Vehicle management device, vehicle management system, and vehicle management method

Abstract

To provide a vehicle management device that can perform an operation management of vehicle more accurately.SOLUTION: A vehicle management device 100 comprises: a management information acquisition unit 111 for acquiring management information including information related to an operation schedule of a vehicle; and a vehicle information acquisition unit 112 for acquiring pieces of information about the vehicle including at least the current positional information of the vehicle and the operational state of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle management device 100 comprises a return time determination unit 113 for determining the possible degree of return that indicates a degree of whether or not the vehicle can return to the service office by the return time, on the basis of the return time corresponding to the operation schedule of the vehicle included in the management information and the positional information of the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the vehicle management device 100 comprises: a notification possibility determination unit 114 for determining whether or not to notify the vehicle based on the operational state; and a notification processing unit 115 for notifying an on-vehicle device of the vehicle about the return corresponding to the possible degree of the return, when the notification is determined to be possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle management device, a vehicle management system, and a vehicle management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, operators of commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks, and buses are required to manage the labor of crew members such as drivers who ride in each vehicle, and techniques for managing crew overtime have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an on-board device and a driving time calculation method related to taxi operation management. The on-board device and driving time calculation method disclosed in Patent Document 1 manages driver overtime by acquiring information for predicting driving distance and excessive working hours, and determining whether to continue driving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-96007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the on-board device and driving time calculation method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the current driving distance or driving time and the predicted driving distance or predicted driving time are subtracted from a predetermined maximum driving distance or maximum driving time to calculate the remaining distance or remaining time, and a decision is made as to whether or not to continue driving. However, in actual driving operations, the remaining distance and remaining time vary depending on the vehicle's operating status and road congestion, and the processing required to decide whether or not to continue driving becomes complicated. In other words, there is a demand for a system or the like that can perform driving management more accurately according to vehicle and road conditions.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle management device that can more accurately manage vehicle operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle management device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a management information acquisition unit that acquires management information including information regarding the vehicle's scheduled operating time; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information including at least the vehicle's current location information and the vehicle's operating status; a return time determination unit that determines the return feasibility indicating the degree to which the vehicle can return to the office by the return time based on the return time corresponding to the vehicle's scheduled operating time included in the management information and the location information; a notification feasibility determination unit that determines whether notification can be sent to the vehicle based on the operating status; and a notification processing unit that, if the notification feasibility determination unit determines that notification is possible, issues a return notification to the vehicle's onboard unit according to the return feasibility.

[0007] A vehicle management system according to another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle management system comprising an onboard device mounted on a vehicle and a vehicle management device that manages the operation of the vehicle, wherein the onboard device acquires the vehicle's location information and operating status and transmits the acquired location information and operating status to the vehicle management device, and the vehicle management device comprises a management information acquisition unit that acquires management information including information regarding the vehicle's scheduled operating time, a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information that is information regarding the vehicle and includes at least the vehicle's current location information and the vehicle's operating status, a return time determination unit that determines the return feasibility indicating the degree to which the vehicle can return to the office by the return time based on the return time corresponding to the vehicle's scheduled operating time included in the management information and the vehicle's location information, a notification feasibility determination unit that determines whether notification can be sent to the vehicle based on the operating status, and a notification processing unit that, if the notification feasibility determination unit determines that notification is possible, issues a return notification to the vehicle's onboard device of the vehicle according to the return feasibility degree.

[0008] A vehicle management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle management method executed by a computer, which acquires management information including information regarding the vehicle's scheduled operation time, acquires vehicle information including at least the vehicle's current location information and the vehicle's operation status, determines a return feasibility indicating the degree to which the vehicle can return to the office by the return time based on the return time corresponding to the vehicle's scheduled operation time included in the management information and the location information, determines whether notification can be sent to the vehicle based on the operation status, and if it is determined that notification is possible, sends a return notification to the vehicle's onboard unit according to the return feasibility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle management device that can perform vehicle operation management with higher accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a return notice to a vehicle. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a return notice displayed on a display device of a vehicle. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a return notice displayed on a display device of a vehicle. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the setting of a return notification in the management terminal. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a return notice in the management terminal. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the time and area required for returning to the warehouse in the vehicle management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the time and area required for returning to the warehouse in the vehicle management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle device in a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the working patterns of crew members who board a vehicle. [Figure 9B] 3 is a diagram for explaining management information applied in the vehicle management device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining vehicle information applied in the vehicle management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of the vehicle management device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The vehicle management device 100 and vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings have been exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0012] (Configuration of vehicle management system 10) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment includes an on-board device 200 mounted on a vehicle 20, and a vehicle management device 100 capable of communicating with the on-board device 200 via a network 40. The vehicle management system 10 may also include a management terminal 30 that can be operated by an administrator.

