Remote support system and remote support method

Abstract

To provide a technology that can improve the efficiency of remote support for a plurality of vehicles by a plurality of operators.SOLUTION: A remote support system supports a plurality of vehicles by a plurality of operators in a remote manner. The remote support system comprises a management device that assigns an operator to each of a plurality of vehicles. When all of the plurality of operators are assigned to remote support operations, if a remote support request is received from another vehicle, the management device searches, among the plurality of operators, for a target operator who is in a waiting state and is not performing a remote support operation. Then, the management device instructs the target operator to suspend the remote support operation of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and to perform a remote support operation for another vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for remotely assisting a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote support system that remotely supports a vehicle. When a vehicle arrives at a remote location where the operation of the vehicle is remotely supported, or when a call request is received from the vehicle, the remote support system remotely supports the vehicle based on the operation by an operator. Furthermore, the remote support system assigns an operator to be in charge of remote support of the vehicle from among a plurality of operators based on a compatibility value calculated from the experience value of each operator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-175209 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, after an operator is assigned to a vehicle that is a target of remote support, the operator is assumed to be in a waiting state until the operator executes an operation for remote support. In a state in which all of the multiple operators are assigned to remote support tasks, if an emergency remote support request is made from another vehicle, even if the operator is in a waiting state, remote support for the other vehicle cannot be performed until the remote support for the vehicle that the operator is in charge of is completed. Therefore, the efficiency of remote support for multiple vehicles by multiple operators decreases.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can improve the efficiency of remote assistance for multiple vehicles by multiple operators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a remote support system that remotely supports a plurality of vehicles by a plurality of operators. The remote support system includes a management device that assigns an operator to each of the plurality of vehicles. When the management device receives a remote support request from another vehicle in a state in which all of the plurality of operators are assigned to remote support tasks, the management device searches for a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation in the remote support task among the plurality of operators. Then, the management device issues an instruction to the target operator to interrupt the remote support task of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of the other vehicle.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a remote support method for remotely supporting a plurality of vehicles by a plurality of operators. When a remote support request is received from another vehicle in a state where all of the plurality of operators are assigned to a remote support task, the remote support method includes searching for a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation in the remote support task among the plurality of operators, and issuing an instruction to the target operator to interrupt the remote support task of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of the other vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when a request for remote support is received from another vehicle in a state where all of a plurality of operators are assigned to remote support tasks, a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation in the remote support task is searched for among the plurality of operators. Then, an instruction is issued to the target operator to interrupt the remote support task of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of the other vehicle. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the waiting operators, thereby improving the efficiency of remote support for a plurality of vehicles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a remote support system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a waiting state of a remote support operation according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a search process for a target operator according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a search process for a target operator according to an embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of the remote support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a remote support system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A remote support system and a remote support method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, common elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0011] 1. Overview of the remote support system FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a remote assistance system 1 according to an embodiment. The remote assistance system 1 is a system that communicates with a plurality of vehicles 3 (vehicles 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, etc.), receives a remote assistance request RQ from the vehicle 3, and has an operator 2 perform remote assistance. The plurality of vehicles 3 include a remote target vehicle and a remote scheduled vehicle. The remote target vehicle refers to a vehicle to which an operator 2 is assigned. The remote scheduled vehicle refers to a vehicle that is in a state in which a remote assistance request RQ is issued to the remote assistance system 1 and to which an operator 2 is not assigned. The remote scheduled vehicle is also referred to as "another vehicle 3." In the example shown in FIG. 1(A), the remote target vehicles are represented by vehicles 3A, 3B, and 3C, and the remote scheduled vehicle is represented by vehicle 3D. The vehicle 3 may be an autonomous vehicle or a vehicle driven by a driver.

[0012] When providing remote support to a plurality of vehicles 3, it is preferable that there are a plurality of operators 2. Therefore, the remote support system 1 remotely supports a plurality of vehicles 3 by a plurality of operators 2. However, the remote support system 1 is based on the premise that the number of operators 2 is less than the number of vehicles 3.

