Car sharing systems and geofencing setup methods
By acquiring vehicle location information and 3D map data, inferring GPS accuracy, and expanding or shrinking the geofence, the problem of GPS accuracy affecting vehicle return judgment is solved, enabling accurate return judgment in car-sharing systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
In existing car-sharing systems, the setting of geofences relies on the experience of managers, which may lead to inaccurate vehicle return judgments, especially when GPS accuracy is low.
By acquiring vehicle location information and 3D map data, GPS accuracy can be inferred, and geofences can be expanded or reduced to adapt to changes in GPS accuracy and avoid multiple overlapping geofences or incorrect return.
Even with low GPS accuracy, it can accurately determine vehicle return, reduce false returns, and improve system accuracy and user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN122493573A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a car-sharing system and a method for setting up geofencing. Background Technology
[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-086170 discloses a car-sharing service that allows the lending and returning of vehicles (car-sharing vehicles) shared among pre-registered members at car-sharing stations. In this car-sharing service, for example, the return determination is made using vehicle location information obtained from GPS when the vehicle is returned. More specifically, for example, the administrator manually sets geofences corresponding to the car-sharing stations for the car-sharing system. Furthermore, the return determination is made based on whether the vehicle to be returned has entered the geofence, according to the vehicle location information obtained from GPS. Summary of the Invention
[0003] However, since the geofence settings corresponding to car stops implemented by the administrator are based on the administrator's experience rules, if the geofences are not set properly, the vehicle return judgment may not be implemented correctly.
[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a car-sharing system and a geofence setting method that can appropriately set geofences corresponding to car stops.
[0005] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the goal,
[0006] The car-sharing system involved in this invention has the following features: A location information acquisition device for acquiring the location information of a vehicle shared by pre-registered users; A storage device that stores map information containing three-dimensional data of buildings located around car rental and return stations where the vehicles are rented and returned. A control device that sets a geofence defining the returnable area of the vehicle corresponding to the car stop. The control device performs the following control, namely, The map information is obtained from the storage device, and the geofence is expanded based on the obtained map information if it is inferred that the accuracy of the location information of the car stop obtained by the location information obtaining device is lower than a preset threshold because the car stop is surrounded by buildings of a predetermined height at a predetermined ratio.
[0007] Therefore, in the car-sharing system involved in this invention, even if the accuracy of the vehicle location information at the car station is low, the geofence corresponding to the car station can be appropriately set so that the return of the vehicle by the user can be completed.
[0008] Furthermore, in the geofencing setting method involved in this invention, Based on map information containing three-dimensional data of buildings surrounding car rental and return stations where vehicles are shared among pre-registered users, the accuracy of the location information of the vehicles at the car rental stations, obtained via GPS, is inferred. If the inferred accuracy of the location information is lower than a pre-set threshold, the geofence of the returnable range of the vehicles corresponding to the car rental station is expanded.
[0009] Therefore, in the geofence setting method involved in this invention, even if the accuracy of the vehicle location information obtained by GPS at the car stop is low, the geofence corresponding to the car stop can be set appropriately so that the return of the vehicle by the user can be completed.
[0010] Furthermore, in the geofencing setting method involved in this invention, In cases where multiple geofences, which correspond to multiple car rental and return sites for vehicles shared among pre-registered users, partially overlap each other, at least one of the geofences is reduced to prevent the multiple geofences from overlapping.
[0011] Therefore, in the geofencing setting method of the present invention, geofencing corresponding to a car station can be set appropriately in a way that prevents the return of a vehicle from being completed at a car station that is not intended by the user at multiple car stations.
[0012] Furthermore, in the geofencing setting method involved in this invention, Once the car-sharing service, in which pre-registered users share vehicles, begins operation, the actual location information of the vehicle at the time of return is collected. If the deviation of the location information exceeds a pre-set threshold, the geofence of the returnable area of the vehicle, corresponding to the car-sharing station where the vehicle was returned, is expanded.
[0013] Therefore, in the geofence setting method involved in this invention, the geofence corresponding to the car station can be set appropriately in a way that reduces the deviation of the vehicle return location.
