Vehicle dispatch management device and vehicle dispatch management method

Abstract

To enable vehicle to continue traveling as much as possible even when a communication failure occurs.SOLUTION: The present invention is a vehicle dispatch management device comprising: a vehicle dispatch plan creation unit for creating a dispatch plan of a vehicle; a communication control unit for controlling communication with the vehicle traveling along a travel route based on the dispatch plan via a communication network; and a vehicle travel monitoring unit for monitoring and controlling the traveling of the vehicle on the basis of traveling management information acquired by the communication. When a communication failure occurs in the communication network, the communication control unit exercises control to enable communication with the vehicle via an alternative communication network. The vehicle travel monitoring unit determines an emergency travel route for enabling the vehicle to travel to the destination indicated by the dispatch plan in accordance with the traveling management information obtained from a monitoring facility installed on the road, and guides, while monitoring, the vehicle travelling along the emergency travel route in accordance with the traveling management information by means of communication via the alternative communication network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle allocation management device and a vehicle allocation management method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a vehicle allocation service that allocates vehicles to users using driverless vehicles has been put into practical use. In such a vehicle allocation service using driverless vehicles, the vehicle transports the user to the destination while communicating with the vehicle allocation management device via a predetermined communication network.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique in which an information processing device for managing reservations of a moving object and reservation conditions thereof allocates a second moving object different from the first moving object when the first moving object cannot fulfill the reservation after allocating the first moving object. In Patent Document 1, as a case where the first moving object cannot fulfill the reservation, accidents such as vehicle failures and accidents are shown.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 above arranges for a substitute vehicle when an accident such as a vehicle failure or incident occurs, but cannot handle the occurrence of an accident related to the communication environment such as the interruption of communication necessary for the autonomous driving of the vehicle.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can continue the travel of the vehicle to the destination as much as possible even when a communication failure occurs in the communication network normally used for the vehicle to travel.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The present invention for solving the above problems is configured to include the following invention identification matters or technical features.

[0008] According to one aspect, the present invention is a vehicle dispatching management device that manages vehicle dispatching in response to a user's vehicle dispatching request. The device includes a dispatching plan creation unit that creates a vehicle dispatching plan selected based on the vehicle dispatching request, a communication control unit that controls communication with the vehicle traveling along a traveling route based on the dispatching plan via a communication network, and a vehicle traveling monitoring unit that monitors and controls the traveling of the vehicle based on the traveling management information for the traveling of the vehicle obtained by the communication. The communication control unit includes a communication status evaluation unit that evaluates the communication status of the communication network. Further, when the communication status is evaluated as abnormal, the communication control unit controls to enable communication with the vehicle via an alternative communication network. When the communication status is evaluated as abnormal, the vehicle traveling monitoring unit extracts candidates for an emergency traveling route on which the vehicle can travel to the destination indicated by the dispatching plan according to the traveling management information obtained from monitoring facilities installed on the road, determines an emergency traveling route according to predetermined conditions from among the candidates for the emergency traveling route, and monitors and guides the vehicle to travel along the emergency traveling route according to the traveling management information obtained from the monitoring facilities by communication via the alternative communication network.

[0009] The present invention also exists as a vehicle dispatching management method by a vehicle dispatching management device that manages vehicle dispatching in response to a vehicle dispatching request, a computer program for executing the method, and a recording medium on which the program is non-temporarily recorded.

[0010] In the present disclosure, the term "system" refers to a logical aggregation of a plurality of devices (or functional modules that realize specific functions), and it does not matter whether each device or functional module is within a single housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, even when a communication failure occurs in a communication network that is normally used for a vehicle to travel, the vehicle can continue to travel to the destination as much as possible.

[0012] Other technical features, objects, effects, and advantages of the present invention will be clarified by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The effects described in this specification are merely illustrative and not limiting, and there may be other effects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly described below. The present invention can be implemented with various modifications (for example, combining each embodiment) without departing from the gist thereof. Also, in the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match actual dimensions, ratios, etc. There may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a vehicle allocation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the vehicle allocation management system 1 includes a vehicle allocation management device 10, a terminal device 20, and a vehicle V, which are communicably connected to each other via a communication network N. Also, the vehicle allocation management system 1 may be connected to a road traffic information management system 30 that provides various traffic information in real time via the communication network N.

[0016] The vehicle allocation management system 1 provides, for example, a vehicle allocation service or a transportation service (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle allocation service") using a plurality of vehicles V for a certain area. The vehicle allocation service may be either an "on-demand system" or a "reservation system". In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the vehicle V is a driverless vehicle capable of autonomous driving by an automatic driving system. In such an automatic driving system, the driving of the vehicle V is monitored by the vehicle allocation management device 10 of the monitoring center.

[0017] The communication network N includes, for example, the Internet, mobile communication networks, wireless LANs (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc. Typically, the vehicle dispatch management device 10 wirelessly communicates with the vehicle V using a mobile communication network. However, in the case where a failure such as communication interruption or delay occurs in the mobile communication network being used, it attempts to continue the vehicle dispatch service (autonomous driving of the vehicle V) by using an alternative communication network N (hereinafter referred to as "alternative communication network N'"). The alternative communication network N' is, for example, the mobile communication network of the terminal device 20 to which the vehicle V is connected by means of a tethering function. Thereby, even in the case where a failure occurs in the mobile communication network being used, the vehicle dispatch management device can immediately establish a connection with the alternative communication network N'. Alternatively, the alternative communication network N' can be the surrounding Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network to which the vehicle V can connect.

