Operation management device, vehicle-mounted device, operation management system, operation management method, and operation management program

Abstract

To grasp that a vehicle is located at a specific place associated with an operation plan even when position information cannot be acquired.SOLUTION: The operation management device 11 includes the acquisition unit 13 that acquires the image obtained by imaging the vicinity of the vehicle V as the target image, and the determination unit 14 that determines whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value matches the place image which is the image obtained by imaging the specific place associated with the operation plan, and determines that the imaging place of the image is the specific place when the target image matches the place image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic management device, an in-vehicle device, a traffic management system, a traffic management method, and a traffic management program. [Background technology]

[0002] With the increase in deliveries, long working hours for drivers have become a social problem. One of the causes of long working hours is the waiting time that drivers have to wait for loading and unloading of cargo onto vehicles, so it is now mandatory to record such waiting times (for example, the "Ministerial Ordinance Partially Amending the Transportation Safety Regulations for Truck Freight Transportation Business"). Patent Document 1 discloses a traffic management system that is useful for reducing the waiting time for each vehicle transporting cargo. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-178799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to record waiting time, it is necessary to know whether the vehicle is staying at the waiting location according to the operation plan, so it is necessary to capture the vehicle's location information. However, if the vehicle's onboard device is not equipped with a system that can capture location information, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), it is not possible to obtain the vehicle's location information, and it is not possible to confirm that the vehicle is located at the waiting location. Furthermore, even if the onboard device is equipped with GPS, if the GPS is unusable due to poor radio wave conditions, for example, it is also not possible to obtain the vehicle's location information.

[0005] The present invention provides an operation management device, an on-board device, an operation management system, an operation management method, and an operation management program that can determine that a vehicle is located at a specific location linked to an operation plan even if the vehicle's location information cannot be obtained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the operation management device according to the present invention has the following features. an acquisition unit that acquires an image of the surroundings of the vehicle as a target image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and determines that the location where the image was captured is the specific location if they match; Operation control device.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle-mounted device according to the present invention has the following features. An in-vehicle device equipped with the above-mentioned operation management device.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the traffic management system according to the present invention has the following features. The above-mentioned in-vehicle device, a server capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device, the server stores a place image of the specific place and position information of the specific place, and transmits the place image of the specific place included in the operation plan to the in-vehicle device; Operation management system.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the operation control method according to the present invention has the following features. An image of the area around the vehicle is acquired as a target image, determining whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and if they match, determining that the location where the image was captured is the specific location; Operation management method.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the operation control program according to the present invention has the following features. acquiring an image of the surroundings of the vehicle as a target image; determining whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and if they match, determining that the location where the image was captured is the specific location; An operation management program that runs on a computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even if the vehicle's location information cannot be acquired, it is possible to know that the vehicle is located at a specific location linked to the operation plan.

[0012] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an operation control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device equipped with a traffic management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an outline of the procedure of the operation management method carried out by the vehicle-mounted device equipped with the operation management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an outline of the procedure of the operation management method carried out by the vehicle-mounted device equipped with the operation management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the procedure of the process performed by the server. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an outline of the procedure of a traffic management method implemented by a server equipped with a traffic management device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an outline of the procedure of a traffic management method implemented by a server equipped with a traffic management device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, an operation management system 1 according to an embodiment is a system for determining that a vehicle V has been positioned at a specific location linked to an operation plan. The operation management system 1 is operated by a service provider whose clients are businesses (e.g., transportation companies) that manage the operation of vehicles such as trucks. The operation management system 1 includes an on-board device 10 mounted on the vehicle V, a server 20 capable of communicating with the on-board device 10, and an administrator PC (personal computer) 30 which is a communication terminal capable of communicating with the server 20.

[0016] The vehicle-mounted device 10 is mounted on a vehicle V such as a truck, and collects operation data (so-called digital tachograph data) including the driving conditions of the vehicle V. The collected operation data is used, for example, to create a daily report on one day's operation. Specifically, the vehicle-mounted device 10 is a driving recorder that records operation data such as the vehicle V's driving speed, driving time, driving distance, and the start and end times of loading and unloading work. The vehicle-mounted device 10 can be wirelessly connected to a network N such as the Internet, for example, via wireless communication.

