Self-driving vehicle monitoring system and self-driving vehicle monitoring device

Abstract

To realize information collection on a self-driving vehicle and its surrounding on the occasion of a failure or an accident or a disaster by a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A self-driving vehicle monitoring system comprises: a self-driving vehicle driven by a remote operation on the basis of a preliminarily determined schedule; a drone for collecting information on the self-driving vehicle and its surrounding and transmitting data including the information; a port provided in the self-driving vehicle and having a drone fixation part that enables fixing and releasing the drone; and an information management unit for receiving the data and performing information processing on the basis of the data, including requesting dispatch of an emergency vehicle. The drone fixation part is released only when the self-driving vehicle is at a stop, enabling the drone to start moving and collect the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle monitoring system and an autonomous vehicle monitoring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, autonomous vehicles do not have a driver on board, and are operated based on a pre-determined schedule or remotely. It's fine if there are no problems with operation, but in the unlikely event of a breakdown, accident, or disaster, various technologies have been proposed to respond by remote control, etc., after grasping the surrounding conditions such as roads, as well as autonomous vehicles.

[0003] In order to accurately grasp the situation of breakdowns, accidents, and disasters, it is necessary to have information not only about the vehicle itself but also about the surroundings of the vehicle, including the roads, and if there are injured people, it is necessary not only to grasp the situation but also to quickly request the dispatch of emergency vehicles. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for warning of breakdowns in autonomous vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-106834 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, these technologies require the collection of video and audio data using cameras and microphones. However, because self-driving vehicles and the systems surrounding them are themselves complex, there was a challenge in realizing a simple configuration for collecting information on the vehicle and its surrounding conditions in the event of a breakdown, accident, or disaster.

[0006] The objective of the present disclosure is to enable the collection of information on the vehicle and its surrounding conditions in the event of a breakdown or accident of an autonomous vehicle, using a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The autonomous vehicle monitoring system disclosed herein comprises an autonomous vehicle that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote operation, a drone that collects information about the autonomous vehicle and its surroundings and transmits data including said information, a port that is provided on the autonomous vehicle and has a drone fixing part that can fix and release the drone, and an information management unit that receives the data and performs information processing including a request for the dispatch of an emergency vehicle based on the data, and the drone fixing part is released only when the autonomous vehicle is stopped, allowing the drone to take off and collect the information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the port can be configured simply because it is only necessary to designate a port so that drones can take off only when an autonomous vehicle is stopped, in other words, when there is no influence from acceleration due to operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall image of the autonomous vehicle monitoring system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an autonomous vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of operation of an autonomous vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a port. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a port. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of a port. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of a port. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of a port. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a port and drone. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a port and drone. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a port and drone. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the drone and the port. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the drone and the port. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing an example of control of the autonomous driving vehicle monitoring system. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing an example of control of the autonomous driving vehicle monitoring system. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing an example of control of the autonomous driving vehicle monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of the present disclosure comprises: [1] A vehicle comprising: an autonomous vehicle that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote control; a drone that collects information about the autonomous vehicle and its surroundings and transmits data including said information; a port that is provided on the autonomous vehicle and has a drone fixing unit that can fix and release the drone; and an information management unit that receives the data and processes information including a request for the dispatch of an emergency vehicle based on the data. Only when the autonomous vehicle is stopped is the drone fixing unit released and the drone can launch and collect the information.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the port can be configured simply because it is only necessary to designate a port so that drones can take off only when an autonomous vehicle is stopped, in other words, when there is no influence from acceleration due to operation.

[0012] [2] It is preferable that the autonomous vehicle be capable of operating only when the drone is fixed to the drone fixing part.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, by preventing autonomous vehicles from operating unless a drone is mounted and secured to a port, it is possible to more simply secure a drone to a port.

