Information management device, service delivery system, program, and information management procedure

Abstract

An information management device (110) comprises: an information storage unit (112) and a comparison unit (113). The information storage unit (112) stores setting information and payable points; the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle must yield to or avoid a target vehicle, or be yielded to or avoid by the target vehicle, for example, if the host vehicle's route intersects the target vehicle's route; the payable points are the upper limit of the payment points to be paid to the user boarding the target vehicle if the target vehicle changes its route to yield to the host vehicle.The comparison unit (113) refers to the attitude information when a first driving device of a first vehicle detects a second vehicle which is the target vehicle of the first vehicle, and compares the attitude and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle with the attitude and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle in order to determine the vehicle which is to change its route and payable points.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The disclosure relates to an information management apparatus, a service provision system, a program, and an information management method. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a system having a vehicle control device that enables vehicles to pass through an intersection safely and smoothly with minimal required deceleration.

[0003] Specifically, when a vehicle is detected near an intersection that may be a host vehicle that will cross the intersection before the host vehicle, the vehicle control device that executes braking control for the host vehicle sets priorities for the host vehicle and the crossing vehicle with respect to passing through the intersection. If the host vehicle has a lower priority than the crossing vehicle, the vehicle control device brakes the host vehicle so that the host vehicle passes through the intersection after the crossing vehicle.

[0004] Priorities are assigned to vehicles based on the relative positional relationship between potentially intersecting vehicles and / or based on vehicle and / or driver information stored in a database. Vehicle information includes information that identifies an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, patrol car, or fire engine. Driver information includes information about fees paid for being designated as a priority vehicle, information about how many times a vehicle has deferred priority in the past, or information that the driver is a good driver with no traffic violations.

[0005] Such conventional technology has provided useful services to people in a hurry, depending on vehicle and driver information. With conventional technology, if a driver is not in a hurry, they can collect points by transferring the vehicle's priority status to another driver, and if the driver is in a hurry, they can use points to establish a priority status.

[0006] With conventional technology, in a situation where neither a first vehicle nor a second vehicle has the right-of-way, the first vehicle can yield to the second vehicle and collect points; these points can then be exchanged for certain services, such as fare reductions or obtaining priority status for a vehicle. PRIOR ART PATENT REFERENCES

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-045350 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, with conventional technology, priority status can be purchased with money, and points can be earned from a service provider by transferring the acquired priority status from one vehicle to another. The transfer of priority status must be determined manually, and this manual process becomes a factor that hinders passenger operation while the vehicle is driving autonomously.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of one or more aspects of the disclosure to enable the automatic modification of a travel path and the transmission of the corresponding points in accordance with predetermined settings. MEANS TO SOLVED THE TASK

[0010] An information management device according to one aspect of the disclosure includes: an information storage unit configured to store setting information indicating the setting and payable points, the setting indicating whether a user boarding a host vehicle must yield to or give way to a target vehicle, or be yielded to or given way by the target vehicle when the travel path of the host vehicle intersects the travel path of the target vehicle, the payable points representing an upper limit of the payment points paid to the user boarding the target vehicle when the target vehicle changes the travel path to avoid the host vehicle;and a comparison unit configured to determine whether a first vehicle or a second vehicle should change the travel route and determines the payment points with reference to the setting information when a first driving device mounted on the first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects the second vehicle and compares the setting and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle with the setting and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, the second vehicle being the target vehicle of the first vehicle;

[0011] A service provision system according to one aspect of the disclosure includes a plurality of driving devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles and controlling the travel of the plurality of vehicles;and an information management device, the information management device comprising: an information storage unit configured to store the setting information indicating the setting and the payable points, the setting indicating whether a user boarding a host vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles must yield to or give way to a target vehicle, or be yielded to or given way by the target vehicle when the travel path of the host vehicle intersects a travel path of the target vehicle, the payable points representing an upper limit of payment points paid to the user boarding the target vehicle when the target vehicle changes the travel path to yield to or give way to the host vehicle;and a comparison unit configured to determine whether a first vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles or a second vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles should change the travel route, and determines the payment points with respect to the setting information when a first driving device mounted on the first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects the second vehicle and compares the setting and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle with the setting and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, the second vehicle being the target vehicle of the first vehicle.

[0012] A program according to one aspect of the disclosure causes a computer to function as follows: as an information storage unit configured to store setting information indicating the setting and payable points, the setting indicating whether a user boarding a host vehicle must yield to a target vehicle or give way, or be yielded to or given way by the target vehicle when the travel path of the host vehicle intersects a travel path of the target vehicle, wherein the payable points represent an upper limit of the payment points paid to the user boarding the target vehicle when the target vehicle changes the travel path to avoid the host vehicle;and a comparison unit configured to determine whether a first vehicle or a second vehicle should change the travel route, and determines the payment points with reference to the setting information when a first driving device mounted on the first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects the second vehicle, and the setting and the payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle are compared with the setting and the payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, the second vehicle being the target vehicle of the first vehicle;

[0013] An information management method according to one aspect of the disclosure includes: referring to the setting of information indicating the attitude and payable points when a first driving device mounted on a first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects a second vehicle that is a target vehicle traveling on a travel path that intersects with a travel path of the first vehicle, to compare the attitude and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle and the attitude and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, wherein the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle needs to yield to or give way to a target vehicle traveling on a travel path that intersects the travel path of the host vehicle, or whether the user needs to be yielded to or given way by the target vehicle,where the payable points represent an upper limit of the payment points paid to a user boarding the destination vehicle when the host vehicle is avoided by the destination vehicle because the destination vehicle has changed its route; and it is determined whether the first or second vehicle should change its route, and the payment points are determined. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, a travel path may be automatically changed and corresponding points may be transferred in accordance with predetermined settings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a service providing system according to the first and second embodiments. Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an information management apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information management device. Fig. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a first driving device according to the first and second embodiments. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a driving device. Fig. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a second driving device according to the first and second embodiments. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the service providing system according to the first embodiment. Fig. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by a comparison unit of the information management apparatus. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the decision to change a travel route and the determination of payment points according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a first mechanism for transferring points. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a second point transfer mechanism. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating a vehicle group in a second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the decision to change a travel route and the determination of payment points according to the second embodiment. EMBODIMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION FIRST EMBODIMENT

[0015] Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a service provision system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] The service provision system 100 includes an information management device 110, a first driving device 130A, and a second driving device 130B.

[0017] The information management device 110 and the first driving device 130A or the second driving device 130B can communicate with each other via a network 101, such as the Internet.

[0018] The first traveling device 130A is mounted on a first vehicle 102A and serves to drive the first vehicle 102A; the second traveling device 130B is mounted on a second vehicle 102B and serves to drive the second vehicle 102B. Since the first traveling device 130A and the second traveling device 130B have the same configuration, the first traveling device 130A and the second traveling device 130B are each referred to as a traveling device 130 when there is no need to distinguish between the first traveling device 130A and the second traveling device 130B.

