COLUMN MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND COLUMN MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Abstract

The vehicle detection unit (103) for detecting a plurality of convoy management target vehicles (2); an occupant state detection unit (105) for detecting the states of occupants traveling in the plurality of convoy management target vehicles (2) detected by the vehicle detection unit (103); a convoy calculation unit (106) for calculating a convoy from the plurality of convoy management target vehicles (2) detected by the vehicle detection unit (103) based on a result of the detection by the occupant state detection unit (105); and a convoy control unit (107) for controlling the convoy from the plurality of convoy management target vehicles (2) detected by the vehicle detection unit (103) based on a result of the calculation by the convoy calculation unit (106) are included.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a convoy management apparatus for managing a convoy formed by a plurality of vehicles. BACKGROUND TO THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There is a conventionally known system for managing a convoy consisting of a plurality of vehicles (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The system disclosed in Patent Literature 1 enables the control of a convoy of vehicles according to the environmental situation detected by sensors mounted on the vehicles. REFERENCE LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP 2021-28748 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In this way, the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 switches a convoy formed by multiple vehicles depending on the surrounding environment. However, this system does not detect the condition of the occupants in the vehicles. Accordingly, the system cannot switch to an appropriate convoy based on the occupants' situation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide a convoy management apparatus that enables a convoy formed by vehicles to be changed depending on the conditions of the occupants of the vehicles. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] A convoy management device according to the present disclosure includes: a vehicle detection unit for detecting a plurality of convoy management target vehicles; an occupant state detection unit for detecting states of occupants traveling in the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit; a convoy calculation unit for calculating a convoy from among the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit based on a result of detection by the occupant state detection unit; and a convoy control unit for controlling the convoy from among the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit based on a result of calculation by the convoy calculation unit. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Since the present disclosure adopts the configuration described above, the present disclosure makes it possible to change a convoy formed of vehicles depending on the states of the people sitting in the vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a platoon management system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a column zone device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation performed by the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are diagrams showing examples of the hardware configuration of the central management device according to the first embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the following, an embodiment is explained in detail with reference to the figures. First embodiment.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a platoon management system according to a first embodiment.

[0010] As in Fig. 1, the convoy management system comprises a central management device 1, a plurality of vehicles 2 and a convoy zone device 3. In Fig. 1 shows two convoy management target vehicles 2, but the number of vehicles 2 is not limited to this.

[0011] The central management device 1 manages a convoy formed by a plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 in a convoy zone 4. That is, in the case illustrated here, a convoy management device is applied to the central management device 1. Note that the convoy zone 4 is a zone in which the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 can form a convoy. Details of Central Administrative Facility 1 will be mentioned later.

[0012] Vehicles 2 are vehicles driven by passengers and can enter convoy zone 4. Vehicles 2 are autonomous personal mobility vehicles.

[0013] When a vehicle 2 driven by an occupant passes through the convoy zone 4, a convoy is managed that forms the vehicle 2 with other vehicles 2 belonging to the same group.

[0014] As in Fig. 2, each vehicle 2 comprises a communication unit 201, an in-vehicle sensor 202, an external sensor 203, and a driving control unit 204.

[0015] The communication unit 201 exchanges information with a communication unit 101 that is assigned to the central management facility 1.

[0016] The in-vehicle sensor 202 is a sensor that enables the state of an occupant located inside the vehicle 2, ie, driving the vehicle 2, to be detected. For example, one or more camera sensors, a microphone, or the like are used as the in-vehicle sensor 202.

[0017] Data representing a result of the detection by the in-vehicle sensor 202 are sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 201, at least when the vehicle 2 is in the convoy zone 4.

[0018] The vehicle-external sensor 203 is a sensor that enables the situation around the vehicle 2 to be detected. For example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor, an attitude sensor, a LiDAR, a sonar, and the like are used as the vehicle-external sensor 203.

[0019] Data representing a result of the detection by the vehicle-external sensor 203 are sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 201 at least when the vehicle 2 is in the convoy zone 4.