[0013] The vehicle management device 100 is a device that manages the operation of commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks, and buses. Specifically, the vehicle management device 100 is a device that determines the return time of a commercial vehicle 20 and manages the vehicle 20 so that the vehicle 20 can return to the sales office (office) by the specified return time. In this specification, an example in which the vehicle 20 is a taxi will be described.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a conventional garage return notification for taxis. In Fig. 2, the conventional vehicles are denoted by the reference numerals 21a to 21d to distinguish them from the vehicle 20 applied to the vehicle management system 10 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the vehicles 21a to 21d, the conventional vehicles will simply be referred to as "vehicle 21."

[0015] The return notification to vehicles 21a to 21d is sent when the taxi's operation status is "empty." In the example shown in FIG. 2, for example, if the taxi needs to return to the depot by 15:30, it is estimated that vehicle 21b will take 60 minutes to reach the office, so the notification is sent to vehicle 21b at 14:30, 60 minutes before the return time of 15:30. Furthermore, since vehicle 21c is located 15 minutes from the office, the return notification is sent to vehicle 21c at 15:15, 15 minutes before. Furthermore, since vehicle 21d is located 45 minutes from the office, the return notification is sent to vehicle 21d at 14:45, 45 minutes before. Note that vehicle 21a's operation status is "out of service," and it is assumed that the vehicle is on its way back to the depot, so no particular notification is sent to vehicle 21a. In this way, in the conventional example, the return notification is sent based on the time it takes to reach the office.

[0016] Fig. 3A is a diagram for explaining an example of a return notification. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a return notification when the return notification is sent again. When a return notification such as that shown in Figs. 3A and 3B is sent to the vehicle 21, a crew member such as a driver confirms the notification and drives the vehicle back to the office.

[0017] 4A is a diagram showing an example of notification settings from the management terminal regarding a return notification. Also, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a screen display on the management terminal when the return notification setting is actually made. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a return notification is sent from the management terminal to vehicle 21, and FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 3B are displayed on a display device or the like on vehicle 21, and the driver or other crew member confirms the notification and drives the vehicle back to the office.

[0018] However, even if the vehicle 21 is within a distance that allows it to return to the office within a predetermined time, there may be cases where it is not possible for the vehicle 21 to return to the office due to the notified operation status and road conditions of the vehicle 21. The vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment realizes a device that can perform operation management with higher accuracy based on the operation status and road conditions of the vehicle 20.

[0019] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the time until returning to the depot and the area in the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment. The vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment determines the degree of feasibility of returning to the sales office (office) based on the time until returning to the depot and the position of the vehicle 20 at that time, and issues a return notification according to that degree. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this degree of feasibility of returning is indicated by Area A, Area B, and Area C. Area A indicates a location where there is ample time before returning to the depot, and Area B indicates a location where there is not much time before returning to the depot. Furthermore, Area C indicates a location where there is a tight time until returning to the depot.

[0020] In addition, in Figure 5B, the time until returning to the depot is shorter than in Figure 5A, so the area of ​​the level indicating the degree of return feasibility is narrower than in Figure 5A. Note that in Figures 5A and 5B, for the sake of explanation, each level is shown as a concentric circle centered on the office, but the actual area of ​​each level will have a shape that corresponds to the position of the road.

[0021] Next, the vehicle management apparatus 100 and the vehicle-mounted device 200 included in the vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0022] (Configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200) Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 in the vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the vehicle-mounted device 200 includes a CPU 210. The vehicle-mounted device 200 also includes a speed signal IF 231, an engine signal IF 232, a GPS (Global Positioning System) IF 233, an external input IF 234, and a sensor signal IF 235. The vehicle-mounted device 200 also includes a wide-area communication module 241, a non-volatile memory 242, a volatile memory 243, an SD card 244, a SW input unit 245, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 246.

[0023] The CPU 210 executes pre-installed programs to realize various functions required for the vehicle-mounted device 200. The main operations of the CPU 210 will be described later.

[0024] The speed signal IF 231 converts a predetermined vehicle speed signal output from the vehicle side into a signal suitable for input processing by the CPU 210. The CPU 210 can grasp the traveling speed and traveling distance of the vehicle 20 by monitoring the number of pulses and the signal period of the vehicle speed signal.

[0025] The engine signal IF 232 converts a predetermined engine rotation signal output from the vehicle side into a signal suitable for input processing by the CPU 210. The CPU 210 can grasp the engine rotation speed (rpm) by monitoring the number of pulses and the signal period of the engine rotation signal.