[0019] In the case where two vehicles are traveling on intersecting travel paths, the traveling device 130 that first detects the other traveling device 130 and attempts to communicate with the other traveling device 130 is referred to as the first traveling device 130A, and the other traveling device 130 is referred to as the second traveling device 130B.

[0020] The information management device 110 manages information about the users of the service provision system 100.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the information management device 110.

[0022] The information management device 110 includes a network communication unit 111, an information storage unit 112, and a comparison unit 113.

[0023] The network communication unit 111 performs communication via the network 101. For example, the network communication unit 111 communicates with the first driving device 130A or the second driving device 130B via the network 101.

[0024] The information storage unit 112 stores programs and information required for the processing performed by the information management device 110. For example, the information storage unit 112 stores setting information containing information about the users of the service provision system 100. Here, the setting information indicates the setting and the payable points; the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle must yield to a destination vehicle or whether the destination vehicle must yield to the user, for example, when the travel path of the host vehicle intersects with the travel path of the destination vehicle; the payable points are the upper limit of the payment points to be paid to the user boarding the destination vehicle when the destination vehicle changes its travel path to yield to the host vehicle.

[0025] The setting information is information reflecting the characteristics of the vehicle occupants. This information is linked to users, not vehicles. Therefore, when a user enters a vehicle, an authentication process must be performed for the information management device 110 so that the information management device 110 recognizes the user. A detailed explanation of the authentication method will be omitted, as any known method can be used, such as a method using an ID or password, or a method using biometric information. The setting information is linked to user identification information for identifying users and also to vehicle identification information for identifying vehicles through an authentication process performed with the driving device 130.

[0026] The setting information includes, in particular, information about the setting, the points payable and the own points.

[0027] When the travel path of the host vehicle boarded by the user intersects the travel path of a target vehicle, the setting indicates whether the user should "continue" or "avoid." Even if the setting indicates "continue," whether the user should actually continue or avoid depends on the setting of the target vehicle user and the maximum number of points payable by the target vehicle user. Even if the setting indicates "avoid," whether the user should actually continue or avoid depends on the setting of the target vehicle user.

[0028] The payable points are the maximum number of points a user can pay to continue driving the vehicle they have entered. It is assumed that the number of payable points is equal to or greater than the minimum number of points, which is a predetermined number of points.

[0029] Own points are points owned by a user. If the points owned by a user are managed by another system, such as another service provider, the own points may not be included in the setting information. In such a case, the comparison unit 113, which will be explained later, should verify the points owned by the user by making a request to the corresponding system via the network communication unit 111.

[0030] The information storage unit 112 stores history information for each user, indicating a recorded history along with the date and time, such as whether a user's vehicle avoided a target vehicle or whether the target vehicle avoided them. The history information may include payment points received or paid.

[0031] When the travel path of a host vehicle into which a user has boarded intersects the travel path of a destination vehicle, the comparison unit 113 compares the setting information of the host vehicle user with the setting information of the destination vehicle user and decides which vehicle should change its travel path. Both vehicles receive a notification of the change in the travel path with information about the decision result.

[0032] Specifically, the comparison unit 113 refers to the setting information when the first traveling device 130A controlling the travel of the first vehicle 102A detects the second vehicle 102B, which is a destination of the first vehicle 102A, and the setting and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle 102A and the setting and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle 102B, to decide whether the first vehicle 102A or the second vehicle 102B changes its travel route and to determine the payment points.

[0033] For example, if the setting of the first user is different from the setting of the second user, the comparison unit 113 changes the travel route of the vehicle that the user has boarded to give way to the target vehicle and pays a predetermined number of points as payment points.

[0034] If the first user's setting and the second user's setting indicate that both vehicles should have priority over a target vehicle, the comparison unit 113 changes the route of the vehicle boarded by the user with the fewer payable points, paying payment points that are greater than or equal to the fewer payable points. In this case, the number of payable points can be determined, for example, by adding "1" to the number of payable points.

[0035] If the payable points of the first user and the payable points of the second user are equal, the comparison unit 113 refers to the history information, calculates the intensity, which increases with the number of times the user is granted right of way, changes the travel route of the user with the lower intensity, and sets predetermined points as payment points. In this case, the comparison unit 113 calculates the intensity by multiplying the number of times by a value that decreases with the number of days that have passed since the last right of way was granted.

[0036] The comparison unit 113 sends, via the network communication unit 111, route change information indicating an instruction to change the travel route to the traveling device 130 mounted on the vehicle whose travel route is to be changed.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information management device 110.

[0038] The information management device 110 can be realized, for example, by a so-called computer having a processor 10, a memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), an input interface (I / F) 13, e.g., a keyboard or a mouse, and a communication interface 14, e.g., a network interface card (NIC) for connection to the network 101.

[0039] The network communication unit 111 can be implemented by the processor 10 using the communication interface 14.

[0040] The information storage unit 112 can be implemented by the processor 10 using the memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12.

[0041] The comparison unit 113 may be implemented by the processor 10, which loads programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 12 into the memory 11 and executes the processor.

[0042] Such programs may be delivered over network 101 or recorded and delivered on a recording medium. That is, such programs may be delivered, for example, as a program product.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the first driving device 130A.

[0044] The first traveling device 130A and the second traveling device 130B have the same configuration; as described above, when the travel paths of two vehicles intersect, the traveling device 130 that first detects the other vehicle and attempts communication is defined as the first traveling device 130A, and therefore, the processing executed by the traveling device 130 that first detects the other vehicle is explained as the processing executed by the first traveling device 130A.

[0045] The first driving device 130A includes a network communication unit 131A, a storage unit 132A, an environment measurement unit 133A, a control unit 134A, a wireless communication unit 135A, a travel route determination unit 136A, and a drive unit 137A.

[0046] The network communication unit 131A performs communication via the network 101. For example, the network communication unit 131A communicates with the information management device 110 via the network 101. Specifically, the network communication unit 131A sends a request to acquire route change information, which will be explained later, to the information management device 110 and receives route change information as a response.

[0047] The storage unit 132A stores information and programs necessary for the processing performed by the first driving device 130A. For example, the storage unit 132A stores map information indicating a map around at least the first vehicle 102A.

[0048] The environment measurement unit 133A generates environment information displaying a map around the first vehicle 102A and the surroundings of the first vehicle 102A from GPS information from a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which will be explained later, map information stored in the storage unit 132A, and detection information from a sensor, which will be explained later. The generated environment information is forwarded to the control unit 134A. The environment includes information about the presence of an object that interferes with the operation, such as an obstacle.

