends an operation instruction to the first vehicle.

3. The operation management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the driving type is manual driving, the control unit assigns a second vehicle with the driving type set to manual driving from among the vehicles that can operate during the operating time period to the operating plan, and puts the second vehicle on standby until the operating preparation time. When the operating preparation time is reached, the control unit sends an operating instruction to the second vehicle.

4. The operation management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a display unit that can display images. If there are no vehicles available to operate during the specified operating time period, if the driving type of a vehicle available to operate during the specified operating time period is not set to automatic driving, or if the automatic driving data sent from a vehicle available to operate during the specified operating time period and whose driving type is set to automatic driving cannot be received, the control unit will notify the user on the display screen to reserve the vehicle allocation for the operating plan.

5. An operation management method, executed by an operation management device for allocating vehicles according to an operation plan, the operation management method being characterized by comprising the following steps: Each time a vehicle dispatch request is received from a user, an operation plan is issued, which includes the operation time period, operation route, type of vehicle, and specified information from the start time of operation to the arrival time at the destination. When the driving type is automated driving, a first vehicle with the driving type set to automated driving and capable of receiving automated driving data sent from the vehicle is assigned to the operation plan from among the vehicles that can operate during the operation period. and If the difference between the allocation time for assigning the first vehicle to the operation plan and the start time of the operation is less than a predetermined time, an operation instruction is sent to the first vehicle.

6. A MaaS delivery method, characterized in that... ， Using the operation management device according to claim 1, wherein... MaaS stands for Mobility as a Service.

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