[0026] The GPSIF 233 is used to input signals from a GPS receiver (not shown) to the CPU 210. The GPS receiver receives radio waves from multiple GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and can calculate the current position of the vehicle 20, which is the reception point. The CPU 210 can acquire information about the current position from the GPS receiver via the GPSIF 233.

[0027] The external input IF 234 converts a predetermined external signal into a signal suitable for input processing by the CPU 210. For example, a signal indicating the position of a gear stage is input as the predetermined external signal. A signal indicating the magnitude of acceleration applied to the vehicle 20 can also be input to the external input IF 234 as the external signal. For example, the predetermined external signal may be a signal from a camera mounted inside the vehicle.

[0028] The sensor signal IF 235 is used to input to the CPU 210 information acquired by sensors provided on the vehicle 20, such as an angular velocity sensor, a weight sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0029] The wide-area communication module 241 has a function of establishing a wireless communication line with, for example, a wireless base station (not shown) provided by a mobile communication carrier, etc., and enabling wide-area wireless communication. The wide-area communication module 241 can communicate with the vehicle management device 100 via an antenna (not shown) and the network 40.

[0030] The nonvolatile memory 242 is an electronic device such as a flash memory that can read data and rewrite the stored data by accessing the CPU 210. The nonvolatile memory 242 is used to store data such as various parameters, constant data, and programs used by the in-vehicle device 200.

[0031] The volatile memory 243 is a semiconductor memory device that can read and write data freely by accessing it from the CPU 210. The volatile memory 243 is used to temporarily store various data that the CPU 210 handles.

[0032] The SD card 244 is detachably connected to the vehicle-mounted device 200 using a predetermined card interface (not shown). The SD card 244 is used to store various data to be recorded by the vehicle-mounted device 200, such as operation data of the vehicle 20.

[0033] The SW input unit 245 includes switches that generate signals representing the operation states of a plurality of buttons for receiving input operations from a user such as the driver of the vehicle 20. For example, the switch signals acquired by the SW input unit 245 include an ON / OFF signal of an ignition SW (not shown), an ON / OFF signal of a brake SW (not shown), an ON / OFF signal of a blinker SW (not shown), etc. The signals representing the operation states of each button (SW) are input from the SW input unit 245 to the CPU 210.

[0034] The LCD 246 is disposed at a position on the front of the housing of the in-vehicle device 200 that is easily visible to the driver, and is used to display the operating status of the in-vehicle device 200 and to display information required for user input operations under the control of the CPU 210. The LCD 246 also displays a return-to-warehouse notification as shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0035] The CPU 210 transmits various pieces of information acquired via the speed signal IF 231, the engine signal IF 232, the GPS IF 233, the external input IF 234, and / or the sensor signal IF 235 to the vehicle management device 100 via the wide area communication module 241. For example, the CPU 210 of the in-vehicle device 200 acquires the position information and the operating status of the vehicle 20, and transmits the acquired position information and the operating status to the vehicle management device 100.

[0036] (Configuration of vehicle management device 100) 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the vehicle management device 100 is configured by a general computer including a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input / output IF 130 (Interface), and a communication IF 140. The vehicle management device 100 may be installed as a function on a cloud server, for example.

[0037] The control unit 110, for example, runs an operating system to control the entire vehicle management device 100. Furthermore, the control unit 110 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 120, and executes each function of the vehicle management device 100, which will be described later. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120, and may be stored in, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) within the vehicle management device 100.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 8, the storage unit 120 stores information included in a management information DB 121 (DB: Database) and a vehicle information DB 122 as data. Note that there may be one or more storage units 120 storing these pieces of data. For example, a single storage unit 120 may be configured to store the data in separate areas. Alternatively, the data may be distributed and stored in multiple storage devices installed in physically separate locations.

[0039] The input / output IF 130 is, for example, a component (interface) for a user (administrator) to exchange data with the vehicle management device 100. The input / output IF 130 includes, for example, an input IF and an output IF (not shown).

[0040] The input IF in the input / output IF 130 has an interface function for the user to input various information, and information is input from outside the vehicle management device 100. Information is input to the input IF by the user via, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a trackball, or a voice recognition device connected to the vehicle management device 100. The input IF can also input information as a data input terminal for inputting data from an external storage device (not shown) or the like.

[0041] The output IF in the input / output IF 130 can display user information, etc., which will be described later, on a display device (not shown) connected to the vehicle control device 100. The display device is, for example, a display device, a projector device, etc.