[0014] [3] It is preferable that when the drone is fixed to the drone fixing part, the port has side walls that cover the front, back, left and right of the drone, and a top surface that covers the top of the drone.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the inside of the port and the drone from being inadvertently exposed to wind, rain, etc.

[0016] [4] It is preferable that the top surface be capable of being opened and closed, and that the top surface be capable of being opened and closed only when the drone takes off or returns.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, exposure of the drone and the interior of the port to wind, rain, etc. can be minimized.

[0018] [5] It is preferable that the opening and closing of the top surface is performed based on a control signal from the drone to the port.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, opening and closing of the top panel can be achieved more directly and simply.

[0020] [6] It is preferable that a portion of the side wall can be opened and closed, and that the portion of the side wall can be opened and closed only when the drone takes off or returns.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, for autonomous vehicles operating in rainy areas, drones can be launched and landed from the side walls, reducing exposure of the inside of the port to wind, rain, etc.

[0022] [7] It is preferable that the opening and closing of the portion of the side wall is based on a control signal from the drone to the port.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the side walls can be opened and closed more directly and simply.

[0024] [8] It is preferable that the drone fixing part is equipped with a charging part for charging the drone.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, by enabling drones to be charged frequently, the batteries installed in the drones can be made smaller and lighter, and the ports can also be simplified.

[0026] [9] It is preferable that there be a gap between the lower edge of the side wall and the roof surface of the autonomous vehicle that is greater than the height dimension of the drone.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, the port can be simplified because drones can be launched and returned without opening or closing the top or side walls.

[0028]

[10] It is preferable that the charging portion is above the lower edge of the side wall.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, even in a configuration in which the top surface or side walls do not open or close, the effects of wind, rain, etc. on the live section can be minimized.

[0030]

[11] It is preferable that the outer surface and top surface of the charging part are covered with insulating material, and that when the drone is fixed, the top surface opens to expose the charging part, and when the drone is released, the top surface closes to cover the charging part.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, the top of the charging unit can be opened by the drone's own weight to enable charging, thereby reducing the intrusion of rain, snow, etc. into the charging unit.

[0032]

[12] It is preferable that the drone can transmit location information of the drone based on a GPS signal to the information management unit as part of the data, and the autonomous vehicle can transmit location information of the autonomous vehicle based on a GPS signal to the information management unit, and the autonomous vehicle can be operated only when the information management unit determines that the drone is fixed to the drone fixing unit based on the location information of the drone and the autonomous vehicle.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, by using GPS signals, it is possible to ensure reliable operation control of autonomous vehicles.

[0034]

[13] It is preferable that the drone be able to take off only when the autonomous vehicle has power to stop it.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, by allowing a drone to launch only when power to stop the autonomous vehicle is being supplied to the brakes, it is possible to ensure reliable operation control of the autonomous vehicle.

[0036]

[14] It is preferable that when the drone is fixed to the drone fixing part, the port has a top surface covering the drone, and the drone fixing part is provided with a charging part for charging the drone above an imaginary line extending from a line segment connecting the outer edge of the top surface and the lower outer edge of the drone in the shortest distance.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to further simplify the port while reducing the effects of the charging section being exposed to wind, rain, etc.

[0038] The autonomous driving vehicle monitoring device disclosed herein is

[15] A system comprising: an autonomous vehicle that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote control; a drone that collects information about the autonomous vehicle and its surroundings and transmits data including said information; a port that is provided on the autonomous vehicle and has a drone fixing unit that can fix and release the drone; and an information management unit that receives the data and performs information processing including a request for the dispatch of an emergency vehicle based on the data. The drone fixing unit is released and the drone can launch and collect the information only when the autonomous vehicle is stopped.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, the port can be configured simply because it is only necessary to designate a port so that drones can take off only when an autonomous vehicle is stopped, in other words, when there is no influence from acceleration due to operation.

[0040] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the autonomous vehicle monitoring system and the autonomous vehicle monitoring device of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" do not only mean strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also include roughly parallel or orthogonal within the scope of the action and effect of this embodiment.