[0020] The travel control unit 204 controls the travels associated with the convoy of vehicles 2 according to the control of the central management facility 1, at least in the case where the vehicles 2 are located in the convoy zone 4. That is, the travel control unit 204 controls the convoy formed with other vehicles 2 by controlling the travel route, forward speed, and the like of the vehicle 2 according to the control described above.

[0021] It should be noted that although the driving of the vehicle 2 in connection with a change of the convoy and the maintenance of the convoy is controlled by the central management device 1 as described above, the driving in other respects is controlled by the occupant.

[0022] The column zone device 3 is a device provided in the column zone 4.

[0023] As in Fig. 3, the convoy zone device 3 includes a communication unit 301 and a roadside sensor 302.

[0024] The communication unit 301 exchanges information with the communication unit 101, which is provided to the central management facility 1.

[0025] The roadside sensor 302 is a sensor that enables the detection of the situation in the convoy zone 4. For example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a LiDAR, and the like are used as the roadside sensor 302. One or more sensors such as the roadside sensor 302 are provided for the convoy zone 4.

[0026] Data representing a result of detection by the roadside sensor 302 is sent to the central management facility 1 via the communication unit 301.

[0027] Next, a configuration example of the central management facility 1 is explained.

[0028] As in Fig. 4, the central management device 1 includes the communication unit 101, a convoy zone information acquisition unit 102, a vehicle detection unit 103, an environmental situation detection unit 104, an occupant condition detection unit 105, a convoy calculation unit 106, and a convoy control unit 107.

[0029] The communication unit 101 exchanges information with the communication units 201 in the vehicles 2 and the communication unit 301 in the convoy zone device 3.

[0030] The platoon zone information acquisition unit 102 collects information about the platoon zone 4. The information about the platoon zone 4 includes, for example, map information representing the platoon zone 4 and information about the installation locations and detection ranges of the roadside sensor 302 in the platoon zone 4.

[0031] It should be noted that the map information representing the convoy zone 4 is not necessarily fixed map information, but map information representing the positions of moving objects such as people or vehicles and updated in real time can also be used as map information.

[0032] The vehicle detection unit 103 detects the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2. At this time, the vehicle detection unit 103 performs, for example, the above-described detection based on one or more of the detection results by the roadside sensor 302 supplied to the convoy zone device 3 and the detection results by the off-vehicle sensors 203 supplied to the vehicles 2.

[0033] For example, the vehicle detection unit 103 treats a plurality of vehicles 2 traveling together in a predetermined area in the convoy zone 4 as a plurality of vehicles 2 belonging to a group and treats them as convoy management targets.

[0034] An existing technology can be used as the technology for pairing vehicles 2 by the vehicle detection unit 103.

[0035] The surrounding situation detection unit 104 detects the surrounding situation of the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103. At this time, the surrounding situation detection unit 104 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of the detection results by the roadside sensor 302 supplied to the platoon zone device 3 and the detection results by the off-vehicle sensors 203 supplied to the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2. Note that it is desirable for the surrounding situation detection unit 104 to perform the above-described detection in real time, at least while the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 are located in the platoon zone 4.

[0036] The occupant condition detection unit 105 detects the conditions of the occupants seated in the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103. At this time, the surrounding situation detection unit 104 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of the detection results by the roadside sensor 302 supplied to the platoon zone device 3 and the detection results by the in-vehicle sensors 202 supplied to the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2.

[0037] The states of the occupants described above include, for example, states related to the occupants' conversations, states related to the occupants' facial expressions, states related to the occupants' postures, and the like. States related to the occupants' conversations include, for example, whether a conversation has started or not, whether a conversation has ended or not, the speed or volume of a conversation, a change in the speed or volume of a conversation, and the like. Examples of states related to the occupants' facial expressions are the position or angle of the fundus of the eyes, the position or angle of a corner of the mouth, the change in any of these features, and the like. Examples of states related to the occupants' postures include, for example,whether or not an occupant's body is tilted closer to another occupant, whether or not an occupant's body is tilted farther from another occupant, the orientation of an occupant, and the like.