[0018] The vehicle dispatch management device 10 is a computing device that comprehensively manages the vehicle dispatch service by a plurality of vehicles V in the target area of the vehicle dispatch service. The target area may be divided into several sub-areas. The vehicle dispatch management device 10 realizes the vehicle dispatch service, for example, by implementing a vehicle dispatch management server program and executing the vehicle dispatch management server program under the control of a processor.

[0019] The vehicle dispatch management device 10 includes various databases 12 that store and manage the data necessary to realize such a vehicle dispatch service. The database 12 may include, for example, a user information database 12a, a road map information database 12b, a vehicle information database 12c, and a vehicle dispatch plan database 12d (see FIG. 2). The database 12 may be configured as part of the vehicle dispatch management device 10, or all or part of it may be configured separately from the vehicle dispatch management device 10.

[0020] Generally, when the communication status of the communication network N (e.g., a mobile communication network) normally used in the vehicle dispatching service is normal, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 receives a vehicle dispatching request from a user who wishes to dispatch a vehicle for moving to a destination, and based on the received vehicle dispatching request, refers to the vehicle information database 12c, extracts a vehicle V to be assigned to the user from among a plurality of vehicles V, creates a vehicle dispatching plan, and proposes the created vehicle dispatching plan to the user. The vehicle dispatching management device 10 determines the vehicle dispatching plan based on the user's acceptance of the proposed vehicle dispatching plan, and issues a vehicle dispatching instruction according to the determined vehicle dispatching plan to the vehicle V. On the other hand, when the communication status such as a failure of the communication network N is not normal, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 switches to an alternative communication network N', communicates with the vehicle V while monitoring with monitoring facilities installed on the road, and attempts to continue the vehicle V's travel to the destination. In addition, when the communication speed of the communication network N becomes extremely slow, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 may communicate with the vehicle V by using the current communication network N and the alternative communication network N together.

[0021] The vehicle dispatching plan includes a driving route determined from a place where the vehicle V waits (a waiting place serving as a starting point), via several points (boarding / alighting places) where the user boards and alights on the way, to a waiting place serving as an end point (which is not necessarily the same as the first waiting place). If the vehicle V is waiting, the vehicle dispatching plan is newly created based on the received vehicle dispatching request, and if the vehicle V is in operation, it can be updated based on the vehicle dispatching request. In the present disclosure, when switching to an alternative communication network N' due to a communication failure or the like of the communication network N, the current driving route is changed to an emergency driving route, and accordingly the vehicle dispatching plan is updated.

[0022] Vehicle V is a vehicle registered in vehicle information database 12c for user use. In the present disclosure, vehicle V is assumed to be a driverless vehicle capable of autonomous driving by an automatic driving system, regardless of the so-called level of automation. Vehicle V is configured to be communicable with dispatching management device 10 via communication network N for remote monitoring and control by dispatching management device 10. Further, vehicle V includes a control device CTL and a user interface UI that control vehicle V itself and / or various on-board devices according to a dispatching instruction from dispatching management device 10 (see FIG. 2). Although not shown, control device CTL includes a processor, a memory, etc., and realizes various functions by executing a control program. Further, control device CTL has a wireless communication function for connecting to communication network N. For example, control device CTL acquires driving management information including the position information of vehicle V by a GPS system and the environmental information around vehicle V by an imaging camera, a spatial measurement sensor, etc., and controls to transmit this to dispatching management device 10, receives a dispatching instruction from dispatching management device 10, and controls vehicle V itself and / or various on-board devices according to the dispatching instruction. Further, control device CTL may include, as a part thereof, an in-vehicle terminal device such as a tablet computer. In the present disclosure, vehicle V is controlled to switch to an alternative communication network N' and communicate with dispatching management device 10 when the communication status of the communication network N in use is not normal under the control of control device CTL.

[0023] The terminal device 20 is, for example, a computing device for a user who wishes to ride to operate its user interface to place a vehicle dispatch request. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook personal computer, etc., and is configured to be portable by the user and have a wireless communication function. The terminal device 20 implements, for example, a vehicle dispatch management client program (so-called vehicle dispatch app). The terminal device 20 enables the user to use the vehicle dispatch service of the vehicle dispatch management device 10 by executing the vehicle dispatch app under the control of the processor. For example, the user can place a vehicle dispatch request from a vehicle dispatch request screen (not shown) on the user interface of the terminal device 20 and make a reservation to ride in the vehicle V by accepting the vehicle dispatch plan created by the vehicle dispatch management device 10 in response thereto. Note that the terminal device 20 for placing the vehicle dispatch request and the terminal device 20 carried by the user when riding in the vehicle V may be the same or different. On the user interface of the terminal device 20, for example, a message indicating that a connection has been established with the vehicle dispatch management device 10 via an alternative communication network may be displayed. Thereby, the user can confirm that a connection has been established between the vehicle V and the vehicle dispatch management device 10 via the alternative communication network provided by the terminal device 20 and that communication is possible.