[0041] [Embodiment 1] (Autonomous Vehicle Monitoring System 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the autonomous vehicle monitoring system 1 comprises an autonomous vehicle 10, a port 20 provided on the autonomous vehicle 10, a drone 30 that is fixed to and mounted on the port 20 and launches from the port 20 as needed, and an information management unit 40 that manages information from the drone 30.

[0042] In the autonomous vehicle monitoring system 1, the drone 30 and the autonomous vehicle 10 (port 20) send and receive data and control signals to each other, the drone 30 and the information management unit 40 also send and receive data and control signals to each other, and the autonomous vehicle 10 and the information management unit 40 also send and receive data and control signals.

[0043] (Autonomous Vehicles 10) The autonomous vehicle 10 is operated according to a preset operation schedule (based on a pre-determined schedule) or by remote control by the information management unit 40. Operation means moving from a departure point to a destination while continuing or combining the states of moving forward, backward, changing direction, and stopping. Commands to move forward, backward, change direction, and stop include commands as remote control from the information management unit 40 and commands based on a pre-determined schedule, as described below.

[0044] The autonomous vehicle 10 constantly exchanges GPS signals with the information management unit 40 or the drone 30. As shown in Fig. 14, the autonomous vehicle 40 is permitted to operate only when the information management unit 40 determines that the position information based on the GPS signals of the autonomous vehicle 10 and the drone 30 matches.

[0045] A pre-set operation schedule (a pre-determined schedule) includes the autonomous vehicle 10 selecting the optimal route each time it travels to a destination input by a passenger or a person outside the vehicle, taking into account congestion conditions, road closures, and the like.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, etc., autonomously driven vehicle 10 is provided with a port 20 on its roof surface 11. In the following description, up and down refer to up and down in Figures 5 to 13, front and back refer to front and back in Figures 5 to 13, left refers to the front of the pages in Figures 5 to 13, and right refers to the back of the pages in Figures 5 to 13.

[0047] (Roof surface 11) 5 to 13, roof surface 11 is a portion of the roof of autonomous vehicle 10, and is a portion on which port 20 is provided. Port 20 also includes charging unit 26, which will be described later, and power is supplied to charging unit 26 from autonomous vehicle 10 through roof surface 11.

[0048] (Port 20) As shown in Figures 4 to 11, the port 20 includes a top surface 21, a side wall 22, an actuator 23 (not shown) for opening and closing the top surface 21 and the side wall 22, a damper 24 for smooth opening and closing, a drone fixing portion 25 (not shown), a charging portion 26, and an outer surface 27 and an upper surface 28 that cover the charging portion 26.

[0049] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the port 20 launches the drone 30 as necessary when the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped and no power is being supplied to it for moving forward, backward, or turning, and at other times it mounts, fixes, and stores the drone 30. The port 20 keeps the drone 30 on the autonomous vehicle 10 while the autonomous vehicle 10 is in operation, and also plays a role in preventing the drone 30, charging unit 26, etc. from being exposed to wind and rain.

[0050] (Top 21) 4 to 11, the top surface 21 is located above the port 20 and protects the drone 30 and the charging unit 26 from rain and wind from above. The top surface 21 can be opened and closed by an actuator 23, and a damper 24 is provided to smooth the movement.

[0051] The top surface 21 is controlled to open and close only when the drone 30 departs or returns. This control may be realized by direct exchange of control signals between the drone 30 and the autonomous vehicle 10 (port 20), or may be controlled via the information management unit 40.

[0052] On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 7, 8, 10 and 11, the top surface 21 does not open or close.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, it is the side wall 22, not the top surface 21, that opens and closes, so that the effects of rain and snow on the inside of the port 20 and the charging section 26 can be reduced.