[0038] Furthermore, it is desirable that the occupant state detection unit 105 performs the above-described detection in real time at least while the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 are located in the convoy zone 4.

[0039] The convoy calculation unit 106 calculates the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 based on a detection result by the surrounding situation detection unit 104 and a detection result by the occupant state detection unit 105. That is, the convoy calculation unit 106 calculates the formation and inter-distance of the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 based on the detection results described above. At this time, the convoy calculation unit 106 performs the above-described calculation with reference to a detection result by the convoy zone information acquisition unit 102. Furthermore, the convoy calculation unit 106 dynamically performs the above-described calculations.

[0040] Furthermore, in addition to the above, the convoy calculation unit 106 may calculate the speeds of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 based on the above-described detection results.

[0041] The convoy control unit 107 controls the convoy from among the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 based on a result of calculation by the convoy calculation unit 106.

[0042] In Fig. 4 illustrates a case where the environmental situation detection unit 104 is provided to the central management facility 1. However, the environmental situation detection unit 104 is not an integral part of the central management facility 1 and therefore cannot be provided in the central management facility 1.

[0043] The following is an example of a process carried out by the central administrative body 1 in accordance with the Fig. 4 illustrated first embodiment, with reference to Fig. 5 explained.

[0044] Note that the platoon zone information acquisition unit 102 has acquired the information about the platoon zone 4. The information about the platoon zone 4 includes, for example, map information representing the platoon zone 4 and information about the installation locations and detection ranges of the roadside sensor 302 in the platoon zone 4.

[0045] In the Fig. 5 of the example of the central administrative body 1 in accordance with the Fig. 4, the vehicle detection unit 103 first detects a plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 (step ST501). At this time, the vehicle detection unit 103 performs, for example, the above-described detection based on one or more of the detection results by the roadside sensor 302 supplied to the convoy zone device 3 and the detection results by the off-vehicle sensors 203 supplied to the vehicles 2.

[0046] For example, the vehicle detection unit 103 treats a plurality of vehicles 2 traveling together in a predetermined area in the convoy zone 4 as a plurality of vehicles 2 belonging to a group and treats them as convoy management targets.

[0047] Next, the surrounding situation acquisition unit 104 acquires the surrounding situation of the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle acquisition unit 103 (step ST502). At this time, the surrounding situation acquisition unit 104 performs the above-described acquisition based on one or more of the detection results by the roadside sensor 302 supplied to the platoon zone device 3 and the detection results by the off-vehicle sensors 203 supplied to the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2. Note that it is desirable for the surrounding situation acquisition unit 104 to perform the above-described acquisition in real time, at least while the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 are located in the platoon zone 4.

[0048] Note that by using the detection result of the roadside sensor 302 at the surrounding situation detection unit 104, an area located in the blind spot of the off-vehicle sensor 203 can also be detected, unlike when only the detection results of the off-vehicle sensors 203 are used. In this case, the surrounding situation detection unit 104 can perform a more accurate detection of the surrounding situation.

[0049] Furthermore, the occupant condition detection unit 105 detects the conditions of the occupants seated in the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 (step ST503). At this time, the surrounding situation detection unit 104 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of the detection results by the roadside sensor 302 supplied to the platoon zone device 3 and the detection results by the in-vehicle sensors 202 supplied to the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2. Furthermore, it is desirable for the occupant condition detection unit 105 to perform the above-described detection in real time, at least while the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 are located in the platoon zone 4.

[0050] Note that by using a detection result from the roadside sensor 302 at the occupant state detection unit 105, it becomes possible to more accurately detect the overall state of the occupants traveling in the majority of the convoy management target vehicles 2, unlike a case where only detection results from the in-vehicle sensors 202 are used. In this case, the downstream convoy calculation unit 106 can perform the convoy calculation more accurately.