[0024] The road traffic information management system 30 is an information and communication system that provides road traffic information in real time. For example, the road traffic information management system 30 collects road traffic data from various monitoring facilities installed on roads, and also collects driving data from a control device CTL mounted on a vehicle V, and manages road traffic information obtained by integrally processing and editing these data. The monitoring facilities include, for example, but are not limited to, live cameras and vehicle sensors. The edited road traffic information may include, for example, information on traffic stops and detour routes, and the time required between points via a specific route. The road traffic information management system 30 appropriately provides road traffic information to the vehicle dispatching management device 10 and the vehicle V. In the present disclosure, the road traffic information management system 30 can provide, in addition to weather information, traffic information, and road regulation information, etc., live camera moving image information, sound information of a sound collection microphone, and sensor information of a vehicle sensor obtained from the monitoring facilities to the vehicle dispatching management device 10 as driving management information. As a result, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 can appropriately monitor and guide the vehicle V according to the driving management information.

[0025] In the vehicle allocation management system 1 as described above, during vehicle allocation service, the vehicle allocation management device 10 evaluates the communication status of the communication network N, and when it determines that the communication status is abnormal, searches for an alternative communication network N', and controls to establish a communication connection with the vehicle V via the alternative communication network N'. Further, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines a predetermined emergency driving route that enables the vehicle V to travel to the destination indicated by the vehicle allocation plan according to the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities installed on the road. Then, the vehicle allocation management device 10 guides the vehicle V to travel along the emergency driving route according to the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities through communication via the alternative communication network N'. Thereby, even when a failure occurs in the communication environment of the communication network N that the vehicle V normally uses and the vehicle V is forced to interrupt autonomous driving, the vehicle V can be guided by communication via the alternative communication network N'. Further, since the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines a predetermined emergency driving route that enables the vehicle V to travel to the destination indicated by the vehicle allocation plan according to the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities and guides the vehicle V along the predetermined emergency driving route, it becomes possible to transport the user to the destination while considering safety.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration model of a vehicle allocation management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the vehicle allocation management device 10 can be configured as a functional configuration model including functional configuration elements such as a front-end processing unit 110, a vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120, a vehicle driving monitoring unit 130, and a communication control unit 140, for example. Further, as described above, the vehicle allocation management device 10 includes various databases 12. Such a functional model is realized by the vehicle allocation management device 10 executing a vehicle allocation management server program under the control of a processor and thereby cooperating with various hardware resources. The functional configuration model shown here is an example, and all or part of the functions in a certain functional configuration element may be realized by other functional configuration elements. In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the user's terminal device 20 and the control device CTL in the vehicle V are also shown.

[0027] The user information database 12a stores information about users who use the vehicle dispatch service (hereinafter referred to as "user information"). The user information includes, for example, a user ID and password, personal attributes (such as gender and age), and information regarding service usage status. The user information is registered in the user information database 12a under the control of the vehicle dispatch management device 10 when the user inputs predetermined information, for example, at the first startup of the vehicle dispatch application.

[0028] The road map information database 12b stores road map information in the target area of the vehicle dispatch service. The road map information includes, for example, map data regarding addresses, place names, road networks (links and nodes), facilities, etc. Further, the road map information may include information necessary for searching for a driving route, such as road information, ground feature information, and environmental information. Also, the road map information includes information regarding monitoring facilities installed on the road (for example, facility ID, installation location, and type, etc.). The monitoring facilities are, for example, live cameras and various vehicle sensors, etc. The vehicle driving monitoring unit 130 determines a driving route that can guide the vehicle V to the destination while considering safety based on the information regarding the monitoring facilities.

[0029] The vehicle information database 12c stores information about the vehicle V provided for user use (vehicle information). The vehicle information includes, for example, vehicle ID, vehicle attributes (vehicle registration number, vehicle type, and maximum number of passengers / maximum load, automation level, etc.), vehicle characteristics, other specifications, current vehicle dispatch plan, current location, and current status (service status, remaining battery capacity (endurance distance), and passengers, etc.). The vehicle information acquired from the vehicle V via the communication control unit 140 can be updated at any time.

[0030] The vehicle dispatch plan database 12d stores the vehicle dispatch plan for each vehicle V created by the vehicle dispatch plan formulation unit 120 based on the vehicle dispatch request. As described above, the vehicle dispatch plan includes a driving route from the starting waiting location through several pick-up and drop-off locations (departure locations) to the ending waiting location and the estimated arrival times for each via location, etc.

[0031] The front-end processing unit 110 performs various processes with the user's terminal device 20. As an example, the front-end processing unit 110 refers to the user information database 12a in accordance with a login request from the vehicle allocation app on the user's terminal device 20 and performs login authentication processing. Also, the front-end processing unit 110 communicates with the terminal device 20 in order to respond to a vehicle allocation request from the vehicle allocation app on the user's terminal device 20. More specifically, the front-end processing unit 110 receives the vehicle allocation request, delivers it to the vehicle allocation request reception unit 121, and in response, transmits the vehicle allocation plan created by the vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120 to the terminal device 20 to display the vehicle allocation plan (candidate vehicles) on the user interface of the terminal device 20. The front-end processing unit 110 receives a notification of approval or rejection by the user transmitted from the terminal device 20 in response thereto and delivers it to the vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120.

[0032] Based on the vehicle allocation request delivered from the front-end processing unit 110, the vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120 extracts candidate vehicles V from among the vehicles V operable in the target area, determines the travel routes of the extracted vehicles V, and creates and / or updates the vehicle allocation plan. The vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120 proposes the created or updated vehicle allocation plan to the user via the front-end processing unit 110. When the vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120 receives approval from the user for the proposed vehicle allocation plan, it finalizes the approved vehicle allocation plan, stores the finalized vehicle allocation plan in the vehicle allocation plan database 12d, and issues a vehicle allocation instruction to the vehicle V of the vehicle allocation plan via the communication control unit 140. Also, when the vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120 is switched to communication via an alternative communication network N' due to a failure of the communication network N or the like and an emergency travel route is determined, it updates the vehicle allocation plan according to the emergency travel route.