[0049] Based on the detection information from a sensor explained later, the environment measurement unit 133A detects a target vehicle located within a predetermined range of the first vehicle 102A and traveling in the direction of the travel path of the first vehicle 102A. The environment measurement unit 133A then estimates the travel path of the target vehicle from a direction vector indicating the speed of the target vehicle and determines whether or not the travel path of the first vehicle 102A intersects the travel path of the target vehicle.

[0050] When the target vehicle is detected and the travel path of the target vehicle intersects with the travel path of the first vehicle 102A, the environment measuring unit 133A transmits information about the detection of the target vehicle to the control unit 134A, indicating that the target vehicle has been detected.

[0051] In the specific case of a path such as a sidewalk, the environment measurement unit 133A estimates the travel path of the target vehicle based on a direction vector indicating the speed of the target vehicle, and determines whether or not the estimated travel path intersects with the travel path of the first vehicle 102A. When the first vehicle 102A is expected to pass a store entrance or exit, or the like, and the target vehicle is estimated to pass the entrance or exit based on a direction vector indicating the speed of the target vehicle, the environment measurement unit 133A determines that the travel paths of the first vehicle 102A and the target vehicle intersect.

[0052] The control unit 134A controls the processing performed by the first driving device 130A.

[0053] The control unit 134A processes, for example, the path change information received from the network communication unit 131A, the surrounding information or the target vehicle detection information from the surrounding measurement unit 133A, or the target vehicle information from the wireless communication unit 135A, and sends the corresponding information to the respective units for further processing.

[0054] Specifically, the control unit 134A instructs the environment measurement unit 133A to update the environment information at a constant sampling time.

[0055] The control unit 134A receives the information for detecting the target vehicle from the environmental measurement unit 133A and then sends a request for acquiring target vehicle information to the wireless communication unit 135A to instruct communication with the target vehicle. If the communication is successful, the control unit 134A receives information about the target vehicle, including the vehicle identification data of the target vehicle, from the wireless communication unit 135A. Next, the control unit 134A sends a path change information acquisition instruction, including the vehicle identification information of the first vehicle 102A and the vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B, which is the target vehicle, to the information management device 110 via the network communication unit 131A.

[0056] The control unit 134A then receives route change information from the network communication unit 131A, receives the latest environmental information from the environmental measurement unit 133A, and then sends a route determination instruction including this information to the route determination unit 136A.

[0057] The wireless communication unit 135A performs communication using radio waves. For example, the wireless communication unit 135A communicates with the second traveling device 130B via radio waves. As long as the communication range is 10 m or more, the communication method is not specified here.

[0058] Specifically, the wireless communication unit 135A sends the request for acquiring target vehicle information to the second driving device 130B according to the communication instruction of the control unit 134A. The request for acquiring target vehicle information is a request for necessary information from the target vehicle and also indicates that the first vehicle 102A uses the same service as the target vehicle and that their travel paths overlap, so that the target vehicle specifies the first vehicle 102A as a communication partner.

[0059] When the wireless communication unit 135A successfully communicates with the second driving device 130B, the wireless communication unit 135A receives target vehicle information from the second driving device 130B. The received target vehicle information is forwarded to the control unit 134A.

[0060] The travel route determination unit 136A determines a travel route in accordance with the route determination instruction received from the control unit 134A. For example, the travel route determination unit 136A determines a travel route to a destination at a starting point. After departure, when the travel route determination instruction is received from the control unit 134A, the travel route determination unit 136A determines a travel route based on the route change information and the environmental information included in the route determination instruction.

[0061] Specifically, when the path change information indicates no path change and when the environment indicated in the environment information indicates that there is no obstacle on the travel path of the first traveling device 130A, the path determining unit 136A outputs path information indicating the original travel path without change to the driving unit 137A.

[0062] On the other hand, when the path change information indicates a change in the path and / or when the environment indicated in the surrounding information indicates that an obstacle is present on the travel path of the first vehicle 102A, the travel path determination unit 136A refers to the surrounding map information included in the surrounding information, changes the travel path of the first vehicle 102A so as to avoid at least one of the target vehicle and the obstacle, and forwards the path information indicating the resulting travel path to the control unit 137A.

[0063] The control unit 137A generates a time-series voltage value for controlling the first vehicle 102A or a wheel angle control signal, etc., based on the path information from the travel path determination unit 136A and sends the generated control signal to a vehicle control circuit, which will be described later. Based on the path information, the control unit 137A calculates, in particular, temporal motion sequences such as acceleration and deceleration or cornering angle and converts them into a control signal for driving the first vehicle 102A.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a driving device 130.

[0065] A driving device 130 may be implemented by a so-called computer, which includes, for example, a processor 20, a memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22 such as a hard disk, a wireless network communication interface (I / F) 23 such as a network interface card (NIC) for connecting to the network 101 via radio waves, a wireless communication interface 24 for performing wireless communication (I / F), a GPS receiver 25, a sensor 26, and a vehicle control circuit 27.

[0066] The network communication unit 131A may be implemented by the processor 20 using the wireless network communication interface 23.

[0067] The storage unit 132A may be implemented by the processor 20 using the memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0068] The environment measuring unit 133A, the control unit 134A, the path determining unit 136A and the drive unit 137A can be implemented by the processor 20, which loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 into the memory 21 and executes the processors.

[0069] The environment measurement unit 133A receives information from the GPS receiver 25 and the sensor 26, which serve as measurement execution units, and generates environment information. The control unit 137A outputs the control signal to the vehicle control circuit 27.

[0070] Such programs may be delivered over network 101 or recorded and delivered on a recording medium. That is, such programs may be delivered, for example, as a program product.

[0071] Fig. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the second traveling device 130B.

[0072] The first traveling device 130A and the second traveling device 130B have the same configuration; as described above, when the travel paths of two vehicles intersect, the traveling device 130 that first detects the other vehicle and attempts to establish communication is defined as the first traveling device 130A, the detected traveling device 130 is defined as the second traveling device 130B, and thus, the processing executed by the traveling device 130 detected by the other traveling device 130 is explained as the processing executed by the second traveling device 130B.

[0073] The second traveling device 130B includes a network communication unit 131B, a storage unit 132B, an environment measurement unit 133B, a control unit 134B, a wireless communication unit 135B, a travel route determination unit 136B, and a drive unit 137B.

[0074] The network communication unit 131B performs communication via the network 101. For example, the network communication unit 131B communicates with the information management device 110 via the network 101. Specifically, the network communication unit 131B receives route change information from the information management device 110.

[0075] The storage unit 132B stores information and programs necessary for the processing performed by the second driving device 130B. For example, the storage unit 132B stores map information indicating a map around at least the second vehicle 102B.

[0076] The environment measurement unit 133B generates environment information displaying a map around the second vehicle 102B and the surroundings of the second vehicle 102B from GPS information from the GPS receiver 25, map information stored in the storage unit 132B, and detection information from the sensor 26. The generated environment information is forwarded to the control unit 134B.