[0051] Next, the convoy calculation unit 106 calculates the convoy among the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 based on a detection result by the surrounding situation detection unit 104 and a detection result by the occupant state detection unit 105 (step ST504). That is, the convoy calculation unit 106 calculates the formation and inter-distance of the convoy among the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 based on the detection results described above. At this time, the convoy calculation unit 106 performs the above-described calculation with reference to a detection result by the convoy zone information acquisition unit 102. Furthermore, the convoy calculation unit 106 dynamically performs the above-described calculations.

[0052] For example, if the occupant state detection unit 105 determines that the occupants have started a conversation, the lineup calculation unit 106 calculates a lineup such that the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants are adjacent to each other. If the occupant state detection unit 105 determines that three or more occupants have started a conversation, the lineup calculation unit 106 may calculate a lineup at this time such that the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants form a polygon. If the occupant state detection unit 105 determines that the occupants have started a conversation, the lineup calculation unit 106 may calculate a lineup such that the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants are opposite each other.

[0053] On the other hand, when the occupant state detecting unit 105 detects that the occupants have finished a conversation, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy that the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants form a line.

[0054] Furthermore, the convoy calculation unit 106 may change the distance between the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants according to the conversation volume detected by the occupant state detection unit 105. For example, in a case where the conversation volume of the occupants is high, since it is assumed that the distance between the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants is large or the occupants are having a lively conversation, the convoy calculation unit 106 may calculate a convoy in such a case to reduce the distance between the vehicles 2.

[0055] When the occupant state detecting unit 105 detects that an occupant is in such a posture that his body comes closer to a second occupant, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy that a vehicle 2 driven by the occupant who has brought his body closer is brought closer to a vehicle 2 driven by the second occupant.

[0056] On the other hand, for example, in a case where the occupant state detecting unit 105 determines that an occupant is in such a posture that his body is farther away from a second occupant, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy that a vehicle 2 driven by the occupant who has his body farther away becomes farther away from a vehicle 2 driven by the second occupant.

[0057] For example, when the occupant state detecting unit 105 detects that an occupant is smiling, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy that a vehicle 2 driven by the occupant is brought closer to another vehicle 2.

[0058] On the other hand, for example, in a case where the occupant state detecting unit 105 determines that an occupant has a dissatisfied look, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy that a vehicle 2 driven by the occupant is moved farther away from another vehicle 2.

[0059] For example, the convoy calculation unit 106 considers conversations, postures, or the like of the occupants traveling in the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 based on a result of detection by the occupant state detection unit 105. For example, when it is determined that the occupants intend to have a conversation, when it is determined that the occupants are having a lively conversation, or in other cases, such a convoy is calculated that the occupants are brought closer to each other.

[0060] At this time, the convoy calculation unit 106 calculates, for example, the above-described convoy in consideration of the situation with respect to a road width, the situation with respect to traffic jams, or the like detected by the surrounding situation detection unit 104.

[0061] For example, in a case where the surrounding situation detection unit 104 determines that the road width of a road ahead of the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 is narrowing, in a case where it is determined that there is an obstacle ahead on the road, in a case where the surrounding situation detection unit 104 determines that a following vehicle is approaching the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2, or in other cases, the platoon calculation unit 106 calculates such a platoon that the plurality of platoon management target vehicles 2 form a line.

[0062] It should be noted that it is desirable for the column calculation unit 106 to generally calculate the column described above while prioritizing the environmental situation detected by the environmental situation detection unit 104 over the states of the occupants detected by the occupant state detection unit 105.

[0063] Furthermore, the convoy calculation unit 106 can adjust the degree of inter-distance between the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 according to an instruction from an occupant via an unillustrated input unit. That is, the convoy calculation unit 106 can calculate a convoy in a wide area when the convoy calculation unit 106 receives an instruction from an occupant to increase the inter-distance. On the other hand, the convoy calculation unit 106 can calculate a convoy in a narrow area when the convoy calculation unit 106 receives an instruction from an occupant to decrease the inter-distance.

[0064] In addition, the convoy calculation unit 106 may calculate the speeds of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 based on the detection results described above.

[0065] For example, when the occupant state detecting unit 105 determines that the occupants are too busy talking, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy in which the driving speeds of the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants are reduced from the current speeds.