[0014] Furthermore, in the geofencing setting method involved in this invention, Even if the actual return location of a vehicle shared among pre-registered users is outside the car rental and return station, but it is determined that the vehicle has already been returned to the car rental station, the geofence of the returnable area of the vehicle corresponding to the car rental station will be narrowed so that the vehicle return location is not included.
[0015] Therefore, in the geofencing setting method of the present invention, the geofencing corresponding to the car station can be set appropriately in a way that suppresses the situation where the return of the vehicle is completed at a location other than the car station.
[0016] The car-sharing system and geofence setting method involved in this invention have the following effect: they can appropriately set geofences corresponding to car stops. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of representative embodiments of the present invention will be depicted in the following drawings for reference, wherein the same symbols denote the same elements.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of the car-sharing system according to Embodiment 1.
[0019] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an outdoor parking lot with a car stop as described in Embodiment 1.
[0020] Figure 2B A diagram illustrating the state of setting up a geofence in a small area to surround a car station.
[0021] Figure 2C This diagram illustrates the state of setting up a geofence by extending the area to the entrance and exit of an outdoor parking lot.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit of the geofencing device according to Embodiment 1.
[0023] Figure 4A A three-dimensional view of a building with a car stop in an indoor parking lot.
[0024] Figure 4B A three-dimensional view showing a building with a car stop in an underground parking garage.
[0025] Figure 4CA diagram illustrating the state of extending the geofence up to the entrances and exits of buildings.
[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit of the geofencing device according to Embodiment 2.
[0027] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating a state where parts of the geofences corresponding to multiple car stops partially overlap.
[0028] Figure 6B This is a diagram showing the state where the geofences corresponding to multiple car stops do not overlap.
[0029] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit of the geofencing device according to Embodiment 3.
[0030] Figure 8A A graph representing the state of vehicle return locations when vehicle returns, which are contained within a geofence, are completed outside of a car stop.
[0031] Figure 8B A graph representing the state of vehicle return locations when vehicle returns, which are not contained within a geofence, are completed outside of a car return station.
[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit of the geofencing device according to Embodiment 4.
[0033] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit of the geofencing device according to Embodiment 5. Detailed Implementation
[0034] Implementation Method 1 The following describes Embodiment 1 of the car-sharing system and geofencing method according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0035] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the general structure of the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 1.
[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 1 is composed of a management device 10, a geofencing device 20, and vehicles 30, etc. Furthermore, although in Figure 1 The image shows only one vehicle 30, but there could be multiple vehicles 30.
[0037] The management device 10, the geofencing device 20, and the vehicle 30 all have communication capabilities and are configured to communicate with each other via a network 100. This network 100 may be a public communication network such as the Internet or a mobile phone network.
[0038] The management device 10 is an apparatus for implementing processing related to the management of a car-sharing service, which involves the lending and returning of vehicles 30 shared among pre-registered members at car rental stations. The management device 10 is implemented, for example, via a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer.
[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the management device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The control unit 11 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage unit) composed of RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 11 loads the program stored in the storage unit 15 into the working area of the memory (main storage unit) for execution, and controls various structural units through program execution, thereby achieving functions that conform to a predetermined purpose.
[0040] The display unit 12 is configured, for example, by an LCD (liquid crystal display), an OLED (organic EL display), etc., and displays various information for reference by the administrator based on the control of the control unit 11. Additionally, "administrator" refers to the person who manages the car-sharing service.
[0041] The input unit 13 is composed of a touch panel or the like, which has input functions that can be performed by the fingers or pen of the user.
[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 12 and the input unit 13 are integrally formed using a touch panel display. The touch panel display has a display function that displays various information based on the control of the control unit 11, and an input function that allows operation by the user's finger or pen.
[0043] The communication unit 14 is configured, for example, by a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication, etc. The communication unit 14 is connected to the network 100 via wired or wireless means to enable communication between the geofencing device 20 and the vehicle 30.
[0044] The storage unit 15 is constructed using recording media such as a hard disk drive. The storage unit 15 can store the operating system, various programs, various tables, and various databases. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 stores, for example, fence setting information containing information related to the extent of a geofence. In addition to fence setting information, the storage unit 15 also stores vehicle location information, etc., as needed via the network 100.