[0042] The communication IF 140 is an interface that enables mutual communication between the vehicle management device 100, the in-vehicle device 200 of the vehicle 20, and the management terminal 30 via the network 40.

[0043] (Functional configuration of vehicle management device 100) Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 110 of the vehicle management device 100 includes, as functions, a management information acquisition unit 111, a vehicle information acquisition unit 112, a return time determination unit 113, a notification possibility determination unit 114, and a notification processing unit 115.

[0044] The management information acquisition unit 111 acquires management information including information related to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20. Fig. 9A is a diagram for explaining the working patterns of the crew members who board the vehicle 20. Fig. 9B is a diagram for explaining the management information applied in the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0045] For example, in the example shown in Figure 9A, work hours are shown as work pattern A from 7:00 to 16:00 and work pattern B from 16:00 to 1:00. The example shown in Figure 9A also shows the scheduled work dates for each crew member. The example shown in Figure 9B shows a summary of management information for each crew member based on the work patterns shown in Figure 9A.

[0046] The management information acquisition unit 111 acquires management information including information about the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 from information such as the work style shown in Fig. 9A, for example, and stores the information in the management information DB 121. Furthermore, the management information acquisition unit 111 updates the management information stored in the management information DB 121 via the above-mentioned input / output IF 130 as necessary in accordance with changes in the situation, etc.

[0047] The vehicle information acquisition unit 112 acquires vehicle information, which is information about the vehicle 20 and includes at least the current location information of the vehicle and the operating status of the vehicle. The vehicle information acquisition unit 112 also stores the acquired vehicle information in the vehicle information DB 122. Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining vehicle information applied in the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0048] The vehicle information includes items such as "Name", "Vehicle ID", "Status", "Location", "Speed", "Direction of Travel", "Notification Level", and "Scheduled Notification Time".

[0049] The "Name" field stores information relating to the name of the driver or other crew member aboard the vehicle 20. The "Vehicle ID" field stores identification information associated with the vehicle 20. The "Status" field indicates the operating status of the vehicle 20. For example, if the vehicle 20 is a taxi, the "Status" field stores statuses such as "Out of service," "Empty vehicle," "Pick-up / drop-off," and "Occupied vehicle." The "Location" field stores location information of the vehicle 20. The location information is information acquired via the GPSIF 233 of the above-mentioned in-vehicle device 200.

[0050] The "speed" item stores information about the speed of the vehicle 20. The information about the speed is information acquired via the speed signal IF231 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 described above. The "direction of travel" item stores the direction of travel of the vehicle 20 in the form of, for example, N (north) or NNW (north-northwest). This information about the direction of travel may be calculated from the difference in position information of the vehicle 20. Alternatively, the information about the direction of travel may be information acquired via the sensor signal IF235 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 described above.

[0051] The "Notification Level" field stores information about the level at which the return notification is sent, in the form of notification levels 1 to 3. For example, notification level 1 is the level when there is sufficient time before the return and the return notification is sent at a predetermined timing. The "Notification Level" corresponds to the degree of possibility of returning to the warehouse.

[0052] This notification level 1 corresponds to, for example, a notification when the vehicle 20 is located in area A in Figures 5A and 5B. Furthermore, notification level 3 is a level when the time until the return to the depot is tight and return notifications are sent frequently. This notification level 3 corresponds, for example, to a case when the vehicle 20 is located in area C in Figures 5A and 5B. Notification level 2 is a level when the time until the return to the depot is slightly tight and return notifications are sent. This notification level 2 corresponds, for example, to a case when the vehicle 20 is located in area B in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0053] The "Scheduled notification time" field stores information regarding the scheduled time for sending a return notification. In the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment, the information stored in the "Scheduled notification time" has different notification intervals (notification frequency) depending on the notification level. For example, in the case of notification level 3, the return notification is sent more frequently (the return interval is shorter) compared to notification level 1. This allows the driver of the vehicle 20 to receive the return notification appropriately, making it possible to prevent a situation in which the vehicle is unable to return to the depot. In other words, the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment can more accurately manage the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0054] The return time determination unit 113 determines the return possibility, which indicates the likelihood that the vehicle will be able to return to the office by the return time, based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information and the vehicle's location information. Specifically, the return time determination unit 113 determines the return time using an algorithm used in general car navigation and route search applications. Based on the determination result, the return time determination unit 113 generates a notification level corresponding to the return possibility and stores it in the "notification level" column of the vehicle information in the vehicle information DB 122.