[0013] In remote assistance, some of the decisions for driving by the vehicle 3 are made by the operator 2. Basic calculations related to the cognition, judgment, and operation required for driving are performed in the vehicle 3. Based on the information transmitted from the vehicle 3, the operator 2 determines the action that the vehicle 3 should take and issues commands to the vehicle 3. The remote assistance commands sent from the operator 2 to the vehicle 3 include remote assistance operations OPE. Examples of the remote assistance operations OPE include commands to move the vehicle 3 forward, commands to stop the vehicle 3, etc.

[0014] The remote assistance system 1 includes a management device 10 and a plurality of operators 2 (operator 2A, operator 2B, operator 2C, etc.). The management device 10 assigns an operator 2 to each of a plurality of vehicles 3. The management device 10 includes one or more processors 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as processor 20), one or more storage devices 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage device 30), and a communication device 40. The processor 20 executes various processes. An example of the processor 20 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 30 stores various information required for processing by the processor 20. An example of the storage device 30 is a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The communication device 40 is capable of communicating with the plurality of operators 2 and the plurality of vehicles 3.

[0015] A remote assistance program (not shown) is a computer program executed by the processor 20. The processor 20 may execute the remote assistance program to realize various functions of the management device 10. The remote assistance program is stored in the storage device 30. Alternatively, the remote assistance program may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0016] The various information stored in the storage device 30 includes status information 31 and management information 32 .

[0017] The status information 31 indicates the state of the remote support work for the vehicle 3 for each operator 2. The remote support work for the vehicle 3 includes times when a remote support operation OPE for the vehicle 3 is being performed and times when it is not. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(A), when a remote support operation OPE for the vehicle 3 is being performed, the status information 31 of the operator 2 corresponding to the vehicle 3 is represented as "remote support operation in progress". On the other hand, when a remote support operation OPE for the vehicle 3 is not being performed, the status information 31 of the operator 2 corresponding to the vehicle 3 is represented as "waiting". Note that when the operator 2 is not assigned to the remote support work for the vehicle 3, the status information 31 of the operator 2 is represented as, for example, "available".

[0018] The management information 32 indicates the correspondence between the vehicles 3 and the operators 2 in charge of the remote support work of the vehicles 3. In the example shown in Fig. 1(A), an operator 2A is assigned as the operator 2 in charge of the remote support work of the vehicle 3A, an operator 2B is assigned as the operator 2 in charge of the remote support work of the vehicle 3B, and an operator 2C is assigned as the operator 2 in charge of the remote support work of the vehicle 3C. Note that the example shown in Fig. 1(A) indicates a state in which an operator 2 in charge of the remote support work of the vehicle 3D is not assigned.

[0019] Furthermore, the storage device 30 may include vehicle information (not shown). The vehicle information includes, for example, information on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3. The surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3 are calculated based on information acquired from a sensor mounted on the vehicle 3. Examples of the sensor include a camera, a radar, and a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging).

[0020] The outline of the remote support processing by the management device 10 (processor 20) according to this embodiment is as follows. When the management device 10 receives a remote support request RQ from another vehicle 3 in a state where all of the multiple operators 2 are assigned to remote support tasks, the management device 10 searches for a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation (remote support operation OPE) in the remote support task among the multiple operators 2. Furthermore, the management device 10 issues an instruction INS to the target operator to interrupt the remote support task of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of the other vehicle 3. The process of searching for the target operator will be described in detail later.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 1(A), all of the operators 2A, 2B, and 2C are assigned to a remote support task. The state of the remote support task for the operator 2A (i.e., the status information 31 of the operator 2A) is "operating remote support", the state of the remote support task for the operator 2B (i.e., the status information 31 of the operator 2B) is "waiting", and the state of the remote support task for the operator 2C (i.e., the status information 31 of the operator 2C) is "waiting". In this state, when a remote support request RQ is issued from another vehicle 3 (vehicle 3D) to the management device 10, the management device 10 searches for a target operator whose remote support task state is "waiting". In the example shown in FIG. 1(B), of the operators 2B and 2C whose remote support task states are "waiting", the operator 2B is selected as the target operator.

[0022] Then, the management device 10 issues an instruction INS to the operator 2B to suspend the remote support task of the vehicle 3B corresponding to the operator 2B and perform the remote support task of the vehicle 3D. In addition, the management device 10 updates the management information 32 so as to assign the operator 2B as the target operator in charge of the remote support task of the vehicle 3D.