[0045] The geofencing device 20 is an apparatus for implementing geofencing-related processes, which defines the returnable range of vehicle 30 relative to car rental and return stations where vehicle 30 is rented and returned. The geofencing device 20 is implemented, for example, by a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer.
[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the geofencing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The control unit 21 functions as a geofencing determination unit 211 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 23. The communication unit 22 enables communication between the management device 10 and the vehicle 30 via a wired or wireless connection to the network 100. Furthermore, the storage unit 23 stores, for example, geofencing information including the range for setting geofencing for vehicle stops. The control unit 21, for example, transmits the geofencing information stored in the storage unit 23 from the communication unit 22 to the management device 10 via the network 100.
[0047] The fence determination unit 211, for example, determines whether the vehicle 30 has entered a geofence set for the return destination bus stop. The fence determination unit 211 obtains the vehicle 30's location information (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle location information") from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 22 and the network 100. Then, based on the vehicle location information and fence information stored in the storage unit 23, the fence determination unit 211 determines whether the vehicle 30 has entered the geofence set for the return destination bus stop. Then, the fence determination unit 211 outputs fence determination information, which is related to whether the vehicle 30 has entered the geofence, from the communication unit 22 to the management device 10 via the network 100. Furthermore, the fence determination unit 211 sends fence determination information indicating this meaning to the management device 10 when the vehicle 30 enters the geofence and when the vehicle 30 leaves the geofence.
[0048] Vehicle 30 is a car-sharing vehicle used by members who have pre-registered in the car-sharing service. Vehicle 30 is a mobile body capable of communicating with the outside world, and is composed of an electrified vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Furthermore, vehicle 30 can be any vehicle, whether manually driven or autonomously driven.
[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 30 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 31, a communication unit 32, and an on-board device 33. The ECU 31 comprehensively controls the operation of various structural elements mounted on the vehicle 30. The communication unit 32 is configured, for example, by a DCM (Data Communication Module). The communication unit 32 is capable of communicating between the management device 10 and the geofencing device 20 via wireless communication through the network 100.
[0050] The vehicle-mounted device 33 includes a control unit 331, a storage unit 332, a display unit 333, and a positioning unit 334. The control unit 331 controls the display unit 333 and the positioning unit 334 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 332.
[0051] The display unit 333 is configured such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an OLED (organic EL display), and displays various information to the user based on the control of the control unit 331. Furthermore, "user" refers to the occupants of the vehicle 30, including the driver. In addition, the display unit 333 may also be configured as a touch panel display, etc., having input functions that can be performed by the user's finger or pen, and display functions that can display various information based on the control of the control unit 331.
[0052] The positioning unit 334 receives radio waves from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and detects the vehicle's location information. The positioning unit 334 is controlled by the control unit 331 to output the detected vehicle location information from the communication unit 32 to the management device 10 and the geofencing device 20 via the network 100.
[0053] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an outdoor parking lot 41 with a car stop 42 as described in Embodiment 1. Figure 2BA diagram illustrating the state in which a geofence 400 is set up in a small area to surround a car stop 42. Figure 2C This diagram illustrates the state in which the geofence 400 is set up by extending the area to the entrance 41a of the outdoor parking lot 41.
[0054] In the car-sharing system 1 according to embodiment 1, such as Figure 2A As shown, a bus stop 42 is provided in an outdoor parking lot 41 in an urban area where high-rise buildings 43A, 43B, 43C, 43D, and 43E are located. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, high-rise buildings 43A, 43B, 43C, 43D, and 43E will be referred to as high-rise building 43.
[0055] like Figure 2B As shown, the outdoor parking lot 41 is rectangular when viewed from above. A high-rise building 43A is adjacent to its shorter side, and a high-rise building 43D is adjacent to its other shorter side. Furthermore, an entrance / exit 41a for vehicles 30 is provided between the outdoor parking lot 41 and the road on the longer side facing the road. High-rise buildings 43B and 43C are adjacent to the other longer side of the outdoor parking lot 41. Thus, the outdoor parking lot 41 and the bus stop 42 are surrounded by high-rise buildings 43 in a predetermined proportion.