[0077] The control unit 134B controls the processing performed by the second driving device 130B.

[0078] For example, the control unit 134B processes the route change information received from the network communication unit 131B, the environment information from the environment measurement unit 133B, or a request to acquire target vehicle information from the wireless communication unit 135B, and sends the corresponding information to the respective units for further processing.

[0079] Specifically, the control unit 134B instructs the environment measurement unit 133B to update the environment information at a constant sampling time.

[0080] When the control unit 134B receives the request for acquiring target vehicle information from the wireless communication unit 135B, the control unit 134B generates target vehicle information including vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B and transmits the generated target vehicle information to the first driving device 130A via the wireless communication unit 135B.

[0081] In addition, the control unit 134B then receives route change information from the network communication unit 131B, receives the latest environmental information from the environmental measurement unit 133B, and then sends a route determination instruction including this information to the travel route determination unit 136B.

[0082] The wireless communication unit 135B performs communication using radio waves. For example, the wireless communication unit 135B communicates with the first driving device 130A via radio waves. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 135B receives a request to acquire target vehicle information from the first driving device 130A.

[0083] The wireless communication unit 135B transmits the information about the target vehicle from the control unit 134B to the first driving device 130A.

[0084] In accordance with a travel route determination command, the travel route determination unit 136B determines a travel route from the control unit 134B. For example, the travel route determination unit 136B determines a travel route to a destination at a starting point. When the route determination instruction is received from the control unit 134B after departure, the travel route determination unit 136B determines a travel route based on the route change information and the environmental information included in the route determination instruction. The travel route determination unit 136B forwards the route information indicating the determined travel route to the control unit 137B.

[0085] The drive unit 137B generates a time-series voltage value for controlling the second vehicle 102B or a control signal for the wheel angle or the like in accordance with the path information from the travel path determining unit 136B and sends the generated control signal to the vehicle control circuit 27.

[0086] The second driving device 130B also has the Fig. Hardware configuration shown in Figure 5.

[0087] For example, the network communication unit 131B may be implemented by the processor 20 using the wireless network communication interface 23.

[0088] Using the memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22, the memory unit 132B can be implemented by the processor 20.

[0089] The environment measuring unit 133B, the control unit 134B, the path determining unit 136B and the drive unit 137B can be implemented by the processor 20, which loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 into the memory 21 and executes the processors.

[0090] The environment measuring unit 133B receives information from the GPS receiver 25 and the sensor 26 and generates environment information.

[0091] The control unit 137B outputs a control signal to the vehicle control circuit 27.

[0092] Such programs may be delivered over network 101 or recorded and delivered on a recording medium. That is, such programs may be delivered, for example, as a program product.

[0093] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the service providing system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0094] When the environment measurement unit 133A of the first driving device 130A detects a target vehicle whose travel path crosses the travel path of the first vehicle 102A (step S10), the environment measurement unit 133A then transmits target vehicle detection information indicating the detection of the target vehicle to the control unit 134A.

[0095] When the control unit 134A receives the target vehicle detection information, the control unit 134A sends a target vehicle information acquisition request to the wireless communication unit 135A, and the wireless communication unit 135A sends the received target vehicle information acquisition request to the second driving device 130B (step S11).

[0096] When the wireless communication unit 135B of the second driving device 130B receives the target vehicle information acquisition request, the wireless communication unit 135B forwards the target vehicle information acquisition request to the control unit 134B, and the control unit 134B generates target vehicle information including vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B and sends the generated target vehicle information to the wireless communication unit 135B. The wireless communication unit 135B transmits the target vehicle information to the first driving device 130A (step S12).

[0097] When the wireless communication unit 135A of the first driving device 130A receives target vehicle information from the second driving device 130B, the wireless communication unit 135A forwards the received target vehicle information to the control unit 134A. The control unit 134A generates a route change information acquisition request including the vehicle identification information of the first vehicle 102A and the vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B, and forwards the generated route change information acquisition request to the network communication unit 131A. The network communication unit 131A sends the route change information acquisition request to the information management device 110 (step S13).

[0098] When the network communication unit 111 of the information management device 110 receives the request for acquiring route change information, the network communication unit 111 forwards the received request for acquiring route change information to the comparison unit 113.The comparison unit 113 reads setting information (hereinafter referred to as first setting information) from the information storage unit 112 and history information (hereinafter referred to as first history information) of users associated with the vehicle identification information of the first vehicle 102A, and setting information (hereinafter referred to as second setting information) and history information (hereinafter referred to as second setting information) of users associated with the vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B, and compares the first setting information, the first history information, the second setting information, and the second history information to decide whether to change the travel route of the first vehicle 102A or the second vehicle 102B (step S14). The details of the processing will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 described.

[0099] Next, the comparison unit 113 updates the setting and history information stored in the information storage unit 112 according to the decision in step S14 (step S15). For example, the comparison unit 113 subtracts payment points from the points belonging to the user who received the right-of-way and adds the payment points to the points belonging to the user who granted the right-of-way in the setting information, and stores the right-of-way granting history information and the right-of-way receiving history information along with the users and the year, month, day, and time.

[0100] Next, the comparison unit 113 generates route change information indicating that the travel route for the driving device 130 of the vehicle into which the non-right-way user has boarded should be changed, generates route change information indicating that the travel route for the driving device 130 into which the non-right-way user has boarded should not be changed, and transmits the generated route change information to the network communication unit 111. The network communication unit 111 transmits the route change information to the first driving device 130A and the second driving device 130B (steps S16 and S17). In this case, the explanation is based on the assumption that the user of the first vehicle 102A must yield the right-of-way, and the user of the second vehicle 102B is granted the right-of-way.

[0101] When the network communication unit 131A of the first travel device 130A receives the route change information, the network communication unit 131A forwards the received route change information to the control unit 134A. The control unit 134A instructs the environment measurement unit 133A to acquire the latest environment information (step S18). Then, the control unit 134A sends a route determination instruction including the route change information and the environment information to the travel route determination unit 136A.

[0102] In accordance with the route determination instruction received from the control unit 134A (step S19), the travel route determination unit 136A determines a travel route. Since the first vehicle 102A has yielded the right-of-way to the second vehicle 102B, the travel route determination unit 136A changes the travel route of the first vehicle 102A so that the second vehicle 102B can pass preferentially, and outputs travel route information about the changed travel route to the control unit 137A.

[0103] The drive unit 137A generates a control signal for controlling a vehicle (not shown) according to the route information provided by the travel route determining unit 136A and sends the control signal to the vehicle control circuit 27 (step S20).

[0104] When the network communication unit 131B of the second travel device 130B receives path change information, the network communication unit 131B transmits the path change information to the control unit 134B. The control unit 134B instructs the environment measurement unit 133B to acquire the latest environment information (step S21). This assumes that there are no obstacles on the travel path. The control unit 134B then sends a path determination instruction including the path change information and the environment information to the travel path determination unit 136B.