[0033] The vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 remotely monitors and controls the vehicle V so that the vehicle V can travel appropriately according to the vehicle allocation plan. For example, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 acquires travel management information from the vehicle V and / or the road traffic information management system 30 via the communication control unit 140. The vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 monitors the travel of the vehicle V based on the acquired travel management information and performs guidance control as necessary. The vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 may present the travel status of the vehicle V to the operator and, if necessary, transmit a guidance instruction received from the operator to the vehicle V.

[0034] Also, when the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 communicates with the vehicle V via the alternative communication network N' according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility, it instructs the control device CTL of the vehicle V so that the upper limit value of the travel speed of the vehicle V is restricted. The travel management information includes, for example, at least any one of image information (moving image information and / or still image information), audio information, sensor information, weather information, traffic information, and road regulation information. By using such travel management information, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 can appropriately monitor and guide the vehicle V. In this case, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 may restrict the upper limit value of the travel speed of the vehicle V in consideration of the communication speed in the alternative communication network N'. Thereby, even when the communication speed of the alternative communication network N' is insufficient, by making the vehicle V travel at a low speed, it becomes possible to consider the safety of travel.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 may include a disaster-time travel route determination unit 132 that determines a disaster-time travel route that replaces the current travel route when it is evaluated that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal. The disaster-time travel route is a route along which the vehicle V can travel from the current position to the destination indicated by the vehicle allocation plan according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facilities installed on the road. In other words, the disaster-time travel route is a route passing through a road equipped with monitoring facilities. The disaster-time travel route may be the same as the original travel route. Also, if the disaster-time travel route is within a distance that allows the user to move on foot, it may be a route to near the destination.

[0036] When it is evaluated that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal, the emergency driving route determination unit 132 refers to the road map information database 12b or the like, extracts candidates for the emergency driving route, and determines one emergency driving route from among the extracted candidates for the emergency driving route according to a predetermined condition. For example, the emergency driving route determination unit 132 evaluates the degree of availability of monitoring facilities for each candidate for a provisional emergency driving route from the current location of the vehicle V to the destination, and extracts those with a degree of availability equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value as candidates for the emergency driving route. The degree of availability is evaluated based on, for example, the interval between monitoring facilities and the quality of the information obtained (such as the frame rate and resolution of moving image information). As a result, candidates for an emergency driving route with well-equipped monitoring facilities can be extracted. Alternatively, the emergency driving route determination unit 132 may calculate the required time and / or the fare to the destination for each candidate for the provisional emergency driving route, and extract candidates for the emergency driving route according to the calculated required time and / or the fare. As a result, the user can select an optimal emergency driving route according to the calculated required time and / or the fare.

[0037] When the emergency driving route is determined, the vehicle driving monitoring unit 130 notifies this to the vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120. The vehicle allocation plan formulation unit 120 updates the vehicle allocation plan based on the notified emergency driving route upon receiving this.

[0038] In addition, when the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 is unable to extract candidates for the emergency travel route to the destination, it may propose to the user to transfer to an alternative means of transportation passing through the destination or its vicinity. In this case, the emergency travel route determination unit 132 extracts the emergency travel route to the transfer point for the user to transfer to the alternative means of transportation. The vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 guides and monitors the vehicle V to the transfer point. As a result, even when the vehicle V cannot reach the destination, the user can transfer to an alternative means of transportation passing through the destination or its vicinity. Further, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 monitors, as much as possible, the state of the user who has alighted from the vehicle V transferring to the alternative means of transportation according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facilities. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm that the user has been able to transfer to the alternative means of transportation safely and correctly.

[0039] The alternative means of transportation can be, for example, public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis, etc. Alternatively, the alternative means of transportation may be a mobility assistance means such as a rental bike. Alternatively, the alternative means of transportation may be a vehicle in another car-sharing service using a different communication network N.

[0040] The vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 selects, for example, an alternative means of transportation passing through the user's destination or its vicinity, and extracts and determines the boarding location (for example, a bus stop or a station) of the selected alternative means of transportation as the transfer point. It is desirable that the transfer point is a place where the vehicle V can safely stop when the user boards and alights in the vicinity. Further, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 may select a transfer point that can catch the nearest departure time of the alternative means of transportation in consideration of the required time of the vehicle V. Also, the vehicle travel monitoring unit 130 may select the alternative means of transportation and the transfer point according to the arrival time at the destination or its vicinity by the alternative means of transportation. As a result, even when the monitoring facilities on the travel route are insufficient and the vehicle V cannot move to the destination, the user can move to a reachable transfer point by the vehicle V and then transfer to the alternative means of transportation there to move to the destination or its vicinity.