[0054] 10, the side wall 22 does not open or close, but the gap in the vertical direction between the lower edge of the side wall 22 and the roof surface 11 is larger than the height dimension of the drone 30. Therefore, the drone 30 can take off and return through this gap. Also, because the charging unit 26 is provided above the lower edge of the side wall 22, rain or snow will not directly hit the charging unit 26 even in situations such as when it is raining sideways.

[0055] (Side wall 22) As shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 10, the side wall 22 is provided downward from the periphery of the outer edge of the top surface 21. In the embodiment of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, an actuator 23 and a damper 24 (not shown) are provided between the lower surface of the port 20 or the top surface 21 and the side wall 22, and are controlled so that the side wall 22 is opened and closed only when the drone 30 departs or returns. This control may be realized by direct exchange of control signals between the drone 30 and the autonomously driven vehicle 10 (port 20), or may be controlled via the information management unit 40.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the outer edge of the top surface 21 is shaped like a canopy, covering the axis (not shown) for opening and closing the side wall 22, and protecting the connection part of the side wall 22 to the top surface 21, the actuator 23, and the damper 24 from the effects of rain, snow, etc.

[0057] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, side walls 22 are not provided, and the top surface 21 protects against wind and rain from the front, back, left and right. More specifically, when the drone 30 is fixed and mounted on the port 20, the charging unit 26 is provided above a virtual line (dashed line in FIG. 11) that is an extension of a line segment that connects a point on the outer edge of the top surface 21 and a point on the outer lower edge of the drone (the lower edge of the outermost edge of the drone) at the shortest distance. With this arrangement, the drone 30 acts as a canopy against rain and snow that enters the port 20 at an angle from the top surface 21, and it is possible to prevent rain and snow from directly hitting the charging unit 26.

[0058] (Actuator 23) The actuator 23 (not shown) opens and closes the top surface 21 or the side wall 22. The actuator 23 is supplied with power from the autonomous vehicle 10 through the roof surface 11, and is controlled to operate only when the drone 30 departs or returns. This control may be realized by the exchange of control signals between the drone 30 and the autonomous vehicle 10 (port 20), or may be controlled via the information management unit 40.

[0059] (Damper 24) As shown in FIG. 4, the damper 24 is provided between the top surface 21 or the lower surface of the port 20 and the side wall 22, so that the opening and closing operations of the top surface 21 or the side wall 22 can be performed smoothly.

[0060] (Drone mounting part 25) The drone fixing unit 25 (not shown) plays a role in preventing the drone 30 from accidentally detaching from the autonomous vehicle 10 due to acceleration / deceleration or wind pressure caused by the autonomous vehicle 10 moving forward, backward, or changing direction. The drone fixing unit 25 has the function of fixing and releasing the drone 30, and is the place where the drone 30 is mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 when the autonomous vehicle 10 moves forward, backward, or changes direction.

[0061] (Charging part 26) Power is supplied to the charging unit 26 from the autonomous vehicle 10 through the roof surface 11, and the drone 30 can be charged when it is in a standby state, that is, when the drone 30 is mounted and fixed to the port 20 (drone fixing unit 25). Because charging is always possible when the drone 30 is in a standby state, the battery capacity of the drone 30 can be reduced, the drone can be made smaller, and the port can also be made smaller and simpler.

[0062] (External surface 27) 12 and 13, the outside of charging unit 26 is covered with outer surface 27 to prevent the charging unit from being directly exposed to wind, rain, etc. Furthermore, the presence of outer surface 27 makes it possible to prevent workers from receiving electric shock when performing maintenance on autonomous vehicle 10 or port 20. (Top surface 28) 12 and 13, the upper side of charging unit 26 is covered with top surface 28 to prevent the charging unit from being directly exposed to wind, rain, etc. Furthermore, the presence of top surface 28 makes it possible to prevent workers from receiving electric shock when performing maintenance on autonomous vehicle 10 or port 20.