[0017] The server 20 is a computer device that is capable of communicating with other devices via the network N. The server 20 is operated by, for example, a service provider.

[0018] The administrator PC 30 is a communication terminal used by an administrator of a business operator that operates the vehicle V, and is capable of communicating with the server 20 via the network N. The communication terminal is not limited to a fixed installation type, and may be a portable device such as a tablet, smartphone, or mobile phone. The administrator PC 30 may be capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0019] 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the traffic management device 11 included in the vehicle-mounted device 10 according to the embodiment. The traffic management device 11 has a core function of the traffic management system 1, which is capable of determining that the vehicle V is located at a specific location based on an image of the vehicle's surroundings. The traffic management device 11 includes a control unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a determination unit 14, a detection unit 15, a calculation unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a communication unit 18. Each of these elements may be mounted on the vehicle V, and do not necessarily have to be housed in the same housing.

[0020] The control unit 12 is a processing unit (computer) that mainly controls the in-vehicle device 10. The control unit 12 reads various programs stored in a memory (not shown), a storage unit 17, etc., and causes each unit of the traffic management device 11 to execute predetermined processing.

[0021] The acquisition unit 13 acquires an image of the periphery of the vehicle V as a target image. The image of the periphery of the vehicle V is captured by cameras installed, for example, on the front, rear, left, right, rearview mirror, etc. of the vehicle V. The captured image (target image) is associated with the capture time.

[0022] The determination unit 14 determines whether a target image captured when the vehicle speed of the vehicle V is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold matches a location image, which is an image of a specific location linked to the operation plan. Furthermore, if the target image matches the location image, the determination unit 14 determines that the location of the captured image is a specific location. The location image of a specific location is an image of a location where the vehicle V waits for cargo or another location linked to the operation plan, and is captured in advance and stored in the server 20, the administrator PC 30, etc.

[0023] The operation plan is, for example, created in advance by the operator of the vehicle V and transmitted from the administrator PC 30 to the in-vehicle device 10 via the server 20. For example, the memory unit 17 may store the operation plan. The memory unit 17 may also store location images included in the operation plan. The operation plan includes delivery instructions and location images, which are images (including videos) taken of specific locations linked to the operation plan. The delivery instructions may include information such as the location (address) of the delivery destination, the delivery instruction time, and the type of cargo. The specific location may include a cargo waiting location, a waiting location for waiting for weather to improve, a rest area, or a congestion area. A cargo waiting location is a location near the delivery destination where the vehicle can stop to wait for cargo. A waiting location for waiting for weather to improve and a rest area are locations located between the departure point and the delivery destination where the vehicle can stop. A congestion area is an area on the road between the departure point and the delivery destination where congestion is likely to occur. The operation plan in this example includes delivery instructions and images or videos of "loading waiting locations" linked to the delivery destinations. The operation plan may be transmitted directly from the administrator PC 30 to the vehicle-mounted device 10, or may be provided to the vehicle-mounted device 10 via a recording medium such as a memory card. The operation plan may also be created by the server 20 and transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 10. When the operation plan is transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 10, the delivery instructions and location images do not necessarily have to be transmitted at the same time, and the delivery instructions and location images may be transmitted at different times.

[0024] The detection unit 15 detects the start of cargo handling work by the crew (driver). Cargo handling work includes work such as loading and unloading. The detection unit 15 detects the start of cargo handling work, for example, by detecting that a work start button has been pressed. The detection unit 15 may automatically detect the start of cargo handling work based on at least one of a signal indicating the opening and closing of the driver's door of the vehicle V, a signal indicating the opening and closing of the container door, an image of the crew taken by an in-vehicle camera, and an image of the inside of the container. This allows the start of cargo handling work to be automatically detected without the crew having to operate an operating unit such as the work start button, thereby reducing the operational burden on the crew. In addition to the start of cargo handling work, the detection unit 15 may also detect the end of cargo handling work.

[0025] The calculation unit 16 calculates the cargo waiting time when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is that the determination unit 14 determines that an image (target image) taken around the vehicle V is a cargo waiting location (specific location), and the start time of the cargo handling work detected by the detection unit 15 is later than the delivery instruction time. The calculation unit 16 calculates the time from the time the image was taken to the start time of the cargo handling work as the cargo waiting time.