[0056] like Figure 2B As shown, at a car stop 42 located in an outdoor parking lot 41, a geofence 400 is set up to indicate the returnable area of the vehicle 30, surrounding the car stop 42. Furthermore, in the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 1, if the vehicle 30 is present within the geofence 400, the return of the vehicle 30 is completed by the user performing a return operation.
[0057] In the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the GPS positioning unit 334 of the vehicle 30 functions as a location information acquisition device that obtains the location information of the vehicle 30 shared among pre-registered users. Furthermore, the storage unit 23 of the geofencing device 20 functions as a storage device for storing map information, which includes three-dimensional data of buildings such as high-rise buildings 43 located around the car rental and return stations 42 where the vehicle 30 is rented and returned. Additionally, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 functions as a control device for setting the returnable range of the vehicle 30 corresponding to the car rental station 42, i.e., the geofencing 400.
[0058] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 according to Embodiment 1.
[0059] First, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 obtains map information containing three-dimensional data of buildings surrounding the car stop 42, the return destination, from the storage unit 23 of the geofencing device 20 (S1). Next, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 infers the accuracy of the location information of the vehicle 30 at the car stop 42 obtained via GPS based on the obtained map information (S2). Next, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines whether the accuracy of the inferred location information of the vehicle 30 is lower than a preset threshold (S3). If the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that the accuracy of the inferred location information of the vehicle 30 is lower than the preset threshold because the car stop 42 is surrounded by high-rise buildings 43 of a predetermined height at a predetermined scale (Yes in S3), the geofencing device 20 extends the geofencing 400 corresponding to the car stop 42 to the entrance 41a of the outdoor parking lot 41 (S4). For example, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 performs control as follows: it identifies the entrance / exit 41a of the outdoor parking lot 41 based on the information of the entrance / exit 41a contained in the map information and the map information, and expands the geofencing 400 to the entrance / exit 41a. Afterward, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls. On the other hand, if the car stop 42 is not surrounded by a high-rise building 43 of a predetermined height at a predetermined ratio, and the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that the accuracy of the inferred vehicle 30 location information is not lower than a preset threshold (above the threshold) (no in S3), the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 maintains the geofencing 400 corresponding to the car stop 42 (S5). Afterward, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls.
[0060] In the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 1, as a geofencing method, when the car station 42 is surrounded by high-rise buildings 43 at a predetermined ratio, such as... Figure 2CAs shown, the geofence 400 is extended to the entrance 41a of the outdoor parking lot 41. Therefore, even if the GPS accuracy of the car stop 42 is low, the geofence determination unit 210 of the geofence device 20 can determine that the vehicle 30 has entered the geofence 400 when it enters the outdoor parking lot 41 from the entrance 41a. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 infers that the vehicle 30 has been returned to the car stop 42 based on the geofence determination information obtained from the geofence determination unit 210 of the geofence device 20, and can set the vehicle 30 return determination as OK. Therefore, in the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 1, even if a car stop 42 is provided in an outdoor parking lot 41 surrounded by high-rise buildings 43 at a predetermined ratio, resulting in low GPS accuracy, the return of the vehicle 30 by the user can still be completed.
[0061] Furthermore, if the bus stop 42 is surrounded by high-rise buildings 43 at a predetermined ratio based on the aforementioned map information, the display unit 12 of the management device 10 can display information recommending the expansion of the geofence 400 to notify the administrator. Moreover, the administrator can, for example, set the geofence 400 by operating the input unit 13 of the management device 10, expanding the geofence 400 up to the entrance 41a of the outdoor parking lot 41 where the bus stop 42 is located.
[0062] Implementation Method 2 Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the car-sharing system and geofencing method according to the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, descriptions identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be appropriately omitted.
[0063] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a building 50 in which a car stop 52 is provided in an indoor parking lot 51. Figure 4B This is a perspective view of a building 50 in which a car stop 52 is located in an underground parking lot 51. Figure 4C A diagram showing the state of extending the geofence 500 to the entrance 50a of the building 50.