[0023] The target operator is, for example, a candidate for the operator 2 to be assigned to another vehicle 3 (scheduled remote vehicle). The operator 2 selected as the target operator does not necessarily have to perform remote support work for another vehicle 3. For example, the operator 2 selected as the target operator may continue the remote support work for the vehicle 3 corresponding to that operator 2. In this case, the operator 2 assigned as the target operator responds by rejecting the instruction INS from the management device 10. Then, the management device 10 searches for a new target operator.

[0024] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a remote support request RQ is received from another vehicle 3 in a state where all of the multiple operators 2 are assigned to the remote support task, a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation OPE in the remote support task is searched for among the multiple operators 2. Then, an instruction INS is issued to the target operator to interrupt the remote support task of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of the other vehicle 3. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the waiting operators 2, thereby improving the efficiency of remote support for the multiple vehicles 3. Furthermore, since remote support for the other vehicle 3 can be started quickly, it is possible to prevent traffic disruption for surrounding vehicles and improve the sense of security of the occupants of the other vehicle 3.

[0025] 2. Specific examples 2-1. Example of waiting state 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a waiting state of a remote support operation according to an embodiment. The waiting state includes at least one of a standby state and a monitoring state. The standby state indicates a state from when an operator 2 starts a remote support operation of a vehicle 3 to when the operator 2 executes a remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3.

[0026] Here, let us consider the time period of the standby state. The timing at which the standby state starts is, for example, when the management device 10 issues an instruction INS to the target operator (operator 2) to execute the remote support work of the vehicle 3, or when the target operator (operator 2) responds (accepts) to the instruction INS from the management device 10.

[0027] The timing at which the standby state ends is, for example, when the operator 2 starts to execute the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3. The timing at which the standby state ends, i.e., the timing at which the execution of the remote support operation OPE starts is, for example, when the operator 2 executes the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3, or when the operator 2 notifies the management device 10 of a notice of the execution of the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3.

[0028] That is, the time period of the standby state is determined by the judgment of the operator 2. For example, consider a case where the vehicle 3 is a bus, and a remote assistance request RQ is issued from the bus when the bus stops at a bus stop and starts heading towards a congested road. In this case, the operator 2 executes a remote assistance operation OPE based on vehicle information (e.g., camera image information acquired by a camera mounted on the vehicle 3) transmitted from the vehicle 3 (bus). At that time, if the operator 2 can execute the remote assistance operation OPE immediately, the time period of the standby state will be short. On the other hand, if the operator 2 cannot execute the remote assistance operation OPE immediately, the time period of the standby state will be long.

[0029] The monitoring state indicates a state from the completion of a remote support operation OPE of a vehicle 3 by an operator 2 to the completion of monitoring requested by the vehicle 3. Specifically, when monitoring of a vehicle 3 by an operator 2 is required, a monitoring request W_RQ is issued from the vehicle 3 to the operator 2. The timing of issuing the monitoring request W_RQ may be after the remote support operation OPE is executed, may be before the remote support operation OPE is executed, or may be simultaneous with the remote support request RQ.

[0030] The monitoring request W_RQ includes monitoring contents for the operator 2. The monitoring contents are, for example, confirmation of the traveling safety of the vehicle 3 at a predetermined time after the execution of the remote support operation OPE. When monitoring the vehicle 3, if the operator 2 determines that there is a problem with the traveling safety of the vehicle 3, a further remote support operation OPE is performed. Therefore, the traveling safety of the vehicle 3 can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, while watching over the vehicle 3, the operator 2 can check whether the running behavior (e.g., acceleration) of the vehicle 3 is stable after the remote support operation OPE is performed. This allows the operator 2 to check whether the remote support operation OPE was appropriate, and is expected to improve the remote support skill of the operator 2.

[0032] Consider the time period of the monitoring state. The timing to start the monitoring state is, for example, when the operator 2 notifies the management device 10 that the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3 is completed. The timing to end the monitoring state is, for example, when the operator 2 completes the monitoring of the content requested by the vehicle 3. In other words, the time period of the monitoring state is determined based on the monitoring content requested by the vehicle 3.