[0055] The notification possibility determination unit 114 determines whether notification to the vehicle 20 is possible based on the operation status. Specifically, the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification to the vehicle 20 is possible when the status of the vehicle 20 stored in the "status" of the vehicle information is "empty." For example, when the "status" is "actual vehicle" or "pick-up / drop-off," passengers are on board, and in order to prevent the return notification from being known to the passengers, the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is not possible when the "status" is "actual vehicle" or "pick-up / drop-off." Furthermore, when the "status" is "out of service," it is assumed that the vehicle 20 is already on its way back to the warehouse, so the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is not possible when the "status" is "out of service." This enables the vehicle management device 100 to prevent unnecessary return notifications and to issue appropriate return notifications according to the status of the vehicle 20.

[0056] When the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is possible, the notification processing unit 115 issues a return notification to the in-vehicle device 200 of the vehicle 20 according to the degree of return feasibility determined by the return time determination unit 113. Specifically, when the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is possible, the notification processing unit 115 issues a return notification to the vehicle 20 at the "scheduled notification time." As described above, the time interval for the return notification at the "scheduled notification time" differs depending on the notification level. In other words, the notification processing unit 115 issues the return notification at different time intervals depending on the degree of return feasibility. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 200 that receives the return notification displays a display such as that shown in FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 3B on the LCD 246. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 200 that receives the return notification may issue the content of the return notification to the driver by voice from a speaker (not shown). Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 200 that has received the return notification may notify the driver of the contents of the return notification by emitting an optical signal that can notify the driver of the information. In this way, the vehicle management device 100 issues a return notification according to the "notification level," and the driver can issue an appropriate return notification according to the situation of the vehicle 20.

[0057] Furthermore, when a return notification is necessary but the notification availability determination unit 114 determines that the notification is not possible, the notification processing unit 115 notifies, for example, a terminal at the sales office, such as the management terminal 30, of the result of the determination made by the return time determination unit 113. The management terminal 30 stores the notified return notification in a predetermined storage device. That is, when the notification availability determination unit 114 determines that the notification is not possible, the notification processing unit 115 may notify the management terminal 30 managing the operation of the vehicle 20 of the return availability determined by the return time determination unit 113. In this way, the vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment records situations in which a return notification could not be made at a predetermined timing, thereby enabling the fact that this notification could not be made to be reflected in labor management. For example, even if the vehicle 20 does not arrive on time for its scheduled return, the accuracy of operation management can be improved by performing operation management that takes into account the fact that the notification could not be made.

[0058] (Outline of processing flow of vehicle management device 100) Next, the flow of processing in the vehicle management device 100 will be shown using the flowchart shown in Figure 11. The series of operations of the vehicle management device 100 shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 begins when the vehicle management device 100 is started, and ends when the work is completed. The processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 11 also ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the processing. In addition, in the explanation of the flowchart below, content that is the same as the content described in the explanation of the vehicle management system 10 and vehicle management device 100 above will be omitted or simplified.

[0059] In step S1101, the management information acquisition unit 111 acquires management information including information related to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20. The management information acquisition unit 111 also stores the acquired management information in the management information DB 121. The management information acquisition unit 111 also updates the management information stored in the management information DB 121 via the above-mentioned input / output IF 130 as necessary in response to changes in the situation, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0060] In step S1102, the vehicle information acquisition unit 112 acquires vehicle information relating to the vehicle 20, including at least the current location information of the vehicle and the operating status of the vehicle. The vehicle information acquisition unit 112 also stores the acquired vehicle information in the vehicle information DB 122. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1103.

[0061] In step S1103, the return time determination unit 113 determines the return possibility, which indicates the degree to which the vehicle 20 can return to the office by the return time, based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information and the location information of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the return time determination unit 113 determines the return time using an algorithm used in general car navigation and route search applications. Furthermore, the return time determination unit 113 generates a notification level based on the determination result and stores it in the "notification level" column of the vehicle information in the vehicle information DB 122. Then, the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0062] In step S1104, if the control unit 110 determines that a return notification is necessary based on the notification level and scheduled notification time determined in the return time determination unit 113 (step S1104: YES), the process proceeds to step S1105. On the other hand, in step S1104, if the control unit 110 determines that a return notification is not necessary based on the notification level and scheduled notification time determined in the return time determination unit 113 (step S1104: NO), the process proceeds to step S1109.

[0063] In step S1105, the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines whether or not notification can be sent to the vehicle 20 based on the operating status. Specifically, the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification can be sent to the vehicle 20 when the status of the vehicle 20 stored in the "status" of the vehicle information is "empty." Then, the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0064] In step S1106, if the notification possibility determination unit 114 of the control unit 110 determines that notification to the vehicle 20 is possible (step S1106: YES), the process proceeds to step S1107. On the other hand, in step S1106, if the notification possibility determination unit 114 of the control unit 110 determines that notification to the vehicle 20 is not possible (step S1106: NO), the process proceeds to step S1108.