[0064] In the car-sharing system 1 according to embodiment 2, such as Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B As shown, a car stop 52 is provided in the indoor or underground parking lot 51 of building 50. Vehicles 30 enter and exit the car stop 52 by passing through the entrance 50a of building 50. That is, the entrance 50a of building 50 serves as both the entrance and exit of the indoor or underground parking lot 51 and the car stop 52.
[0065] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 according to Embodiment 2.
[0066] First, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 obtains map information related to the building 50 where the bus stop 52 is located from the storage unit 23 of the geofencing device 20 (S11). Next, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines whether the entrance / exit 50a of the building 50 is identifiable based on the obtained map information (S12). If the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that the entrance / exit 50a of the building 50 is identifiable based on the obtained map information (yes in S12), the geofencing 500 corresponding to the bus stop 52 is expanded to the entrance / exit 50a (S13). For example, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 performs control by identifying the entrance / exit 50a of the building 50 based on the information of the entrance / exit 50a of the building 50 contained in the map information and the map information, and then expanding the geofencing 500 to the entrance / exit 50a. After this, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that the entrance 50a of the building 50 cannot be identified based on the acquired map information (no in S12), it maintains the geofencing 500 corresponding to the bus stop 52 (S14). Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls.
[0067] In the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 2, as a geofencing setting method, the geofencing 500, which is the returnable range of the vehicle 30, is expanded to the entrance 50a of the building 50 where the car stop 52 is located. Therefore, even if obtaining the location information of the vehicle 30 via GPS is difficult, the geofencing device 20's geofencing determination unit 210 can determine that the vehicle 30 has entered the geofencing 500 when the vehicle 30 enters the building 50 from the entrance 50a. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 infers that the vehicle 30 has been returned to the car stop 52 based on the geofencing determination information obtained from the geofencing device 20's geofencing determination unit 210, and can set the vehicle 30's return determination as OK. Therefore, in the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 2, even if a car stop 52 is provided in an indoor or underground parking lot 51 where obtaining the location information of the vehicle 30 via GPS is difficult, the return of the vehicle 30 can be completed through the user's return operation.
[0068] Furthermore, if a parking lot 52 is provided in the indoor or underground parking lot 51 of building 50, the display unit 12 of management device 10 can display information recommending the expansion of the geofence 500 to notify the administrator. Moreover, the administrator can, for example, set the geofence 500 to be expanded to the entrance 50a of building 50 where the parking lot 52 is provided by operating the input unit 13 of management device 10.
[0069] Implementation Method 3 Hereinafter, Embodiment 3 of the car-sharing system and geofencing setting method according to the present invention will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, descriptions that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be appropriately omitted.
[0070] Figure 6A This diagram illustrates a state where parts of the geofences 600 and 700 corresponding to multiple car stops 62 and 72 overlap. Figure 6B This is a diagram showing that the geofences 600 and 700 corresponding to multiple car stops 62 and 72 do not overlap.
[0071] In the car-sharing system 1 according to embodiment 3, such as Figure 6A As shown, parking stops 62 and 72 are provided in each of the adjacent ground-level parking lots 61 and 71. The ground-level parking lots 61 and 71 are rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and are adjacent to each other on their long sides, which form each other's boundaries. Furthermore, parking stops 62 and 72 are provided within the ground-level parking lots 61 and 71 such that they are located near the long sides that form each other's boundaries. In addition, the ground-level parking lots 61 and 71 have entrances / exits 61a and 71a on their long sides opposite to each other's boundaries for vehicles 30 to enter and exit relative to the ground-level parking lots 61 and 71. Furthermore, as... Figure 6A As shown, the geofences 600 and 700, which are the returnable ranges of vehicles 30 corresponding to multiple car stops 62 and 72 respectively, partially overlap with each other.
[0072] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 according to Embodiment 3.