[0105] In accordance with the route determination instruction received from the control unit 134B (step S22), the travel route determination unit 136B determines a travel route. Since the first vehicle 102A takes the right-of-way of the second vehicle 102B in this case, the travel route determination unit 136B forwards route information indicating the previous travel route to the control unit 137B.

[0106] The drive unit 137B generates a control signal for controlling a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with the route information supplied from the travel route determining unit 136B and sends the control signal to the vehicle control circuit 27 (step S23).

[0107] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the comparison unit 113 of the information management device 110. Based on the setting information and the history information of the users connected to the vehicles, the comparison unit 113 determines whether to change the travel route of the first vehicle 102A or the second vehicle 102B.

[0108] First, the comparison unit 113 uses the vehicle identification information included in the route change information acquisition request to acquire the setting information and the history information of the users associated with the first vehicle 102A and the second vehicle 102B from the information storage unit 112 (step S30).

[0109] Next, the comparison unit 113 determines whether the settings of the users boarding the first vehicle 102A and the second vehicle 102B are the same (step S31). If the settings are different (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32; if the settings are the same (Yes in step S31), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0110] In step S32, the comparison unit 113 decides not to change the travel route of the vehicle in which the user has entered with the setting “Continue” and to change the travel route of the vehicle in which the user has entered with the setting “Avoid”.

[0111] In this case, in step S15, Fig. 7 a predetermined number of minimum target values ​​are sent as payment points from the user whose attitude is “Continue” to the user whose attitude is “Avoid”

[0112] In step S33, the comparison unit 113 determines whether the setting of both users is "Continue Driving" or not. If the setting of both users is "Continue Driving" (Yes in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34, while if the setting of both users is "Avoid Driving" (No in step S33), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0113] The comparison unit 113 determines in step S34 whether the payable points of both users are the same or not. If the payable points of the users are different (No in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35; if the payable points of the users are the same (Yes in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0114] In step S35, the comparison unit 113 compares the payable points of the users to determine the vehicle whose itinerary should be changed. The comparison unit 113 determines that the itinerary for the vehicle boarded by the user with the most payable points should not be changed, and that the itinerary for the vehicle boarded by the user with the fewest payable points should be changed.

[0115] In this case, in step S15 in Fig. 7 the payable points, determined by adding “1” to the payable points of the user with fewer payable points, are sent from the user with more payable points to the user with fewer payable points.

[0116] In step S36, the comparison unit 113 compares the past usage of the two users to determine the vehicle whose route should be changed. The comparison unit 113 determines this based on two parameters: past usage of the service and the history of awarding points to other users. Specifically, the comparison unit 113 highlights the recent intensity of "continuing driving" and calculates the usage intensity by multiplying "a parameter that decreases with the number of days that have passed since the last time a user was given priority by another user" by "the number of times the user has awarded points to another user."Then, the comparison unit 113 determines that the travel route for the vehicle into which the user with high usage intensity has boarded should not be changed, and that the travel route for the vehicle into which the user with low usage intensity has boarded should be changed.

[0117] In this case, in step S15, Fig. 7 a predetermined number of minimum target values ​​are sent as payment points from the user whose usage intensity is high to the user whose usage intensity is low.

[0118] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the decision to change a travel route and the determination of payment points according to the first embodiment.

[0119] In the Fig. In Pattern 1 shown in Figure 9, the setting information of the user of vehicle 1 is "Continue," and the setting information of the user of vehicle 2 is "Avoid." In Pattern 1, the user boarding vehicle 1 pays the user boarding vehicle 2 "2 points," which is the lower limit of points. As a result, it is decided that the travel route of vehicle 1 should not be changed and the travel route of vehicle 1 should be changed.

[0120] In the Fig. In Pattern 2 shown in Figure 9, the road condition in the setting information of the user of vehicle 1 is "Continue Driving," and the road condition in the setting information of the user of vehicle 2 is also "Continue Driving." In this case, the payable points are "4" in the setting information of the user of vehicle 1, and the payable points are "10" in the setting information of the user of vehicle 2. Therefore, the user boarding vehicle 2 pays the user boarding vehicle 1 "5 points," which is calculated by adding "1" to the four payable points of the user boarding vehicle 1. As a result, it is decided that the travel route of vehicle 2 should not be changed and the travel route of vehicle 1 should be changed.

[0121] In the Fig. In pattern 3 shown in Figure 9, the road condition in the setting information of the user of vehicle 1 is "Give Way," and the road condition in the setting information of the user of vehicle 2 is also "Give Way." In this case, whether or not to change the route is determined based on the user's history information. Then, the user whose route has not been changed pays the user whose route has been changed "2 points," which is the lower limit of points.

[0122] In the Fig. In pattern 4 shown in Figure 9, the road condition in the setting information of the user of vehicle 1 is "Continue Driving," and the setting in the setting information of the user of vehicle 2 is also "Continue Driving." The payable points are "3" in the setting information of the user of vehicle 1, and the payable points are also "3" in the setting information of the user of vehicle 2. In this case, whether or not to change the route is decided based on the user's history information. Then, the user whose route has not been changed pays the user whose route has been changed "2 points," which is the lower limit of points.

[0123] When the vehicles are being followed by many other vehicles, such as in a traffic jam near a store entrance or exit, the method described in the first embodiment is not applied. In such a case, it is desirable for the driving devices 130 to control the traffic through inter-vehicle communication so that the vehicles enter and exit alternately.

[0124] The points used by the comparison unit 113 are assumed to be those that can only be used for services provided by the provider of the service provision system 100 and those that can be used outside of such services. Examples of points that can be used outside of such services include money and virtual currencies.

[0125] In the case of points that are only used for services of the provider of the service provision system 100, the points are, for example, Fig. 10. Essentially, it is a mechanism where points are transferred between users, thus circulating between users. Here, users receive points from the service provider at specific intervals, and if a user desires more points, they can purchase the points in exchange for, for example, money or virtual currency that can be used outside of the services. On the other hand, in exchange for a certain number of points, a user can purchase, for example, money or vouchers that can be redeemed outside of the service from the service provider.

[0126] If points can be used outside the services provided by the provider of the service delivery system 100, the points can also be used via a Fig. 11 mechanism shown in Figure 11. In Fig. 11, the points circulate between users as a result of the transfer of points between those users, and thus, no points are exchanged with the service operator. However, with this mechanism, the service operator needs to know whether or not payments can be made with the points belonging to the users in order to ensure smooth payments while the system is operating. Therefore, users must deposit a certain number of points with the services.