[0065] In step S1107, the notification processing unit 115 issues a return notification to the vehicle 20 according to the return possibility determined by the return time determination unit 113. Specifically, if the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is possible, the notification processing unit 115 issues a return notification to the vehicle 20 at the "scheduled notification time." The in-vehicle device 200 that receives the return notification displays a display such as that shown in FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 3B on the LCD 246. The in-vehicle device 200 that receives the return notification may also output the contents of the return notification to the driver by voice from a speaker (not shown). Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 200 that receives the return notification may notify the driver of the contents of the return notification by emitting an optical signal that can communicate the information to the driver. In this way, the vehicle management device 100 issues a return notification according to the "notification level," allowing the driver to issue an appropriate return notification according to the situation of the vehicle 20. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1109.

[0066] In step S1108, if a return notification is required and the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that the notification is not possible, the notification processing unit 115 notifies a terminal at the sales office, such as the management terminal 30, of the determination result of the return time determination unit 113. The management terminal 30 also stores the notified return notification in a predetermined storage device. As a result, the vehicle management system 10 according to this embodiment records the situation in which the return notification could not be made at the predetermined timing, thereby reflecting the fact that this notification could not be made in labor management. Then, the process proceeds to step S1109.

[0067] In step S1109, control unit 110 determines whether or not the management process has ended. For example, the end of the management process corresponds to when vehicle 20 returns to the warehouse. In step S1109, if control unit 110 determines that the management process has ended (step S1109: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, in step S1109, if control unit 110 determines that the management process has not ended (step S1109: NO), the process returns to step S1102, and the process from step S1102 is repeated.

[0068] As described above, the vehicle management device 100 includes a management information acquisition unit 111 that acquires management information including information related to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 112 that acquires vehicle information related to the vehicle 20, including at least the current location information of the vehicle 20 and the operation status of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a return time determination unit 113 that determines a return feasibility indicating whether the vehicle 20 can return to the office by the return time, based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information and the location information. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a notification availability determination unit 114 that determines whether a notification can be sent to the vehicle 20 based on the operation status. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a notification processing unit 115 that, when the notification availability determination unit 114 determines that a notification is possible, issues a return notification to the on-board device 200 of the vehicle 20 in accordance with the return feasibility.

[0069] As a result, the vehicle management device 100 can prevent unnecessary return notifications and issue appropriate return notifications depending on the status of the vehicle 20, thereby enabling more accurate operation management of the vehicle 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 115 of the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment may issue a return notification at different time intervals depending on the return feasibility. This allows the vehicle management device 100 to issue a return notification depending on the return feasibility and to issue an appropriate return notification depending on the status of the vehicle 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 115 of the vehicle management device 100 according to this embodiment may notify the management terminal 30 that manages the operation of the vehicle 20 of the degree of feasibility of returning to the warehouse when the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is not possible. This allows the vehicle management device 100 to record situations in which a return notification could not be made at a predetermined timing, thereby making it possible to reflect the fact that this notification could not be made in labor management. For example, even if the vehicle 20 does not arrive in time for its scheduled return to the warehouse, the accuracy of the operation management can be improved by performing operation management that takes into account the fact that this notification could not be made.

[0072] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the present embodiments are not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the components described above include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments.

[0073] As described above, the vehicle information includes information regarding the traveling direction of the vehicle 20. Therefore, for example, the return time determination unit 113 may determine the degree of possibility of returning to the warehouse based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information, the position information of the vehicle 20, and information regarding the traveling direction. Specifically, the return time determination unit 113 may determine whether the traveling direction of the vehicle 20 is approaching or moving away from the business office to which the vehicle 20 is returning, and use the determination result to determine the degree of possibility of returning to the warehouse. For example, when the vehicle 20 is traveling away from the business office, the return time determination unit 113 may set the notification level, which is the degree of possibility of returning to the warehouse, to a level that is one level stricter. Similarly, when the vehicle 20 is traveling in a direction approaching the business office, the return time determination unit 113 may set the notification level, which is the degree of possibility of returning to the warehouse, to a level that is one level lenient. This allows the vehicle management device 100 to use the driving conditions of the vehicle 20 in more detail to more accurately determine the degree of possibility of returning to the garage.

[0074] The management information in the above-described embodiment may further include congestion information on roads within a predetermined distance from the office. The return time determination unit 113 may determine the degree of feasibility of returning to the warehouse based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information, the location information of the vehicle 20, and the congestion information. This enables the vehicle management device 100 to more accurately determine the degree of feasibility of returning to the warehouse by taking the congestion information into account.