[0073] First, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 obtains information (fence information) related to geofences 600 and 700 corresponding to the multiple vehicle stops 62 and 72 respectively from the storage unit 23 of the geofencing device 20 (S21). Next, based on the obtained information (fence information) related to geofences 600 and 700, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines whether a portion of the geofences 600 and 700 of the multiple vehicle stops 62 and 72 overlaps (S22). If the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that a portion of the geofences 600 and 700 overlaps (yes in S22), the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 shrinks at least one geofence to prevent the geofences 600 and 700 from overlapping (S23). Then, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofence setting controls. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that a portion of the geofencing 600 and 700 do not overlap (no in S22), it maintains the geofencing 600 and 700 (S24). Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls.
[0074] In the car-sharing system 1 described in Embodiment 3, as a geofence setting method, when parts of geofences 600 and 700 overlap, such as Figure 6B As shown, at least one of the geofences is reduced so that geofences 600 and 700 do not overlap. Additionally, in Figure 6B In this method, the geofences 600 and 700 of each of the multiple car-sharing stations 62 and 72 are reduced together so that a portion of them do not overlap. Therefore, in the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to suppress the situation where the return of vehicle 30 is completed at a car-sharing station that the user did not intend to return. For example, in the case of a one-way car-sharing service, it is possible to suppress the situation where the return of vehicle 30 is completed at a car-sharing station that the user did not intend to return. In a one-way car-sharing service, the car-sharing station where vehicle 30 is lent out is different from the car-sharing station where vehicle 30 is returned.
[0075] Furthermore, if a portion of geofences 600 and 700 overlap, the display unit 12 of the management device 10 can display information recommending that at least one geofence be reduced in size to notify the administrator. Moreover, the administrator can, for example, use the input unit 13 of the management device 10 to reduce the size of at least one geofence so that a portion of geofences 600 and 700 do not overlap, thereby setting up geofences 600 and 700.
[0076] Implementation Method 4 The following describes Embodiment 4 of the car-sharing system and geofencing method according to the present invention. In this embodiment, descriptions identical to those in Embodiment 1 are appropriately omitted.
[0077] Figure 8A A diagram showing the state of a vehicle return location 810 created when the return of vehicle 30 within the geofence 800 is completed outside the car station 82. Figure 8B A diagram showing the state of vehicle return location 810, which is generated when the return of vehicle 30 is completed outside of car station 82 and does not include the geofence 800.
[0078] In the car-sharing system 1 according to embodiment 4, such as Figure 8A As shown, a car stop 82 is provided in the parking lot 81. The parking lot 81 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and an entrance / exit 81a for vehicles 30 to enter and exit relative to the outdoor parking lot 41 is provided on one of its long sides. Furthermore, as... Figure 8A As shown, the geofence 800, which defines the returnable area of the vehicle 30 corresponding to the car stop 82, is set to a larger area compared to the parking lot 81. Therefore, in Figure 8A There are instances where, although the actual vehicle return location 810 is outside of the bus station 82, the return of vehicle 30 is completed at the bus station 82.
[0079] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 according to Embodiment 4.
[0080] First, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 acquires information related to the actual vehicle return location at the time of vehicle return (S31). Next, based on the acquired information related to the vehicle return location, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines whether an instance has occurred where the return of vehicle 30 was completed outside the return destination car stop 82 (S32). If the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that an instance has occurred where the return of vehicle 30 was completed outside the car stop 82 (yes in S32), it shrinks the geofencing 800 corresponding to the car stop 82 so that the corresponding vehicle return location 810 is not included (S33). After this, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 determines that an instance has not occurred where the return of vehicle 30 was completed outside the car stop 82 (no in S32), it maintains the geofencing 800 relative to the car stop 82 (S34). After this, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 ends a series of geofencing setting controls.
[0081] In the car-sharing system 1 described in Embodiment 4, the geofencing setting method is as follows: Figure 8B As shown, the geofence 800 is reduced so that the vehicle return location 810 corresponding to the case where the return of vehicle 30 is completed outside of car station 82 is not included. Thus, in the car-sharing system 1 according to embodiment 4, it is possible to suppress the case where the return of vehicle 30 is completed at a location other than car station 82 (the case where the return of vehicle 30 is completed).