[0033] The management device 10 manages information on the time elapsed since the standby state started (hereinafter referred to as standby elapsed time information) and information on the time elapsed since the monitoring state started (hereinafter referred to as monitoring elapsed time information). These pieces of information are included in the status information 31.

[0034] After the monitoring state ends, the operator 2 transmits a completion notification CN to the management device 10, as shown in FIG. 2, indicating that the remote support operation for the vehicle 3 has been completed.

[0035] 2-2. Example of search process for target operator 2-2-1. Overview FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a search process for a target operator according to an embodiment. The management device 10 performs a search process for a target operator based on status information 31. The status information 31 is classified into four cases as shown in FIG. 3(A). Case 1 is a state in which the remote support task of the vehicle 3 is not assigned, that is, an available state. Case 2 is a state in which the remote support task of the vehicle 3 is assigned and the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3 is being performed, that is, a remote support operation is being performed. Case 3 is a state in which the remote support task of the vehicle 3 is assigned and the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3 is not being performed, that is, a waiting state (a watching state). Case 4 is a state in which the remote support task of the vehicle 3 is assigned and the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3 is not being performed, that is, a waiting state (a standby state).

[0036] The management device 10 performs a search process for a target operator based on the status information 31. Specifically, the management device 10 assigns the operator 2 with the highest priority set based on the status information 31 as the target operator. The priority set based on the status information 31 is, as shown in Fig. 3(B), highest for case 1, followed by case 3 or case 4. If there is no operator 2 corresponding to case 1, the operator 2 corresponding to case 3 or case 4 is assigned as the target operator.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3(C), the status information 31 of the operator 2A is case 2, the status information 31 of the operator 2B is case 3, and the status information 31 of the operator 2C is case 4. In this case, either the operator 2B or the operator 2C is assigned as the target operator. The operator 2 whose status information 31 is case 3 (i.e., watching state) is referred to as the first operator, and the operator 2 whose status information 31 is case 4 (i.e., standby state) is referred to as the second operator. Both the first operator and the second operator are considered as candidates for the target operator. The process of searching for either the first operator or the second operator as the target operator will be described later in detail.

[0038] 2-2-2.Specific examples 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the search process for a target operator according to the embodiment. Three specific examples of the search process for a target operator are given below.

[0039] The first example is an example in which a first operator in a watching state is searched for as a target operator, as shown in Fig. 4(A). Specifically, when there are multiple first operators, the target operator is searched for from among the multiple first operators.

[0040] Here, consider a case where the first operator is searched for as the target operator. In this case, the first operator will stop watching over the corresponding vehicle 3. However, watching over the vehicle 3 will be performed after the remote support operation OPE is completed. Since the actual remote support has been completed, watching over the vehicle 3 may be stopped.

[0041] According to the first example, the management device 10 searches for a first operator who has been in a watching state for the longest time among a plurality of first operators based on the information on the elapsed watching time included in the status information 31. Then, the management device 10 assigns the searched first operator as a target operator. In the example shown in FIG. 4(A), the operator 2A is assigned as the target operator. Note that the time of the watching state used in searching for the target operator may be an actually measured time or a predicted time.

[0042] In addition, if the time of the watching state is less than the certain time, it may be assumed that the watching state is not being sufficient for the vehicle 3. Therefore, the management device 10 may search for a first operator who has been in the watching state for the longest time among the multiple first operators after the certain time has elapsed.

[0043] The second example is an example in which a second operator in a standby state is searched for as a target operator, as shown in Fig. 4(B). Specifically, when there are multiple second operators, the target operator is searched for from among the multiple second operators.

[0044] Here, consider a case where a second operator is searched for as a target operator. In this case, the remote support work of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the second operator is interrupted before the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3 is executed. However, if a predetermined time is required to execute the remote support operation OPE of the vehicle 3, for example, if the vehicle 3 is located a predetermined distance or more away from the location where remote support is required, the remote support work of the vehicle 3 may be temporarily interrupted. Specifically, the remote support work of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the second operator who has been in the vehicle 3 for a short time since the remote support work of the vehicle 3 was started may be interrupted.