[0127] As described above, in the first embodiment, points can be automatically sent from a user who prefers to proceed to another user who should give way based on information indicating the intensity of the priority preset by the user, and the travel paths of the autonomous vehicles can be automatically reset. Therefore, a user who wants to proceed can experience less stress when crossing the travel path of a target vehicle by paying points, and can travel to the destination at high speed. On the other hand, a user who wants points can automatically obtain points simply by boarding an autonomous vehicle and yielding or yielding. SECOND EMBODIMENT

[0128] In the case where a group of host vehicles and a group of target vehicles are queuing on a road, e.g., a narrow path, and one of the two small vehicles facing each other needs to change course, the totals of the payable points of the vehicle groups are compared. This case is described as the second embodiment.

[0129] As in Fig. 1, a service provision system 200 according to the second embodiment includes an information management device 210, a first driving device 230A, and a second driving device 230. In the second embodiment, in which no specific distinction needs to be made between the first driving device 230A and the second driving device 230, the first driving device 230A and the second driving device 230B are each referred to as a driving device 230.

[0130] The first driving device 230A is attached to a first vehicle 102A and the second driving device 230B is attached to a second vehicle 102B.

[0131] In the second embodiment, when two vehicles approach each other, the traveling device 230 that first detects the other traveling device 230 and attempts to communicate with the other traveling device 230 is referred to as the first traveling device 230A, and the other traveling device 230 is referred to as the second traveling device 230B.

[0132] The information management device 210 manages the information about the users of the service provision system 200.

[0133] As in Fig. 2, the information management device 210 according to the second embodiment includes a network communication unit 111, an information storage unit 212, and a comparison unit 213.

[0134] The network communication unit 111 of the information management apparatus 210 according to the second embodiment is the same as the network communication unit 111 of the information management apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0135] The information storage unit 212 stores programs and information required for the processing performed by the information management device 210. For example, the information storage unit 212 stores setting information, which is information about users who use the service provision system 200.

[0136] The setting information in the second embodiment, which is identical to the setting information in the first embodiment, displays the setting, payable points, and own points, and also displays group identification information when a vehicle boarded by a user belongs to a group of other vehicles.

[0137] According to the second embodiment, the comparison unit 213 performs the following processing in addition to the same processing performed by the comparison unit 213 according to the first embodiment.

[0138] When the comparison unit 213 receives a group registration request from the network communication unit 111, the comparison unit 213 registers the group identification information indicating the group in the setting information of the users who board the vehicles identified in the vehicle identification information specified in the group registration request.In this case, for example, when the comparison unit 213 first receives from a vehicle A a group registration request indicating the vehicle identification information of vehicles A and B, and then receives a group registration request indicating the vehicle identification information of vehicles B and C, or group identification information indicating the vehicle identification information of vehicles A and C, the comparison unit 213 assigns to the vehicles A, B, and C group identification information indicating that the vehicles A, B, and C are in the same group.In other words, when the comparison unit 213 receives a group registration request that includes vehicles already registered as a group, the comparison unit 213 determines that the vehicles identified by other vehicle identification information included in the group registration request belong to the same group as the already registered vehicles.

[0139] As described in the first embodiment, when the comparison unit 213 determines whether or not to change the travel route for users boarding vehicles belonging to a group, the comparison unit 213 performs the determination of steps S34 and S35 in Fig. 8 by using the sum of the points payable by users boarding all vehicles belonging to the group. In this case, the payable point is "0" for users whose setting is "Avoid."

[0140] Specifically, when the first vehicle 102A belongs to a first vehicle group consisting of a plurality of vehicles that share at least part of the travel path of the first vehicle 102A, and the second vehicle 102B belongs to a second vehicle group consisting of a plurality of vehicles that share at least part of the travel path of the second vehicle 102B, the comparison unit 213 calculates the sum of the payable points of the users boarding the vehicles of the first vehicle group and the sum of the payable points of the users boarding the vehicles of the second vehicle group. The comparison unit 213 then changes the travel paths of the vehicles belonging to the vehicle group whose sum is smaller and causes the vehicle group whose sum is larger to share the payment of points greater than or equal to the smaller sum.The method for allocating points within a vehicle group can be any method, as long as it is predetermined. For example, the total points can be determined by adding "1" to the total points of the vehicle group whose total is lower.

[0141] If the calculated totals are equal, the comparison unit 213 changes the travel routes of the group that does not include the user whose payable points are the largest among the users boarding the vehicles of the first and second vehicle groups. Then, the comparison unit 213 causes the group whose travel route has not been changed to pay the sum of the payable points of the group whose travel route has been changed. In this case, each user in the group whose travel routes have not been changed pays a corresponding number of payable points. The method for distributing payment points within the vehicle group can be any method, as long as it is predetermined. For example, the distributed points may increase as the payable points increase, or the points may be distributed evenly.

[0142] If the calculated totals are equal, the comparison unit 213 changes the travel routes of the vehicle group that does not include the user who paid the most points among the users boarding the vehicles in the first and second vehicle groups. The comparison unit 213 determines the payment points by multiplying the number of vehicles whose travel routes were changed by a predetermined number of points and involves the other vehicles in paying the points.

[0143] As in Fig. 4, the first traveling device 230A includes a network communication unit 131A, a storage unit 132A, an environment measurement unit 233A, a control unit 234A, a wireless communication unit 135A, a travel route determination unit 236A, and a drive unit 137A.

[0144] The network communication unit 131A, the storage unit 132A, the wireless communication unit 135A, and the drive unit 137A of the first traveling device 230A according to the second embodiment are respectively the same as the network communication unit 131A, the storage unit 132A, the wireless communication unit 135A, and the drive unit 137A of the first traveling device 130A according to the first embodiment.

[0145] Also in the second embodiment, the first traveling device 230A and the second traveling device 230B have the same configuration; when two vehicles approach each other as described above, the traveling device 230 that first detects the other vehicle and attempts communication is defined as the first traveling device 230A, and thus, the processing executed by the traveling device 230 that first detects the other vehicle is explained as the processing executed by the first traveling device 230A.

[0146] The environment measuring unit 233A performs the same processes as the environment measuring unit 133A according to the first embodiment, and also performs the following processes.

[0147] Based on the detection information from a sensor 26, the environment measurement unit 233A detects a parallel vehicle that is within a predetermined range of the first vehicle 102A and traveling in the same direction as the first vehicle 102A. The environment measurement unit 233A forwards the information that a parallel vehicle is detected to the control unit 234A.

[0148] The control unit 234A controls the processing performed by the first driving device 230A.

[0149] According to the second embodiment, the control unit 234A performs the same processes as the control unit 134A according to the first embodiment and also performs the following processes.

[0150] The control unit 234A receives the parallel vehicle detection information from the environment measurement unit 233A and then sends a parallel vehicle information detection request to the wireless communication unit 135A to instruct communication with the parallel vehicle. If the communication is successful, the control unit 234A receives information about the parallel vehicle from the wireless communication unit 135A, including vehicle identification information of the parallel vehicle and travel route information of the parallel vehicle indicating the travel route of the parallel vehicle.