[0041] The communication control unit 140 exchanges various types of information with the vehicle V via the communication network N. For example, the communication control unit 140 receives driving management information from the vehicle V. Also, the communication control unit 140 may receive driving management information from the road traffic information management system 30. The driving management information includes, for example, position information by the GPS receiver of the vehicle V, environmental information by an imaging camera and a spatial measurement sensor, etc., as well as various types of information from the monitoring facilities of the road traffic information management system 30. Further, the communication control unit 140 transmits a driving instruction to the vehicle V according to the determined vehicle allocation plan.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the communication control unit 140 includes a communication status evaluation unit 142 that evaluates the communication status of the communication network N. In this example, the communication status evaluation unit 142 is configured as a part of the communication control unit 140, but is not limited thereto and may be separately configured. The communication status evaluation unit 142 evaluates, for example, the communication status of the communication network N and determines whether the communication status of the communication network N is normal. For example, when a communication failure such as the communication network N not being connected or being difficult to connect occurs, the communication status evaluation unit 142 determines that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal. When the communication status evaluation unit 142 determines that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal, the communication control unit 140 controls to enable communication with the vehicle V via an alternative communication network N'. For example, when the communication control unit 140 determines that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal, it requests the user's terminal device 20 to provide an alternative communication network N'. In response, the terminal device 20 provides the alternative communication network N' to the vehicle V. The user enables, for example, the tethering function of the terminal device 20 and causes the terminal device 20 to function as a wireless repeater (access point) for the control device CTL of the vehicle V, thereby providing an alternative communication network N' (for example, a mobile communication network) used by the terminal device 20. Alternatively, instead of the tethering function of the terminal device 20, the communication control unit 140 may capture communication radio waves from surrounding access points that keep the driving route of the vehicle V within the communication range and use it as the alternative network N. Thereby, the communication control unit 140 can communicate with the vehicle V via the alternative communication network N'. Note that, for example, a message indicating that a connection has been established with the vehicle dispatch management device 10 via the alternative communication network may be displayed on the user interface of the terminal device 20. Thereby, the user can confirm that a connection has been established between the vehicle V and the vehicle dispatch management device 10 via the alternative communication network provided by the terminal device 20 and that communication is possible.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an emergency driving route in a vehicle allocation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, while the vehicle V is on the way to the destination D along the driving route R (shown by a broken line), a communication failure occurs in the communication network N, and the vehicle V is shown to have temporarily stopped at a safe place such as a road shoulder. Also, in the figure, the black circles indicate monitoring facilities (such as live cameras and vehicle sensors) installed on the road.

[0044] When a communication failure occurs in the communication network N, the vehicle V attempts to establish a connection with the vehicle allocation management device 10 via an alternative communication network N'. When the connection with the vehicle V is established via the alternative communication network N', the vehicle allocation management device 10 extracts an emergency driving route on which the vehicle V can travel to the destination D based on the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities installed on the road. In the example shown in FIG. (a), in the initial driving route R, since the monitoring facilities on the way are insufficient, the vehicle allocation management device 10 extracts an emergency driving route R_E on which the vehicle V can be monitored and guided to the destination.

[0045] On the other hand, FIG. (b) shows an example where the monitoring facilities up to the destination D are not sufficiently prepared. In this case, the vehicle allocation management device 10 extracts an emergency driving route R_E to the transfer point T where alternative means of transportation passing through the destination D can be boarded. In this example, the vehicle V moves to the transfer point T or a place where parking is possible in the vicinity thereof, and after the user gets off there, the user transfers to an alternative means of transportation and moves to the destination.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of vehicle allocation management processing by a vehicle allocation management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the flow of processing for allocating (dispatching) the vehicle V in response to a vehicle allocation request from a user in the target area of the vehicle allocation service. Here, it is assumed that the communication status of the communication network N is normal. Such processing is realized by the vehicle allocation management device executing a vehicle allocation management server program under the control of a processor in cooperation with various hardware resources.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the vehicle allocation management device 10 waits until there is a new vehicle allocation request from the user (S401). On the other hand, for example, a user who wishes to board operates a vehicle allocation application on the user interface of the terminal device 20 to input a vehicle allocation request. When there is a vehicle allocation request from the user (Yes in S401), the vehicle allocation management device 10 refers to the road map information database 12b based on the vehicle allocation request and determines the departure location and destination (boarding and alighting locations) of the user (S402).

[0048] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 refers to the road map information database 12b based on the determined boarding and alighting locations and extracts one or more driving route candidates (S403). Each driving route candidate has the same boarding and alighting locations, but the intermediate roads (links and nodes) are different. For example, an average estimated required time, driving distance, etc. may be associated with each driving route candidate.

[0049] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 extracts one or more vehicles V as candidate vehicles according to the boarding and alighting locations and the driving route candidates (S404). For example, the vehicle allocation management device 10 extracts the vehicle V that is waiting in the vicinity of the boarding location or is in motion according to the current location based on the acquired position information of each vehicle V.

[0050] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines the optimal one from the driving route candidates as the driving route based on, for example, the average estimated required time and driving distance, etc. (S405). Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 creates or updates a vehicle allocation plan based on the determined driving route (S406). That is, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines the vehicle V to be assigned to the determined recommended driving route from among the candidates of the vehicle V.

[0051] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 proposes the content of the created / updated vehicle allocation plan to the user (S407). That is, the vehicle allocation management device 10 transmits the content of the created / updated vehicle allocation plan to the terminal device 20, and in response, the terminal device 20 displays the content on the user interface to prompt the user to approve or reject the proposed vehicle allocation plan.

[0052] The vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether it has received acceptance from the user for the proposed vehicle allocation plan (S408). When the vehicle allocation management device 10 has received acceptance from the user for the proposed vehicle allocation plan (Yes in S408), the vehicle allocation management device 10 finalizes the proposed vehicle allocation plan (S409). Further, the vehicle allocation management device 10 stores the finalized vehicle allocation plan in the vehicle allocation plan database 12d. Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 transmits a confirmation notice of the vehicle reservation to the terminal device 20 and transmits a vehicle allocation instruction based on the vehicle allocation plan to the vehicle V (S410).