[0045] According to the second example, the management device 10 searches for a second operator that has been in standby state for the shortest time among a plurality of second operators based on the standby elapsed time information included in the status information 31. Then, the management device 10 assigns the searched second operator as the target operator. In the example shown in FIG. 4(B), the operator 2B is assigned as the target operator. Note that the standby state time used in searching for the target operator may be an actually measured time or a predicted time.

[0046] The third example is an example in which a first operator in a watching state is searched for as a target operator, as shown in Fig. 4(C). Specifically, when there are multiple first operators, a first operator with a low watching priority among the multiple first operators is searched for as a target operator. The watching priority is calculated based on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3 corresponding to each of the multiple first operators.

[0047] The surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3 indicate, for example, the traffic volume on the road on which the vehicle 3 runs or on the surrounding roads. When the traffic volume on the road on which the vehicle 3 runs or on the surrounding roads is heavy, it is desirable to monitor for a certain period of time whether the traveling safety of the vehicle 3 is ensured after the remote assistance operation OPE is performed by the operator 2. In this case, the monitoring priority of the vehicle 3 may be set high. On the other hand, when the traffic volume on the road on which the vehicle 3 runs or on the surrounding roads is light, the traveling safety of the vehicle 3 is highly likely to be ensured, and therefore the monitoring priority of the vehicle 3 may be set low.

[0048] According to the third example, the management device 10 calculates a monitoring priority according to the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3 corresponding to each of the multiple first operators based on the information on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3 included in the vehicle information. Then, the management device 10 searches for the first operator with the lowest monitoring priority among the multiple first operators. Furthermore, the management device 10 assigns the first operator with the lowest monitoring priority as the target operator. In the example shown in FIG. 4(C), the operator 2C with the lowest monitoring priority is assigned as the target operator.

[0049] 3. Processing example 3-1. Sequence example Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of the remote support system 1 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 5(A) is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when a first operator in a watching state is assigned as a target operator. Fig. 5(B) is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when a second operator in a standby state is assigned as a target operator. Each processing example will be described in detail below.

[0050] 5(A) will be described in detail. When the management device 10 receives a remote support request RQ from another vehicle 3, it assigns a first operator, which is found among the multiple operators 2 based on at least one of the first and third examples described above, as a target operator. Then, the management device 10 issues an instruction INS to the target operator to interrupt the remote support operation (monitoring state) of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support operation of the other vehicle 3. When the operator 2 assigned as the target operator interrupts the remote support operation (monitoring state) of the vehicle 3 and starts the remote support operation of the other vehicle 3, the operator 2 then performs a remote support operation OPE of the other vehicle 3.

[0051] 5(B) will be described in detail. When the management device 10 receives a remote support request RQ from another vehicle 3, it assigns the second operator, which is found among the multiple operators 2 based on the second example described above, as the target operator. Then, the management device 10 issues an instruction INS to the target operator to interrupt the remote support operation (standby state) of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support operation of the other vehicle 3. When the operator 2 assigned as the target operator interrupts the remote support operation (standby state) of the vehicle 3 and starts the remote support operation of the other vehicle 3, the operator 2 then performs the remote support operation OPE of the other vehicle 3.

[0052] 3-2. Flowchart example FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the management device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0053] In step S100, the management device 10 determines whether or not a remote support request RQ has been received from another vehicle 3. If a remote support request RQ has been received from another vehicle 3 (step S100; Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. Otherwise (step S100; No), the process ends.

[0054] In step S110, the management device 10 determines whether or not all of the multiple operators 2 are assigned to the remote support task. If all of the multiple operators 2 are assigned to the remote support task (step S110; Yes), the process proceeds to step S120. Otherwise (step S110; No), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0055] In step S120, the management device 10 searches for an operator 2 in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation in the remote support task among the multiple operators 2. Then, the management device 10 assigns the searched operator 2 as a target operator. After that, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0056] In step S130, the management device 10 issues an instruction INS to the target operator to suspend the remote support task of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of another vehicle 3.

[0057] In step S140, the management device 10 assigns an available operator 2 who is not assigned a remote support task as a target operator.