[0075] Furthermore, the management information in the above-described embodiment may further include weather information regarding the weather within a predetermined distance from the sales office. Furthermore, the return time determination unit 113 may determine the degree of return feasibility based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information, the location information of the vehicle 20, and weather information. For example, depending on the weather, it may take longer than a predetermined time to return to the sales office. By reflecting weather information in the degree of return feasibility in this way, the vehicle management device 100 can more accurately determine the degree of return feasibility.

[0076] Furthermore, the scope of this embodiment includes a computer program (vehicle management program) that causes a computer to execute the processing (vehicle management method) in the vehicle management device 100 described above, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Any type of computer-readable recording medium may be used. Furthermore, the computer program is not limited to being recorded on the recording medium described above, but may be transmitted via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, or the like.

[0077] The following describes the features of the vehicle management device 100, the vehicle management system 10, and the vehicle management method.

[0078] The vehicle management device 100 according to the first aspect includes a management information acquisition unit 111 that acquires management information including information about the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 112 that acquires information about the vehicle 20, including at least the current location information of the vehicle 20 and the operation status of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a return time determination unit 113 that determines a return feasibility level indicating whether the vehicle 20 can return to the office by the return time, based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information and the location information. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a notification feasibility determination unit 114 that determines whether a notification can be sent to the vehicle 20 based on the operation status. The vehicle management device 100 also includes a notification processing unit 115 that, when the notification feasibility determination unit 114 determines that a notification is possible, issues a return notification to the on-board device 200 of the vehicle 20 according to the return feasibility level.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management device 100 can prevent unnecessary return notifications and issue appropriate return notifications depending on the status of the vehicle 20, thereby enabling more accurate operation management of the vehicle 20.

[0080] The notification processing unit 115 of the vehicle management device 100 according to the second embodiment may issue the return notification at different time intervals depending on the return possibility.

[0081] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management device 100 can issue a return notification according to the degree of return feasibility, and can issue an appropriate return notification according to the status of the vehicle 20.

[0082] The vehicle information of the vehicle management device 100 according to the third aspect may further include information relating to the traveling direction of the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the return time determination unit 113 may determine the possibility of returning to the warehouse based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information, the position information of the vehicle 20, and the information relating to the traveling direction.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management device 100 can make a more accurate determination of the possibility of returning to the garage by using the traveling conditions of the vehicle 20 in more detail.

[0084] The management information of the vehicle management device 100 according to the fourth aspect may further include congestion information on roads within a predetermined distance from the office. The return time determination unit 113 may determine the possibility of returning to the depot based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information, the position information of the vehicle 20, and the congestion information.

[0085] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management device 100 can make a more accurate determination of the possibility of returning to the garage, taking into account traffic congestion information.

[0086] The management information of the vehicle management device 100 according to the fifth aspect may further include weather information about the weather within a predetermined distance from the office. Furthermore, the return time determination unit 113 may determine the possibility of returning to the warehouse based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information, the position information of the vehicle 20, and the weather information.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management device 100 can more accurately determine the degree of possibility of returning to the garage by reflecting weather information in the degree of possibility of returning to the garage.

[0088] The notification processing unit 115 of the vehicle management device 100 relating to the sixth aspect may notify the management terminal 30 that manages the operation of the vehicle 20 of the content of the degree of possibility of returning to the warehouse when the notification feasibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is not possible.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management device 100 records the situation where the return notification could not be made at the predetermined timing, and the fact that this notification could not be made can be reflected in labor management. For example, even if the vehicle 20 does not return to the warehouse at the scheduled time, the accuracy of the operation management can be improved by performing operation management that takes into account the fact that the notification could not be made.

[0090] A vehicle management system 10 according to a seventh aspect includes an on-board device 200 mounted on a vehicle 20 and a vehicle management device 100 that manages the operation of the vehicle 20. The on-board device 200 acquires location information and an operation status of the vehicle 20 and transmits the acquired location information and operation status to the vehicle management device 100. The vehicle management device 100 has a management information acquisition unit 111 that acquires management information including information related to a scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also has a vehicle information acquisition unit 112 that acquires information related to the vehicle 20, such as vehicle information including at least the current location information of the vehicle 20 and the operation status of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also has a return time determination unit 113 that determines a return feasibility level indicating whether or not the vehicle 20 can return to the office by the return time, based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20 included in the management information and the location information of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management device 100 also has a notification possibility determination unit 114 that determines whether or not notification can be sent to the vehicle 20 based on the operating status. Furthermore, the vehicle management device 100 has a notification processing unit 115 that, when the notification possibility determination unit 114 determines that notification is possible, sends a return notification to the on-board device 200 of the vehicle 20 in accordance with the degree of return possibility.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management system 10 can prevent unnecessary return notifications and send appropriate return notifications depending on the status of the vehicle 20, thereby enabling more accurate operation management of the vehicle 20.