[0066] On the other hand, when the occupant state detecting unit 105 detects that the occupants are not talking, the convoy calculating unit 106 calculates such a convoy that the traveling speeds of the vehicles 2 driven by the occupants are increased from the current speeds.

[0067] Fig. Fig. 6 shows a case where a plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 consists of four vehicles 2 (vehicles 2a to 2d). In this case, the convoy calculation unit 106 calculates a formation of a convoy of these vehicles 2a to 2d and the distances between the vehicles 2a to 2d. Note that the arrows in Fig. 6 represent the distances between vehicles 2a to 2d.

[0068] In addition, the column calculation unit 106 can Fig. 6 In addition to what was described above, calculate the speeds of the vehicles 2a to 2d.

[0069] Next, the convoy control unit 107 determines whether it is necessary to change the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 based on a calculation result by the convoy calculation unit 106 (step ST505). That is, the convoy control unit 107 determines whether the convoy calculated by the convoy calculation unit 106 has changed from the current convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2.

[0070] When it is determined in step ST505 that the convoy control unit 107 does not need to change the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103, the sequence returns to step ST502, and the above-described operation is repeated.

[0071] On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step ST505 that the convoy control unit 107 needs to change the convoy of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103, the convoy control unit 107 changes the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 based on a result of calculation by the convoy calculation unit 106 (step ST506).

[0072] Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST501, and the above-described operation is repeated.

[0073] In this way, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment detects the states of the occupants, calculates a convoy in the convoy zone 4 based on the states of the occupants, and controls the convoy. Thus, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment enables more appropriate convoy control taking the states of the occupants into account compared to conventional technologies.

[0074] Furthermore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment also calculates a convoy in the convoy zone 4 based on the environmental situation of the convoy zone 4 and the conditions of the occupants, and controls the convoy. Thus, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment enables more appropriate convoy control.

[0075] Note that the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, changes a convoy formed by multiple vehicles depending on the surrounding environment. However, this system does not detect the condition of the occupants in the vehicles. Accordingly, the system does not achieve an appropriate convoy according to the occupants' situation.

[0076] In contrast, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment can always optimally control the convoy according to the situation of the occupants. Thus, compared to conventional technologies, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment enables smooth and flexible control of an optimal convoy, taking into account the intention and situation of interpersonal communication between the occupants.

[0077] Note that the above description describes a case where the convoy management device is applied to the central management facility 1, which is a facility different from the vehicles 2. However, this is not the only example; the convoy management device can also be applied to a vehicle 2.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above description, all components of the convoy management device are implemented in a single device. However, this is not the only example; the components of the convoy management device may be applied separately to two or more devices consisting of the central management facility 1 and the vehicles 2.

[0079] As mentioned above, the convoy management device according to the first embodiment includes: the vehicle detection unit 103 for detecting a plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2; the occupant state detection unit 105 for detecting states of occupants driving the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103; the convoy calculation unit 106 for calculating a convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 based on a detection result by the occupant state detection unit 105; and the convoy control unit 107 for controlling the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles 2 detected by the vehicle detection unit 103 based on a calculation result by the convoy calculation unit 106.This makes it possible for the convoy management device according to the first embodiment to change the convoy formed by the vehicles 2 according to the states of the occupants traveling in the vehicles 2.

[0080] Finally, an example of the hardware configuration of the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B explains.

[0081] The respective functions of the communication unit 101, the convoy zone information acquisition unit 102, the vehicle detection unit 103, the surrounding situation detection unit 104, the occupant state detection unit 105, the convoy calculation unit 106, and the convoy control unit 107 of the central management device 1 are realized by a processing circuit 51. The processing circuit 51 may be dedicated hardware, as shown in Fig. 7A, or as shown in Fig. 7B, a central processing unit (CPU; also referred to as central processing unit, processing device, computing device, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor or digital signal processor (DSP)) 52 for executing programs stored in a memory 53.