[0053] On the other hand, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 has received non-acceptance (rejection) from the user for the proposed vehicle allocation plan (No in S408), it cancels the current vehicle allocation plan based on the vehicle allocation request of the user (S411). In this case, the vehicle allocation management device 10 returns the temporarily reserved vehicle allocation plan used for recreating the vehicle allocation plan to the originally reserved vehicle allocation plan. If the user desires another vehicle allocation service, a new vehicle allocation request will be made.

[0054] In this way, a user who wishes to ride to the destination can request a vehicle allocation using the vehicle allocation app on the terminal device 20, whereby a vehicle V is assigned and the user can board the vehicle V at the designated boarding location. In the present disclosure, when a communication failure or the like occurs in the communication network N during the travel of the vehicle V carrying the user, the vehicle allocation management device 10 guides the vehicle V to travel along the emergency travel route according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility by communication via an alternative communication network N'.

[0055] Figs. 5A to 5C are flowcharts showing an example of emergency response processing by a vehicle allocation management device when the communication status of the communication network is abnormal in a vehicle allocation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 monitors whether the communication status N of the communication network N that is normally used is normal (S501). When the vehicle dispatching management device 10 determines that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal (No in S501), in order to prioritize safety, it instructs all vehicles V under the vehicle dispatching service in the area to temporarily stop running (S502). In response to this, the running vehicle V stops at a safe location such as the road shoulder or a nearby parking space.

[0057] Subsequently, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 attempts to establish a connection with the vehicle V via an alternative communication network N' (S503). Subsequently, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 determines whether it has been able to establish a connection with the vehicle V via the alternative communication network N' (S504). For example, the user riding in the vehicle V provides the tethering function of the terminal device 20 according to the guidance displayed on the in-vehicle user interface UI, and connects the control device CTL (not shown) of the vehicle V and the vehicle dispatching management device 10 via the mobile communication network of the terminal device 20. Alternatively, the vehicle-side communication control unit of the vehicle V may capture the communication radio waves from the free Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access points around the vehicle V and connect to the vehicle dispatching management device 10. Alternatively, when the communication speed of the communication network N is extremely slow, the vehicle dispatching management device 10 may maintain the current connection of the communication network N as it is and use the connection via the alternative communication network N in combination.

[0058] When the vehicle dispatching management device 10 determines that it has not been able to establish a connection with the vehicle V via the alternative communication network N' (No in S504), it stops the vehicle dispatching service (S505). In this case, the administrator of the vehicle dispatching system 1, etc. instructs, for example, a maintenance vehicle to be dispatched to the location where the vehicle V is stopped.

[0059] On the other hand, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that it has been able to establish a connection with the vehicle V via an alternative communication network N' (Yes in S504), subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 attempts to extract candidates for the emergency driving route from the road conditions where the monitoring facilities are installed (S506). The vehicle allocation management device 10 evaluates the adequacy of the monitoring facilities for each candidate of the provisional emergency driving route from the current location of the vehicle V to the destination, and extracts those with an adequacy level equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value as candidates for the emergency driving route. The adequacy level is evaluated based on, for example, the interval between the monitoring facilities and the quality of the information obtained (such as the frame rate and resolution of the moving image information). Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether it has been able to extract candidates for the emergency driving route to the destination (S507).

[0060] When the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that it has been able to extract candidates for the emergency driving route to the destination (Yes in S507), the vehicle allocation management device 10 proposes the extracted candidates for the emergency driving route to the user (S508). That is, the vehicle allocation management device 10 transmits the extracted candidates for the emergency driving route to the terminal device 20, and in response, the terminal device 20 displays the content on the user interface and prompts the user to select and approve or reject the extracted candidates for the emergency driving route. Alternatively, the vehicle allocation management device 10 may display the extracted candidates for the emergency driving route on the user interface UI of the vehicle V. This enables the user to select candidates for the emergency driving route.

[0061] In response to the user's selection / approval of the proposed candidates for the emergency driving route, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines the emergency driving route (S509). As a result, an emergency driving route corresponding to the user's selection is determined. Although not shown in the figure, when the user does not select / approve any of the proposed candidates for the emergency driving route, the vehicle allocation management device 10 may propose alternative means of transportation to the user as described later.

[0062] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether a sufficient communication speed can be ensured by an alternative communication network N' (S510 in FIG. 5B). The sufficient communication speed is a bit rate at which large-capacity data such as moving image information can be communicated without stress. In this case, when an alternative communication network N' is used in addition to the communication network N, the total value of these communication speeds may be referred to.

[0063] When the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that a sufficient communication speed cannot be ensured by the alternative communication network N' (No in S510), the vehicle allocation management device 10 sets the upper limit value of the traveling speed of the vehicle V to a low speed according to the current communication speed (S511). For example, the vehicle allocation management device 10 sets the upper limit value to a value 10% lower than the legal speed. Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 instructs the vehicle V to resume traveling according to the upper limit value of the traveling speed (S512).

[0064] Then, the vehicle allocation management device 10 guides the vehicle V to the destination while monitoring the vehicle V according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facilities installed on the road (S513).