[0026] The memory unit 17 is a storage device that stores various data and programs. The memory unit 17 may store an operation management program that causes the control unit 12 to execute a operation management method described below. At least one of the acquisition unit 13, the determination unit 14, the detection unit 15, and the calculation unit 16 may be a software function realized by a program stored in the memory unit 17, for example. The memory unit 17 can also store images of cargo waiting locations included in the operation plan, images (video) and determination results used by the determination unit 14 to determine whether cargo is waiting, and cargo waiting times calculated by the calculation unit 16.

[0027] The communication unit 18 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits the operation data of the vehicle V, the determination result of the determination unit 14, the image (video) used for the cargo waiting determination, the cargo waiting time stored in the memory unit 17, etc. to the server 20, the administrator PC 30, etc. via the network N, for example, at every predetermined time. The communication unit 18 also functions as a receiving unit that receives information from the server 20, the administrator PC 30, etc.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 20 according to the embodiment. The server 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit .

[0029] The control unit 21 is an arithmetic processing unit (computer) that mainly controls the server 20. The control unit 21 reads out programs stored in a memory (not shown), a storage unit 23, etc., and causes each unit of the server 20 to execute predetermined processes.

[0030] The communication unit 22 functions as a receiving unit that receives vehicle V operation data, cargo waiting time, etc. from the server 20 via the network N, and also functions as a transmitting unit that transmits information to the server 20, the administrator PC 30, etc.

[0031] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various data and programs. The memory unit 23 accumulates location images, which are images captured of specific locations. The memory unit 23 can accumulate target images captured around the vehicle V transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 10 as location images. The server 20 transmits location images of specific locations linked to an operation plan to the vehicle-mounted device 10. The server 20 can transmit an operation plan to the vehicle-mounted device 10 that includes target images that match the location images.

[0032] The memory unit 23 may also store, as a specific location, an image of a cargo waiting location linked to a delivery destination and location information of the cargo waiting location. When transmitting an operation plan to the in-vehicle device 10, the server 20 identifies, as a location image of a specific location linked to the operation plan, an image that matches the location image of the cargo waiting location in the operation plan from among target images previously received and stored from any of the in-vehicle devices 10. The server 20 can transmit the identified image and location information of the cargo waiting location to the in-vehicle device 10. This allows multiple crew members corresponding to multiple in-vehicle devices to share the target image of the cargo waiting location and the location information of the cargo waiting location, thereby reducing the burden on the crew members searching for the cargo waiting location.

[0033] According to the operation management device 11 of this embodiment, specific locations such as a place to wait for cargo, a place to wait for weather to improve, a rest area, or a congested area can be determined by comparing an image (target image) taken around the vehicle V with a location image acquired in advance. Therefore, even if location information cannot be acquired, it is possible to know that the vehicle V is located in a specific location linked to the operation plan. Cases where location information cannot be acquired include when the vehicle-mounted device 10 is not equipped with a system capable of capturing location information such as GPS, when GPS is unusable due to poor radio wave conditions, etc.

[0034] The location image is stored in association with a specific location where the image was taken. For example, the location image is associated with information indicating that the specific image is a waiting location for delivery to destination A and its location information. The location image is stored in the server 20, but may also be stored in the administrator PC 30 or the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0035] The determination unit 14 may determine whether the target image and the location image match, but it is not necessary for them to be a perfect match (100% match), and may determine that they match if the rate of similarity exceeds a specified match rate.

[0036] The location image transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 10 may be, for example, an image selected in accordance with specified conditions from multiple images taken of a specific location under different weather or time conditions. The conditions may be specified, for example, by the control unit 12 based on external weather information, time information, etc. In this case, the determination unit 14 can determine that the location where the image was taken is a specific location if the target image matches the image selected in accordance with the specified conditions. This can reduce erroneous determinations due to differences in shooting conditions, such as day / night, weather, time of day, etc.

[0037] In addition, there has long been a function that allows drivers to manually record the start and end times of loading and unloading on an on-board device and output them in a daily report. However, when the driver is waiting for their turn at the loading and unloading location or waiting due to the shipper's circumstances, and the driver needs to start work immediately if instructed, this time is sometimes unfairly treated as rest time (time guaranteed to be away from work) and is not considered waiting time for cargo. Some surveys have shown that waiting time for cargo per trip can be considerable (one survey found that it can be as long as 1 hour and 45 minutes).