[0063] The top surface 28 is pushed down by a push-down section 32 provided on the drone 30, which will be described later, as the drone 30 descends toward the charging section 26, exposing the charging section 26. In this manner, the charging section 26 is not exposed to wind and rain when the drone 30 is launched. When the drone 30 launches, the top surface 28 returns to its original position by the force of a spring (not shown) to cover the charging section 26. The top surface 28 is made up of two plates in the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13, but may be made up of one plate or three or more plates.

[0064] (Drone 30) The drone 30 is equipped with a camera and a microphone (not shown) and collects information such as video, images, and audio of the autonomous vehicle 10 and its surroundings, and transmits data including this information to the information management unit 40.

[0065] The drone 30 can also send and receive control signals directly to the port 20 or the autonomous vehicle 10 without going through the information management unit 40 in order to open and close the top surface 21 or side wall 22 of the port 20.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 15, the drone fixing part 25 of the drone 30 is released only when the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped, and the drone 30 is able to launch from the autonomous vehicle 10 and collect information.

[0067] The drone 30 may also be allowed to launch only when no power is being supplied to the autonomous vehicle 10 for moving forward, backward, or turning, as shown in FIG. 16 .

[0068] (Power receiving unit 31) 12 and 13, the drone 30 is provided with a power receiving unit 31 for receiving power from the charging unit 26. A push-down portion 32 for pushing down the upper surface 28 of the charging unit 26 is provided on the outside of the power receiving unit 31. The push-down portion 32 has the function of pushing down the upper surface 28, as well as the role of covering and protecting the power receiving unit 31.

[0069] (Depression section 32) The push-down portion 32 is formed to cover the power receiving unit 31, and in addition to having the function of pushing down the upper surface 28 to expose the charging unit 26 when the drone 30 returns, it also serves to protect the power receiving unit 31 while the drone 30 is flying.

[0070] (Information Management Department 40) The information management unit 40 communicates with the drone 30 or the autonomous vehicle 10. When the autonomous vehicle 10 breaks down or has an accident, or a disaster occurs, the information management unit 40 receives data from the drone 30 and performs information processing including a request to dispatch an emergency vehicle. Other information processing includes contacting an insurance company or a company that operates the autonomous vehicle 10, issuing a stop command to the drone 30 or the autonomous vehicle 10, and cutting off the power supply. In a case where the autonomous vehicle 10 is remotely operated, the information management unit 40 issues commands to the autonomous vehicle 10 to move forward, backward, change direction, or stop. In a case where the autonomous vehicle 10 is operated according to a predetermined schedule, the autonomous vehicle 10 may be operated according to a schedule that is directly input in advance to the autonomous vehicle 10, or the schedule may be input in advance to the information management unit 40, and the schedule may be issued as a command from the information management unit 40 to the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0071] The effects of this embodiment will be described. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of the present disclosure comprises: [1] The system comprises an autonomous vehicle 10 that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote control, a drone 30 that collects information about the autonomous vehicle 10 and its surroundings and transmits data including that information, a port 20 that is provided on the autonomous vehicle 10 and has a drone fixing unit 25 that can fix and release the drone 30, and an information management unit 40 that receives the data and performs information processing including a request for the dispatch of an emergency vehicle based on the data. Only when the information management unit 40 determines that the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped based on a GPS signal will the drone fixing unit 25 be released and the drone 30 can be launched and collect information.

[0072] According to the present disclosure, the port 20 can be configured simply because it is only necessary to design the port 20 so that the drone 30 can take off only when the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped, in other words, when there is no influence of acceleration due to operation.

[0073] [2] The autonomous vehicle 10 can only be operated when the drone 30 is fixed to the drone fixing portion 25.

[0074] According to the present disclosure, the autonomous vehicle 10 is not operated unless the drone 30 is mounted and fixed to the port 20, thereby making it possible to more simply secure the drone 30 to the port 20.

[0075] [3] When the drone 30 is fixed to the drone fixing portion 25, the port 20 has side walls 22 that cover the front, back, left and right sides of the drone 30, and a top surface 21 that covers the top of the drone 30.