[0151] When the control unit 234A receives the parallel vehicle information, the control unit 234A sends a travel route determination instruction to the travel route determination unit 236A and receives, in response, path information indicating the travel route of the first vehicle 102A.

[0152] The control unit 234A then determines whether the travel path of the parallel vehicle and the travel path of the first vehicle 102A are consistent at least up to an intermediate point. For example, if the travel path of the parallel vehicle and the travel path of the first vehicle 102A are consistent over at least a predetermined distance, the control unit 234A determines that the travel path of the parallel vehicle and the travel path of the first vehicle 102A are consistent at least up to an intermediate point.

[0153] When the travel path of the parallel vehicle and the travel path of the first vehicle 102A coincide at least up to an intermediate point, the control unit 234A sends a group registration request including vehicle identification information of the first vehicle 102A and vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B, which is the parallel vehicle, to the information management device 210 via the network communication unit 131A.

[0154] The travel route determining unit 6A according to the second embodiment performs the same processes as the travel route determining unit 136A according to the first embodiment, and also performs the following processes.

[0155] The travel route determining unit 236A determines a travel route in accordance with a route determination instruction from the control unit 234A. The route determining unit 236A then forwards the route information with the determined travel route to the control unit 234A.

[0156] As in Fig. 6, the second traveling device 230B includes a network communication unit 131B, a storage unit 132B, an environment measurement unit 133B, a control unit 234B, a wireless communication unit 135B, a travel route determination unit 236B, and a drive unit 137B.

[0157] The network communication unit 131B, the storage unit 132B, the environment measurement unit 133B, the wireless communication unit 135B, and the drive unit 137B of the second traveling device 230B according to the second embodiment are respectively the same as the network communication unit 131B, the storage unit 132B, the environment measurement unit 133B, the wireless communication unit 135B, and the drive unit 137B of the second traveling device 130B according to the first embodiment.

[0158] The control unit 234B according to the second embodiment performs the same processes as the control unit 134B according to the first embodiment and also performs the following processes.

[0159] When the control unit 234B receives a request to acquire parallel vehicle information from the wireless communication unit 135B, the control unit 234B sends a travel route determination instruction to the travel route determination unit 236B and, in response, acquires path information indicating a parallel travel route that is the travel route of the second vehicle 102B. The control unit 234B then generates parallel vehicle information including vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B and parallel vehicle travel route information, that is, path information of the second vehicle 102B, and transmits the parallel vehicle information to the first driving device 230A via the wireless communication unit 135B.

[0160] The travel route determining unit 236B according to the second embodiment performs the same processes as the travel route determining unit 136B according to the first embodiment, and also performs the following processes.

[0161] The travel route determination unit 236B determines a travel route in accordance with a route determination instruction received from the control unit 234B. The travel route determination unit 236B also transmits the route information indicating the determined route to the control unit 234B.

[0162] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating a vehicle group in the second embodiment.

[0163] As described above, a case where the first traveling device 230A detects the second vehicle 102B as a parallel vehicle will be explained here. Specifically, it is assumed that the first vehicle 102A approaches the second vehicle 102B from behind, and the first traveling device 230A first detects the presence of the second vehicle 102B.

[0164] First, the control unit 234A of the first driving device 230A receives parallel vehicle detection information from the environment measurement unit 233A and sends a request to acquire parallel vehicle information to the wireless communication unit 135A. Then, the wireless communication unit 135A sends the request to acquire parallel vehicle information to the second driving device 230B. The request to acquire parallel vehicle information indicates that the same service is being used to allow the second driving device 230B to specify the first driving device 230A as a communication partner and requests the transmission of parallel vehicle information. Based on the receipt of the parallel vehicle information by the wireless communication unit 135A, the control unit 235A then determines whether communication with the second driving device 230B was successful (step S40).If communication with the second driving device 230B is successful (Yes in step S40), the process proceeds to step S41. If communication with the second driving device 230B fails (No in step S40), the process proceeds to step S43.

[0165] In step S41, the control unit 234A acquires the travel path of the first vehicle 102A from the travel path determination unit 236A and compares the travel path of the first vehicle 102A with the travel path indicated in the parallel vehicle travel path information included in the received parallel vehicle information to determine whether at least a portion of the travel path of the first vehicle 102A to a destination and a portion of the path of the second vehicle 102B to the destination are the same. Although a travel path to a destination typically consists of multiple roads, the control unit 234A determines that portions of the paths are the same if the vehicles are currently traveling on the same road for a distance greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. Specifically, if the paths to the next traffic signal are the same, the control unit 234A determines that the portions of the travel paths are the same.If at least the sections of the paths are the same (Yes in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42, while if the straight sections of the paths are different (No in step S41), the process proceeds to step S43.

[0166] In step S42, the control unit 234A generates a group registration request including vehicle identification information of the second vehicle 102B included in the parallel vehicle information and vehicle identification information of the first vehicle 102A, and outputs the group registration request to the network communication unit 131A; the network communication unit 131A transmits the group registration request to the information management device 310.

[0167] As described above, by registering a vehicle group in the information management device 210, the comparison unit 213 can use group information while reading the setting information of a user boarding a vehicle from the information storage unit 212 to also read the setting information of users boarding other vehicles belonging to the same group. In this way, the comparison unit 213 can calculate the total number of points payable for the vehicle group or use the history information of each user.

[0168] In order to access the setting information of all users who enter the vehicles of the vehicle groups when processing a vehicle group, the comparison unit 213 makes a request to the information storage unit 212, for example, to read the setting information of the users who enter the leading vehicles of the vehicle groups.

[0169] Next, the comparison unit 213 calculates the number of points payable by the other vehicle based on the group information of the leading vehicles of a host vehicle group and a target vehicle group, and executes the processing in the flowchart of Fig. 8. However, if the point totals of the two vehicle groups are equal, adjustments are made according to a predetermined determination method to allow the group with a frequent user to proceed, that is, the group with a user whose payable points are the highest, or the group with a user who has the most history information among all users boarding the vehicles in the host vehicle group and the destination vehicle group. In this case, the itinerary of the group to which the frequent user does not belong will be changed.

[0170] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the decision on changing a travel route and the determination of payable points in the second embodiment.

[0171] In pattern 1 in Fig. 13, the payable points of the 1st vehicle group are 20 (= 10 + 5 + 5), and since the payable points of the 2nd vehicle group are 3, the vehicles of vehicle group 1 continue to move, while the vehicles of vehicle group 2 give way. In this case, users boarding vehicles of vehicle group 1 pay 4 points, which are calculated by adding "1" to the 3 payable points of vehicle group 2, to the users boarding vehicles of vehicle group 2. The points to be paid to users boarding vehicles of vehicle group 2 can be distributed according to any method, as long as the method is predetermined. If the road condition is "give way," the payment points can be waived.