[0038] Under such circumstances, the crew must frequently manually operate the on-board device to record the driving or work status, and a method for reducing the burden on the crew is required.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the determination unit 14 determines that the location image is an image of a cargo waiting location and the start time of the cargo handling work detected by the detection unit 15 is later than the time specified in the operation plan, the calculation unit 16 calculates the time from the time the image was taken to the start time of the cargo handling work as the cargo waiting time.

[0040] If the start time of loading and unloading work is later than the time specified in the operation plan, it is assumed that the vehicle is in a waiting state. In such cases, it is possible to identify the waiting location, calculate the waiting time, and record it, thereby reducing the burden on the driver and enabling accurate driving records that comply with laws and regulations.

[0041] 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an outline of the procedure of the operation management method performed by the operation management device 11 according to the embodiment. The driver performs an operation to have the vehicle V leave the garage, for example, by pressing a button, and the on-board device 10 starts the leaving process (step S1). The acquisition unit 13 starts acquiring images of the area around the vehicle V as target images (step S2).

[0042] The control unit 12 continues to determine whether the vehicle speed of the vehicle V is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S3). This determination is made on the assumption that the vehicle V is stopped at a predetermined location, and the threshold may be 0 km / h, or may be, for example, 10 km / h.

[0043] When the vehicle speed becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold (Yes in step S3), the determination unit 14 determines whether or not the target image, which is an image of the area around the vehicle V captured by the camera, matches a location image of a specific location in the operation plan, specifically, a waiting location linked to the delivery destination (step S4). The location image may be stored in the storage unit 17 in advance before delivery, or may be transmitted from the server 20, the administrator PC 30, or the like via the network N at any time.

[0044] If the target image matches the location image of the waiting location (Yes in step S4), the determination unit 14 determines that the location where the target image was taken is the waiting location, which is a specific location (step S5). The storage unit 17 stores the target image (step S6). The calculation unit 16 records the start of waiting (step S7).

[0045] The detection unit 15 determines whether or not the loading and unloading operation has started, and if it detects the start of the loading and unloading operation (Yes in step S8), the calculation unit 16 determines whether or not the start time of the loading and unloading operation is later than the time specified in the predetermined operation plan (step S9). If the start time of the loading and unloading operation is not later than the time specified in the operation plan (if the start time of the loading and unloading operation is earlier than the time specified in the operation plan) (No in step S9), it does not correspond to a waiting state, and there is no point in storing the target image. Therefore, the control unit 12 discards the target image stored in the memory unit 17 and ends the process (step S10).

[0046] If the start time of the cargo handling operation is later than the time specified in the operation plan (Yes in step S9), it is estimated that a waiting time occurs before the start of the cargo handling operation, and the calculation unit 16 calculates the time from the capture time of the target image to the start time of the cargo handling operation as the cargo waiting time (step S11).

[0047] The driver performs the entry operation of the vehicle V, and the on-board device 10 starts the entry process (step S12). The communication unit 18 transmits the stored target image of the cargo waiting location together with the operation data to the server 20 via the network N (step S13). The cargo waiting time calculated in step S11 is also transmitted.

[0048] 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing steps performed by the server 20. In step S13, the communication unit 22 receives the operation data and the target image of the cargo waiting location transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 10 (step S21). The server 20 creates a daily report using a general method (step S22). The created daily report may be sent to the manager's PC 30. The cargo waiting time and the cargo waiting location are recorded in this daily report.

[0049] The memory unit 23 stores and accumulates the received target images of the cargo waiting locations (step S23). The memory unit 23 can accumulate target images transmitted from each of the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 10. The communication unit 22 transmits the created operation plan and target images in this operation plan (for example, images of cargo waiting locations linked to delivery destinations), i.e., target images that match specific location images, to the vehicle-mounted device 10 at a predetermined timing (step S24). The operation plan may be created by the administrator PC 30. The communication unit 22 can transmit the operation plan and target images of cargo waiting locations to the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device 10 is equipped with an operation management device 11, and even if the vehicle-mounted device 10 cannot acquire location information, it is possible to determine that the vehicle V is located at a specific location linked to the operation plan.