[0082] Furthermore, in cases where the return of vehicle 30 is completed at a location other than bus stop 82, the subsequent user (via passenger) may communicate with the administrator that vehicle 30 has not been returned to the correct location. In such cases, the display unit 12 of the management device 10 can display the vehicle return location 810, resulting from the return of vehicle 30 being completed outside bus stop 82, overlaid on map information and the geofence 800, so that the administrator can set the geofence 800 through the management device 10. That is, the administrator can also operate the input unit 13 of the management device 10 to shrink the geofence 800 for setting, so that the vehicle return location 810 displayed on the display unit 12 of the management device 10 is not included (so that the vehicle return location 810 is removed from the geofence 800).
[0083] Implementation Method 5 Hereinafter, Embodiment 5 of the car-sharing system and geofencing setting method according to the present invention will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, descriptions that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be appropriately omitted.
[0084] In the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 5, after the car-sharing service begins, the actual vehicle location information at the time of vehicle return within a predetermined period is collected. Furthermore, if the deviation of the vehicle location information is large, the geofence of the returnable range of the vehicle 30 corresponding to the car station at the return destination is expanded.
[0085] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of geofencing setting control implemented by the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 according to Embodiment 5.
[0086] First, the control unit 21 of the geofencing device 20 collects information related to the actual vehicle return location during a predetermined period (S41). Next, based on the collected information related to the vehicle return location, the control unit 21 determines whether the deviation from the vehicle return location is significant (S42). Furthermore, the control unit 21 determines whether the deviation is significant or minor, for example, based on a pre-set threshold. If the control unit 21 determines that the deviation from the vehicle return location is significant (yes in S42), it expands the geofence corresponding to the car stop at the return destination (S43). Afterward, the control unit 21 terminates a series of geofencing setting controls. Conversely, if the control unit 21 determines that the deviation from the vehicle return location is minor (no in S42), it maintains the geofence corresponding to the car stop (S44). Afterward, the control unit 21 terminates a series of geofencing setting controls.
[0087] In the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 5, when the deviation of the vehicle return location is large, the geofence corresponding to the car station is expanded. Therefore, in the car-sharing system 1 according to Embodiment 5, the deviation of the vehicle return location when the vehicle 30 is returned to the return destination car station can be reduced.
Claims
1. A car-sharing system, comprising: A location information acquisition device for acquiring the location information of a vehicle shared by pre-registered users; A storage device that stores map information containing three-dimensional data of buildings located around car rental and return stations where the vehicles are rented and returned. A control device that sets a geofence defining the returnable area of the vehicle corresponding to the car stop. The control device performs the following control, namely, The map information is obtained from the storage device, and the geofence is expanded based on the obtained map information if it is inferred that the accuracy of the location information of the car stop obtained by the location information obtaining device is lower than a preset threshold because the car stop is surrounded by buildings of a predetermined height at a predetermined ratio.
2. A method for setting up geofencing, wherein, Based on map information containing three-dimensional data of buildings surrounding car rental and return stations where vehicles are shared among pre-registered users, the accuracy of the vehicle location information obtained by the Global Positioning System at the car rental station is inferred. If the inferred accuracy of the location information is lower than a preset threshold, the geofence of the returnable range of the vehicle corresponding to the car rental station is expanded.
3. A method for setting up geofencing, wherein, In cases where multiple geofences, which correspond to multiple car rental and return sites for vehicles shared among pre-registered users, partially overlap each other, at least one of the geofences is reduced to prevent the multiple geofences from overlapping.
4. A method for setting up geofencing, wherein, Once the car-sharing service, in which pre-registered users share vehicles, begins operation, the actual location information of the vehicle at the time of return is collected. If the deviation of the location information exceeds a pre-set threshold, the geofence of the returnable area of the vehicle, corresponding to the car-sharing station where the vehicle was returned, is expanded.
5. A method for setting up a geofence, wherein, Even if the actual return location of a vehicle shared among pre-registered users is outside the car rental and return station, but it is determined that the vehicle has been returned to the car rental station, the geofence of the returnable area of the vehicle corresponding to the car rental station will be narrowed so that the vehicle return location is not included.