[0065] On the other hand, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that it cannot extract candidates for the emergency travel route to the destination (No in S507), the vehicle allocation management device 10 proposes to the user riding in the vehicle V to move by alternative means of transportation (FIG. 5C).

[0066] That is, as shown in FIG. C, the vehicle allocation management device 10 selects a transfer point for transferring to an alternative means of transportation (S514). For example, the vehicle allocation management device 10 selects an alternative means of transportation that passes through the user's destination or its vicinity, and extracts the boarding location (for example, a bus stop or a station) of the selected alternative means of transportation as the transfer point. The transfer point may be selected from among a plurality of candidates. Also, the vehicle allocation management device 10 may select the alternative means of transportation and the transfer point according to the arrival time at the destination or its vicinity by the alternative means of transportation.

[0067] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 attempts to extract an emergency driving route from the current position of the vehicle V to the transfer point based on the road conditions where the monitoring facilities are installed (S515). The vehicle allocation management device 10 evaluates the degree of adequacy of the monitoring facilities for each candidate of the provisional emergency driving route from the current location of the vehicle V to the destination, and extracts those with a degree of adequacy equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value as candidates for the emergency driving route. The degree of adequacy is evaluated based on, for example, the interval between monitoring facilities and the quality of the information obtained (e.g., the frame rate and resolution of moving image information, etc.).

[0068] Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 proposes the extracted candidates for the emergency driving route to the user (S516). In this case, the vehicle allocation management device 10 may calculate the required time and / or the fare for each alternative means of transportation, and present them to the user together with the calculated required time and / or fare. Although not shown in the figure, if it is not possible to extract candidates for the emergency driving route to the transfer point, the vehicle allocation management device 10 selects another transfer point and similarly attempts to extract the emergency driving route. Also, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that there is no appropriate transfer point, it stops the vehicle allocation service. In this case, the administrator of the vehicle allocation management system 1, etc. gives an instruction to dispatch, for example, a maintenance vehicle to the location where the vehicle V is stopped.

[0069] Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines the emergency driving route to the transfer point in response to the user's selection / approval of the proposed candidates for the emergency driving route (S517).

[0070] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether a sufficient communication speed can be ensured by the alternative communication network N' (S518). The sufficient communication speed is a bit rate at which large-capacity data such as moving image information can be communicated without stress. When the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that a sufficient communication speed cannot be ensured by the alternative communication network N' (No in S518), the vehicle allocation management device 10 sets the upper limit value of the traveling speed of the vehicle V to a low speed according to the current communication speed (S519). For example, the vehicle allocation management device 10 sets the upper limit value to a value 10% lower than the legal speed. Subsequently, the vehicle allocation management device 10 instructs the vehicle V to resume traveling according to the upper limit value of the traveling speed (S520).

[0071] The vehicle allocation management device 10 monitors the vehicle V according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facilities installed on the road, and guides the vehicle V to the transfer point while monitoring (S521). Then, when the vehicle V arrives at the transfer point, the vehicle allocation management device 10 monitors the state of the alighting user boarding the alternative means of transportation (S522). Note that it is desirable for the vehicle allocation management device 10 to monitor until the user boards the alternative means of transportation, but it is sufficient to monitor the boarding state as much as possible according to the installation status of the monitoring facilities.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the emergency response process by the vehicle allocation management device when the communication status of the communication network is not normal in the vehicle allocation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The example shown in this figure is different from that shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C in that when it is possible to reach the destination along the current travel route according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facilities when switching from the communication network N to the alternative communication network N', the travel of the vehicle V is continued without determining an emergency travel route. Hereinafter, the same processing steps as those shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C will be omitted as appropriate for explanation.

[0073] As described above, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that the communication status of the communication network N is not normal, it establishes a connection with the vehicle V by the alternative communication network N' (S601 to S604).

[0074] Next, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines whether the vehicle V can reach the destination while remaining on the current driving route (S606). That is, the vehicle allocation management device 10 evaluates the adequacy of the monitoring facilities on the current driving route and determines whether the adequacy is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. When the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that the vehicle V can reach the destination while remaining on the current driving route (Yes in S606), as described above, the vehicle allocation management device 10 sets the upper limit value of the driving speed of the vehicle V according to the communication speed of the alternative communication network N', instructs the vehicle V to resume driving, and monitors and guides the vehicle V (S607 to S610).

[0075] On the other hand, when the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines that the vehicle V cannot reach the destination while remaining on the current driving route (No in S606), the vehicle allocation management device 10 performs the processing of determining the emergency driving route as described above (S611). Note that since the processing of determining the emergency driving route corresponds to the processing steps S506 to S522 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the description thereof is omitted.

[0076] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a failure occurs in the communication environment of the communication network N normally used by the vehicle V and the vehicle V is forced to interrupt autonomous driving, the vehicle V can be guided by communication via the alternative communication network N'. In particular, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle allocation management device 10 determines a predetermined emergency driving route that can travel to the destination indicated by the vehicle allocation plan according to the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities, and guides the vehicle V along the predetermined emergency driving route. Therefore, it becomes possible to transport the user to the destination while taking safety into consideration.