[0051] Furthermore, the server 20, which can communicate with the vehicle-mounted device 10, stores the target images transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 10 and can transmit to the vehicle-mounted device 10 an operation plan including the target images that match the location images. This allows the crew of the vehicle V equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 10 to share information about specific locations such as waiting areas for cargo, waiting areas for weather improvement, rest areas, or congested areas. This reduces the burden on the crew of searching for waiting areas for cargo, and makes it easier to achieve operation according to the operation plan.

[0052] The server 20 is generally capable of communicating with multiple vehicle-mounted devices 10. The memory unit 23 may store location images of cargo waiting locations linked to delivery destinations and location information of the cargo waiting locations. The communication unit 22 receives images of the area around the vehicle V from the vehicle-mounted device 10 as target images. The communication unit 22 may then transmit the target image that matches the location image of the cargo waiting location and the location information of the cargo waiting location to at least one of the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 10. This allows the captured images of the cargo waiting location and the location information of the cargo waiting location collected by one vehicle-mounted device 10 to be transmitted to other vehicle-mounted devices 10, allowing information on cargo waiting locations to be shared among multiple crew members. This reduces the burden on crew members of searching for cargo waiting locations.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device 10 is equipped with the traffic management device 11, and the traffic management-related processes in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are mainly performed by the vehicle-mounted device 10. However, the server 20 or the administrator PC 30 may be equipped with a device equivalent to the traffic management device 11, and the server 20 or the administrator PC 30 may perform the processes equivalent to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Figs. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the outline procedure of a traffic management method implemented by the traffic management device 11 provided in the server 20 as another embodiment. In this case, the server 20 has functions equivalent to the acquisition unit 13, determination unit 14, detection unit 15, and calculation unit 16 in Fig. 2 in addition to the configuration of Fig. 3.

[0054] The acquisition unit 13 starts acquiring, via the communication unit 22, an image of the periphery of the vehicle V as a target image (step S31).

[0055] The control unit 21 continues to determine whether the vehicle speed of the vehicle V is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S32). This determination is made on the assumption that the vehicle V is stopped at a predetermined location, and the threshold may be 0 km / h, or may be, for example, 10 km / h.

[0056] When the vehicle speed becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (Yes in step S32), the determination unit 14 determines whether or not the target image, which is an image of the area around the vehicle V captured by the camera, matches a location image of a specific location in the operation plan, specifically, a cargo waiting location linked to the delivery destination (step S33). The location image may be stored in the storage unit 23 in advance, or may be transmitted from the administrator PC 30 or the like via the network N at any timing.

[0057] If the target image matches the location image of the waiting location (Yes in step S33), the determination unit 14 determines that the location where the target image was taken is the waiting location, which is a specific location (step S34). The storage unit 23 stores the target image (step S35). The calculation unit 16 records the start of waiting (step S36).

[0058] The detection unit 15 determines whether or not the loading and unloading operation has started, and if the start of the loading and unloading operation is detected (Yes in step S37), the calculation unit 16 determines whether or not the start time of the loading and unloading operation is later than the time specified in the predetermined operation plan (step S38). If the start time of the loading and unloading operation is not later than the time specified in the operation plan (if the start time of the loading and unloading operation is earlier than the time specified in the operation plan) (No in step S38), this does not correspond to a waiting state, and there is no point in storing the target image. Therefore, the control unit 21 discards the target image stored in the memory unit 23 and ends the process (step S39).

[0059] If the start time of the cargo handling operation is later than the time specified in the operation plan (Yes in step S38), it is estimated that a waiting time occurs before the start of the cargo handling operation, and the calculation unit 16 calculates the time from the capture time of the target image to the start time of the cargo handling operation as the cargo waiting time (step S40).

[0060] The server 20 creates a daily report in a general manner (step S41). The created daily report may be sent to the administrator PC 30.

[0061] The memory unit 23 stores and accumulates the received target images of the cargo waiting locations (step S42). The memory unit 23 can accumulate target images transmitted from each of the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 10. The communication unit 22 transmits the created operation plan and target images in this operation plan (for example, images of cargo waiting locations linked to delivery destinations), i.e., target images that match specific location images, to the vehicle-mounted device 10 at a predetermined timing (step S43). The operation plan may be created by the administrator PC 30. The communication unit 22 can transmit the operation plan and target images of cargo waiting locations to the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 10.