[0172] In pattern 2 in Fig.13, the payable points of the 1st vehicle group are 6 (= 2 + 2 + 2), and the payable points of the 2nd vehicle group are also 6; therefore, vehicle group 2 is advanced, for example, depending on the membership of the user whose payable points are the highest, or depending on the user's history information. In this case, "6" points, i.e., the payable points of vehicle group 2, are paid to users boarding vehicles in vehicle group 1. In this case, each user boarding vehicles in vehicle group 2 pays the points designated for them. The distribution of points to users boarding vehicles in vehicle group 1 can be carried out by any method, provided the method is predetermined. Users boarding vehicles in vehicle group 2 can share the payment of points in any way, provided the method is predetermined. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0173] 100 Service provision system; 110, 210 Information management device; 111 Network communication unit; 112, 212 Information storage unit; 113, 213 Comparison unit; 130A, 230A First traveling device; 131A Network communication unit; 132A Storage unit; 133A, 233A Environment measurement unit; 134A, 234A Control unit; 135A Wireless communication unit; 136A, 236A Travel route determination unit; 137A Drive unit; 130B, 230B Second traveling device; 131B Network communication unit; 132B Storage unit; 133B Environment measurement unit; 134B, 234B Control unit; 135B Wireless communication unit; 136B, 236B Route determination unit; 137B control unit. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2007-045350

[0007]

Claims

[1] Information management device comprising: an information storage unit configured to store setting information indicating setting and payable points, wherein the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle must yield to a target vehicle or give way, or be yielded to by the target vehicle or given way, when a travel path of the host vehicle intersects a travel path of the target vehicle, wherein the payable points are an upper limit of payable points to be paid to the user boarding the target vehicle when the target vehicle changes the travel path to give way to the host vehicle; and a comparison unit configured to determine whether a first vehicle or a second vehicle should change the travel route and to determine the payable points by referring to the setting information when a first driving device mounted on the first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects the second vehicle, and to compare the setting and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle with the setting and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, the second vehicle being the target vehicle of the first vehicle. [2] The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising: a network communication unit configured to establish communication between a second driving device mounted on the second vehicle and the driving controller of the second vehicle and the first driving device via a network, wherein the comparison unit sends an instruction to change the travel route to one of the driving devices via the network communication unit. [3] The information management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the setting of the first user and the setting of the second user are different, the comparison unit changes the travel route of the vehicle boarded by a user who is to give way to the target vehicle, and determines predetermined points as the payment points. [4] The information management device according to claim 3, wherein, when the setting of the first user and the setting of the second user both indicate avoiding the target vehicle, the comparison unit changes the travel route of the vehicle with fewer payable points and determines a number of points equal to or greater than the fewer payable points than the payable points. [5] Information management device according to claim 4, wherein, the information storage unit further stores history information indicating a history of each user, and If the payable points of the first user and the payable points of the second user are the same, the comparison unit refers to the history information, calculates an intensity, changes the travel route of the user with the lower intensity, and determines predetermined points as the payable points, wherein the intensity increases with the number of times the user has been given priority. [6] The information management device according to claim 5, wherein the comparison unit calculates the intensity by multiplying the number of times by a value that decreases with the number of days elapsed since the last time the host vehicle was given right of way. [7] The information management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first vehicle belongs to a first vehicle group and the second vehicle belongs to a second vehicle group, the comparison unit calculates a sum of payable points payable by users boarding the first vehicle group and a sum of payable points payable by users boarding the second vehicle group, changes the travel route of the vehicle group with a smaller sum, and determines payment points by causing the vehicle group with a larger sum to share the payment of points equal to or greater than the sum of the vehicle group with a smaller sum, wherein the first vehicle group includes a plurality of vehicles that share at least part of the travel route of the first vehicle, and the second vehicle group includes a plurality of vehicles,which share at least part of the route of the second vehicle. [8] The information management device according to claim 7, wherein, when the sum of the first vehicle group and the sum of the second vehicle group are equal, the comparison unit changes the travel route of the vehicle group not including a user whose payable points are set to a maximum number among the users on board the first vehicle group and the second vehicle group, and distributes the sum to the vehicle group whose travel route is changed by a predetermined method. [9] Information management device according to claim 7, wherein, the information storage unit further stores history information indicating a history of each user, and if the sum of the first vehicle group and the sum of the second vehicle group are equal, the comparison unit changes the travel route of the vehicle group that does not include a user who has paid the payment points for a maximum number of times among the users boarding the first vehicle group and the second vehicle group, and distributes the sum to the vehicle group whose travel route is changed by a predetermined method. [10] Service provision system comprising: a plurality of driving devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles and controlling the driving of the plurality of vehicles; and Information management device, wherein the information management device comprises: an information storage unit configured to store setting information indicating setting and payable points, wherein the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles must yield to a target vehicle or give way, or be yielded to by the target vehicle or given the right of way when a travel path of the host vehicle crosses a travel path of the target vehicle, wherein the payable points are an upper limit of payment points to be paid to the user boarding the target vehicle when the target vehicle changes the travel path to give way to the host vehicle; and a comparison unit configured to determine whether a first vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles or a second vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles should change the travel route, and to determine the payable points by referring to the setting information when a first driving device mounted on the first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects the second vehicle, and to compare the setting and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle with the setting and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, the second vehicle being the target vehicle of the first vehicle. [11] Program that causes a computer to act as: an information storage unit configured to store setting information indicating setting and payable points, wherein the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle must yield to a target vehicle or give way, or be yielded to by the target vehicle or given way, when a travel path of the host vehicle intersects a travel path of the target vehicle, wherein the payable points are an upper limit of payable points to be paid to the user boarding the target vehicle when the target vehicle changes the travel path to give way to the host vehicle; and a comparison unit configured to determine whether a first vehicle or a second vehicle should change the travel route and to determine the payable points with respect to the setting information when a first driving device mounted on the first vehicle and controlling the travel of the first vehicle detects the second vehicle, and to compare the setting and the payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle with the setting and the payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, wherein the second vehicle is the target vehicle of the first vehicle. [12] Information management procedures, comprising: Referring to setting information indicating the setting and payable points when a first driving device mounted on a first vehicle and controlling the driving of the first vehicle detects a second vehicle that is a target vehicle traveling on a travel path that intersects the travel path of the first vehicle, to compare the setting and payable points of a first user boarding the first vehicle and the setting and payable points of a second user boarding the second vehicle, wherein the setting indicates whether a user boarding a host vehicle should yield to or give way to a target vehicle traveling on a travel path that intersects the travel path of the host vehicle, or whether the user must be yielded to or given way by the target vehicle, wherein the payable points are an upper limit of payable points,which are payable to a user boarding the destination vehicle when the host vehicle is given right of way over the destination vehicle because the destination vehicle changes its route; and, Determine whether the first vehicle or the second vehicle should change the route and determine the payment points.

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