[0082] If the processing circuit 51 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 51 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The function of each unit of the communication unit 101, the gang zone information acquisition unit 102, the vehicle detection unit 103, the surrounding situation detection unit 104, the occupant state detection unit 105, the gang calculation unit 106, and the gang control unit 107 may be performed by the processing circuit 51, or the function of each unit may be performed jointly by the processing circuit 51.

[0083] In a case where the processing circuit 51 is the CPU 52, the functions of the communication unit 101, the convoy zone information acquisition unit 102, the vehicle detection unit 103, the surrounding situation detection unit 104, the occupant state detection unit 105, the convoy calculation unit 106, and the convoy control unit 107 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 53. The processing circuit 51 implements the function of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 53. That is, the central management device 1 includes the memory 53 for storing the programs, the execution of which by the processing circuit 51 is used to execute the individual, for example, Fig.5. In addition, these programs may also be referred to as programs that cause a computer to execute processes and methods performed by the communication unit 101, the platoon zone information acquisition unit 102, the vehicle detection unit 103, the surrounding situation acquisition unit 104, the occupant condition acquisition unit 105, the platoon calculation unit 106, and the platoon control unit 107. Here, the memory 53 corresponds to, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Flash Memory, an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), or an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disc, a mini-disc, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), or the like.

[0084] Note that some of the respective functions of the communication unit 101, the platoon zone information acquisition unit 102, the vehicle detection unit 103, the surrounding situation detection unit 104, the occupant state detection unit 105, the platoon calculation unit 106, and the platoon control unit 107 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and some of them may be implemented by software or firmware.For example, the function of the communication unit 101 can be implemented in the processing circuit 51 as dedicated hardware, and the functions of the convoy zone information acquisition unit 102, the vehicle detection unit 103, the surrounding situation detection unit 104, the occupant condition detection unit 105, the convoy calculation unit 106, and the convoy control unit 107 can be realized by the processing circuit 51 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 53.

[0085] In this way, the processing circuit 51 can implement the respective above-mentioned functions through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0086] It should be noted that any component of the embodiment may be changed or omitted. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0087] The convoy management device according to the present disclosure enables a convoy formed by vehicles to be changed according to the conditions of the occupants in the vehicles, and is suitable for a convoy management device that manages a convoy formed by a plurality of vehicles, or the like. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0088] 1: Central management device, 2: Vehicle, 3: Convoy zone device, 4: Convoy zone, 51: Processing circuit, 52: CPU, 53: Memory, 101: Communication unit, 102: Convoy zone information acquisition unit, 103: Vehicle detection unit, 104: Surrounding situation detection unit, 105: Occupant state detection unit, 106: Convoy calculation unit, 107: Convoy control unit, 201: Communication unit, 202: In-vehicle sensor, 203: Out-vehicle sensor, 204: Travel control unit, 301: Communication unit, 302: Roadside sensor 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 2021-28748 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] A column management device comprising: a vehicle detection unit for detecting a plurality of convoy management target vehicles; an occupant condition detecting unit for detecting conditions of occupants seated in the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detecting unit; a convoy calculation unit for calculating a convoy from the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit based on a result of detection by the occupant state detection unit; and a convoy control unit for controlling the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit based on a result of calculation by the convoy calculation unit. [2] The convoy management device according to claim 1, comprising a surrounding situation detecting unit for detecting a situation around the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detecting unit, wherein the convoy calculation unit calculates the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detecting unit based on the result of detection by the occupant state detecting unit and a result of detection by the surrounding situation detecting unit. [3] The convoy management apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the convoy calculation unit calculates a formation and an inter-distance of the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles. [4] Convoy management procedures, including: detecting a plurality of convoy management target vehicles by a vehicle detection unit; detecting, by an occupant state detecting unit, states of occupants seated in the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detecting unit; Calculating, by a convoy calculation unit, a convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit based on a result of detection by the occupant state detection unit; and Controlling the convoy of the plurality of convoy management target vehicles detected by the vehicle detection unit by a convoy calculation unit based on a result of calculation by the convoy control unit.

Images