[0062] If the manager PC 30 is equipped with a device equivalent to the operation management device 11, the manager PC 30 can perform processing equivalent to that shown in Figures 7 and 8. When the server 20 or the manager PC 30 executes the determination by the determination unit 14, the determination may be made not only in real time but also after the operation has ended. For example, after the operation of one day has ended, the operation data for that day and target images, etc. may be sent to the server 20 or the manager PC 30 using a recording medium (memory card, etc.) installed in the vehicle-mounted device 10, and the server 20 or the manager PC 30 may determine whether or not there is a load waiting time and calculate the load waiting time.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, cargo waiting time can be accurately recorded without placing a burden on crew members, making it possible to report accurate cargo waiting time to shippers. Accurate understanding of cargo waiting time also clarifies problems in transportation operations that need improvement. Furthermore, since "waiting for cargo" at the collection location is not always possible, crew members may have to search for a place to wait near the collection location. However, by sharing the cargo waiting location information accumulated in server 20 with other crew members, the burden on crew members to search for a place to wait can be reduced. Additionally, by analyzing the difference between the operation plan and actual results, highly accurate operation plans, including predictions of cargo waiting time, can be created.

[0064] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0065] Here, the features of the embodiments of the operation management device, the in-vehicle device, the operation management system, the operation management method, the operation management program, and the server according to the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [9].

[0066] [1] An acquisition unit (13) that acquires an image of the periphery of a vehicle (V) as a target image; a determination unit (14) that determines whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and determines that the location where the image was captured is the specific location if they match; Traffic control device (11).

[0067] According to the traffic management device having the configuration described in [1] above, by comparing an image (target image) of the area around the vehicle with the location image, it is possible to determine specific locations such as a waiting area for cargo, a waiting area for weather improvement, a congested area, etc. Therefore, even if location information cannot be obtained, it is possible to know that the vehicle is located at a specific location linked to the traffic plan.

[0068] [2] The location image is an image selected from a plurality of images taken of the specific location under different weather or time conditions in accordance with specified conditions, the determination unit determines that the location where the image was taken is the specific location when the target image and the selected one image match. The traffic management device described in [1] above.

[0069] According to the traffic management device having the configuration [2] above, it is possible to reduce erroneous determinations due to differences in photographing conditions such as day and night, weather, and time of day.

[0070] [3] The location image is an image of a waiting location associated with the delivery destination, a detection unit (15) that detects the start of loading and unloading work; a calculation unit (16) that calculates a waiting time as a time from the time the image was taken to the time the loading and unloading work starts when the determination unit determines that the location where the image was taken is the loading and unloading waiting location and when the loading and unloading work starts later than the time specified in the operation plan; A storage unit (17) for storing the waiting location and the waiting time, The traffic management device described in [1] above.

[0071] According to the operation management device having the configuration of [3] above, it is possible to identify the waiting location for cargo, calculate the waiting time for cargo, and store the information, thereby reducing the burden on the crew and enabling accurate driving records that comply with laws and regulations.

[0072] [4] The detection unit detects the start of the loading and unloading operation based on at least one of a driver's door opening / closing signal, a container door opening / closing signal, an image of the crew taken by an in-vehicle camera, and an image of the inside of the container. The traffic management device described in [3] above.

[0073] According to the operation management device having the configuration described above in [4], the start of cargo handling work can be automatically detected without the crew having to operate the operation unit, thereby reducing the operational burden on the crew.

[0074] [5] An in-vehicle device (10) including the operation management device according to any one of [1] to [4] above.

[0075] According to the on-board device having the configuration described in [5] above, by comparing an image (target image) of the area around the vehicle with the location image, it is possible to determine specific locations such as a place to wait for cargo, a waiting area for weather improvement, a rest area, a congested area, etc. Therefore, even if the on-board device installed in the vehicle cannot acquire location information, it is possible to know that the vehicle is located at a specific location linked to the operation plan.