[0092] A vehicle management method according to an eighth aspect is a vehicle management method executed by a computer. The vehicle management method acquires management information including information about the scheduled operation time of the vehicle 20. The vehicle management method also acquires vehicle information about the vehicle 20, including at least the current location information of the vehicle 20 and the vehicle operation status. The vehicle management method also determines a return feasibility indicating the degree to which the vehicle can return to the office by the return time, based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information and the location information. The vehicle management method also determines whether a notification can be sent to the vehicle 20 based on the operation status. If it is determined that a notification is possible, the vehicle management method also sends a return notification to the in-vehicle device 200 of the vehicle 20 according to the return feasibility.

[0093] According to the above configuration, the vehicle management method prevents unnecessary return notifications and issues appropriate return notifications depending on the status of the vehicle 20, thereby making it possible to more accurately manage the operation of the vehicle 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Vehicle Management System Vehicles 20, 21, 21a-d 30 Management terminal 40 Network 100 Vehicle management device 110 control section 111 Management information acquisition department 112 Vehicle information acquisition unit 113 Return time determination unit 114 Notification possibility determination unit 115 Notification processing unit 120 Storage section 121 Management information DB 122 Vehicle Information DB 130 Input / Output Interface 140 Communication Interface 200 Onboard equipment

Claims

1. a management information acquisition unit that acquires management information including information related to a scheduled operation time of the vehicle; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information about the vehicle, the vehicle information including at least current location information of the vehicle and an operating status of the vehicle; a return time determination unit that determines a return possibility indicating whether the vehicle can return to the business office by the return time based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information and the location information; a notification possibility determination unit that determines whether or not a notification can be sent to the vehicle based on the operation status; a notification processing unit that, when the notification possibility determination unit determines that notification is possible, issues a return notification to an on-board device of the vehicle in accordance with the return possibility degree; A vehicle management device comprising:

2. The vehicle management device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification processing unit issues the return notification at different time intervals depending on the return possibility degree.

3. The vehicle information further includes information regarding a traveling direction of the vehicle, The vehicle management device of claim 1, wherein the return time determination unit determines the degree of return feasibility based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information, the location information of the vehicle, and information regarding the direction of travel.

4. the management information further includes congestion information on roads within a predetermined distance from the sales office; The vehicle management device of claim 1, wherein the return time determination unit determines the degree of return feasibility based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information, the location information of the vehicle, and the congestion information.

5. the management information further includes weather information regarding weather within a predetermined distance from the sales office; The vehicle management device of claim 1, wherein the return time determination unit determines the degree of return feasibility based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information, the location information of the vehicle, and the weather information.

6. The vehicle management device according to claim 1, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a management terminal that manages the operation of the vehicle of the content of the degree of feasibility of returning to the warehouse when the notification feasibility determination unit determines that notification is not possible.

7. A vehicle management system including an on-board device mounted on a vehicle and a vehicle management device that manages operation of the vehicle, the in-vehicle device acquires location information and an operating status of the vehicle, and transmits the acquired location information and the operating status to the vehicle management device; The vehicle management device a management information acquisition unit that acquires management information including information related to a scheduled operation time of the vehicle; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information about the vehicle, the vehicle information including at least the current position information of the vehicle and the operating status of the vehicle; a return time determination unit that determines a return possibility indicating a degree of whether the vehicle can return to the business office by the return time based on a return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information and the position information of the vehicle; a notification possibility determination unit that determines whether or not a notification can be sent to the vehicle based on the operation status; a notification processing unit that, when the notification possibility determination unit determines that notification is possible, issues a return notification to the on-board device of the vehicle in accordance with the return possibility degree; A vehicle management system having:

8. 1. A computer-implemented vehicle management method, comprising: Obtaining management information including information regarding the scheduled operation times of the vehicle; Acquire vehicle information relating to the vehicle, the vehicle information including at least current location information of the vehicle and an operating status of the vehicle; determining a return possibility indicating whether the vehicle can return to the business office by the return time based on the return time corresponding to the scheduled operation time of the vehicle included in the management information and the location information; determining whether or not a notification can be sent to the vehicle based on the operation status; When it is determined that notification is possible, a return notification according to the degree of return possibility is sent to an on-board device of the vehicle.

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