[0077] Each of the above embodiments is an exemplification for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited only to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

[0078] For example, in the method disclosed in this specification, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in a different order as long as the results do not conflict. The described steps, operations, and functions are provided as mere examples, and some of the steps, operations, and functions may be omitted, combined with each other to form one, or other steps, operations, or functions may be added without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0079] In addition, although various embodiments are disclosed in this specification, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to other embodiments while appropriately improving them, or replaced with specific features in other embodiments, and such forms are also included in the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 1…Vehicle Allocation Management System 10…Vehicle Allocation Management Device 110…Front-End Processing Unit 120…Vehicle Allocation Plan Formulation Unit 130…Vehicle Travel Monitoring Unit 132…Emergency Travel Route Determination Unit 140…Communication Control Unit 142…Communication Status Evaluation Unit 12…Database 12a…User Information Database 12b…Road Map Information Database 12c…Vehicle Information Database 12d…Vehicle Allocation Plan Database 20…Terminal Device 30…Road Traffic Information Management System N, N’…Communication Network V…Vehicle CTL…Control Device UI…In-Vehicle User Interface

Claims

1. A vehicle dispatching management device that manages vehicle dispatching in response to a user's vehicle dispatching request, a vehicle dispatching plan creation unit that creates a vehicle dispatching plan for a vehicle selected based on the vehicle dispatching request, a communication control unit that controls communication with the vehicle traveling along a driving route based on the vehicle dispatching plan via a communication network, a vehicle driving monitoring unit that monitors and controls the driving of the vehicle based on driving management information for the driving of the vehicle obtained by the communication, and is provided with: the communication control unit includes a communication status evaluation unit that evaluates the communication status of the communication network, when the communication control unit evaluates that the communication status is not normal, it controls to enable communication with the vehicle via an alternative communication network, the vehicle driving monitoring unit, when it is evaluated that the communication status is not normal, extracts candidates for an emergency driving route on which the vehicle can travel to the destination indicated by the vehicle dispatching plan according to the driving management information obtained from monitoring facilities installed on the road, determines an emergency driving route from among the candidates for the emergency driving route according to a predetermined condition, monitors and guides the vehicle so that the vehicle travels along the emergency driving route according to the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities by communication via the alternative communication network, Vehicle dispatching management device.

2. The vehicle driving monitoring unit evaluates the adequacy of the monitoring facilities for each candidate for the emergency driving route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination, and extracts candidates for the emergency driving route according to the adequacy. The vehicle dispatching management device according to Claim 1.

3. The vehicle driving monitoring unit calculates the required time and / or the fare to the destination for each candidate for the emergency driving route, and extracts candidates for the emergency driving route according to the required time and / or the fare. The vehicle dispatching management device according to Claim 2.

4. The vehicle driving monitoring unit controls to transmit information regarding the candidates for the emergency driving route to the terminal device so that the candidates for the emergency driving route are displayed on the terminal device of the user riding in the vehicle. The vehicle dispatching management device according to Claim 1.

5. The vehicle driving monitoring unit determines the emergency driving route according to an operation of the user with respect to the candidates for the emergency driving route displayed on the terminal device. The vehicle dispatching management device according to Claim 4.

6. When the vehicle travel monitoring unit guides the vehicle according to the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility, it controls to limit the upper limit value of the travel speed of the vehicle. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 1.

7. The travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility includes at least any one of image information, audio information, sensor information, weather information, traffic information, and road regulation information. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 1.

8. The vehicle travel monitoring unit When it is not possible to extract candidates for the emergency travel route to the destination, it determines at least one transfer point for the user to transfer to an alternative means of transportation. Determines an emergency travel route from the current position of the vehicle to the transfer point using the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility. Guides the vehicle to travel along the emergency travel route to the transfer point using the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility through communication via the alternative communication network. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 1.

9. The vehicle travel monitoring unit determines, as the transfer point, a point where the vehicle can stop for the user to transfer to an alternative means of transportation that can transport the user to the destination or its vicinity. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 8.

10. When the vehicle arrives at the transfer point, the vehicle travel monitoring unit monitors the state of the user getting off the vehicle and transferring to the alternative means using the travel management information obtained from the monitoring facility. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 8.

11. The communication control unit communicates with the vehicle via an alternative communication network provided by the terminal device of the user riding in the vehicle. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 1.

12. The communication control unit connects to the alternative wireless communication network provided by an access point that includes the travel route on which the vehicle travels within the communication range, and communicates with the vehicle-side communication control unit of the vehicle. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 1.

13. The communication control unit controls so that a message indicating the establishment of the connection with the alternative communication network is displayed on the user interface associated with the vehicle. The vehicle allocation management device according to claim 1.

14. A vehicle allocation management method by a vehicle allocation management device that manages vehicle allocation in response to a user's vehicle allocation request. Creating a vehicle allocation plan for the vehicle selected based on the above allocation requirements; Controlling communication with the vehicle traveling along the driving route based on the above allocation plan via a communication network; Monitoring and controlling the driving of the vehicle based on the driving management information for the driving of the vehicle obtained by the above communication, including: The communication control unit includes a communication status evaluation unit that evaluates the communication status of the communication network; When the communication status is evaluated as abnormal, the communication control unit controls to enable communication with the vehicle via an alternative communication network; Monitoring and controlling the driving of the vehicle includes: When the communication status is evaluated as abnormal, extracting candidates for an emergency driving route on which the vehicle can travel to the destination indicated by the allocation plan according to the driving management information obtained from monitoring facilities installed on the road; Determining an emergency driving route from among the candidates for the emergency driving route according to a predetermined condition; Monitoring and guiding the vehicle so that the vehicle travels along the emergency driving route according to the driving management information obtained from the monitoring facilities by communication via the alternative communication network; A vehicle allocation management method.

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