[0076] [6] The vehicle-mounted device according to the above [5], comprising a transmission unit (communication unit 18) that transmits the target image; a server (20) capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device and receiving and storing the target image transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device; The server transmits to the in-vehicle device an operation plan including the target image that matches the location image. Traffic management system (1).

[0077] According to the operation management system configured as described above in [6], the captured images are stored in a server, and the target images that match the location images are sent to the on-board device. This allows the vehicle crew to share information about specific locations, such as waiting areas for cargo, rest areas, waiting areas for weather improvement, or congested areas, that suit the actual conditions of the delivery destination. This reduces the burden on the crew to search for waiting areas, etc., and makes it easier to operate according to the operation plan.

[0078] [7] An image of the area around the vehicle is acquired as a target image. determining whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and if they match, determining that the location where the image was captured is the specific location; Operation management method.

[0079] According to the operation management method configured as described above in [7], by comparing an image (target image) taken around the vehicle with the location image, it is possible to determine specific locations such as a waiting area for cargo, a waiting area for weather improvement, a rest area, a congested area, etc. Therefore, even if location information cannot be obtained, it is possible to know that the vehicle is located at a specific location linked to the operation plan.

[0080] [8] A step of acquiring an image of the surroundings of the vehicle as a target image; determining whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and if they match, determining that the location where the image was captured is the specific location; An operation management program that runs on a computer.

[0081] According to the operation management program configured as described above in [8], by comparing an image (target image) of the area around the vehicle with the location image, it is possible to determine specific locations such as a waiting area for cargo, a waiting area for weather improvement, a rest area, or a congested area. Therefore, even if location information cannot be obtained, it is possible to know that the vehicle is located at a specific location linked to the operation plan.

[0082] [9] A server (20) capable of communicating with a plurality of vehicle-mounted devices (10), a communication unit (22) that receives an image of the periphery of the vehicle (V) from the in-vehicle device as a target image; a storage unit (23) that stores the target image as a location image of a cargo waiting location linked to a delivery destination and location information of the cargo waiting location; Equipped with The communication unit transmits the location image of the waiting location and location information of the waiting location to the vehicle-mounted device. server.

[0083] According to the server of the configuration [9] above, the images and location information of waiting locations collected by one on-board device can be transmitted to other on-board devices, allowing multiple crew members to share information on waiting locations. This reduces the burden on crew members to search for waiting locations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. Traffic management system 10 Onboard equipment 11 Traffic control device 12 Control Unit 13 Acquisition Department 14 Judgment section 15 Detector 16 Calculation section 17 Memory section 18 Communications Department 20 servers 21 Control section 22 Communications Department 23 Memory section 30 Administrator PC V vehicle

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires an image of the surroundings of the vehicle as a target image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and determines that the location where the image was captured is the specific location if they match; Operation control device.

2. the location image is one image selected in accordance with designated conditions from a plurality of images taken of the specific location under different weather conditions or time periods, the determination unit determines that the location where the image was taken is the specific location when the target image and the selected one image match. The operation management device according to claim 1.

3. The location image is an image of a cargo waiting location associated with the delivery destination, a detection unit that detects the start of loading and unloading work; a calculation unit that calculates, when the determination unit determines that the location where the image was taken is the cargo waiting location and the start time of cargo handling work is later than the time specified in the operation plan, a cargo waiting time as the time from the time when the image was taken to the start time of the cargo handling work; A storage unit that stores the waiting location and the waiting time, The operation management device according to claim 1.

4. the detection unit detects the start of the loading and unloading operation based on at least one of a driver's door opening / closing signal, a container door opening / closing signal, an image of a crew member taken by an in-vehicle camera, and an image of the inside of a container. The operation management device according to claim 3.

5. An in-vehicle device comprising the operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. 6. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5, further comprising: a transmitter for transmitting the target image; a server capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device, receiving and storing the target image transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device; the server transmits to the in-vehicle device an operation plan including the target image as the location image; Operation management system.

7. An image of the area around the vehicle is acquired as a target image, determining whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and if they match, determining that the location where the image was captured is the specific location; Operation management method.

8. acquiring an image of the surroundings of the vehicle as a target image; determining whether or not the target image captured when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a threshold matches a location image that is an image captured of a specific location linked to an operation plan, and if they match, determining that the location where the image was captured is the specific location; An operation management program that runs on a computer.

Images