[0076] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the inside of the port 20 and the drone 30 from being inadvertently exposed to wind, rain, etc.

[0077] [4] The top surface 21 can be opened and closed, and the top surface 21 can be opened and closed only when the drone 30 takes off or returns.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, exposure of the drone 30 and the inside of the port 20 to wind, rain, etc. can be minimized.

[0079] [5] The opening and closing of the top surface 21 is performed based on a control signal from the drone 30 to the port 20.

[0080] According to the present disclosure, the top surface 21 can be opened and closed more directly and simply.

[0081] [6] A portion of the side wall 22 can be opened and closed, and the portion of the side wall 22 can be opened and closed only when the drone 30 takes off or returns.

[0082] According to the present disclosure, for an autonomous vehicle 10 operating in a rainy region, the drone 30 can be launched and landed from the side wall 22, thereby reducing exposure of the inside of the port to wind, rain, etc.

[0083] [7] The opening and closing of a portion of the side wall 22 is based on a control signal from the drone 30 to the port 20.

[0084] According to the present disclosure, the side wall 22 can be opened and closed more directly and simply.

[0085] [8] The drone fixing part 25 is equipped with a charging part 26 for charging the drone 30.

[0086] According to the present disclosure, by allowing the drone 30 to be charged frequently, the battery mounted on the drone 30 can be made smaller and lighter, and the port 20 can also be simplified.

[0087] [9] There is a gap between the lower edge of the side wall 22 and the roof surface 11 of the autonomous vehicle 10 that is greater than the height dimension of the drone 30.

[0088] According to the present disclosure, the drone 30 can be launched and returned without opening or closing the top surface 21 or the side wall 22, so that the port 20 can be simplified.

[0089]

[10] The charging portion 26 is above the lower edge of the side wall 22.

[0090] According to the present disclosure, even in a configuration in which top surface 21 or side wall 22 is not opened or closed, the effects of wind, rain, etc. on charging section 26 can be minimized.

[0091]

[11] The charging unit 26 has its outer surface 27 and top surface 28 covered with insulating material, and when the drone 30 is fixed, top surface 28 opens to expose the charging unit 26, and when the drone is released, top surface 28 closes to cover the charging unit 26.

[0092] According to the present disclosure, the top of the charging unit can be opened by the drone's own weight to enable charging, thereby reducing the intrusion of rain, snow, etc. into the charging unit.

[0093]

[12] The drone 30 can transmit position information of the drone 30 based on a GPS signal to the information management unit 40 as part of the data, and the autonomous vehicle 10 can transmit position information of the autonomous vehicle 10 based on a GPS signal to the information management unit 40, and the autonomous vehicle 10 can be operated only when the information management unit 40 determines that the drone 30 is fixed to the drone fixing unit 25 based on the position information of the drone 30 and the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0094] According to the present disclosure, the use of GPS signals further ensures reliable operation control of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0095]

[13] The drone 30 can only take off when the autonomous vehicle 10 has power to stop it.

[0096] According to the present disclosure, by allowing the drone 30 to launch only when power to stop the autonomous vehicle 10 is being supplied to the brakes, it is possible to more reliably ensure reliable operation control of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0097]

[14] When the drone 30 is fixed to the drone fixing part 25, the port 20 has a top surface 21 that covers the drone 30, and the drone fixing part 25 is provided with a charging part 26 for charging the drone 30 above an imaginary line that is an extension of a line segment that connects the outer edge of the top surface 21 and the lower outer edge of the drone 30 in the shortest distance.

[0098] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to further simplify the port while reducing the effects of the live portion being exposed to the elements.