[0058] 4.Effects According to the embodiment, when a remote support request RQ is received from another vehicle 3 in a state where all of the multiple operators 2 are assigned to a remote support task, a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation OPE in the remote support task is searched for among the multiple operators 2. Then, an instruction INS is issued to the target operator to interrupt the remote support task of the vehicle 3 corresponding to the target operator and perform the remote support task of the other vehicle 3. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the waiting operators 2, thereby improving the efficiency of remote support for the multiple vehicles 3. Furthermore, since remote support for the other vehicle 3 can be started quickly, it is possible to prevent traffic disruption for surrounding vehicles and improve the sense of security for the occupants of the other vehicle 3.

[0059] 5. Other embodiments 5-1. First Example Consider the remote support work for the vehicle 3 for which the remote support work has been interrupted. In this case, another operator 2 may perform the remote support work for the vehicle 3, or the operator 2 assigned to the vehicle 3 may perform the remote support work for the vehicle 3 again after the remote support work for another vehicle 3 is completed. According to another embodiment, a search is performed for a target operator to perform the remote support work for the vehicle 3 for which the remote support work has been interrupted. This allows the remote support work for the vehicle 3 for which the remote support work has been interrupted to be performed at an appropriate time. Therefore, the efficiency of remote support for multiple vehicles 3 can be improved.

[0060] 5-2. Second Example In other embodiments, the process of searching for a target operator further takes into consideration the proficiency of remote support. For example, if an operator 2 with low proficiency is assigned as a target operator to perform remote support work for another vehicle 3, confusion may occur when switching the remote support work. This may result in a failure to execute the remote support operation OPE for the other vehicle 3 at an appropriate time. For this reason, when there are multiple candidates for the target operator, an operator 2 with high proficiency may be preferentially assigned as the target operator.

[0061] According to another embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for the target operator, an operator 2 having a remote support proficiency level equal to or higher than a predetermined level is assigned as the target operator. This allows the remote support operation OPE for another vehicle 3 to be performed at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the efficiency of remote support for multiple vehicles 3 can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1... remote support system, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C... operator, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D... vehicle, 10... management device, 20... processor, 30... storage device, 31... status information, 32... management information, 40... communication device, RQ... remote support request, OPE... remote support operation, INS... instruction, W_RQ... monitoring request, CN... completion notification

Claims

1. A remote assistance system for remotely assisting a plurality of vehicles by a plurality of operators, comprising: a management device for assigning an operator to each of the plurality of vehicles; When the management device receives a remote support request from another vehicle in a state in which all of the multiple operators are assigned to a remote support task, searching for a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation in the remote support business among the plurality of operators; and issuing an instruction to the target operator to suspend a remote support task of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and perform a remote support task of the other vehicle. A remote support system comprising:

2. The remote assistance system according to claim 1, The waiting state includes at least one of a monitoring state from the completion of an operation of remote support of a vehicle by an operator to the completion of monitoring requested by the vehicle, and a standby state from the start of a remote support task of a vehicle by an operator to the execution of an operation of remote support of the vehicle, The management device, in the process of searching for the target operator, The system is configured to give priority to searching for a first operator who is in the watching state among the plurality of operators, or to give priority to searching for a second operator who is in the standby state among the plurality of operators. A remote support system comprising:

3. The remote assistance system according to claim 2, The management device, in the process of searching for the target operator, When the number of the first operators in the watching state is more than one, the system is configured to search for an operator who has been in the watching state for the longest time among the first operators, or when the number of the second operators in the standby state is more than one, the system is configured to search for an operator who has been in the watching state for the shortest time among the second operators. A remote support system comprising:

4. The remote assistance system according to claim 2, The management device, in the process of searching for the target operator, When the number of the first operators in the monitoring state is multiple, a monitoring priority is calculated according to a surrounding situation of the vehicle corresponding to each of the multiple first operators; The system is configured to search for an operator having the lowest monitoring priority among the plurality of first operators. A remote support system comprising:

5. A remote assistance method for remotely assisting a plurality of vehicles by a plurality of operators, comprising: When a remote support request is received from another vehicle in a state where all of the multiple operators are assigned to a remote support task, searching for a target operator in a waiting state who is not performing a remote support operation in the remote support task among the multiple operators; issuing an instruction to the target operator to suspend a remote support operation of the vehicle corresponding to the target operator and perform a remote support operation of the other vehicle; Includes A remote support method comprising:

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