[0099] The autonomous driving vehicle monitoring device disclosed herein is

[15] The system comprises an autonomous vehicle 10 that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote control, a drone 30 that collects information about the autonomous vehicle 10 and its surroundings and transmits data including that information, a port 20 that is provided on the autonomous vehicle 10 and has a drone fixing unit 25 that can fix and release the drone 30, and an information management unit 40 that receives the data and performs information processing including a request for the dispatch of an emergency vehicle based on the data, and the drone fixing unit 25 is released and the drone 30 can launch and collect information only when the information management unit 40 determines that the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped based on a GPS signal.

[0100] According to the present disclosure, the port can be configured simply because it is only necessary to designate a port so that drones can take off only when an autonomous vehicle is stopped, in other words, when there is no influence from acceleration due to operation.

[0101] It should be noted that the above is merely one embodiment, and the present invention can be embodied in various modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Autonomous vehicle monitoring system 10 Self-driving vehicles 11 Roof surface 20 Ports 21 Top 22 Side wall 23 Actuator 24 Damper 25 Drone fixing part 26 Live parts 27 Exterior 28 Top 30. Drone 31 Power receiving section 32 Pressing section 40 Information Management Department

Claims

1. An autonomous vehicle that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote control; A drone that collects information about the autonomous vehicle and its surroundings and transmits data including the information; A port having a drone fixing portion provided in the autonomous vehicle and capable of fixing and releasing the drone; an information management unit that receives the data and processes information including a request for dispatching an emergency vehicle based on the data; Equipped with Only when the autonomous vehicle is stopped can the drone fixing part be released and the drone be able to launch and collect the information. Autonomous vehicle monitoring system.

2. The autonomous vehicle can be operated only when the drone is fixed to the drone fixing part.

2. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 1.

3. When the drone is fixed to the drone fixing part, the port has side walls that cover the front, back, left and right of the drone and a top surface that covers the top of the drone.

3. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The top surface can be opened and closed, and the top surface can be opened and closed only when the drone takes off or returns.

4. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 3.

5. The opening and closing of the top surface is performed based on a control signal from the drone to the port.

5. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 4.

6. A portion of the side wall can be opened and closed, and the portion of the side wall can be opened and closed only when the drone takes off or returns.

4. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 3.

7. The opening and closing of the portion of the side wall is performed based on a control signal from the drone to the port.

7. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 6.

8. The drone fixing part is provided with a charging part for charging the drone.

4. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 3.

9. There is a gap between the lower edge of the side wall and the roof surface of the autonomous vehicle that is greater than the height dimension of the drone.

9. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 8.

10. The charging portion is above the lower edge of the side wall.

10. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 9.

11. The outer surface and the upper surface of the charging portion are covered with an insulating material, As the drone is fixed, the top surface opens to expose the charging part, When the drone is opened, the top surface closes and the charging unit is covered by the top surface.

11. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system of claim 10.

12. The drone can transmit location information of the drone based on a GPS signal to the information management unit as part of the data, The autonomous vehicle can transmit location information of the autonomous vehicle based on a GPS signal to the information management unit, The autonomous vehicle can be operated only when the information management unit determines that the drone is fixed to the drone fixing unit based on position information of the drone and the autonomous vehicle.

3. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The drone can only take off when power for stopping the autonomous vehicle is supplied to the autonomous vehicle; 3. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The port has a top surface that covers the drone when the drone is fixed to the drone fixing part, The drone fixing part is provided with a charging part for charging the drone above a virtual line extending a line segment connecting the outer edge of the top surface and the outer lower edge of the drone at the shortest distance, 3. The autonomous vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. An autonomous vehicle that is operated based on a predetermined schedule or by remote control; A drone that collects information about the autonomous vehicle and its surroundings and transmits data including the information; A port having a drone fixing portion provided in the autonomous vehicle and capable of fixing and releasing the drone; an information management unit that receives the data and processes information including a request for dispatching an emergency vehicle based on the data; Equipped with Only when the autonomous vehicle is stopped can the drone fixing part be released and the drone be able to launch and collect the information. Autonomous vehicle monitoring device.

Images